Sauces, Gravy, Dressing and Spreads Calories

Condiments like sauces, dressings, gravies are a great way to add a little more zing and flavor to your meals. Whether you want to dress up your salad or take your pasta dish to the next level, there are plenty of ways to do so. Many dishes around the world are also known for their sauces more than anything else. A delicious peanut sauce for your Asian-inspired dish or flavorful tomato sauce for your spaghetti can make all the difference. Just be careful, additives aren’t uncommon when it comes to store-bought sauces and dressing, and these are the places that calories love to hide the most.

The base of any sauce can also make quite a difference in calorie contents. A creamy, dairy-based sauce or dressing will often contain more calories than an oil-based one. If you’re looking to reduce your calorie consumption, sauces and dressings are a great place to start. Moderation and portion control can go a long way. Something as simple as asking for the dressing or sauce on the side is also a great way to reduce and better control your meal’s calorie count.

Spreads is a very general term for anything spread over other food items to add flavor and texture, and nutritional value and calorie content can vary quite drastically depending on the spread used. As is the case in any balanced diet, portion control and moderation is the key to keeping the calorie count low when enjoying these extra kicks of flavor!