Why it scores 71
Mcllhenny Company Green Pepper Sauce scores 71 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 9 points Salt 7.5 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. Strong
- minus 2.5 points Xanthan gum: An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better hot sauce
-
Original Recipe Hot Sauce with Cayenne Peppers, Original Recipe Pantry Basix · 10 fl oz/296 mL Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 98 out of 100 , 27 points higher -
Pepper Sauce Texas Pete Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 93 out of 100 , 22 points higher -
Hellfire Green Gourmet Hellfire · 148 mL Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 92 out of 100 , 21 points higher -
Mild habanero pepper sauce Marie Shrap's Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 29 points higher -
Island spice scotch bonnet pepper sauce Island Spice · 142 mL/5 fl oz Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 95 out of 100 , 24 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Green Pepper Sauce
Ingredients
- Xanthan gum minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Salt 7.5 g / 100 g minus 9 points
100 − 29.5 = 70.5 → 71
Can’t score above 79. High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [3]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 0 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 7.5 g |
Serving: 5g
Ingredients
Label text, as published
DISTILLED VINEGAR, JALAPEO PEPPER, WATER, SALT, CORNSTARCH, XANTHAN GUM, ASCORBIC ACID "TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS"
Allergens and diets
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More hot sauces on GoodSwap
-
Hot Sauce Cholula · 360 mL Ultra-processedHigh in salt Score 71 out of 100 Good -
Hot Sauce Cholula · 150 mL High in salt Score 79 out of 100 Good -
Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce Frank's Redhot · 12 oz High in saltNo additives Score 79 out of 100 Good -
Chili Sauce with Garlic Sriracha Badia · 17 fl oz/500 mL Ultra-processedHigh in saltContains added sugars Score 47 out of 100 Okay -
Hot Sauce Tapatio · 32 fl oz/1 qt/946 mL Ultra-processedHigh in salt Score 71 out of 100 Good -
Habanero verde salsa Salsas Y Condimentos S.A. De C.V. · 120 mL Ultra-processedHigh in saltContains seed oils Score 61 out of 100 Good
Sources
-
“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
-
“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov