While dipping into a pile of ketchup or spreading sauce over your barbecue chicken, have you ever stopped to consider: what’s actually in this? Do you really know what’s in your condiments? (Don’t worry! We would never suggest you give up ketchup!)

There’s Sugar in That?

Yes, it’s true. There’s usually processed sugar in your favorite condiments and sauces. On average, 1 in 10 Americans consume 25% or more of their calories from processed sugar. This means that even if you don’t think you’re satisfying your sweet tooth, you could still be consuming processed sugar.

Just how much sugar is in condiments? Two tablespoons of ketchup can contain about 6 grams of processed sugar. In barbeque sauce, it can be between 6 to 14 grams of sugar per two tablespoons. Mayonnaise typically has 1 gram of sugar per two tablespoons. While this may not sound like much, consider how much you use when marinating meat, dipping a plate full of fries or making tuna salad. That processed sugar can add up quickly.

Not All Sugars Are Created Equal

While honey also contains sugar, its sweetness is 100% real, not processed. And, honey is sweeter by nature so you can use less of it to achieve the same taste. The important thing to remember when making the switch to honey is to choose raw and unfiltered. This ensures that your honey hasn’t been processed. At Nate’s, our honey is never overheated, making sure that we preserve honey in its purest form.

Make It at Home

Just because your favorite condiments and sauces can contain processed sugar doesn’t mean we want you to give up on them. At Nate’s, we always want to know what’s in our food and in our honey. We strive to choose real ingredients. That’s why making condiments and sauces at home is easy and smart!

Rather than purchasing store bought condiments, which usually contain processed sugars, making your own recipes allows you to control the ingredients. It also allows you to swap out sugar for the golden goodness of honey, so you know for sure what’s in your condiments.

So if you want to keep munching on those fries, try dipping them in ketchup made with honey instead.

Or, at your next cookout, try these 2-Ingredient grilling sauces rather than store bought barbecue sauce.

If you already have your favorite at-home recipes, try our conversions and tricks to swapping honey in for sugar. That way you’ll know exactly what’s in your condiments and other recipes you love to make.

Whichever recipe you pick, know that choosing Nate’s raw & unfiltered honey means you’re choosing 100% real, natural sweetness. Bon appétit!

Share your homemade recipes

Do you have any special homemade recipes for salad dressing or barbecue sauce? We’d love to try it out! Tell us on Instagram with #choosereal.

If you have any questions, we’d love to help find you the answer. Email us 24/7 at honeyfacts@naturenates.com.