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Think of condiments as the hat, scarf, and sunglasses of your cooking—they finish the look, add personality, and can turn something ordinary into something memorable. Whether you’re slathering ketchup on a crisp burger, stirring soy sauce into noodles, or dolloping chutney on a cheese board, condiments shape flavour, texture, and even mood. This guide walks you through the best places to buy them in the UK, how to choose between budget and premium lines, storage tips, pairing ideas, and quick hacks to make the most of every jar and bottle. Expect practical picks from big supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado, Lidl, Aldi, and Marks & Spencer, plus notes on specialist shops and online options.
Supermarkets are the first stop for most shoppers hunting condiments, and the choice often comes down to price, variety, and specialty ranges. Some chains prioritise everyday value, others curate premium labels and artisanal options. Knowing what each one normally excels at helps you shop smarter—are you stocking pantry staples or hunting for a rare imported hot sauce?
Tesco is a go-to for a big selection of house-brand sauces alongside major labels like Heinz and Hellmann’s. You’ll typically find single-bottle sizes of around 20 fl oz for ketchup or 12 fl oz for mayo in regular lines, and larger value multipacks if you’re stocking up. Tesco Extra stores and their online shop are useful when you want choice without breaking the bank.
Sainsbury’s offers solid mid-range options and the Taste the Difference range for shoppers who want a step up from supermarket basics. Expect well-packaged glass jars—common sizes are 8 oz to 16 oz—that often include unique chutneys, specialty mustards, and seasonal sauces that make for good dinner-party statements.
Asda and Morrisons typically champion price and availability. Look here for bulk-buy options and own-brand sauces that mimic premium recipes at lower prices. These chains are great if you want staples like brown sauce, mustard, or mayo in larger 1 lb-type family packs or value 32 fl oz bottles.
Waitrose and M&S are the places to browse if you’re after premium condiments: small-batch chutneys, imported soy varieties, craft hot sauces, and luxury mayonnaise. You’ll pay more, but for special occasions their 8 oz to 12 oz specialty jars often contain higher-quality ingredients and more adventurous flavour blends.
Don’t underestimate Lidl and Aldi—weekly special buys often feature interesting international sauces at bargain prices. Stock sizes vary, but impulse buys like 10 oz bottles of olive-based dressings or 6 oz jars of artisanal relish can deliver strong flavour for a fraction of supermarket prices.
Ocado and online marketplaces are convenient for sourcing rare or imported condiments. If you’re after a specific Japanese soy blend or a Texas-style hot sauce, online outlets and specialist retailers can ship across the UK. Amazon and dedicated British online grocers also carry a vast range, from warehouse-sized 32 fl oz bottles to boutique 4–8 oz jars.
Not every home needs every bottle, but a compact shelf of versatile condiments helps you handle multiple cuisines. Here are the essentials that I reach for repeatedly—each is small enough to store easily but big on possibility.
Ketchup is the poster child of condiments—great on fries, burgers, and as a base for quick BBQ sauces. Standard supermarket bottles run around 20 fl oz, and higher-end versions may use less sugar and more tomato for a brighter flavour.
Mustard wears many hats: smooth yellow for hot dogs, coarse grain for sandwiches, and Dijon for dressings. Typical jar sizes are around 8–12 oz. Keep a good classic and a grainy or Dijon-style on hand for dressings and marinades.
Mayonnaise is the glue in coleslaws, sandwiches, and quick dressings. You’ll find jars and squeeze bottles commonly around 12–20 fl oz. Try full-fat for richness or lighter versions if you’re watching calories.
Soy sauce instantly elevates stir-fries and marinades. Bottles range from 10 fl oz to 20 fl oz, and you’ll see light and dark versions—grab one of each if you cook a lot of Asian dishes.
From Tabasco-style hot sauce to thick sriracha and fermented chili pastes, spicy condiments add depth. Small bottles of 4–8 fl oz last a long time because a little goes a long way.
These jarred condiments—think Branston-style pickle or mango chutney—bring sweet-sharp contrast to cheese boards and meats. Standard jars are usually 8–12 oz and are brilliant for turning simple plates into layered experiences.
Choosing a sauce is part art, part science. Think about balance: acid, fat, salt, sweet, and heat. Match the sauce intensity to the food—delicate fish needs subtle dressing, while smoked meats can handle bold, sweet-barbecue flavours. Below are quick rules to make pairing intuitive.
Grilled meats love sauces with a molasses or tomato base and a touch of acid—ketchup-based BBQ sauces and sticky marinades work well. Look for bottles that list molasses, vinegar, or fruit purée for that glaze-friendly finish.
Salad dressings should balance oil with acid. Classic vinaigrettes, lemon-mustard emulsions, or creamy mayo-based dressings work wonders. Use roughly 1 part acid to 3 parts oil as a starting rule and adjust to taste with mustard or honey.
Asian dishes often rely on soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and mirin. Use lighter soy for seasoning and dark soy for colour; add a little sugar or honey for balance. A splash of rice vinegar brightens everything.
Sandwiches love spreads that add both flavour and moisture—mustards, aiolis, and chutneys are perfect. Spreads around 8–12 oz provide enough to last several lunches while keeping freshness.
Deciding when to spend and when to save is key. Budget brands often nail the basics: ketchup, standard mustard, and basic soya. Premium lines usually deliver nuanced flavours for things you taste directly—mayonnaise, speciality mustards, artisan chutneys, and imported soy or fish sauces.
Save on pantry staples you use every day, like standard ketchup, cheap soy sauce for everyday cooking, and house-brand mayo. Buying larger family packs—think 32 fl oz bottles or multiple 20 fl oz packs—can reduce cost per use dramatically.
Spend on condiments you taste on their own or pair with premium ingredients—artisan mayonnaise, small-batch hot sauces, and specialty mustards. A premium 8–12 oz jar can add serious character to a simple plate and is worth the occasional splurge.
Proper storage keeps condiments tasting fresh and safe. Most unopened bottles live happily in a cool, dark pantry; once opened, many need refrigeration. Keep your shelf-or-fridge routine simple and you’ll avoid wasted jars and muted flavours.
Perishables like mayonnaise, some salad dressings, and fresh salsas should be refrigerated after opening—think under 68°F is fine for brief periods, but keep long-term storage in the fridge. Vinegar-based pickles and chutneys can usually be stored in the pantry for a short time but will keep longer chilled.
Most condiments don’t freeze well because texture changes—mayonnaise can split, creamy dressings separate—but tomato-based sauces and some pesto recipes freeze acceptably. Freeze in small portions (about 4 fl oz or under) to thaw only what you need.
Pairing condiments is half instinct, half tested rules. Think of sauce as a supporting actor that elevates the main ingredient. Below are simple pairing templates you can memorise and adapt.
Burgers often want umami, sweetness and acid—ketchup, mustard, mayo and pickles cover that triangle. For gourmet builds try grainy mustard and a fruity chutney for contrast. Thinner sauces like ketchup help with juicier patties, thicker spreads add richness.
Roasts take well to herbaceous and acidic condiments: chimichurri for beef, mustard-based sauces for pork, and fruity chutneys for lamb. Use about a tablespoon or two per serving as a finishing lift rather than drowning the meat.
Veg bowls need fat and acid to bring everything together. Tahini dressings, lemon-mustard vinaigrettes, and spicy mayo all function well. Aim for a balance—about 2 tablespoons of dressing for a single-serving grain bowl.
If you love experimenting, the UK’s foodscape has tons of options beyond supermarket shelves. Try specialist markets, ethnic grocers, local delis, farmers’ markets, and online suppliers for hard-to-find bottles and jars that can completely change how you cook and eat.
Local Asian supermarkets carry regional soy sauces, fish sauces, fermented bean pastes, and chili oils you won’t find in mainstream chains. Stores like Wing Yip or smaller neighbourhood grocers are treasure troves for authentic bottles sized from 8 fl oz to 20 fl oz.
Online shops can ship rare sauces nationwide. If you’re hunting for a specific style—Japanese ponzu, Mexican mole, or West African pepper sauces—the web often has it, with bottle sizes ranging from tiny 3–4 fl oz artisan jars to larger 16–32 fl oz supplies for frequent use.
Farmers’ markets and local producers often sell small-batch chutneys, relishes and hot sauces. These jars are typically 6–8 oz but pack a punch in flavour and story—great for gifts and to try something genuinely local and seasonal.
Condiments aren’t just for topping—they’re building blocks. A spoonful can transform a dressing, a marinade, or even a dessert glaze. Try these quick hacks to stretch your condiments further and add professional flair to home cooking.
Mix 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of oil, and a teaspoon of mustard for an instant 4–6 oz marinade suitable for 1 lb of meat or firm tofu. Marinate for 30 minutes for flavour-packed results.
Whisk 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of grainy mustard for an easy 3-ingredient dressing that doubles as a dip. This makes about 4 fl oz—enough for two to three salads.
Stir 1 tablespoon of hot sauce into 4 tablespoons of mayo for a quick spicy mayo—perfect for burgers or fries. For garlic aioli, crush a clove of garlic into 4 tablespoons of mayo and let sit 10 minutes to mellow.
Packaging choices matter—glass jars are widely recyclable and preserve flavour better, while plastic squeeze bottles are lighter and convenient but often harder to recycle. Look for brands using recycled materials or return schemes, and consider bulk refills where available to reduce waste.
Condiments and sauces are small investments with big returns: a few jars on your shelf can unlock dozens of easy meals, elevate simple dishes, and let you experiment across cuisines. Shop smart by matching store choice to your needs—value retailers for staples, premium outlets for direct-taste condiments, and specialist shops for rare finds. Store them properly, pair them intentionally, and don’t be afraid to tinker—your next favourite flavour might be the jar you pick up this week.
| Condiments & Sauces - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| White Sugar Coffee Mate - 500 Pcs. | £ 10,99 |
