Condiments are awesome! They add flavor to otherwise bland meals or add just a little bit extra to a great dish. For those of us that only entered the cooking game when they switched to paleo they are necessary to help our... little experiments. Listed below are my personal favorite condiments and sauces. They are paleo or at the very least in the same hemisphere.
#1: Mustard
The king of paleo condiments. This is available near everywhere (even in the dangerous territory of fast food places where none shall venture!) and usually has all paleo ingredients. You can put this on pretty much everything and it'll add some good flavor.
Warning:
Lookout for the dreaded "Natural Flavoring" and other additives. Some companies can ruin something as simple as mustard with some scary ingredients.Recommendation:
Just check your local grocery store and you'll find a good one! Safeway, Giant and most other grocery store brand mustards all taste great and have no additives.#2: Hot Sauce
Right under mustard is hot sauce. Loved even in the SAD world this too adds a bit of BAM to any dish.
Warning:
Many hot sauces add Xanthan Gum to add thickness to their sauce. Xanthan Gum is NOT paleo but it is tolerated by some. Don't stress yourself out if you eat some but I recommend avoiding it.Recommendation:
Tabasco Original Hot SauceTabasco Pepper Sauce is simple and has the needed spice with no fillers. Ingredients are Distilled Vinegar, Red Peppers and Salt. Enjoy with no guilt!
Amazon Link
#3: Coconut Aminos
A great alternative to soy sauce, Coconut Aminos is made from aged coconut sap. It goes great in everything you would usually use soy sauce for and in some stuff you wont!Warning:
None!Recommendation:
You can find Coconut Aminos in most health stores in the soy sauce alternative isle for around $7.99 per bottle. Check your local whole foods or you can purchase it on amazon (for quite a bit more):Amazon Link
RUNNER UP: Kethcup
Available everywhere it is a great condiment in a pinch. Yes, it contains a good bit of sugar or HFCS but remember not to let perfect be the enemy of good. A little bit of ketchup won't kill you and as long as you don't squirt it all over your food, enjoy it! A good option every once in a while or as part of the 20 of your 80/20.
Warning:
Some ketchups have nasty additives. As with any other processed product, check the label!Recommendation:
Annie's Naturals Organic KethcupAvailable in health stores this ketchup has no HFCS and a bit less sugar than regular ketchup.
Amazon Link
Apart from these condiments don't forget the old salt and pepper which can do wonders for any dish. If you are feeling adventurous, check out your local spice store. They will have a good selection of pre-mixed spices that make EASY and DELICIOUS seasonings for your meals.
