
Bland food is the pits. And so are cheap condiments loaded with hidden toxic ingredients that do nothing to turn your food from okay to a WOW. That’s why we tested out different toppings to find the absolute best plant based condiments out there so you can eat without regret!
Wait… plant based condiments?
Yes.
The reason is that more people are now sensitive to proteins like eggs. (And that includes many of the readers here at Gluten Free School… myself included).
While I’d love to indulge in an egg-based mayo, my digestive system will literally send me running to the bathroom.
I’ve spent the ten years trying out new (and sometimes innovative) products on the market.
But aside from that, there are more people who want to reduce animal-derived ingredients in their diets. Having plant based condiments on hand at any party or event means that more people can enjoy them.
And let’s not forget that pretty much most of us would prefer to avoid…
- high fructose corn syrup
- artificial colors
- other weird, unnecessary ingredients that are often hidden in condiments.
Here’s my take on the four best MUST-HAVE plant based condiments that you need in your fridge!
The categories are Ketchup, Relish, Mayo, and Relish.
Trust me… your mouth will be totally grateful.
Best Plant Based Condiments — KETCHUP WINNER
The absolute best ketchup I’ve tasted all year comes from Primal Kitchen.
Don’t let the unsweetened label fool you — it still has the perfect amount of sweetness that you’d expect from ketchup thanks to balsamic vinegar in the ingredients.
And of course… without the junk!
We taste-tested this brand against others both on their own as well as topping burgers.
There was really no contest because Primal Kitchen’s Ketchup totally stole the show.
The deets:
- USDA organic ketchup
- Whole30 approved
- Vegan / Plant based
- Acceptable to use if you’re on a Keto Diet
- Gluten Free
- Paleo friendly
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- No high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar used!
Use it as you would any other ketchup. It’s definitely worth every bite.
Even my picky husband was impressed because “it makes my burger pop with flavor. It’s just better than every other ketchup you buy at the store. Stop getting those and just stick with this.”
And there we have it!
If you haven’t yet checked out Primal Kitchen’s full line of condiments — you better get at it!
They’ve got a full line up of ridiculously good-for-you condiments that include dressings and marinades (like this delish vegan ranch!!) along with mayos (made with avocado oil), spicy mustard, avocado oils (which are an excellent high-heat alternative to coconut oil), and other products like collagen powder and nutritional bars.
Use this KETCHUP with these Gluten Free School recipe favorites:
Moist Turkey Meatloaf (use in place of the tomato paste and vinegar)
Best Plant Based Condiments — MAYO WINNER
As many of you know, I’ve been unable to eat mayo made from eggs for at least ten years now due to a severe sensitivity to eggs.
So let me be the first to say that vegan mayo has come A LONG WAY.
And it’s time to hand the prize to one particularly innovative company that deserves a big round of applause.
For a vegan mayo, it’s excellent.
But the mayos are so good that they fooled my taste testers who love (and regularly eat) mayo made from eggs.
The Good Spoon has created a line of vegan mayos is not some sort of thinly whipped mayo alternative.
It’s a bolder whipped mayo made from something you’d never (ever) guess — microalgae (more specifically Chlorella).
The deets:
- Vegan / Plant Based
- Egg Free
- Gluten Free
- Soy Free
- Preservative Free
- Non-GMO
- No Artificial Colors or Flavors
There are four different egg free mayos in the line that includes Classic, Garlic & Herbs (my personal fav), Curry, and Smoky Spicy.
Unfortunately their availability is limited at the moment (as is always the case with a new brand). But if you request this at your local grocer, they should be able to order it.
Trust me… it’s worth getting your local grocer to carry it if you can’t eat eggs.
I don’t think I can go back to other brands… it’s THAT GOOD.
Best Plant Based Condiments — RELISH WINNER
If you’re not into relish because “it’s too sweet” for your tastes, I can officially say that the relish game has been completely upended.
To be entirely transparent, I love relish… and always have.
So if you’re not a relish or pickle fan, this might not be your thing.
BUT…
If you’re anything like me, this will be a perfect addition to your condiment collection.
I never thought of a more perfect combo to anyone who loves some spice (as in spicy heat) and relishes.
Yai’s Thai has totally reinvented relish with their Spicy Thai Relish in a way that makes it an easy favorite. Looking to add a serious dose of flavor (and a kick) to your summer picnics or grilled meals?
This is it!
The deets:
- Whole30 Approved
- Gluten-Free
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Low Sodium
- Paleo
In regards to the spice, I’ll say this… it’s not so hot that you can’t bear it. But if you’re spice-adverse, it might be too much.
I personally love when something says that it’s spicy, that is actually spicy. I’ve grown to love some heat and spice added to my food and this is a new favorite staple that I and my taste testers truly enjoyed!
If you’re looking for more Thai-inspired condiments and sauces, they’ve got you covered. Be on the lookout for their Thai Salsas (that inspired the entire brand), Hot sauces (which are super YUMMY on just about everything), various Coconut Curry sauces, and an absolutely scrumptious Almond sauce (a play off a traditional peanut sauce).
Fun recipes to try this with:
And it would be great to top all sorts of hot dogs and sausages too!
Best Plant Based Condiments — BBQ SAUCE WINNER
Who doesn’t love a finger-licking good BBQ sauce!
What we discovered in taste-testing a lot of what’s on the market, there are a litany of sauces that *might* have gluten in them, contain artificial ingredients and flavors, and less-than-healthy sweeteners.
Plus, we wanted to find something that had a different take on what would make a full-flavor BBQ sauce healthier.
And somehow by the grace of God, we found one from Fody Foods.
“Feelin’ Saucy” Barbecue Sauce is a sweet BBQ sauce with a subtle kick that adds huge flavor to your favorite grilled food, burgers, fries, and anything else you please.
The ingredient list is pretty small and easily recognizable to boot.
But what’s really fascinating and incredible is that this BBQ sauce is FODMAP-friendly.
You read that right.
In fact, everything they make is (but more about that in a sec).
The deets:
- Monash Low FODMAP
- Gluten Free
- Certified Vegan
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Onion Free
- Garlic Free
And it’s not just BBQ sauce… nope.
They’ve got an entire line available of condiments and sauces that are typically on the NO-NO list for people avoiding high FODMAP foods.
Check out their entire suite of products that include ketchup, salsas, snack bars, pasta sauces, dressings and marinades, spice combos (check out the taco seasoning!!!), and even infused olive oils.
Add this BBQ sauce to this recipe for an added punch:
Include it in the burger mix before the patties hit the grill.
Coat chicken with it before baking or grilling.
Or just use it as a delish sauce to top your favorite meals and sandwiches.