There is no better and easier gift than a really great condiment. It doesn’t matter how picky a person is, or how specific their tastes are, or how well (or little) you know them, a high quality condiment is a meal-upgrading addition to anyone’s kitchen — even if they don’t cook. (Let’s be honest, all takeout tastes better with a little chile crisp or a swipe of chutney.) Condiments are actually ideal for every gifting scenario: They are the ultimate host gift, when you need to bring something with you to a party; they are also excellent stocking stuffers; and the perfect present for everyone on your list that you feel obligated to buy something for, but don’t want to spend too much.
We are lucky to live in this golden era of condiments where we have options beyond a boring jar of mayo or a $4 squeeze bottle of ketchup. Thanks largely in part to global cultures, the condiment selection has really diversified over the years and the options for flavor-packed condiments in well-designed (and often whimsical) packaging has only exponentially increased. Here are our seven favorite sweet, savory, and spicy threads for guaranteed-to-spark-joy gifting.
A pistachio spread that is superb straight from the jar
It feels like everyone is talking about pistachio spreads this year, thanks to it being a crucial ingredient in Dubai chocolate. But having a jar on hand, even if you have no plans to make the viral dessert, is a good idea. There are many benefits: Not only is the rich and luxurious spread delicious straight from the jar, but it’s also divine stirred into a latte for a nice nutty flavor, or spread on fluffy toast for a sweet treat. While there are several excellent pistachio spreads on the market, this one stands out because of its tiny (read: not packed with junk) ingredient list, and it really manages to pack in the pistachio flavor without being too salty or too sweet.
Gochujang that you’ll want to use every day
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I think it’s okay to judge a sauce by its packaging. Given its box’s beautiful matte design and that the sauce is stored in a clean minimalist jar, the gochujang from Potluck is one of the best condiments of all time in aesthetics as well as flavor. The vegan Korean chile pepper paste is incredibly flavorful and deeply savory thanks to notes of sesame oil, perilla seeds, and garlic. Try it as a marinade for meat or vegetables, or add a dollop for a really nice gentle heat in any rice bowl. It also makes for a killer sandwich spread when cut with mayo. Whoever you gift this to will be thinking of you multiple times a week, because that’s how often they will likely reach for the jar.
A chutney that does double duty as sweet and savory
Tamarind chutney manages to hit all the best flavor notes — tangy, spicy, and sweet — all at once. Brooklyn Delhi is best known for its line of aachars, or savory Indian pickles, but their tamarind date chutney might be their best condiment yet. Traditionally, the chutney is used as a dip for dishes like samosas and pakoras, but it is also just as at home on an epic cheese and charcuterie board, or drizzled over some vanilla ice cream for a surprising twist on a sundae. My favorite use? As a quick base for a tamarind margarita — just add tequila and lime juice.
Spicy oil in a display-worthy can
This oil is worth gifting for the charming container alone. The spicy oil, made with just olive oil and serrano peppers, is packaged in what looks like a retro-cool oil canister, ready to drizzle and add heat to slices of pizza, a bowl of pasta, or vegetables before roasting them off in the oven — and it saves you from having to actually chop peppers. Plus, it is made in small batches in Los Angeles.
Chile crisp with a garlicky punch
There are a million chile crisps on the market, but what sets Mama Teav’s apart is its focus on garlic. The chile crisp is jam packed with crunchy pieces of garlic that add deep aromatic, umami flavor. While this versatile condiment does add a nice amount of heat to whatever dishes you add it to, it also packs a serious garlicky punch, which truly transforms any dish from bland and blah to incredibly exciting. This is the perfect gift for either the garlic head in your life or someone who has a solid collection of hot sauces and chile crisps but could use something surprising and truly delicious.
A stunning rice vinegar set
I first came across these beautiful rice vinegars when browsing the website of Yun Hai, this incredible independent store dedicated to the foodways and products of Taiwan. This bundle includes two types of rice vinegar — a seasoned rice vinegar and a black vinegar — in architectural bottles. Wu Yin, the makers of the vinegar, have been in business since 1903 and are one of the longest-operating vinegar-makers in Taiwan. While the vinegars can be used for many different things, they are magical when combined, especially with a bit of chile oil to create a dumpling dipping sauce.
Yuzu kosho is the Japanese hot sauce with a zesty edge
This Japanese hot sauce is the best present for anyone who likes zest (and distinctive Japanese flavors) with their heat. Yuzu Co makes a particularly invigorating version of yuzu kosho, with just three simple ingredients: young green yuzu, green chile pepper, and Japanese sea salt. More a paste than a sauce, it needs to be refrigerated once opened to preserve its puckery heat. It’s especially useful for folding into salad dressings and sauces, but is also mouthwatering just dabbed on meats, fish, and eggs.
