Condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup or mustard can be the perfect taste boosters for a casual meal. They’re kitchen staples, enhancing the taste of sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and potatoes.
But besides adding flavor, condiments can also add salt, fat and sugar to healthy food if people pour or spread them on too enthusiastically, dietitians say.
There are countless condiments, classic and new, and the list keeps growing. Some Americans now use a half-dozen sauces at a meal, amounting to a “condiment invasion,” The Wall Street Journal recently reported.
“In general, I’m pro-condiment if it helps you eat healthier foods,” says registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo, nutrition editor for TODAY.
“For example, if you only like tofu with soy sauce on it, then add the condiment to entice you to eat more of this healthy plant-based protein. Or if you like to make spicy cauliflower with hot sauce, go ahead and use it to eat more of this cruciferous veggie.”
But if you love mayonnaise and add a few tablespoons of it to a meal, it can drastically increase the calories and saturated fat, she warns.
“Condiments change the nutrition equation. Of course, how much you use is going to be the biggest game changer,” Lisa Young, a registered dietitian in New York and author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim,” tells TODAY.com.
“A little bit goes a long way.”
What are basic condiments?
A condiment is “something used to enhance the flavor of food,” especially a pungent seasoning, according to Merriam-Webster’s definition.
Popular choices in the U.S. include:
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Relish
- Barbecue sauce
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Wasabi or horseradish
Some people consider guacamole and hummus condiments, but foods that can be eaten on their own generally don’t count as a condiment, chefs told The Kitchn.
Condiment nutrition
Every condiment is different, so it’s important to read the label to check the serving size and nutrition facts, both dietitians advise.
Soy…
Read the full article here
