🇬🇧 10 Savory Facts About HP Sauce That Every Foodie Should Know

1. 🏛️ HP Stands for "Houses of Parliament"

The name comes from the claim that the sauce was once served in the restaurants of the Houses of Parliament in London. The label even features the iconic image of Big Ben!

2. 🍅 It’s a Tangy Blend of Fruits and Spices

HP Sauce combines malt vinegar, tomatoes, molasses, dates, tamarind extract, and various spices — giving it a sharp, sweet, and savory flavor unlike any other sauce.

3. 🧴 It Was First Made in the 1890s

Created by Frederick Gibson Garton, a grocer from Nottingham, in the late 19th century. He sold the recipe to Edwin Samson Moore, who went on to mass-produce it.

4. 🇬🇧 It's a British Culinary Icon

HP Sauce is often called the "quintessential British condiment", especially when served with hearty dishes like meat pies, sausages, and Sunday roasts.

5. 🔄 It Once Had a Rival Called Daddies Sauce

HP Sauce and Daddies Sauce were fierce rivals in the UK condiment market. Both are now owned by the same company — Heinz — but remain distinct in taste and branding.

6. 🍽️ A Staple of the English Breakfast

Ask any Brit — no full English breakfast is truly complete without a splash of HP Sauce next to the eggs and sausages.

7. 🏭 Originally Made in Aston, Birmingham

The original HP Sauce factory was based in Aston, a suburb of Birmingham, for over 100 years before production moved to the Netherlands in 2007, sparking public outcry.

8. 🌍 It's Popular Worldwide — Especially in Canada

Besides the UK, Canada is one of HP Sauce’s biggest markets. Canadians often use it with grilled meats and sandwiches.

9. 📦 The Original Recipe Included Tamarind — Rare for British Sauces

The use of tamarind extract, commonly found in Indian cuisine, gave HP Sauce a unique depth and was quite innovative for the time.

10. 🧓 It's Been Endorsed by Politicians and Royals

Rumors have long circulated that Winston Churchill was a fan, and many Members of Parliament have been spotted adding it to their meals in Westminster.

🔚 Final Drizzle

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering it, HP Sauce isn't just a condiment — it's a piece of British culinary history, packed with flavor and tradition.