{"id":114527,"date":"2025-08-03T02:39:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-03T02:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/114527\/"},"modified":"2025-08-03T02:39:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-03T02:39:15","slug":"6-salad-dressings-experts-warn-you-should-never-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/114527\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Salad Dressings Experts Warn You Should Never Buy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whipping up a homemade salad dressing doesn\u2019t typically take much time, depending on what kind you\u2019re making, but buying a store-bought one is so convenient. On busy days when you don\u2019t have time or feel like making one from scratch, grabbing one off the shelf can make life easier, but also unhealthy.<\/p>\n

Many are loaded with worrisome ingredients that when eaten often can impact your health.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of conventional dressings are loaded with preservatives, synthetic additives, and inflammatory oils that can disrupt gut health, drive inflammation, and work against your wellness goals \u2014 even if the product appears natural or\u00a0 organic, says\u00a0 Mary Sabat<\/a> MS, RDN, LD, who is also a personal trainer.<\/p>\n

Preservatives are added to foods like dressings to give a long shelf life and prevent food from spoiling. However, common preservatives can have potential side effects, according to Sabat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSodium benzoate, when combined with vitamin C, can form benzene, a known carcinogen, she explains. \u201cCalcium disodium EDTA, another synthetic additive used to preserve color and texture, may interfere with mineral absorption and put stress on the kidneys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sabat notes that \u201cAdditives like MSG and yeast extract are often used to enhance flavor, but they\u2019ve been linked to symptoms like headaches, brain fog, and overstimulation of the nervous system.\u201d She adds, \u201cEven vague terms like natural flavors can conceal dozens of chemical compounds that don\u2019t belong in a truly clean-label product.\u201d<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s not all. Thickening agents like carrageenan \u2014 derived from red seaweed \u2014 are also a concern due to their links to gastrointestinal inflammation and gut irritation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd while less common today, artificial colors like Red 40 or Yellow 5 are sometimes used to enhance visual appeal and have been associated with behavioral issues, allergic reactions, and other health risks,\u201d Sabat points out. She says, \u201cTo make matters worse, many of these dressings rely on inflammatory seed oils like soybean, canola, or cottonseed oil as the base \u2014 which can further fuel systemic inflammation.\u201d<\/p>\n

When choosing store-bought salad dressings, the best ones are made with real ingredients that you know and recognize like avocado or olive oil, organic vinegars or citrus juice, and clean herbs and spices.<\/p>\n

Sabat also suggests avoiding products, \u201cwith preservatives, gums, thickeners, and anything listed as flavoring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now that you know what to look for in dressings, here are six to steer clear of, per Sabat.<\/p>\n

\tWish-Bone Creamy Caesar<\/p>\n

\"wish-boneWish-Bone<\/a><\/p>\n

Nutrition: per serving 2 tbsp
Calories: 100
Fat: 11g (Saturated fat: 2g)
Sodium: 280mg
Carbs: 2g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: .5g)
Protein: 0g<\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/a>: Soybean oil, water, distilled vinegar, egg yolks, sugar, Parmesan cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes). Contains 2% or less of: salt, anchovy paste, defatted soy flour, soy sauce (water, wheat, soybeans, salt), corn syrup, garlic*, spices, tamarind, phosphoric acid, onion*, monosodium glutamate, polysorbate 60, yeast extract, partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oils, xanthan gum, natural and artificial flavors (milk), modified corn starch, mozzarella cheese (pasteurized part skim milk, cultures, salt, enzymes), whey, sodium phosphate, lactic acid, calcium disodium EDTA and sodium benzoate and sorbic acid (to protect quality).<\/p>\n

Wishbone is a well known brand and the Creamy Caesar<\/a> is no doubt tangy and flavorful, but it\u2019s loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis dressing contains calcium disodium EDTA, sodium benzoate, and sorbic acid\u2014all used to extend shelf life but linked to potential health concerns,\u201d says Sabat. \u201cCalcium disodium EDTA can interfere with mineral absorption and burden the kidneys, while sodium benzoate, especially when paired with acidic ingredients like vinegar, can form benzene, a known carcinogen.\u201d<\/p>\n

She explains, \u201cSorbic acid, though considered less harmful, may still irritate sensitive individuals. Combined with partially hydrogenated oils (a source of trans fats), MSG (monosodium glutamate), and natural & artificial flavors, this dressing is far from clean and not a healthy addition to your salad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tKen\u2019s Steakhouse Italian Dressing<\/p>\n

\"kensKen\u2019s<\/p>\n

Nutrition: per serving 2 tbsp
Calories: 150
Fat: 17g (Saturated fat: 1g)
Sodium: 460mg
Carbs: 0g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: 0g)
Protein: 0g<\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/a>: Canola Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Contains Less Than 2% of Garlic,* Monosodium Glutamate, Onion,* Polysorbate 60, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor), Beta Carotene (Color). *Dried<\/p>\n

Ken\u2019s Steakhouse Italian Dressing<\/a> sounds like a light and healthier alternative, but according to Sabat, it\u2019s one to steer clear of.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt contains a few preservatives and additives that raise red flags for health-conscious consumers,\u201d says Sabat. \u201cThe inclusion of calcium disodium EDTA is concerning, as this synthetic preservative is used to maintain flavor and shelf stability but may interfere with your body\u2019s natural ability to absorb essential minerals like zinc and iron.\u201d<\/p>\n

She explains, \u201cIt also places added stress on the kidneys, especially with regular consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another point Sabat says is important to address is the fact that the \u201cdressing contains autolyzed yeast extract, a flavor enhancer that can be a hidden source of free glutamates (similar to MSG), which some people find trigger headaches, brain fog, or gut sensitivity.\u201d<\/p>\n

She says, \u201cPaired with natural flavor\u2014a vague term that can mask chemical additives\u2014this dressing is far from clean and not ideal for anyone trying to reduce their intake of artificial or inflammatory ingredients.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tKraft Classic Ranch<\/p>\n

\"KraftKraft<\/p>\n

Nutrition: per serving 2 tbsp
Calories: 120
Fat: 12g (Saturated fat: 2g)
Sodium: 280 mg
Carbs: 2g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: 1g)
Protein: 0g<\/p>\n

Ingredients: Soybean oil, vinegar, water, buttermilk, sugar, egg yolks, contains less than 2% of: salt, onion*, monosodium glutamate, modified food starch, garlic*, whey (from milk), phosphoric acid, xanthan gum, spice, parsley*, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, natural flavor, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor). *Dried6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e<\/p>\n

Whether you love Kraft Classic Ranch<\/a> as a dipping sauce or on your salad, it\u2019s a household staple for many, but Sabat doesn\u2019t recommend it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts ingredient list reveals a host of preservatives and additives that can undermine your health,\u201d she says. \u201cIt contains potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and calcium disodium EDTA\u2014a trio of chemical preservatives used to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Sabat, \u201cPotassium sorbate and sodium benzoate have both been linked to gut microbiome disruption and, in the case of sodium benzoate, potential formation of benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, Sabat says, \u201cCalcium disodium EDTA, another lab-made additive, may impair mineral absorption and place stress on the kidneys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, Sabat notes that the dressing includes monosodium glutamate (MSG) and flavor enhancers like disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate, \u201cwhich can trigger headaches, nausea, or sensitivity in some individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tHidden Valley Original Ranch<\/p>\n

\"\"Hidden Valley<\/p>\n

Nutrition: per serving 2 tbsp
Calories: 130
Fat: 13g (Saturated fat: 2g)
Sodium: 260mg
Carbs: 1g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: 1g)
Protein: 0g<\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/a>: Vegetable Oil (Soybean And\/Or Canola), Water, Buttermilk, Sugar, Salt, Egg Yolk, Less Than 1% Of: Spices, Garlic*, Onion*, Vinegar, Phosphoric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Modified Food Starch, Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavors, Disodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid And Calcium Disodium Edta Added To Preserve Freshness, Disodium Inosinate & Guanylate, *Dried\u2019 \u2018<\/p>\n

Hidden Valley Original Ranch<\/a> is one of the most popular salad dressings. While it\u2019s rated 4.9 on the brand\u2019s website and is a versatile item, it is\u2019 really unhealthy.<\/p>\n

According to Sabat, \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0 loaded with problematic additives that make it a poor choice for anyone focused on clean eating or gut health.\u201d She explains, \u201cIt starts with vegetable oils like soybean and canola, which are highly refined and pro-inflammatory. From there, it includes a cocktail of preservatives: sorbic acid and calcium disodium EDTA\u2014both used to prolong shelf life but linked to mineral depletion and gut microbiome disruption.\u201d<\/p>\n

She says, \u201cThe presence of phosphoric acid can irritate the digestive tract and contribute to imbalanced pH levels over time. Flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the pairing of disodium inosinate and guanylate intensify taste artificially and may trigger symptoms like headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sabat notes, \u201cLastly, the vague listing of natural flavors allows for hidden chemical ingredients not fully disclosed. Overall, this dressing is highly processed and far from the wholesome image it promotes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tKraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing<\/p>\n

\"\"Kraft<\/p>\n

Nutrition: per serving 2 tbsp
Calories: 70
Fat: 5g (Saturated fat: .5g)
Sodium: 370mg
Carbs: 5g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: 4g)
Protein: 0 g<\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/a>: Water, balsamic vinegar (wine vinegar, grape juice, water), soybean oil, sugar, canola oil, salt, contains less than 2% of: dried garlic, Dijon mustard (vinegar, mustard seed, water, salt, white wine, citric acid), spices, xanthan gum, oleoresin paprika (color), potassium sorbate, and calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor).<\/p>\n

Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing is another option that seems healthier, especially since it\u2019s lower in calories, but it\u2019s packed with alarming preservatives like potassium sorbate and calcium disodium EDTA.<\/p>\n

According to Sabat, \u201cPotassium sorbate is commonly used to prevent mold and yeast growth, but it can cause skin and eye irritation and has been linked to potential genotoxic effects in high amounts.\u201d<\/p>\n

She explains, \u201cCalcium disodium EDTA, added to protect flavor by preventing oxidation, is a synthetic compound that may interfere with the body\u2019s ability to absorb essential minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile both are approved for use in food, regular consumption of products containing these preservatives adds to your overall chemical exposure,\u201d Sabat says. \u201cChoosing a clean-label vinaigrette made with simple ingredients like oil, vinegar, and herbs is a far better option for long-term health.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tWalden Farms Thousand Island<\/p>\n

\"waldenWalden Farms<\/p>\n

Nutrition: per serving 2 tbsp
Calories: 0
Fat: 0g (Saturated fat: g)
Sodium: 200mg
Carbs: 0g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: 0g)
Protein: 0g<\/p>\n

Ingredients: Water, White Distilled Vinegar, Cucumbers, Apple Cider Vinegar, Erythritol, Salt, Corn Fiber, Cellulose Gel, Tomato Paste*, Xanthan Gum, Onion Puree, Garlic Puree, Monk Fruit Juice Concentrate\u2020, Yeast, Propylene Glycol Alginate (Algae Extract), Lemon Juice Concentrate\u2020, Spices, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, White Vinegar, Mustard Flour, Paprika, Red Bell Pepper, Turmeric, Tomato Concentrate*, Fruit and Vegetable Juice for Color*, Gluten-Free Tamari Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Alcohol), Stevia Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract, Gellan Gum, Sugar*, Dried Onion, Dried Garlic. \u2020Adds a trivial amount of sugar. CONTAINS: Soy<\/p>\n

With zero calories and no sugar, Walden Farms Thousand Island<\/a> appears to be an ideal choice until you look at the long list of ingredients that include citric acid, sodium citrate, propylene glycol alginate, and yeast extract.<\/p>\n

According to Sabat, \u201cCitric acid and sodium citrate act as acidity regulators to inhibit bacterial growth and extend shelf life, but they\u2019re often derived from GMO corn and can cause gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n

She explains, \u201cPropylene glycol alginate is a chemically modified emulsifier and thickener derived from propylene glycol (a compound also used in antifreeze), which can be harmful with repeated exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, \u201cYeast extract, while primarily used as a flavor enhancer, also functions as a preservative and contains glutamates similar to MSG, which some individuals may react to,\u201d Sabat says. \u201cAlthough these ingredients help maintain flavor and texture, they contribute to a highly processed product that\u2019s best avoided in favor of dressings made with real, whole-food ingredients.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Whipping up a homemade salad dressing doesn\u2019t typically take much time, depending on what kind you\u2019re making, but…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":114528,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[210,40344,71981,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-114527","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-salad","10":"tag-salad-dressing","11":"tag-united-states","12":"tag-unitedstates","13":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=114527"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114527\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/114528"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=114527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=114527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=114527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}