Caesar dressing does contain carbohydrates, though typically in small amounts per serving. A standard two-tablespoon serving of commercial Caesar dressing usually contains between 1 and 3 grams of total carbohydrates, making it one of the lower-carb dressing options available. This relatively low count means the dressing is often considered suitable for many low-carbohydrate eating plans.
The Source of Carbs in Caesar Dressing
The small carbohydrate count comes from several ingredients used to create its taste and texture. One common contributor is added sugars, which commercial brands often incorporate to balance acidity, enhance flavor, and function as preservatives, extending the shelf life of the bottled product.
Another source of carbohydrates is Worcestershire sauce, an ingredient frequently used for flavor. Worcestershire sauce traditionally contains molasses or corn syrup, which are sugar-based ingredients that contribute to the final carbohydrate total. Even in small quantities, these concentrated ingredients can slightly elevate the carb count per serving.
Natural fruit sugars from lemon juice also add a minor amount of carbohydrates. Lemon juice is a necessary component for balancing the richness of the oil and egg base, but like all fruit juices, it contains naturally occurring sugars. These flavor-enhancing additions are responsible for the few grams of carbohydrates present in each serving.
Choosing Low-Carb Caesar Dressing Options
Selecting the right Caesar dressing requires careful attention for individuals monitoring their carbohydrate intake. Homemade Caesar dressing is often the lowest-carb option because it allows for the complete exclusion of added sugars and fillers found in many commercial stabilizers. When making it at home, you can easily control the amount of lemon juice and ensure the Worcestershire sauce used does not contain high-fructose corn syrup.
When purchasing bottled dressing, the nutrition label is the most important tool for making a low-carb choice. Consumers should check the “Total Carbohydrates” line and the “Added Sugars” line to identify products with minimal carbohydrate content. Be wary of ingredients like maltodextrin or modified food starch, which are sometimes used as thickeners and can increase the total carbohydrate count.
To create a low-carb homemade version, you can omit any form of added sugar entirely, relying on the natural savory flavors of the cheese, garlic, and anchovy. If a slight sweetness is desired to cut the tanginess, a non-nutritive sweetener like stevia or erythritol can be used as a substitute for traditional sugar. Always prioritize full-fat versions of the dressing, as “light” or “fat-free” products often replace the removed fat with starches or sugars to maintain a palatable texture, inadvertently increasing the carbohydrate load.