Remember Louis the Lifeguard who rescues a potato from drowning in sour cream? This goes back to the ’80′s and I stumbled upon it by chance. Not having grown up on the USA, I can’t claim to have watched it at that time. But the jingle is catchy and the idea very simple – that the food as cooked can taste just fine and there is no need to “drown” it in all kind of condiments.

We seem to have forgotten the advice of Louis the Lifeguard because the condiment industry has literally exploded since then. US is the biggest market with an estimated $11 billion in annual sales of all kinds of condiments and sauces. Condiments are a way of life these days, especially when it comes to fast food. No surprise then that Louis the Lifeguard has taken a prolonged vacation, probably never to return again! Who will save us from drowning now?

It is fine to use these condiments once in a while. Kids love to get messy playing with ketchup and mustard. Chips and salsa is must-have at any party.

But take a closer look – most of these condiments are loaded with sodium and some like sour cream and mayonnaise are full of fat and cholesterol. No wonder they taste so good on any food!

Sour cream -loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol, reduced fat versions hardly any better
Mayonnaise – fat, cholesterol and sodium
Ketchup – watch out for sugar and sodium
Mustard – high sodium
Pickle Relish, Hot Dog – high in sodium
Soy Sauce – super high in sodium
Salsa – high in sodium

(Source: Calorie Count)

When you prepare food from scratch, it is very easy to enhance the taste without having to rely on condiments. Give it a try! Check out our simple recipes, or share your own favorite in comments below.