Supermarket Own-Brand BBQ Sauce: UK Comparison

How much sugar and salt is in supermarket own-brand bbq sauce? Most UK supermarket own-brands contain 23.1g of sugar per 100g on average, compared to 28g in Heinz Classic BBQ Sauce. That is 4.9g less sugar per 100g — a meaningful difference across regular use. 1 tablespoon (15g) delivers 3.47g of sugar and 0.2g of salt.

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Own-brand vs branded: nutrition comparison

The table below shows sugar, salt and calories per 100g for all major UK supermarkets and the leading branded equivalent. Data sources are shown per row.

Nutrition by portion size (average own-brand)

Supermarket Own-Brand BBQ Sauce: UK Comparison: average nutrition per 100g across UK supermarket own-brands — 114 kcal, 0.25g of fat (0g saturated), 23.1g of sugar, 1.34g of salt.

All UK supermarket own-brand BBQ sauces (105-122 kcal, 21-25g sugar per 100g) are lower in sugar than Heinz Classic BBQ (138 kcal, 28g sugar). However, a four-tablespoon serving (60g) of any own-brand BBQ sauce still delivers 12.6-15g of free sugar, up to 50% of the adult daily limit. ASDA has the highest sugar (25g) among own-brands; Aldi and Waitrose have the lowest (21-21.5g).

Sugar

Own-brand bbq sauce contains an average of 23.1g of sugar per 100g. All sugar in condiments is free sugar under NHS guidance — unlike the naturally occurring sugars in whole fruit or dairy, sauce sugar counts in full against the daily limit of 30g for adults, 24g for children aged 7 to 10, and 19g for children aged 4 to 6.

Compared to Heinz Classic BBQ Sauce (28g of sugar per 100g), most own-brand versions contain 4.9g less sugar. This is a meaningful reduction for regular use, particularly for children. Aldi and Lidl own-brand versions tend to have the lowest sugar content across most sauce categories.

Salt

Own-brand bbq sauce contains an average of 1.34g of salt per 100g. 1 tablespoon (15g) delivers 0.2g of salt, 3% of the adult daily limit. The salt content is broadly similar across supermarket own-brands and their branded equivalents, with most variation coming from spice blend differences rather than deliberate reformulation.

Value and nutritional difference

The cost difference between own-brand and branded condiments is significant. Supermarket own-brand ketchup typically costs 15-25p per 100g, compared to 55-70p per 100g for Heinz. Supermarket own-brand mayo costs 30-50p per 100g versus 60-80p for Hellmann's. The nutritional differences are marginal in most categories, making own-brand versions a practical choice for regular household use.

Aldi and Lidl consistently offer the lowest sugar and salt content across most sauce categories in this comparison, alongside the lowest prices. ASDA own-brand products have scored closest to their branded equivalents in independent taste tests (Which?, 2024).

Ultra-processed food

Own-brand condiments, like their branded equivalents, are classified as NOVA group 4, ultra-processed food. The ingredient lists are almost identical: the same functional additives (modified starch, xanthan gum, acidity regulators, colours) are used in both own-brand and branded versions to deliver consistent texture, flavour and shelf life at scale.

The main practical difference is that most supermarket own-brand brown sauces and sweet chilli sauces use spirit vinegar rather than barley malt vinegar, making them gluten-free — unlike HP Brown Sauce, which contains barley. This is relevant for coeliacs and those with barley sensitivity.

Typical ingredients

Allergens

Frequently asked questions

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Sources: McGrocer product labels (Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA), FatSecret UK consumer entries (Waitrose, Aldi, Lidl, Co-op, Morrisons). Nutrition figures subject to reformulation — always check the physical label. NHS/SACN guidelines for daily limits. For guidance only, not medical advice.