We all know that certain sauces and condiments can pack on extra calories to our meals, but it’s hard to avoid these completely. While it is okay to add some condiments to our sandwiches or proteins every so often, there are certain ones you should never use.
So we turned to the experts to learn which condiments are the worst for us, and we were quite surprised with the answer. We were expecting to learn that mayonnaise is the worst condiment, but it’s actually something different: barbecue sauce.
“Barbecue sauce is much like ketchup and other high-sugar, sodium, fat, and calorie condiments,” Registered Dietitian Trista Best told SheFinds. “Even those made to be healthier rely on additives like sugar alternatives, emulsifiers, and high-fructose corn syrup.”
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Plus, Best told us that there are very few nutritional benefits from barbeucue sauce, depsite its high level of calories.
She said, "This condiment is sneaky in packing an excessive amount of low quality nutrients into your otherwise healthy meal. It is also quite easy to overeat on barbeque sauce increasing the likelihood that you are overeating calories, sugar, sodium, and fat. To say the least, barbecue sauce is a source of empty calories."
And Best isn't the only nutritionist who says we should avoid barbecue sauce. Stacey Krawczyk, MS, RD, consulting Registered Dietitian for the Grain Foods Foundation and President of FoodWell Strategies, told us that eating anything with barbecue sauce can be a huge mistake.
"High-sugar condiments like BBQ sauce, ketchup or branded 'sandwich spreads' can be especially worrisome, with two tablespoons of some sweet BBQ sauces containing as much or even more sugar than candy," she said. "With this in mind, opt for condiments that add more nutrition like a smear of avocado sprinkled with your favorite no-salt seasoning blend. Then you can let the vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the bread and veggies shine with the lean protein and dairy!"
