Everyone has a favorite condiment—but not everyone agrees on what’s worth the hype. In this YouGov survey, they asked Americans which condiments are underrated, overrated, and just plain divisive. From pesto and mustard to ranch and sriracha, the results reveal where taste buds clash and where foodie opinions really stand out. Let’s dig into what sauces, spreads, and drizzles are winning fans—or wearing out their welcome.
Balsamic Vinegar Takes the Underrated Crown
Topping the underrated list is balsamic vinegar, favored by 8% of Americans. Both men and women agree on this one, making it the top pick across the board. It may not be a fridge staple for everyone, but its subtle sweetness is winning quiet praise.
Foodies Love Their Pesto
Among self-proclaimed food lovers, pesto tops the list of underrated condiments at 9%. That’s well above the general population’s 6%. Even so, foodies also show mixed feelings—some think it’s underappreciated, while others find it overrated.
Sriracha Is Both Loved and Loathed
Sriracha is a rollercoaster of opinion. Foodies are 108% more likely than the average American to call it underrated—but 12% of them also say it’s overrated. Basically, it’s a hot-button topic in more ways than one.
Ranch Dressing Tops the Overrated List
Ranch is America’s most overrated condiment, according to 13% of the population. Women are especially skeptical—15% think it doesn’t deserve the hype. Its creamy reign might finally be cooling off.
Ketchup Has Lost Some Fans
Ketchup ranks second on the overrated list at 12%, with men more likely than women to turn up their noses. Despite being an American classic, it’s not safe from scrutiny—especially among foodies, who rate it 66% more overrated than average.
Mayonnaise Stirs Up Mixed Feelings
Eight percent of Americans call mayo overrated, with foodies bumping that up to 10%. But the real divide is in usage—more women see it as underrated, while foodies are leaning the other way.
Mustard Is Surprisingly Divisive
Mustard is called underrated by many men, but foodies strongly disagree. They’re 80% more likely to rate it overrated compared to the general population. That sharp tang clearly isn’t for everyone.
Diet Labels Don’t Matter to Most
When it comes to condiments, 33% of Americans say they ignore dietary labels entirely. Still, sugar-free (30%) and low-sodium (29%) rank highest among those who do care. Organic matters more to Gen Z than Boomers, showing a clear generational split.
Gen Z Tosses Condiments Based on Vibes
Eighteen percent of Gen Z waits until a condiment smells off or looks moldy before tossing it. Boomers? Only 6% do that. Most Boomers play it safe, replacing condiments when the bottle runs dry, while Millennials are the most rule-abiding—33% ditch condiments once they hit their expiration date.
