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Food & Drink

Dips & spreads

1 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of dips & spreads — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Dips and spreads suit almost anyone on your list: a host, a coworker, a Secret Santa draw or the family food lover. The ones that get used are the ones that fit how someone already eats. A jar of chili crisp goes on eggs, noodles and rice in a household that likes heat. Fruit preserves or a good honey go on morning toast. Choose by habit rather than novelty. A spread the person reaches for every week beats an unusual flavour that sits at the back of the fridge. One jar picked with care often lands better than a big mixed box.

Kind 1 of 1

Chili crisp for people who put heat on everything

Chili crisp is oil packed with crunchy fried chili, garlic or shallot, and sometimes peanuts or sesame. People spoon it over dumplings, fried eggs, noodles, rice, pizza and roasted vegetables. It suits cooks who like bold flavour and anyone who already keeps hot sauce on the table. Before buying, check the heat level, since some jars are mostly crunch and others are sharply hot. Read the ingredients if the person avoids nuts, sesame or meat, because some versions include them. Pick a jar with a wide mouth so the crispy bits are easy to scoop out.

  • Representative photo-style image of spicy chili crisp oil — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Spicy chili crisp oil

    For the adventurous food lover who enjoys a kick of heat and texture, this versatile condiment adds an exciting dimension to almost any dish.

How to choose dips & spreads as a gift

  • Think about what the person already eats for breakfast or dinner, and choose a spread that fits into that routine.
  • Check the ingredient list for nuts, sesame, dairy or meat if the person has dietary rules or preferences.
  • For a coworker or Secret Santa, a single well-chosen jar is easier to take home than a large gift set.
  • Pair a spread with something to eat it on, like crackers, bread or noodles, so the gift feels complete.
  • Look for a best-before date well into the new year so the jar isn't rushed.

Usually safe to skip

  • Very unusual flavour combinations often go unopened, because people aren't sure what to eat them with.
  • Large mixed sets of tiny jars can leave someone with many half-used spreads and little of the one they liked.
  • Extra-hot chili products for someone who hasn't shown a taste for spice usually get passed along.

Questions people ask about dips & spreads

What do you eat chili crisp with?
It works on almost any savoury dish: fried or scrambled eggs, dumplings, ramen, rice bowls, stir-fries, pizza and roasted vegetables. Some people stir it into mayonnaise or drizzle it over plain yogurt dip. A spoonful goes a long way.
Is a jar of spread a good Secret Santa gift?
Yes, if you pick something broadly liked. Fruit preserves, honey or a chocolate hazelnut spread suit most people. Save chili crisp or olive tapenade for someone you know enjoys bold, savoury flavours.
Does chili crisp need to be refrigerated after opening?
Follow the storage directions on the jar, since recipes differ. Many people keep it in the cupboard and use it quickly. Others refrigerate it, which can firm up the oil a little without changing the flavour much.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All dips & spreads picks

Show:AllSpecific productsGift ideasBudget:AnyUnder $15$15–$25$25–$50$50–$100Over $100

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