The present invention provides an aqueous composition containing salt, acetic acid, and sugars which can be used as a sauce or a seasoning. The advantage of the invention is that the growth of yeasts and/or moulds in aqueous food products is reduced, leading to good keepability of the composition. This has been achieved using a relatively low salt level and without preservatives, which makes this product very versatile: a chef can use it freely, without the risk of overdosing the salt level of a prepared food dish. Finally, the product contains sugars and acetic acid, and has a pH between 3 and 4.6.