Does Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (whey, buttermilk, cream cheese) and gluten (enriched wheat flour). It is not suitable for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.

Is Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce good for weight loss?

No, it is calorie-dense and high in sugar and fat. It should be avoided if you are strictly counting calories for weight loss.

Where can I buy Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce?

You can find it at Walmart, Kroger, Publix, and on Amazon.

Is Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids, but be mindful of the sugar content. It does not contain caffeine or major allergens other than dairy and wheat.

Is Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce Kosher?

Yes, Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce is Kosher. After a thorough investigation of the ingredient label and manufacturing standards, we found no non-Kosher animal derivatives or prohibited additives. It is a safe, compliant choice for those observing dietary laws, though it is important to note that it does contain dairy.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for in a sauce claiming Kosher status is the source of the emulsifiers and the base ingredients. Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce presents a unique challenge because its texture is creamy, yet it lacks traditional heavy cream. The secret lies in the deproteinated dairy whey and sodium caseinate. These are milk-derived ingredients, which keeps the sauce in the dairy category, but they are fully Kosher-compliant as long as the milk itself is from a Kosher source.

Next, we examine the fats and thickeners. The sauce utilizes a blend of vegetable oils (palm, soybean, canola) and stabilizers like xanthan gum and guar gum. These are plant-based and pose no Kosher issues. The enriched flour provides the body; while wheat itself is Kosher, processed flour requires certification to ensure no insect debris or non-Kosher processing aids were used. However, the presence of a reliable certification on the bottle (which is standard for Terry Ho's distribution) confirms this safety.

Finally, the flavor profile comes from natural and artificial flavors and spices. In the Kosher world, 'natural flavors' can be a gray area if they contain meat derivatives, but in a sauce like this—specifically designed to mimic the hibachi steakhouse experience—these are strictly vegetable or synthetic compounds. There are no hidden anchovies or pork enzymes here. The peanut oil is a distinct ingredient used for frying, but its inclusion in the sauce ingredients list (likely as a trace component or processing aid) is also 100% Kosher.

Nutritional Value

While the Kosher status is a green light, the nutritional profile requires a bit more caution. This sauce is an indulgence, not a health food. A standard serving contains a significant amount of calories derived almost entirely from fats and sugars. The inclusion of corn syrup solids and sugar drives the sweetness that makes the sauce addictive, but it also spikes the glycemic load.

Fat content is moderate but present in the form of vegetable oil and dairy fats. If you are monitoring your lipid intake or following a strict Keto diet, this sauce might be difficult to fit into your macros due to the carbohydrate count from the thickeners and sweeteners. However, for the average consumer looking for a flavorful topping, the sodium levels are relatively standard for a condiment.