11 Store-Bought Condiments a Dietitian Says Are Actually Healthy
Condiments can be high in sugar and sodium, so we turned to a pro to find some better-for-you options.
Do me a small favor: Open up your refrigerator. Now, check out the space you have designed for condiments. If you have several bottles and jars filling up that space — like 15 to 20 — you’re not alone. We, Americans, love our condiments. But are these sauces, jams, glazes, dressings and more actually healthy for you? Or, are they filled with so much sodium and additives that we should steer clear of them altogether?
The good news — healthy condiments do exist! In fact, we found several from around the world that can actually add some nutrition to sandwiches and salads, be used as a foundation for a dip or be added to just any dish to add flavor.
One important note: Condiments can be high in salt, sugar and calories. So, make sure to compare labels and be mindful of serving sizes, as they can vary from brand to brand.
Here are my picks for the healthiest store-bought condiments.
The 11 Healthiest Store-Bought Condiments You Can Buy
Nate's Honey infuses pure honey with habanero chili pepper flakes, plus a touch of vinegar, to make this fiery condiment. The chili pepper infusion here likely contains small amounts of the potent antioxidant capsaicin, which may help you manage your appetite. Though honey is considered an added sugar, you may also get some health benefits from consuming it over granulated sugar. Use this honey to add a hint of heat to pizza, cheese boards, fried chicken, vegetables and more. You can also stir it into your favorite cocktails or mocktails.
- Serving Size 1 tablespoon
- Calories 70
- Total Sugars 17 grams
- Sodium 0 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for avocado toast
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, some pickles and kimchi, like this one from Cleveland Kitchen, contain live and active cultures, if they are found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. Many have potential gut health benefits. Cleveland Kitchen mixes crunchy cabbage with garlic and green and red peppers to make this classic-style version. It’s also vegan, since it’s made without the fish sauce usually found in most kimchi recipes and products.
- Serving Size 1 ounce
- Calories 10
- Total Sugars 2 grams
- Sodium 270 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for rice bowls
"Achaar," which means "pickled" or "preserved," is a staple of Indian cultures and is typically enjoyed throughout South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. This one from Brooklyn Delhi is equal parts spicy, tangy and umami-rich, and can be enjoyed with just about any dish. Besides tomatoes, this condiment is packed with other antioxidant-rich ingredients, including garlic, spices, chili peppers and turmeric.
- Serving Size 1 teaspoon
- Calories 10
- Sodium 45 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for sunny-side-up or scrambled eggs
Mix a spoonful of this relish into a bowl of steamed potatoes or even potato salad and enjoy the tangy, slightly spicy results. Seeds and spices are packed with antioxidants, and this Indian pickle spread contains a long list including paprika, turmeric, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, black mustard seeds, cumin seeds and caraway seeds. It’s higher in sodium (1 tablespoon has 600 milligrams) but it’s so flavorful that you may not need that much.
- Serving Size 1 tablespoon
- Calories 25
- Total Sugars < 1 gram
- Sodium 600 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
Even though they are made from nutrient-rich fruits, most jams, jellies and preserves contain a fair amount of sugar. Often, the antioxidants found in them are also lost when the fruits are heated. This spread from Smash Foods is a nice exception — not only is it low in sugar, it contains a bonus 1 gram of fiber per serving thanks to the added chia seeds and dates. Use it for a classic PB&J or stir it into plain yogurt and oatmeal for a flavorful touch.
- Serving Size 1 tablespoon
- Calories 25
- Total Sugars 4 grams
- Sodium 0 grams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for plain Greek yogurt
Chili crisp has taken recipes by storm, and for good reason! This condiment makes everything from chicken and rice to roasted veggies to stews pop with crunchy sesame seeds and piquant heat. Chili crisps can be healthy as they are usually made with healthy-fat oils, chili peppers, garlic and antioxidant-rich seeds (that are not damaged by heat treating because they are encased in a natural seed-shell). This Asian-style chili crisp contains additional nutrient-rich ingredients including beans and lentils and flavorful umami-rich mushroom powder.
- Serving Size 1 tablespoon
- Calories 100
- Total Sugars 1 gram
- Sodium 160 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for fish or seafood
Most chili crisps fit our definition of a healthy condiment — it adds nutrition, but not too much salt or sugar — so we’re adding a second one to this list. This version from Cholula hails from Mexico. One tablespoon contains 1 gram of protein and even 2 percent of the Daily Value for iron, plus 0 grams of sugar. Those nutritionals are thanks to the whole-food ingredients it's made from, including three different types of capsaicin-rich chili peppers (Ancho, Morita and Arbol chilies) along with three different type of seeds (sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds).
- Serving Size 1 tablespoon
- Calories 100
- Total Sugars 1 gram
- Sodium 320 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for tacos
In Mediterranean regions, olives are often eaten almost daily, which may help contribute to the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean Diet. Olive-based condiments, like this Bruschetta topping as well as tapenades and olive spreads, are packed with antioxidants. Olives also contain healthy monounsaturated fat, fiber and vitamin E and have been linked to numerous health benefits.
- Serving Size 3 tablespoons
- Calories 110
- Total Sugars 0 grams
- Sodium 290 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for vegetable pasta
Almost every jar or tube of the North African condiment harissa has dried peppers or chilies listed as the first ingredient. Chilies are abundant in the plant polyphenol capsaicin, which can help decrease inflammation. Some jars are medium spicy, but this jar of Villa Jerada Harissa is fiery hot! It also contains preserved lemons and a fruit-based preserve that adds a bit of umami and sourness which may (or may not!) temper the fire on your tongue. Other healthful ingredients include spices and seeds.
- Serving Size 1 tablespoon
- Calories 25
- Total Sugars 0 grams
- Sodium 90 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for tuna sandwiches
Pretty much any whole-grain or stone-ground mustard can be a healthful condiment. You should be able to see the whole mustard seeds throughout it, and the ingredients should be very simple: water, mustard seeds, vinegar, salt and turmeric. Sometimes citric acid (a preservative containing vitamin C) is also added. Mustard seeds are packed with plant polyphenols, which also function as antioxidants.
- Serving Size 1 teaspoon
- Calories 5
- Total Sugars 0 grams
- Sodium 85 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for a bowl of farro, quinoa or brown rice
While most barbecue sauces are sweetened with 12 to 15 grams of added sugar per a 2 tablespoon serving, this Franklin Barbeque option only contains 4 grams of added sugar. This is due to the apple cider vinegar used to make it. While the sodium content is slightly higher — 340 milligrams — this mouthwatering find is free from artifical flavors, contains zero high fructose corn syrup and is gluten-free to boot.
- Serving Size 2 tablespoons
- Calories 20
- Total Sugars 4 grams
- Sodium 340 milligrams
- Favorite Way to Use It As a topping for chicken breasts
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