# Iron Chef Sauce General Tso > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Iron Chef - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 15 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/iron-chef-sauce-general-tso-15-oz - **Slug:** `iron-chef-sauce-general-tso-15-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This is an industrially formulated, ready-to-use sauce with added sugar and modified food starch; those processed ingredients and the product’s manufactured nature align it with ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4). ## Review Iron Chef Sauce General Tso is a 15 oz ready-to-use Asian-style sauce that lives on the shelf between the international/Asian aisle and the condiment/sauce bay, alongside bottled soy sauces, teriyaki glazes, and sweet-and-sour sauces. Shoppers reach for it when they want the sticky, sweet-savory flavor of takeout without the time or skill: think weeknight stir-fries, quick family dinners, or jazzing up frozen meatballs for game-day crowds. The brand leans on culinary authority — the Iron Chef name evokes restaurant-style flavors — and positions itself for value-conscious home cooks who want bold, familiar Asian-American sauces with minimal effort. The label leans into health-forward language (“All natural,” “No preservatives,” “No MSG”), but carries no organic certification; its kid-friendly appeal comes from the sweet, recognizable General Tso profile rather than bright cartooning. In plain processing terms, this is a shelf-stable, formulated sauce: sugar-forward, containing modified food starch and a blended oil for texture and stability. Sensory notes: glossy, syrupy consistency that clings to proteins and vegetables, brightened by tomato paste and chili flakes with a garlicky backbone; aroma is sweet-savory with a mild chile bite. Packaging is a supermarket-sized 15 oz jar or bottle with a screw cap designed for pouring or spooning; usage is ritualistically simple — heat in a skillet with cooked chicken or tofu, toss with steamed rice and green onions, or use as a dipping glaze. In American grocery culture it functions as a convenience bridge between scratch cooking and indulgent takeout, marketed to shoppers seeking quick, crowd-pleasing results. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.0 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 12 - **Calories:** 60 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 240mg (10% DV) - **Total carbs:** 16g (6% DV) - **Total sugars:** 15g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Sugar, Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Sea Salt), Water, Vinegar, Food Starch (Modified), Tomato Paste, Fresh Garlic, Dried Garlic, Red Peppers, Expeller Pressed Soybean Oil, Dried Minced Onions. ## Flagged ingredients - **Expeller Pressed Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** meal-prep-sunday, weeknight-dinner, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, indulgent, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is Iron Chef Sauce General Tso healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective, right? This sauce has a high sugar content, clocking in at 15 grams per two tablespoons, which is something to consider if you're watching your sugar intake. It really shines as a flavor booster for meals rather than a health food — perfect for adding that sweet and savory kick to your favorite dishes! ### Is Iron Chef Sauce General Tso vegan? Nope, this sauce isn't vegan. It contains naturally brewed soy sauce, which is made from wheat and soybeans. If you're looking for a plant-based option, you might want to explore other sauces that are specifically labeled as vegan-friendly. ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, Iron Chef Sauce General Tso is not gluten-free. The soy sauce in this mix contains wheat, so if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it’s best to steer clear. There are gluten-free sauces out there that can give you that tasty General Tso vibe without the gluten! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, this sauce contains expeller pressed soybean oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, they are commonly used in sauces for texture and flavor. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s good to be aware of! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in Iron Chef Sauce General Tso. It's sweetened with regular sugar, which means it’s a more straightforward option if you’re looking to avoid the chemical stuff. Just keep in mind that it does have a fair amount of sugar, so balance is key! ### Is it high in sugar? Yes, this sauce is indeed high in sugar! With 15 grams of sugar per two tablespoons, it can add a sweet punch to your dishes. If you're mindful of your sugar intake, you might want to use it sparingly or look for alternatives that are lower in sugar. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for a healthier alternative to Iron Chef Sauce General Tso, consider making your own sauce at home using fresh ingredients and less sugar. There are also brands that offer lower-sugar or organic options, which can give you that General Tso flavor without the extra sugar and preservatives. A quick homemade stir-fry sauce with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey could do the trick! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely, kids can enjoy Iron Chef Sauce General Tso, but keep an eye on the sugar content. It’s a fun way to spice up chicken or veggies, but moderation is key, especially if they’re sensitive to sweetness. Just pair it with some healthy sides to balance out the meal! ### Is it good for weight loss? If you're on a weight loss journey, Iron Chef Sauce General Tso might not be the best friend to have on your plate. With its high sugar content, it can add extra calories quickly. However, if you use it sparingly to enhance a healthy meal, it can still fit into your diet without derailing your goals! ### Is it ultra-processed? Iron Chef Sauce General Tso does fall into the category of processed foods, but it’s not what you might call 'ultra-processed.' It contains a mix of recognizable ingredients, but it’s definitely not a whole food. It’s all about balance — enjoying it occasionally as part of a varied diet is perfectly fine! ## Related products - [Good to Grow Grape Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/good2grow-good-to-grow-grape-juice-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/good2grow-good-to-grow-grape-juice-6-oz - [Goya Adobo without Pepper](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-adobo-without-pepper-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-adobo-without-pepper-8-oz - [Goya Fancy Red Pimientos](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-fancy-red-pimientos-650-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-fancy-red-pimientos-650-oz - [Old El Paso Sauce Creamy Queso](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-sauce-creamy-queso-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-sauce-creamy-queso-9-oz - [House of Tsang Classic Stir Fry Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/house-of-tsang-classic-stir-fry-sauce-1150-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/house-of-tsang-classic-stir-fry-sauce-1150-oz - [Guerrero Zero Net Carb Original](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/guerrero-zero-net-carb-original-765-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/guerrero-zero-net-carb-original-765-oz - [Chi Chi's Thick & Chunky Salsa, Hot](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chi-chis-chi-chis-thick-chunky-salsa-hot-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chi-chis-chi-chis-thick-chunky-salsa-hot-16-oz - [Pataks Simmer Sauce, Tikka Masala Curry, Medium](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pataks-pataks-simmer-sauce-tikka-masala-curry-medium-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pataks-pataks-simmer-sauce-tikka-masala-curry-medium-15-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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