Opinion
Salsa and chips are among the most popular, delicious, and easiest ways to create a memorable dining experience for party guests. However, not all are created equal, and some store-bought brands are worse than others.
Robust and Flavorful Sauces
The best of anything is typically subjective, up to the person buying the product. However, most people agree that salsa should be tangy, spicy, and herbal, flavored with a lot of garlic, onion, or cilantro if not all 3. Moreover, the perfect salsa has some acidity from tomatoes and a hint of lime. Unfortunately, most store-bought products are lackluster, and in many cases, appear more like spaghetti sauce. On the bright side, there are a few good options.
1. The number One store-bought salsa is Herdez
Herdez is one of the most popular salsas internationally, Herdez has multiple flavors, including a creamy tomatillo-based option, blended with avocado. The bold flavors and ingredients are vibrant and full-flavored, beautifully representing one of the region’s most wonderful offerings to the world.
2. Green Mountain Gringo is a highly-rated Runner-up
Interestingly, the standout salsa is produced in Chester, Vermont, but packs a powerful punch. The company also produces corn chips like multigrain and blue corn. Moreover, their memorable product combines multiple fresh peppers that give salsa that desired fresh and flavorful kick.
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3. A surprising Top Contender
Amazingly, Ithaca, a brand known for creative and flavorful hummus options, has created a delicious and memorable salsa. While the product isn’t “shelf-stable” it packs a zesty and delectable vegetable flavor highlighted by the tomatoes’ acidity. Furthermore, it comes in mild, medium, and hot, so anyone can find a flavor they enjoy.
4. An Unconventional Salsa
While salsa is often considered a savory and tangy appetizer, fruit-based salsa has its own role in the culinary world. For instance, peach, mango, and pineapple are great additions to salsa when serving dishes like seafood or plantains. Most often, they’re best when made from scratch. As such, the Peach Mango from Desert Pepper Trading Company comes as close to that fresh, made-from-scratch flavor as any other store-bought “fruit-forward” salsa.
5. Trader Joe’s Salsa
Trader Joe’s Trading Post is a popular grocery store in many urban and suburban areas throughout the U.S. The chain produces delicious frozen meals, and creative or unique snacks, typically changing with the seasons. Meanwhile, some products are sold year-round, like their delicious salsa. The flavor isn’t too spicy. Instead, it’s robust and savory, packed with onions, garlic, and other flavorful herbs.
Meanwhile Trader Joe’s stocks a “pepita salsa” seasonally, which is flavorful, robust, and reminiscent of traditional salsa from hundreds of years ago.
6. Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa
The homemade smoky flavor boasted by Mateo’s is a perfect complement to a delicious bag of tortilla chips. Some have described the flavor as mildly sweet and spicy, while others appreciate the “restaurant” quality.
7. Desert Pepper Trading Company has other Offerings
Desert Pepper isn’t only known for its sweet, fruity salsas. The family-run business, located on the border between Mexico and New Mexico, has been operating for 25 years and selling numerous flavors. Another top salsa sure to liven up a party is the Desert Pepper Trading Company’s “Salsa Divino.” Within the jar lies a powerful, robust, and savory flavor profile consisting of tangy roasted tomatoes, garlic, and ample spices.
8. Frontera Lacks Texture but Radiates Flavor
Frontera Tomatillo Salsa has a watery texture, but its rich, tangy, and zesty flavor awakens taste buds and is light and refreshing.
Interestingly, tortilla chips and salsa are an American staple but won’t likely be found on South and Central American or European Spanish menus. Rather the delicious, savory, and tangy sauce originated hundreds of years ago, was made by the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas, and consisted of chiles, squash seeds, tomatoes, and beans. It was paired with meats and served as a hearty and flavorful dish. Meanwhile, tortilla chips were added to accompany salsa by Americans when the Spanish brought it over in the 1800s. Now, it’s one of America’s most widely enjoyed sauces, outselling popular condiments like ketchup.
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