Kecap Manis Sweet Soy Sauce vs Traditional Soy

Reading this label, the sugar content is exceptionally high at 54g per 100g, which gives it that thick, syrupy consistency typical of kecap manis. The presence of sodium metabisulphite and sodium benzoate indicates a focus on preservation for shelf stability. It's a dark, viscous liquid that can coat your noodles or rice heavily. A practical use case is drizzling it sparingly over a stir-fry for that authentic glaze. However, the trade-off is the sheer sweetness; it can easily overpower a dish if you're not careful with the pour. It's essentially liquid sugar with soy notes.

The label shows a very low sugar content, just 1g, and a high score of 9.9, suggesting a clean profile. The ingredients list is straightforward: broccoli and a cheese sauce made from cheddar and cream. This likely offers a creamy, savory texture that contrasts with the vegetable crunch. It's a convenient option for a quick microwave meal at the office. The trade-off here is the reliance on processed cheese sauce and cream, which adds saturated fat and sodium, even if the sugar is minimal. It's a good way to get greens in, but the sauce might feel a bit heavy for some.

This product contains 6g of sugar per 100g and a solid score of 9.4. The ingredients list prepared white beans in a tomato puree, with a small amount of high fructose corn syrup listed. It has the texture of a hearty, savory stew. A classic use case is heating this up for a quick, filling dinner on a busy weeknight. The trade-off is the inclusion of high fructose corn syrup, which some people prefer to avoid, and the potential for high sodium, typical for canned savory items. It's a reliable source of plant protein, but the added sweeteners are something to watch.

With 6g of sugar per 100g and a score of 9.4, this light soy sauce seems balanced. The ingredients list is currently being updated, so I can't comment on the specific additives, but generally, light soy sauce is saltier and less sweet than dark varieties. It's a versatile liquid for seasoning. I can see using this to salt a pot of boiling water for pasta or vegetables. The trade-off is the uncertainty of the current ingredient list; without the full breakdown, it's hard to assess preservatives or allergens. It's a kitchen workhorse, but transparency could be better right now.

This sauce has a low sugar content of 3g per 100g and a high score of 9.7. The ingredients are simple and whole: tomatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper. It promises a fresh, chunky texture with a spicy heat from the peppers. This would be excellent tossed with whole wheat pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. The trade-off is the spice level; the crushed red pepper isn't just for flavor, it adds a noticeable kick that might be too much for sensitive palates. It's a clean, simple sauce, but the heat is real.