The Most Popular Condiment in the United States, Ranked

Choose the condiment you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:33
Get ready to embark on the ultimate flavor face-off as we present to you the most sizzling question of all: "What is the most popular condiment in the United States?" Here at StrawPoll, we're cooking up a storm by inviting you to cast your vote for the king of condiments. From the tangy zest of ketchup to the creamy delight of ranch dressing, we've got all your favorites lined up and ready to battle it out for the coveted top spot. But wait! Is your go-to topping missing from our list? Don't fret, just suggest your preferred palate pleaser and watch it rise through the ranks. So, join us now in this mouthwatering showdown and make your taste buds heard!

What Is the Most Popular Condiment in the United States?

  1. 1
    41
    votes
    Ketchup is the most popular condiment in the United States, with over 10 billion ounces sold every year. It is a tomato-based sauce that is typically used on burgers, fries, and hot dogs.
    Ketchup is a popular chip flavor in Canada that offers a tangy and savory taste reminiscent of tomato ketchup. The flavor is created by combining selected spices and natural tomato powder with the traditional chip seasoning. Ketchup chips have gained a loyal fan base and have become an integral part of Canadian snacking culture.
    • Flavor Type: Tangy and savory with tomato ketchup taste
    • Texture: Crunchy and crispy
    • Color: Vibrant red
    • Ingredients: Potatoes, vegetable oil, tomato powder, spices, and seasoning
    • Availability: Widely available in most grocery stores and snack shops in Canada
  2. 2
    47
    votes
    Mayonnaise is a creamy, egg-based sauce that is used as a condiment on sandwiches, burgers, and salads. It is the second most popular condiment in the US.
    Mayonnaise is a creamy and tangy condiment made from a mixture of oil, egg yolk, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. It has a smooth texture and a rich taste that complements a wide variety of dishes.
    • Ingredients: Oil, egg yolk, vinegar or lemon juice, seasonings
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy
    • Taste: Tangy and rich
    • Color: Off-white or pale yellow
    • Usage: As a dressing, sandwich spread, and ingredient in various recipes
  3. 3
    28
    votes
    Mustard is a tangy condiment made from ground mustard seeds. It is commonly used on hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads.
    Mustard is a cool-season crop grown primarily for its seeds, which are used to produce mustard oil and condiments. It belongs to the Brassica family and is characterized by its vibrant yellow flowers. The mustard plant grows as a tall, leafy herb, reaching a height of about 2 to 4 feet.
    • Scientific Name: Brassica juncea
    • Family: Brassicaceae
    • Origin: South Asia (possibly India)
    • Growth Duration: 90-110 days
    • Climate: Cool-season crop, prefers temperatures between 45°F and 75°F (7°C - 24°C)
  4. 4
    9
    votes
    Barbecue Sauce
    Thogru · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Barbecue Sauce

    Chick-fil-A
    Barbecue sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is typically used on grilled meats. It is a popular condiment in the southern United States.
    Chick-fil-A's Barbecue Sauce is a tangy and smoky dipping sauce that perfectly complements their delicious chicken and other menu items. It is a bold and flavorful sauce that adds a delicious kick to any meal. The sauce is known for its balanced combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
    • Flavor: Tangy and smoky
    • Balance: Sweet, tangy, and smoky
    • Versatility: Pairs well with chicken and other menu items
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy
    • Thickness: Moderate thickness
    Barbecue Sauce in other rankings
  5. 5
    19
    votes

    Ranch Dressing

    Steve Henson
    Ranch dressing is a creamy dressing made from buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs. It is a popular condiment for salads, vegetables, and as a dip for chips and pizza.
    Ranch Dressing is a popular creamy condiment in the United States, known for its tangy and savory flavor. It is typically made from a blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, onion, herbs (such as dill, parsley, and chives), and various seasonings. The dressing has a smooth and pourable consistency, making it versatile for use in salads, as a dip, or as a sauce for various dishes.
    • Origin: United States
    • Year of creation: 1954
    • Primary ingredients: Buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, onion, herbs
    • Commonly used as: Salad dressing, dip, sauce
    • Texture: Creamy and pourable
    Ranch Dressing in other rankings
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Hot sauce is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers. It is typically used to add heat to dishes such as eggs, tacos, and soups.
    Hot sauce is a spicy condiment commonly used in the United States. It is made from a variety of chili peppers, vinegar, and other spices. The combination of heat and flavor makes it a versatile addition to many dishes.
    • Heat Level: Hot sauce can range in heat level from mild to extremely spicy, often measured using the Scoville scale.
    • Variety: There are numerous varieties of hot sauce available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some popular types include jalapeno, cayenne, habanero, and sriracha.
    • Ingredients: Hot sauce typically consists of chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and spices. Additional ingredients may include garlic, lime juice, sugar, or fruit.
    • Usage: Hot sauce is commonly used as a condiment or flavor enhancer for various foods, such as tacos, burritos, eggs, burgers, and soups.
    • Culinary Applications: Aside from adding heat to dishes, hot sauce can also be used in marinades, dips, dressings, and even cocktails.
    Hot Sauce in other rankings
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Soy sauce is a salty, savory condiment made from fermented soybeans. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine as a seasoning and flavor enhancer for dishes such as stir-fries and sushi.
    Soy sauce is a dark, savory condiment that originated in China and is widely used in various Asian cuisines, including in the United States. It is made from fermented soybeans, roasted grains, water, and salt. The mixture undergoes a fermentation process that can vary in length, resulting in different flavors and aromas.
    • Color: Dark brown
    • Flavor: Salty and umami
    • Consistency: Thin and liquid
    • Ingredients: Fermented soybeans, roasted grains, water, salt
    • Varieties: Regular soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, tamari (wheat-free soy sauce)
    Soy Sauce in other rankings
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Salsa is a chunky, tomato-based condiment that is commonly used as a dip for tortilla chips. It can also be used as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
    Salsa is a popular topping used in tacos, known for adding a burst of flavor and spice to the dish. It is a sauce typically made from a combination of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and various herbs and spices. Salsa can range from mild to hot, depending on the types and amount of chili peppers used. It is often served cold or at room temperature.
    • Ingredients: Tomatoes, onions, peppers, herbs, and spices
    • Flavor: Spicy, tangy, and sometimes sweet
    • Consistency: Chunky or smooth, depending on preference
    • Varieties: Salsa roja (red), salsa verde (green), pico de gallo (fresh salsa)
    • Heat Level: Ranges from mild to extremely hot
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Relish is a sweet and tangy condiment made from chopped pickles, onions, and other vegetables. It is typically used on hot dogs and burgers.
    Relish is a type of condiment that is commonly used as a topping for hot dogs. It is made from chopped pickled cucumbers (pickle relish) or a combination of chopped vegetables and fruits, such as onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes (chow-chow relish). The ingredients are typically marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives relish its tangy and sweet flavor. Relish adds a refreshing and flavorful element to hot dogs, enhancing their taste and providing a unique texture.
    • Ingredients: Chopped pickled cucumbers or a combination of chopped vegetables and fruits (onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes)
    • Flavor: Tangy and sweet
    • Preparation: Ingredients marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices
    • Texture: Chunky or finely diced, depending on the variation
    • Usage: Commonly used as a topping for hot dogs
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    Tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment made from mayonnaise, pickles, and other ingredients. It is commonly used as a dip for fried seafood such as fish and shrimp.
    Tartar sauce is a popular condiment in the United States, typically used with seafood dishes. It is a creamy sauce with a thick texture and a tangy flavor. The sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, onions, lemon juice, and various herbs and spices.
    • Appearance: Creamy
    • Texture: Thick
    • Flavor: Tangy
    • Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, pickles, capers, onions, lemon juice
    • Commonly Used With: Seafood dishes
    Tartar Sauce in other rankings

Missing your favorite condiment?

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Ranking factors for popular condiment

  1. Sales
    Analyzing the sales figures of different condiments will allow you to see which ones are selling the most, indicating their popularity.
  2. Usage frequency
    Consider how often each condiment is used in meals, recipes, or food preparation.
  3. Household penetration
    Determine the percentage of households that regularly keep a particular condiment in stock. This can be an indication of how popular and widely used a condiment is among the population.
  4. Demographics
    Analyze the popularity of condiments among different age groups, genders, and regional locations. This will help in understanding the overall popularity and preferences of the public.
  5. Variety of applications
    Examine how versatile each condiment is in terms of its use in different types of dishes and cuisines.
  6. Flavor preferences
    Study the flavor profile of each condiment and how it caters to the common preferences of people, such as sweet, savory, spicy, etc.
  7. Health aspects
    Investigate any potential health benefits or concerns associated with each condiment, such as the use of natural ingredients, preservatives, sugar content, and sodium levels.
  8. Brand recognition
    Evaluate the brand strength and loyalty of major condiment manufacturers, which can have a significant impact on overall popularity.
  9. Market trends
    Analyze current food and dining trends that may influence the popularity of certain condiments, such as the rise in demand for plant-based or organic products.
  10. Social media presence
    Gauge the online presence and popularity of various condiments, such as mentions and hashtags on social media platforms, which can indicate their popularity among consumers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular condiment in the United States. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or condiment is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2610 views
  • 187 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each condiment once every 24 hours. The rank of each condiment is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular condiment in the united states

Condiments are a staple in American cuisine, adding flavor and depth to dishes ranging from burgers and hot dogs to sandwiches and salads. But which condiment reigns supreme as the most popular in the United States? According to various polls and surveys, ketchup takes the top spot as America's favorite condiment. This tomato-based sauce is beloved for its tangy and sweet flavor, and is a classic pairing for everything from French fries to scrambled eggs. Other popular condiments in the US include mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and barbecue sauce. Regardless of personal preference, condiments have become an integral part of American food culture, enhancing the taste and enjoyment of countless meals.

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