CLEVELAND, Ohio- “Chips and dips, dips and chips... maybe with some veggies paired with those sips...”
What will make it to your Super Bowl buffet table? Thinking about trying something new on game day? Are you a fan of ranch, or just tired of all the standard onion dips?
Well, your cleveland.com “Best of Cleveland” team is at it again, doing all the heavy lifting and research for something tasty so you don’t have to.
We ranked and tried 32 (count ‘em!) different varieties of ranch dips that we found at nine Northeast Ohio grocery stores. If you’ve been side-eying a new ranch dip, maybe you’ll find it here and will decide to try something new. Maybe your all-time, go-to favorite is on the list? Where did it land?
Check out our full list below, along with our thoughts and rankings from least favorite to the best.
Interesting facts: One store brand made it in the top 3, proving that name brand isn’t all that makes a great dip! Ranch dips we bought and ranked here ranged in price from $1.97 - $8.39, which proved that there’s something good to be had found at every budget.
There were also two brands with two flavors/varieties in our top 10. You will have to scroll down the list to see who they are. And hey, if onion dips are still your favorite (or you want to include them on your buffet checklist) we have thoughts from a previous ranking:
Ranking 20 of the best and worst onion dips found at your local grocery store
Our rankings:
No. 32: Litehouse - Homestyle Ranch
Description: Dressing and Dip - No artificial colors or preservatives. Real ingredients, no high fructose corn syrup
Where we bought it: Save a Lot
Price: $4.29
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 120 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 230mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Vegetable Oil
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Salty and runny but not watery. Nice tang, not too much. On the mayo-y side. If you are a fan of the zing and vinegary undertones, you will like this one. Make sure you give this one a good stir before you set it out.
No. 31: Great Value - Ranch
Description: Dip - Made with sour cream
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $1.97
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 60 | Fat 5g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 180mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Milk
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: More onion-y than anything else, we asked ourselves--is this a ranch dip? Onion dip? We had a lot more questions than answers with this one. Light flavor, perhaps too light, we thought... not enough.
No. 30: Gotham Greens - Vegan Ranch
Description: Dressing and dip - No sugar added. Dairy-free, plant-based
Where we bought it: Whole Foods
Price: $8.39
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 150 | Fat 16g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 220mg | Carbs 1g | Sugar 0g
First ingredient: Oil
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: We are both a fan of Gotham Greens’ products, but this one just wasn’t vibing as highly as some of the others. It had an odd, garlicky tinny taste and an odd after-taste to boot. Not a good value for the price… we say skip it, there are better vegan varieties out there.
No. 29: Litehouse - Avocado Ranch
Description: Dip and spread - No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. No high fructose corn syrup
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 120 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 220mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Vegetable Oil
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Having “Avocado” as a calling card should give this dip a wow factor, but to be honest, Pete ended up adding some lime juice to kick this one up. Pale greenish color, a bit watery. “Wobbly,” but also has a little kick at the end that creeps up on you, with or without the lime addition.
No. 28: Dean’s - Cool ‘n Creamy Ranch
Description: All the rich ranch flavor you love and expect in a thick, creamy dip. Bold enough for the mightiest chips or celery sticks. Gives baked potatoes some extra zip! Made with wholesome skim milk.
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $2.34
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 60 | Fat 5g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 190mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Skim Milk
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Very thick. Need to really stir it up before serving. We found the mild ranch flavor overpowered by sour cream. Bland and boring as a dip, but serviceable in some other applications.
No. 27: Litehouse - Creamy Ranch Yogurt
Description: Dressing and Dip - No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Made with yogurt. No high fructose corn syrup
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 40 | Fat 3g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 240mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Non-fat yogurt
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Not particularly “creamy.” I think they forgot the “creamy” with this one. Lighter in body, flavor than the others. Not particularly memorable.
No. 26: Field + Farmer - Ranch
Description: Dressing and dip - Non-GMO, No gums or preservatives. VEGAN. GF and Nut free
Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 120 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 140mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 0g
First ingredient: Non-GMO Expeller pressed canola oil
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Little darker in color than some of the other brands. More dressing than dip, loose texture. Not very “flavorful.” There are vegan products that taste a whole lot more exciting and decadent than this.
No. 25: Marketside - Bacon Ranch Cheddar
Description: Dip - Made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and uncured bacon.
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $5.54
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 90 | Fat 9g | Cholesterol 25mg | Sodium 260mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar <1g
First ingredient: Cream cheese pasteurized milk
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: Thick, needs a good mix before serving as the sides of the tub were runny. Be sure to have sturdy chips or veggies at the ready for this one. Wimpy chips don’t hold up to the weight (gravitas?) of this one. We also think it was a bit salty, with more cheese than bacon notes on the palate.
No. 24: Hidden Valley Ranch - Creamy Dill Ranch
Description: Dip - Real cream cheese and all-natural sour cream. Great with veggies
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $3.77
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 90 | Fat 9g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 105mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Sour Cream
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: The mildest of the dill dips that we tried. Subtle not overpowering. Pete kept thinking there must be a way to fortify it... but with cream cheese and sour cream as the base, it was suitable for company.
No. 23: Hartville Kitchen - Ranch
Description: Dressing and dip - The best recipe, best ingredients and best taste every time! Family owned Hartville Kitchen restaurant provides the best in home-style cooking and baking and has been topping your salads with the best homemade dressings since 1966
Where we bought it: Acme
Price: $5.49
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 110 | Fat 11g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 270mg | Carbs 1g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Water
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: Another case of loving Hartville Kitchen products, but not necessarily loving their foray into ranch. Salty, runny and also a bit bitter in the dill aftertaste. Zip/tang was OK. Good with veggies? Sure. Didn’t hold up a chip, though. Not terribly thick.
No. 22: Hidden Valley Ranch - Creamy Original
Description: Dip - Real cream cheese and all-natural sour cream. Great with veggies.
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $3.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 100 | Fat 11g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 260mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Water
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Classic. Tastes just like the powder mix you would make yourself. If you are looking for something that everyone has tried before this one would do it.
No. 21: Taste of the South - Fried Pickle and Ranch
Description: Dip - Rich and creamy. Delectably Dilly. Made with all-natural sour cream and chopped dill pickles. Craveable fried pickle flavor. Great on burgers, too
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $6.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 50 | Fat 4g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 220mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Sour cream
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: We wanted to like this more than we did; had a vaguely chemical/preservative taste to it. Picklesque, but not overpowering. Thick, but not creamy. Cream-cheesy texture but not exactly great for dipping. Make sure you have veggies or thick, strong chips.
No. 20: Hidden Valley Ranch - Thick and Creamy
Description: Dip - Classic ranch. Real cream cheese and all-natural sour cream. Great with veggies
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $3.77
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 90 | Fat 8g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 200mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Sour Cream
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: Remember, folks... Original doesn’t always mean best. This one has a vaguely preservative flavor on the palate. For Pete’s money, whenever Mom made HVR at home with the packet, it was head-and-shoulders better than their prepared versions. Creamy…check. Mild, no frills. What you expect.
No. 19: Boar’s Head - Garden Ranch
Description: Greek yogurt Dip - r- BST free. Milk from cows not treated with r-BST
Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme
Price: $5.49
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 40 | Fat 2g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 190mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Greek Yogurt
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Cool, refreshing not overly salty. Lots of visible veggies. But you can’t really taste them. Tangy without being salty.
No. 18: 365 - Organic Classic Ranch
Description: Dressing and Dip - USDA Organic
Where we bought it: Whole Foods
Price: $4.69
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 120 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 240mg | Carbs 1g | Sugar >1g
First ingredient: Organic highly refined soybean oil
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Our chips stood up in it! This poured out nicely, not too runny. Creamy and just the right amount of zip to it. No hint that it was organic.
No. 17: Daisy - Creamy Ranch
Description: Sour cream, creamy ranch dip - r- BST free
Where we bought it: Acme
Price: $3.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 60 | Fat 5g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 125mg | Carbs 1g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Cultured Cream
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: This is the gold standard for a standard ranch dip. Runny, salty, garlicky, serviceable. But not particularly impactful, flavorful or ranchy.
No. 16: Marzetti - Light Ranch
Description: Veggie Dip - No artificial flavors, real cream
Where we bought it: Meijer
Price: $4.49
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 45 | Fat 3.5g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 220mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Cream
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: We enjoyed this as a light option quite a bit, as it was creamy and tangy, but also not terribly heavy. Packed full of veggies but a little on the salty side, it makes the most sense to serve this one with veggies. Chips, not so much. Not as solid, texture-wise, as some of the others.
No. 15: Meijer - Ranch
Description: Dip - Made with real sour cream
Where we bought it: Meijer
Price: $1.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 60 | Fat 5g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 250mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Cultured cream
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: We think this is a favorite for a budget choice. Meijer does a lot of their house-branded items incredibly well. Nice cool ranch flavor with some onion undertones. Sour creamy consistency. Not bad at all.
No. 14: Marzetti - Southwest Ranch
Description: Veggie Dip - Real ingredients, Real taste! no artificial flavors, real cream
Where we bought it: Acme
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 110 | Fat 10g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 190mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Cream
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: Zesty, tangy and a really nice texture on the palate… we both enjoyed this a great deal. Nice! Subtle hint of spice, but not a solid-and-sturdy dip.
No. 13: 365 - Organic Vegan Ranch
Description: Dressing and Dip
Where we bought it: Whole Foods
Price: $4.69
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 150 | Fat 15g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 220mg | Carbs >1g | Sugar >1g
First ingredient: Organic highly refined soybean oil
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Not sure why it was “bubbly” and runny, with a mild taste. It was hard to tell that it was vegan though.
No. 12: Marzetti - Simply Ranch
Description: Dressing and Dip - simple, real ingredients. No preservatives. No Artificial colors or flavors. No high fructose corn syrup
Where we bought it: Acme
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 50 | Fat 4g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 260mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Buttermilk
Gluten-free: No
Our Thoughts: This is buttermilk ranch as it should be done. Marzetti’s does dressings and dips proper and have for a very long time. If I’m having company, I’m buying this (and their Blue Cheese) to serve with my Buffalo wings/celery/carrots. Like that it came in a plastic jar and added paper seal. Coated chips well, but was also very tangy. Couldn’t tell that it was “simply” and light, which in our world is a good thing.
No. 11: Heluva Good! - Buttermilk Ranch
Description: Dip - There are lots of ways to enjoy the bold taste of Heluva Good!
Where we bought it: Acme
Price: $2.09
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 50 | Fat 4.5g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 180mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Cultured pasteurized milk
Gluten-free: No
Our Thoughts: This is a hell of a good ranch dip. Truth in advertising! In tasting all of these, we reckon that when dairy or mayonnaise is the first ingredient, it yields a better product overall than those that start off with water or oil as the first ingredient. Sour creamy-dreamy. Cloudy, thick, what you’d expect in a ranch dip. Subtle not overwhelming in flavor, with some onion undertones.
No. 10: Marie’s - Creamy Ranch
Description: Dressing and Dip - Made with real premium ingredients. Dive in Dunk, drizzle and dazzle
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 180 | Fat 19g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 160mg | Carbs 1g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Soybean oil
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Plastic bottle, thick and creamy. Nice garlicky flavor…yum! Rodriguez thought the picture on the bottle said it all. Truth in advertising. A well-proportioned, good dip that holds up to chips or veggies with aplomb.
No. 9: Cindy’s Kitchen - Chipotle Ranch
Description: Dressing and dip - Low sodium
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $6.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 130 | Fat 14g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 80mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Mayonnaise
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: This one was quite a surprise: delicious, tangy, complex. Runny but had a really nice kick to it. Be prepared for the spice. If you crave something zippy, this ranch dip is definitely up your alley.
No. 8: Bolthouse Farms - Everything seasoned Ranch
Description: Yogurt dressing and dip - Made with real buttermilk, No artificial flavors. No artificial preservatives.
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $3.50
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 50 | Fat 4g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 240mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Buttermilk
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: True to name. Nice thickness, nice onion and garlic undertones without being overwhelming. Plastic bottle was nice. A nice different spin on your typical “ranch” dip. Ranch-like, but also a little different. Worth giving this one a spin.
No. 7: Marzetti - Ranch
Description: Veggie Dip - No artificial flavors, real cream
Where we bought it: Meijer
Price: $4.49
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 80 | Fat 7g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 190mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Cream
Gluten-free: No
Our Thoughts: Salty. Lots of visible veggies, a carroty taste. Tad on the salty side for Yadi’s liking, so maybe serve with unsalted chips or just bag it (ha!) and serve with veggies. Nice texture.
No. 6: Bolthouse Farms - Cucumber Ranch
Description: Yogurt dressing and dip - Made with real buttermilk, No artificial flavors. No artificial preservatives.
Where we bought it: Giant Eagle
Price: $3.50
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 350 | Fat 2g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 210mg | Carbs 3g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Buttermilk
Gluten-free: Yes
Our Thoughts: Plastic bottle, true to its name. You get the cucumber right away both in smell and taste. It was cool, refreshing and different.
No. 5: Toby’s - Ranch
Description: Dressing and Dip - Family Owned, handcrafted, small batch, Good on anything. Ingredients you can pronounce.
Where we bought it: Whole Foods
Price: $7.79
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 145 | Fat 14g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 120mg | Carbs 1g | Sugar 0g
First ingredient: rBST-free cultured milk
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: OK, this was super tasty, definitely higher-end on the price side, but also a representative ranch. Super thick. So thick, in fact, that it was hard to get it out of the jar. Definitely some vinegary tang.
No. 4: Cindy’s Kitchen - Roasted Veggie Ranch
Description: Dips and snacks with creamy yogurt
Where we bought it: Heinen’s
Price: $6.49
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 70 | Fat 6g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 170mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 2g
First ingredient: Real Sour Cream
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Has a nice kick that gets stronger with each bite. Plenty of veggies throughout. Middle of the road for veggies or chips, but would also make a really good sandwich spread. Good “wingman” for wings.
No. 3: Litehouse - Southwest Ranch
Description: Dip and Spread - No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. No high fructose corn syrup
Where we bought it: Save a Lot
Price: $3.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 110 | Fat 11g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 220mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Non-fat buttermilk
Gluten-free: Yes
Our thoughts: Deliciously versatile! For our money, this was a solid choice: tangy, subtle spice, creamy holds up well to chips, crudité, French fries… would make a good sandwich spread and would definitely buy again. Yadi would like to add: “Spicy!!! Be prepared.”
No. 2: Fresh from Meijer - Fried Pickle and Ranch
Description: Dip - Rich and creamy dip with chopped dill pickles and a hint of ranch seasoning.
Where we bought it: Meijer
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 80 | Fat 7g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 240mg | Carbs 1g | Sugar 0g
First ingredient: Dill pickles
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: Another unique one in the competitive field; definitely love the remix. Turns ranch dip on its ear. The pickles weren’t as overwhelming at first, but the more you have, the stronger it gets. A thick, chunky dip that gets truer to its name with every bite.
No. 1: Bl!tzd - Bacon Cheddar Ranch
Description: Dips and snacks
Where we bought it: Lucky’s Market
Price: $5.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 110 | Fat 10g | Cholesterol 30mg | Sodium 240mg | Carbs 2g | Sugar 1g
First ingredient: Cream Cheese
Gluten-free: No
Our thoughts: Thick! Did we say thick? THICK! Wow! Nice amount of cheddar and bacon! Cream cheesy, and is it any wonder since that’s the first ingredient? Yadi and Pete both thought “cheese ball texture,” which for the purposes of this article made it THE dip to bring to a party for a nice change of pace and variety. A touchdown, slam dunk, home run or hat trick for any sports party you find yourself invited to. A+.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
