Understanding Store-Bought Teriyaki
Teriyaki sauce is a popular marinade and glaze known for its savory-sweet flavor, but the nutritional content and ingredients can vary dramatically between homemade versions and store-bought brands like Great Value. The convenience of a pre-made sauce often comes with a trade-off in ingredient quality, featuring additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium and sugar. Examining the label is essential for anyone mindful of their dietary intake, especially regarding processed ingredients.
Primary Ingredients in Great Value Teriyaki Sauce
Based on ingredient lists from various Great Value teriyaki products, several key components consistently appear. It's important to note that specific ingredient lists can vary slightly depending on the exact product (e.g., standard teriyaki sauce vs. a marinade) and any recent formulation changes.
- Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt): This forms the foundation of the sauce, providing its characteristic umami and salty taste. The inclusion of wheat means this product is not gluten-free.
- Water: Used as a base to help combine and thin the other ingredients.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup / Sugar: A primary source of sweetness, contributing to the sauce's high sugar content. High fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener in many processed foods and a notable departure from traditional Japanese recipes.
- Vinegar (Distilled Vinegar, Rice Wine Vinegar): Adds a tangy, acidic note that balances the sweetness and provides preservation qualities.
- Salt: In addition to the salt already in the soy sauce, more is added, resulting in a very high sodium product. A single tablespoon can account for a significant portion of a person's daily sodium intake.
- Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate): An additive used to prevent microbial growth and extend the product's shelf life.
- Thickeners (Xanthan Gum, Modified Corn Starch): These ingredients give the sauce its consistency and texture, preventing separation and creating a desirable glaze-like finish.
- Natural Flavors: This catch-all term can represent a variety of flavor compounds derived from natural sources, but the specific contents are not disclosed on the label.
Nutritional Breakdown and Health Considerations
Beyond the raw ingredient list, the nutritional facts reveal key information about the sauce's impact on diet. For example, a single tablespoon of Great Value Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce contains about 15 calories, 3g of carbohydrates (with 2g of sugar), and a significant 600mg of sodium. The high sodium and added sugars are major points of consideration for anyone managing their weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar levels.
Great Value vs. Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Making teriyaki sauce at home provides full control over the ingredients, sodium, and sugar content. Here's a comparison of a typical homemade recipe versus the Great Value product.
| Feature | Homemade Teriyaki Sauce | Great Value Teriyaki Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free), Mirin, Sake, Sugar/Honey, Ginger, Garlic. | Soy Sauce (with wheat), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Vinegar, Water, Preservatives, Thickeners. |
| Sugar Source | Natural sugar (e.g., honey, maple syrup) or granulated sugar. | High Fructose Corn Syrup and sugar. |
| Sodium Control | Completely controllable by using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount added. | Very high and fixed per serving (e.g., 600mg per tbsp). |
| Additives & Preservatives | None. Made fresh with simple, whole ingredients. | Contains preservatives like sodium benzoate and thickeners like xanthan gum. |
| Flavor Profile | Complex, fresh, and customizable. | Standardized, often sweeter, and can have a less natural flavor profile due to additives. |
Crafting a Healthier Homemade Alternative
To make a healthier teriyaki sauce at home, you can substitute the high fructose corn syrup with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and control the amount added. Opting for a high-quality, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari can drastically reduce the sodium content. Adding fresh grated ginger and garlic will create a more vibrant, natural flavor profile without the need for artificial additives.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Understanding what are the ingredients in great value teriyaki sauce empowers consumers to make better choices for their diet. While the convenience of a store-bought sauce is appealing, its high sodium, added sugars (including high fructose corn syrup), and presence of preservatives and additives are significant nutritional considerations. For those seeking greater nutritional control and a fresher flavor, preparing a homemade version is a simple and rewarding alternative. By reading labels and understanding the nutritional trade-offs, you can align your condiment choices with your overall health and nutrition goals. More ideas for healthier, homemade sauces can be found at Eat Yourself Skinny.
