A1 sauce is one of the go-to condiments for meat. Besides, it was rebranded from ‘A1 Steak Sauce’ ever so recently; so that says a lot about how this sauce can and should be used. But is it keto-friendly and suitable if you are following the keto diet? Here is what you need to know.
So, is A1 sauce keto? A1 sauce is not particularly keto-friendly. It does include corn syrup and does provide 3 grams of net carbohydrate per serving (17g). That being said, you could eat A1 sauce on keto if you are to do so sparingly and are mindful of the carbohydrate content coming from the rest of your diet.
In reality, A1 sauce is never going to be your best option.
But while it’s not ideal; it can be eaten.
Just with a little mindfulness, as we shall now see below.
What Is In A1 Sauce?
A1 sauce is a tomato-based sauce that includes vinegar and a range of spices and flavorings.
The result is a relatively tart, salty, sweet, tasting sauce with a hint of pepper.
No wonder it’s ideal for steak!
In fact, the complete ingredient list for the original A1 sauce is as follows:
I’ve flagged corn syrup there as that is the one we need to be careful of.
Although, tomatoes can include a lot of carbohydrates too, naturally.
But what does this all mean for our keto diet?
Let’s find out.
Can You Have A1 Sauce On Keto?
You can consume A1 sauce on keto, but you will need to keep to 1-2 serving sizes (1-2 tablespoons) to ensure you do not exceed your carbohydrate quota for the day.
While there are sauces out there that are much more carbohydrate-dense than A1, it still packs a fair share of carbs per serving.
3 grams in fact.
And while this is far from ideal, it doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot eat it while following the ketogenic diet.
What truly matters, at the end of the day, is your macros.
You need to ensure you keep your carbohydrates sufficiently low.
As low as 20-50 grams, according to the studies.
So, as long as you are keeping below that threshold, you should be okay.
It will mean being vigilant about how much you consume.
Now, remember, sauce is not the only source of carbohydrates in your diet.
So you essentially will need to work it out and stay within your limits.
Otherwise, you really will risk being knocked out of ketosis.
And that really does defeat the purpose of this diet!
Now, if you’re like me and you love your sauce – you may even need to restrict it altogether.
But if you can limit yourself, a small amount should be fine.
Just consider what it could be displacing though – like a side of vegetables.
Keto-Friendly A1 Sauce Alternatives
When it comes to more keto-friendly A1 alternatives, you generally have two options – seek out a keto-certified brand, or make some from scratch.
Now, if you are looking for a pre-made product already, look no further than Primal Kitchen Steak Sauce.
It’s keto-certified, sugar-free, low-calorie, and made with USDA organic ingredients.
You can check it out on the Primal Kitchen website here.
An with my discount code ‘wewantthesauce’, you’ll get an additional 10% off your order.
Nice.
But onto the recipe, if you’re feeling handy and have the time.
Keto A1 Sauce Recipe
The following recipe makes a great-tasting keto-friendly steak sauce that only takes 5 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar,
- 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon of Powdered Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Cup of Low/No Added Sugar Ketchup
- Salt and Pepper to taste.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients together.
- Transfer to the fridge for 1 hour to enable the flavors to infuse.
- Serve or add to an airtight jar for storage. This sauce should remain fresh for up to 7 days!
How To Eat A1 Sauce On Keto
A1 sauce is steak sauce first and foremost, so it naturally follows that you should eat this sauce with steak!
However, you can also consume it with other meats – it pairs nicely with chicken, too.
Other than this, consider drizzling a small amount over a salad, or with some low-carbohydrate vegetables!
Finally
A1 sauce is not the best sauce for the keto diet, but that being said, that doesn’t mean you cannot have it.
You just need to be cautious of how much you are having and what you are having it with.
In reality, 1-2 servings in a day are the most you will likely be able to consume.
That will leave you with sufficient carbs for the rest of your diet.
Otherwise, do consider one of the alternatives referenced here today.
Primal Kitchen is a great, simple swap, whereas the recipe is great if you are up for adding your own personal touch, and have the time, or ingredients on hand to do so!
Related Questions
How Many Carbs Are In A1 Sauce?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates in each serving on A1 sauce (17g – or 1 tablespoon). 2 of which are in the form of sugar.
Wondering what other sauces you can have while on keto? Check out my following guides to find out!
Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.