Most Harmful Salad Dressings Globally Revealed
Ready for a salad that won't break your health resolutions? A drool-worthy dressing can easily ruin your healthy intentions, but fear not! Here's the lowdown on which dressings to steer clear of and some tasty, better-for-you options.
Many store-bought dressings are packed with sugar, unhealthy fats, and excessive salt – stuck in a nutrition rut, courtesy of the Big Dressing Brands. Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD warns, "These ingredients can put the healthiness of your dish at risk." So, let's dive in and see which dressings are worthy of your greens (and which ones should hit the road).
Saturated fat: Sneaky saturated fat is common in salad dressings, and the American Heart Association recommends limiting consumption to no more than 13 grams a day as part of a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet.
Sodium: High sodium levels can be found in many dressings, and the American Heart Association suggests limiting your daily intake to 2,300 milligrams. Unfortunately, most Americans consume more than this recommended amount, with many exceeding 3,500mg daily.
Sugar: Processed sugar is another culprit, especially when it comes to salad dressing. Women should limit their intake to 6 teaspoons per day (around 100 calories), while men should cap it at 9 teaspoons (150 calories).
Damn the Torpedoes! The Unhealthiest of the Unhealthy
When it comes to salad dressing, some brands are just plain mean. Here's a countdown of the worst offenders, sorted from bad to absolutely disastrous.
#7 - Ken's Steakhouse Thousand Island
Ken's Thousand Island dressing may taste like a dream, but it's secretly packing a punch of inflammatory ingredients and artificial additives. Dietitian Mary Saba, MS, RDN, LD, says, "If you're trying to make healthy choices, this is one dressing to skip."
#6 - Jimmy's French Blue Cheese
Adorned with high fructose corn syrup, Jimmy's French Blue Cheese will do you more harm than good. Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD stated, "This dressing contains problematic ingredients, with high fructose corn syrup being the first one. It is also a significant source of sodium and sugar, which can contribute to various health issues when consumed in excess."
#5 - Kraft Classic Catalina Dressing
Kraft's take on Catalina dressing may seem innocent, but it's anything but health-friendly. Loaded with sugar as its first ingredient and lacking any real nutritional value, steer clear of this saboteur.
#4 - Marzetti Sweet Italian Dressing
Marzetti's Sweet Italian Dressing may claim to be free of artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup, but don't be fooled. It's quite the inflationary and sugary disaster.
#3 - Wish-Bone Creamy Caesar
Wish-Bone's Creamy Caesar is a nutritional minefield. Dietitian Mary Saba, MS, RDN, LD, warns, "This dressing is a combination of inflammatory, highly processed fat, sugar, modified starches, and various preservatives."
#2 - Olive Garden Signature Italian
While it's got flavor, the Olive Garden Signature Italian is a processed food product full of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Stick to simply mixing oil and vinegar instead!
#1 - Jimmy's Original Sweet and Sour Dressing
The worst of the worst is Jimmy's Original Sweet and Sour Dressing, which is loaded with sugar and ranks higher in sodium and fat than many of the other offenders on our list. Dietitian Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD strongly advises against choosing this option, stating, "It contains a whopping 11 grams of added sugar, which is significant and can have serious health implications."
A Beacon of Hope: The Healthiest Dressing Options
Not all hope is lost, though! With a little know-how, you can upgrade your salad game without ding your health.
- Bragg Organic Vinaigrette Dressing & Marinade: boasting minimal sodium and saturated fat, this option is a winner in the low-calorie, low-fat category.
- Homemade Sunshine Salad Dressing: craft your very own dressing by mixing Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Adjust the honey and lemon juice to customize the sugar and sweetness levels to your preferences.
- Walden Farms Honey Dijon Zero Calorie Dressing: this dead-zero offering makes a pretty good companion for your salad if you're aiming for a calorie-free dressing that's also free of sugar and fat. However, mind the higher sodium content compared to other options.
By smart shopping and paying attention to nutrition labels, you'll be on your way to enjoying a fantastic salad that's full of flavor and kind to your body. Now go forth, conquer those greens, and make every bite a healthy, scrumptious one!
In search of healthier salad options, it's important to steer clear of high-sodium, sugar-laden, and unhealthy fat-filled dressings, such as Ken's Steakhouse Thousand Island, Jimmy's French Blue Cheese, Kraft Classic Catalina Dressing, Marzetti Sweet Italian Dressing, Wish-Bone Creamy Caesar, Olive Garden Signature Italian, and Jimmy's Original Sweet and Sour Dressing. Instead, opt for nutritious alternatives like Bragg Organic Vinaigrette Dressing & Marinade, homemade Sunshine Salad Dressing (a blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar), or Walden Farms Honey Dijon Zero Calorie Dressing, which is low in calories and free of sugar and fat. By focusing on healthier dressing choices, you can enjoy a salad that supports your fitness goals and overall wellness.
