Condiments: The Good, the Bad and the Salty

By , SparkPeople Blogger
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?
 
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?