If you’ve been persuing the condiment aisle of late, you will likely have stumbled across HP Sauce. It may even have been recommended to you or you may have seen it at a restaurant, or on a menu somewhere. Either way, chances are you have questions about what this sauce is like? If that’s the case you’ve come to the right place because today, I am going to be running through exactly what it is!
So, what is HP Sauce? HP sauce is a brand of brown sauce, manufactured by Heinz. Made primarily from a tomato and vinegar blend, it is typically used for both hot and cold savory food, particularly breakfast meals (such as eggs and/or bacon sandwiches), while also commonly being added as a flavor enhancer to soups and stews.
HP stands for Houses of Parliament by the way, but you may have guessed that already from the product packaging.
In fact, this is a sauce with a long history.
Originating in the United Kingdom, but now sold and consumed worldwide, being taken over by Heinz back in 2005.
Nevertheless, you are not likely here for the history.
Instead, you likely want to know about the sauce itself. So let’s explore further!
What Is HP Sauce Made Of?
HP sauce is made of Tomatoes, Malt Vinegar (from Barley), Molasses, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Spirit Vinegar, Sugar, Dates, Modified Cornflour, Rye Flour, Salt, Spices, Flavourings, and Tamarind.
The result is a dark-colored sauce with a relatively thick consistency and a taste I will now explain below.
Read more: HP Sauce Nutrition
What Does HP Sauce Taste Like?
HP sauce is both sweet and savory. It also has notes of spice from the spices, flavorings, and tamarind.
Due to its ingredient profile, it has a somewhat vinegary tomato and fruity taste.
What Is HP Sauce Similar To?
HP sauce, despite being dark in color, is actually quite similar to tomato ketchup. It also compares somewhat to Worcestshire sauce in terms of flavor (albeit it is thicker in consistency).
Otherwise, direct equivalents would be other brands of brown sauce.
Whether this be another brand (like Daddies in the UK), or a grocery store/supermarket alternative.
What To Eat HP Sauce With?
HP sauce pairs and goes best with fatty foods, including eggs, bacon and sausages. Many often add HP sauce to sandwiches with these such fillings and other cooked breakfasts.
Although HP sauce is actually a very versatile sauce and does not have to be eaten as a standalone condiment.
Many people decide to add it to other dishes to enhance flavor, with some of the most popular being:
- To Soups,
- To Casseroles,
- To Stews,
- To Pies,
- On Toast (with grilled cheese),
- Mixed in with Gravy,
- As a Marinade for Meat (such as chicken),
- Served with Steaks,
- As a dipping sauce for fries/chips,
Finally
HP sauce is one of the most popular brown sauce condiments in the UK.
It’s no real surprise that it has become a global brand, too.
It’s a sweet, savory, and tangy versatile sauce that tends to go with so many different foods.
Perhaps give it a try and see what all the hype is about!
Related Questions
Is HP Sauce Worcestershire Sauce?
HP sauce is not Worcestershire sauce; it is thicker, sweeter, and more syrupy in flavor. While different, they do share similar flavor profiles mainly due to the tamarind found in both condiments.
Is HP Sauce The Same As A1?
HP Sauce is not the same as A1 sauce, although they do have similar flavor profiles. HP sauce is considered a little tangier than A1.
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.