Not All Salad Dressings Are Healthy (These 10 Costco Picks Are the Worst)

Not all salad dressings are as healthy as they seem. Many store-bought options are packed with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial preservatives that can turn a nutritious salad into a not-so-healthy meal. Even dressings labeled as “light” or “organic” can contain hidden ingredients that are not great for your health. While they may taste delicious, some of these dressings add unnecessary calories and sodium to your diet. If you want to keep your salads truly healthy, these are some of the worst Costco salad dressings you might want to avoid.

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

This dressing might taste great, but it is loaded with unhealthy ingredients. It is packed with saturated fats, artificial flavors, and a shocking amount of sodium. A two-tablespoon serving contains over 300 milligrams of sodium, which can quickly add up. The high-calorie content makes it a poor choice for anyone trying to keep their salad light. If you love ranch, consider a homemade version with Greek yogurt instead.

Ken’s Steak House Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is known for its creamy and tangy flavor, but it is far from a healthy option. This version is full of added sugars, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. A single serving contains nearly 12 grams of fat and 3 grams of sugar, making it more of a sauce than a salad dressing. The artificial ingredients also do not do your body any favors. If you want a better alternative, try mixing Greek yogurt with fresh tomatoes and a splash of vinegar.

Marie’s Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing sounds fancy, but this one is packed with calories and unhealthy fats. Each serving has about 150 calories and 16 grams of fat, which can turn a simple salad into a high-fat meal. The ingredients list includes processed oils and preservatives that are not great for your health. Its high sodium content can also contribute to bloating and high blood pressure. If you love the taste of blue cheese, try crumbling some on your salad with a drizzle of olive oil instead.

Newman’s Own Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinaigrette sounds like a healthy choice, but this one has a sneaky amount of sugar. It contains around 5 grams of sugar per serving, which is more than some candy bars. Many store-bought vinaigrettes add sugar and unhealthy oils to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. The high sugar and fat content make it less of a heart-healthy option than you might think. Making your own vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little honey is a much better choice.

Kraft Honey Mustard Dressing

Honey mustard dressing is sweet and tangy, but it is not always a healthy pick. This version is loaded with added sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and unhealthy fats. A single serving has over 8 grams of sugar, which can spike your blood sugar quickly. It also contains artificial flavors and preservatives that your body does not need. If you enjoy honey mustard, try making a simple mix of Dijon mustard, honey, and Greek yogurt at home.

Wish-Bone Creamy Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing is a favorite for many, but this version is loaded with unhealthy fats and artificial ingredients. It contains over 13 grams of fat per serving, most of which come from processed vegetable oils. The high sodium content also makes it a poor choice for heart health. It is packed with preservatives and additives that do not do your body any favors. A homemade version using Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and parmesan cheese is a much better alternative.

Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

Italian dressing might sound like a light and healthy choice, but this one is full of processed oils and added sugars. It contains high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and preservatives that extend shelf life but do nothing for nutrition. The sodium content is also surprisingly high, making it a risky choice for those watching their salt intake. While it has a tangy flavor, the unhealthy oils make it far from ideal. A simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs is a much healthier option.

Brianna’s Poppy Seed Dressing

Poppy seed dressing can add a sweet touch to salads, but this version is loaded with sugar. Each serving contains over 7 grams of sugar, making it more like a dessert topping than a salad dressing. The unhealthy oils and preservatives only make things worse. If you are looking for something similar, try mixing Greek yogurt with a little honey and fresh lemon juice. That way, you can enjoy the flavor without the unnecessary sugar rush.

Ken’s Steak House Honey Dijon Dressing

Honey Dijon dressing sounds like a fancy and flavorful choice, but it is not as healthy as it seems. This one contains over 10 grams of sugar per serving, making it one of the worst offenders in terms of hidden sugars. The addition of artificial flavors and processed oils does not help either. Many people think they are making a smart choice with this dressing, but the reality is different. A homemade blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil is a much better way to go.

Bolthouse Farms Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

Avocado might make this dressing sound healthy, but do not be fooled. This version is full of unhealthy oils, preservatives, and added sugars. It also contains stabilizers and artificial ingredients to maintain its creamy texture. The sodium content is on the high side, which can contribute to bloating and high blood pressure. Instead, try blending fresh avocado with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a clean, homemade version.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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