Is Ranch Dressing Keto Friendly?

Yes, With Some Caveats, Ranch dressing can be keto-friendly, but you need to choose the right brand and watch your portions. Many commercial ranch dressings contain added sugars and other non-keto ingredients. However, there are some good keto-friendly ranch dressing options available.

What Makes Ranch Dressing Potentially Keto-Friendly

• High fat content
• Ranch is based on mayonnaise, which is high in healthy fats
• Low carb
• Most ranch dressings have only 1-3g net carbs per 2 tbsp. serving
• Tangy, creamy flavor
• Ranch makes a great dressing for salads or dip for veggies and keto snacks

Hidden Carbs to Watch Out For

• Added sugars
• Sweeteners like sugar or high fructose corn syrup
• Starch thickeners
• Flour, cornstarch, or other starches used as thickening agents
• Low fat or sodium versions
• Often have more carbs or sugar to make up for less fat
• Buttermilk
• Contains lactose sugar, so some brands use non-fat milk solids instead

Tips for Choosing a Keto-Friendly Ranch

• Read nutrition labels
• Check carb count and ingredients list for added sugars or starches
• Stick to full-fat versions
• These typically have fewer filler ingredients
• Look for natural, simple ingredients
• Mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, spices, vinegar
• Try making your own
• Homemade lets you control exactly what goes in!

Keto-Friendly Store-Bought Ranch Options

Here are some good store-bought keto ranch dressing brands:

• Ken’s Steak House Ranch: 3g net carbs, no added sugar
• Newman’s Own Ranch: 1g net carb, no added sugar
• Primal Kitchen Ranch: 1g net carb, dairy-free
• Cibo Vita Ranch: Less than 1g net carb, gluten and grain-free
• Hidden Valley Ranch: 2g net carbs, no added sugar

Making Your Own Keto Ranch Dressing

Whipping up homemade ranch dressing is simple. Here is an easy keto ranch recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix or blend until smooth and thoroughly combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition per 2 tbsp:

• Calories: 204
• Fat: 22g
• Protein: 1g
• Net carbs: 1g

So while ranch dressing can fit into a keto diet, be mindful of added sugars and unhealthy ingredients in store-bought brands. Read labels closely or make your own. When enjoyed in moderation, ranch makes a flavorful, keto-friendly dressing!