You're going to want to stock up on a lot of these.
Confession: I'm sort of obsessed with condiments. Just a little drizzle or schmear can instantly upgrade whatever you're cooking. And that's is part of the reason I absolutely adore Trader Joe's. This heavenly market boasts so many amazing and creative condiments and sauces at affordable prices —but they're not all created equally.
![The Best Trader Joe's Condiments, Sauces, And Dips, Ranked From "Skip It" To "Yes, I Eat This By The Spoonful" (2) The Best Trader Joe's Condiments, Sauces, And Dips, Ranked From "Skip It" To "Yes, I Eat This By The Spoonful" (2)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-10/19/18/asset/fbbf0c246280/sub-buzz-415-1634667021-10.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Hannah Loewentheil
So I went ahead and ranked a ton of popular Trader Joe's condiments, dips, spreads, and dressings from worst to best that I've tried over the years. This way, you know exactly what to stock up on and what to leave on the shelves. (If I missed your favorite, leave it in the comments!)
99. Organic Buffalo Style Hummus
![The Best Trader Joe's Condiments, Sauces, And Dips, Ranked From "Skip It" To "Yes, I Eat This By The Spoonful" (3) The Best Trader Joe's Condiments, Sauces, And Dips, Ranked From "Skip It" To "Yes, I Eat This By The Spoonful" (3)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-10/18/21/asset/ace71958e6c1/sub-buzz-410-1634593848-10.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Hannah Loewentheil
If you're looking for that delicious buffalo flavor, stick with #57.
98. Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
Sounds appealing but tastes pretty darn bad.
97. Bruschetta
Hannah Loewentheil
There's a much better bruschetta to be found at Trader Joe's, and it's located in the refrigerated aisle (keep reading!).
96. Organic Cashew Cream Fiesta
Hannah Loewentheil
It's like a dairy-free queso dip, and sadly it's not very good.
95. Cilantro Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
Tastes a bit like soap.
94. Romesco Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
My favorite thing about romesco is that really nutty, sun-dried tomato flavor. Sadly, TJ's version is more peppery and less creamy than what I hoped for.
93. Vegan Bolognese Style Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
This just freaks me out and I can't explain any further.
92. Pimento Cheese Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
Better than Velveeta, but not by a whole lot.
91. Red Pepper Spread With Eggplant & Garlic
Hannah Loewentheil
This stuff is pretty meh.
90. Rustico Pomodoro Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
This pasta sauce is perfectly average, but there are way more exciting options in the same aisle.
89. Chili Pepper Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
As far as hot sauce goes, this one is not a must-try.
88. Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
If you're looking for a creamy, pumpkin-based pasta sauce, you're better off with #49.
87. Spicy Hummus Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
It has a mild kick, but it feels pretty processed and less fresh than the other hummus options.
86. Romano Caesar Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
As someone who prefers creamy Caesar dressing, this version always falls a bit flat for me.
85. Enchilada Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Better than other store-bought enchilada sauces, but ultimately it's a one trick pony.
84. Everything But The Bagel Greek Style Yogurt Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
This Greek yogurt based spread is fine, but it could use more flavor. I always find myself loading it up with even more EBTB seasoning.
83. Chipotle Black Bean Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
Dip at your own risk...the smoky flavor is quite overpowering here.
82. Fall Harvest Salsa
Hannah Loewentheil
Is it a pasta sauce? A salsa? Something in between? This dip is a bit confused.
81. Asian Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette
Hannah Loewentheil
There are better salad dressings to be found at TJ's.
80. Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
This stuff is totally fine if you're looking for a better-for-you take on spinach artichoke dip, but it doesn't hold a candle to the sour cream based version below.
79. Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Because it's a non-vinegar based BBQ sauce it tastes pretty sweet, which may be off-putting. Just know what you're getting into here.
78. Organic Vodka Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
It has a cheesy kick, which is nice, but it's not as rich and decadent as I was hoping for.
77. Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
There's only one way to eat this, and it's paired with elote corn dippers.
76. Pesto Alla Genovese Basil Pesto
Hannah Loewentheil
Jarred pesto can really only be so impressive.
75. Sriracha Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Sadly, I'm going to give the upper hand to the name brand version.
74. Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
Hannah Loewentheil
You know exactly what you're getting with this whole grain mustard.
73. Cold Brew Coffee BBQ Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Overall, the flavors here are pretty mild and the cold brew taste disappears as soon as it's cooked.
72. Avocado Tzatziki
Hannah Loewentheil
This is basically a lightened-up guacamole, but I much prefer the chunky, spicy version — later in this list.
71. Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
This dip has potential, but it's a bit too watery.
70. Queso Cheese Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
It's hard to go wrong with queso, but TJ's version doesn't stand out against the name brands like Tostito's.
69. Pineapple Salsa
Hannah Loewentheil
IMO, there's always something startling about overly fruity salsas.
68. General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
This sauce is definitely tasty, but the texture could use some work. It's a bit too goopy and cloying. My advice: stick with #10 for your stir fries.
67. Smoked Salmon Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
The flavor is good, but I always wish this smoked salmon dip were a bit more whipped and airy instead of its rather dense texture.
66. Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
This dip is too thick. Any fragile chips or crackers won't make it out in one piece.
65. Thai Style Green Chili Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
This Thai-inspired chili sauce is flavorful, but I never really know how to use it. It's similar to a relish, but it feels wrong mixed into rice or noodles.
64. Thai Style Red Curry Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Good enough to keep on hand for a quick and easy dinner, but it won't hold a candle to your favorite Thai take-out.
63. Gyoza Dipping Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
It tastes great on potstickers but can also be used for stir-fries, marinades, and more.
62. Genova Pesto
Hannah Loewentheil
Better than the jarred version, this pesto is good enough to whip up an easy pasta dish, but it's not going to blow you away.
61. Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil / Via instagram.com
Proceed with caution: This pepper spread packs a serious kick. A little shmear on your sandwich bread takes it to the next level.
60. Vegan Caesar Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
I actually prefer this vegan Caesar dressing to the non-vegan version because it's much creamier, thanks to the silken tofu and miso.
59. Pepita Salsa
Hannah Loewentheil
It's called salsa, but it's really more like a creamy, pumpkin spread. I love using a dollop of it on my grain bowls, in tacos, and more.
58. Chili Lime Mayonnaise
@traderjoes_addict / Via instagram.com
Three words: Mexican street corn.
57. Buffalo Style Chicken Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
Overall, this dip is super flavorful. It's always a bit sparse on the chicken though.
56. Eggplant Garlic Spread
Hannah Loewentheil
Grab a bag of pita chips and dip away. Or spread it on falafel, fully cooked gyro, or a wrap stuffed with avocado and veggies.
55. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Keep a jar of this creamy sauce on hand for a one-ingredient upgrade to any pasta night.
54. Green Goddess Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
It's hard to go wrong with anything green goddess flavored, and this dip is no exception. Elevate your next crudité platter with it.
53. Organic Tahini
Hannah Loewentheil
Use it to make hummus or drizzle it on your salads, sandwiches, and more. This creamy tahini is tasty and a great bargain.
52. Thai-Style Yellow Curry Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Versatile and loaded with coconut and ginger, this yellow curry sauce goes perfectly with just about whatever protein or veggies you have on hand.
51. Hot & Sweet Pepper Jelly
50. Mango Ginger Chutney
Trader Joe's
I prefer the flavor and texture of this mango chutney to any of Trader Joe's fruit-based salsas because it also has a nice spicy kick from the ginger.
49. Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Creamy alfredo sauce gets an autumnal kick. If you're a pumpkin fan, you'll have a good time with this.
48. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto
Hannah Loewentheil
It doesn't contain any cheese, but it's still pretty decadent and gets an A+ as far as vegan pesto goes.
47. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Hannah Loewentheil
Not overly spicy but incredibly flavorful, this green salsa tastes great on any of your favorite Mexican dishes (cue the frozen mini chicken tacos).
46. Alfredo Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
This is definitely one of the better store-bought alfredo sauces you can find.
45. Masala Simmer Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
This Indian-inspired sauce doesn't contain any cream or dairy (in fact, it happens to be vegan), but it's still bursting with spices and flavor and upgrades whatever protein you cook in it.
44. Organic Cucumber Kefir Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
Imagine a cross between tzatziki, Caesar, and green goddess dressing. Not too shabby.
43. Cowboy Caviar
Hannah Loewentheil
It's a fan favorite for a reason, and the combination of black beans and corn make it a nice change from your average tomato-based salsa.
42. Traditional Tunisian Harissa
Hannah Loewentheil
This North African chili pepper sauce instantly upgrades anything from chicken to scrambled eggs.
41. Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Spicy, garlicky, smoky, and sweet, this barbecue sauce checks off all the flavor boxes.
40. Mediterranean Style Hummus
Hannah Loewentheil
I'd pick this super creamy and smooth hummus over Sabra any time.
39. Chunky Spicy Guacamole Autentico
Hannah Loewentheil
Nothing beats homemade guacamole from scratch, but if you're going to go for a store bought version, this one's a winner. It has a good amount of spice and it's loaded with thick, creamy chunks of avocado.
38. Indian-Style Garlic Achaar Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Grab a box of samosas or a bag of frozen naan and go to town.
37. Arrabiata Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Try pairing this delicious canned pasta sauce with your favorite seafood pasta to give it a little kick.
36. Greek Style Feta Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
This stuff is really, really good, and for $2 it's the best bargain around as far as salad dressing is concerned.
35. Spicy Pumpkin Curry Simmer Sauce
@traderjoeslist / Via instagram.com
This pumpkin-infused curry simmer sauce makes for an easy, hearty, and comforting weeknight meal. Toss it into a pot with rice and veggies and call it dinner.
34. Toasted Sesame Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
This Asian-inspired dressing can be used for so much more than salad: use it as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or salmon or add it to rice noodle bowls.
33. Bolognese Style Tomato and Beef Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
As far as jarred Bolognese sauce goes, this one tastes surprisingly fresh, bright, and zesty.
32. Caramelized Onion Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
If you grew up eating dips made with Lipton onion soup mix like I did, you'll surely appreciate this equally as indulgent Trader Joe's version.
31. Three Cheese Pomodoro Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Every store bought pasta sauce should be this cheesy.
30. Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing and Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
I mean really, what could be bad about blue cheese dip?
29. Blue Cheese Roasted Pecan Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
Blue cheese lovers, rejoice. This rich and indulgent dip was discontinued for a bit, but finally it's back and as good as ever.
28. Jalapeño Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Creamy and mild, it's the perfect accompaniment to anything from tacos to grilled chicken.
27. Spicy Honey Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Watch out, Mike's Hot Honey, Trader Joe's is serious competition. Oh, did I mention it's only $3 per bottle?
26. Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
I could eat this with a spoonful, no shame.
25. Honey Aleppo Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
A fan favorite, this sauce packs a very subtle heat and it's incredible versatile. Try it as a marinade (hello, world's best chicken wings), a glaze, or even a dipping sauce.
24. Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
This vegan dressing is so creamy, you'd never know it doesn't contain dairy. Don't stop at salad: this stuff makes an amazing marinade for anything from chicken to fish.
23. Chili Sesame Oil
Hannah Loewentheil
There is simply no dish that doesn't taste better with a little chili sesame oil drizzle.
22. Hot Pico De Gallo Salsa
Hannah Loewentheil
As far as store bought salsa goes, TJ's hot and spicy pico de gallo tastes shockingly homemade.
21. Garlic Spread Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
While it tastes great by the spoonful, I urge you to think of this product as a garlic-packed condiment that can upgrade anything from pizza and pasta to baked potatoes.
20. Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
@ez_nadan / Via instagram.com
The best TJ's barbecue sauce hands down, no question.
19. Green Dragon Hot Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil / Via instagram.com
If I could live the rest of the my life just buying one Trader Joe's hot sauce, this would be it.
18. Tzatziki Creamy Garlic Cucumber Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
Unlike your average Greek yogurt spread, there's tons of thinly sliced cucumber in here that take it to the next level.
17. Green Goddess Salad Dressing
Hannah Loewentheil
Light, bright, and herbaceous, this cold pressed dressing takes even the most boring salad to the next level.
16. Magnifisauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Animal style fries, comin' right up.
15. 5-Layer Dip
@traderjoesgeek / Via instagram.com
Turn any gathering into an instant fiesta with this dip, which contains layers ofhummus, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and cheese.
14. Yuzu Hot Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
This Japanese-inspired citrus hot sauce is mild and tangy and the perfect compliment to anything from dumplings to fried chicken.
13. Thai Green Curry Simmer Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
The best of all Trader Joe's simmer sauces, this green curry version is the closest thing to restaurant-quality Thai food at home.
12. Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa
Hannah Loewentheil
Add a spoonful of this corn and chile salsa to fish tacos and thank me later.
11. Chunky Artichoke & Jalapeño Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
Cheesy, thick, creamy, perfectly spicy, and totally decadent, this artichoke and jalapeño medley is everything you could want in a party dip.
10. Soyaki
Hannah Loewentheil
A soy sauce-teriyaki hybrid, Trader Joe's soyaki gives the popular brand name Soy Vay sauce a serious run for its money.
9. Peri-Peri Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
A little bit of this Peruvian-inspired sauce takes any basic entree and completely elevates it. Try it with simple roast chicken to see what I mean.
8. Sweet Chili Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
You'll never find my fridge without a bottle of this sweet chili sauce inside.
7. Sour Cream Spinach Dip
Hannah Loewentheil
Ditto for this super decadent spinach dip.
6. Zhoug Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Trader Joe's nailed it with their take on zhoug, a Middle Eastern condiment made of cilantro, garlic, chili peppers, spices and olive oil. Put it on anything from meat or rice to eggs and roasted veggies.
5. Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
An OG for a reason, this aioli garlic mustard is perfection.
4. Bruschetta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
There is something so good about this bruschetta sauce. I could (and do) eat it straight by the spoonful.
3. Cacio e Pepe Pasta Sauce
Hannah Loewentheil
Rich, creamy, thick, cheesy, peppery, and everything you could want for your homemade cacio e pepe.
2. Balsamic Glaze
Hannah Loewentheil
Sometimes simple is best, like in the case of this thick, sweet, and tangy balsamic glaze.
1. Chili Onion Crunch
Hannah Loewentheil
Are there better chili oils out there? Sure. But not for $4. I stock up on a new jar every time I go to Trader Joe's, then I put it on anything and everything.