Brown sauce is a condiment popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland, typically brown in color. Its ingredients usually include tomatoes, molasses, vinegar, sugar, and spices, though recipes can vary significantly. The taste is often described as a mix of tart or sweet with a peppery note, similar to Worcestershire sauce, and may have a gummy texture. Brown sauce is commonly enjoyed with cooked breakfasts, bacon sandwiches, meat pies, and chips.
The first brown sauce, Brand's A.1. sauce, was introduced in 1831. HP Sauce, a well-known brand, was created in 1884 by Frederick Gibson Garton and has become a staple in British households. HP stands for the Houses of Parliament, inspired because it was found in the HP members' restaurant. As of 2025, HP Sauce accounts for approximately 75% of all brown sauce sales in the UK. While brown sauce is a beloved condiment in the UK and Ireland, it is less common in other parts of the world.
