# House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** HOUSE OF TSANG - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 12.60 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/house-of-tsang-general-tsao-sauce-1260-oz - **Slug:** `house-of-tsang-general-tsao-sauce-1260-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial additives (modified cornstarch, xanthan gum, caramel color), refined sugar, and formulated ingredients typical of ultra-processed foods, indicating a NOVA 4 classification. ## Review House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce (12.6 oz) sits on the international/Asian sauces shelf, displayed alongside teriyaki, hoisin and stir-fry sauces and near bottled soy sauces and ready-made marinades. It reads like a pantry shortcut for sweet-spicy Chinese-American cooking: a glossy, syrupy, pourable sauce marketed as “authentic” and inspired by takeout General Tso flavors. Shoppers reach for it on weeknight runs to recreate restaurant-style classics, for weekend family dinners, or to dress up frozen nuggets and rice bowls during game-day gatherings. The House of Tsang brand leans on a long-standing, mainstream American positioning—established since the 1980s, evoking convenience and tradition rather than artisanal or organic cachet—targeting busy home cooks who want bold, familiar Asian flavors without a long ingredient list. The label emphasizes taste cues (spicy & sweet, soy, vinegar, onion & garlic) and convenience; there are no organic seals or explicit “natural” certifications, and allergen labeling calls out soy and wheat. In plain terms the sauce is an industrially formulated condiment: it mixes basic ingredients with texture stabilizers and colorants to ensure consistent flavor and shelf life. Sensory notes: a sticky, glossy dark-brown sauce with bright vinegar tang, pronounced sweet notes (9 g sugars per serving), savory soy depth and a gentle chili warmth; aroma carries cooked garlic and onion. Packaging is a small screw-top jar or bottle that invites spooning, tossing with fried chicken, glazing roasted vegetables, or using as a quick stir-fry sauce—part ritual, part shortcut in American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 18 - **Calories:** 45 - **Total fat:** 0.5g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 230mg (10% DV) - **Total carbs:** 10g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 9g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Tomato Paste, White Vinegar. Contains 2% or less of Modified Cornstarch, Cottonseed Oil, Spice, Onion Powder, Caramel Color, Dehydrated Garlic, Yeast Extract, Xanthan Gum. Contains: Soy, Wheat. ## Flagged ingredients - **Cottonseed Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Modified Cornstarch** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce healthy? The healthiness of House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce really depends on your context. It has a bit of sugar and sodium, which can add flavor but may not be ideal if you're watching those levels. If you’re using it as a flavor enhancer in moderation, it can fit into a balanced diet nicely! ### Is House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce vegan? Nope, this sauce isn’t vegan. It contains soy sauce, which is made from fermented soybeans, and while soy itself is plant-based, some people consider the fermentation process to have animal-derived aspects. So, if you're strictly avoiding all animal products, you might want to look for a vegan alternative. ### Is House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce gluten-free? Unfortunately, this sauce isn't gluten-free. The soy sauce it contains is made with wheat, which is a no-go for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you need a gluten-free option, check out some gluten-free soy sauces or tamari instead! ### Does House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce contain seed oils? Yes, it contains cottonseed oil. While some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to their higher omega-6 fatty acid content, they are commonly used in many sauces for their neutral flavor and ability to enhance texture. It's all about balance, so if you're not consuming them in excess, a little here and there is generally okay. ### Does House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce contain artificial sweeteners? Nope! You won’t find any artificial sweeteners in this sauce. Instead, it gets its sweetness from sugar. So, if you're looking for something without those chemical-sounding ingredients, this sauce fits the bill! ### Is House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce high in sugar? It’s not exactly high in sugar, but it does have about 9 grams of sugar per tablespoon. That’s a decent amount if you're drizzling it liberally, but in moderation as a flavor booster, it’s not going to send your sugar levels soaring. Balance is key! ### What are healthier alternatives to House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade stir-fry sauce using low-sodium soy sauce, fresh garlic, and a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also find brands that focus on natural ingredients or go for a sauce made with less sugar and no added oils. ### Can kids eat House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this sauce, but you'll want to keep an eye on the sodium content, especially if they're sensitive to salt. It can be a fun way to spice up chicken or veggie dishes, just make sure to balance it out with some healthy sides! ### Is House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce good for weight loss? In moderation, this sauce can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if you're using it to add flavor without a lot of extra calories. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as those tablespoons can add up. Pair it with plenty of veggies and lean proteins for a satisfying meal! ### Is House of Tsang General TSAO Sauce ultra-processed? Yes, you could classify this sauce as ultra-processed due to the presence of modified cornstarch and xanthan gum, which are commonly used in processed foods for texture. But hey, we all enjoy a little convenience now and then! 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