Trader Joe's
Is Trader Joe's Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce healthy?
Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce
Longevity Score
60/100
Food Integrity Score
72/100
Choose Occasionally
There are some strengths, but weaker signals in nutrition or ingredients make this a less frequent pick for most goals.
Quick answer
Choose Occasionally
Trader Joe's carolina gold barbeque sauce is rated choose occasionally overall, with a Longevity Score of 60 out of 100 and a Food Integrity Score of 72 out of 100. High sugar sauce with some whole food ingredients. Strengths include mustard and tomato and uses natural spices, while main considerations include high in added sugar, xanthan gum, and moderate sodium level.
Longevity Score 60/100Food Integrity Score 72/100
What helped the score?
- Contains mustard and tomato
- Uses natural spices
What held the score back?
- High in added sugar
- Contains xanthan gum
- Moderate sodium level
Ingredients
Ingredient list
CANE SUGAR, YELLOW MUSTARD (DISTILLED VINEGAR, WATER, MUSTARD SEED), DISTILLED VINEGAR, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), SEA SALT, CORN STARCH, WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE (DISTILLED VINEGAR, MOLASSES, SEA SALT, SUGAR, SPICES, TAMARIND), MOLASSES, SPICES, GARLIC, ONION, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, XANTHAN GUM.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Key nutrition
Per serving: 35 g (2 Tbsp)
- Calories603% DV
- Protein0g0% DV
- Total Carbs14g5% DV
- Fiber0.5g2% DV
- Total Fat0g0% DV
- Saturated Fat0g0% DV
Source data, GTIN, and Healthy Food Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Trader Joe's Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce
- Brand
- Trader Joe's
- Category
- Condiments & Sauces (source: Ketchup, Mustard, Bbq & Cheese Sauce)
- GTIN / UPC
00000000514385- Serving size
- 35 g (2 Tbsp)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Low-Spike Stability
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Higher sugar (13g)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Heart-Healthy Eating
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Higher sodium (409.9mg)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
GLP-1 Eating Support
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Lower protein (0g)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher sugar (13g)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Higher sugar (13g)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Athletic Fueling
Watch-outsAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carbohydrate is almost entirely sugar (13g of 14g carbs)
Workout Recovery
Watch-outsAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Lower protein (0g)
Strength & Protein Focus
Watch-outsAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Lower protein (0g)
Vegetarian
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "tomato". See ingredients for details.)
Vegan
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "tomato". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "tomato". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "corn starch", "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Net carbs above typical keto snack range (13.5g)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener signals (Cane sugar)
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener signals (Cane sugar)
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener signals (Cane sugar)
Mediterranean-Style Eating
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Whole-food signals (Mustard, Tomato)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the available Longevity and Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the available Longevity and Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the available Longevity and Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Trader Joe's Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Moderately processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Trader Joe's Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce shows about 0.49g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Trader Joe's Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce: 13g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include Cane sugar. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Contains mustard and tomato; Uses natural spices.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: High in added sugar; Contains xanthan gum; Moderate sodium level.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same condiments & sauces differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Healthy Food Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Healthy Food Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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