In the mid 1990s salsa moved into the US best-selling condiment spot, pushing out ketchup, and has held the ranking ever since. Check out the wide selection of salsas of various brands, flavors, and spice intensities, lining your grocery store shelves if you need confirmation of salsa's incredible popularity. You can choose from green salsas, red salsas, southwestern salsas, corn salsas, black bean salsas, and fruit salsas in an assortment of heat intensities. Large national brands compete with gourmet and specialty varieties to become the best salsa from a jar with good reason.

Salsas provide a healthy boost of flavor to food. They are versatile, healthy and delicious, naturally low in fat, relatively low in sugar, with minimal calories. What's not to love about salsa? My love affair with salsa seriously developed when I was on Weight Watchers. It helped me stay legal on days I had consumed the bulk of my "points" by lunchtime. Did you know a large bowl of green beans doused in salsa can be tasty and filling and virtually calorie free?

Most jarred salsas on the market really can't compete with homemade versions. But, let's be real - we don't always have the time, energy, ingredients, or desire to make homemade salsa.

Many salsa taste tests have been conducted through the years to determine the best salsa from a jar. The results have been inconsistent and often conflicting, which just goes to show - food preferences are extremely subjective. To find your personal favorite salsa from a jar, the best thing to do is try a variety of salsas until you find one that you prefer.

To help you decide where to begin your "best salsa from a jar" research, here are some of the results of formal jarred salsa testings.

Jarred Salsa Recommendations

Real Simple Magazine (Summer of 2004) gave its Best Award to Green Mountain Gringo and runner up honors to Chi Chis Fiesta Salsa.

The folks at Cooks Illustrated (2003) recommended Pace Chunky Salsa and Old El Paso Thick 'n Chunky Medium Salsa.

Everyday with Rachel Ray Magazine rated PACE its favorite supermarket brand.

Eating Well Magazine liked PACE Chunky and Desert Pepper Trading Company salsas best.

Prevention Magazine preferred Herdez Medium Salsa Casera.

Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, the celebrity chef authors of Mexican Cooking For Dummies liked Frontera Grill Salsas, Jardines Cilantro Texacante Salsa, Newman's Own Salsas, PACE Hot Salsa back in 1999 when the book was written.

Personally, I'd say I have to agree with the folks at Prevention Magazine who gave Herdez Medium Salsa Casera high ranks. I like all the Herdez salsas, which are made in Mexico and readily available here in Phoenix, as well as online.

For a great selection of Authentic Mexican Salsas online, check out The MexGrocer.com

They even have a Salsa Lover's Gift Pack!