Randy Chandler
Blue cheese or ranch? The great debate rages on about which dressing is better, but which one has more fat? Both dressings are popular toppings for salads and snacks like chicken wings, vegetables, and fries. While they share a base of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise, they have distinct differences in taste and texture. Blue cheese has a pungent and tangy flavor due to the addition of vinegar and blue cheese crumbles, while ranch has a sweeter taste with a creamier consistency thanks to the use of herbs like dill, parsley, and chives. Nutritionally, two tablespoons of ranch dressing contain approximately 140 calories and 14 grams of fat, while the same amount of blue cheese dressing has 120 calories and 12 grams of fat. So, when it comes to fat content, blue cheese just edges out ranch.
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What You'll Learn
Ranch has more fat per serving
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are both popular choices for salads and dips. They share a base of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise, and both have creamy textures. However, there are some distinct differences between the two dressings, including their nutritional content.
Ranch dressing typically has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, while blue cheese has a more pungent taste. In terms of nutrition, ranch dressing generally contains more fat per serving. A serving size of two tablespoons of ranch dressing contains approximately 140 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates. On the other hand, blue cheese dressing has slightly fewer calories and fat, with around 120 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 3 grams of carbohydrates in a two-tablespoon serving.
The higher fat content in ranch dressing is often due to the use of soybean oil, which contributes to the omega-6 fat content. While blue cheese also contains fat, it is mostly in the form of saturated fat, which can aid in nutrient absorption. It's worth noting that the specific nutritional values may vary depending on the brand and ingredients used.
When considering the healthiest option, it's important to look beyond just the fat content. Some low-fat dressings may contain added sugars or fillers to enhance flavor, which could be less beneficial for overall health. It's generally recommended to opt for full-fat dressings that use healthier oils, such as olive oil or canola oil, as these can provide heart-healthy benefits without excessive fat intake. Additionally, including some fat in your diet can aid in the absorption of nutrients from vegetables, so it's all about finding a balance.
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Blue cheese contains saturated fat
Blue cheese is a popular salad dressing and is often used for dipping snacks like wings, vegetables, and fries. It is made with a base of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise, and contains crumbled blue cheese and vinegar. Blue cheese has a pungent and tangy flavor, and its consistency is thicker than that of ranch dressing.
The distinct flavor of blue cheese comes from the blue cheese crumbles, which also contribute to its thicker consistency. While blue cheese has its own nutritional profile with several positives, it is important to consider its caloric content. Blue cheese derives most of its calories from fat macronutrients. A serving of two tablespoons of blue cheese dressing contains approximately 120 calories and 12 grams of fat.
When comparing blue cheese to ranch dressing, it is worth noting that ranch typically has a slightly lower fat content. Ranch dressing is made with a similar base of buttermilk and sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise. It also includes herbs like dill, parsley, and chives, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. A serving of two tablespoons of ranch dressing contains about 140 calories and 14 grams of fat.
While blue cheese contains saturated fat, it is a source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and riboflavin. Calcium is essential for building bone density, and blue cheese also contains a compound called spermidine, which can help combat the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Ranch uses soybean oil
While blue cheese and ranch dressings have a lot in common, there are some differences in how they are made that set them apart in both taste and texture. For example, ranch dressing typically contains herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives, while blue cheese dressing contains crumbled blue cheese and vinegar. Both dressings have a base of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise, which gives them similar flavors.
Ranch dressing, invented in the 1950s by Steve Henson, a plumber in Alaska, is known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor, as well as its creamy consistency. It is a combination of buttermilk and sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise. Herbs and spices are added to create that iconic ranch flavor. In its dry form, it is a seasoning of all those spices minus the cream for longevity and preservation. Many of the major ranch brands, including the original Hidden Valley, Kraft, Newman's Own, and Annies, use soybean oil, which can increase the omega-6 fat content in people's diets.
Some people prefer to avoid soybean oil for various reasons and opt for alternatives such as avocado oil or making their own ranch dressing with a different base such as Greek yogurt or avocado. There are also vegan ranch dressing recipes that are oil-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, with bases made from cashews or sunflower seeds.
Newman's Own, for example, offers an avocado oil ranch dressing that is dairy-free and contains ingredients such as avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, cage-free egg yolks, distilled vinegar, sea salt, lemon juice concentrate, and various dried herbs and spices.
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Blue cheese has more protein
While blue cheese and ranch dressings are both popular toppings for salads, snacks, and wings, they have distinct differences in taste, texture, and nutritional value.
Ranch dressing is known for its sweet and tangy flavor, creamy consistency, and white color. It is typically made with a base of buttermilk and sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise. Herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives are added to create its iconic flavor profile.
On the other hand, blue cheese dressing has a pungent and tangy taste with a thicker consistency due to the addition of blue cheese crumbles. It also has a distinct tanginess from the vinegar used in its preparation.
When it comes to nutritional content, blue cheese has slightly more protein depending on the amount of cheese added. While ranch dressing typically contains less than 1 gram of protein per 2 tablespoons, blue cheese can provide a small boost of protein to your meal.
In terms of fat content, blue cheese contains mostly saturated fat, which can aid in nutrient absorption when consumed in appropriate amounts. However, it's important to note that blue cheese gets most of its calories from fat macronutrients. Ranch dressing, on the other hand, usually contains around 14 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving, primarily from soybean oil, which contributes to the polyunsaturated fat content.
Both dressings have their own nutritional profiles and can be used interchangeably in many dishes. However, if you're specifically looking to increase your protein intake, blue cheese dressing may be a better option, assuming you're using a recipe with a higher cheese content.
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Ranch has a sweet taste
While blue cheese and ranch dressings have a lot in common, there are some differences in how they are made that set them apart in both taste and texture. Ranch dressing, invented in the 1950s by Alaskan plumber Steve Henson, has a distinctive tangy and slightly sweet flavour, as well as a creamy consistency. This sweetness comes from the addition of sugar, with some brands containing up to two grams of sugar per serving.
Ranch is typically made with a combination of buttermilk and sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise. Spices and herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives are added to create that iconic ranch flavour. The use of these herbs gives ranch its recognisable taste, which is often described as tangy and slightly sweet.
In contrast, blue cheese dressing has a more pungent and tangy flavour, with a thicker consistency due to the addition of blue cheese crumbles. The tanginess of blue cheese dressing comes from the use of vinegar, which is not typically found in ranch. While blue cheese can have slightly more protein, ranch is generally lower in calories and fat.
The nutritional value of ranch can vary depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used. For example, some brands of ranch use soybean oil, which can increase the omega-6 fat content. It's important to check the nutritional information on the bottle to decide which store-bought ranch is best for your needs.
When it comes to taste preferences, people have different opinions. Some people prefer the sweetness of ranch, while others may find it too cloying, especially when paired with certain foods. Ultimately, the choice between ranch and blue cheese dressing comes down to personal preference, and both dressings have their own unique flavours and characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
A serving of two tablespoons of ranch has 14 grams of fat, while the same amount of blue cheese has 12 grams. Therefore, ranch has more fat.
Blue cheese has more protein and fewer carbohydrates. Both dressings have a base of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise, but ranch typically contains herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives, while blue cheese contains vinegar and has a pungent flavor.
Substituting mayonnaise with low-fat yogurt or non-dairy alternatives can help reduce the fat content of both dressings.
