These are the Best Condiments According to Whole Foods Market Trends Council

From elevated ketchup and mustard to new takes on ranch, the Whole Foods Market Trends Council revealed its list of best condiments that will be appearing on more barbeque and picnic plates this summer. With the condiment, marinade and dressing category expected to hit $2.9 billion by 2024 according to a Mintel report, the Council noted that consumer desire to experiment will support the sales growth.

The report noted that the necessity of cooking at home during the COVID-19 pandemic reinvigorated shelf-stable condiments, dressings and marinades. The category also got an above-average sales lift during the first COVID-19 surge in the spring of 2020, growing 34 percent in March and April 2020 alone. From January to April 2020, the category grew 19.9 percent compared to the previous year.

“Going forward, we expect to see the continued innovation in condiments for special diets like vegan, keto-friendly, low sugar and low-sodium options, as well as globally inspired condiments with distinct cultural stories,” said Rachel Bukowski, senior team leader of R&D for Exclusive Brands at Whole Foods Market, in a press release.

Here are the best condiments for the summer, according to the Whole Foods Market Trends Council.

1. BBQ Sauce

Global barbecue flavors will play a role in the condiment category growth, with flavors inspired from worldwide cuisines such as Japanese and Israeli. Products identified by the retailer include Bachan’s Original Barbecue Sauce, a shawarma marinade, berbere seasoning, Korean bulgogi barbecue sauce and a Japanese yuzu miso glaze.

2. Hot Chili Sauce

Consumers are diversifying their chili flavors with new condiments using ancho, cayenne, puya and other hot pepper varieties. Some popular products featuring different types of chilis and spice levels include Momofuku Chili Crunch, Tajín Clásico Seasoning, Sir Kensington’s Chili Lime Crema Everything Sauce and Omsom Thai Krapow, the retailer noted.

3. Ketchup and Mustard

The Council also identified new takes on ketchup and mustard on its best condiments list, noting that the iconic red-and-yellow duo has come a long way from drive-throughs and squeeze packets. Products on store shelves that represent this trend include Maille x Mike’s Hot Honey Special Edition Hot Honey Dijon Mustard, Brooklyn Delhi Curry Ketchup and Acid League California Ketchup.

4. Fermented Condiments

Fermented foods in condiment form such as kimchi and miso also earned a spot on Whole Foods Market’s best condiments list, with tangy ingredients adding flair to honeys, hot sauces and vinaigrettes. Products that contributed to the trend include Cleveland Kitchen Miso Jalapeño Fermented Dressing & Marinade, California Olive Ranch Carrot Miso Vinaigrette and Firefly Kitchens Firefly Kimchi Hot Sauce.

5. Ranch

Lastly, the Council noted that ranch-flavored dressings and sauces are getting a makeover with the addition of flavors such as Buffalo and habanero. Ranch-flavored products also are entering the vegan category after being formulated using oat milk. Some items in the revved-up ranch category include Primal Kitchen Vegan Ranch, Tessemae’s Organic Habanero Ranch and Mill It Plant Based Classic Ranch Dressing.