Best Worcestershire Sauce Brands | Buying Guide for Quality & Flavor
A splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor of many dishes, but choosing one can be difficult. Have you noticed the subtle differences between brands?!?
I love this Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce because it’s produced using a traditional formula that contains aged tamarind extract, white distilled vinegar, anchovies, and molasses for a genuine British-style sauce. Since 1837, this traditional flavor mix has been utilized to create Worcestershire sauce.
In this guide I’m looking at the 8 best bottled Worcestershire sauces and what to look for when buying one for your recipes, from stews to steaks to drinks and everything in-between.
Best overall & best Halal
To experience the true flavor of British Worcestershire sauce, the Lea & Perrins brand is the best choice.
Best traditional
Our favorite Worcestershire sauce brand because the flavor is authentic and makes food taste umami.
Best cheap
French’s has a great umami sauce that is priced right.
Best Japanese
For a truly authentic Japanese Worcestershire sauce experience, Bull-Dog is the way to go.
Best organic & gluten-free
This WanJaShan Worcestershire is organic and gluten-free so it’s one of the healthiest Worcestershire sauce options.
Best vegan & kosher
This MontoFresh sauce is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, as well as gluten-free and kosher, and tastes yummy.
Best powdered & best for Chex mix
The Spice Lab Worcestershire powder is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and has no MSG or additives.
Best for drinks & best sugar free
If you’re looking to create a delicious savory drink, Heinz makes a mild but tasty Worcestershire sauce.
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Read for freeIn this post we'll cover:
- 1 Buying guide
- 2 Best Worcestershire sauce brands reviewed
- 2.1 Best overall & best Halal: Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
- 2.2 Best traditional: Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce
- 2.3 Best cheap: French’s Worcestershire sauce
- 2.4 Best Japanese: Bull-Dog Worcestershire sauce
- 2.5 Best organic & gluten-free: WanJaShan Organic Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce
- 2.6 Best vegan & kosher: MontoFresh Worcestershire Sauce
- 2.7 Best powdered & best for Chex mix: The Spice Lab Worcestershire Powder
- 2.8 Best for drinks & best sugar free: Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 How to use Worcestershire sauce in cooking
- 4 Liquid vs powder Worcestershire sauce
- 5 Lea & Perrins The Original vs Lea Perrins Regular Worcestershire Sauce
- 6 French’s Worcestershire sauce vs Lea & Perrins
- 7 Heinz Worcestershire sauce vs Lea and Perrins
- 8 What sizes does Worcestershire sauce come in?
- 9 FAQs
- 9.1 What is Worcestershire sauce used for?
- 9.2 Is Worcestershire sauce vegan?
- 9.3 Is Worcestershire sauce gluten-free?
- 9.4 Is there a difference between Worcester sauce and Worcestershire sauce?
- 9.5 Do you have to refrigerate Worcestershire sauce after opening?
- 9.6 Do you put Worcestershire sauce on steak?
- 10 Takeaway
Buying guide
When it comes to buying Worcestershire sauce, there are a few things to consider.
Flavor
First, you should decide what kind of flavor you’re looking for and whether you want a vegan or vegetarian version.
There are a wide range of Worcestershire sauce brands available, each offering their own unique taste and texture.
Authentic-style Worcestershire should have an umami taste – this means a balanced sweet, sour, and salty flavor.
Some sauces, especially those made for American consumers are sweeter than average.
Ingredients
Second, you should consider the ingredients.
Many Worcestershire sauces contain vinegar, sugar, anchovies or other fish products, garlic and onion powder, and spices like cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
Make sure to read the label carefully so that you’re aware of any allergies or dietary preferences.
Tamarind is another popular ingredient in Worcestershire sauce – this is a tart and tangy fruit which adds to the flavor.
The tamarind’s flavor is kind of unique so make sure that you’re looking for a brand which includes it.
Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, look for brands that use alternative ingredients.
If the sauce doesn’t contain fish products, the flavor is slightly different!
Authenticity
Third, you should check for the authenticity of the recipe.
If you want the most traditional Worcestershire sauce, you should look for brands that use the original Lea & Perrins recipe from England.
Finally, consider your budget. While some Worcestershire sauces can be quite expensive, there are also many brands that offer affordable options.
Best Worcestershire sauce brands reviewed
In this review, you’ll find out which sauce to choose for your recipe depending on what kind of flavors and dietary preferences you have.
Best overall & best Halal: Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
To experience the true flavor of British Worcestershire sauce, the Lea & Perrins brand is the best choice. This particular recipe is based on the original but it’s modified for modern tastes.
Home cooks know that Lea & Perrins is the most popular Worcestershire sauce because of the umami flavor it provides.
American versions of this sauce are much sweeter. This original recipe is less sweet and thus perfect for making Shepherd’s pie or cottage pie.
This Worcestershire is extremely fragrant and aromatic but it’s less salty and sweet than the American bottled sauces.
Therefore, you can sprinkle it on top of steaks and burgers for a true umami flavor.
Home cooks are using this sauce to add flavor to soups, stews, and marinades. It’s also ideal for making bloody Marys and Caesar salads.
If you like Japanese BBQ, you can use it as the base marinade for the meat.
It can also flavor bland vegetables and add a burst of flavor to sauces and dips.
Unlike the original Lea & Perrins recipe which I review below, this orange label Worcestershire is also halal and tastes a bit different.
As a Muslim, you have to check if Worcestershire is halal or not.
Most Worcestershire these days is halal but the traditional recipe contained pork by-products so it’s best to double-check the label.
Luckily, this orange-label version of the Lea & Perrins is halal and kosher. Just be sure not to buy the original recipe version.
This Worcestershire is great for all-purpose use in everyday recipes.
Best traditional: Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce
If you’re familiar with the history of Worcestershire sauce, then you probably already know that Lea & Perrins has been making the sauce since 1837.
It’s truly an iconic product and it’s still made using the same recipe today, making this our top pick for the best Worcestershire sauce brand because the flavor is authentic and makes food taste umami.
Many people believe that Lea & Perrins is the best Worcestershire sauce brand.
In 1835, chemists John Lea and William Perrins created their own Worcestershire sauce after saving a batch they had prepared but didn’t like.
Purists appreciate that it’s made with a blend of ingredients such as anchovies, molasses, onions, garlic and tamarind extract.
This Original recipe is different from the best overall Lea & Perrins Worcestershire because it contains pork by-products such as beef extract and anchovies.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, this isn’t an option for you.
You can use this Worcestershire sauce at all stages of the cooking process – raw or cooked.
The flavor is a perfect balance between sweet and salty, with hints of sourness from the tamarind.
Best cheap: French’s Worcestershire sauce
Looking for Worcestershire sauce that is both tasty and cheap? French’s has a great umami sauce that is priced right.
This sauce is best described as “bold” with a taste that is tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy all at the same time.
This particular Worcestershire sauce is made with a blend of molasses, anchovies, garlic and tamarind extract, so it provides that classic flavor without breaking the bank.
It’s also gluten-free and has no artificial flavors or colors.
The anchovies give it a nice salty kick that is balanced by the sweetness of the molasses. It’s perfect for marinades and dressings or to add a umami flavor to soups and other dishes.
French’s Worcestershire sauce is a top choice for marinades because it’s a good meat tenderizer.
If you’re making jerky, this sauce is perfect for adding flavor and tenderizing the meat without being too overpowering.
Since it’s bold and tangy, you can also use this Worcestershire sauce for dipping sauces, as a steak sauce, hamburgers, Japanese recipes, meatloafs, sloppy joes, pot roasts, pies, chili, stews and more!
Best Japanese: Bull-Dog Worcestershire sauce
For a truly authentic Japanese Worcestershire sauce experience, Bull-Dog is the way to go.
This particular brand has been around since 1895, so you know it’s got great flavor.
This Worcestershire sauce is made with sardine extract, soy, vinegar, fruit, vegetables and flavoring.
Its flavor is a bit different from the classic British Worcestershire sauce, but it’s still very good.
The best way to describe the flavor is that it’s a bit sweet, salty with a hint of funky umami.
Bull-Dog Worcestershire is a great choice for marinating steak, pork and chicken; making dressings; or adding that umami flavor to soups.
It’s also perfect for dipping sauces, sushi, tempura and stir fries.
People like to use this Worcestershire to flavor fried rice, make Okonomiyaki and other Asian savory pancakes.
Those who use this Japanese Bull-Dog Worcestershire sauce and American versions like the French’s or Heinz are saying the Japanese one is more balanced. It’s not too salty or too sweet.
Overall, it’s a great addition to the pantry and can be used for many different types of recipes.
Best organic & gluten-free: WanJaShan Organic Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce
This WanJaShan Worcestershire has a different flavor because it’s made with tamari, molasses, onions and other natural ingredients.
It is organic and gluten-free so it’s one of the healthiest Worcestershire sauce options. It’s also kosher, vegan and vegetarian friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.
This Worcestershire sauce has a nice umami flavor that is perfect for marinating proteins. You can also use it in dressings, sauces and soups, or as an ingredient in pies or casseroles.
WanJaShan Worcestershire sauce is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional British version.
In terms of the flavor, you’ll notice that there is a hint of sweetness, but it’s not overly sweet.
This sauce also contains less sodium than some of the others, so you don’t have to worry about it being too salty.
Best vegan & kosher: MontoFresh Worcestershire Sauce
Traditional Worcestershire sauces usually contain anchovies or sardines.
But this MontoFresh one is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. It’s also gluten-free and kosher but still tastes yummy.
You can use this Worcestershire as a substitute for fish sauce or soy sauce because it has a similar savory umami taste.
Even though this sauce doesn’t contain anchovies, it is made with a spice blend that copies the flavor.
This sauce is also less salty than regular Worcestershire sauce and is made with natural ingredients like tamarind, apple cider vinegar and molasses.
The texture is thicker so it’s great for marinade because it sticks to the meat.
I would recommend using this Worcestershire sauce to make your own Yakiniku sauce if you’re not vegan and eat meat.
But if you’re vegan, use this as a sauce for roasted vegetables and veggie stir-fries.
Best powdered & best for Chex mix: The Spice Lab Worcestershire Powder
Powdered Worcestershire sauce is perfect if you want to add a bit of flavor without adding liquid.
The Spice Lab Worcestershire powder is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and has no MSG or additives.
The powder is used to flavor foods like steaks, burgers, and noodle dishes. It also makes the perfect seasoning for homemade Chex mix.
To make the Chex mix, combine the powder with melted butter and your favorite seasonings.
The Spice Lab Worcestershire powder gives food a salty and tangy umami kick.
The powder is also perfect for adding a bit of depth to recipes, such as soups, stews and sauces. Many people add this powder into minced meat to give it a unique flavor.
If you’re making dips, like an onion dip for chips, you can add a small amount of powder to give it a punch of flavor.
This Worcestershire powder is definitely a great pantry staple, especially if you’re looking for a flavorful seasoning without the added liquid.
Best for drinks & best sugar free: Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
If you’re looking to create a delicious savory drink, Heinz makes a mild but tasty Worcestershire sauce.
It adds a subtle umami flavor without overpowering the other flavors in your drink. This sauce isn’t as sweet since it doesn’t contain sugar.
This Heinz Worcestershire sauce is typically used to make drinks like the Bloody Mary, Caesar, Margarita, and Bull Shot.
It’s also great for adding umami flavor to Bloody Mary mix or tomato juice. The sauce gives your drink just the right amount of tangy and savory kick.
Heinz Worcestershire is sugar-free and made with molasses, anchovies and vinegar so it’s close to the original recipes – only the tamarind is missing.
Plus, since this sauce has no sugar, so it’s perfect for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
It also has no added colors or artificial flavors, making it quite a healthy option for your cocktails and other dishes like Caesar salad.
How to use Worcestershire sauce in cooking
Worcestershire sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to marinades. It adds an umami flavor that makes the food more complex and flavorful.
You can use Worcestershire sauce in other sauces like BBQ or teriyaki, as well as dressings for salads and sandwiches.
You can also use it as a marinade, since it contains tamarind which helps to tenderize and flavor the meat.
The savory flavor of Worcestershire pairs perfectly with strong-flavored foods like steak or ribs. It can also be used in seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or tuna steaks.
For vegetarians, you can use it to add a bit of umami flavor to roasted vegetables or stir-fries.
Liquid vs powder Worcestershire sauce
Liquid Worcestershire sauce is the most common form of this seasoning, and it’s perfect for marinating or adding to sauces.
It has a strong and tangy flavor, thanks to the anchovies, tamarind and vinegar.
Powdered Worcestershire sauce is a bit milder in flavor, and it dissolves quickly when added to food.
The powder form also makes it easier to measure out the right amount, since you don’t need to measure out a liquid.
Powdered Worcestershire is perfect for adding flavor and depth to mac and cheese, soups and stews, as well as dips and spreads.
It’s also great for flavoring meats like beef, pork or chicken, chips, popcorn and other snacks.
Lea & Perrins The Original vs Lea Perrins Regular Worcestershire Sauce
When choosing between these two Worcestershire sauces, it’s important to understand the difference.
The Original recipe is made with a blend of ingredients such as anchovies, molasses, onions, garlic and tamarind extract. This Worcestershire sauce is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans because of the anchovies and beef extract.
On the other hand, Lea & Perrins Regular Worcestershire Sauce is almost the same in terms of flavor but it’s not as bold or strong. It’s not as pungent or salty.
If you’re looking to try the original recipe as it was back in the 19th century, grab the bottled labelled “The Original” which you can find in most supermarkets, or online.
If you’re just looking for a Worcestershire sauce to use in everyday cooking, opt for the regular version.
It’s also a good way to ease into the flavor of Worcestershire sauce if you’re not used to it.
French’s Worcestershire sauce vs Lea & Perrins
If you’re looking for a classic Worcestershire sauce that’s easy to find and use, Lea & Perrins delivers the traditional British flavors.
It’s a tad pricier but is made with a blend of anchovies, molasses, tamarind, sherry wine and more. The flavor is definitely bolder – it will make an impact on your dish.
Compared to American Worcestershire sauces, Lea & Perrins is thinner and more acidic but much more savory and flavorful.
French’s is a great alternative, with a milder, sweeter flavor and cheaper price point.
French’s Worcestershire sauce is made with molasses, vinegar, onion and garlic powders, and anchovies so it has a classic flavor.
It’s a good all-purpose sauce for marinades and sauces, as well as adding umami flavor to dishes like deviled eggs and macaroni and cheese.
French’s Worcestershire sauce has a milder flavor so it won’t overpower your dishes with umami like the Lea & Perrins can.
Heinz Worcestershire sauce vs Lea and Perrins
If you’re looking for a low-sugar Worcestershire sauce option, Heinz makes a great choice.
Compared to Lea & Perrins, Heinz Worcestershire sauce is milder and less bold since it doesn’t contain added sugar.
Heinz Worcestershire is great if you’re looking to add umami flavor to your Bloody Mary mix or tomato juice.
The sauce has a subtle, mild flavor and is perfect for adding a savory kick to many dishes without overpowering them.
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauces are more traditionally British and have a bolder, tangier flavor.
It’s best used in recipes that can handle the strong umami flavors and is of much higher quality compared to these cheaper alternatives.
What sizes does Worcestershire sauce come in?
Worcestershire sauce typically comes in 10-ounce bottles, 12-ounce bottles or 5.25-ounce bottles.
Some brands, like French’s sell large jug sizes of Worcestershire sauce, but these are less common.
The standard size for most brands is 10-ounce bottles.
FAQs
What is Worcestershire sauce used for?
Worcestershire sauce is a classic British condiment made with a blend of anchovies, molasses, tamarind, and spices.
It brings a savory umami flavor to dishes like dressings, marinades, and sauces. It also goes great with snacks like chips, popcorn, and other snacks.
Is Worcestershire sauce vegan?
Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire sauce is not vegan because it contains anchovies and beef extract.
However, most other brands of Worcestershire sauce are vegan-friendly as they do not contain animal ingredients.
Is Worcestershire sauce gluten-free?
There are some brands of Worcestershire sauce like WanJaShan that are gluten-free. However, most brands contain wheat as an ingredient so it is best to check the label to be sure.
Is there a difference between Worcester sauce and Worcestershire sauce?
No, Worcester sauce is an incorrect name for the same condiment. The correct spelling is Worcestershire sauce, which was invented in the 19th century by two English chemists.
The sauce was named after their hometown of Worcester, England.
Do you have to refrigerate Worcestershire sauce after opening?
No, Worcestershire sauce doesn’t need to be refrigerated after opening. However, it is best to keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
I recommend storing the Worcestershire sauce in the fridge after opening to ensure it lasts longer.
Do you put Worcestershire sauce on steak?
Yes, you can use Worcestershire sauce to add flavor to steak.
It can be added to marinades or as a final touch when cooking the steak. It adds a salty and umami flavor that pairs really well with steak.
Takeaway
Worcestershire sauce is an essential condiment for adding savory, umami flavors to a variety of dishes.
It’s available in a variety of sizes, with classic British-style sauces from Lea & Perrins and milder American versions from brands like French’s or Heinz.
There are also low-sugar versions available if you’re looking to watch your carb intake.
No matter which Worcestershire sauce you choose, it’s sure to add a delicious and unique flavor to your favorite recipes.
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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
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Read for free
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
