Steak, the king of the dinner table, can be a healthy meal choice. However, the sauces we slather on top can make or break the health factor. With bewildering arrays of steak sauces on the market, it’s crucial to know which ones to avoid. Here, we uncover the top 9 worst store-bought steak sauces for your health.
1. A.1. Original Steak Sauce
While A.1. Original Steak Sauce may have a significant fan base due to its tangy flavor, its nutritional makeup leaves much to be desired. One tablespoon of this popular sauce contains 280 milligrams of sodium, contributing significantly to your daily sodium intake.
Moreover, it also contains high fructose corn syrup and caramel color, two ingredients linked with negative health effects when consumed in excess. High fructose corn syrup can contribute to weight gain, while caramel color is associated with potential cancer risks.
2. Heinz 57 Sauce
Heinz 57 Sauce is another popular steak sauce, but its high sodium and sugar content makes it a less healthy option. A single serving of this sauce contains 260 milligrams of sodium, and 7 grams of sugar.
Furthermore, it contains caramel color and natural flavors, vague terms that can hide potentially harmful ingredients. It’s worth noting that “natural flavors” can encompass a variety of substances, not all of which are beneficial for your health.
3. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
While Worcestershire sauce is not traditionally a steak sauce, many people use it to enhance the flavor of their steaks. However, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce has a surprising 65 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon, and the sodium content can quickly add up if you’re not mindful of your portion size.
Plus, it contains both high fructose corn syrup and caramel color, making it less desirable for those seeking a healthier sauce option. While it may add a nice kick to your steak, it might also kick your health in the wrong direction.
4. Bull’s-Eye Original BBQ Sauce
Barbecue sauces like Bull’s-Eye Original BBQ Sauce can add a smoky, tangy flavor to steak, but they also add a load of sugar and sodium. One serving of this sauce contains a whopping 12 grams of sugar and 300 milligrams of sodium.
Again, this sauce contains high fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to obesity and diabetes when consumed in excess. The caramel color in the ingredients list is another red flag for health-conscious consumers.
5. Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce is a favorite for many, but it’s certainly not a friend to your waistline. The sugar content in this sauce is staggering, with a whopping 16 grams per serving. That’s more sugar than some candy bars!
Aside from sugar, this sauce contains 290 milligrams of sodium per serving. It also lists high fructose corn syrup as its first ingredient, which suggests it makes up a significant portion of the sauce.
6. Peter Luger Steak Sauce
Peter Luger Steak Sauce, named after the famous steakhouse, may sound fancy, but it’s not the healthiest choice. A single serving contains 240 milligrams of sodium and 7 grams of sugar.
Additionally, the presence of corn syrup and natural flavors in its ingredients list raises some health concerns. The sauce might enhance the flavor of your steak, but it won’t enhance your health.
7. Jack Daniel’s Original No. 7 Recipe
When it comes to steak sauces, Jack Daniel’s Original No. 7 Recipe is a crowd pleaser. However, its high sodium and sugar content may not please your doctor. Each serving of this sauce contains 10 grams of sugar and 260 milligrams of sodium.
Moreover, it contains caramel color and natural flavors, two ingredients that can be problematic for those concerned about their health. This sauce may be a hit at the barbecue, but it’s a miss in the health department.
8. Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce
While not a traditional steak sauce, Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce is often used to marinate or top steaks. But beware, a single tablespoon contains 690 milligrams of sodium. That’s nearly 30% of the recommended daily intake!
It also contains high fructose corn syrup and natural flavors. While it may provide a mouth-watering flavor to your steak, its high sodium content could lead to health issues like high blood pressure over time.
In conclusion, while these sauces might enhance the flavor of your steak, they could also be detrimental to your health due to their high sodium and sugar content and the presence of potentially harmful additives. Remember, it’s always better to opt for homemade sauces or natural seasonings whenever possible. Your health will thank you!