They're a quick way to entertain and easy to munch on with drinks, but do you know how many kilojoules are in your favourite dips?
Dips are an easy way to entertain. But have you ever wondered how many kilojoules are in the various types available? The kilojoule value for the dips shown here are given per 100 grams, which is the equivalent of just over three tablespoons. Don't forget dips are usually served with crackers or corn chips, which will also increase your total energy consumption.
6 water crackers 255kj
2 lavosh crispabread 324kj
50g natural corn chips 1030kj
Made from eggplant, oil, garlic and chilli, babaghanoush is a great choice for people trying to manage their weight. Served with vegetable crudites, it makes a great snack or accompaniment to pre-dinner drinks.
This traditional Greek dip made from yoghurt, cucumber, mint and garlic is another great choice for those who need to reduce kilojoule consumption. It's also a good accompaniment to roast lamb or tandoori chicken.
Always check the label when you're buying dips as the ingredients vary across brands - this dip is made with over 60 per cent beetroot. It's relatively low in kilojoules, especially if you limit your intake to less than two tablespoons.
Made from tomato puree, tomato paste, oil, spices and seasoning, it's hard to eat more than one tablespoon of salsa, or 30g, in one hit, which is the equivalent of 185kJ per tablespoon. This makes it a good choice.
Made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon and garlic, hummus is full of healthy ingredients. The kilojoule content varies across brands and is dependent on the amount of oil and tahini used so limit your intake to two tablespoons.
Anything which includes cheese usually has a high kilojoule content. Three tablespoons of this with crackers is the equivalent in energy of a small meal. This dip is also full of food additives, which are best avoided.
Although high in kilojoules, avocado is a healthy food, but this dip contains only eight per cent avocado and is bulked up with cream cheese, vegetable gums and additives. At 400kJ per tablespoon, it's best avoided.
Another traditional Greek dip, this time made with fish roe, oil, breadcrumbs and flavouring. It's high in kilojoules and this dip also uses colours to give it its bright pink colour and thickeners for an even consistency.
The ingredients are healthy, but because olives are high in kilojoules, avoid this dip if you are trying to manage your weight. It's also very high in salt. Limit your consumption to one tablespoon or avoid altogether.
Chilli is good for you and so are cashews, but blend them together with oil, parmesan and preservatives and it's a dip which stacks on 636kJ with every tablespoon. The advice here is to avoid it altogether.