How many calories are in a tablespoon of light salad cream?

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

While a typical serving of regular mayonnaise contains significantly more calories, the count for light salad cream is much lower. Answering how many calories are in a tablespoon of light salad cream depends on the brand, but it is a reduced-fat alternative for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

A tablespoon of light salad cream typically contains between 15 and 30 calories, with the exact amount varying by brand and fat reduction level. This condiment is a lower-calorie option compared to regular salad cream and mayonnaise, though it may contain more sugar or salt.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A tablespoon of light salad cream typically contains 15-30 calories, depending on the specific brand and fat reduction level.
Brand Variation: Calorie counts differ between brands; for example, Tesco's 50% less fat version is about 15 kcal/tbsp, while Batts' light version is around 30 kcal/tbsp.
Ingredient Substitution: To lower the fat, manufacturers often replace oil with water, thickeners, and sweeteners, potentially increasing the sugar or sodium content.
Comparison to Regular Dressings: Light salad cream has roughly half the calories of regular salad cream and significantly fewer than regular mayonnaise.
Smart Consumption: Practice portion control by measuring servings, and check nutrition labels for added sugars and sodium to make the healthiest choice.
Homemade Alternative: Making your own dressing with Greek yogurt or cashews allows for full control over ingredients and helps avoid additives.

The Calorie Breakdown of Light Salad Cream

For those watching their calorie intake, understanding the nutritional profile of condiments like light salad cream is essential. The calorie count for a single tablespoon (approximately 15g) of light salad cream is not uniform and varies between brands, primarily due to the different levels of fat reduction. The general range falls between 15 and 30 calories per tablespoon.

Tesco 50% Less Fat Salad Cream: Contains about 15 calories per 15ml tablespoon.
Heinz Extra Light Salad Cream (70% Less Fat): Provides roughly 18 calories per 15g tablespoon.
Batts Light Salad Cream: Contains approximately 30 calories per 15g tablespoon.

These variations demonstrate the importance of checking the nutritional label of the specific product you purchase. The term "light" can indicate a wide range of fat and calorie reductions, impacting the final energy content per serving.

Why Light Salad Cream Has Fewer Calories

Manufacturers create a "light" version of salad cream by altering the ingredient ratios. The key change is reducing the oil content, which is the primary source of fat and calories in standard salad cream. To compensate for the loss of texture and flavor, other ingredients are often increased, including:

Water: Adds volume and helps maintain a creamy consistency.
Modified Cornflour and Stabilisers: These ingredients, like guar gum and xanthan gum, are used to thicken the product and prevent separation.
Sweeteners: Many light versions use non-caloric sweeteners, such as acesulfame K, in addition to or instead of some of the sugar to enhance flavor.

This re-engineering is what allows the calorie count to drop, making it a more diet-friendly option for many consumers. However, this also means that light dressings can sometimes have a higher sugar or sodium content than their regular counterparts, as these are used to make up for the reduced fat flavor.

Nutritional Comparison: Light Salad Cream vs. Other Condiments

To put the calorie count of light salad cream into context, it is helpful to compare its nutritional profile with regular salad cream and mayonnaise. The differences are significant and can impact overall dietary goals.


Nutrient	Light Salad Cream (per tbsp)	Regular Salad Cream (per tbsp)	Regular Mayonnaise (per tbsp)
Energy	~15-30 kcal	~47 kcal	~90-100 kcal
Fat (per 100g)	7.1g - 16.3g	23.7g	Significantly higher
Sugar (per 100g)	Can be high (e.g., 10.4g for Heinz Light)	Lower than light versions (e.g., 17g/100g mentioned as high overall)	Generally minimal

This comparison table clearly shows that opting for a light salad cream can cut your calorie and fat intake by more than half compared to regular mayonnaise. However, it also highlights the potential for higher sugar content, which is a common trade-off in many "light" products.

How to Use Light Salad Cream Mindfully

Using light salad cream can be part of a healthy diet, especially when mindful of portion sizes. Here are some tips for incorporating it wisely:

Measure your serving: Use a measuring spoon to stick to a single tablespoon. This prevents a calorie creep that can happen when pouring freely from the bottle.
Dilute for a lighter dressing: For a tangy, even lower-calorie option, mix a tablespoon of light salad cream with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar.
Mix with yogurt: Blend light salad cream with Greek yogurt to create a thicker, protein-rich dressing or dip.
Use as a flavour enhancer: A small dollop can add flavour to sandwiches, tuna, or potato salad without adding excessive calories.

Homemade and Healthier Alternatives

If you want to avoid the added sugars and preservatives sometimes found in commercial light salad creams, making your own dressing at home is a great option. This gives you complete control over the ingredients. For example, a simple dressing can be made with:

Greek Yogurt Base: Combine Greek yogurt with a touch of vinegar, mustard, and seasonings for a creamy, tangy flavour.
Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, vinegar, and spices for a rich, dairy-free alternative.
Avocado Dressing: Blend ripe avocado with lime juice, cilantro, and a little water for a nutritious and creamy dressing.

These homemade versions often contain whole-food ingredients and are free from added sugars and artificial ingredients, providing more nutritional value.

How to Choose the Best Light Salad Cream

When buying a light salad cream, not all products are created equal. To make the healthiest choice, consider these factors:

Read the ingredient list: Look for a product with the shortest, most recognizable list of ingredients. This often indicates less processing and fewer artificial additives.
Check sugar content: Compare the amount of sugar per serving between different brands. Since sugar is often added to replace fat, some products can be surprisingly high in sugar.
Mind the sodium: The sodium content can also be high in light products. A high intake of sodium can affect blood pressure, so be mindful of your daily salt consumption.
Consider fat percentage: Some products offer a greater fat reduction (e.g., 70% less fat) than others (e.g., 30% less fat). The calorie count will directly correlate with this reduction.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

In summary, a tablespoon of light salad cream contains significantly fewer calories than its regular counterpart and mayonnaise, typically ranging from 15 to 30 calories. This makes it a useful tool for managing calorie intake. However, it's not a silver bullet for healthy eating. The calorie reduction is achieved by lowering the fat content and often increasing the sugar and sodium levels. For the health-conscious consumer, the best approach is to moderate your portion size and always check the nutritional label for the specific product. For maximum control over your ingredients and to avoid added sweeteners and preservatives, consider making your own light salad dressing at home. By making informed choices, you can enjoy the tangy flavour of salad cream without compromising your dietary goals.

Diabetes UK on Salad Dressings

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, light salad cream is a healthier choice in terms of calorie and fat content, with roughly half the calories and a third of the fat of its regular counterpart. However, it is important to check the label for added sugar and sodium, which can be higher in light versions.

Yes, to compensate for the reduction in fat and maintain a palatable flavour, manufacturers often add more sugar or sweeteners to light salad cream. It's crucial to compare nutrition labels, as sugar content can be high.

Both are lower in calories and fat than their regular versions, but salad cream generally contains less fat and fewer calories than mayonnaise. However, the flavour profile and ingredients differ, so individual preference and recipe needs should guide your choice.

Typical ingredients in light salad cream include water, spirit vinegar, a reduced amount of rapeseed oil, sugar, pasteurised egg yolks, modified cornflour, mustard, and seasonings. Sweeteners like acesulfame K may also be used to replace some sugar.

Yes, you can easily make a healthier, homemade alternative. For example, a creamy, low-fat dressing can be made using a base of Greek yogurt or blended cashews with vinegar, mustard, and seasonings.

For most brands, light salad cream should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 6 to 8 weeks. Always check the specific storage instructions on the product packaging for best results.

Most commercial light salad creams, such as the Heinz versions mentioned in search results, are suitable for vegetarians as they contain pasteurised egg yolks but no other meat products. For vegans, a specifically labelled vegan alternative or a homemade version using a plant-based base like cashew cream would be necessary.