San-J

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the San-J Szechuan Sauce falls short of meeting the criteria for cleaner food options as defined by our website’s standards. This product does not boast an organic label, resulting in a deduction in its overall rating. While it does use non-GMO ingredients, which is a step in the right direction, the presence of added sugars detracts from its healthfulness. Specifically, the inclusion of organic sugar raises concerns regarding unnecessary caloric intake without nutritional benefits.

The sauce also contains xanthan gum, an additive that, while common in processed foods, is considered potentially harmful by our assessment criteria. This has further reduced its score. Additionally, canola oil, which is used in the product, is flagged for being a less desirable choice when compared to healthier oil alternatives. These factors contribute to the product’s lower rating as they do not align with the aim of providing cleaner and healthier food options.

The ingredients list reveals a mix of both natural ingredients, such as tamari soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, organic honey, spices, garlic puree, ginger puree, and plum juice concentrate, along with the aforementioned less desirable components. While the sauce includes some wholesome elements, the overall composition does not meet the high standards for clean eating that our website promotes.

For consumers seeking cleaner food products, the San-J Szechuan Sauce may not be the optimal choice. Its score reflects the need for improvement in its formulation to eliminate additives and potentially harmful oils and to include organic ingredients. These changes would help elevate the product’s standing within the clean food market. Despite some positive attributes, the product’s current ingredient profile does not fully support a healthy diet.