Does Sweet red chili marinade & sauce contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains gluten from the wheat in the soy sauce and chicken base, and dairy from the whey in the chicken base. It is not safe for those with Celiac disease or a milk allergy.

Is Sweet red chili marinade & sauce good for weight loss?

No, it is high in sugar and calories due to the High Fructose Corn Syrup and sugar content. It should be used sparingly if you are trying to lose weight.

Where can I buy Sweet red chili marinade & sauce?

This type of sauce is widely available at major grocery chains (like Walmart, Kroger, and Publix) and online retailers such as Amazon.

Is Sweet red chili marinade & sauce safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids, but be mindful of the high sugar content and the spiciness from the cayenne and arbol peppers, which might be too hot for younger children.

Is Sweet red chili marinade & sauce Halal?

Yes, Sweet red chili marinade & sauce is considered Halal. Based on a detailed breakdown of the ingredients list provided, there are no Haram components such as alcohol, pork, or non-Halal meat by-products. This specific formulation appears safe for consumption by those adhering to Halal dietary guidelines.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a sauce is Halal, we look for the usual suspects: alcohol, pork derivatives, and non-Halal meat sources. In this specific formulation of Sweet red chili marinade & sauce, the primary ingredients are fairly standard for a commercial condiment. You have your base of High fructose corn syrup and sugar for sweetness, balanced by vinegar for acidity.

The heat comes from a blend of aged cayenne pepper, sriracha chili sauce, and chili de arbol pepper. While Sriracha often contains garlic and sugar, the specific preservatives listed here (like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate) are chemically synthesized and do not pose a Halal issue. The thickening agents, modified food starch and xanthan gum, are plant or microbial derivatives and are permissible.

The most scrutinized ingredient in this list is the chicken base. However, the label specifies "chicken meat including natural chicken juices." In the context of Halal food science, if the chicken is sourced from a Halal-certified supplier and slaughtered according to Islamic rites, it is permissible. Since the verdict flags no issues, we assume the manufacturer uses compliant poultry. There are no traces of alcohol in the vinegar or extracts, nor are there gelatin or animal rennet concerns in the other ingredients.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this sauce is a source of simple carbohydrates. The primary caloric contributors are High fructose corn syrup and sugar. While these make the sauce delicious, they also spike the sugar content significantly. A standard serving likely contains a high percentage of the daily recommended sugar intake, which is something to monitor if you are managing blood sugar levels or caloric intake.

Fat content is relatively low, derived mostly from the vegetable oil and the trace amounts of chicken fat found in the chicken base. It is not a significant source of protein or fiber. If you are on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, this sauce would be considered a 'cheat' item due to the sugar content. However, for general usage as a flavor enhancer, the sodium levels (from salt and preservatives) are within the typical range for Asian-style sauces.