Sir Kensington

Rated at 1 out of 5 green leaves, the Sir Kensington Korean-inspired Gochujang Everything Sauce falls at the bottom tier of our cleaner food options. Our evaluation criteria, which prioritize organic, non-GMO ingredients and the absence of added sugars and harmful additives, positions this product as one to avoid for health-conscious consumers.

The sauce is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which immediately impacts its standing. The presence of added sugars, such as cane sugar and tapioca syrup, further detracts from its score, as these ingredients are often discouraged in a clean-eating diet. Citric acid, while common in many processed foods, is also counted among added sugars in our assessment due to its role in extending shelf life and flavor enhancement, thus incurring additional deductions.

Moreover, the inclusion of potentially harmful additives like xanthan gum—a thickener that has been associated with digestive issues in some individuals—raises concerns. While xanthan gum is approved by the FDA and commonly used in the food industry, our criteria are stricter in identifying cleaner food options.

The sauce also contains toasted sesame oil, which we have classified under harmful oils. Although sesame oil can have health benefits, its processing and potential for oxidation at high temperatures may pose health risks, thus affecting the product’s overall score.

Our green leaf rating system is designed to guide consumers toward the healthiest, cleanest food choices. The Sir Kensington Korean-inspired Gochujang Everything Sauce, with its non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and additives, does not align with the high standards set for our green leaf endorsement. Health-conscious shoppers looking for the cleanest condiments might consider other options that better meet the criteria for a higher green leaf rating.