The Most Popular Taco Toppings, Ranked

Choose the taco toppings you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 16, 2024 06:17
At gatherings and family meals alike, the topic of the best taco toppings often sparks lively debates. Everyone seems to have their own cherished pick, sworn by for its ability to perfectly complement a taco's array of flavors. This common dispute proves not only the popularity of tacos but also the importance of pinpointing which toppings truly capture hearts. Here, everyone gets a say in establishing which taco toppings deserve the top spot. By casting your vote, you contribute to a clear, crowd-sourced ranking that reflects the preferences of a wide audience instead of just a few. Your participation ensures that the results remain fresh and relevant, mirroring the latest trends and tastes in taco enjoyment.

What Are the Most Popular Taco Toppings?

  1. 1
    38
    votes
    Cheese is one of the most popular toppings for tacos, especially in the United States. It adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the tacos.
    Cheese is a popular taco topping that adds a creamy and rich flavor to any taco. It is typically made from cow's milk and can vary in texture and taste depending on the type of cheese used. Common varieties used as toppings include cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, and cotija.
    • Nutritional Content: Good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins
    • Versatility: Can be used in numerous taco varieties, from traditional to fusion
    • Popularity: Cheese is one of the most popular taco toppings worldwide
    • Varieties: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, cotija
    • Texture: Can range from smooth and creamy (cheddar, Monterey Jack) to crumbly (queso fresco, cotija)
  2. 2
    42
    votes
    Lettuce is a popular topping for tacos because it adds a refreshing crunch and a fresh flavor. It also adds some nutritional value to the dish.
    Lettuce is a common taco topping that provides a refreshing and crunchy texture. It is made from the leaves of the lettuce plant and is typically added to tacos for added freshness and flavor.
    • Varieties: Iceberg, romaine, leaf lettuce, etc.
    • Type: Leafy vegetable
    • Texture: Crunchy
    • Taste: Mild and refreshing
    • Nutritional Value: Low in calories, high in vitamins A and K
  3. 3
    14
    votes
    Tomatoes are a popular topping for tacos because they add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. They also add some nutritional value to the dish.
    Tomatoes are a popular topping for tacos that add a refreshing and tangy flavor. They are sliced or diced ripe fruits that belong to the nightshade family. Tomatoes are commonly used in Mexican cuisine to bring a bright and juicy element to tacos. They provide a burst of acidity and moisture that complements the other ingredients.
    • Varieties: There are many varieties of tomatoes, such as beefsteak, Roma, cherry, and vine-ripened.
    • Color: Tomatoes can be red, orange, yellow, green, or even purplish.
    • Texture: They have a soft and fleshy texture.
    • Flavor: Tomatoes have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
    • Size: Tomatoes vary in size from small cherry tomatoes to larger ones.
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    Sour cream is a popular topping for tacos because it adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the dish. It also helps to balance out some of the spicier flavors in the tacos.
    Sour cream is a creamy and tangy condiment commonly used as a topping for tacos. It is made from fermented dairy cream, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
    • Consistency: Thick and creamy
    • Taste: Tangy and slightly acidic
    • Texture: Smooth and velvety
    • Color: Off-white or pale yellow
    • Calories: Approximately 50 calories per tablespoon
    Sour cream in other rankings
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    Guacamole is a popular topping for tacos because it adds a creamy texture and a rich flavor to the dish. It also adds some nutritional value to the dish.
    Guacamole is a creamy and delicious topping made from mashed avocados seasoned with various ingredients. It is a popular Mexican condiment that adds a rich and flavorful element to tacos and other dishes.
    • Main ingredient: Avocado
    • Texture: Creamy and smooth
    • Color: Vibrant green
    • Seasoning: Lime juice, salt, onion, garlic, cilantro, tomato
    • Usage: Condiment, dip
  6. 6
    19
    votes
    Salsa is a popular topping for tacos because it adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the dish. It also adds some nutritional value to the dish.
    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
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Onions are a popular topping for tacos because they add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. They also add some nutritional value to the dish.
    Onions are a popular taco topping that adds a distinct flavor and texture to the dish. They are often enjoyed raw, diced or sliced, and can be red, white, or yellow in color. Onions provide a mild to medium level of spiciness, depending on the variety and how they are prepared. They are known for their crispiness and can add a refreshing and crunchy element to tacos.
    • Taste: Mild to medium spiciness
    • Texture: Crisp and crunchy
    • Color: Red, white, or yellow
    • Preparation: Diced or sliced
    • Flavor: Distinct and refreshing
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Jalapeños are a popular topping for tacos because they add a spicy and smoky flavor to the dish. They also add some nutritional value to the dish.
    Jalapeños are a popular taco topping that originated in Mexico. They are the sliced or pickled peppers of the jalapeño chili plant. They add a spicy and tangy flavor to tacos, giving them an added kick. Jalapeños are widely used in Mexican cuisine and are known for their vibrant green color and medium level of heat.
    • Origin: Mexico
    • Flavor: Spicy and tangy
    • Heat Level: Medium
    • Color: Vibrant green
    • Preparation: Sliced or pickled
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    Cilantro is a popular topping for tacos because it adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. It also adds some nutritional value to the dish.
    Cilantro is a leafy herb commonly used as a topping for tacos. It has a distinct, bright and citrusy flavor that adds a fresh and zesty taste to dishes. Cilantro is a popular choice among taco lovers for its vibrant taste and aroma.
    • Flavor: Citrusy
    • Aroma: Fresh and vibrant
    • Appearance: Leafy green
    • Taste: Bright and zesty
    • Usage: Commonly used in Mexican cuisine
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    Lime is a popular topping for tacos because it adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish. It also helps to balance out some of the spicier flavors in the tacos.
    Lime is a common topping for tacos that adds a refreshing, citrus flavor to the dish. It is typically served in the form of lime wedges or freshly squeezed lime juice.
    • Flavor: Tangy and citrusy
    • Texture: Liquid
    • Color: Pale green or yellow
    • Acidity: High
    • Taste: Sour

Missing your favorite taco toppings?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular taco toppings

  1. Taste
    The overall flavor of the topping should complement the other ingredients in the taco, enhancing the overall taste.
  2. Texture
    A good taco topping should provide a contrast in texture, adding variety to the overall eating experience.
  3. Availability
    Popular toppings should be readily available for consumers to easily add them to their tacos. Seasonal or regional availability may affect their popularity.
  4. Versatility
    Top taco toppings should be able to work well with different types of proteins and fillings, such as beef, chicken, pork, fish, and vegetarian options.
  5. Nutritional value
    Health-conscious consumers may prefer toppings that provide additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to their tacos (e.g., vegetables, beans, and avocado).
  6. Cultural authenticity
    Popular toppings may vary depending on regional and cultural preferences. Traditional toppings for a specific region or culture could hold more weight in the ranking.
  7. Affordability
    The cost of the topping needs to be reasonable for consumers to consider it a popular choice.
  8. Ease of preparation
    Toppings that are easy to prepare or require minimal effort may be more popular among consumers.
  9. Allergens and dietary restrictions
    Top taco toppings should accommodate different dietary needs and preferences, including gluten-free, lactose intolerance, vegetarian, and vegan options.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 1806 views
  • 164 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

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

More information on most popular taco toppings

Tacos are a beloved food across the globe, and with so many different variations and toppings, it's no surprise that it's a popular topic of conversation. From traditional Mexican toppings like cilantro and lime to more unconventional options like pineapple and kimchi, there's no shortage of delicious ways to top off your taco. At StrawPoll, we've conducted extensive research to determine which toppings are the most popular among taco lovers, and we're excited to share our findings with you. So grab a napkin and get ready to dig in!

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