Is Classic Ranch Dressing & Dip Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

The base fat in this product comes from soybean oil, which is common in dressings and generally compatible with a ketogenic approach. However, the presence of sugar and modified food starch is the core reason this dressing fails a keto test. Sugar directly contributes net carbohydrates that can accumulate quickly when you measure serving size, while modified food starch is a carbohydrate-derived ingredient that converts to glucose in the body, raising blood glucose and insulin and hindering ketosis. These two components are the primary red flags for keto dieters.

The product is emulsified with egg yolk and uses buttermilk as a dairy ingredient, which adds fats and dairy-derived texture but also lactose—an additional, albeit small, carbohydrate source. While dairy can be part of many keto diets, the lactose and added sugars compound the carb count. Dried garlic and dried onion contribute flavor and minimal carbs, but they do add small amounts of carbohydrates that accumulate with larger servings. Distilled vinegar and phosphoric acid help with acidity but contribute negligible carbs.

Xanthan gum and modified starch are thickening agents; the starch portion is the carbohydrate contributor to the net carb total. The inclusion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer rather than a carbohydrate, but some people prefer to limit additives. The preservatives potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and calcium disodium EDTA extend shelf life; they do not add carbs but are often noted in keto discussions for those seeking a very clean label.

In short, the two explicit carb sources—sugar and modified food starch—are the decisive factors that disqualify this dressing as keto-friendly for most people.

Nutritional Value

From a keto perspective, the key issues are the presence of sugar and modified food starch, both of which contribute net carbohydrates that can break ketosis if the dressing is used in typical portions. The soybean oil provides fat, which is compatible with a ketogenic diet, and buttermilk plus egg yolk add dairy fats and some protein. The exact calories per serving depend on portion size, but ranch dressings of this type are generally calorie-dense due to the oil and dairy content, while the added sugar and starch push the net carb count higher than what is typical for keto. If you’re aiming for strict keto (commonly 20–50 g net carbs per day), even small amounts could push you over your limit depending on your plan for the day.

Overall, this product is not well-suited for strict keto due to its sugar and starch content, though it may be enjoyed by those who count carbs more flexibly or who use very small portions within a larger carb budget.