Cut down on sugar by making condiments into ingredients
Condiments add a fun hit of flavor to menu items that might otherwise be a bit plain. Left to their own devices, students can get a bit saucy with sauces and dips, like barbecue, ranch, honey, and more.
Not only can this ramp up their sugar and sodium intake, but it can get wasteful with self-serve pumps. Although packets and cups are helpful for portioning, single-serving items can get expensive. So why not commit to a condiment, and make it an ingredient?
Here are some fun ways to incorporate favorite flavors into menu items, rather than have them on the side.
1. Include a drizzle of sauce over the top of bowl-based entrees. By using condiments as finishing touches, you get an attractive garnish plus that punch of taste.
- Boneless BBQ Wing Rice Bowl (top with ranch!)
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos
2. You may be able to get away with reducing sugar in sweet items if you use toppings like glazes or frosting on top of a baked good. Don't forget, fruit is a naturally sweet filling, too!
3. Turn dippables into hand-helds or items that can be eaten with a fork. Mix condiments into the dish, or serve a portion-controlled dollop on top.