# The Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce, 17 OZ

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Bachan's
- **Retailer listed:** Whole Foods
- **Category:** pantry-essentials/sauces
- **Listed price:** $8.99
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bachans-the-original-japanese-barbecue-sauce-17-oz
- **Slug:** `bachans-the-original-japanese-barbecue-sauce-17-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 3** - Processed foods

Made from recognizable culinary ingredients and fermented condiments without obvious industrial additives, this is a processed ready-to-use sauce (NOVA 3) — not minimally processed ingredients alone, but also not a highly reformulated ultra-processed product.

## Review

You'd spot Bachan's Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce in the condiments or Asian foods aisle and reach for it when you're firing up the grill, making a quick stir-fry, or glazing meats for a casual weekend meal — it gives a savory-sweet, slightly nostalgic home-cooked vibe. The ingredient list is short and recognizable (fermented soy sauce and mirin, tomato paste, ginger, garlic, sesame oil), and the smooth, ready-to-use texture suggests gentle industrial blending and pasteurization rather than heavy reformulation with additives.

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian
- Dairy-free
- Organic

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1 TBSP.
- **Servings per container:** 25
- **Calories:** 35
- **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV)
- **Trans fat:** 0g
- **Cholesterol:** 0mg (0% DV)
- **Sodium:** 520mg (23% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 8g (3% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 7g
- **Protein:** 0g

## Ingredients

NON-GMO SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEANS, WHEAT, SALT) CANE SUGAR MIRIN (WATER, RICE, KOJI SEED, SEA SALT) TOMATO PASTE ORGANIC GINGER GREEN ONION ORGANIC RICE VINEGAR ORGANIC GARLIC SEA SALT ORGANIC TOASTED SESAME OIL

## Flagged ingredients

- **toasted sesame oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday
- **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, wholesome

## FAQ

### Is this barbecue sauce healthy?

The Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce is a tasty addition to your pantry, and while it's not a superfood, it's made with organic ingredients like ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. With just 35 calories per tablespoon and no artificial additives, it can fit into a balanced diet. Just keep in mind that 'healthy' can vary based on your dietary goals and needs!

### Is it vegan?

Unfortunately, this barbecue sauce isn't vegan due to the presence of mirin, which is a type of rice wine that sometimes contains trace amounts of fish or other animal products in its production. If you're strictly sticking to a vegan diet, you might want to explore other sauces that are certified vegan.

### Is it gluten-free?

Nope! This sauce contains soy sauce, which is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. If you’re avoiding gluten, there are plenty of gluten-free barbecue sauces out there that you might enjoy just as much!

### Does it contain seed oils?

Yes, this sauce contains organic toasted sesame oil, which is derived from sesame seeds. While some folks are wary of seed oils, sesame oil is actually packed with flavor and healthy fats, so in moderation, it can be a delightful addition to your meals!

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope! This barbecue sauce is free from artificial sweeteners, which is great news for those who prefer to keep their ingredients as natural as possible. Instead, it gets its sweetness from cane sugar and tomato paste, giving it that rich flavor without any funky additives.

### Is it high in sugar?

Not really! Each tablespoon contains about 7 grams of sugar, which is relatively moderate for a barbecue sauce. If you're watching your sugar intake, just be mindful of how much you pour on your grilled goodies!

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider making your own barbecue sauce at home using fresh tomatoes, spices, and a sweetener of your choice. There are also brands out there that offer low-sugar or no-sugar-added sauces if you're looking to cut back on sweetness without sacrificing flavor!

### Can kids eat it?

Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this sauce as a fun addition to their meals, especially with grilled chicken or veggies. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, as it has about 520 mg per tablespoon, which is something to consider when serving it to little ones.

### Is it good for weight loss?

In moderation, this barbecue sauce can definitely fit into a weight loss plan, especially since it’s relatively low in calories and free from preservatives. Just remember to watch your portion sizes, as those tablespoons can add up quickly if you’re slathering it on!

### Is it ultra-processed?

While it’s not as simple as just being 'processed' or 'ultra-processed,' this sauce is considered minimally processed, which means it keeps the integrity of its ingredients without a ton of added chemicals or preservatives. It’s a step above many commercial sauces, making it a more wholesome choice for your pantry!

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