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    Home » Trending

    17 everyday condiments worth keeping on hand

    Published: Jan 30, 2026 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    All it takes is the right condiment to make any meal more exciting. With just a small squeeze or spoonful, plain food turns bold and full of flavor. These 17 everyday condiments come with big impact and zero hassle. Keep them on hand for easy wins, every time.

    Mojo Verde (Canarian Green Sauce)

    A bowl of green sauce with a spoon, surrounded by fresh herbs.
    Mojo Verde (Canarian Green Sauce). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Fresh herbs and a little heat can fix a bland plate in seconds. You’ll want Mojo Verde (Canarian Green Sauce) nearby for grilled fish, vegetables, or even sandwiches. This one's good enough to build a whole meal around.
    Get the Recipe: Mojo Verde (Canarian Green Sauce)

    Elderflower Cordial

    Square glass bottle of yellow liquid with a cork stopper, lying on a wooden surface surrounded by small yellow flowers.
    Elderflower Cordial. Photo credit: Schisandra and Bergamot.

    You’ll appreciate having something floral and subtle when drinks feel a bit dull. Add a splash of Elderflower Cordial to sparkling water, lemonade, or cocktails for a gentle lift. This one earns its place on the shelf without trying too hard.
    Get the Recipe: Elderflower Cordial

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    Hogao (Colombian Tomato and Onion Sauce)

    A wooden bowl filled with chunky salsa, featuring chopped tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Two fresh tomatoes are visible beside the bowl.
    Hogao (Colombian Tomato and Onion Sauce). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Strong flavor doesn’t always require a long list of ingredients. Spoon Hogao (Colombian Tomato and Onion Sauce) over rice, arepas, or roasted plantains to tie things together fast. Meals hit a different level with it close by.
    Get the Recipe: Hogao (Colombian Tomato and Onion Sauce)

    Homemade Ranch Dressing

    Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with sticks of veggies.
    Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Few things get used more often across lunches and quick dinners. Drizzle Homemade Ranch Dressing on grain bowls, salads, or even use it as a dip for veggies or fries. One batch goes fast when it fits with nearly everything.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

    Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

    A bowl of Vietnamese peanut sauce with an edible flower and fresh rolls on the side.
    Vietnamese Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Having something creamy and flavorful nearby makes meals easier to pull together. Whether you're dipping fresh rolls or dressing noodles, Vietnamese Peanut Sauce does the job quickly. Most people don’t realize how often they'll use it until it’s gone.
    Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

    How to Make Pumpkin Spice Syrup at Home

    A bottle labeled "Pumpkin Spice" is placed next to a piece of burlap, crossed cinnamon sticks, and an orange fabric.
    How to Make Pumpkin Spice Syrup at Home. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to keep cozy flavors on standby. A splash of Pumpkin Spice Syrup makes plain coffee, oatmeal, or whipped cream more enjoyable any day of the week. One small jar gets a lot of mileage.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Pumpkin Spice Syrup at Home

    Mojo Rojo (Canarian Red Sauce)

    Bowl of red enchilada sauce next to a dried chili and a spoon with sauce.
    Mojo Rojo (Canarian Red Sauce). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When you want something punchy and garlicky to keep meals interesting, this one delivers. Mojo Rojo (Canarian Red Sauce) is especially good on grilled potatoes, bread, or meats. That kind of versatility makes it easy to reach for again and again.
    Get the Recipe: Mojo Rojo (Canarian Red Sauce)

    Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

    Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When you don’t want to think too hard about seasoning, a dependable blend makes all the difference. Try Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe with roasted potatoes, lentils, or ground beef for a warm finish that isn't overpowering. This is one to keep near the front of the spice shelf.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

    Zhoug Sauce

    Low angle shot of a bowl of zhoug with veggies on the side.
    Zhoug Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    There’s nothing wrong with a sauce that hits fast and sharp. Use Zhoug Sauce for spooning over hummus, tossing with roasted veggies, or adding to wraps when things feel flat. That extra kick is what brings the whole dish together.
    Get the Recipe: Zhoug Sauce

    Easy 3-Ingredient Rosemary Simple Syrup

    A glass of golden liquid on a wooden board surrounded by rosemary sprigs.
    Easy 3-Ingredient Rosemary Simple Syrup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Drinks, desserts, and snacks could always use a little boost. Stir Easy 3-Ingredient Rosemary Simple Syrup into tea, lemonade, or yogurt to give them a more layered taste. Keeping it ready means you're set when the mood shifts.
    Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Rosemary Simple Syrup

    Guajillo Sauce

    Guajillo Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    No need to reach for five things when one sauce does the job. Rich, earthy, and mellow, Guajillo Sauce gives stews, beans, and braises a strong base without much work. One spoonful adds more depth than you'd expect.
    Get the Recipe: Guajillo Sauce

    Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

    Roasted mango habanero salsa on a wooden cutting board surrounded by lime and cilantro.
    Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    When meals start feeling repetitive, sweet heat can change everything. That’s where Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa fits in, perfect for tacos, grilled meat, or even a bowl of plain rice. You’ll be glad it’s in the fridge when dinner needs energy.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

    Easy Romesco Sauce Recipe

    A bowl of thick, orange-colored sauce with visible herbs, being stirred by a black spoon.
    Easy Romesco Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Keep something around that instantly makes vegetables, eggs, or grain bowls more interesting. With its nutty backbone and bold flavor, Easy Romesco Sauce Recipe works across all kinds of meals. Few condiments pull that much weight with so little effort.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Romesco Sauce Recipe

    Avocado Cilantro Dressing

    Avocado cilantro dressing being poured into a small dish.
    Avocado Cilantro Dressing. Photo credit: The Honour System.

    If you’re into toppings that double as dips, this one's worth your time. Creamy, fresh, and just a bit tangy, Avocado Cilantro Dressing works on everything from tacos to grain bowls. Fridge space feels well spent on jars like this.
    Get the Recipe: Avocado Cilantro Dressing

    Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce

    Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    There’s something about sweet and spicy that always pulls you back. You’ll find Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce useful for dipping, brushing on roasted vegetables, or mixing into dressings. This is the kind of sauce that earns its spot in your rotation.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce

    Honey Fermented Ginger

    Honey Fermented Ginger. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A spoonful of something tangy and sweet can completely change the mood of a drink or snack. Stir Honey Fermented Ginger into tea, salad dressings, or even yogurt when you want something a little brighter. It's one of those condiments that becomes a quiet favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Fermented Ginger

    Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce)

    Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce). Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Not every condiment needs to shout to get noticed. Thick, sweet, and umami-rich, Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce) works wonders on bowls, dumplings, and grilled meats. Once you have it, meals stop feeling incomplete.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce)

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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