The Best Trader Joe's Condiments, Sauces, And Dips, Ranked From "Skip It" To "Yes, I Eat This By The Spoonful"

If you're looking for that delicious buffalo flavor, stick with #57. 

Sounds appealing but tastes pretty darn bad.

There's a much better bruschetta to be found at Trader Joe's, and it's located in the refrigerated aisle (keep reading!). 

It's like a dairy-free queso dip, and sadly it's not very good.

Tastes a bit like soap.

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.

This just freaks me out and I can't explain any further. 

Better than Velveeta, but not by a whole lot.

This stuff is pretty meh.

This pasta sauce is perfectly average, but there are way more exciting options in the same aisle.

As far as hot sauce goes, this one is not a must-try.

If you're looking for a creamy, pumpkin-based pasta sauce, you're better off with #49.

It has a mild kick, but it feels pretty processed and less fresh than the other hummus options.

As someone who prefers creamy Caesar dressing, this version always falls a bit flat for me.

Better than other store-bought enchilada sauces, but ultimately it's a one trick pony.

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.

Dip at your own risk...the smoky flavor is quite overpowering here.

Is it a pasta sauce? A salsa? Something in between? This dip is a bit confused.

There are better salad dressings to be found at TJ's.

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. 

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.

It has a cheesy kick, which is nice, but it's not as rich and decadent as I was hoping for.

There's only one way to eat this, and it's paired with elote corn dippers.

Jarred pesto can really only be so impressive.

Sadly, I'm going to give the upper hand to the name brand version.

You know exactly what you're getting with this whole grain mustard.

Overall, the flavors here are pretty mild and the cold brew taste disappears as soon as it's cooked.

This is basically a lightened-up guacamole, but I much prefer the chunky, spicy version — later in this list.

This dip has potential, but it's a bit too watery.

It's hard to go wrong with queso, but TJ's version doesn't stand out against the name brands like Tostito's. 

IMO, there's always something startling about overly fruity salsas.

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.

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.

This dip is too thick. Any fragile chips or crackers won't make it out in one piece. 

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.

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. 

It tastes great on potstickers but can also be used for stir-fries, marinades, and more.

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.

Proceed with caution: This pepper spread packs a serious kick. A little shmear on your sandwich bread takes it to the next level.

I actually prefer this vegan Caesar dressing to the non-vegan version because it's much creamier, thanks to the silken tofu and miso.

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.

Overall, this dip is super flavorful. It's always a bit sparse on the chicken though.

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. 

Keep a jar of this creamy sauce on hand for a one-ingredient upgrade to any pasta night.

It's hard to go wrong with anything green goddess flavored, and this dip is no exception. Elevate your next crudité platter with it.

Use it to make hummus or drizzle it on your salads, sandwiches, and more. This creamy tahini is tasty and a great bargain.

Versatile and loaded with coconut and ginger, this yellow curry sauce goes perfectly with just about whatever protein or veggies you have on hand.

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.

Creamy alfredo sauce gets an autumnal kick. If you're a pumpkin fan, you'll have a good time with this.

It doesn't contain any cheese, but it's still pretty decadent and gets an A+ as far as vegan pesto goes.

Not overly spicy but incredibly flavorful, this green salsa tastes great on any of your favorite Mexican dishes (cue the frozen mini chicken tacos).

This is definitely one of the better store-bought alfredo sauces you can find.

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.

Imagine a cross between tzatziki, Caesar, and green goddess dressing. Not too shabby.

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. 

This North African chili pepper sauce instantly upgrades anything from chicken to scrambled eggs. 

Spicy, garlicky, smoky, and sweet, this barbecue sauce checks off all the flavor boxes.

I'd pick this super creamy and smooth hummus over Sabra any time.

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.

Grab a box of samosas or a bag of frozen naan and go to town.

Try pairing this delicious canned pasta sauce with your favorite seafood pasta to give it a little kick.

This stuff is really, really good, and for $2 it's the best bargain around as far as salad dressing is concerned.

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.

As far as jarred Bolognese sauce goes, this one tastes surprisingly fresh, bright, and zesty. 

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.

Every store bought pasta sauce should be this cheesy.

I mean really, what could be bad about blue cheese dip? 

Blue cheese lovers, rejoice. This rich and indulgent dip was discontinued for a bit, but finally it's back and as good as ever. 

Creamy and mild, it's the perfect accompaniment to anything from tacos to grilled chicken.

Watch out, Mike's Hot Honey, Trader Joe's is serious competition. Oh, did I mention it's only $3 per bottle?

I could eat this with a spoonful, no shame.

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. 

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.

There is simply no dish that doesn't taste better with a little chili sesame oil drizzle.

As far as store bought salsa goes, TJ's hot and spicy pico de gallo tastes shockingly homemade.

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. 

If I could live the rest of the my life just buying one Trader Joe's hot sauce, this would be it. 

Unlike your average Greek yogurt spread, there's tons of thinly sliced cucumber in here that take it to the next level.

Light, bright, and herbaceous, this cold pressed dressing takes even the most boring salad to the next level.

Animal style fries, comin' right up.

This Japanese-inspired citrus hot sauce is mild and tangy and the perfect compliment to anything from dumplings to fried chicken.

The best of all Trader Joe's simmer sauces, this green curry version is the closest thing to restaurant-quality Thai food at home.

Add a spoonful of this corn and chile salsa to fish tacos and thank me later.

Cheesy, thick, creamy, perfectly spicy, and totally decadent, this artichoke and jalapeño medley is everything you could want in a party dip.

A soy sauce-teriyaki hybrid, Trader Joe's soyaki gives the popular brand name Soy Vay sauce a serious run for its money. 

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.

You'll never find my fridge without a bottle of this sweet chili sauce inside. 

Ditto for this super decadent spinach dip. 

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.

An OG for a reason, this aioli garlic mustard is perfection. 

There is something so good about this bruschetta sauce. I could (and do) eat it straight by the spoonful. 

Rich, creamy, thick, cheesy, peppery, and everything you could want for your homemade cacio e pepe.

Sometimes simple is best, like in the case of this thick, sweet, and tangy balsamic glaze.

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.