- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥫
National Condiment Month celebrates the incredible array of flavor enhancers throughout September. From classic ketchup to exotic chutneys, condiments elevate every dish. Dive into new tastes, experiment with bold pairings, and share your favorite recipes with friends and family this month!
Want to sponsor National Condiment Month? Learn how
Expected National Condiment Month Deals
Throughout National Condiment Month, expect grocery stores and specialty food retailers to feature promotions on popular and gourmet condiments. Major brands like Heinz, French’s, and Hellmann’s often run sales on their staple products, while smaller artisanal producers might offer discounts online. Look for bundle deals on hot sauces, mustard varieties, and ethnic seasonings. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September approaches.
Platform Guide for National Condiment Month
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #CondimentMonth. Film creative recipe hacks using your favorite condiments or review new, unique flavor boosters.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCondimentMonth. Share visually appealing flat lays of your condiment collection or vibrant meal prep featuring bold sauces.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CondimentLove. Ask your community to share their must-have condiments and secret family recipes.
National Condiment Month Hero
Henry J. Heinz
History of National Condiment Month
The word “condiment” comes from the Latin word “condimentum”, meaning spice, seasoning or sauce, and “condire”, which means to preserve, pickle or season. Although the word was first used to describe pickling fluid and seasoning in the mid-1400s, it has come to include a wide range of different products in modern times.Â
Salt was the primary “condimentum”, dating back to medieval times when it was an expensive commodity. During the Middle Ages, condiments evolved to become an addition to food, characterized by improving the texture, adding flavor, and providing benefits. Examples include seasoning and sauces to name a few.
In the 1800s, the French chef Auguste Escoffier created the term “mother sauces” to describe a group of sauces (bĂ©chamel, veloutĂ©, espagnole, hollandaise, and tomato) as the foundation of almost every sauce variation.
Today, countless condiments are available from around the world, and Food Service Direct has joined the condiment game to celebrate the creation of these great flavors. They are the first food-focused online marketplace,built to provide anyone with access to quality food and supplies in bulk. Whether you are craving something spicy, salty, or sour – they’ve got you covered.
National Condiment Month timeline
According to the story, a French Chef created the first mayonnaise sauce.
With the Industrial Revolution, condiments began to be mass-produced in factories.
James Mease, a Philadelphia scientist, creates the first tomato-based recipe for “ketchup”
American businessman Edmund McIlhenry created the first batch of Tabasco sauce.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Condiment Month
Local restaurants and food trucks can celebrate National Condiment Month by featuring a ‘Condiment Bar’ with unique, house-made sauces and toppings for their dishes. Specialty grocery stores can host tasting events or workshops on making DIY condiments, highlighting local producers. Even non-food businesses can join by offering condiment-themed snacks in their break rooms or partnering with a local deli for a special ‘condiment-enhanced’ lunch menu.
National Condiment Month FAQs
When is National Condiment Month?
National Condiment Month runs throughout September 2026, offering a full 30 days to explore and appreciate the world of flavor enhancers. It’s a perfect time to experiment with new tastes.
What are the most popular condiments in the U.S.?
While preferences vary, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard consistently rank among the top three most popular condiments in the U.S. Hot sauces and barbecue sauces also enjoy widespread popularity across the country.
How large is the condiment market?
The global condiment market is a significant segment of the food industry, valued at tens of billions of dollars annually. It continues to grow steadily, driven by consumer demand for diverse flavors and convenience.
What's the difference between a condiment and a sauce?
While often used interchangeably, a condiment is typically added to food at the table to enhance flavor (e.g., salt, pepper, mustard). A sauce, conversely, is often prepared as part of the dish itself or served alongside it as a more integral component (e.g., pasta sauce, gravy).
How To Celebrate National Condiment Month
Find a new type of condiment
There are countless varieties of condiments available from all over the world, so why not browse through Food Service Direct’s wide range of offerings and try something new? Substitute your favorite condiment with a different version, and who knows — you may stumble upon your new staple sauce.
Try out a condiment-based recipe!
When it comes to food, there are several ways to flex your creative muscles. We’d recommend trying out a Cola BBQ sauce to coat your meat, an Asian black bean sauce to liven up a stir-fry, or a Salted caramel sauce for those with a sweet tooth. Simply choose your favorite condiment and let the flavor guide you to creating your own unique recipe.
Have a nice dinner with your loved ones
Once you’ve found your favorite condiment, the only thing left to do is enjoy it with your friends and family at any and all gatherings. From cookouts to barbecues, who doesn’t love a good sauce to get some great flavors going?
5 Most Consumed Condiments
Aioli
Aioli is a creamy and rich sauce, made from the emulsion of olive oil and mashed garlic. It is very popular in Mediterranean countries.
Ketchup
This classic American condiment is made of tomato puree, water, onions, and green peppers flavored with vinegar and sugar to create a sweet and tangy flavor.
Mayonnaise
The French way to make mayo is by emulsifying raw egg yolks and vegetable oil. Once the mixture thickens, then lemon juice, vinegar and mustard are added.
Mustard
This sauce was created out of mixed wine and mustard seeds during the Roman times, then added to meals.
Ranch
Made from a combination of buttermilk and egg yolks, ranch is probably the most-loved dressing that’s used on salads and even pizza!
Why We Love National Condiment Month
Condiments add flavor to our lives
Let’s face it – our food would be pretty bland without that special go-to sauce to excite our taste buds. From color to texture, the right condiment can enhance just about anything.
They offer a huge variety and different flavors
There are a limitless amount of condiments in the world. Some can stand alone, and some cannot. We can find them in a thick form as sauces, dressings, mustards, and dips, or as a powder in products such as spices, salt, and natural herbs. Head over to Food Service Direct’s Condiment section. Your new condiment could be knocking on your door really soon!
They come from different cultures
Many diverse condiments exist in various countries, regions, and cultures. However, what they all share in common is that each one has a very distinctive flavor that adds to the food. The art of cooking has allowed people to share their unique take on condiments, understand different cultures, and blend different sauces for their traditional dishes.
National Condiment Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Condiment Month
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