Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce, 11.1 oz Bottle
Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce receives a FoodScore of 8/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.
This PACE sauce scores 8/100, indicating it is not a recommended choice for regular consumption.
It contains 12.2g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
With 610mg of sodium per 100g, this product is a high-sodium food.
Classified as NOVA 4, this sauce is ultra-processed, lacking beneficial whole food components.
Use sparingly as a flavor enhancer, rather than a primary component of a meal.
Scores -33 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
12.2g
24% of Daily Value
Sodium
610mg
27% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
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What holds it back
Added sugar (12.2g)-15
Sodium (610mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 8
Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce receives a FoodScore of 8 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its nutritional profile, which includes significant penalties for added sugar and sodium. Each 100g serving contains 12.2g of added sugar, contributing -15 points to the score, and 610mg of sodium, resulting in a -2 point penalty. The ingredient list, which begins with "TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE)" but also includes multiple forms of sugar such as "HONEY" and "SUGAR" early on, indicates a formulation high in sweeteners. Furthermore, the product is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is ultra-processed, incurring a -10 point penalty. It also receives a -15 point penalty for empty calories, as it provides minimal protein, fiber, or micronutrients. Compared to a reference baseline like air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, this PACE sauce offers very little in terms of beneficial nutrients and is considerably higher in added sugars and sodium.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in pace signature sauces hot honey chipotle sauce, 11.1 oz bottle actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Flavor Enhancement for Specific Dishes
While not a source of significant nutrients, this sauce can be used to add a specific flavor profile to otherwise plain foods. Its blend of chipotle, honey, and smoked paprika offers a distinct sweet and smoky heat. This can be useful for individuals looking to enhance the taste of lean proteins or vegetables without adding substantial fat, provided the portion size is carefully managed to limit added sugar and sodium intake.
Convenience in Meal Preparation
Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce offers culinary convenience for quick meal assembly. For those with limited time for scratch cooking, a small amount of this sauce can quickly impart a complex flavor to dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or tacos. This can help make home-cooked meals more appealing, potentially reducing reliance on less healthy takeout options, as long as the overall nutritional balance of the meal is maintained.
Low in Saturated and Trans Fats
This product is notable for being free of saturated and trans fats, with 0g of total fat per 100g. For individuals monitoring their fat intake, particularly saturated and trans fats which are linked to cardiovascular health, this aspect of the sauce's nutritional profile can be a consideration. However, it is important to balance this benefit against the high levels of added sugar and sodium present in the product.
Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce receives a FoodScore of 8/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature.
How to eat it
Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce is typically used as a condiment or marinade to add flavor to meals. Common uses include drizzling over tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Given its concentrated flavor, a small serving size is usually sufficient.
Use this sauce as a flavorful marinade for lean proteins like chicken or fish, but wipe off excess before cooking to reduce added sugar and sodium.
Pair with fiber-rich foods such as a large serving of non-starchy vegetables to help balance the meal's nutritional profile.
Measure your portion size carefully; a small amount (e.g., 1 tablespoon) is often enough to impart flavor without significantly increasing added sugar and sodium.
Consider diluting with a splash of vinegar or water if using as a dressing to reduce the intensity of its added sugar and sodium per serving.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be mindful of the high added sugar content in Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce, with "HONEY" and "SUGAR" listed prominently in the ingredients. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product in very limited quantities. The sauce also contains a notable amount of sodium (610mg per 100g), which could be a concern for individuals monitoring their sodium intake due to blood pressure considerations. The presence of xanthan gum as a thickener is generally safe but can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals when consumed in large amounts. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but individuals with specific sensitivities should review the full ingredient list.
Is Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce healthy?
Based on its FoodScore of 8/100, this sauce is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is high in added sugar (12.2g per 100g) and sodium (610mg per 100g), and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4). It offers minimal beneficial nutrients like protein, fiber, or essential vitamins and minerals.
How does Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce compare to other hot sauces?
Compared to many traditional hot sauces like Frank's RedHot Original, which typically contain very little to no added sugar and lower sodium, Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce has a significantly higher added sugar content. While it offers a unique flavor profile, its nutritional density is lower due to these additions. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons.
What is 'natural smoke flavoring' in the ingredient list?
"Natural smoke flavoring" is an ingredient used to impart a smoky taste without actual smoking. It is a food additive that can be derived from various sources and processed to concentrate the smoky compounds. While generally recognized as safe, it contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
Given its high added sugar and sodium content, a reasonable portion size for Pace Signature Sauces Hot Honey Chipotle Sauce would be 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g). Using it sparingly as a condiment or flavor enhancer, rather than a primary sauce, helps to moderate intake of less desirable nutrients.
Can this sauce be used by people with dietary restrictions?
Individuals with specific dietary restrictions should carefully review the ingredient list. While it is low in fat, it is high in added sugars and sodium. It does not contain common allergens like dairy, soy, or gluten based on the declared ingredients, but cross-contamination is always a possibility in manufacturing. It is not suitable for those avoiding added sugars.