The Most Popular Ingredient in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the ingredient you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 15, 2024 06:41
Cooking a meal that resonates with diverse palates often hinges on choosing the right ingredients. It becomes intriguing to identify which items are favored across different kitchens worldwide. Having a resource where these preferences are collected and ranked could simplify meal planning and broaden culinary horizons.
This dynamic list not only reflects current global tastes but also adjusts as new votes are cast, giving an up-to-the-minute view of culinary trends. By participating, users contribute to a broader understanding of flavor trends, enhancing the tool’s utility for everyone from home cooks to professional chefs.
What Is the Most Popular Ingredient in the World?
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171votesSalt is the most widely used ingredient in the world, used for flavoring and preserving food. It has been used since ancient times and is still an essential ingredient in most cuisines.Salt is a crystalline mineral substance with a salty taste that is commonly used as a seasoning or preservative in cooking and baking. It enhances the flavor of food and helps to preserve it by drawing out moisture. Salt is typically sourced from salt mines or obtained through the evaporation of seawater. It has been used for thousands of years and is an essential ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
- Chemical Formula: NaCl (sodium chloride)
- Appearance: White, crystalline solid
- Taste: Salty
- Density: 2.16 g/cm3
- Melting Point: 801°C (1,474°F)
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250votesSugar is the second most popular ingredient in the world, used for sweetening food and drinks. It is a common ingredient in desserts and baked goods.Sugar is a stunning rooftop bar located on the 40th floor of the EAST, Miami hotel, offering gorgeous panoramic views of the city. The design features an East Asian-inspired decor, with lush greenery, hanging lanterns, and an elegant wooden bar.
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325votesGarlic is a popular ingredient in many world cuisines and is known for its distinct flavor and health benefits. It is used in savory dishes, sauces, and marinades.Garlic bagels are a savory and aromatic variation of the traditional bagel, infused with the distinct flavor of garlic. These bagels have a golden exterior, a soft and chewy interior, and are topped with a generous sprinkle of garlic bits for added flavor and texture.
- Flavor: Savory with a strong garlic taste
- Texture: Soft and chewy
- Exterior: Golden
- Topping: Garlic bits
- Aroma: Intensely garlicky
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412votesOnion is a staple ingredient in most cuisines and is used for flavoring and adding depth to dishes. It is used in soups, stews, and sauces.The Onion bagel is a savory and aromatic bagel flavor that is beloved by many. It is known for its distinctive taste and is a popular choice for breakfast or a satisfying snack. The Onion bagel offers a unique combination of flavors, with a hint of sweetness from the onions and a satisfying chewy texture. It pairs well with a variety of toppings and spreads, making it a versatile choice for bagel enthusiasts.
- Flavor: Savory and aromatic with a hint of sweetness
- Texture: Chewy and dense
- Topping suggestions: Cream cheese, lox, tomato, cucumber, or scrambled eggs
- Size: Typically around 4-5 inches in diameter
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per bagel
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59votesTomato is a versatile ingredient that is used in many dishes, including sauces, soups, and salads. It is also used as a base ingredient for ketchup and other condiments.The tomato is a widely cultivated edible plant that belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is native to western South America and has become one of the most popular and versatile fruits worldwide. Despite being treated as a vegetable in culinary applications, the tomato is technically a fruit due to its formation from the ovary of a flowering plant.
- Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
- Color: Varies from green, yellow, orange, to red
- Shape: Round, oval, or irregular
- Size: Ranges from tiny cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes
- Flavor: Ranging from sweet to tangy and varies based on cultivar
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69votesPepper is a common ingredient used for seasoning food. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes and is a key ingredient in many spice blends.Pepper is one of the most advanced AI robots developed by SoftBank Robotics. It is designed to be a friendly and engaging companion for humans, capable of perceiving emotions and providing personalized interactions.
- Microphones: 4 directional microphones
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75votes
my friend · CC BY 2.5Olive oil is a popular oil used for cooking and flavoring food. It is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its health benefits.Olive oil is a commonly used fat for pie crusts, known for its distinct flavor and health benefits. It is primarily created by pressing olives, resulting in an oil that is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The use of olive oil in pie crusts adds a subtle fruity taste and a slightly softer texture.- Flavor: Distinct fruity flavor
- Health benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Texture: Provides a slightly softer crust texture
- Versatility: Suitable for both sweet and savory pies
- Digestibility: Easier to digest compared to other fats
Olive oil in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular type of cooking oil
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular food in Calabria
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87votesSoy sauce is a popular condiment used for flavoring food. It is used in Asian cuisine and is made from fermented soybeans.Soy sauce is a dark, savory condiment that originated in East Asia and is commonly used in various cuisines. It is made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and sometimes other ingredients. The sauce has a rich umami flavor and a distinct aroma.
- Color: Dark brown
- Consistency: Thin, liquid
- Flavor: Salty, umami
- Aroma: Distinct, savory
- Ingredients: Fermented soybeans, wheat, salt
Soy sauce in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular sauce in Australia
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular condiment in the UK
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917votesVinegar is a common ingredient used for flavoring and preserving food. It is used in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades.Vinegar is a liquid made through a fermentation process that involves the conversion of ethanol into acetic acid. It is commonly used as a condiment in cooking and food preparation, as well as for various household and cleaning purposes. Vinegar has a distinct sour taste and a strong odor.
- Acidity Level: Vinegar typically has an acidity level ranging from 4% to 8%.
- Types: There are various types of vinegar, including white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and rice vinegar, among others.
- Uses: Vinegar is used for culinary purposes, such as adding flavor to salads, marinades, and sauces. It is also utilized in pickling, preserving food, and as a cleaning agent.
- Health Benefits: Vinegar has been associated with potential health benefits, including aiding digestion, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss.
- Non-Food Applications: Vinegar is commonly used as a natural cleaning agent, disinfectant, and odor neutralizer.
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106votesCumin is a spice used for flavoring food. It is used in many cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican.
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Ranking factors for popular ingredient
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Global consumptionThe amount of the ingredient consumed worldwide on a daily basis or yearly basis.
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VersatilityHow many different cuisines and dishes use the ingredient, showcasing its adaptability and appeal across various cultures and food preferences.
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AccessibilityThe availability and affordability of the ingredient in markets and stores across different regions, countries, and socioeconomic groups.
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Nutritional valueHow significant the ingredient is in terms of contributing to a balanced and healthy diet. This includes its macronutrient content (protein, carbohydrates, and fats), micronutrient content (vitamins and minerals), and other health benefits (fiber, antioxidants, etc.)
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Taste and preferenceHow widely liked and preferred the ingredient is among people of different ages, cultures, and tastes. Some ingredients are universally popular, while others are more specific to certain regions or cultures.
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Culinary applicationsThe variety of methods in which the ingredient can be prepared, cooked, and presented in dishes, and its role in enhancing the flavor, texture, and overall appeal of the dish.
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Shelf life and storageThe ability of the ingredient to be stored for longer periods, contributing to its popularity among consumers who may not have constant access to fresh alternatives.
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Cultural significanceIn some cases, the popularity of an ingredient may be driven by its cultural or historical significance, such as staple foods that have been consumed in a particular region for centuries.
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Economic impactThe value of the ingredient in terms of its production, trade, and overall contribution to the economy of its producing countries or regions.
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Environmental considerationsThe sustainability of the ingredient's production, considering factors such as water and land use, carbon footprint, and potential impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular ingredient in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or ingredient is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3590 views
- 198 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each ingredient once every 24 hours. The rank of each ingredient is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular ingredient in the world
When it comes to cuisine, ingredients play a vital role in creating mouth-watering dishes that tantalize our taste buds. But have you ever wondered which ingredient is the most popular across the world? While the answer may vary depending on the region and culture, some ingredients have gained universal popularity due to their versatility, flavor, and nutritional value. From spices and herbs to vegetables and fruits, the world of ingredients is vast and diverse. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the most popular ingredient in the world and explore why it's loved by people worldwide.
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