The Only Salsa Brands You Should Be Buying

Grocery stores today have such an incredible variety of offerings it can be confusing to know which one to choose. From the almost endless varieties of apples and lettuces to the multitude of granola bars and salad dressings, picking a brand that is best for you, and that you'll enjoy the most, isn't always the easiest. It can be even trickier with snacks, especially if you want something on the healthier side. Salsa tends to lean more on the health-conscious side of snacking but not all brands are alike.

Certain labels favor more fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and peppers packed with nutrients and antioxidants. However, many store-bought brands can vary in both flavor and nutrients. Some largely commercialized brands tend to be watered down or lack flavor. Additionally, many brands include sneaky amounts of sugar, increased sodium, and processed ingredients. (If you're looking to make healthier swaps in other areas of your diet, check out dairy products you should avoid due to their high chemical content.)

To compile this list of the only salsa brands you should be buying, 24/7 Tempo reviewed resources such as Eat This, Not That!; the Food Network; and Daily Meal. We also took into consideration personal preferences and Reddit threads. In no particular order, here are eight salsa brands you don't have to avoid.

• Manufactured by: Whole Foods Brand
• Main ingredients: Diced tomatoes, tomato puree, roasted peppers, dried onions, spices and flavors

Though most Whole Foods 365 products are found exclusively at the grocery outlet, the Tacquería small batch flavor can also be found on Amazon. This type of salsa has a slightly smokey flavor which reviewers love. In fact, the 16 oz. jar has thousands of 5-star reviews. With a minimum of ingredients, all of which are whole foods, this salsa is also dairy-free, low in fat, and paleo and keto-friendly.

Additionally, there are a variety of different kinds of salsa available from the 365 brand. This includes the Organic Thick and Chunky mild salsa as well as the Peach Habanero and Roasted Verde.

• Manufactured by: TW Garner Food Company
• Main ingredients: Tomatoes, onions, peppers, vinegar, spices

Across several different ranking and reviewing sites, Green Mountain Gringo salsa consistently rose to the top. This salsa was originally created by David and Christine Hume in 1989 but was eventually purchased and added to the Garner Food line of products. In its early days, Green Mountain Gringo salsa was created in small batches in the Hume's home in Vermont.

You can find this salsa in mild, medium, and hot varieties and each is made with all natural ingredients. According to reviewers, each jar tastes surprisingly fresh with a smooth consistency that's not too chunky or watery. The brand also has its own line of tortilla chips to pair with its salsa. These chips come in white corn, blue corn, yellow corn, or multigrain flavors.

• Manufactured by: Hannaford Brand
• Main ingredients: Organic tomatoes, organic onions, organic jalapenos, vinegar, spices

As a private-label brand for Hannaford grocery stores in the northeastern part of the U.S., Nature's Promise creates a line of products that are wholesome and organic. In particular, their salsa brand is economical, healthy, and has a great flavor and consistency. However, keep in mind that it's not available nationwide. Though it's possible to have the salsa shipped to you, it's only available in stores like Food Lion and Giant Food which are not nationwide grocers.

The brand offers mild, medium, and hot salsa options as well as a medium cantina-style salsa. Every variety is certified organic, meaning that the ingredients and production have all met USDA organic regulation standards. Additionally, the ingredient list for this brand's salsa is simple and wholesome.

• Manufactured by: Trader Joe's
• Main ingredients: Diced tomatoes or tomato puree, onion, chili pepper or jalapenos, seasonings

Trader Joe's offers two different private-label salsa varieties. Salsa Authentica is a variety that contains only six simple ingredients including tomatoes, chili peppers, salt, vinegar, onion, and garlic. Its consistency is smooth as well, making it an authentic restaurant-style salsa option. It's also only $2.29 per 12. oz jar, making it a delicious and economically friendly choice.

Aside from TJ's Authentica salsa, the store also markets its own organic thick and chunky salsa. While many chunky salsa brands appear watered down, this variety of salsa brings the heat while still maintaining a consistency that reviewers enjoy. Trader Joe's website even recommends pouring this salsa over cream cheese for a midday snack. Similar to Nature's Promise, this brand of salsa is certified organic as well.

• Manufactured by: Tenayo Foods
• Main ingredients: Tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, roasted onion and tomato extract

Tenayo Foods got its start with the brand's iconic salsa that was created in the town of El Tenayo, Mexico. The owner and founder of the brand, Arturo Cruz, used the salsa recipe he learned from his mother to begin making it in New York City. Tenayo's original slow-roasted salsa has just seven simple ingredients. These include tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, roasted onions, and roasted tomato extract.

Beyond chips and dip, the brand also carries various sauces including spicy al pastor BBQ sauce, mole rojo red mole sauce, and poblano BBQ sauce.

• Manufactured by: Amy's Kitchen, Inc.
• Main ingredients: Tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers

Amy's Kitchen is known as a family-owned business with a long list of organic food options. One item the company produces is a medium-flavored salsa that has just nine simple ingredients. With its certified organic recipe, this salsa is gluten, dairy, soy, and corn-free. It's also low in sugar and doesn't contain any GMOs.

Reviewers also note that this salsa doesn't skimp on flavor. It might appear simple with its short ingredients list, but the balance of flavors makes it one to try. Amy's also recommends trying this salsa with one of their organic burritos.

• Manufactured by: Mateo's Gourmet Foods
• Main ingredients: Tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, jalapenos, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, spices

Founded by Andrew Robbins in 2010, Mateo's Gourmet Salsa was born out of a desire to find the right combination of ingredients and consistency to create a salsa that could be found nowhere else on the market. Beyond the company's "medium" flavored salsa, you can also find hot, extra hot habanero, mild, medium hatch chile, and medium cantina-style varieties.

Additionally, though Mateo's had a simple beginning, you can find their line of salsa products in nationwide retailers such as Costco, Walmart, Safeway, and Publix. The brand has also expanded into taco seasonings and sauces. Many of their salsa varieties also don't include onions, setting it apart from other brands on the market. Reviewers note they enjoy having an onionless salsa option as well.

• Manufactured by: Newman's Own Brand
• Main ingredients: Diced tomatoes, various peppers, onions, vinegar, cilantro, spices

While there are several different varieties of Newman's Own brand salsa, according to reviewers, most versions have a sweeter flavor. However, it ranks higher than many other mass-produced, easy-to-find, store-bought salsas. Mild and medium salsas have a slightly chunkier consistency as well.

If you're looking for a fruit-infused sweeter salsa, Newman's Own has a few great options. The company offers both peach and pineapple salsa. Keep in mind that all proceeds from Newman's Own products go toward charity, too. So while this brand of salsa may not rank as high as a few other brands on our list, it's still a healthier option with feel-good benefits. (For similar reading, click here to see the 7 healthier tortilla brands you don't have to avoid.)