Burman’s Steak Sauce

Last Updated on July 9, 2023

If you want to incite a debate over dinner (over something other than politics or religion), try to have a civil discussion about what to put on beef. On one end of the spectrum, you have people who think that anything more than salt and pepper (if even that) is a disgrace to God and man. On the other end, you have those who profess undying belief in a secret blend of rubs and spices. Still others swear by a specific brand of BBQ sauce, which is, they emphasize, only to be put on at a very specific point in the grilling process.

And then there is one other group. This group, like someone’s third cousin showing up at a wedding, quietly insists that there is one thing that a steak needs more than anything else, and it’s a simple steak sauce. This sauce, they point out, can invigorate any beef, bringing even poorly cooked morsels back to a state of near-respectability.

This is the story of that steak sauce. Or, at least, the one Aldi makes.

Burman's Steak Sauce

Now, “steak sauce” is a specific classification of sauce that traces its origins to brown sauce found in Europe. In the United States, a range of different sauces fall under this classification, including Heinz 57, Worchestershire sauce, and, most famously, Kraft’s A.1. Anyone who has had these will tell you that they’re all a little different from one another, in the same way that different sodas (or even colas) are all different.

Burman’s Steak Sauce, available in a 10-ounce bottle, is an Aldi Regular Buy, which means it’s available year-round. Like many steak sauces, it comes in an opaque bottle which advises you to shake well before using and to refrigerate after opening. There is also an expiration date printed on the bottle.

You don’t have to look hard to realize that Burman’s is meant to be a take on A.1. Aside from the visual similarities — Aldi doesn’t shy away from shameless packaging imitations — there are several common ingredients between the two, including tomato puree, vinegar, corn syrup, salt, and raisin paste. Burman’s even has almost identical nutrition information: calories (15), carbs (3g), and sugars (2g) are the same while Burman’s sodium is just 10mg higher than A.1. (290mg of sodium per serving to 280mg). This is probably a good time to add that both Burman’s and A.1. contain 13% of your daily allowance of sodium per tablespoon, so be aware if your doctor has you on a low-salt diet.

Burman's Steak Sauce

Nutrition information. (Click to enlarge.)

So, does Burman’s taste identical to A.1.? Not precisely, but it’s close enough that, unless you’re a real A.1. purist, you’re probably not going to notice a massive difference. Burman’s is good stuff, and it tastes, in my view, about as good as A.1. does … and for less money.

The Verdict:

If you have to have steak sauce, Burman’s Steak Sauce is a worthy imitation of Kraft’s A.1. It tastes very similar, which isn’t a surprise given that it uses most of the same ingredients, and for less money. Like A.1., though, it’s also high in sodium, so, to paraphrase the old A.1. slogan, don’t cover it … discover it.

About Joshua

Joshua is the Co-founder of Aldi Reviewer. He is also a writer and novelist. You can learn more about him at joshuaajohnston.com.

7 Comments

  1. Beyond dull. I know they tried, but this is a big disappointment. Wal Mart’s GV Steak Sauce is clearly better than Aldi’s half effort. Aldi’s Burman’s needs more raisins and less sugar. Spices and botanicals are way off, too.

    The Burmans Steak Sauce weak link in the Alid’s repertoire.Fix it…

  2. Irmgard schroeder

    I thought Burmans steak sauce was the BEST ever.Not under spiced or over spiced.!!!!Just perfect. Yummmm

  3. I love this steak sauce, and now it’s not available in the store. I have tried Aldi stores in 3 different cities. I thought it was a regular item.

  4. It’s good enough for the bargain price but does not REMOTELY resemble A-1 in taste.

  5. We shop at aldi in Athens alabama. 45 minute drive, so we stock up several items when we go. Recently bought 2 bottles of burmans steak sauce. Opened 1 bottle last night & it spewed out everywhere as soon as I unscrewed the cap. Cleaned up the mess wondering what happened. Got the 2nd bottle, held it over the sink & the same thing happened on 2nd bottle. I have never had this happen before. What could make it do this?

  6. We shop at the Athens Al Aldi as well and purchased three bottles with expiration dates in 2025. The same thing happened, the bottle erupted and blew steak sauce everywhere over the table, walls and floor when the cap was opened. Smells like vinegar. One of the two remaining bottles is bulging and we plan to return them.

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