People in shock after learning how Worcestershire sauce is actually made

Even though social media these days is full of foodies sharing recipes, hacks and food facts, turns out that there is still a lot that people don't know. This is especially true when it comes to information about the content of sauces and condiments.

Earlier, McDonald's fans were shook after finding out about an unexpected Sweet 'N Sour Sauce ingredient. In some cases, these revelations can be truly devastating for fans, as it happened when people learnt where Parmesan cheese actually comes from or that chewing gum has this bizarre ingredient.

Now, people are just realising that Worcestershire sauce, commonly found in many kitchen cupboards, is actually not vegan or vegetarian. In fact, the behind-the-scene of how Worcestershire sauce is made is making some foodies not want to eat it ever again.

The history of Worcestershire sauce

People have been making fun of Worcestershire sauce for ages for being notoriously difficult to pronounce. It is a sticky, brown sauce that tastes salty, sweet and a bit funky, adding tons of umami to any dish.

The recipe for the original version was developed and sold by Lea & Perrins in the 1830s. As reported by Epicurious, this recipe was a closely guarded secret but in 2009, Brian Keough, a former Lea & Perrins accountant, revealed parts of the original recipe. She claims that her father discovered an ingredient list in a pile of trash in the factory.

The recipe contained ingredients such as water, cloves, salt, sugar, soy, fish sauce, vinegar, tamarind, and pickles, among other ingredients.

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How Worcestershire sauce is made

However, many people still do not know that Worcestershire sauce also contains a lot of fermented anchovies. Yes, it is these tiny fishes which give this sauce its pungent deliciousness.

TikTok account @foodinsider shared a video of how Worcestershire sauce is made in the factory, with a caption saying,

Did you know anchovies are an ingredient in Worcestershire

The video shows some ingredients in this sauce including barrels of pickled onions and garlic, with huge amount of anchovies which have been aged in salt for 2 years.

This video was appreciated by Worcestershire sauce fans. One said

This is the best sauce ever!! Can’t imagine bacon and eggs without it. I bet it turns out to be fantastic for gut health.

Another quipped,

I hate anchovies but will drink this sauce

However, the information also came as a shock to some viewers. One said,

thanks.. never using it again

Another said on similar lines,

Knew I hated it for a reason

Some people were left a tad horrified. One viewer says,

I had no idea and now I cannot get over it

Did you know Worcestershire sauce has anchovies?

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⋙ People are just now finding out about a 'mind-blowing' setting on salt grinders

Sources used:

Epicurious: ' The Murky, Salty Mystery of Worcestershire Sauce'