Condiments: The Good, the Bad and the Salty
There's no doubt about it: Americans are crazy about condiments. Whether it's ketchup, hot sauce or salsa, we just love to top our foods with zesty sauces. Unfortunately, though, those little toppings can add up to a lot of extra salt. If you had to choose between two of America's favorite condiments, ketchup and salsa, which would be the low-sodium winner?
Unfortunately, not all condiments are as easy on the salt, especially since those little dollops and spoonfuls can add up quickly! See how salsa stacks up against some other common condiments in the sodium department:
What's your favorite condiment? Do you watch your sodium intake?
The Winner: Salsa!
One tablespoon of veggie-packed salsa will only set you back 105 mg of sodium—that's just 4% of your recommended daily value. (Ketchup comes in slightly higher with 160 mg.) Want to slash even more sodium from your salsa? Make your own salsa at home to control exactly what goes into it!Unfortunately, not all condiments are as easy on the salt, especially since those little dollops and spoonfuls can add up quickly! See how salsa stacks up against some other common condiments in the sodium department:
| Condiment | Calories per Tablespoon | Sodium per Tablespoon |
| Honey Mustard Sauce | 23 | 75 mg |
| Mayonnaise | 90 | 80 mg |
| Salsa | 8 | 105 mg |
| Pickle Relish | 20 | 122 mg |
| Ranch Dressing | 73 | 122 mg |
| Ketchup | 20 | 160 mg |
| Mustard | 9 | 161 mg |
| Barbecue Sauce | 53 | 392 mg |
| Frank's Red Hot | 5 | 460 mg |
| Sriracha | 20 | 580 mg |
| Spicy Garlic Wing Sauce | 25 | 600 mg |
| Soy Sauce | 11 | 1005 mg |
What's your favorite condiment? Do you watch your sodium intake?
