From Creamy to Zesty: Top Dips and Spreads of the Year

Each tub of Ithaca Hummus’s new jalapeno lime variety is packed with bold, fresh flavor achieved through the use of only natural whole-food ingredients. The brand uses a special cold-processing method so its hummus maintains its nutrition and flavor without the need for additives or preservatives.

LAB RESULTS: “This is definitely for heat seekers — it's spicy — yet I kept going back for more,” said GH Recipe Editor Susan Choung. Taste testers praised the consistency, calling it “smooth,” “creamy” and “similar to homemade.”

Made from high-quality imported Danish cheese and premium herbs and spices, Castello Whipped Dips come in three delectable flavors (Cracked Pepper, Garlic & Herb and Paprika & Chili) and are light yet creamy and indulgent.

LAB RESULTS: “I adored all three of these whipped dips,” said chef and TV personality Alejandra Ramos, adding that she enjoyed the spreads with crackers, carrot sticks and even as omelet filling. The dips scored with taste testers too, and our nutrition pros appreciate that they are free from stabilizers, gums and preservatives.

A pickle-based salsa with a fresh, crunchy twist, Grillo’s finely chops its popular dill pickles and mixes them with fresh bell peppers and onions to create a briny, tangy dip.

LAB RESULTS: GH Recipe Editor Susan Choung praised the dip’s versatility, saying you could use it as you would use pico de Gallo (such as atop tacos and grain bowls). Taste testers praised the crispy, “not mushy” texture and a pickle flavor that “isn’t overpowering.”

Bitchin’ Sauce is the perfect saucy plus-one for every party or cookout — made from a base of blended raw California almonds along with premium herbs and spices, it’s a creamy, flavor-packed dip/spread/marinade that caters to a range of eating styles, from vegan to keto.

LAB RESULTS: Testers couldn’t say enough good stuff about the delicious flavors, which range from chipotle to creamy garlic to spinach artichoke. “It isn’t a condiment that is used once and forgotten in the fridge,” one person said. “We continually reach for it to add to different things we are making and eating.”

La Terra Fina Jalapeño Ranch with Greek Yogurt Dip & Spread gets in on the jalapeño-flavor trend in a better-for-you way. Greek yogurt lends craveable creaminess with a hit of protein, and both brined and fresh peppers deliver a punch of spice.

LAB RESULTS: GH’s nutrition director loves that with just 60 calories per serving, the dip delivers bold ranch flavor with a zesty kick. Testers pointed out the just-right zing and said it was delicious as a dip for crackers or veggies, on a charcuterie board or spread on a sandwich or a wrap.

It’s a celebration of Mexican-American culture and flavor every time you dive into a jar of Siete Mild Salsa Roja. Made from only minimal whole-food ingredients and called a “Casera-Style” (which means “homemade”) salsa, it’s a tasty homage to the brand’s family recipes and tradition.

LAB RESULTS: Testers call this salsa “fresh,” “craveable” and “summery,” noting its mild heat and hint of smokiness. The consistency – neither too chunky nor too watery but just right — made it a standout too. It even livened up eggs and avocado toast.

If you can’t make your own pesto, Gotham Greens Vegan Pesto is a fabulous premade option. It features simple quality ingredients — the brand’s greenhouse-grown aromatic basil, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice and coarse sea salt — making for a minimally processed, dairy-free version of this iconic Italian staple.

LAB RESULTS: “This vegan pesto is incredible! I love how it upgrades pasta, pizza and soups and even works as a marinade for proteins and veggies,” said registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman. Tasters appreciated the minimal ingredient list and the fact that it was dairy-free, saying it worked great as a dip too.

This simple but flavor-packed spread from Terranean features just cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and za’atar, a Lebanese spice blend made from oregano, sumac, sesame seeds and salt. You can use it a spread, a dip or a marinade.

LAB RESULTS: “Absolutely wonderful, this perfectly balanced spread is incredible,” said chef and TV personality Alejandra Ramos. “I put it on labneh and yogurt, drizzle it over meats, use it as a dip with warm bread and more. It’s my new favorite go-to condiment!” GH’s dietitians love that the spread delivers big not only on flavor but on heart-healthy fats and antioxidants too.

Get your guac on any time, anywhere, with Yo Quiero Grab & Go Hatch Chile Guacamole. Each mini dip is perfectly portioned for one and features hand-scooped Hass avocado combined with Hatch Valley green chiles, jalapeno, onion and a special mix of spices.

LAB RESULTS: The convenient plant-based snack was a hit with taste testers, who enjoyed the avocado chunks and the “refreshing flavor.” One person commented, “The ingredients tasted fresh, and I liked that I could recognize and pronounce all of them.” GH’s dietitians love that it’s a vehicle to help people eat more vegetables too.

Daisy adds a carefully curated blend of herbs and spices to its signature sour cream for a delectable elevated dip. Fresh and ready to eat, it's the perfect entertaining hack to help you save time and focus on your guests.

LAB RESULTS: Testers said this dip had a place beyond entertaining, noting that it was also yummy on sandwiches and baked potatoes. And GH’s nutrition director appreciates the high-quality ingredients and the fact that the dip is made without thickeners or stabilizers.

A versatile dip with bold flavor and wholesome ingredients, Cedar’s Foods spin on a traditional Greek staple is made with authentic Greek yogurt for a dose of probiotics and protein. It's excellent as a dip for chips, crackers or fresh veggies and as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.

LAB RESULTS: “This takes tzatziki to another level — you don’t need much to feel satisfied,” said one tester, adding that it was yummy enough to enjoy by the spoonful on its own. “The combination of cucumbers, garlic, dill and feta with rich Greek yogurt is just perfect,” said registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman.