Sometimes, a little dab will do ya. And with condiments, fast-food spots serve them in small packets because they know that we don’t need that much mustard for a cheeseburger. Plus, it’s prudent for reasons of shipping and easy no-mess dispersal at drive-through windows. What most people don’t know though is that you can buy your favorite packets online.
That’s right, condiment packets are available for purchase, and they can really come in handy. Be it a long hiking or camping trip, a picnic or a kid’s lunchbox, the condiment packet is a utilitarian flavor vessel — and the best of the best condiment packet is the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Dip & Squeeze, a classic that tastes great on hot dogs, french fries and more.
What to know before you buy condiment packets
Condiment flavor
It is worth mentioning at the outset that there really is no best condiment. The condiment packet is just a conduit for a condiment. From ketchup to mayonnaise to mustard to relish to sriracha to honey barbecue, everyone has a unique flavor profile. Your favorite condiment will seriously inform which condiment packet you will prefer.
Packet size
Not all packets are created equal. Some are long like a tube while others can be compact and wide. They can also vary in how filled they are. Some packets are notoriously generous while others are almost half-empty. And while a very full condiment packet may seem preferable, these are also the packets that are most liable to pop and spill.
Most condiment packets will weigh roughly 9 grams and dispense about 0.3 ounces, if you are able to get every last drop out. For reference, it takes 47 Heinz Ketchup packets to amount to one 14-ounce bottle of Heinz Ketchup, so it might not be the best idea to use packets as a full substitute for bottles, particularly if you consume Ketchup frequently.
Shelf life
A lesser-known condiment packet fact is that they are perishable goods. Rarely listed on the individual packet, boxes of packets and the boxes will list a “sell by” date to inform you about how long you can keep the packets around before it will be prudent to refresh your inventory.
Packet hoarding is a common enough occurrence, with many families keeping a drawer in the kitchen for spares and stragglers from fast food orders. Condiment packets for salt, pepper and honey are not perishable but most all other packets should be inspected from time to time. The flavor of the condiment might start to dissipate or even go bad over time, so it is wise to at least taste test before applying an old packet. Old or questionable packets should be tossed.
Environmental concerns
Condiment packets are an environmentally inefficient way to apply flavor to food, as they simply cannot disperse condiment contents in large volumes. If you know that you will be using a condiment every day, it is more sustainable to buy a large-size bottle and simply squeeze from there. The condiment packet is a versatile item for single-use and on-the-go purposes, but it should not replace the classic bottle.
Condiment packets features
Condiment packet tearability
For the unfortunate few without long fingernails, it can be a chore to open up some condiment packet types. Materials matter greatly when it comes to condiment packet tearability, and the part aluminum/part plastic design of some common packets tends to be easier to open. Other plastic packets have a thin film of stretchy plastic that, while ensuring greater durability, also increases opening difficulty. There is not necessarily a best practice when it comes to packet opening, but when in doubt, a pair of scissors will make quick work of even the sturdiest of packets.
Condiment packet squeezability
Most condiment packets are similarly easy to squeeze, but not with precision. For some, it is satisfying to have a steady stream of condiment dispersed out of the torn hole, and some packets will release with more force and jet out in random directions. Whether trying to create condiment art for a child’s chicken nuggets, or to just ensure appropriate distribution along a hot dog, it is helpful to trust the squeeze of the packet.
Condiment packets cost
Per packet, condiments are very inexpensive and hover between 10-40 cents a packet, and will often come in packs of 50-100. Price likely will not be the crucial factor when selecting your packet purchase. Instead, the more important factor might be how many packets you are hoping to purchase.
Condiment packets FAQ
Are condiments good for you?
A. Everything is best in moderation. Condiments are potent flavored liquids and emulsions and therefore are typically high in sugar, fat and salt. Naturally, this combination is not very healthy, but condiments are designed to be used sparingly — that is why they come in packets.
Do some condiments taste different from packet to packet?
A. Yes. While all Heinz Ketchup packets should taste the same regardless of their size and shape, they will invariably taste different from Hunts Ketchup packets. Condiment flavor perception, much like all taste variability, is a matter of personal experience. It is advisable to test several types of the same condiments to see what you prefer.
Which condiment packets should I get?
Best of the best condiment packets
Heinz Tomato Ketchup Dip & Squeeze: Amazon
Our take: Winner of the National Restaurant Association Food and Beverage Product Innovations Award of 2011, this packet is a tub with two openings, one that lets you dip and another that lets you squeeze.
What we like: This extremely clever packet holds 0.95 ounces of liquid, three times that of a typical packet. And with 50 packets in the set, it offers great value and is perfect for the Heinz Ketchup fan.
What we dislike: Other condiment packet selections might offer you more options, so while this packet design is top-of-the-line, that is irrelevant if you do not enjoy Heinz Ketchup.
Best bang for your buck condiment packets
ShopSquare Grab-n-Go Condiment Packs: available at Amazon
Our take: This variety pack offers 150 packets of Heinz Ketchup, French’s Yellow Mustard, and Mayonnaise Americana (50 each). These are three very common and popular condiments and the value is excellent per packet.
What we like: Individual packets are more sanitary than traditional condiment bottles due to their single-use nature, so this variety pack should be great at the next backyard barbecue.
What we dislike: One customer complained of two open mustard packets when they received the box, which forced them to clean off all the packets.
Honorable mention condiment packets
Sistema To Go Collection 1.18-ounce Salad Dressing Containers: available at Amazon
Our take: While not a conventional condiment packet, this 4-pack of reusable lidded containers is perfect for single-use condiment application and is far better for the environment.
What we like: Not only are these containers reusable and dishwasher safe, but they will also let you customize condiments and come up with your own fun flavors. Plus, the 4-pack has four unique lids so you can easily differentiate your condiments from a glance.
What we dislike: While this is a terrific option for a consistently packed lunch, a big perk of the typical condiment packet is its use-and-toss application style. You will not want to simply toss these in a glove compartment or junk drawer. Chad Vickers is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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