Beyond the Label: Sneaky Sauce Ingredients Sabotaging Your Health

We’ve all been there. You grab a bottle of sauce off the supermarket shelf, drawn in by tempting claims like “smoky,” “creamy,” or “zesty.” But have you ever turned that bottle around and truly read what’s inside?

Many commercial sauces are loaded with unwelcome guests—additives and preservatives that can undermine your health goals. At SuperSauced, we believe that healthy eating should be simple, transparent, and above all, flavourful. That’s why we’re passionate about creating preservative-free and oil-free sauces that never compromise on taste.

Let’s pull back the curtain. Here are the top ingredients you should look out for, and why we choose to do things differently.

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) & Artificial Sweeteners

What it is: A highly processed sweetener derived from corn, cheaper and sweeter than sugar.
Why to avoid it: HFCS is strongly linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. It’s a source of “empty calories” that spikes your blood sugar without providing any nutritional value. Watch out for other artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, which can disrupt your body’s natural ability to manage calories.

Our Promise: We sweeten our sauces naturally, using ingredients like a touch of pure fruit or responsibly sourced honey to achieve a balanced, complex sweetness that honours the natural flavour of our produce.

2. Artificial Flavours

What it is: Chemical mixtures created in a lab to mimic a specific taste, like “smoke” or “chilli.”
Why to avoid them: These additives are used to mask low-quality ingredients and create a one-dimensional, overpowering flavour. This dulls your palate to the subtle, complex taste experience you get from fresh, real food and authentic spices.

Our Promise: We never use artificial flavours. We build deep, satisfying taste the old-fashioned way: by slowly simmering and blending proudly South African vegetables, herbs, and spices.

3. Artificial Preservatives (Like Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate)

What it is: Chemicals added to prevent spoilage and give products a unnaturally long shelf life.
Why to avoid them: These preservatives can cause allergic reactions in some people and are the subject of ongoing health debates. More simply, their presence is a clear sign that a product is far from fresh and has been sitting in a warehouse—or on a shelf—for months.

Our Promise: We are proudly preservative-free. Our small-batch, handcrafted approach means our sauces are made to be enjoyed fresh, celebrating the local goodness of ingredients at their peak.

4. Refined Vegetable Oils (Soybean, Canola, Sunflower)

What it is: Highly processed oils that are often genetically modified and extracted using chemical solvents.
Why to avoid them: These oils are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. A diet high in these inflammatory oils is linked to heart disease, among other chronic health issues. They are often added as cheap fillers to create a creamy texture or bulk out a product.

Our Promise: We are an oil-free sauce company. We achieve rich textures and depths of flavour through reduction, blending, and the use of natural ingredients—never by adding cheap, inflammatory oils.

5. Artificial Colours (Tartrazine, Allura Red)

What it is: Synthetic dyes used to make sauces look more vibrant and appealing.
Why to avoid them: Many artificial colours are derived from petroleum and have been linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects. Why does your tomato sauce need a chemical to make it red? Ripe, fresh tomatoes provide their own beautiful, natural colour.

Our Promise: The vibrant colours in our sauces come from one place: our real, whole ingredients. You’ll never find an artificial colour in a bottle of SuperSauced.

How to Be a Savvy Sauce Shopper:

  1. Turn the Bottle Around: Ignore the marketing on the front. The truth is in the ingredient list on the back.
  2. The shorter, the better: A short, recognisable ingredient list is usually a good sign.
  3. Can you pronounce it? If an ingredient sounds like a chemical from a lab, it probably is.
  4. Look for the Source: Choose brands that prioritise local ingredients and transparent sourcing, like we do at SuperSauced.

Choose Flavour, Choose Health, Choose Local

At SuperSauced, we believe that what you leave out is just as important as what you put in. By saying no to these harmful additives, we say yes to authentic flavour, yes to your health, and yes to supporting proudly South African agriculture.

Your next meal deserves a sauce that enhances it, not one that hides a secret list of unwanted ingredients.

Ready to experience the difference that real ingredients make?
[Explore our range of fresh, flavourful, and preservative-free sauces here.]

From the Kitchen to the Table: How Sauce Brings People Together

Here in Mzansi, we know a fundamental truth: food is more than fuel. It’s a language of love, a reason to gather, and the centrepiece of our most cherished memories. From the sizzle of the braai to the comforting simmer of a potjie, our best conversations happen around a table. And what’s the silent hero, the thread that ties these moments together? Sauce.

At SuperSauced, we believe a great sauce does more than just add flavour to your plate; it adds connection to your life. It’s the catalyst for conversation, the bridge between different dishes, and a taste of local goodness that makes everyone feel at home.

The Alchemy of the Kitchen: Where Connection Begins

The journey of togetherness starts long before the first bite. It begins in the kitchen—the heart of the home.

Imagine: the rich, earthy scent of roasting tomatoes and peppers, the zing of fresh herbs being chopped, the gentle simmer of a pot filled with natural, wholesome ingredients. This process of creation is an act of care. When you choose a sauce made with intention, you’re not just choosing a condiment; you’re choosing a story.

Our small-batch, handcrafted approach means every bottle of SuperSauced is made with that same kitchen-table love. We skip the preservative-free shortcuts and oil-free unnecessary additives because what you pour onto your food should be as pure and honest as the connections you’re building around it. It’s fresh flavour, captured.

The Centrepiece of the Table: The Great Unifier

Now, bring that bottle to the table. Watch what happens.

A dollop of our smoky Chakalaka relish next to a boerewors roll becomes an instant topic of conversation. A tangy Peri-Peri drizzle over a shared platter of grilled chicken turns a simple meal into a taste experience. The sauce bottle is passed around, preferences are shared, and taste buds are delighted.

Sauce is the great unifier. It respects individual choice (a little for you, a lot for me!) while enhancing a shared meal. It has the magical ability to elevate the humble potato, transform the simple sandwich, and become the secret ingredient that keeps guests asking, “What’s in this? It’s amazing!”

Proudly South African: A Taste of Local Goodness

Our connection to food is deeply tied to our connection to place. That’s why we are passionately Proudly South African. We source our ingredients locally where possible, supporting our communities and capturing the bright, bold flavours of our sun-soaked land.

Every bottle is a celebration of local goodness. It’s a taste that feels familiar yet exciting, a reminder of the vibrant culinary spirit that defines us. Choosing local isn’t just a tagline for us; it’s a commitment to our roots and to the people we share our tables with.

More Than a Meal: It’s a Foundation for Healthy Eating

Healthy eating isn’t about deprivation; it’s about enhancement. It’s about adding vibrant, nutrient-rich flavours that make you feel good. When your food is bursting with flavourful, natural taste, you’re more satisfied, more nourished, and more likely to make choices that honour your well-being.

A delicious, preservative-free sauce encourages you to enjoy more vegetables, lean proteins, and whole foods. It’s the perfect partner for your healthy eating journey, proving that what’s good for you can also be incredibly exciting to eat.

Pass the Sauce, Share the Moment

So next time you’re planning a meal, remember the power of the pour. Whether it’s a quiet family dinner, a lively party with friends, or a solo meal that feels special, let SuperSauced be your partner in creating moments of connection.

We invite you to: Grab a bottle, gather your people, and experience how a simple sauce can turn a meal into a memory.

What’s your favourite way to bring people together with food? Share your stories with us in the comments below or tag us on social media with #SuperSaucedTogether!

The Rise of Clean Eating in South Africa: A Movement We’re Proud to Be Part Of

There’s a powerful shift happening around South African dinner tables, in our lunchboxes, and at our beloved braais. We’re becoming more mindful, more curious, and more passionate about what we put into our bodies. This isn’t about strict diets or deprivation; it’s about a return to real food. It’s the rise of clean eating—a movement that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients and transparently simple labels.

At SuperSauced, this movement isn’t just a trend we’re watching; it’s the very core of who we are. We’re here to show that healthy eating and incredible flavour are not just compatible—they’re a perfect match.

What Does “Clean Eating” Really Mean?

At its essence, clean eating is about choosing whole or minimally processed foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. It’s a simple philosophy built on a few key principles:

  • Embracing Whole Foods: Prioritising fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Reading Labels: Looking for short, understandable ingredient lists and avoiding items with artificial additives, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats.
  • Sourcing Mindfully: Supporting local producers and choosing ingredients that are proudly South African, which often means they’re fresher and more nutrient-dense.
  • Cooking at Home: Taking control of what goes into your meals, which is where a trusted, natural sauce becomes your best friend.

Why is This Resonating So Deeply in South Africa?

This shift towards wellness feels particularly at home here. We have a rich culinary heritage built on local goodness—from our bountiful farmlands to our vibrant coastal waters. South Africans are inherently connected to the land, and clean eating is a natural extension of that connection. We’re rediscovering the power of our own local superfoods and the incredible taste experience that real, unadulterated food provides.

Furthermore, we’re a nation that loves to gather and share food. Clean eating enhances these moments, ensuring that the meals we share with family and friends are not only delicious but also nourishing.

The Sauce Dilemma: The Hidden Saboteur of a Clean Plate

Many of us have faced this dilemma: you prepare a beautiful, fresh salad or a perfectly grilled piece of chicken, only to reach for a sauce laden with refined sugars, artificial preservatives, stabilisers, and refined oils. That one pour can undo the nutritional goodness of your carefully prepared meal.

This is the gap we saw. This is why SuperSauced was born.

SuperSauced: Your Partner in the Clean Eating Journey

We believe that clean eating should be joyful and flavourful, not complicated. We’re here to make it easier for you to make a choice that feels good, without sacrificing the taste you love.

How do we do it?

  • We Keep It Natural: Every bottle is packed with real, recognisable ingredients. You’ll find ripe tomatoes, fiery chillies, tangy citrus, and aromatic herbs—never artificial flavours or colours.
  • We Are Preservative-Free: Our sauces are handcrafted in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. We don’t need artificial preservatives because our sauces are made to be enjoyed, not to sit on a shelf for years.
  • We Are Oil-Free: We skip the inflammatory refined oils entirely. We create rich texture and depth through the natural reduction of our ingredients and the magic of blending.
  • We Celebrate Local: We source our ingredients from local South African suppliers wherever possible, supporting our community and reducing our environmental footprint. It’s local goodness, bottled.

We’re not just making sauce; we’re offering a condiment you can feel good about. A way to elevate your healthy eating habits with a burst of flavourful, honest taste.

Join the Movement With Us

The rise of clean eating in South Africa is a celebration of health, flavour, and community. It’s about making better choices, one meal at a time.

We invite you to embrace it with us. Explore the possibilities—drizzle, dip, and marinate with confidence, knowing exactly what’s in your bottle.

What does clean eating mean to you? Share your tips and favourite clean South African foods with our community in the comments below!

Which Chilli is Best for You? A Guide to Heat, Flavour, and Feeling Good

Here at SuperSauced, we have a not-so-secret love affair with the chilli. It’s more than just heat; it’s the soul of a great sauce. But with so many varieties, how do you find the one that’s perfect for your palate?

Choosing a chilli isn’t just about how much heat you can handle—it’s about discovering a world of flavourful, complex tastes that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re a heat seeker or a flavour fanatic, there’s a chilli out there with your name on it.

Let’s explore some popular chillies and find your perfect match. Remember, the best chilli is the one that brings you joy (and a delicious taste experience)!

For the Heat Seeker: The Adrenaline Junkie

You live for the burn. The sweat on the brow, the endorphin rush—you want to feel your sauce. Your chillies are not for the faint of heart.

Your Champion: The Bird’s Eye Chilli (Peri-Peri)

  • Heat Level: Very Hot (50,000 – 175,000 Scoville Heat Units)
  • Flavour Profile: This is the iconic proudly South African firestarter. It packs a sharp, intense heat that comes on quickly, but behind the punch is a wonderfully bright, slightly smoky, and citrusy flavour. It’s the heart and soul of a true Peri-Peri sauce.
  • Perfect For: The ultimate braai glaze, a fiery marinade for chicken, or a daring dash on eggs for a breakfast that wakes you up properly.

For the Flavour Fanatic: The Culinary Explorer

You believe heat should enhance flavour, not overpower it. You’re in it for the subtle notes of fruit, smoke, and earth. Your motto: “Taste first, heat second.”

Your Champion: The Scotch Bonnet

  • Heat Level: Hot (100,000 – 350,000 SHU)
  • Flavour Profile: Don’t let the high Scoville rating fool you—this chilli is a flavour king. It’s renowned for its distinct sweet, fruity, and almost tropical flavour (think hints of apricot and apple) that blossoms before the intense heat kicks in.
  • Perfect For: Adding a complex, fruity heat to mango salsas, jerk-inspired marinades, and natural,handcrafted sauces where flavour is the star.

For the Beginner: The Curious Newcomer

You’re ready to dip your toe into the world of heat. You want a gentle warmth that opens up new flavours without any overwhelming fire.

Your Champion: The Poblano Pepper

  • Heat Level: Very Mild (1,000 – 1,500 SHU)
  • Flavour Profile: Deep, rich, and earthy with a mild heat that feels more like a warm glow. When dried, it becomes an Ancho chilli, which has a sweet, raisin-like flavour. It’s all about the deep, smoky taste, not the burn.
  • Perfect For: Stuffed peppers (Chiles Rellenos), blending into a rich, mild chilli stew, or creating a gentle, smoky sauce for those new to heat.

The SuperSauced Way: It’s Never Just About Heat

At SuperSauced, our philosophy is that every chilli should be celebrated for its unique character. We never use artificial capsaicin extracts to unnaturally inflate heat. We believe in a natural approach.

We source the finest proudly South African Bird’s Eye chillies and blend them with other fresh, natural ingredients—like zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs. This handcrafted process allows us to build a sauce that is both powerfully hot and incredibly flavourful. It’s a taste experience that starts with bright citrus, unfolds with layers of flavour, and finishes with a clean, satisfying heat—all without any preservatives or unnecessary oils.

This commitment to healthy eating means you get all the excitement of the chilli, with none of the hidden junk.

So, Which Chilli is Best for You?

  • If you want maximum fire: Embrace the Bird’s Eye. Look for sauces where it’s the star ingredient.
  • If you want a flavour journey: Seek out sauces that use chillies like Scotch Bonnet for a fruity complexity.
  • If you’re just starting out: Begin with milder options and work your way up! The world of chillies is meant to be explored at your own pace.

No matter your preference, the best chilli is one made with integrity, from fresh ingredients, that turns any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ready to explore the world of heat?

[Explore Our Sauces Here]

Your New Secret Weapon: A Health-Conscious Chilli ‘Oil’ Recipe (Yes, It’s Oil-Free!)

There are few condiments as versatile and beloved as a great chilli oil. That slow-building heat, the rich aroma, the way it transforms a simple bowl of noodles, stir-fry, or even pizza into a taste experience—it’s pure magic.

But traditional chilli oil is, as the name suggests, all about the oil. For those of us on a healthy eating journey, that can be a dealbreaker. Most recipes call for cups of refined oil, which we prefer to avoid.

At SuperSauced, we love a good challenge. So, we’ve created a revolutionary oil-free chilli “oil” that captures all the intense heat and flavourful punch of the proudly South African Bird’s Eye chilli, without the greasy residue. It’s natural, preservative-free, and incredibly easy to make.

Why We Love This Oil-Free Approach

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a smarter way to enjoy bold flavours. By ditching the cup of oil, we:

  • Cut down on unnecessary calories and fats.
  • Avoid the inflammatory properties of refined oils.
  • Let the true, bright heat of the chilli take centre stage.
  • Create a condiment that clings to food instead of making it greasy.

The Star Ingredient: Bird’s Eye Chilli (Peri-Peri)

We’re using our favourite local firestarter for a reason. The African Bird’s Eye chilli packs a serious punch (50,000 – 175,000 SHU!) but also brings a wonderful, slightly fruity and smoky flavour that is the heart of South African heat. Using fresh chillies is key to that authentic, natural taste.

SuperSauced’s Oil-Free Bird’s Eye Chilli Crunch

This method creates a potent, crunchy chilly relish that mimics the texture and intense flavour of chilli oil. It’s a game-changer!

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Yields: 1 small jar

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh African Bird’s Eye chillies (approx. 25-30 chillies), stems removed
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (for that deep, smoky depth)
  • A pinch of salt

Optional for depth:

  • 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
  • ½ tsp coconut sugar

Method:

  1. Pulse: In a food processor or powerful blender, combine the Bird’s Eye chillies, garlic, ginger, and water. Pulse until it reaches a coarse, crumbly texture. Be careful not to over-blend into a paste! You want a crunchy relish.
  2. “Cook”: Transfer the mixture to a small, non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add the smoked paprika and a pinch of salt.
  3. Simmer: Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is to gently cook the garlic and chillies, mellowing their raw bite and allowing the flavours to meld together. The water will steam and evaporate.
  4. Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and your optional sesame seeds or coconut sugar. The vinegar adds a necessary tang and helps preserve the relish naturally.
  5. Cool and Store: Allow your chilli crunch to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight glass jar. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to Use Your Oil-Free Chilli Crunch:

This condiment is incredibly versatile! Use it anywhere you’d use regular chilli oil or a chilli crisp.

  • Drizzle over avocado toast or creamy soups.
  • Stir into noodles, rice, or stir-fries for an instant heat boost.
  • Top your favourite pizza or eggs.
  • Mix with a little soy sauce and lime juice for a quick dipping sauce.
  • Marinate proteins like tofu or chicken for a flavourful kick.

Want the Classic Oil Feel? Our SuperSauced Hack!

If you miss the unctuous texture of oil, here’s our favourite healthy trick: when you’re ready to serve, simply mix a spoonful of your chilli crunch with a tablespoon of SuperSauced Peri-Peri Drizzle.

Our oil-free sauce provides the liquid base and an extra layer of natural citrusy flavour, creating a perfect, pourable chilli oil experience without any refined oils!

Why Local Brands Deserve a Place in Your Kitchen

There’s a special feeling that comes from using a product made close to home. It’s a connection to the hands that crafted it, the soil that grew its ingredients, and the community it supports. In a world of globalised giants, choosing a proudly South African brand is a conscious decision—one that ripples outwards, strengthening our local economy, preserving our environment, and celebrating our unique South African flavour.

At SuperSauced, we believe that the heart of a home is its kitchen, and that kitchen deserves to be filled with local goodness. Here’s why making space for local brands on your shelf is one of the best choices you can make for your family and your country.

1. Unleash Unbeatable, Fresh Flavour

Let’s start with the most immediate benefit: taste. Local brands like ours have a huge advantage when it comes to freshness.

  • Shorter Distance to Travel: Our ingredients don’t spend weeks in a shipping container. We source locally where possible, which means they are picked at their peak of ripeness and flavour, not picked early to survive a long journey.
  • Seasonal & Authentic: This allows us to create sauces that are a true taste experience of South Africa. Our flavours are bold, natural, and authentic because they’re made with ingredients that are meant to grow here, under our sun.

The result? A flavourful, vibrant product that mass-produced, international sauces simply can’t match.

2. Boost Your Community & Create Local Jobs

When you buy a bottle of SuperSauced, you’re doing more than just buying a condiment. You’re:

  • Supporting Local Jobs: You’re helping to sustain and create jobs right here in our communities—from the farmers who grow our chillies to the team in our handcrafted production kitchen.
  • Strengthening the Local Economy: Money spent on local businesses is more likely to stay within and recirculate in our local economy, building resilience and prosperity for everyone.

Choosing local is an investment in the future of South Africa and your neighbour’s livelihood.

3. Make a Greener, More Sustainable Choice

A shorter supply chain isn’t just good for freshness; it’s better for our beautiful country.

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Products that are made and sold locally travel a much shorter distance to get to you, significantly reducing the transportation emissions associated with their journey.
  • Less Packaging Waste: Large-scale international production often relies on excessive packaging for long-haul protection. As a local producer, we can prioritise simpler, more sustainable packaging solutions.

By choosing local, you’re actively making a more environmentally friendly choice.

4. Discover Unique & Handcrafted Quality

Local brands are often born from passion, not just profit. We are the innovators, the small-batch creators who care deeply about what we make.

  • Handcrafted with Care: Unlike factory-made sauces filled with preservatives to ensure a long shelf life, our small-batch, handcrafted approach means we focus on quality over quantity. We are preservative-free and oil-free because we believe in the quality of our natural ingredients.
  • A Story in Every Bottle: When you buy local, you’re buying a story. You’re supporting a dream and a family. There’s a person behind the product who stands by its quality.

5. Build National Pride & Identity

Our flavours tell a story. They are part of our heritage. By choosing local brands, we celebrate what it means to be South African. We protect our culinary identity and ensure that the unique tastes we love—like the fiery kick of the African Bird’s Eye chilli—continue to thrive.

It’s a powerful act of pride to fill your pantry with products that are made here, with love, for us.

SuperSauced: A Local Brand You Can Believe In

We started SuperSauced because we believed South Africans deserved a better, healthier, and more flavourful sauce option. Our commitment to being proudly South African is woven into everything we do:

  • Locally Sourced: We prioritise ingredients from local farmers.
  • Community Focused: We are invested in the growth and well-being of our community.
  • Uncompromising Quality: We are committed to being preservative-free, oil-free, and natural because your health and healthy eating matters to us.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. By choosing to fill it with local products, you’re nurturing your family with the best possible quality while helping to nurture the nation we all call home.

Ready to make the switch? Explore our range of sauces and taste the difference that local passion makes.

Coming soon…

Super Sauced-coming soon

We have been hard at work these past couple days. Super Sauced already has 3 amazing sauces under its belt but we thought we should give you a little extra.

Here is a sneak peak of the new products we have been working on

  1. Chilli Paste

Have you ever had a burger or boerewors roll and just ate it because you’re hungry? The whole time you’re thinking that something is missing. Well we are working on this amazing chilli paste that we want to debut. We have had it on nearly everything but we are just tweaking the recipe a little. It has a hint of cumin and is made with the best Thai chillies you can imagine.

2. Chilli Relish

Freshness is the name of the game with this relish. There’s nothing else we can say to describe it, except freshness. It’s like you’re taking a bite of fresh chilli infused with tangy, crunchy, and yes you named it, freshness. We say throw some of this relish on a green salad for that extra kick or on a perfectly poached egg for that morning wake up call.

3. Chilli Jam

Where do I start with one? We found the ripest red flesh plums and harnessed their grape-like fruity sweetness, mixed it with Thai chilli and herbs to create a royal purple jam with excellent consistency and killer taste. Yes, that was very descriptive but you’ll understand once you spread this jam on a fresh roll, add some mayo and some chicken strips and BOOM, perfection.

We are having so much fun making chilli magic and can’t wait to share it with you. Look out for our updates for these delicious new products…

Chilli Relish

I’ve been putting this on everything. Eggs, steak, sandwiches, you name it. Pretty much anything savoury. The best thing about this recipe is that you probably have all the ingredients in your fridge right now.

#Ingredients

-4 chillies of your choice (I used Serrano)- pickled or fresh
-1 medium sized onion
-2 cloves of garlic
-2 tablespoon vinegar
-1/3 red pepper
-3 red cocktail tomatoes


#Method


I used a chop chop but you can use a blender. Put altogether and blend!

Jalapeño Scramble

Before I start the story behind this meal, I have to get the pronunciation of this word out the way.

You order it at a restaurant and the waitress is like: “what? You mean ja-la-pe-no” and I’m like: “no, it’s ha-la-pe-no” I would like to say that a real Spanish speaking Mexican confirmed it so do not call it the former!

Breakfasts set the tone for the day so I do like to step it up when I have the time. Inspired by a restaurant meal where they underwhelmed this element, I, in true LadyVera fashion, decided to recreate the meal because I do happen to own a sauce company so there’s always an abundance of chillies just like pickled jalapeño.

And here’s how it turned out:

What do you think?

Super Stoked on Super Sauced

If your mind can’t stay off it and it’s the only thing that excites you, take what you have and go for it.
Regret is for all the things we never attempted.

We as humans all have superpowers. One of them is that gut feeling you get when something does not sit well with you. It is something you have to tend to otherwise it will just fester and grow into unending anxiety. This is how the working world felt to me. It would always serve my most basic needs but something would always be missing. So, in 2016 I set up my marketing consultancy from home which gave me something that a job could not. I finally had that extra time to find out what excites me and how I could make it into a career. I like to say that Super Sauced just happened, however, it did take one powerful recipe and spoiled surprise to get me excited about it.

At the end of 2018, my husband was turning 30 and I wanted to throw him a small gathering. My plan was to give out an inexpensive but amazing party favour to friends and family who came to the birthday braai. Consulting wasn’t the most fruitful venture at that time so I used to my growing food knowledge, combined it with very few ingredients, and made the batch of favours which were sauces. I stored it in the back of my fridge so my he wouldn’t see but I didn’t take into consideration that I couldn’t be on fridge watch 24/7. He found the sauce, put it all over his food and when I got home, he raved about it and I had to spill the beans. Instead of giving it out, I decided to bottle it up and sell it at markets. Every weekend from then on was dedicated to my sauces. On Friday’s I would make it, Saturday bottle it and Sunday sell it. Judging from that feedback I knew I wanted to focus more on Super Sauced.

From juggling motherhood and my consulting, Super Sauced had taken a back seat until now. I have been working on the branding and certifications. Since receiving interest from sample drop-offs that I conducted at the beginning of 2020, Super Sauced has taken more of time which aligns with my passion too.

Our slogan is and will always be, “There’s nothing in our bottles you can’t pronounce”. I love that my products have very little additives to make them taste great. We tend to focus on what’s delicious and health is sometimes an afterthought. I do feel like I’ve hit the nail on the head with flavour and health mixed into one. Super Sauced is a brand of homemade chilli pepper sauces and condiments. The ingredients are freshly sourced from the best local suppliers and made with little or no artificial preservatives. Super Sauced products are also made with little salt and sugar and the best care is taken to ensure that each product is freshly made.

All our products are: oil & thickener free, not made with emulsifier, flavourant & colourant free, vegan and halaal friendly.

Currently, you can interact with the brand on social media channels for orders. We’re upping our website game as you read this and will soon be able to order from www.supersauced.co.za as well as get some really cool recipes that compliment Super Sauced products.

I referred to our superpowers at the beginning of this article. Use that gut feeling as a guide. Starting your own thing is not easy, especially when it is a side hustle. If your mind can’t stay off it and it’s the only thing that excites you, take what you have and go for it. Regret is for all the things we never attempted. Only lessons can come from failure. We owe it to ourselves and our future generations to strike while we still have the energy to.

– Vera Khumalo-Gildenhuys (Founder of Super Sauced & Marketing Manager)