What are the ingredients in Wishbone Caesar dressing?

January 2, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the product label, the primary ingredients in Wishbone Creamy Caesar Dressing are water, soybean oil, and distilled vinegar. This popular store-bought dressing combines these basics with flavor-enhancers and preservatives to achieve its distinct profile, a stark contrast to a traditional, emulsified homemade version.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Wishbone Caesar dressing's components, including its main ingredients, preservatives, and allergens. This article details the full list of ingredients found on the product label, covering elements like anchovies, Parmesan cheese, and soybean oil for a complete overview.

Key Points

Primary Ingredients: Wishbone Caesar dressing is primarily made of water, soybean oil, distilled vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Anchovy Presence: Anchovies are a key ingredient, providing a classic umami flavor, along with Parmesan cheese and spices.
Stabilizers and Preservatives: Ingredients like modified corn starch, xanthan gum, and various preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate) are added for texture and shelf-life.
Allergen Information: The dressing contains major allergens, including fish (anchovies), milk, soy, and wheat (from soy sauce).
Flavor Enhancers: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and Worcestershire sauce concentrate are used to intensify the savory flavor profile.
No Raw Egg: Unlike some traditional Caesar recipes, Wishbone uses a stabilized, cooked process that does not involve raw eggs.

A detailed breakdown of what are the ingredients in Wishbone Caesar dressing?

The creamy and tangy flavor of Wishbone Caesar dressing is achieved through a complex mixture of ingredients, extending beyond the simple oil and vinegar base. The following sections break down the official ingredient list, highlighting the main components and the various flavor agents and preservatives used to ensure its consistent taste and long shelf-life.

Core ingredients: The base of the dressing

Wishbone Creamy Caesar dressing's base consists primarily of water, soybean oil, and distilled vinegar. Additional core ingredients include sugar and salt for flavor balance and Parmesan cheese for a savory taste.

Flavoring agents and thickening stabilizers

Flavoring ingredients include anchovies, Worcestershire sauce concentrate, dried garlic, dried onion, natural milk flavor, spices, black pepper, and soy sauce. Modified corn starch and xanthan gum are used as thickening agents and stabilizers.

Preservatives and quality enhancers

To maintain quality and consistency, the dressing contains monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer, phosphoric acid as an acidity regulator, and preservatives such as potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and calcium disodium EDTA. Polysorbate 60 is included as an emulsifier.

Wishbone Caesar dressing vs. homemade Caesar dressing


Feature	Wishbone Caesar Dressing (Store-Bought)	Homemade Caesar Dressing
Base	Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar	Raw Egg Yolk, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice
Key Flavor	Anchovies, Parmesan Cheese, Spices	Fresh Anchovy Fillets, Garlic, Dijon Mustard
Texture	Creamy and thick, stabilized with gums and starches	Creamy emulsion created by whisking egg and oil
Shelf-Life	Long shelf-life due to preservatives	Short shelf-life (typically 1-2 weeks), no preservatives
Additives	Contains MSG, emulsifiers (Polysorbate 60), and various preservatives	Typically contains only whole food ingredients
Allergens	Contains milk, fish (anchovies), soy, and wheat	Can be tailored to avoid specific allergens by using alternatives

A note on gluten and allergens

Wishbone Creamy Caesar dressing contains soy sauce, which usually contains wheat, meaning it is not gluten-free. Individuals with allergies should note the presence of fish (anchovies), soy, and milk in the ingredients.

Conclusion: Understanding your dressing

The ingredients in Wishbone Caesar dressing combine a base of soybean oil, water, and distilled vinegar with flavorings like anchovies and Parmesan, along with various stabilizers and preservatives, to create its characteristic taste, texture, and long shelf-life. While it offers convenience, reading the ingredient list is essential for understanding what you're consuming and identifying potential allergens.

Conagra Brands is the parent company that produces Wishbone dressings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the ingredient list for Wishbone Creamy Caesar dressing specifically includes anchovies, which contribute to its characteristic savory, umami flavor.

No, the standard Wishbone Caesar dressing is not gluten-free because it contains soy sauce, which is typically made with wheat. Always check the label, as formulations can vary.

Soybean oil is the main oil used to create the creamy, emulsified texture of Wishbone Caesar dressing.

Yes, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is listed as an ingredient in Wishbone Caesar dressing. It is used as a flavor enhancer.

No, people with milk allergies should not consume this dressing. The product label clearly indicates it contains milk, primarily from the Parmesan cheese and natural milk flavor.

No, Wishbone Caesar dressing does not contain raw eggs. It uses ingredients like soybean oil and distilled vinegar to form its creamy base, making it a safe alternative to homemade versions that traditionally use raw egg yolks.

Wishbone offers convenience and a long shelf-life due to preservatives and stabilizers, while a homemade Caesar dressing provides a fresher taste and full control over ingredients. The texture and ingredient profile also differ, with homemade often relying on a raw egg emulsion.