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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Culture & Lifestyle • Condiment

HP Sauce

HP Sauce is a British brown sauce made primarily from tomatoes, malt vinegar, and molasses, with a tangy flavour commonly associated with savoury foods.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

HP Sauce is a British brown sauce condiment known for its tangy, savoury flavour and dark colour. It originated in the late 19th century and is named after London's Houses of Parliament. The sauce is sold in Canada and is familiar to many Canadian consumers through British-style breakfasts, imported foods, and common grocery condiment shelves.

History

HP Sauce originated in the late 19th century and is associated with Frederick Gibson Garton, a grocer from Nottingham who developed an early version of the recipe. The brand's name was linked to reports that the sauce was served in the Houses of Parliament, giving rise to the 'HP' abbreviation.

Ingredients and flavour

HP Sauce is a dark brown, tangy condiment built around tomato, vinegar, sweetness, and spice. Its ingredients include tomato, malt vinegar, spirit vinegar, sugars, dates, cornflour, rye flour, salt, spices, and tamarind. Tamarind is often noted as contributing to its distinctive sharpness.

Use in cuisine

The sauce is commonly used with savoury foods such as breakfast items, meats, sandwiches, and fried foods. It is also used in soups and stews as a flavouring ingredient.

Brand and production

HP Sauce was originally produced in the United Kingdom and later became part of the Heinz portfolio. Contemporary production is based in the Netherlands.

Key facts

  • HP Sauce is a British brown sauce used as a condiment for hot and cold savoury foods.
  • The original recipe is commonly credited to Frederick Gibson Garton, a grocer from Nottingham.
  • The name 'HP' refers to the Houses of Parliament.
  • The sauce became a recognised part of British food culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The brand is now produced by Heinz in the Netherlands.
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Canadian context

HP Sauce is sold in Canada and is familiar to many Canadian consumers through British-style breakfasts, imported foods, and common grocery condiment shelves.

Frequently asked questions

What is HP Sauce?
HP Sauce is a British brown sauce condiment known for its tangy, savoury flavour and dark colour.
What does 'HP' stand for?
HP stands for 'Houses of Parliament', a name linked to the sauce’s association with the UK Parliament.
Who invented HP Sauce?
The original recipe is commonly credited to Frederick Gibson Garton, a grocer from Nottingham.
What are the main ingredients in HP Sauce?
Its main ingredients include tomatoes, malt vinegar, and molasses, along with other sweeteners, spices, dates, and tamarind.
Where is HP Sauce made now?
HP Sauce is now made by Heinz in the Netherlands.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_Sauce
    Supports: Overview, ingredients, naming, cultural status, current production
  2. Kraft Heinzhttps://www.kraftheinz.com/en-GB/hp-sauce/our-story
    Supports: Brand history, inventor attribution, meaning of HP, brand ownership and production story