# Kelchner's Tartar Sauce, Traditional - Gluten Free > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Kelchner Food Products - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Seafood - **Size:** 9.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kelchner-food-products-kelchners-tartar-sauce-traditional-gluten-free-950-oz - **Slug:** `kelchner-food-products-kelchners-tartar-sauce-traditional-gluten-free-950-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients and additives (refined soybean oil, preservatives, xanthan gum, calcium disodium EDTA, natural flavors) and is a ready-to-use, shelf-stable emulsified condiment, fitting NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review Kelchner's Tartar Sauce, Traditional (Gluten Free), in a 9.5 oz jar, reads like a classic American condiment you'll spot hanging out with mayonnaises and seafood sauces. In the store it typically lives in the condiment aisle near mayonnaise, cocktail and tartar sauces, pickles, and canned tuna or frozen fish; after purchase most shoppers stash it in the refrigerator alongside sandwich spreads. This product suits quick weeknight dinners, backyard fish fries, brunches with bagels or smoked salmon, and casual gatherings where fried seafood or fish sandwiches are on the menu. Brand positioning leans on tradition and convenience: the 'Traditional' label and the family-sounding Kelchner name evoke an old-school, regional company appealing to budget-conscious families and older shoppers who want familiar flavors without fuss. Label characteristics include a clear gluten-free claim and a 'natural flavors' entry in the ingredient list, which can create a mild health halo even though there is no organic certification or child-focused branding. The sauce is an emulsified, jarred condiment that combines refined soybean oil, egg yolk, chopped pickles and capers, vinegar and seasonings with stabilizers and preservatives — plainly a processed convenience product designed for long shelf life and consistent texture. Sensory notes: creamy, smooth base with visible pickle and caper bits, tangy lemon-vinegar brightness, and a slight sweetness; texture is spreadable and dip-friendly. Rituals around use include scooping with a spoon for fish, spreading on buns for sandwiches, or dolloping onto fries — small, familiar gestures that make it a staple in many American kitchens. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 9 - **Calories:** 180 - **Total fat:** 20g (26% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 20mg (7% DV) - **Sodium:** 140mg (6% DV) - **Total carbs:** 1g (0% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Soybean Oil, Chopped Pickles, Egg Yolk and Whole Eggs, Water, Sugar, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Capers, Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate (Used as Preservative), Lemon Juice Concentrate, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Disodium-EDTA (to Protect Quality), Natural Flavors. ## Flagged ingredients - **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Potassium Sorbate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Kelchner's Tartar Sauce healthy? Defining 'healthy' can be a bit of a tightrope walk! Kelchner's Tartar Sauce is relatively low in sugar and calories, making it a better choice than many creamy dressings if you're looking to add flavor without a calorie overload. However, it does contain some preservatives and added sugars, so it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. ### Is Kelchner's Tartar Sauce vegan? Nope, this tartar sauce isn't vegan-friendly. It contains egg yolk and whole eggs, which are essential for that creamy texture and traditional flavor. So if you're following a plant-based diet, you might want to explore alternative options that use plant-based ingredients. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes! Kelchner's Tartar Sauce is gluten-free, so it’s a great option for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You can enjoy it without worrying about hidden gluten lurking in the ingredients. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, this tartar sauce contains soybean oil, which is a type of seed oil. While seed oils can sometimes get a bad rap, they are often used for their neutral flavor and smooth texture. Just keep in mind that if you're looking to avoid seed oils for health reasons, you might want to pass on this one. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! Kelchner's Tartar Sauce sweetens things up with a bit of sugar instead, which many folks find more palatable. It’s always nice to know what you're getting, right? ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! With just 1 gram of sugar per 2 tablespoons, it's pretty low in that department. So if you're looking to keep your sugar intake in check, this tartar sauce won’t tip the scales. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're seeking lighter alternatives, you might consider making your own tartar sauce using Greek yogurt or avocado as a base. These options can add creaminess without the added sugars or preservatives found in store-bought varieties. Plus, homemade means you can control the ingredients! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kelchner's Tartar Sauce can be a fun dip for kids, especially with fish sticks or veggies. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, as it's always good to balance out treats with wholesome foods. ### Is it good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight-loss plan, especially if you're looking for flavor without a calorie bomb. Just remember that moderation is key; while it’s lower in calories compared to some other sauces, it still contains fats that can add up if you’re not careful. ### Is it ultra-processed? While Kelchner's Tartar Sauce does contain preservatives and refined ingredients, it's not quite what you'd call ultra-processed. It's more of a middle ground—processed enough to enhance shelf life and flavor, but not as heavily modified as some of the more extreme options out there. ## Related products - [Next Wave Organic Mussels](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/next-wave-seafood-organic-mussels-16-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/next-wave-seafood-organic-mussels-16-oz - [Kelchner's Horse Radish Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kelchners-horse-radish-sauce-650-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kelchners-horse-radish-sauce-650-oz - [Kelchners Cocktail Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kelchners-kelchners-cocktail-sauce-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kelchners-kelchners-cocktail-sauce-16-oz - [Trans Ocean Lobster Classic Imitation Lobster](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/transocean-trans-ocean-lobster-classic-imitation-lobster-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/transocean-trans-ocean-lobster-classic-imitation-lobster-8-oz - [Matlaws Stuffed Clams, New England Style, Large](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/matlaws-stuffed-clams-new-england-style-large-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/matlaws-stuffed-clams-new-england-style-large-11-oz - [Philips Calamari, Salt & Pepper, Restaurant Recipe 10 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/philips-calamari-salt-pepper-restaurant-recipe-10-oz-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/philips-calamari-salt-pepper-restaurant-recipe-10-oz-10-oz - [Kelchner's Horseradish Sauce, Creamy 6 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kelchners-horseradish-sauce-creamy-6-oz-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kelchners-horseradish-sauce-creamy-6-oz-6-oz - [Phillips Crab, Premium, Special 8 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/phillips-crab-premium-special-8-oz-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/phillips-crab-premium-special-8-oz-8-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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