Does Heinz 57 Sauce contain dairy or gluten?

Heinz 57 Sauce does not contain dairy ingredients. However, it does contain gluten in the form of malt vinegar derived from barley.

Is Heinz 57 Sauce good for weight loss?

While low in calories per tablespoon, the high fructose corn syrup content makes it less ideal for strict weight loss plans compared to mustard or hot sauce.

Where can I buy Heinz 57 Sauce?

Heinz 57 Sauce is widely available at major grocery stores, big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, and online through Amazon.

Is Heinz 57 Sauce safe for kids?

It is generally safe for children in moderation, but parents should be aware of the high sugar content and the presence of artificial preservatives.

Is Heinz 57 Sauce Gluten Free?

No, Heinz 57 Sauce is not gluten-free. While it is a classic steak sauce beloved for its tangy, spiced flavor, the recipe includes malt vinegar, which is derived from barley. For anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this ingredient makes the sauce unsafe for consumption.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. When analyzing the label for Heinz 57, the gluten concern is not a matter of cross-contamination—it is an intentional ingredient. The primary culprit is malt vinegar. Vinegars are generally gluten-free if they are distilled (like the distilled white vinegar also found in this bottle), but malt vinegar is specifically made from barley, a gluten-containing grain.

The presence of malt vinegar (contains barley) is the definitive flag. While the amount might be small, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet requires avoiding this entirely. Additionally, the sauce contains modified food starch. While the label doesn't specify the source, in many sauces, modified food starch can be derived from wheat. However, in this specific formulation, the barley-derived malt vinegar is the smoking gun that disqualifies the product.

Beyond gluten, the ingredient list reveals a heavy reliance on high fructose corn syrup as the second ingredient. This places the sauce in the category of ultra-processed foods. The inclusion of preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate ensures shelf stability but adds to the chemical load. It is a formulation designed for flavor and longevity, not nutritional density.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

barleymalt

Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, Heinz 57 Sauce is a condiment meant to be used sparingly. A standard serving (one tablespoon) contains roughly 15 calories. The vast majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, specifically sugars like high fructose corn syrup and raisin juice concentrate. You will find virtually zero protein or fiber in this sauce.

Regarding fat content, it is exceptionally low, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving, primarily from soybean oil. However, the sodium content is moderate (around 130mg per serving), which is typical for a savory sauce. If you are monitoring your sugar intake or following a low-carb diet, this sauce is not an ideal choice due to the added sugars. It fits into a balanced diet only if used in very small quantities, but it does not offer any significant vitamins or minerals.