Food Type: Condiments & Sauces

What’s in Your Favorite Sauces? Understanding Condiment Ingredients

Condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressings enhance flavor, but many contain hidden sugars, artificial preservatives, and unhealthy fats.

Common Ingredients in Condiments & Sauces

✅ Natural & Healthy Ingredients

•Vinegar & Citrus Juices – Natural preservatives with bright flavors

•Herbs & Spices – Garlic, onion, basil, oregano

•Natural Oils – Olive oil, avocado oil

⚠️ Processed & Artificial Ingredients in Condiments

•Added Sugars (High-fructose corn syrup, glucose, maltodextrin)

•Artificial Preservatives (Sodium benzoate, calcium disodium EDTA)

•Flavor Enhancers (MSG, artificial smoke flavor)

•Thickeners & Emulsifiers (Xanthan gum, modified starches)

Most Common Unhealthy Condiments

•Ketchup – High in sugar and preservatives

•Store-Bought Salad Dressings – Contain artificial flavors and stabilizers

•Barbecue Sauces – Often contain caramel coloring and excessive sodium

Healthier Alternatives

• Homemade vinaigrettes with olive oil and lemon

• Greek yogurt-based dips instead of mayonnaise

• Freshly blended tomato sauces with herbs

Choosing natural, low-processed condiments can significantly reduce sugar, sodium, and artificial additives in your diet.