Top 100 Spreads
in the World

Toum is an authentic Lebanese and Syrian garlic paste. It is made with whole garlic cloves, which are slowly crushed using a mortar and pestle, or nowadays simply ground in a food processor. During this process, oil (preferably neutral oil such as canola, or the flavorful olive oil) is gently added to create a homogeneous garlic paste with an unusual, fluffy texture. Finally, salt and lemon juice are added to the mix, giving the paste a salty flavor and ivory color. Toum is used for marinades, sauces, and dips, and can enrich any meal. It is usually combined with chicken in traditional dishes such as roast chicken, chicken skewers or chicken shawarma, but is also commonly combined with beef, lamb, or goat meat. It is often used as a spread in the famous Lebanese pita sandwiches and wraps, or as a simple spread over bread, which is served as a starter or a snack. Toum can be made in advance and can keep up as long as three weeks. Since it is highly versatile, numerous ingredients, such as mint, can be added to diversify its flavor and texture. This delightful, pungent garlic spread and its adaptations can also be found in eastern Mediterranean countries, Egypt, and Iraq.Expand

Hummus Beiruti is a Lebanese version of hummus, the famous chickpea-based dip. This version adds a large amount of garlic and spices to it. It’s usually made with a combination of chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, yogurt, tahini, cold water, cumin, lemon juice, chili peppers, chopped parsley, and paprika. Once prepared, this hummus version is plated and garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, and mint leaves. Hummus Beiruti is served with freshly baked pita or lavash flatbread.Expand

A staple breakfast dish in Turkey, bal kaymak is a delicious combination of kaymak - a traditional dairy product produced from water buffalo milk, very similar to clotted cream - that is generously doused with honey. The dish is served as a spread or a sweet dip alongside tea or a variety of other traditional breakfast dishes and is typically paired with bread. Rarely, it is served as a dessert and it sometimes comes garnished with ground, chopped, or whole walnuts.Expand

This creamy Greek dipping sauce is usually prepared with a combination of feta cheese, milk or yogurt, hot peppers, garlic, and olive oil. Although it is a traditional dish, it is regionally influenced and may contain anything from roasted red peppers to other types of cheese. Tirokafteri is a standard Greek appetizer and a typical meze dish that is usually accompanied by warm pita bread.Expand

Guacamole is a world-famous buttery delicacy dating back all the way to the Aztec empire of the 1500s. It’s a healthy blend of ripe, mashed avocados, onions, chiles, optional tomatillos and selected seasonings such as sea salt and coriander. The star of this incredibly simple dish is the avocado, high in unsaturated fat, potassium, vitamins, minerals and protein, its name stemming from the Aztec ahuacatl, meaning testicle or testicle tree, which is why it was believed that it was an aphrodisiac by the Aztecs. Guacamole is sometimes prepared in the molcajete, a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle where onions, chiles, and salt are ground to a paste and added to the coarsely mashed avocados. Of course, guacamole is only as good as the avocados it is prepared with, and among the best are the nutty and creamy Hass and smooth Fuerte avocados. It is usually accompanied by corn chips, nachos or tortillas on the side, so guacamole is typically enjoyed as a dip. Regardless of its position on the table, the only important thing is to serve it fresh before it oxidizes and changes its vivid green color to a darker brown hue.Expand

Hummus is a creamy dip made primarily from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It originates from the Middle East, where it has been a dietary staple for centuries, especially in countries like Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Syria, and Jordan. Hummus’s roots can be traced back to ancient times (earliest mention of hummus dates back to 13th-century Egypt), when legumes and seeds were common sources of nutrition in the Levant. Over time, the combination of chickpeas and tahini evolved into a dish that balances earthy, nutty, and tangy flavors. While recipes vary slightly across regions, the core ingredients remain consistent, emphasizing freshness and quality. The smooth texture and rich taste make hummus both versatile and widely appealing, able to serve as a simple snack or a complement to more elaborate meals. Preparation involves soaking and cooking dried chickpeas until tender, then blending them with tahini paste, freshly squeezed lemon juice, crushed garlic, and extra virgin olive oil to create a velvety consistency. Salt is added to enhance the flavors, and the mixture is often garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika or sumac, and sometimes fresh herbs or whole chickpeas. Hummus can be served chilled or at room temperature, paired with pita bread, vegetables, or as part of a larger mezze platter. Hummus enjoys widespread popularity not only in the Middle East but globally, embraced as a healthy and flavorful dish. It is commonly found in homes, restaurants, and markets, representing both everyday nourishment and a dish for social gatherings.Expand

Urnebes is an authentic Serbian spread consisting of salty cheese, garlic, sour cream, roasted peppers, paprika, oil, and cooked egg yolks. It is traditionally served as a side dish accompanying numerous grilled meat dishes, although it can also be used as a topping for hamburgers or as a dip. In Serbia, urnebes can be found at almost every fast food stand.Expand

This thick and spicy paste is one of the most common dipping sauces in South Korean cuisine. It is traditionally prepared with a combination of fiery gochujang (red pepper paste) and the pungent doenjang (fermented soybean paste). Although the combination is easily adapted to personal preference, the usual additions include sesame oil, scallions, sesame, garlic, and some sweet element such as brown sugar or honey. Ssamjang is roughly translated as a sauce for wraps, and it is usually enjoyed as a dipping sauce served with various Korean barbecue dishes such as bulgogi or galbi. Expand

Skordalia is a flavorful Greek dish made from a combination of mashed potatoes, olive oil, vinegar, raw garlic, and almonds. The dish is usually served as a spread or a dip, either at room temperature or chilled, when it is typically paired with warm pita bread. Due to its intense garlicky flavors, skordalia is also often served as an accompaniment to various fish or vegetable dishes.Expand

Menemen is a traditional spread consisting of tomatoes, eggs, peppers, and various spices. There are many version of menemen, so it can also contain garlic, cheese, spinach, sausage pieces, or onions (when menemen is served as a main dish). It is usually sold at breakfast or brunch places in Turkey, and most restaurants serve it in metal pans, with a big basket filled with bread as an accompaniment. Most people don’t use forks, as they opt for bread as the utensil of choice, scooping up this flavorful spread in the process.Expand

Maison Nicolas Alziari is one of France’s oldest and most recognizable olive-oil houses, founded in 1868 in Nice. Their work is rooted in traditional milling methods combined with a refined selection system that blends the local Cailletier variety with carefully chosen olives from across the Mediterranean. They own extensive groves along the Côte d’Azur and control the entire production process - from harvest to bottling - which ensures consistent quality and a distinctive aromatic style. The Alziari range spans from delicate, mild oils to more fruity and intense expressions, while their signature blue tin has become an emblem of heritage and craftsmanship. Today, their oils are regarded as a benchmark of French olive-oil production and are sold in specialty shops around the world.Expand

Fivetwenty, also known as Spread, is prominent for meticulously crafting beats and producing music primarily within the genres of electronic and hip-hop. Active in the music scene for over a decade, Fivetwenty has collaborated with various artists and contributed to numerous independent music projects. Known for his distinct style that blends traditional instrumentation with modern electronic elements, Fivetwenty has garnered critical acclaim within niche music communities.Expand

Windmill Organics is a producer of organic food products. The company is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They produce a range of products including spreads, dairy alternatives, and sauces. Windmill Organics emphasizes the use of high-quality organic ingredients in their offerings.Expand

Over the Hill Orchards and Winery is a true oasis of organic fruit cultivation and premium wines. This family-owned winery, operated by Dean and Sylvia Kreutzer, is renowned for growing a wide variety of exotic fruits. The winery offers a selection of dry and semi-sweet fruit wines, all crafted from fruit grown on their estate. Their product range also includes fruit spreads, sauces, chocolates, and other delicacies made from organic produce. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to purchase fruit tree saplings grown in the orchard. Over the Hill Orchards and Winery provides a unique experience that blends a love for nature, gastronomy, and fine wines, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking authentic and memorable experiences.Expand

Slowlandia is a producer specializing in high-quality nut spreads and other gourmet food products. The company focuses on using natural ingredients and traditional methods to create their products. Slowlandia s.r.o. places a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices both in sourcing and production. The company offers a range of products including nut butters, fruit preserves, and granolas.Expand

Prairie Berries is a Canadian company specialized in the cultivation, processing, and distribution of Saskatoon berries – an indigenous fruit that has been used for centuries across the North American continent. Founded with the vision of showcasing the unique potential of this berry, the company has become a recognizable brand in the natural, functional food industry. Since its inception, Prairie Berries has been committed to sustainable farming practices and the highest standards of quality. Their farm, spanning hundreds of acres, utilizes modern technologies and techniques that protect the soil, water, and natural balance, while ensuring top-quality yields. At their state-of-the-art facility, Prairie Berries processes the fruit without the use of additives, preserving its natural taste and nutritional value. Their product range includes fresh and frozen berries, as well as processed products such as jams, syrups, teas, powders, and ingredients for the food industry, restaurants, and bakeries.Expand

Marieke Gouda is an American cheesemaker based in Thorp, Wisconsin. The story began when Marieke Penterman, originally from the Netherlands, moved to the United States with the desire to bring the tradition of authentic Dutch Gouda. On the family farm, together with her husband Rolf, she founded Hollands Family Cheese, where everything takes place in one location – from the cows to the finished cheese. Their Gouda is produced according to authentic Dutch recipes, using fresh milk from their own herd, traditional cultures, and equipment imported from the Netherlands. Thanks to their dedication to quality and artisanal craftsmanship, Marieke Gouda has won more than 200 national and international awards to date. Today, their cheeses represent a blend of European tradition and American innovation, recognized for their outstanding quality and richness of flavor.Expand