Denver's Favorite Salad Dressing, Inflamed: Hidden Sugar Shock

By Franklin Everett Shaw

May 20, 2026

Are you sabotaging your healthy Denver salad with a sugar bomb? It’s time to talk about “Inflamed,” a popular salad dressing gracing tables across the Mile High City. While marketed as a flavorful addition to your greens, a closer look reveals a hidden truth: it’s packed with sneaky sugars that can derail your health goals.

Let’s dissect this dressing and empower you to make informed choices, finding delicious and truly healthy alternatives right here in Denver.

“Inflamed” boasts a tangy, seemingly healthy profile. But flip that bottle around and prepare for a sugar shock. High fructose corn syrup is often the first culprit, followed by other sweeteners like dextrose or even concentrated fruit juice, all contributing to a significant sugar load per serving.

Why is this a problem? Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a host of health issues, from weight gain and insulin resistance to inflammation and increased risk of chronic diseases. Denverites, known for their active lifestyles and health consciousness, deserve better than a salad dressing that undermines their efforts.

Let’s break down the ingredient list of a hypothetical “Inflamed” dressing (since the actual ingredients will vary slightly depending on the brand and flavor): Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Egg Yolks, Contains Less Than 2% of: Mustard Flour, Dried Garlic, Dried Onion, Potassium Sorbate and Calcium Disodium EDTA (to protect flavor), Natural Flavor, Artificial Color, Sugar.

See the problem? Sugar appears multiple times, in different forms. High fructose corn syrup is the most obvious, but even “natural flavor” can sometimes mask added sugars.

The challenge lies in recognizing these hidden sugars. Food manufacturers often use deceptive labeling practices, employing terms like “evaporated cane juice” or “agave nectar” to disguise the true sugar content.

So, what can you do? The first step is to become a label detective. Scrutinize the ingredient list, paying close attention to the order of ingredients. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the higher up sugar appears, the more significant its presence.

Next, look for alternative dressings with minimal added sugar. Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market in Denver offer a wide selection of healthier options. Look for dressings made with olive oil, avocado oil, or other healthy fats, and sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit, or even better, no sweeteners at all.

Consider these specific examples readily available in Denver:

• Primal Kitchen Dressings: Found at Whole Foods, these dressings are made with avocado oil and contain no added sugar. Their Ranch and Caesar dressings are particularly popular.
• Chosen Foods Dressings: Available at Sprouts, Chosen Foods offers dressings made with avocado oil and simple, clean ingredients. Their Green Goddess dressing is a refreshing and flavorful option.
• Bragg Organic Vinaigrette: A classic choice, Bragg’s vinaigrette is made with apple cider vinegar and olive oil, and contains no added sugar. It’s widely available in most Denver grocery stores.

But why settle for store-bought when you can create your own delicious and sugar-free dressings at home? Making your own dressing is surprisingly easy and allows you to control every ingredient.

Here’s a simple recipe for a sugar-free vinaigrette using ingredients commonly found in Denver kitchens:

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This vinaigrette is not only sugar-free but also packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Another common pitfall is relying on “light” or “fat-free” dressings. These dressings often compensate for the lack of fat by adding even more sugar and artificial ingredients. Don’t be fooled by the marketing hype; always read the ingredient list.

Many developers face the challenge of creating dressings that are both healthy and flavorful. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and experiment with different flavor combinations. Don’t be afraid to add spices, herbs, and citrus juices to enhance the taste.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own sugar-free salad dressing:

1. Choose your base: Olive oil, avocado oil, or tahini are all excellent choices.
2. Add an acid: Lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar will add tanginess and balance the flavors.
3. Incorporate flavor: Garlic, herbs, spices, and mustard can all be used to create a unique flavor profile.
4. Sweeten (optional): If you desire a touch of sweetness, use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sparingly.
5. Emulsify: Whisk all ingredients together vigorously or use an immersion blender to create a smooth and creamy dressing.

Remember, the goal is to create a dressing that enhances the flavor of your salad without compromising your health. By becoming a label detective, exploring healthier alternatives, and experimenting with DIY recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious salads without the sugar shock. Denver’s health-conscious community deserves better, and with a little knowledge and effort, you can ditch the “Inflamed” and embrace truly healthy salad dressings.