What's America's most overrated condiment? [Reality checks]

The first episode of Reality checks with Brian Reitz features Ariel Abramowitz from McCann New York, seeking to understand America's most overrated condiment.

"I really, really hate ranch, and I know that's a controversial opinion, especially as someone who went to college in central Pennsylvania," said Abramowitz on Reality checks.

The survey

To uncover the reality, Ariel and the YouGov team collaborated on a five-question survey:

1. How likely is it that people who know you would describe you as a foodie? (Jump to results)
2. Which of these condiments do you think is the most underrated? (Jump to results)
3. Even if you would eat it yourself, which of these condiments do you think is the most overrated? (Jump to results)
4. Which of the following dietary labels matter to you when choosing or using condiments? Please mark all that apply. (Jump to results)
5. How often do you replace the condiments in your fridge? (Jump to results)
   

How many Americans are foodies?​

YouGov Surveys data finds that nearly one in five Americans (19%) are considered "foodies" - or individuals "very likely" to be described as such by people they know.

This question, which aimed to segment respondents into foodies and non-foodies, found that an additional 33% of the U.S. general population are somewhat likely to be labeled as foodies by their acquaintances.

The wording of this question sought to remove potential bias from self-identification, providing a more nuanced view of food enthusiasm in America.

What are America's most underrated condiments?​

Balsamic vinegar emerges as the most underrated condiment for men and women, alike, though with just 8% of respondents, it's not a universally-held belief by any means.

Interestingly, olive oil and mayonnaise showed notable gender differences, with more women (7% and 8% respectively) favoring these options compared to men (6% and 5%).

Men, meanwhile ranked mustard second on their list of most underrated condiments.

For foodies, pesto topped the list of underrated condiments (9%), significantly higher than the general population's 6%.

While the highest number of foodies selected pesto, it wasn't the condiment where food afficianados were most likely to deviate from the general population.

The three condiments foodies were more likely to cite as underrated compared to the average American were Sriracha (108% more likely), Hoisin sauce (92% more likely), and ketchup (66% more likely).

The survey did not ask where these were rated, just whether or not they were overrated or underrated.

What are America's most overrated condiments?​

Ranch dressing rises to the top as America's most overrated condiment, with 13% of the US general population considering it overhyped. Women are particularly skeptical, with 15% rating it as overrated compared to 11% of men.

Ketchup follows closely behind, deemed overrated by 12% of the general population. Interestingly, men (14%)are more likely than women (11%) to consider ketchup overrated.

Despite foodies being more likely than the average American to have deemed Sriracha as underrated, 12% of the group believe it's overrated compared to 10% of all Americans.

Basically, foodies are more likely to have an opinion about sriracha.

Foodies seem to have an affinity for hot sauce, with only 5% considering it overrated compared to 8-10% in other groups.

Mayonnaise, meanwhile, is seen as overrated by 8% of the general population. Foodies are more likely to view mayo as overrated (10%), though that's not where they differ most from the average American.

The three condiments that foodies were more likely to cite as overrated compared to the average American were mustard (80% more likely), pesto (52% more likely), and balsamic vinegar (32% more likely).

Interestingly, pesto and balsamic vinegar both scored relatively high on the underrated condiments list, indicating a similar divisiveness among foodies for each condiment as witnessed with sriracha.

Mustard stands alone, viewed uniquely overrated by foodies.

Which diet labels matter most?​

When it comes to dietary labels on condiments, the most common response among all Americans was "none of the above," with 33% indicating that dietary labels - or at least the ones asked about - don't matter to them when choosing condiments.

Sugar-free and low-sodium labels were the most popular overall, with 30% and 29% of respondents indicating their importance, respectively.

Notably, organic labels were nearly twice as important to Gen Z (33%) than to Baby Boomers (17%), highlighting a generational shift in priorities.

When do Americans replace their condiments?​

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gen Z show a more "vibe-based" approach to condiments—18% wait until something smells bad or gets moldy before tossing it, compared to just 6% of Baby Boomers.

That said, 62% of Baby Boomers replace condiments when the bottle is empty, while Millennials take a surprisingly by-the-book approach: nearly a third (33%) replace condiments as soon as they expire, the highest of any group.