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  4. 10 Best Tartar Sauces of 2024 (Chef-Reviewed)
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10 Best Tartar Sauces of 2024 (Chef-Reviewed)

Tartar sauce may have a reputation of being paired with seafood, but it actually goes well with many other dishes, too. The slightly tangy taste and creamy consistency are hard to resist, and once you try it out, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. The variety of ingredients and flavors ensures there are a number of foods to pair with tartar sauce. However, tartar sauces look similar to one another, and it may be difficult to figure out how to choose a good one.


Don't worry - you'll find many suggestions on how to choose a good tartar sauce in our buying guide. Frisch's Tartar Sauce is our favorite because it has an original taste, goes well with many dishes, and is the same sauce that is used in the Big Boy restaurant chain. If you want to know more, check out the rest of the products on our list!


 

Last updated 02/26/2024
Jim Quast
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Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Tartar Sauce

There are several things to consider when buying a tartar sauce, such as ingredients, flavor, and packaging. This buying guide will help you navigate the information necessary to find the perfect tartar sauce.

1

See What the Base and Additional Ingredients Are

See What the Base and Additional Ingredients Are

Most tartar sauces are made with the same ingredients for the base: mayonnaise made with eggs and oil. The creamy base allows tartar sauce to pair well with a variety of foods. Some tartar sauces forgo the eggs and utilize an aioli base of garlic and oil, making them suitable for vegans.


Spicy ingredients such as mustard seed, jalapeño, and horseradish can add some heat to the sauce, while herbs like turmeric, cilantro, dill, parsley, and tarragon help improve aroma and flavor. There is also tartar sauce made with lemon juice for extra tang. Lemon juice compliments tartar sauce and pairs well with seafood and fish


If you prefer your sauce to have a lot of texture, look for a product that contains chopped pickles, cucumbers, or onions. Those ingredients not only enhance the flavor profile of the sauce, but also give it some crunch. These types of tartar sauces contain flavor profiles that taste great with fried foods. 


However, if you just want something simple, go for a traditional recipe made with basic ingredients like egg yolks, aioli, and seasonings. With a classic sauce, you can freely add extra ingredients and seasonings to your taste.

2

Choose Packaging That Is Easy to Use

Choose Packaging That Is Easy to Use

Three common types of packaging are plastic bottles, glass jars, and packets. If you're looking for a single serving, we suggest you choose packets. They're one-time use, so you don’t need to worry about having too much leftover sauce that could expire. They are perfect to pack in lunches, too.


But if you want to buy in a larger quantity, we suggest you choose a plastic squeeze bottle. Squeeze bottles are the easiest to use. They are more lightweight than a glass jar. They would be best for households with children, and they are sanitary because you don't have to worry about dirty utensils getting dipped in the sauce. 


The good thing about glass containers is they're free from chemicals like BPA. BPA is a chemical compound used in the production of plastics. The adverse health effects of BPA are debated, but those who are cautious of extra chemicals in their food would do best to use glass jars. 

3

Pay Attention to the Expiration Date

Pay Attention to the Expiration Date

Once opened, tartar sauce usually lasts for about six months in the refrigerator. You want to keep tartar sauce refrigerated and tightly sealed at all times. Glass and plastic containers with a sealable lid are best for storing opened tartar sauce. 


But sometimes tartar sauce can go bad before the expiration date, too. How can you tell when it’s time to throw out your sauce? If you notice mold or a change in taste, texture, color, or smell, then it is probably time to toss it!


The longevity depends on how well you store the product. Before the tartar sauce is opened, we suggest you store it in a dry and cool area to maintain quality.

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10 Best Tartar Sauces

The tartar sauces in the following list offer variety in terms of flavor, ingredients, and packaging. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Frisch's

Original Tartar Sauce

Frisch's Original Tartar Sauce 1

$4.22

Low Mid

Best Restaurant-Quality Traditional Tartar Sauce

2

Beaver Brand

Gourmet Seafood Tartar Sauce

Beaver Brand Gourmet Seafood Tartar Sauce 1

$2.62

Low Mid

Best Zesty Tartar Sauce With Capers

3

Kraft

Tartar Sauce

Kraft Tartar Sauce 1

$1.98

Low Mid

Best Sweet and Sour Tartar Sauce

4

Bookbinder's

Traditional Tartar Sauce

Bookbinder's Traditional Tartar Sauce 1

$10.81

High Mid

Best Tartar Sauce With a Horseradish Punch

5

Heinz

Tartar sauce

Heinz Tartar sauce 1

$23.99

High

Best to Pack in Lunches and Take for Picnics

6

Louisiana Fish Fry

Tartar Sauce

Louisiana Fish Fry Tartar Sauce 1

$2.29

Low Mid

Best Tartar Sauce With a Hint of Spice

7

Primal Kitchen

Tartar Sauce Made With Avocado Oil

Primal Kitchen Tartar Sauce Made With Avocado Oil 1

$12.97

High Mid

Best Sugar-Free Tartar Sauce With Avocado Oil

8

Stonewall Kitchen

Legal Seafoods Chipotle Tartar Sauce

Stonewall Kitchen Legal Seafoods Chipotle Tartar Sauce 1

$10.30

Mid

Best for Those Who Love Heat

9

Inspired Vegan

Tartare Sauce

Inspired Vegan Tartare Sauce 1

$12.83

High Mid

Best Vegan Tartar Sauce

10

McCormick

Golden Dipt Fat Free Tartar Sauce

McCormick Golden Dipt Fat Free Tartar Sauce 1

$7.99

Mid

Best Fat Free Tartar Sauce

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Frisch'sOriginal Tartar Sauce

Original Tartar Sauce 1
Source:amazon.com
Original Tartar Sauce 2
Source:amazon.com
Original Tartar Sauce 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$4.22
Low Mid
Reference price
$4.22
Low Mid

Best Restaurant-Quality Traditional Tartar Sauce

Pros:

  • Famous for flavor and quality 
  • Pairs great with fried foods 
  • Packaged in a durable glass jar 

Cons:

  • One reviewer says the taste is heavier on the dill than on sweet pickles, which they disliked

This is the same sauce that has been used in Michigan-based Big Boy chain restaurants' burgers and sandwiches. It was first introduced in 1946 and is now popular worldwide. The ingredient list is simple and contains no artificial flavors; you'll only find basic ingredients such as egg yolk, pickles, onions, and spices. 


Many reviewers claim that it has a taste that they can never find in other tartar sauces. It's not too sweet, and aside from seafood, it also pairs well with chicken breast, beef, and French fries. 

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No.2

Beaver BrandGourmet Seafood Tartar Sauce

Reference price
$2.62
Low Mid

Best Zesty Tartar Sauce With Capers

Pros: 

  • Special blend of ingredients gives unique flavor 
  • Award-winning recipe
  • Dill and capers compliment the creamy base 

Cons:

  • Contains high fructose corn syrup

Dill is the perfect compliment to tartar sauce. It works to balance the creamy base of tartar sauce and gives it a unique aroma. Capers give a salty and zesty taste to the tartar sauce. This is also unique for having celery, bell peppers, and red chili!


Most reviewers loved the taste and say it is their favorite tartar sauce. Customers love eating this tartar sauce with their favorite seafood and say it gives an extra kick to sandwiches.

No.3

KraftTartar Sauce

Reference price
$1.98
Low Mid

Best Sweet and Sour Tartar Sauce

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use and sanitary squeeze bottle
  • Distinct sweet and sour flavor
  • Makes for a perfect dipping sauce 

Cons:

  • Some found it too heavy on the mayo and a bit bland

This tartar sauce has the right amount of sweetness with a hint of onion and mustard. It also has a nice balance of crunchy and crispy pickle bits. The smooth and creamy sauce makes a perfect seafood dip, as well as a great condiment for fish sandwiches. 


Some reviewers thought it was a bit boring and too similar to mayonnaise. But others love the plastic squeeze bottle and add that it's very convenient and easy to use. Many buyers further note that this product has a perfect combination of sweet and sour that can bring out the flavor of fish and other seafood.

No.4

Bookbinder'sTraditional Tartar Sauce

Reference price
$10.81
High Mid

Best Tartar Sauce With a Horseradish Punch

Pros:

  • Horseradish, garlic, and onion powder make a strong flavor profile
  • Lemon and vinegar give a tangy taste 
  • Squeeze bottle for easy serving

Cons:

  • Contains high fructose corn syrup

The ingredients in this tartar sauce are pretty traditional, with pickle relish, eggs, and oil, but the addition of horseradish gives it a unique spicy kick. The flavor is rounded out with lemon and vinegar for acidity, plus a little bit of sweetness.

Reviewers say if you prefer a sweet tartar sauce, you may not like this. Those who like sour tastes and the sharpness of horseradish are obsessed with it! They say it complements fish dishes without overwhelming them.

No.5

HeinzTartar sauce

Reference price
$23.99
High

Best to Pack in Lunches and Take for Picnics

Pros:

  • Packaging makes it convenient to take on the go 
  • Vinegar and lemon juice give it a delicious tangy flavor 
  • Single serve packets make for easy portion control 

Cons:

  • Contains high fructose corn syrup

This product features a tangy blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, onion powder, and mustard flour. The sauce is made without artificial flavors or preservatives. This product comes in a single-serve packet with 200 packets in total. This packaging is easy to use and perfect to take for your lunch or social gatherings. 


Most reviews compliment this sauce for the rich flavor. They also like that the portable packaging that makes it very convenient for events and travel

No.6

Louisiana Fish FryTartar Sauce

Reference price
$2.29
Low Mid

Best Tartar Sauce With a Hint of Spice

Pros:

  • Creamy base and added spicy kick 
  • Great to pair with many dishes 
  • Durable glass bottle makes for easy storage

Cons:

  • Contains high fructose corn syrup

This creamy tartar sauce has a bit of spice from garlic, mustard, and onion. The addition of parsley flakes and dill relish further gives the sauce a nice kick. This sauce pairs well with fried seafood, cold chicken dishes, and sandwiches, and can also be used as a salad dressing or a dipping sauce for vegetables!


Some reviewers had issues with the product separating and becoming too watery. On the other hand, most reviews are in love with the sauce, saying it has a signature southern flavor and is tangy rather than sweet. 

No.7

Primal KitchenTartar Sauce Made With Avocado Oil

Reference price
$12.97
High Mid

Best Sugar-Free Tartar Sauce With Avocado Oil

Pros: 

  • Avocado oil creates a creamy base
  • Sugar-free
  • Contains many organic ingredients
  • Keto- and paleo-friendly

Cons:

  • Reviews found the tartar sauce to be too tart
  • Oil can separate and need mixing before use

This tartar sauce boasts avocado oil to create a creamy base. The composition of this sauce makes it sugar-free; therefore, it is perfect for those that restrict sugar in their diet. The flavor comes from mustard, lemon, vinegar, and spices like onion and dill.


A few buyers felt the sauce was too acidic and therefore too tart. On the other hand, reviewers love the healthy oils used in this sauce and say that makes it light and refreshing.

No.8

Stonewall KitchenLegal Seafoods Chipotle Tartar Sauce

Reference price
$10.30
Mid

Best for Those Who Love Heat

Pros:

  • Chipotle peppers create a spicy kick
  • Balance of heat and creamy base
  • Makes a great dipping sauce

Cons:

  • Chipotle peppers might not pair with as many dishes 

This tartar sauce turns up the heat by adding chipotle peppers to the formula. Because of the heat, it will complement some dishes better than others. For example, this makes a great dipping sauce for fried seafood, sweet potato fries, and crab cakes.


Reviewers love the taste of this tartar sauce. They appreciate how much heat and spice is packed into it

No.9

Inspired VeganTartare Sauce

Tartare Sauce 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Tartare Sauce 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
$12.83
High Mid
Reference price
$12.83
High Mid

Best Vegan Tartar Sauce

Pros:

  • Plant-based tartar sauce for vegans 
  • Unique ingredient blend including shallots and Dijon mustard
  • Pairs well with a variety of foods 

Cons:

  • Some reviewers felt the sauce was too thin
  • Ships from the UK

This tartar sauce is made with only plant-based ingredients. The unique composition makes this sauce pair with foods with which other tartar sauces might not pair well. For instance, this tartar sauce can be eaten with mashed potatoes. 


A couple of reviews felt that the base was too thin and unappealing. However, many customers rave about how much they love the taste. They also appreciate that it is vegan and cruelty-free

No.10

McCormickGolden Dipt Fat Free Tartar Sauce

Reference price
$7.99
Mid

Best Fat Free Tartar Sauce

Pros:

  • No fat or cholesterol
  • Sweet and savory taste
  • Pairs well with seafood and fried foods

Cons:

  • Contains high fructose corn syrup and sugar

This tartar sauce ditches the oil that is commonly found in other tartar sauces in favor of a water base. Because of that fact, this tartar sauce contains no fat.


Flavor is not lost in this fat-free tartar sauce because it contains a sweet pickle relish. The relish gives it a nice sweet taste to balance the flavors of vinegar and lemon in the mayonnaise base. This sauce is perfect to pair with fish and fried foods. 

A Quick and Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe

Making tartar sauce by yourself is very easy and requires only a few ingredients. Plus, you can adjust the flavor and add different seasonings based on what you like, too. We have chosen the easiest and quickest tartar sauce recipe that requires only five minutes and nine ingredients. Here is the recipe from SweetySalado


Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon coarse-grained mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons small diced dill pickles
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt, or to taste
  • 1 pinch black pepper, or to taste

Directions

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until you get a smooth paste. You can store the sauce in the fridge for up to one week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about food is almost as enjoyable as eating it! We did some research and found out some fun facts about tartar sauce for you.

What's the history of tartar sauce?

The name “Tartar” comes from the French sauce Tartare, and the origin is the eastern part of France. Tartar sauce is usually made with egg yolk, oil, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, pickles, parsley, onion, and sugar. It’s rich, creamy, and pairs well with fried fish, shrimp, and other seafood dishes. 


While it's not known exactly when tartar sauce was first invented, we do know that similar recipes existed in Medieval times. We also know that Hellman's (the mayonnaise brand) introduced the first commercialized version in the 1920s. Now you can enjoy it pretty much anywhere!

Looking for More Dipping Sauces?

Since there are many types of dipping sauces, we have selected three popular sauces that pair well with different snacks and foods. If you want to know how to choose a good one, don't forget to check these articles out as well!

Amazon's Best Selling Tartar Sauces

If you're still uncertain what type of tartar sauce is for you, or if you need some ideas, take a look at Amazon's best-selling tartar sauces.

Top 5 Tartar Sauces

No. 1: Frisch'sOriginal Tartar Sauce

No. 2: Beaver BrandGourmet Seafood Tartar Sauce

No. 3: KraftTartar Sauce

No. 4: Bookbinder'sTraditional Tartar Sauce

No. 5: HeinzTartar sauce

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