Food & Drink
Top 15 Best Condiments To Dress Up Your Food
To some, condiments are the most important part of enjoying eating. In this article, we’ll explore the 15 best condiments.
May 21, 2022
There’s something about dipping crispy french fries in ketchup that evokes blissful memories of childhood. It’s comforting to grab your favorite types of condiments that make you smile and add them to whatever you’re eating.
If you grew up on dumplings with chili dipping sauce like Lao Gan Ma or covering your hot dog in all the fixings, you know firsthand how condiments can enhance your dining experience. Plus, who doesn’t feel like a rebellious genius when they find the perfect combination of two condiments, creating the earth-shatteringly best sauces. Whoever combined a spoonful of chili paste with mayonnaise to create spicy mayo should get a medal in culinary arts.
One of the most beautiful aspects of our increasingly heterogeneous world is the availability of flavors worldwide. The traditional American diet has been enhanced by many influences, like from North African, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and more. Today’s food climate swirls with exciting new flavors and foods ranging from chili paste, umami, chutney, hummus, gochujang, and harissa.
Plus, today’s eater has become more creative, with fusion and other non-traditional foods on the rise. Have you ever had sushi pizza? What about a hot dog with horseradish on top? And don’t even get us started on the varieties of olive oil available these days.
Any gastronomical marinade connoisseur has an opinion on the best condiments, and we’re here for it. So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What are condiments that I might enjoy?” or “What are the most popular condiments these days?” We’re here to help you navigate the choices. So grab your fish sauce and tahini, and let’s explore the top 15 condiments to take your eating experience to the next level.
1. Heinz Original Tomato Ketchup 20oz
Does this entry need an introduction? Made exclusively from the sweetest, plump red tomatoes, Heinz’s signature consistency and taste have been enhancing meals around the globe for decades. In addition to all of the things we love about ketchup, this offering from Heinz is made with no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavoring. Plus, it’s gluten-free! Great ingredients for one of our favorite condiments. Also — We've all got that one weird thing we add ketchup to, right?
Great with: Grilled cheese, french fries, hot dogs
$4.49
2. Heinz 100% Natural Yellow Mustard 20oz
It seems fitting that the color yellow symbolizes feelings of warmth and happiness on a summer’s day because that’s exactly how we feel about Heinz 100% Natural Yellow Mustard. Since its inception, Heinz’s mustard recipe has been produced with only the best, 100% natural mustard seeds and a trade-secret blend of spices, yielding that delicious knock-out flavor we all know and love.
Great with: Roasts, hot dogs, sandwiches
$3.99
3. Kraft Classic Ranch Dressing 8oz
Dear ranch dressing, thank you for your zesty and tangy flavor. You have revolutionized salad-eating around the world with your patented mixture of herbs and spices. You’re the hero at backyard barbecues because you’re spread and dipped into, adding to meals without artificial colors and without high-fructose corn syrup.
Great with: Veggie plate, fried chicken nuggets
$3.29
4. Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise Easy Out Squeeze Bottle 20oz
Treat yourself with Real Mayonnaise. Proudly made with real, simple ingredients like cage-free eggs, oil, and vinegar, we know that to really Bring Out The Best, we need to do more than just taste great. That’s why our delicious Blue Ribbon Quality Mayonnaise is made with real eggs, oil, and vinegar sourced from trusted American farms.
Great with: Potato salad, deviled eggs, sandwiches
$6.99
5. Tapatio Salsa Picante Hot Sauce 5oz
Tapatio Salsa Picante hot sauce livens up your favorite dishes. Perfect on chicken, beef, or veggies, this sauce is crafted from red peppers, salt, spices, and garlic for a bold and flavorful taste with a kick of heat. Each serving of hot sauce in this bottle has 110 milligrams of sodium and no fat, calories, or carbohydrates.
Great with: Fried chicken
$1.39
6. Huy Fong Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce 17oz
You would recognize this red bottle with a green cap anywhere. And you would give anything to take a selfie with the rooster they use in their logo if, in fact, he’s still “caca doodle doo-ing” somewhere out there.
For the uninitiated, Sriracha is a smooth paste made from sun-ripened chili peppers, juices, and seeds and flavored with a touch of garlic. Pro tip: It’s a magical addition to everything, especially your morning eggs.
Great with: Poached eggs, ramen, pho
$4.49
7. Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce 12oz
Got a dish that needs a little amplification? Look no further than Frank’s Red Hot, the quintessential classy kick your meal needs. So pass around the chicken wings, toss some eggs into a pan, and whip up a sky-high sandwich because Frank’s hot sauce can handle them all. Being calorie- and fat-free, it’s an obvious bottle to reach for when you’re craving hot sauce with your meal.
Great with: Everything
$4.49
8. Asian Gourmet Sesame Oil 6.2oz
With its complex aroma and flavor profile, this oil puts the “gourmet” in “Asian Gourmet Sesame Oil.” This is no-nonsense pure toasted sesame seeds pressed into sesame oil. When you want to bring the drama to your stir fry, try prepping your ingredients with a layer of this fantastic Taiwanese export. You and your guests will thank us later.
Great with: Shrimp, chicken
$5.99
9. Bitchin' Sauce Pesto 8oz
Made famous for its smooth texture and tangy bite of basil, this Italian heavy-hitter in the condiment department definitely lives up to its name. For those looking to mix things up from their usual tomato sauce or seeking a keto-friendly dip, Bitchin’ Sauce Pesto should be on your radar. Made authentically with fresh ingredients, you might not be able to walk away from this bowl at your next dinner party. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Great with: Pasta, grilled cheese sandwiches
$5.49
10. Kikkoman Soy Sauce 5oz
America's #1 soy sauce. Don’t bother holding your applause. This Asian beauty is traditionally brewed from water, soybeans, wheat, and salt, and brings that rich yet subtle umami flavoring. We think its popularity comes from its versatility. Add it to your American, Mediterranean, or even Caribbean dishes and taste the difference Kikkoman Soy Sauce makes!
Also, you didn’t hear it from us, but: soy sauce on vanilla ice cream. *chef's kiss*
Great with: Fried rice, popcorn, sushi
$4.49
11. Sabra Classic Hummus 10oz
Nothing says subtle sophistication and worldliness like putting hummus with crackers out at a party. With a Mediterranean flair, a bowl of hummus will surely cause your guests to stop and stare. Made from fresh chickpeas, a sprinkle of garlic, and a splash of tahini, this smooth spread is as healthy as its ingredients suggest. Who knew that something this delicious could be this healthy? Sabra knows it. And soon, you will too.
Great with: Pita bread, carrot sticks
$5.49
12. Herdez Mild Salsa Verde 16oz
If you’re not already familiar with Herdez salsa, where have you been? This unique blend of fruity flavoring and classic ingredients evokes the strength and tradition of authentic Mexican cooking. The recipe relies on only the freshest ingredients, making this offering a surefire way to jumpstart your chicken, beef, and pork recipes. Also, tortilla chips and dip never hurt anyone.
Great with: Huevos rancheros, quesadillas
$4.39
13. Goya Pico De Gallo Salsa 17.6oz
Goya Pico de Gallo, otherwise known as salsa fresca, is a truly authentic Mexican dish and condiment. Made from fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, and jalapeños, it can be used as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and tamales. If that hasn’t sold you, Goya Pico de Gallo is also healthy because it’s cholesterol-free and low carb.
Great with: Tacos, tortilla chips
$3.99
14. Chica de Gallo Mild Guacamole 8oz
What kind of a “best condiments” list would this be if it didn’t include Chica de Gallo Mild Guacamole? This guac has all the “homemade” charm without the mess of dishes to clean up afterward. You can practically taste each hand-picked avocado and all of those mixed-in diced green chili peppers. Plus, this guac features just the right amount of lime juice, garlic, and sea salt to enhance its natural flavoring.
Great with: Tortilla chips, sourdough toast, burritos
$4.99
15. Mother In Law Kimchi House Napa Cabbage Kimchi 16oz
It’s always wonderful to have Kimchi around. Usually made from fermented cabbage, Korean radishes, and a delicious assortment of spices and root vegetables, Kimchi is ready to knock your socks off. This is a high-quality condiment that doubles as a probiotic. Plus, it’s high in protein. You should definitely give this Korean specialty by Mother in Law’s Kimchi House a try.
Great with: Dumplings, fried rice, stews
$10.99
FAQs
What are the top 10 condiments in America?
First and foremost, what classifies something as a condiment? We hate to get all “first-time-giving-a-wedding-toast” on you. But, according to Merriam-Webster (so cliché), a condiment can be classified as anything that changes a food’s flavor significantly. If it adds a sharp taste or smell that wasn’t in the recipe before, it’s a condiment.
Without a comprehensive review of the total sales of each condiment sold in America, it’s difficult to definitively rank the top 10 condiments in the country. However, we were able to narrow things down based on an exploration of several sources. The 10 most sold condiments list in America looks like this (ranked in no particular order):
Salsa
Ranch
Barbecue Sauce (BBQ)
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Sriracha
Honey Mustard
Soy Sauce
Miracle Whip
Hot Sauce
What is the most sold condiment?
While it might have come as no surprise to discover that the most sold condiment is ketchup, the honest answer may, in fact, surprise you. Mayonnaise currently holds the number one spot on the coveted condiment throne. Not to mention, the difference between the two is not even close.
These days mayo rakes in $2 billion per year, compared to the measly $800 million that ketchup earns, based on reporting from the folks at Euromonitor. We don’t even want to tell you how mustard’s doing. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. Okay, fine — we’ll let you know. It’s $450 million and on the decline. Don’t even get us started on dijon mustard.
What is the most popular sauce?
Pour yourselves a tall glass of milk and be careful around your eyes (if you know, you know) because the most popular sauce around the world is: hot sauce. So whether you’re a Sriracha, Frank’s, Tabasco, or good old-fashioned chili pepper kind of person, we’re stocked up to help your food-topping game stay on-trend.