Watch CBS News

Phantom Gourmet: Italian Dressing Taste Test

BOSTON (CBS) -- Phantom Gourmet recently purchased four bottles of zesty Italian dressing from a local supermarket. The full flavored competitors were Ken's Steak House, Kraft, Newman's Own, and Wish Bone.

The bottle of Newman's Own Family Recipe really bottomed out on all fronts. Despite a very vigorous shaking, the ingredients just stayed separate when it came time to pour. The wide-mouth meant this dressing rushed out like an oily waterfall. As for taste, Phantom detected lots of cheese and oil and not much else. Adding insult to injury, Newman's Own also had the most fat and calories of any competitor by far.

A step up from there is Kraft Zesty Italian. With bright, almost pinkish hue, this thick dressing really sticks to your salad. The bottle says this stuff is 'bright and rustic' but Phantom says it's garlicky and oily with very little sweetness, balance, or complexity. Overall, this brand tasted like it was made in a lab, not a kitchen.

The runner-up is Ken's Steak House Zesty Italian. This local legend is thick, dark and full of savory flavor, loaded with specks of garlic, pepper and spices. This dressing makes eating even the most boring salad an enjoyable experience. On the downside, there was a touch too much vinegar, leaving a bit of a burn on the back of Phantom's throat.

At the top of the food chain is Wish Bone Robusto Italian. According to the label, this is 'America's number one Italian dressing brand,' and Phantom can taste why. Garlicky, lemony and incredibly zesty, with just enough sweetness, this vibrant dressing is a full flavored feast.

Best of all, it's regularly priced lower than the other competitors. That's why Wish Bone Robusto Italian Dressing is at the top of the food chain.

For more food and fun, watch Phantom Gourmet on myTV38 Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 and 11 a.m.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.