Our Syn Guide To Salad Cream (Plus Other Condiments & Alternatives!)

Salad cream is a staple for many of us, but since normal salad cream is not technically a free food on the slimming world diet, you will need to calculate the salad cream syns according to the amount that you use on your food. 

As it stands, salad cream has 2 1/2 syns per tbsp if you go for full-fat salad cream (this is based on Heinz), but if you do change then per cent fat salad cream then it will be fewer syn per tbsp.

We have made a small guide below that will cover the syn values in all salad creams, as well as a guide to syn free condiments and other types. 

Does Salad Cream Have a Lot Of Syns? 

As we mentioned above, salad cream does have a fair amount of syns per tbsp if you are a salad cream queen and opt for the full-fat version, you will need to be careful about how much you use.

We have listed the other syn values for the lesser fat cream types down below.

• Normal salad cream - 2 1/2 syns per tablespoon.
• 30% less fat salad cream - 2 syns per tablespoon.
• 70% less fat salad cream - 1 syns per tablespoon.

Other Popular Condiments Syns 

As well as salad cream having syns, other popular condiments such as ketchup or mayonnaise also have syn values which need to be tracked. 

• Ketchup - 1 syn per tablespoon. 
• Mayonnaise - 2 syns per tablespoon for full fat and 1.5 syns for reduced-fat mayo.
• BBQ sauce - 1 syn per tablespoon.
• Sweet chilli sauce - 1 1/2 syns per tablespoon.
• Sainsbury's reduced fat Caesar - 0.5 syns. 
• Ranch/thousand island low fat - 0.5 syns per tbsp. 
• Honey & mustard dressing - 3.5 syns per tbsp. 
• Blue cheese dressing reduced-fat - 1/2 syn per tbsp.

Syn Free Condiments 

Although most popular condiments do have syns on the slimming world diet, there is a huge range of condiments that are SYN FREE, so you can use these alternatives if you are trying to cut back on using all your syns on the sauce. 

We have listed the syn free condiment choices below. 

• Marmite. 
• Sugar-free mint sauce. 
• Oyster sauce. 
• Mustard powder. 
• Tomato puree. 
• Stock cubes. 
• Fat-free dressings such as french dressings or a standard vinegar. 
• Worcestershire Sauce. 
• Agar-Agar. 
• Tabasco.

Alternatives To Salad Cream

If you are a true lover of salad cream and love it on your sandwiches as well as your salad, finding a substitute is not easy.

So we've listed out some alternative options to try below. 

• Low fat cottage cheese. 
• Natural yoghurt with spices. 
• 70% less fat salad cream. 
• Mustard & vinegar. 

Final Words

Overall, it's best to try and avoid full-fat salad cream on the slimming world diet as it uses up a fair amount of your syns of just one tablespoon, instead, opt for less per cent fat salad creams, use syn free condiments from our list above or make your salad dressing which is lower in syns!

Frequently Asked Questions

How are syn values calculated?

Syn values are calculated using a formula based on calories, saturated fat and sugar content per serving. They’re not the same as calories — a product can be low in calories but higher in syns if it’s high in sugar or fat. Always check the official Slimming World app for the most accurate and up-to-date syn values.

Do syn values change?

Yes. When manufacturers reformulate their products, the syn value can go up or down. This is why we recommend double-checking with the Slimming World app or your consultant, especially if a product’s packaging has changed recently.

How many syns should I have per day?

Most Slimming World members work with 5 to 15 syns per day. Your consultant will advise on the right amount for you. The key is to use your syns on the things you enjoy most — whether that’s a chocolate bar, a glass of wine, or a packet of crisps.