Additional Coverage:
- I tried 10 ranch dressings from the grocery store. The best one was tucked away in the refrigerated section. (businessinsider.com)
As a Midwesterner, ranch dressing has always been a staple on everything from chicken nuggets to pizza. Curious about which store-bought ranch truly stands out, especially after hearing international visitors rave about it during the World Cup, I set out to taste-test 10 popular brands available at my local grocery store. Using thinly sliced cucumbers to keep the flavor consistent, here’s how they measured up.
Marie’s Ranch Dressing
One of only two refrigerated options I tried, Marie’s ranch comes in a distinctive short bottle and costs about $0.46 per ounce.
It offered a nicely balanced flavor, with tangy buttermilk and a strong garlic presence, though I wished the herbs were a bit more pronounced. The creamy texture and classic ranch aroma made it my personal favorite, despite the slightly higher price.
Cindy’s Kitchen
Also refrigerated, this ranch arrived in a glass bottle priced at around $0.64 per ounce.
Featuring unique ingredients like bell peppers, jalapeños, and carrots, it had a bold garlicky and umami taste. While tasty as a vegetable dip, it strayed from the traditional ranch flavor I was after.
Brianna’s Classic Buttermilk Ranch
Known for their vinaigrettes, Brianna’s ranch came in a 12-ounce glass bottle, on sale for as low as $0.17 per ounce.
Its texture was balanced-not too thick or thin-with a sharp, tangy buttermilk flavor and a good herbal note. The pronounced tanginess left a distinct sharpness at the back of the throat.
Marzetti Classic Ranch
With several varieties available, I chose a shelf-stable version priced at $0.27 per ounce.
This dressing was subtle, with few visible herbs and a mild flavor lacking the characteristic buttermilk, garlic, and herb notes. It wasn’t my favorite but could suit someone seeking a very mild ranch.
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Ranch
This dressing stood out for using 100% pure avocado oil, a premium and health-conscious choice, at $0.81 per ounce.
It had a thin consistency with significant oil separation that required several shakes to mix properly. The flavor was reminiscent of spicy dill pickles, making it ideal as a dip for fried appetizers, though less suited for salads.
Wish-Bone Ranch
Nostalgic for many, this ranch came in a 15-ounce squeeze bottle costing about $0.23 per ounce. Contrary to expectations, it lacked a classic ranch profile, smelling more like Parmesan cheese and leaving an oily aftertaste.
Ken’s Steak House Ranch
Another familiar brand, this ranch was thick with a moderate herb presence and priced at $0.25 per ounce. It featured strong garlic and onion flavors with a tangy buttermilk punch that left a sharp sensation, though the herbs were somewhat overshadowed.
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Ranch
Also made with avocado oil and marketed as a marinade, this dressing cost $0.64 per ounce on sale.
It had a thinner texture loaded with herbs, a prominent dill flavor, and zesty notes of garlic and onion. While flavorful, it did not evoke a traditional ranch taste.
Olive Garden Parmesan Ranch
Offered in a 16-ounce bottle for $0.30 per ounce, this ranch incorporated Parmesan cheese, adding a pleasant cheesy flavor to the mix. However, small cheese clumps affected the texture, which might be less noticeable when used in a mixed salad.
Hidden Valley Classic Ranch
The iconic ranch brand, available in multiple sizes, was priced around $0.32 per ounce for the standard 16-ounce bottle.
It delivered a powerful buttermilk tang that I found somewhat overpowering, with the herbs taking a backseat. Having grown accustomed to making ranch with Hidden Valley seasoning and Greek yogurt, this bottled version felt sharper than I expected.
Final Thoughts
While I typically prefer homemade or local dressings, Marie’s ranch impressed me the most with its balanced, fresh flavor.
For shelf-stable options, Olive Garden’s Parmesan ranch, Hidden Valley, and Ken’s Steak House also performed well. Across the board, I found myself wanting more pronounced dill and herb notes, which can easily be adjusted by adding fresh dill to any of these dressings at home.
Whether as a salad topper or a dip, there’s a ranch here to suit a variety of tastes.