Organic Food Review: Annie's Naturals Smokey Maple BBQ Sauce

Organic foods are slowly taking over as the most prevalent type of item in my kitchen. Why organic foods? The main reason is because I am trying to rid my diet of high fructose corn syrup. Condiments have become notorious for containing high fructose corn syrup (everything from ketchup to some brands of Worcestershire sauce), which is why I always "go organic" when stocking my kitchen with condiments. If something is labeled as "organic," you will find no high fructose corn syrup in it. That is one of the great advantages of choosing organic foods.

Barbecue sauce without high fructose corn syrup in it is especially hard to find, which is why I'm such a big fan of the Annie's Naturals line of organic products. Particularly, the Organic Smokey Maple BBQ Sauce. I saw it listed on a website which lists products that contain no high fructose corn syrup (Are You On A High-Fructose High?) and just had to try it.

It is made with "pure maple syrup and natural wood smoke." Most pancake syrup these days has no true maple syrup in it whatsoever. It is mainly a combination of high fructose corn syrup and water. So the "pure maple syrup" ingredient is a key element in this barbecue sauce's authentic flavor. The natural wood smoke is important too, as I find artificial "liquid smoke" to have an unnatural tang to it that I just don't like. (Organic foods seem to taste more like Mom's home cooking to me, because of the lack of preservatives and unnatural ingredients.)

With such high-quality ingredients used as the essential elements of this product, it can't be anything but good. It has a deep, rich color and an incredible aroma. Its consistency is on the thicker side, which is wonderful for slathering on to whatever you're cooking on your outdoor barbecue grill. But it cooks up well indoors, too, as an ingredient to baked beans, chili, or just heating up for dipping.

The smoky element is deep and combines with the pure maple syrup to create a really rich, almost chocolate-like taste at times, while still being savory in flavor. There are other barbecue sauces in the Annie's Naturals organic foods line if you want spicy or tangy. But this particular sauce is just very smooth and tasty. It's really ideal for a nice, relaxing barbecue experience.

Annie's Naturals line of products can be found in most major grocery stores. Most stores these days have an "organic foods" section, but I usually find Annie's Naturals right next to the bigger brand names in the main section of the store. For people who like to point and click, it's even available online at JuniperFoods.com ($3.19 for a 12-ounce bottle).

Organic foods are not only usually better tasting and environmentally friendly, but they are usually better for you as well. A serving is described as being 2 tablespoons, providing 45 calories (10 of those calories are from 1 gram of fat), 220 mg sodium, 9g of carbohydrates (5 sugar grams), and 4% of the daily requirement for both vitamins A and C.

If you want to start trying organic foods, I highly recommend starting with Annie's Naturals Smokey Maple BBQ Sauce.