Are the hidden calories in your favourite condiments causing you to GAIN weight?

9 November 2018, 17:30

Is your favourite condiment bad for you? Picture: GETTY

As Christmas approaches, thousands of us will be watching what we eat but while many might reach for the sauce bottles in a desperate bid for flavour, some condiments could be stopping your healthy effort.

A nutitiotinal expert recently told The Sun their advice on enjoying your condiments, explaining: "Whilst it is true some condiments may be high in sugar, it is important to remember that all foods can be enjoyed in moderation and labelling foods 'good' or 'bad' may be unhelpful."

Plainly speaking, the issue is that we as consumers can be drawn in by packaging claiming low calorie count on condiments, but we then ignore the serving size suggestion and drown our plate in sauces.

Here's how the different condiments compare...

How healthy is your favourite condiment? Picture: REX

TOMATO KETCHUP

Likely the most popular and readily available of all condiments, Heinz tomato ketchup can pack a sugary punch with over 4.1g of the sweet stuff in each tablespoon serving.

The red sauce also dishes out 0.3g of salt and 20 calories in each serving.

Heinz also sell versions without any added sugar, but these simply replace the sugar with increased levels of artificial sweeteners and chemicals.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup packs a sugary punch. Picture: Getty

SALAD CREAM

One of the big surprises on the list with a large calorie count, salad cream is often thought to be a lighter alternative to other dressings - but it's simply a myth.

With 2.6g sugar and 3.6g fat per 15g serving, it's not the healthiest options by a long shot.