America’s most commonly-used condiments (2024)

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When thinking about the foods you’ve eaten during your studies in online chef courses, what did you put on top of them? Think you can guess the most commonly-used condiments? You may not use them because of your superior seasoning skills, but the rest of the country loves to slather sauces and other toppers on just about any food. Here are some of the most popular:

Mayonnaise
Creamy, eggy mayonnaise is in a perpetual fight for the most-used condiment in the U.S. Made with oil and eggs, this tasty concoction is often added to sandwiches, salads, and dips.

Ketchup
This tomato sauce is added to fries, onion rings, sandwiches, meatloaf, hot dogs and more. Many people even say the food item they’re eating with it is just a vehicle for the ketchup.

Soy sauce
Another oft-used condiment in the U.S. is soy sauce. Made from wheat, salt, water and fermented soy beans, this sauce is popular with Asian dishes, such as stir fry, fried rice and sushi. America is a place of many immigrants, including those of Asian descent, so it’s no wonder this salty condiment is on the list.

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America’s most commonly-used condiments (3)

America’s most commonly-used condiments (4)

Salsa
Take a look in the refrigerator of 10 of your closest friends. Chances are quite a few of them will have some kind of salsa. Be it chunky and boldor pureed, most salsas start with a tomato base. They vary from there, with a simple version consisting of onion, parsley, tomato and jalapenos and less-common versions including fruits like pineapple and mango.

Mustard
In sporting stadiums and event centers across the country, ketchup would not be nearly as loved if it wasn’t also coexisting with mustard. This sauce also comes in many kinds, from typical yellow to Dijon, shallot, sweet and even Roquefort. Mustard is a topping for ballpark franks and backyard burgers, and even makes a seriously good marinade for pork and beef roasts.

Hot sauce
We all have that one friend that eats every meal with a hefty helping of hot sauce. They may use Sriracha, Tabasco or another brand, but all of these condiments have one thing in common: heat. Some have a more sweet aftertaste and less of a kick, whereas others are meant to knock your socks off. Whatever version you choose, just be sure you can taste the food’s underlying flavors. You don’t want to just burn your tongue and bypass the dish underneath the sauce.

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I'm well-versed in culinary arts and condiments, having delved into various cuisines and their distinctive flavors. The article you've shared touches on common condiments used in American cuisine, reflecting a blend of cultural influences and taste preferences. Let's break down the key condiments mentioned:

  1. Mayonnaise: This creamy, oil-and-egg-based condiment is versatile, often used in sandwiches, salads, and dips. Its richness adds a distinct flavor to various dishes.

  2. Ketchup: A ubiquitous tomato-based sauce, frequently paired with fries, sandwiches, meatloaf, and hot dogs. For many, it's more than a condiment—it's the quintessential accompaniment.

  3. Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce, made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, enhances the flavors of dishes like stir-fries, fried rice, and sushi.

  4. Salsa: Coming in diverse forms, from chunky to pureed, salsa typically features a tomato base but can incorporate various ingredients like onions, parsley, jalapenos, and even fruits such as pineapple or mango.

  5. Mustard: Available in numerous varieties like yellow, Dijon, sweet, and more, mustard is a popular condiment alongside ketchup, especially for hot dogs and burgers. It also serves as a flavorful marinade for meats.

  6. Hot Sauce: Ranging from mildly sweet with a hint of heat to intensely spicy, hot sauces like Sriracha and Tabasco are favored by individuals who enjoy adding a fiery kick to their meals while still savoring the dish's inherent flavors.

Each of these condiments holds a distinct place in American culinary preferences, offering a spectrum of tastes that complement various dishes across different cultural influences. They're not just toppings; they're integral elements that elevate flavors and create beloved taste experiences in American cuisine.

America’s most commonly-used condiments (2024)
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