Party snacks with chip dip and salsa (left), making pesto in Liguria, Italy (upper right) and dried Basque peppers/Piment d’Espelette hanging in a condiment shop in the town of Espelette, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France.
Quicklist: Types of Condiments
- Aioli
- Almond Butter
- Baba Ghanoush
- Banana Ketchup
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Barbecue Sauce
- Black Vinegar
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Caramel
- Chimichurri
- Chocolate Sauce
- Chutney
- Cocktail Sauce
- Dijon Mustard
- Fish Sauce
- French Dressing
- Gochujang
- Guacamole
- Harissa
- Hoisin
- Honey
- Honey Mustard
- Horseradish
- Hot Sauce
- Hummus
- Italian Dressing
- Jelly
- Ketchup
- Malt Vinegar
- Maple Syrup
- Marinara Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Olive Oil
- Oyster Sauce
- Paprika
- Peanut Butter
- Peanut Sauce
- Pesto
- Ranch Dressing
- Relish
- Salsa
- Salt
- Soy Sauce
- Sriracha
- Steak Sauce
- Sugar
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Tartar Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Tomato Paste
- Wasabi
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Yellow Mustard
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Za’atar
- Blue Cheese
- Butter
- Cream Cheese
- Feta cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Whipped Cream
- – Herbs
- – Spices
Honey tops the list of favorite condiments.
Basic Condiments List by Popularity:
- Honey
- Sugar
- Salt
- Mayonnaise
- Olive Oil
- Salsa
- Ketchup
- Maple Syrup
- Relish
- Hot Sauce
The list is based on the search volume for each condiment, per month. Interestingly, honey is more than 10 times as popular as ketchup, maple syrup, relish, hot sauce, mustard or soy sauce. Go figure.
I bet you’re a bit surprised. I know I was. I thought for sure ketchup would reign supreme. It’s the condiment that first comes to my mind.
While the above are the 10 most popular, they are by no means the only condiments. Far from it — there are many more of them as you will see in our mega-list of food dressings.
Related: Types of Food | Types of Garnish | Types of Herbs | Vegetables and Herbs | Types of Fruit Trees | Types of Beans and Legumes | Types of Mushrooms | Types of Bread | Types of Milk | Types of Nuts | Types of Mayonnaise | Types of Paprika | Types of Spices
People are always looking for new ways to make food more flavorful with herbs, additional ingredients, and, of course, condiments. They are one of the simplest ways to improve the taste of food, without the need for special culinary skills.
From breakfast toast to sirloin steak, there are countless foods that can be altered or improved with the right condiment. The list of condiments is extremely diverse, and many countries have their own distinct types.
For example, while traveling through Southeast Asia, I found that sesame oil is one of the most common toppings for rice-based dishes. However, outside of a restaurant serving authentic food from the region, you would never see sesame oil used in this way in the United States.
Before we take a closer look at all the different types of condiments, there are a few questions we should answer first.
What are Condiments?
Condiments refer to various types of spices or sauces that are typically added to food after its preparation. While every condiment adds something a little different to a meal, all condiments are used with the intent of enhancing the flavor of a cooked meal.
If you’re eating in a restaurant, condiments are generally served in glass or plastic bottles. In some cases, there may be dishes placed on the table with different kinds of condiments.
For those who prefer to prepare their own meals at home, you can easily find dozens of condiments at the grocery store or local supermarket.
Now that you understand a little bit more about condiments and their function, let’s look at a complete list of available condiments.
Complete Condiments List
Generally, condiments are broken down into the following categories: herbs and spices, sauces, dressings and syrups and dairy.
While herbs are sometimes put into a separate category, they are often used along with spices as post-preparation condiments. In any case, let’s look at everything in alphabetical order:
Aioli
Aioli means “garlic and oil” in Catalan and is a cold sauce that is popular in the northwest regions of the Mediterranean. This delicious sauce is a rich, flavorful emulsion of garlic and olive oil and is often added to sandwiches or potatoes.
Many people confuse aioli with mayonnaise, but it contains completely different ingredients. Real aioli is a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and salt, although some recipes also call for the addition of egg yolks to thicken up the mixture.
Almond Butter
Almond butter is a paste made from almonds. It can be flavored with salt or even nutmeg, but it must remain neutral in taste and consistency.
Almond butter takes the mildly sweet flavor of almonds and turns it into a rich and creamy spread.
Baba Ghanoush
Baba ghanoush is similar to hummus except that this condiment uses eggplant instead of chickpeas. It features a combination of textures and flavors including roasted or grilled eggplant, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, salt and garlic.
Often considered a spread or dip rather than a sauce, baba ghanoush is delicious when eaten with fresh veggies like carrots or cucumbers, or with pita bread or pita chips.
The smoky flavor of this popular Mediterranean dip is really what sets it apart from hummus and other flavorful dips.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a kind of flavored vinegar. It is made from the distillation of wine and the fermentation of grape juice. It originated in Italy, where it is called “Aceto Balsamico.” The best quality of balsamic vinegar comes from Modena in Italy, but can be found all over the world.
Banana Ketchup
You probably never think of bananas and ketchup together, but this popular Philippine condiment is found all over the nation. It’s made from a mixture of bananas and sugar along with vinegar and a variety of spices.
Banana ketchup is naturally a brownish-yellow color, but mass-produced versions are usually dyed red, so it looks like traditional American tomato-based ketchup.
The combination of sweet fruit and savory spices creates a unique flavor. While its origins are unknown, some say that the idea came about after U.S. soldiers brought tomato ketchup to the nation during World War II.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a distinctly American condiment that combines many different ingredients and spices, including tomato paste, vinegar and mayonnaise.
Black Vinegar
Unlike traditional white vinegar, black vinegar blends malt and licorice together for a bold, earthy flavor. This aromatic vinegar is popular in Chinese culture, where people spoon it onto noodles, meat, mushrooms and onions.
It’s also popular on pork ribs and commonly added to chicken dishes in Japan. Black vinegar is made by creating alcohol made of yeast combined with fruit or grain, which converts into ethanol.
In other words, it’s a grain-based vinegar that is extremely common in Asian countries but can also be found in the west. This unique condiment is aged in clay pots instead of barrels for an earthy and rich taste.
Caesar Salad Dressing
Caesar salad dressing is recognized for its rich, lemony flavor. It’s really easy-to-make with fresh lemon juice, eggs, Dijon mustard, anchovies, garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, chives, salt and peppers.
Caramel
Caramel is a sugar that is made by heating a mixture of sugar and water until the sugar melts and caramelizes. The resulting confection can be turned into liquid or cooled into hard candy.
Whether you want to add additional sweetness to a cake or add a topping to your banana split, caramel is a great condiment to have on hand.
Chimichurri
Originally from Argentina, chimichurri is an olive oil-based condiment ideal for grilled meat.
The base for several Argentinean dishes, chimichurri is a sauce made out of fresh chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, red vinegar, red pepper flakes and olive oil.
Chocolate Sauce
Most frequently used with ice cream, chocolate sauce is a great way to bring the taste of chocolate to just about any dessert.
The origins of chocolate are found in the “New World” cacao bean. Mesoamerican cultures (including the Olmec, Maya and Aztec) have long had their own versions of a chocolate condiment which the made in the form of cacao paste.
The Maya revered chocolate, and combined with chiles, honey or water, consumed it with almost every meal. “The Aztec took chocolate admiration to another level,” says History magazine. “They believed cacao (xocolatl) was given to them by their gods.
Like the Maya, they enjoyed the caffeinated kick of hot or cold, spiced chocolate beverages in ornate containers, but they also used cacao beans as currency to buy food and other goods.
In Aztec culture, cacao beans were considered more valuable than gold.” Their leader Montezuma II drank copious amounts of xocolatl daily for energy, and as an aphrodisiac.
By the early 16th century, chocolate was all the rage in the Spanish court, and in the rest of Europe not long after.
Chutney
Popular in Indian cuisine, chutney is a spread made from a variety of different ingredients. Many forms of chutney are made of tomato relish or ground peanuts, while others mix yogurt or curd with cucumber and spicy onion.
Mint chutney is also a popular dipping sauce commonly eaten with lamb. Chutney can be spicy, sweet, or savory and has a texture somewhere between a jam, a jelly, and a relish.
It all depends on what the chutney is made of, which can range from a tomato-based recipe to mint or a combination of peanuts and cilantro.
Cocktail Sauce
Cocktail sauce is used primarily with seafood. It’s made by combining honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce or horseradish to taste, garlic powder, salt and pepper into one bowl.
Dijon Mustard
Hailing from France, Dijon mustard is a spicy condiment that works in a wide variety of dishes.
It’s named after the town of Dijon in Burgundy, which was the center of mustard production in medieval France. Initially created for King Philip VI in the 14th century, Dijon mustard features brown mustard seeds, white wine, vinegar, salt and water.
In the 19th century vinegar replaced “verjus,” a highly acidic green juice (made from unripened and sour fruit) which had been used as a condiment ingredient for centuries.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a common ingredient in Thai cuisine, however, this salty condiment can be added to just about any rice or noodle-based dish.
It is a liquid that is made from the whole body of a fish, including all of its organs. Making fish sauce today often involves adding salt and/or other seasonings to give it added flavor. Fish sauce can be used to flavor a dish, but it should not overpower the dish.
French Dressing
French dressing is “American as apple pie” and has nothing to do with France or its cuisine. OK, maybe at heart it’s a classic vinaigrette, but the addition of ketchup negates any cultural connection.
Traditionally, French dressing meant oil and vinegar but at some point in history things began to change, says the Los Angeles Times’ Charles Perry.
“Mrs. Rorer’s New Cook Book (1902), mentioned that you could vary vinaigrette with Worcestershire sauce, onion juice or ketchup — only not all at once, Sara Tyson Rorer warned. (Oddly, she gave an ‘Italian’ dressing that was a vinaigrette with garlic and a teaspoon of ketchup in it.)”
Bottles of Milani 1890 French Dressing have been on grocery store shelves for at least a century.
French Dressing is generally a ketchup-based condiment, although other ingredients pop up (such as four drops of Tabasco Sauce in Food.com’s Creole French Dressing) depending on who’s in the kitchen.
Gochujang
Known for its bright red color and spicy flavor, gochujang is a red chili paste that originates from Korea. This thick condiment is quite spicy and can be extremely pungent with a powerful flavor.
Gochujang is a combination of red chili, rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and the occasional sweetener. Many people love to use this condiment as an addition to marinade recipes or with meat like pork or chicken wings.
It can also be added to stews or soups to brighten up the flavor and give it a spicy kick.
Guacamole
Mesoamerican cultures cultivated avocado plants by at least 5000 BCE. A staple of Mexican cuisine, guacamole uses the rich, natural flavors of avocado to complement a variety of dishes. The Aztec had an avocado spread they called “ahuacamulli” (avocado sauce).
Guacamole is made from mashed avocados, salt and lemon juice. It can be topped with lime slices, chopped onions and tomatoes.
Harissa
Harissa originates from the North African nation of Tunisia and is a hot chili pepper paste. This thick, spicy paste consists of roasted red peppers, spices, caraway seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, garlic paste, and olive oil along with other spices.
A milder version of harissa called rose harissa is made with rose petals. This bold, spicy condiment combines smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors together for a balanced combination that’s not too hot for the palate.
It’s often added to stews or served with bread as a dipping sauce.
Hoisin
Hoisin sauce also goes by the name Peking sauce and is a popular addition to Cantonese cuisine. This thick sauce is often used as a glaze for meat, as a dipping sauce, or added to stir-fry dishes.
The dark color and sweet, salty flavor make it a popular condiment all over the world. This thick, reddish-brown sauce is a combination of soybeans, flour, water, sugar, garlic, chili, and a variety of spices.
Some people confuse hoisin sauce with soy sauce, but it has a much thicker consistency and a less salty taste.
Honey
The sweet flavors of natural honey are perfect for hot drinks (like tea), cakes, and any food or beverage in need of an extra dose of sweetness.
Honey is a sweet, thick liquid produced by bees from the nectar secreted from flower buds.
Honey Mustard
Commonly used as a dipping sauce in the United States, honey mustard adds a tangy twist to traditional yellow mustard.
It’s a sweet-and-sour sauce that is flavored with honey, vinegar or lemon juice and mustard. It’s popular to use on sandwiches, hotdogs and salads. Honey mustard can be made by hand in just minutes.
Horseradish
Horseradish is a plant that goes by several different names. It can be called “Moringa pungens,” “Moringa oleifera,” or “Molokhia” in Egypt. The plant itself is highly spicy and when used as a sauce, or in a marinade, it’s delicious.
Hot Sauce
As the name implies, hot sauce is used to add spiciness to your meal. The exact ingredients vary between brands, though many use hot peppers as a base.
Hummus
Hummus is an extremely popular Middle Eastern dip that is also used as a spread. Sometimes spelled houmous, this savory dish features cooked and mashed chickpeas that are blended with lemon juice, tahini, and garlic.
Some recipes also include olive oil, parsley, and paprika. This widely loved condiment is also popular in the United States and is made by several major food manufacturers.
Hummus goes great with fresh-cut vegetables, pita bread, and crackers. It features a smooth and creamy consistency that’s delicious when paired with a range of foods.
Italian Dressing
Despite the name, Italian dressing is another made in America condiment, apparently created by Florence Hanna in 1941 at her family’s restaurant in Framingham, MA. Her creation, still marketed as Ken’s Salad Dressing, is an herbal, vinaigrette-style salad dressing.
Jelly
There are dozens of kinds of jelly, from grape to strawberry, and they are commonly added to toast, sandwiches, or baked desserts.
A sweet-yet-tart dessert made by cooking fruit, with sugar, over heat. Jelly can be served on its own or mixed with other ingredients, such as milk or ice cream.
Ketchup
Ketchup is a tomato-based condiment (with vinegar, seasonings and sugar) that is a staple of American cuisine. It is extremely popular to use with french fries, burgers and hot dogs. Some love it with mac and cheese.
Malt Vinegar
Malt vinegar is a staple of British and Canadian cuisine and is made from malted grains of barley. This tart, bold vinegar is often used to enhance the flavor of various food items, including the beloved English dish fish and chips.
Americans enjoy putting malt vinegar on French fries. This condiment has a nutty, caramel-like flavor, most likely because it’s made from the same type of grains that are used to make beer or malted ale.
You can often find malt vinegar at most grocery stores or on the table at British pubs and restaurants.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a concentrated sweetener made from the sap of the maple tree. Maple syrup comes in different grades that are color-coded for quality and price. The darker the grade of syrup, the more heat and flavor it has — and usually a higher price as well.
Marinara Sauce
The Spanish brought tomatoes back from the Americas and the first mention of them in Italian cooking is in late 17th century cookbooks. Marinara is a tomato-based sauce and can accompany many different recipes, including pasta dishes, pizza and stir-fry.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a tangy, egg-based condiment that is used in many dishes. It has French origins that date back to the 18th century but the simple ingredients (eggs and oil) suggest a much older vintage.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is extremely versatile, as it can be used as a salad dressing, a dipping sauce, or even a flavor enhancer for pasta. It comes from ripe olives. Olive oil can be used for cooking, baking, marinating and as a base for making salad dressings.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce has a very distinctive, salty flavor that is popular in Asian cuisine for flavoring seafood, meat and vegetables. It’s made by mixing oysters with water and thickening agents.
Paprika
Paprika is a bright, red-colored spice made from dried, ground red peppers with a mild flavor. It can be used as a garnish or to season dishes, as well as to add color to certain recipes. Paprika hails from the nations of Spain and Hungary and may be sweet, hot, or smoky in flavor.
The flavor of paprika depends on which type of pepper is used and how it’s made. Some paprika is made using peppers from California and South America, the latter the original source of all peppers. This red, powdered condiment is a staple in many households all over the world.
Peanut Butter
While almost everyone knows about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, peanut butter actually has a lot of different uses. It can be used as a condiment or dipping sauce for foods like celery, apples and crackers.
It is a compound made from ground peanuts and can be flavored with salt to taste.
Peanut Sauce
Peanut sauce is made from ground peanuts and vegetables, such as water chestnuts, carrots, cabbage or green onions. It has a salty flavor that is similar in taste to peanut butter.
Its unique flavors are generally associated with the cuisine of Southeast Asia.
Pesto
Like marinara and mayonnaise, pesto has ancient roots. Pesto alla Genovese first appears in an Italian cookbook in 1865. It is made with garlic, pine nuts, salt, and basil, using a mortar and pestle.
The latter word, like pesto, comes from the verb “pestare”, which means to pound or crush in Italian.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing was created from a recipe that called for buttermilk, sour cream and mayonnaise. As it became more popular, other ingredients started to be added such as green onions, garlic salt, chives and sometimes paprika or cayenne pepper for a little spice.
Relish
Relish is a condiment made from pickled vegetables and herbs. It can be used as an ingredient in certain salads, though it is more commonly used as a hot dog topping.
Salsa
Salsa originally comes from Mexican cuisine and is a tomato and onion-based sauce that can be added to tacos, tortilla chips and omelets.
Salt
Salt is an element on the periodic table. It’s pure white when freshly mined, yet it gains color over time. Salt is usually found in sea water or under the earth’s surface and crystallizes out of the water when exposed to air.
We must have salt. It’s rare not to eat sufficient salt given how much of it is added to so many processed foods. Even then, there’s nothing like a good bag of salty chips (my junk food weakness).
At one time, salt was one of the most sought-after commodities in the world. Nowadays, you can find salt everywhere, as it is one of the most common and popular flavor enhancers.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce, made from fermented soybeans, has its origins in the Western Han dynasty of ancient China. It is generally used in small quantities, due to its strong, salty taste.
Sriracha
Sriracha is a spicy condiment derived from chili peppers. It has a kick similar to Tabasco sauce, but with more spice from the red chilies. Sriracha is made from red jalapeño and Fresno peppers, as well as vinegar and garlic.
Steak Sauce
There are tons of different brands of steak sauce, but the majority use tomatoes, vinegar, and spices to enhance the flavor of a cut of beef.
Sugar
Sugar is a carbohydrate. It comes in two forms: white sugar and brown sugar. Sugar comes from sugar cane or sugar beet.
If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, sugar is the best way to go. Sugar crystals can be sprinkled on desserts or mixed with drinks to cut the bitterness and improve the overall taste.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Traditionally used in Asian cuisine, sweet and sour sauce is now popular around the world. Recipes and flavors vary by region, but as the name implies, this condiment produces both sweet and sour flavors.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Also called Thai or Asian sweet chili sauce, this condiment features a sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavor. The sauce is made by combining red chiles with garlic, ginger, sugar, and a splash of vinegar.
You can tweak the taste and make it spicier by adding more spices or red pepper flakes. Sweet chili sauce comes in a tube or bottle and has a thick consistency.
It can be used as a dipping sauce, added to stir fry, or used to make a variety of foods like barbecue, rice, tacos, or even hamburgers. It’s still popular in Malaysia, but this condiment is also a beloved addition to food in the United States and all over the world.
Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a condiment made using mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, horseradish or minced capers. It is almost exclusively used with seafood dishes.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki as a Japanese cooking method dates back centuries. “Teri” refers to the glazing components (such as soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar and honey) used in basting, while “Yaki” means to grill or broil.
Japanese immigrants, passing through Hawaii in the 1960s, brought the umami flavors to the States. In Japan, teriyaki was traditionally used in preparing seafood, but the American version included other kinds of meat, and substituted sugar for mirin (sweet rice wine).
Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing is a creamy condiment made with mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish and spices such as parsley, basil or dill. The exact ingredients vary by brand and region, but a Thousand Island dressing usually has a very creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Tomato Paste
Similar to ketchup, tomato paste is made by cooking tomatoes down to a concentrated form. Though ketchup is much more popular as a condiment, tomato paste is an old school substitute.
Wasabi
The Japanese condiment is made from the rhizome or underground stem of the wasabi plant, finely ground into a paste. Though it can be used with a variety of foods, wasabi is generally used alongside soy sauce as a condiment for sushi.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce originates in the days of the British Empire, via the trade routes of the East India Company. Lea & Perrins’ version, of the fermented condiment, is still made on Midland Road in Worcester.
Their product, remaining faithful to the 19th century recipe, still features anchovies, as well as malt vinegar, molasses, salt, sugar, tamarind extract, onions, garlic and various spices.
Yellow Mustard
Yellow mustard, made with yellow mustard seeds, vinegar, turmeric, water and spices, is popular as both a cooking ingredient and a condiment. In the United States, it’s commonly used on hot dogs, sausages (my fave) and hamburgers.
Za’atar
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern blend of spices that is popular in curry and other dishes. This aromatic herb blends savory, dried herbs like oregano together with thyme or marjoram, coriander, salt, and sesame seeds. Sumac is what really makes za’atar unique due to its tangy flavor.
This exotic condiment features an herbal, earthy, and toasty flavor with a hint of brightness. It can be added to boiled eggs, roast chicken, homemade hummus, and a wide range of other recipes to give it a flavorful boost.
— Dairy
Blue Cheese
Semi-soft, crumbly blue cheese gets its name from the blue-green veins of Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum molds which are introduced as part of the cheese making process. It’s very pungent and is often used as a topping for salads, steak or burgers.
Butter
Butter, a dairy product made by churning cream, is one of the most common flavor enhancers in the world. Whether you want to spread it on toast or melt it down into a lobster dipping sauce, butter is a popular condiment that has many uses.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a popular spread for many baked goods and breakfast foods in Europe and North America. Its flavor is very similar to that of mascarpone cheese.
A dairy product, made with milk and eggs, it’s used as a topping on desserts, as an ingredient in dips or even as spread for bagels.
Feta cheese
Feta cheese hails from Greece and is generally made using sheep or goat’s milk. Feta cheese can be turned into a salad dressing, or combined with vegetables as part of salsa. It’s a crumbly, salty cheese (one of my favorite cheeses).
Parmesan Cheese
When ground up or made into shavings, parmesan cheese is an extremely popular condiment for soups, pasta, and salads.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a popular Italian cheese that can be turned into a creamy, delicious dipping sauce for bread, crackers, and similar finger foods.
Sour Cream
As the name implies, sour cream is produced by fermenting traditional cream. The sour flavor works well with a wide variety of foods, from salad to nachos.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream can be made fresh or bought in a can. Either way, whipped cream is a perfect condiment to add extra sweetness to your ice cream, cake, or fruit salad.
It is made by agitating a mixture of heavy cream and sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light. It can be used to top pies, cakes or other desserts, but it’s also used in many desserts as an ingredient.
— Herbs
There are many herbs you can use in cooking to add flavor. Because it’s a topic unto its own, we have a mega list of herbs here.
— Spices
Spices of all kinds are used to “spice” up food which is essentially adding flavor. Like herbs, because it’s a long list, we have a dedicated post of the different types of spices here.
Best Types for Various Dishes
Burgers
Ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise are the core burger sauces. That said, nearly any sauce-like condiment can go in the mixture that dresses the buns.
Barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, peanut butter, pesto, sriracha, teriyaki and salsa are just a few examples. Sliced pickles are more common than relish, but it’s a fine substitute.
Breakfast Sandwich
A simple dressing of mayo or aioli is all a breakfast sandwich needs, although some gravy is perfect for a sausage biscuit. A mild cheese is a welcome addition for many people.
Cereal
Bring new life to basic cereals by keeping a few spices on-hand. A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice can drastically change the flavor. It’s hard to imagine a kid (or many adults) saying no to a drizzle of chocolate sauce, as an extra goodie.
Chicken
Chicken is a protein vessel for flavor, so there’s no true limit on what condiments to serve with it. Fried chicken commonly has ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or sweet and sour sauce on the side.
Deli Sandwich
A deli sandwich usually starts with a sauce to dress the bread and ingredients. Lightly dressing the sandwich with a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings keeps the sandwich fresh and bright.
Desserts
Whipped cream is an essential topping for many pies. Chocolate sauce has a deep connection to ice cream. A bit of jam and butter are welcome additions to dessert breads.
Eggs
Fried eggs don’t need much to be tasty. Serve it with salt and pepper to taste, and maybe add a few other spices like paprika and oregano.
Eggs cooked without a runny yolk don’t come with their own sauce. Ketchup is the go-to topping. A Tex-Mex mixture of salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and cheese is also tasty with fluffy eggs.
Fries
Fries should have salt and pepper to taste, plus your choice of absolutely any dipping sauce. Ketchup, ranch, and barbecue sauce will be commonly requested. “Fry sauce” is a mixture of ketchup, mayo, Worcestershire, and the creator’s choice of additional ingredients.
Fish Tacos
A good fish taco shouldn’t need much to shine. Add a dryer salsa like Pico de Gallo, a lime wedge, and some hot sauce on the side.
Fish and Chips
Chips are just fries, so fish and chips goes well with any dipping sauce that you’d enjoy on both fried potatoes and fried fish. Tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment, but a horseradish sauce or hot sauce might also be enjoyable.
Fried Rice
Fried rice comes with a healthy dose of flavor and might have a heaping pile of extra ingredients. Still, keep the soy sauce nearby, and additional sauces like Hoisin or sweet chili sauce can jazz it up when there’s only rice.
Grilled Cheese
A dipping sauce like marinara imparts flavor to grilled cheese without losing the wonderful balance of the sandwich’s toasted exterior and the melted cheese on the inside.
Hot Dogs
A classic hot dog comes with the option to add ketchup, mustard, relish, and a bit of cheese.
Since they’re normally smaller than a burger or sandwich, a variety of extra condiments can let adventurous eaters try out new combinations on each one without suffering too much from the failures.
Keto
Finding low carb alternatives for some condiments will be the real problem for any follower of a keto diet. For example, the carb content of ketchup and barbecue sauce is traditionally more than a third of the sauce.
Sugar content isn’t always obvious at a glance, so always check the nutrition label to be sure. Even sriracha has a lot of sugar in it, although it’s usually not used at the same volume.
Nachos
Most nachos team up with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole to create an endlessly changing variety of flavors and textures. Leaving the sour cream and guacamole separate makes it easier to get the right amount on each bite. A variety of salsa and hot sauces on the side can customize each bite.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork’s flavor is nearly as versatile as chicken. Barbecue and hot sauce are the traditional condiments, whether the pork is served on its own or with bread. Pulled pork nachos are also popular, showing the pig can pair up with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Ramen
Ramen is packed with ingredients in a tasty broth, but it can sometimes benefit from a little kick. Hoisin, soy sauce, and hot chili oil can all be added in small amounts for significant flavor differences that don’t change the consistency of the broth too much.
Steak
Steak has its own condiment named after it, but it truly goes well with many sauces. All steak truly needs is a touch of salt, pepper, and a short time on the grill.
Salmon Burgers
Salmon burgers require a condiment to dress the buns and add moisture to the salmon patty, like a mayo-based remoulade. Hot sauces add just a bit of liquid and heat, so put a couple bottles on the table.
Thai Food
Soy sauce, fish sauce and sweet chili sauce are must-have condiments. Consider adding Hoisin, gochujang, sriracha, and other potent sauces to the options.
Tuna Sandwich
Extra seasonings and potent sauces in the mixture, like dill and balsamic vinegar, amp up the flavor. Use a bit of the same sauce in the mixture to dress the bread.
Spicy sauces work well with tuna. Sweet ingredients and cheeses may be appreciated by some eaters, but it shouldn’t be a surprise when they bite into the sandwich.
Vegan
Vegans don’t eat anything made from animals or animal byproducts. Mayo, ranch dressing, sour cream, and cheese are off the menu. Fish sauce and oyster sauce obviously use those byproducts, but Worcestershire also has anchovies in it.
Vegan alternatives do exist, but it always pays to double-check the ingredient list.
Liquid Condiment List
Need a liquid condiment? Here’s your quick list.
- Vinegar like Balsamic, Black and Malt
- Fish Sauce
- Honey
- Italian Dressing
- Syrups like Maple Syrup and Agave
- Oils like Olive and Coconut
- Soy Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Sriracha
- Steak Sauce
Sweet Condiments
Looking for something sweet? Here’s your quick list of sweet condiments.
- Caramel
- Chutney
- Hoisin
- Honey
- Honey Mustard
- Jelly
- Maple Syrup
- Sugar
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Whipped Cream
Top Brands (Hot Sauces)
TRUFF
If you’re looking for a truly unique hot sauce, you have to try TRUFF. The brand makes its hot sauces from white and black truffles, which makes each one taste rich and unique. TRUFF was voted one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, and it’s easy to see why.
The white blend includes ripe chili peppers, white truffle, agave nectar, and a bit of coriander for a truly unique flavor. Choose from the original black truffle blend or try the brand’s newer white truffle blend.
The Hotter blend from TRUFF is for true hot sauce connoisseurs and is packed with spices and flavor. All sauces from TRUFF are vegan and gluten-free, and you can also purchase a variety pack to try them all.
There are also options for different hotness levels just in case you’re feeling a little bit brave.
Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce
This cult favorite hails from Portland, Oregon, and is beloved by true hot sauce fans all over the country. While it presents a mellow flavor on first taste, the hotness of the habanero peppers will sneak up on your taste buds after a few seconds.
The balance between heat and sweetness gives it a nice punch that’s great to put on eggs, pizza, tacos, and anything else you want to add a spicy kick to. Secret Aardvark blends tomatoes and carrots with habanero peppers, unlike many vinegar-based sauces on the market.
The balance between delicious flavor and a slight burn makes it a perfect addition to almost any dish, every day. It also makes an excellent marinade.
Kumana Avocado Jalapeno Hot Sauce
With its rich and creamy texture, this keto and paleo-approved jalapeno and avocado-based hot sauce brings spicy and refreshing flavors together.
Kumano Avocado Jalapeno Hot Sauce is made of ingredients like green bell peppers, cilantro, parsley, and jalapenos, while the addition of avocado is what gives the sauce its creaminess. You can add this sauce to everything from tacos to eggs and anything in between.
This Venezuelan-inspired sauce is a perfect addition to a range of meals. Not only is it delicious, but it’s low in net carbs, sugar-free, and contains about 75% fewer calories than mayonnaise.
You can also mix a bit of the sauce with ranch to create your own unique homemade dip or dressing with a tangy, slightly spicy flavor. Use it as a veggie dip for a healthy, flavorful snack.
Hot Sauce Del Primo
This popular Mexican hot sauce can be found all over the country in many grocery stores, and it’s a classic mixture of ingredients that continues to make it a favorite.
Blended with natural dried puya and serrano peppers, vinegar, salt, and spices, it’s a great way to spice up tacos, eggs, and anything else you can dream up.
The medium-spicy taste helps this sauce enhance the flavor of a variety of foods, but it’s especially beloved on dishes like nachos, nuts, and potatoes. You can purchase this classic hot sauce on Amazon in a 12-pack so you’ll always have plenty on hand.
Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha Hot Sauce
Offered by Bushwick Kitchen, Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha Hot Sauce is a complex sauce featuring fermented gochujang chili paste. The sauce comes in a convenient squeeze bottle that makes it easy to put on anything or to add to your favorite recipes.
Dip a grilled cheese sandwich in the sauce, add it to your morning scrambled eggs, blend it with some mac and cheese, or squeeze some into a bloody Mary.
This unique hot sauce is so popular that you can buy it as a three-pack. The brand also makes a super-spicy version for those who prefer a bit more of a kick.
Dave’s Gourmet Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce
If you’re really into super-hot sauces, then this offering from Dave’s Gourmet is right up your alley. It’s made from some of the hottest peppers on the planet, the infamous ghost pepper.
The sauce also features a pinch of roasted garlic, salt, and a splash of vinegar to brighten things up. Even if you absolutely love super-hot sauces, it’s best to add just a few drops of it to start with. According to Dave’s Gourmet, this one is insanely hot and should be eaten with care.
It’s blended with no additional preservatives, artificial colors, or artificial flavors, and the sauce is low sodium, low fat, and gluten-free. Try it on anything from pizza and soups to sandwiches, burgers, chicken wings, and more.
Top Brands (Sauces and Dressings)
Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and BBQ sauce are some of the most popular condiments in the United States. Here are some of the top brands for each of these products.
Heinz
Heinz is one brand of condiments that has been around for generations. The company was founded in 1869 and is now one of the most popular ketchup brands in the world. Heinz also produces other condiments such as mustard, BBQ sauce and mayonnaise.
French’s
French’s is another iconic brand of condiments that has been around since 1904. The company is best known for its mustard, but it also produces ketchup, BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce. French’s products are available in many grocery stores across the country.
Hunt’s
Hunt’s is a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods and was founded in 1888. The company produces tomato-based products such as ketchup, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Hunt’s products are available in most grocery stores.
Eagle Brand
Eagle Brand specializes in mayonnaise and salad dressings. The company was founded in 1837 and its products are available in many grocery stores across the country.
Hellman’s
Hellman’s was founded in 1905 and its products are available in most grocery stores. Hellman’s also produces other condiments such as ketchup, BBQ sauce and mustard.
Duke’s
Duke’s is a brand of mayonnaise that is owned by Pinnacle Foods. The company was founded in 1917 and its products are available in many grocery stores across the country. Duke’s also produces other condiments such as salad dressings and sandwich spreads.
Best Foods
Best Foods is a brand of mayonnaise that is owned by Unilever. The company was founded in 1905 and its products are available in most grocery stores. Best Foods also produces other condiments such as ketchup, BBQ sauce and mustard.
Miracle Whip
Miracle Whip is a brand of salad dressing and sandwich spread that is owned by Kraft Heinz. The company was founded in 1933 and its products are available in most grocery stores. Miracle Whip also produces other condiments such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise.
Kraft
Kraft is a brand of condiments owned by Kraft Heinz. The company was founded in 1903 and its products are available in most grocery stores. Kraft also produces other food products such as cheese, lunchmeat and peanut butter.
Tabasco
Tabasco is a brand of hot sauce that is owned by McIlhenny Company. The company was founded in 1869 and its products are available in many grocery stores. Tabasco also produces other condiments such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise.
Where to Buy Online
Burlap & Barrel
Source: Burlap & Barrel
Not to be confused with the retailer Crate & Barrel, Burlap & Barrel sources all of its spices from small farms and cooperatives, which cuts out the middleman.
This ensures that the farmers receive a higher revenue for their products, and consumers get the highest quality, best-sourced spices available. The founders of Burlap & Barrel believe that fostering relationships with their suppliers (aka their farmers) allows everyone to keep the focus on quality.
You can also build a set of spices by choosing six varieties and adding a gift note when you check out. If you’re into exceptional, aromatic spices and herbs, then this retailer is an excellent source.
Diaspora Co.
Source: Diaspora Co
Diaspora Co. works closely with approximately 150 farms throughout the regions of India and Sri Lanka. All spices sold are of a single origin, and the company pays the farmers a living wage for their work and harvest.
If you want freshly milled, specialty spices, then Diaspora Co. is a great place to get them online. The company claims to offer some of the highest-potency spices available.
You’ll find a wide variety of blends to choose from, and there are plenty of options to tickle your taste buds. Those who appreciate the variety of using both single and blended spices will enjoy shopping at this online condiment retailer.
Spicewalla
Source: Spicewalla
If you’re into cooking and baking, then you shouldn’t miss Spicewalla. This online spice and condiment seller sources directly from its suppliers in small quantities to ensure freshness. Once the spices arrive, Spicewalla roasts, grinds, and packs them to order.
The company was founded by a James Beard-nominated chef and continues to seek out new options that help to enhance the flavor of your favorite recipes. The company also has its own line of signature spice blends and rubs.
A diverse portfolio of spices is included, ranging from Herbs de Provence to pumpkin pie spice, steak rubs and more.
Gourmet Foodstore
Gourmet Foodstore is your one-stop shop for all things delicious. This online store carries everything you’ll ever need to make amazing dishes at home. Explore their selection of condiments including Greek tzatziki sauce, French whole grain mustard, exotic salts, paprika and much more.
The company also sells jarred olives, spreads and tapenades, and a range of jellies and compotes. This retailer literally has everything you need to make delicious recipes or host an unforgettable party.
While you’re there, don’t forget to browse through the selection of oil and vinegar, smoked salmon, and honey.
Heray Spice
Source: Heray
Heray is an Afghan-founded company named after the city of Herat, a key region during the Sasanian dynasty. The company’s main goal is to help Afghan farmers and families grow and harvest saffron instead of poppy, a vital plant involved in the illegal opium trade.
Today, Heray offers authentic, natural Afghan saffron to consumers and chefs all over the nation. They also build schools for children in Afghanistan by giving 10% of their proceeds to educational charities.
In addition to saffron, you’ll find a wide range of other offerings, including coriander, ground cinnamon, turmeric and more.
Beaucoup
Source: Beaucoup
Beaucoup was founded with one goal in mind: to capture the spirit and essence of the incredible flavors of New Orleans.
Today, Beaucoup sells a range of curated blends like St. Beaucoup, featuring tomato powder, sel gris, dried bell pepper, and other spices for an authentic Creole-inspired taste.
There are many other blends available, including options that mix Creole and Mexican flavors together. The site is extremely popular, and many blends sell out often.
The goal of the business is to help people make the kind of food that chefs make for themselves, and you’ll find a unique assortment of flavors to help you expand your culinary horizons.
Brit Superstore
If you love all things British, then a visit to Brit Superstore is a must. This retailer offers a myriad of condiments hailing from the UK like pickled walnuts, chutney of all kinds, and, of course — the iconic British favorites, brown sauce, and malt vinegar.
In addition to its selection of condiments, you’ll also find food like biscuits and cookies, Cadbury chocolate, and toiletries. The company has been in business for over 23 years and continues to be one of the best online UK grocery exporters today.
Check out their selection of coffee, tea, and other British beverages, too. Everything sold here comes directly from the UK market for a truly authentic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What condiments go with smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon, salt, pepper, dill, mustard, and cream cheese are popular pairings. Sweet sauces with honey or tangy sauces with horseradish commonly flavor-smoked salmon recipes.
Are salt and pepper condiments?
According to most definitions, salt and pepper are condiments.
What condiments are vegan?
Most condiments have vegan versions on the market nowadays. For example, even a cheese-based sauce like queso has vegan alternatives made out of plant-based ingredients.
Some condiments, such as ketchup, can be vegan as long as the manufacturer leaves out animal products. Mustard is typically vegan as well since it’s a plant-based condiment.
Some condiments, like honey mustard, are not vegan because they include animal-based products. While honey is vegetarian by some standards, it’s not vegan since it requires byproducts of bees to be made.
What condiments are paleo?
Many condiments are paleo. According to farmtofit.com, “As a term, condiment refers to any sauce, spice, or preparation that is added to a food or dish after it has been cooked.
Condiments are used to change or add flavor (and sometimes texture) to a dish. Under this definition, it’s easy to say yes, there are Paleo condiments.
Salt, honey, lemon juice, and diced hot peppers all fit into this category. In fact, any spice or dried herb that hasn’t been mixed with added sugar or preservatives would be considered a Paleo condiment.”
Can I bring condiments on a plane?
When you’re traveling, you might wonder if you can stow some of your favorite barbeque sauce or spicy mustard in your luggage as you leave an area. Generally speaking, condiments are perfectly acceptable items to include in your air travel.
As thedailymeal.com shares, “You can bring as many condiment packets as your heart desires through airport security and onto the airplane.
That includes ketchup, mustard, mayo, pickle relish, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, sweet and sour, horseradish, and any other condiment that comes in a squeezable packet.”
Can you compost condiments?
Composting certain condiments, such as dairy-based condiments or oily condiments, can attract unwanted pests into your compost bin. Because of this, you should not compost these items unless you’re simply disposing of food scraps for commercial composting.
If you’re composting for gardening or the environment, some condiments like ketchup are perfect to add to the compost pile because they are acidic. The acid in ketchup in particular can help suppress unpleasant odors because it’s so high.
Why are they called condiments?
As culinarylore.com explains, the word condiment stems from the Latin word “condire.” This Latin term was translated to “to put in, preserve, pickle, or flavor” and formed the root for the English word “condiment.”