Often thought of as a chip accompaniment and nothing more, the fact is, salsa is an incredibly versatile and often overlooked ingredient. Not only is it a piquant condiment choice--one which brings far more flavor to the table than a simple ketchup or mustard, if you ask us--but it can be used as a cooking sauce for proteins, as flavor builder in soups and stews, and can even turn a simple tomato sauce into something mind-blowing!
The problem is, not all salsas are as tasty as you might expect which is exactly why we’re working our way through a comprehensive taste and review of as many different salsas as we could find! We’re ranking all the best store bought salsa from mild to super hot, plus green salsa, fruit salsa, fresh salsa, and more.
So get your favorite margarita mix ready because after a trip down the salsa aisle with us, you’ll surely need something frosty to cool off with. Salsa night (tacos optional!) starts now.
Table of Contents
What is Store Bought Salsa?
The word “salsa” actually translates to “sauce”, meaning the term may actually refer to any type of liquid condiment or topping that accompanies a main dish!
However, when you say “salsa” most folks will automatically assume you’re talking about that spicy, tomato-y, saucy stuff. Made of fresh or lightly cooked vegetables, salsa is typically a mixture of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic which is seasoned with herbs and spices. Sometimes, acidity is introduced in the form of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or citrus juice.
Salsa is most often used as a topping for Mexican entrees, as a condiment, or as a dip for tortillas, snacks, and even French fries!
What Types of Store Bought Salsa Are There?
The variety of store bought salsa products is actually astounding, resulting in one of the most extensive product reviews we’ve ever done. In addition to the classic red salsa many people are most familiar with, there are also varieties of salsa verde (a.k.a. green salsa) to choose from, as well as salsas with fruit, avocado, or other interesting additions.
In addition to store bought jarred salsa, you can also opt for fresh store bought salsa varieties which are usually available in the deli section of your grocery store. These salsas are not as processed and will have a brighter taste, as opposed to their cooked tomato counterparts found in the condiments aisle.
Ranking the Best Store Bought Salsa Brands
The Test Subjects
We gathered 18 different fresh and jarred salsa options and put our taste buds in the firing line--literally! Here are the brands and varieties we tried out:
- 365 Whole Foods Market Taqueria Small Batch Medium Salsa
- Authentic Desert Pepper Trading Company 'Medium Burn' Tequila Salsa
- Chi Chi's Restaurant Style Medium Salsa
- Garden Fresh Gourmet ‘Jack's Special’ Medium Salsa
- Goya Authentic Mexican Medium Salsa Verde
- Green Mountain Gringo All Natural Hot Salsa
- La Fundidora ‘Humo’ Salsa
- Late July Snacks Organic Medium Thick and Chunky Salsa
- Mrs. Renfro's Hot Green Salsa
- Newman's Own Medium Chunky Mango Salsa
- On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Spicy Guacamole Salsa
- Pace ‘The Original’ Mild Picante Sauce
- Stonewall Kitchen Mango Lime Salsa
- Tostitos Chunky Mild Salsa
- Trader Joe's 'Extra Hot' Habanero Ghost Pepper Salsa
- Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa
- Trader Joe's Salsa Autentica
- Xochitl Mild Stone Ground Salsa
The Methodology
To help narrow down our winner selections, we established 10 distinct categories of review, from each of which one winning salsa would be chosen:
- Best Mild Salsa
- Best Medium Salsa
- Best Hot Salsa
- Best Store Bought Salsa Verde
- Best Organic Salsa
- Best Fresh Salsa
- Best Artisanal Salsa
- Best Store Bought Salsa with Fruit
- Best Restaurant Style Salsa
- Best Combo Salsa
The Taste Test
Our taste testers first sampled all the salsas plain so as to establish a baseline analysis of each salsa’s taste, texture, and heat level. We then conducted a second round of taste testing, this time trying each salsa with plain tortilla chips. In our expert opinion, they are just the most perfect vehicle for scooping salsa into one’s mouth, as well as provide the perfect subtly savory counterpoint which allows the sweet, spicy characteristics of each salsa to really shine! (p.s. be sure to check out our full review on the Best Tortilla Chips too!)
The Criteria
Throughout the taste testing, research, and comparison phases of our review process, each product was given a score in each of 5 key criteria:
- Taste & Texture: evaluating the flavor and consistency of each salsa as well as the all-important spice factor!
- Nutrition Content: specifically considering the calories, fat, and sodium content as well as overall quality of ingredients.
- Unique Characteristics: such as a special flavor or ingredient, unique style, or any other distinguishing factor that sets one product apart from the other salsas we tested.
- Value: calculated to the price per ounce.
- Production & Packaging: how & where each store bought salsa is made, how readily available it is to most regions of distribution, and any positive or negative notes on packaging.
The purpose of these criterial points is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each store bought salsa. We also use them to calculate an overall average score, which is then used to determine our final winning products.
Best Mild Salsa:
Xochitl Mild Stone Ground Salsa
Size: 15-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️
Here is how Xochitl Mild Stone Ground Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.5 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.6 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.5 / 5.0
- Value: 4.3 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.8 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.4 / 5.0
Just because it’s mild doesn’t make it boring! When it comes to Xochitl Mild Stone Ground Salsa, there is still plenty of flavor to be found in the form of fire-roasted tomatoes, chile de arbol, jalapenos, and plenty of roasty-toasty charred vegetable flavor.
We love the limited, simple ingredients list of this salsa, with nothing more than those tomatoes, water, lime juice, chile peppers, and sea salt. No preservatives or additives to be found here, and that makes perfect sense, as this stuff is courtesy of an authentic family recipe!
The texture is also a major win in our book, as the stone-ground processing gives it plenty of rustic appeal while plenty of chunky tomatoes and peppers remain in the mix too. This salsa shines as both a dip and for cooking with!
It may be true that the word ‘xochitl’ is the ancient Aztec word for flower, but rest assured, there is nothing delicate about the flavor of their salsa! In fact, our primary concern with this option is that it may not be mild enough for some mild salsa lovers.
While it does offer subtle spice, it definitely is warm on the tongue so if you prefer your salsa to be free from any detectable heat, this is not the mild salsa for you.
Pros:
- Packs a ton of flavor from fire-roasted tomatoes and peppers.
- Features a limited ingredients list of easy to recognize whole foods.
- No preservatives or additives.
- Crafted from an authentic family recipe.
- Stone grinding technique gives it a lovely rustic texture.
- Can be used as both a dip or cooking ingredient.
Cons:
- Heat level might be stronger than some folks are expecting from a mild salsa.
Best Medium Salsa:
Authentic Desert Pepper Trading Company 'Medium Burn' Tequila Salsa
Size: 16-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️
Here is how Authentic Desert Pepper Trading Company 'Medium Burn' Tequila Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.5 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.9 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.7 / 5.0
- Value: 4.4 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.8 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.7 / 5.0
If you’re looking for balance--plenty of heat but still want to feel your tongue!--medium salsa is the category for you. This 'Medium Burn' Tequila Salsa from Desert Pepper Trading Company is here to make all of your moderately spicy salsa dreams come true, with a few surprises thrown in too.
First off, it has a nice kick thanks to the inclusion of 3 layers of spice: green chiles, jalapenos, and chipotle puree. It also makes use of mesquite smoke which, we can probably all agree is all too easy to do wrong (if you've ever had a dish with too much liquid smoke in it, you know what we're talking about). But these salsa masters have managed to use just the right amount that leaves a smoky, complex warmth on the back of your palate without tasting like a campfire.
There are no preservatives or additives here and this salsa is completely vegan. The packaging of this salsa was one of our favorites because of the fun label that features southwestern style drawings. Come on, a lizard holding a bottle of tequila? Sold!
And speaking of tequila, silver tequila is the star ingredient of this salsa which while not at all overpowering, does add a nice sharp, citrusy flavor in the background.
However, it’s worth noting that the fact that this salsa does contain alcohol could be a mark against it as well. The jar does not make mention of any measurable alcohol content, so you don’t need to worry about getting tipsy after a chip & dip sesh. But for folks who avoid alcohol due to dietary, religious, or personal reasons, this one is going to be off limits.
Pros:
- Nicely balanced medium heat from 3 types of chiles.
- Includes mesquite smoke for an extra tasty and interesting flavor profile.
- No preservatives or additives.
- Completely vegan.
- Packaging is fun and inviting.
- Features silver tequila as a distinct flavoring component.
Cons:
- Alcohol in the ingredients list may not be suitable for all salsa lovers.
Best Hot Salsa:
Green Mountain Gringo All Natural Hot Salsa
Size: 16-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Here is how Green Mountain Gringo All Natural Hot Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.1 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 5.0 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.2 / 5.0
- Value: 4.8 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.7 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.5 / 5.0
Spice lovers, this one’s for you! Green Mountain Gringo’s All Natural Hot Salsa really packs some pure heat in the form of fresh jalapenos and fresh serrano peppers! The fiery stuff is mixed in with some complementary ingredients as well such as white onion, tart green tomatillos, and of course chunky red tomatoes.
Once the swelter rushes past you, you’ll also notice some tasty other little inclusions like fresh garlic, cilantro, and parsley as well as some smoky-earthy cumin that adds a serious dose of complexity to the flavor of this salsa.
This salsa is non-GMO project verified as well as certified gluten free and comes with an ‘American Vegetarian Association Recommended’ seal. We also love that it is very low sodium, with just 75 milligrams per serving, and it comes packed in a mason jar which is always useful to save and reuse for other kitchen tasks and future food-storage needs!
On the downside, there are soy allergen warnings on this salsa due to the facility in which it is manufactured. Also, while we love a chunkily-textured salsa, this one was actually too chunky according to our tasting panel.
The large pieces of fresh veggies were not cohesive enough to scoop easily, not to mention the fact that there seemed to be a lot of tough veggie skins and ends in the mix. We’re all for rustic, but this one was a little tough to eat texturally speaking.
Pros:
- Gets a big dose of heat from 2 types of fresh chiles.
- Features plenty of aromatics like cilantro, parsley, and cumin.
- Non-GMO and gluten free.
- Recommended by the American Vegetarian Association.
- Very low in sodium.
- Packed in a reusable mason jar.
Cons:
- Has soy allergen warnings.
- Texture is too chunky and un-homogenous, with several bites of tough-to-chew veggie bits.
Best Store Bought Salsa Verde:
Goya Authentic Mexican Medium Salsa Verde
Size: 17.6-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️
Here is how Goya Authentic Mexican Medium Salsa Verde scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.7 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.6 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.6 / 5.0
- Value: 5.0 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.7 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.8 / 5.0
In contrast to the deep, tomato-forward flavor of classic red salsa, salsa verde has a tangy, bright flavor. This unique flavor profile was just the right inspiration for our White Fish Cakes with Salsa Verde Salad, as the citrusy flavor of this stuff is perfect for pairing with lighter proteins like chicken, pork, and seafood.
We love Goya’s version of this classic sauce for the way that it hits all of those flavor notes you come to expect yet also remains plenty savory as well. Spanish onion and bright coriander are added to a base of tomatillos and jalapenos, resulting in a product that in our opinion, is just what a salsa verde should be: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy--all at the same time!
As with other Goya brand products, this Authentic Salsa Verde is straight out of Mexico so you know it’s legit, and we love that they choose to package it in a long-necked bottle for easier pouring as opposed to traditional salsa jars. Also, this salsa is one of the most affordable options we found, costing a mere $3.00 for the nearly 18-ounce bottle!
Our gripes were limited as far as this salsa goes, but one thing to be aware of is that tomatillos have an inherently--well, odd--texture if you’re not accustomed to them. They are fibrous and seedy, characteristics which ended up in the resultant sauce as well. One of our tasters compared the consistency of this salsa verde to having a mouthful of chia seeds! Not bad, but maybe not everyone's favorite consistency.
Pros:
- Flavor is bright, citrusy, and tangy.
- Excellent as a complement to vegetables and lighter proteins.
- Perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavor notes.
- Product of Mexico adds to the authenticity.
- Packed in a long-neck bottle which is easier to pour from.
- One of the most affordable store bought options.
Cons:
- Texture of the tomatillos can impart strange textural characteristics.
Best Organic Salsa:
Late July Snacks Organic Thick and Chunky Medium Salsa
Size: 15.5-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️
Here is how Late July Snacks Organic Medium Thick and Chunky Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.6 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.4 / 5.0
- Value: 4.6 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.5 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.6 / 5.0
Our jar of Late July Organic Salsa was one of our top picks in terms of overall taste, and the fact that it is 100% certified USDA organic makes it all that much better!
It features a bright red coloring (as opposed to the more muted, darker reds of many other salsas we tested) and an impressive list of organic ingredients including: organic tomatoes, chiles, garlic, and plenty of seasonings.
Its flavor is acidic yet savory, almost like the perfect cup of chilled (spicy!) gazpacho on a warm summer day. In addition to nice chunky tomatoes, we also really appreciate the inclusion of crushed tomatoes here as it brings a more cohesive texture to the table.
And, this was the only brand to include bell peppers in addition to chili peppers! We love the extra crunch and robust pepper flavor they bring to this salsa. As far as dietary concerns go, this salsa is certified vegan, non-GMO project verified, and is produced in a peanut free facility.
Top of the list of potential concerns is the fact that this salsa contains plenty of fresh cilantro. Some folks would assign that characteristic to the column of pros, while others who suffer from the “it tastes like soap” syndrome should be aware, there’s no avoiding it in this salsa!
Pros:
- Certified USDA organic.
- Brighter, more vibrant red than many of the other salsas we tested.
- One of the best tasting salsas we tried, with a savory/acidic flavor profile.
- Includes sweet bell peppers in addition to the spicy chiles!
- Vegan
- Non-GMO verified.
- Made in a peanut free facility.
Cons:
- Cilantro flavor is at the forefront, which may not be suited to everyone’s tastes.
Best Fresh Salsa:
Trader Joe's 'Extra Hot' Habanero Ghost Pepper Salsa
Size: 12-ounce tub
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Here is how Trader Joe's 'Extra Hot' Habanero Ghost Pepper Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.3 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.6 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.7 / 5.0
- Value: 4.8 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.6 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.6 / 5.0
Upon your first cooling, refreshing bite of this refrigerated fresh salsa variety, you might think to yourself “Extra hot?! Pah!”. But hold your horses there because in a moment, the tear-inducing, tongue-scalding spice will settle right in!
And once you examine the ingredients label, you’ll understand exactly why. This salsa contains not one, not two, but FIVE forms of hot chile ingredients! We've got habaneros, fire roasted poblanos, serrano peppers, japones peppers, and smoked ghost pepper powder. If you’re not scared away by now, you have earned our utmost respect.
Several of the pepper varieties are fire-roasted which brings plenty of char and depth of flavor to the salsa. And, this salsa was hands down the favorite in terms of texture, as it has a wonderfully “crushed” consistency that allows you to get a bit of everything in each bite while still enjoying the individual components.
Our tasting panel especially loved the juxtaposition of chilly temperature and fresh flavor of the salsa when combined with the searing heat of the pepper ingredients, even though your mouth is on fire, it’s nice and cool at the same time! Extra bonus: since this one comes in a wide plastic tub, you can go right ahead and use it to dip and serve from–not something you can so easily do with the jarred salsa counterparts!
The downside of fresh salsa however is that it is much more perishable and needs to be refrigerated as soon as you bring it home from the store--no matter if you open it or not. The label indicates it should then be used within 5-7 days of opening.
Also, it perhaps goes without saying that Trader Joe's 'Extra Hot' Habanero Ghost Pepper Salsa is certainly going to be too hot for some salsa lovers. If you like it hot, hot, hot--have at it, but taste at your own risk and have the sour cream ready!
Pros:
- Contains 5 types of chile ingredients for maximum heat!
- Peppers are fire-roasted, for added flavor.
- Has the best texture of all salsas we tested.
- Refrigerated aspect of this fresh salsa plays nicely with the super hot flavor profile.
- Wide plastic container is easy to dip right into or serve from.
Cons:
- Needs to be refrigerated constantly, even before you break the seal.
- Only has a shelf life of 5-7 days once opened.
- Level of spice will be overwhelming to some folks’ palates!
Best Artisanal Salsa:
La Fundidora ‘Humo’ Salsa
Size: 12-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️
Here is how La Fundidora ‘Humo’ Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.6 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.6 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 5.0 / 5.0
- Value: 3.9 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 5.0 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.6 / 5.0
For an option as close to homemade salsa as you can get--without making it yourself of course--this small-batch salsa from La Fundidora is our favorite new discovery. We specifically loved their ‘Humo’ varietal, which translates to ‘smoke’, giving you a hint at what flavor profile you can expect from this unassuming little jar.
The texture of this salsa is not at all chunky and has a shockingly rich quality to it, almost like the liquid left at the end of a short rib braise. There is very little spice in this salsa, instead, excitement comes in the form of deeply smoky savoriness and lots of tang, with just a bit of heat that warms the back of your tongue.
Whether you are looking for a dipping salsa or something to compliment an earthy dish like our Pulled Mushroom Tacos, this one is without a doubt our new favorite go-to jarred salsa when you want to entertain or make a Mexican inspired meal feel all that much more authentic.
Other good news: there is almost no sugar to be found in this salsa, and La Fundidora values ethical operations by responsibly sourcing their ingredients. They also donate a portion of their proceeds to causes that help communities in areas near both their Brooklyn and Mexico based operational facilities.
As with many small batch products though, you’ll be paying a premium here as La Fundidora ‘Humo’ Salsa is the most expensive salsa we tested. The modest 12-ounce jar cost us about $6.50 which works out to over $.50 per ounce!
Also, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find this salsa at every grocery store you walk into, as it is a specialty product with a smaller-than-average production reach. We also have a feeling that some salsa purists might be disappointed here as the texture is decidedly un-salsa like. There are no chunks of tomato to be found, no crunchy onion or green jalapeno peppers in the mix. Rather, this sauce is smooth, velvety, and has an almost barbecue sauce-esque consistency.
Pros:
- Produced by a small-batch, Brooklyn-based artisanal salsa team.
- Has a homemade, supremely authentic air to it.
- Flavor is smoky, savory, tangy, and minimally spicy.
- Very low in sugar.
- Uses responsibly sourced ingredients.
- Donates a portion of proceeds back to community-focused causes.
Cons:
- Very expensive!
- Not the most readily available--you may have to special order this one.
- Texture reads more like a sauce as opposed to your typical salsa.
Best Store Bought Salsa with Fruit:
Stonewall Kitchen Mango Lime Salsa
Size: 16-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️
Here is how Stonewall Kitchen Mango Lime Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 5.0 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.8 / 5.0
- Value: 4.1 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.7 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.8 / 5.0
This Stonewall Kitchen Mango Lime Salsa might be oh so sweet and refreshing at first, but ho boy, after a moment things really heat up! Despite the bait and switch, this store bought salsa was a hands down favorite among our tasting panel and for many a good reason.
Before you even crack the lid off of the hefty jar, you can see giant, beautiful chunks of mango floating around in the salsa along with tomatoes, onions, fresh garlic, and herbs. Once the tasting commenced, we were highly impressed with how fresh and ripe the fruit is and where mango read like an afterthought in many of the other fruit salsas we tested, it was clearly the star of the show here.
Heat comes in the form of fresh jalapenos and a bit of dried cayenne, and that lime is aromatic and perfectly balanced in between all of the sweet and heat.
We guess none of this should be too surprising when a product comes from an award winning specialty foods line like Stonewall Kitchen!
Other positive attributes: the super low sodium content (just 5 milligrams!) the lack of any GMO ingredients and the lack of any GMO ingredients. Out of all of the salsas we tested, we think this is easily the best salsa for serving with lighter fare such as fish or chicken, or for topping a plate of shrimp tacos.
We had a tough time finding much we didn’t like about it aside from its high price tag. The admittedly generous 16-ounce jar was $7.50 and honestly, that’s a chunk of change to drop on a condiment!
Pros:
- Very rich and chunky in texture, with identifiable pieces of fruits and veg.
- Features distinct flavors of mango, lime, and spicy chile.
- Mango is super juicy, ripe, and at the forefront of the flavor profile.
- From a prestigious specialty foods company.
- Very low sodium--just 5 milligrams per serving.
- Non-GMO.
Cons:
- On the more expensive end of things, costing $.47 per ounce.
Best Restaurant Style Salsa:
Trader Joe's Salsa Autentica
Size: 12-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️
Here is how Trader Joe's Salsa Autentica scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.4 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.4 / 5.0
- Value: 5.0 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.5 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.7 / 5.0
On the other end of the spectrum from ‘thick n’ chunky’ style salsa we have restaurant style salsa. This stuff is thin in consistency and often quite watery, as it is made with finely chopped or at times pureed vegetables as opposed to rustic pieces.
Trader Joe's Salsa Autentica blew us away in terms of flavor and crave-ability and when seeking the answers to our burning question “what makes it so good!”, a scan through the ingredients panel gave us the one word answer: simplicity.
This salsa is nothing more than tomato paste, water, yellow chiles, white vinegar, salt, and spices. In fact, there aren’t even any other vegetables or herbs in sight--just a bit of dried garlic and onion to round out the perfectly savory flavor profile. Yet, there’s just something about it that makes it so good you want to put it on everything from chips, to chicken, to rice--heck, you could probably even dress a salad in it and it would be the best part of your meal!
For such a delicious product you’d expect to pay a premium but the good news there is that this salsa is actually at the cheapest price point we encountered, just $.17 per ounce.
On the downside (and perhaps another reason why this salsa is so darn yummy!) is that it has the highest sodium content we encountered during our testing, with 250 milligrams per serving.
Also, while we love the authentic style of this salsa, you can certainly tell that it is made from pre-processed tomato products and dehydrated aromatics as opposed to the fresh stuff, so if you prefer fresher, less processed ingredients, this may not be the salsa for you!
Pros:
- Restaurant style with smooth consistency and no chunky veggies to be seen.
- The best tasting salsa we tried--a.k.a. the one we kept wanting to go back for more of!
- Is made from a very simple recipe of tomato puree, chiles, dried spices, and vinegar.
- Offers the utmost versatility as a condiment, sauce, or dressing.
- One of the most affordable salsas we tested.
Cons:
- Pretty high in sodium, with 250 milligrams per serving.
- More highly processed as compared to other salsa varieties.
Best Combo Salsa:
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Spicy Guacamole Salsa
Size: 15-ounce jar
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Here is how On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Spicy Guacamole Salsa scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 3.9 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.1 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.8 / 5.0
- Value: 4.6 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.4 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.3 / 5.0
Now for a salsa that is off the beaten path a bit! This salsa option is not tomato centric, rather, it opts to combine 2 great loves into one unique product. On the Border’s Spicy Guacamole Salsa is a creative mixture of salsa verde and guacamole!
Real avocado puree is mixed with other verdant ingredients like tomatillos and green chile peppers before being seasoned with lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Don’t let the soothing pale green coloring of this salsa fool you, this stuff is assertive! Once you work your way through those tangy tomatillos and creamy avo puree, the green chile peppers hit hard with plenty of heat.
You can serve this spicy stuff either hot or cold, and the back of the jar provides heating instructions in case you opt to go the warm and toasty route. Plus, there is a scannable QR code on the label for more details and product info!
Out of all of the salsas we tested, this one was unfortunately one of the most processed--which makes sense, as if there’s one thing we know about avocados, it’s that they go downhill quickly! In addition to preservatives and refined ingredients, this stuff also contains a few different food dyes.
Also, the inclusion of avocados plus some oil pushes the calorie and fat contents of this salsa option much higher as compared to the others, as it has 50 calories and 4.5 grams of fat per serving.
Pros:
- Unique combination of green salsa + guacamole!
- Made from real avocados, tomatillos, green chiles, lime, and cilantro.
- Packs plenty of heat!
- Can be served either hot or cold.
- Jar has a scannable QR code which provides you with even more food info.
Cons:
- Overall pretty processed, with several preservatives and food dyes.
- Ingredients like avocados and oil make for higher fat and calorie contents as compared to other salsas.
Best Store Bought Salsa FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Jarred Salsa and Fresh Salsa?
While both jarred salsa and fresh salsa start out in the same place, the key difference between these two options lies in the processing!
Jarred salsa is intended to be shelf stable, therefore it must be heated prior to and during bottling so as to ensure an airtight, long lasting, completely food-safe seal on that glass jar. Since the salsa is heated, the taste and texture does change a bit as compared to salsa which you might make at home or get served in a restaurant.
Fresh salsa on the other hand is, well, fresh! It is not heated before packaging, and therefore must be kept under constant refrigeration. This type of salsa has a bright, fresh flavor and is most often found in plastic, deli-style tubs in the dressing & dip section of the produce department.
What Store Bought Salsa Has No Tomatoes?
If you’re avoiding tomatoes and tomato products, reach for store bought salsa verde! This piquant stuff is made with tomatillos, which no, are not just green tomatoes. Tomatillos are tart and texturally interesting and have a tangy flavor that pairs very nicely with spicy chiles.
If you are avoiding tomatoes due to allergies, be sure to carefully consider the ingredients however, as though only distantly related, tomatoes and tomatillos do share some similar botanical compounds.
Is Store Bought Salsa Good for You?
As far as condiments go-think rich mayonnaise and sticky-sweet teriyaki sauces--store bought salsa is one of the lesser offenders in terms of nutritional breakdown.
In addition to nutrient-dense tomatoes being the first ingredient, most store bought salsas consist mainly of other vegetables, vinegars, and spices, which means they are low in calories and high in fiber when compared to many other topping and dressing options.
What Store Bought Salsa Does Not Have Sugar?
While most store bought salsa options are low or extremely low in sugar (usually 1 or <1 gram per serving), most salsas do contain at least a touch of sugar due to the fact that tomatoes-and other veggies like onions and peppers, for that matter--have natural sugar content you simply can’t get around!
Rest assured though, these sugars are naturally occurring. Be wary of any salsas which have more than 1 or 2 grams of sugar per serving as these may have additional sugar included in the mix. Always check the ingredients label!
Final Thoughts on the Best Store Bought Salsas
From fresh salsas and jarred salsas to fruit salsas and smoky salsas, there is a variety of this popular condiment out there to suit each and every dish or mood!
Next time you whip up a batch of Black Bean Tacos you’ll already have the perfect salsa in mind, whether you like things extra fiery or prefer to keep it refreshing and mild. Or, if you'd like to take an entirely different salsa journey all together, try your hand at making a unique salsa of your own like our Simple Watermelon Salsa!
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