Dips are not just for Dipping

Fresh dips are not just for dipping they’re great for sandwiches too. So when entertaining, instead of serving up all your dips, why not keep a little back in the fridge for tomorrow’s packed lunch? You’ll pocket some savings as well.

With over 45 different flavoured fresh dips available you’ll never get bored. Try Guacamole and Pepper Bagel, Houmous and Grated Carrot Sandwich or Spicy Salsa Chicken Wrap. Dips can make a great alternative to butter, margarine and mayonnaise and can save you calories. Swap a tablespoon of butter for Sour Cream and Chive and you’ll save 63 calories, or 45 calories with Onion and Garlic dip.

Dips are also good for you. Leading dietician Lyndel Costain comments: "Some dips such as houmous and taramasalata are made with vegetable or olive oils, meaning they are high in beneficial unsaturated fats and light on unhealthy saturated fats."

Salsa which is made from tomatoes, onions and chillies is a great provider of antioxidants such as lycopene (which give tomatoes their red colour) and quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant. The avocado in guacamole provides antioxidants such as vitamin E and blood pressure-regulating potassium and the Greek yoghurt in Tzatziki contains bone friendly calcium.

Pots more benefits

• Thanks to its chickpea and sesame seed content houmous is a good source of protein, fibre and a range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (beneficial plant compounds).
• Houmous works effectively as a vegetarian alternative to meat. The different varieties of houmous such as roasted pepper or roasted vegetables come with the natural benefits of added vegetables.
• Tzatziki is made using Greek yoghurt and cucumber. Greek yogurt contains bone friendly calcium. There are only 20 calories in a level tablespoon of tzatziki making it another dip ideal for those watching the calories.

How Dips Can Save You Calories

Per 15g/1 level tablespoon
Traditional	Calories	Dips	Calories
mayonnaise	104	salsa	8
salad cream	52	tzatziki	20
sour cream	30	guacamole	28
butter	111	houmous	45
margarine	80	sour cream & chive dip	48
		onion & garlic dip	66
		cheese & chive dip	67
		taramasalata	72