Stop ruining your digestion with Pace dips

Unpopular opinion: Most dips are just liquid candy in disguise. This Pace Medium Picante actually keeps it real with only 3g of sugar per 100g. The label shows a solid base of crushed tomatoes and jalapenos, which suggests a chunky, reliable texture that won't slide off your chip and ruin your shirt. It's the perfect utility player for a desk lunch because it provides a garlic-heavy kick without the sticky mess of sweeter sauces. The dehydrated onions add a nice bite that feels substantial. One trade-off is the inclusion of 'natural flavors,' which feels a bit vague for a product with such a high 9.7 score. It's a functional, high-performing pantry staple for those who value efficiency over gourmet fluff.

Why are we doubling the sugar in a savory dip? This version of the Medium Picante hits 6g per 100g, which is a bit much for my liking, but it serves a specific purpose. If you're dealing with those aggressively salty corn chips during a late-night movie, the extra sweetness here might actually balance the palate. The ingredient list is simple—tomatoes, jalapenos, and onions—ensuring you aren't dealing with a watery, messy disaster on your couch. It lacks the garlic found in the 3g version, making it a bit more one-dimensional. The trade-off is definitely that sugar spike, which drops the score to 9.4. It's a reliable, middle-of-the-road option that prioritizes a consistent, thick tomato mouthfeel over complex spice.

If you want the heat without the bloat, this Hot Picante is the move. It mirrors the 3g sugar profile of the medium version, which is a win for anyone tired of syrupy condiments. The jalapeno peppers are front and center here, likely in a higher concentration to earn that 'Hot' label. It's a great gym bag companion for topping a bland post-workout meal because it packs a punch without adding unnecessary calories. The vinegar and garlic combo provides a sharp acidity that cuts through the richness of whatever you're eating. The trade-off is the texture; using dehydrated onions can sometimes feel a bit less 'fresh' than a homemade salsa. Still, with a 9.7 score, it's a high-utility choice for spice lovers.

Unpopular opinion: You don't need chunks for a salsa to be elite. Cholula Salsa Picante is a masterclass in minimalism with 0g of sugar and a near-perfect 9.9 score. The use of both white and apple cider vinegar suggests a complex, tangy acidity that pairs perfectly with the arbol and piquin chiles. It's the ultimate office breakroom sauce because it's a smooth liquid—no chunks to fall on your keyboard or stain your tie. The xanthan gum ensures it stays emulsified, so you don't get that gross water separation. The trade-off is the thin consistency; if you're looking for something to scoop with a chip, this isn't it. This is a precision tool for adding heat without the mess.

This Mexican Sauce is for the purists who hate reading a novel on the back of a bottle. With 0g of sugar and a 9.9 score, it's about as clean as it gets. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: water, chiles, vinegar, salt, and spices. It's the perfect late-night taco companion when you want a kick that doesn't linger as a sticky residue on your fingers. The spice blend is kept secret, but the vinegar base ensures a bright, sharp flavor profile. One honest trade-off is the 0.1% sodium benzoate; while it's a tiny amount, it's a preservative that some might find unnecessary in such a simple sauce. It's a utility-first condiment that focuses on heat and acidity over everything else.