The Top 5 Condiment Trends for Summer, According to Whole Foods

Mara Weinraub
Mara WeinraubLifestyle Editor, Groceries
Mara is the Senior Groceries Editor at Kitchn. She nerds out over every inch detail of the grocery store, from building a shopping list to unpacking those (reusable) totes. She lives in New York City where she stocks a minimum of three peanut butter jars in her apartment at all times.
Follow
published Jun 22, 2022
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
Credit: Joe Lingeman

Last fall, the Whole Foods Market Trends Council, a collective of Whole Foods Market buyers and industry experts, released a list of food and beverage trends for 2022 — and many of them have been spot-on. (Hi, #5!) Since then, the Council has been very busy squeezing and spreading all kinds of condiments on sandwiches and summer fare. At least we assume so, as the group just revealed their first-ever summer condiment trend predictions!

We got a sneak preview of the council’s predictions, and this year’s mix includes internationally inspired barbecue sauces, fresh takes on ketchup and mustard, and more. We’re “trading out condiment-aisle classics for more elevated versions, and we expect this to continue as we head into summer,” said Rachel Bukowski, senior team leader of R&D for Exclusive Brands at Whole Foods Market.

Here are the five condiment trends to look out for this summer and beyond.

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods

1. Barbecue Goes Global

Many people grew up eating a particular style and brand of barbecue sauce. Whether you’re team sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy — or some combination of the four — this year, those flavor notes are on full display in a lineup of internationally inspired barbecue sauces, spices, and marinades. Look for Vietnamese lemongrass BBQ starters, Korean bulgogi BBQ sauces & marinades, organic berbere seasonings, and more.

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods

2. Hot Chili Summer

Chili peppers — with all their fiery heat — have been a staple for spice-lovers for many years, so it’s no surprise that they’re taking over the condiment section, among others. You’ll find an ever-expanding array of sauces, pastes, oils, and honeys to flavor your grilled meats, salads, fruits, and even ice creams this summer (or fall)!

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods

3. Ketchup and Mustard, Mastered

If you thought this list wouldn’t include this iconic red-and-yellow duo, think again. Expect to see more ketchups (with fruit-and-veggie add-ins and new flavors) and mustards (with hot deli, hot honey, and curry) in pantries and on picnic tables at a park near you … supply chain permitting, of course.

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods

4. Fermented Foods

It’s gotten to the point where it’s not if fermented items will make the trends list, but which ones and what aisles. This summer, they’ve come for your condiments. You’ll find tangy, fermented ingredients making an appearance in mayos, dressings, marinades, hot sauces, and more.

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods

5. Revved-Up Ranch

Some people say, adamantly, that ranch is perfect as is — no notes! The folks at Whole Foods, however, are coming in hot with habanero and spicy variations (a trend within a trend, if you will) to change their hearts and minds. The beloved dressing and dipping sauce is also diversifying into plant-based and vegan offerings, including some made with oat milk.

Which trend are you most excited to try? Tell us in the comments below!

Filed in:
trends