Vinegar, balsamic

Among the 60 foods in the spices and herbs category, balsamic vinegar sits near the bottom of the density scale at 12 of 100 (Low band, rank 57 of 60), well under the category's median score of 93. Its calories run almost entirely through carbohydrate, and it has no nutrients that register as standouts.

It's used sparingly, drizzled over salads, roasted vegetables, or a caprese platter by the tablespoon, about 16 g per serving. The number to note is sugar: at 15 g per 100 g, it's higher than many people expect from something in the vinegar aisle. Cooks wanting a same-category pick with a higher density score could look at mustard, prepared yellow, though it brings a very different flavor to the table.