
This is a broad category of savory or sweet spreads designed to be enjoyed on crackers, toast points, or bread. Common types include cheese-based dips like pimento cheese, meat pastes like rillettes, or vegetable-based options like hummus or tapenade. They are popular appetizers or snacks in many Western cuisines, particularly American and European.
The nutritional profile varies widely by type; cheese or meat-based spreads are typically high in fat and protein, while legume-based spreads like hummus are higher in carbs and fiber. A typical 2-tablespoon serving can range from 50 to 150 calories, providing key nutrients like calcium, iron, or plant-based protein depending on the base ingredient.
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Potassium | 40 mg |
| Vitamin A | 30 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 40 mg |
| Zinc | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 5 mg |
Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
These spreads are a classic example of culinary adaptability, transforming simple ingredients into a shareable, versatile snack format. Nutritionally, they can be a concentrated source of either beneficial nutrients (like fiber from beans) or indulgent ones (like saturated fat from cheese), making the choice of spread a key dietary decision.