Condiment

Condiments are flavouring substances added to food to enhance its taste. They can be savoury or sweet and are often used to complement the main dish. Examples include sauces, relishes, and spices.

Manufacturers add condiments to improve the palatability of foods, providing a desired flavour profile. They are commonly found in products such as tomato ketchup, processed meats, soups, and snacks like potato chips and nachos, where they add a distinct taste.

Condiments themselves are not typically regulated as food additives unless they contain specific authorised additives. Many condiments, such as ketchup, contain sugar and salt, and the UK government advises limiting intake of free sugars to no more than 5% of total dietary energy and salt to no more than 6g per day for adults. Excessive consumption of high-sugar or high-salt condiments could contribute to exceeding these recommendations. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) provide guidance on healthy eating.