About 64% of shoppers say they buy more plant-based foods now than five years ago, so your sandwich game probably deserves an upgrade. You’ll want spreads that balance flavor, texture, and clean labels—some smoky, some sweet, a few with real heat—so you can match them to different breads and fillings. Keep going and I’ll point you to five top choices for 2026 and how to use each one.
| Harry & David Sweet Pepper & Onion Relish |
| Best for Classic Flavor | Product Type: Sweet pepper & onion relish (plant-based condiment) | Primary Uses: Topping for burgers/hot dogs, sandwich spread, charcuterie accompaniment | Heat Level / Spice Source: Mild heat from jalapeños | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Harry & David Charred Pineapple Relish (9 oz) |
| Best for Sweet & Smoky | Product Type: Charred pineapple relish (plant-based condiment) | Primary Uses: Topping for burgers/hot dogs, chips/crackers, charcuterie boards | Heat Level / Spice Source: Mild–moderate heat from jalapeño | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Blue Plate Mayonnaise Sandwich Spread 8 Fl Oz Jar (Pack of 1) |
| Best Creamy Classic | Product Type: Mayonnaise sandwich spread (mayo-based sandwich spread) | Primary Uses: Sandwiches/burgers, egg/potato salads, dips and dressings | Heat Level / Spice Source: Not spicy (sweet relish mixed into mayonnaise) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Harry & David Pepper & Onion Relish (26 oz) |
| Best for Entertaining | Product Type: Pepper & onion relish (plant-based condiment) | Primary Uses: Hamburger/hot dog relish, sandwich spread, dip/spread base | Heat Level / Spice Source: Hint of spice from jalapeños | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Harry & David Ghost Pepper Onion Relish (9 oz) |
| Best for Heat Lovers | Product Type: Ghost pepper onion relish (plant-based condiment) | Primary Uses: Hamburger/hot dog relish, sandwich spread, spicy dip/spread | Heat Level / Spice Source: Pronounced heat from ghost pepper | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Harry & David Sweet Pepper & Onion Relish
Should you want a sweet, slightly spicy relish that stays plant-based and versatile, Harry & David Sweet Pepper & Onion Relish is a smart pick; its blend of ripe tomatoes, red bell peppers, jalapeños, and onions gives burgers, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards a bright, balanced kick straight from a 10‑oz jar. You’ll get mild heat from jalapeños and balanced acidity sourced through vinegar, plus a sweet-pepper-and-onion profile that lifts casual meals and party spreads. Made in the USA through Harry & David (est. 1934), it’s premium-quality, shelf-stable, and gift-ready—great for dips, spreads, and thoughtful food presents.
- Product Type:Sweet pepper & onion relish (plant-based condiment)
- Primary Uses:Topping for burgers/hot dogs, sandwich spread, charcuterie accompaniment
- Heat Level / Spice Source:Mild heat from jalapeños
- Made In:Made in the USA
- Suitable for Gifting / Occasions:Gift baskets, holidays, birthdays, entertaining
- Brand / Heritage:Harry & David (est. 1934)
- Additional Feature:10 oz jar size
- Additional Feature:Mild jalapeño heat
- Additional Feature:Tomato-forward sweet profile
Harry & David Charred Pineapple Relish (9 oz)
Whenever you love bold, sweet-heat toppings, Harry & David’s Charred Pineapple Relish (9 oz) is made for you — a plant-based spread that pairs smoky charred pineapple with mango, jalapeño, and red bell pepper for a bright, spicy finish. You’ll spoon it onto hamburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches to add sweet, smoky heat, or use it as a lively topping for tortilla chips and crackers. It uplifts cheese and charcuterie boards and garnishes hors d’oeuvres at casual dinners or special occasions. Packaged by Harry & David, it’s a premium, gift-ready condiment made in the USA.
- Product Type:Charred pineapple relish (plant-based condiment)
- Primary Uses:Topping for burgers/hot dogs, chips/crackers, charcuterie boards
- Heat Level / Spice Source:Mild–moderate heat from jalapeño
- Made In:Made in the USA
- Suitable for Gifting / Occasions:Gift baskets, holidays, birthdays, entertaining
- Brand / Heritage:Harry & David (est. 1934)
- Additional Feature:9 oz jar size
- Additional Feature:Smoky charred pineapple
- Additional Feature:Mango and pepper blend
Blue Plate Mayonnaise Sandwich Spread 8 Fl Oz Jar (Pack of 1)
Should you want a familiar, creamy sandwich spread that tastes homemade, the Blue Plate Mayonnaise Sandwich Spread is a great pick — it blends rich mayonnaise with sweet relish for an instant flavor improvement. You’ll get an 8 fl oz jar made from Blue Plate mayonnaise using oil, vinegar, and egg yolks, yielding a balanced, creamy texture. Use it on sandwiches, burgers, or cold cuts, and fold it into egg salad, potato salad, or deviled eggs. It also functions as a dip base or dressing. The product is gluten-free, kosher, and part of Blue Plate’s New Orleans–rooted lineup since 1927.
- Product Type:Mayonnaise sandwich spread (mayo-based sandwich spread)
- Primary Uses:Sandwiches/burgers, egg/potato salads, dips and dressings
- Heat Level / Spice Source:Not spicy (sweet relish mixed into mayonnaise)
- Made In:(Origin implied U.S. brand; product sold in U.S.) — Blue Plate (New Orleans origin)
- Suitable for Gifting / Occasions:Everyday meals and gatherings (classic staple for meals and salads)
- Brand / Heritage:Blue Plate (est. 1927; New Orleans heritage)
- Additional Feature:8 fl oz jar
- Additional Feature:Made with mayonnaise
- Additional Feature:Gluten-free and kosher
Harry & David Pepper & Onion Relish (26 oz)
Should you like a savory-sweet relish with a mild kick, Harry & David’s Classic Pepper & Onion Relish (26 oz) is a great choice for adding bold, ready-made flavor to sandwiches, burgers, and party spreads. You’ll find tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, vinegar, and jalapeños combine into a rich, slightly sweet condiment made in the USA. Use it straight on sandwiches or burgers, mix with cream cheese for a quick spread or dip, or add it to charcuterie and entertaining platters. It’s roomy enough for frequent use and fits gift baskets — a premium, reliable option from a longstanding brand.
- Product Type:Pepper & onion relish (plant-based condiment)
- Primary Uses:Hamburger/hot dog relish, sandwich spread, dip/spread base
- Heat Level / Spice Source:Hint of spice from jalapeños
- Made In:Made in the USA
- Suitable for Gifting / Occasions:Gift baskets, holidays, birthdays, entertaining
- Brand / Heritage:Harry & David (est. 1934)
- Additional Feature:26 oz family size
- Additional Feature:Classic recipe formulation
- Additional Feature:Mixes well with cream cheese
Harry & David Ghost Pepper Onion Relish (9 oz)
If you love bold heat that still plays nicely with savory flavors, Harry & David’s Ghost Pepper Onion Relish is built for you — it kicks up sandwiches, burgers, and charcuterie with a sharp ghost-pepper bite balanced against sweet onion. You’ll get a pronounced, lingering heat from one of the world’s hottest peppers layered over a pepper-and-onion base, crafted in the USA by a trusted brand since 1934. Use it as a hamburger or hot dog relish, stir it into cream cheese for a spicy spread, or add it to party boards. It’s gift-ready for holidays or casual meals.
- Product Type:Ghost pepper onion relish (plant-based condiment)
- Primary Uses:Hamburger/hot dog relish, sandwich spread, spicy dip/spread
- Heat Level / Spice Source:Pronounced heat from ghost pepper
- Made In:Made in the USA
- Suitable for Gifting / Occasions:Gift baskets, holidays, birthdays, entertaining
- Brand / Heritage:Harry & David (est. 1934)
- Additional Feature:9.5 oz jar size
- Additional Feature:Ghost pepper heat punch
- Additional Feature:Spicy charcuterie favorite
Factors to Consider When Choosing Plant Based Sandwich Spreads
At the time you pick a plant-based sandwich spread, reflect about taste and how flavors balance so it complements your fillings. Check ingredient lists for transparency, ponder how spicy it is and whether you can control heat, and test texture for easy spreading. Also match the spread to your nutritional needs and any dietary goals.
Taste And Flavor Balance
Because flavor balance makes or breaks a sandwich, pick spreads that harmonize sweet, salty, acidic and umami subtleties so no single element dominates (aim for about 30–40% max per flavor). You’ll want textures that shape perception: crunchy bits like onions or peppers raise pungency, while creamy bases such as mayo or mashed legumes soften sharp notes. Scale heat carefully—capsaicin sits on the tongue and can hide subtle ingredients, so match spice intensity to fillings. Use small amounts of acidity (a 0.5–1% lift in weight with vinegar or citrus) to cut fattiness and brighten overall taste. Add aromatic accents—fresh herbs, roasted veg, or a touch of smoke—in modest doses to build complexity without upping salt or sugar.
Ingredient Transparency
Should you want to choose spreads that match your diet and taste, start by reading the ingredient list—clear, specific names (like “olive oil,” “apple cider vinegar,” or “roasted red pepper”) tell you what’s actually inside and make allergens or additives obvious. Check ingredient order: items listed first weigh more, so in case sugar, oil, or salt appear near the top, the spread will lean that way nutritionally. Prefer labels that quantify ingredients or name oil and sweetener types (e.g., “contains 20% roasted red pepper,” “olive oil,” “maple syrup”) to judge quality and processing. Watch for concealed additives such as xanthan gum or sodium benzoate provided you want minimal processing. Lastly, confirm allergen notices and certifications like “contains soy,” “may contain peanuts,” “gluten-free,” or “certified vegan.”
Heat Level Control
Should you want to match spice to taste, start checking the pepper type and its place in the ingredient list—peppers listed first or in larger amounts usually mean a noticeably hotter spread, and labels that give Scoville ratings or name specific peppers (jalapeño vs. ghost pepper) make heat easier to judge. Look for SHU values or clear heat sources so you know whether a spread is mild (jalapeño-range) or extreme (ghost pepper). Prefer recipes that include balancing agents like sugar, vinegar, or plant-based creams to tame capsaicin’s bite. Pick spreads that recommend dilution or mix-ins so you can titrate heat per serving. Whenever serving groups, offer a mild base plus a clearly labeled small-jar hot option to avoid surprises.
Texture And Spreadability
Upon selecting a plant-based sandwich spread, pay close attention to texture and spreadability because they determine how the spread performs on bread and how it feels in your mouth; aim for a smooth, homogenous base or small, evenly distributed particulates for even coverage, and observe descriptors like creamy, chunky, runny, or firm to match cling and sandwich structure. You’ll want higher-viscosity spreads to cling and prevent sliding, while thinner ones risk sogginess. Check oil and water content—more fat often means silkier spreadability and mouth-coating richness; higher moisture increases seepage. Assess particle size and fiber: large chunks give bite but need a knife, emulsions glide. Take into account temperature sensitivity—refrigerated jars can stiffen, so temper them for easy spreading.
Nutritional And Dietary Goals
After checking texture and spreadability, shift attention to how a spread fits your nutrition and dietary goals. Check calories and fat per serving—many spreads run ~50–200 kcal and 5–20 g fat per tablespoon—so pick options that match weight or calorie targets. Compare protein and fiber: most plant spreads have <2 g protein and little fiber unless they include legumes, nuts, or whole-food bits. Inspect saturated and trans fats, aiming for minimal saturated (<1–2 g/serving) and zero trans fat when heart health matters. Review sodium (often 150–400 mg/serving) to keep daily intake within your limit. Finally, scan ingredient lists for added sugars and artificial additives; choose spreads with little to no added sugar and recognizable whole-food ingredients.
