All those little condiments, sauces and side dishes add up fast.
Article By: Julie Meyer
A little mayo here…a french fry there…extras can really add up, especially when you’re eating out. To stick to yourPointsPlus® target, use this guide to determine which condiments, sauces and sides will give you the most bang for your buck.
Condiments
Condiments, which can add a little zip to your sandwich or a tang to your main dish, are an easy way to increase flavor. But keep a good eye on which condiments you use, since some may have a higher PointsPlus value than you think. Below are PointsPlus values for common serving sizes of some popular toppings.
| Between the Bun, PointsPlus values |
|---|
| Wise Choice:
- Mustard: 1 tbsp = 0
- Horseradish: 1 tbsp = 0
- Ketchup: ¼ cup = 2
- Fat-free mayonnaise: 4 tbsp = 1
- Relish: 3 tbsp = 2
- Barbecue sauce: ¼ cup = 1
| Not so much:
- Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp = 3
- Tartar sauce: 2 tbsp = 4
|
| At the Coffee Bar, PointsPlus values |
|---|
| Wise Choice:
- Equal sweetener: 1 serving = 0
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tbsp = 0
- Skim milk: ½ cup = 1
| Not so much:
- Half and half cream: ¼ cup = 2
- Sugar: 2 tbsp = 2
- Chocolate syrup: 2 tbsp = 3
|
| Breakfast at the Diner, PointsPlus values |
|---|
| Wise Choice:
- Preserves: 1 tbsp = 1
- Honey: 1 tbsp = 2
- Lite pancake syrup: 3 tbsp = 2
| Not so much:
- Butter: 1 tbsp = 3
- Pancake syrup: 3 tbsp = 4
- Peanut butter: 2 tbsp = 5
|
| At the Salad Bar, PointsPlus values |
|---|
| Wise Choice:
- Fat-free Italian salad dressing: 2 tbsp = 1
- Imitation Bacon Bits: 1 tbsp = 1
- Sunflower seeds: 1 tbsp = 1
- Reduced-calorie salad dressing: 2 tbsp = 3
| Not so much:
- Blue cheese: 1/4 cup= 3
- Seasoned croutons: 1 cup = 5
- Creamy salad dressing: 2 tbsp = 4
- Italian-type salad dressing: 2 tbsp = 2
|
Get Saucy
A heavy sauce can ruin the best of intentions when you’re eating out, sometimes without your even knowing it. Descriptions such as “au gratin,”; “alfredo” or “béarnaise” should raise a red flag, while “au naturel,” “primaverav or “in broth” are generally green lights. Below arePointsPlus values for some wise and not-so-wise sauce options.