Of all the dressings people love the most, ranch dressing may be the most beloved. Mixing well with just about everything, ranch has long been a celebrated dressing flavor. It’s ideal for topping off salads and makes for the perfect dip for almost everything. It’s safe to say ranch is universally liked. The challenge is that not all ranch dressings are created equally.
As many restaurant ranch dressings are made exclusively for them, it’s hard to ignore those. However, ranking bottled ranches that you can buy at a grocery store is much easier. Setting aside potential health concerns over ingesting too much ranch, this ranking is all about taste.
Using community data from Reddit and r/condiments, review sites, and some personal experience, we ranked the best ranch dressings you can buy with number one being the best tasting.
11. Tuscan Garden Ranch
- Producer: Tuscan Garden (Aldi)
- Taste: Good cross between creamy and not overwhelming
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening
An Aldi Favorite
Anyone who shops at Aldi’s is likely already familiar with its Tuscan Garden Ranch. If you haven’t had a chance to stop at an Aldi and pick this up, it’s something to put on your bucket list. There is something great about how inexpensive Tuscan Garden is but it tastes oh so good. While it’s not as tasty as other brands on this list, it’s still fantastic and it gets better because of the price.
10. Tessemae’s Organic Creamy Ranch
- Producer: Tessemae’s
- Taste: Definitely creamy
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening
Tessemae Is All About Health
For anyone who is looking for a creamy ranch that’s free of gluten, dairy, and sugar, Tessemae is the way to go. The thing is, Tessemae’s Organic Creamy Ranch might be all about health but it doesn’t taste any different. The “classic” in the name feels a little off considering it’s a forward-thinking formula, but it’s terrific all the same. There is no way to ignore that this organic ranch is the very best choice for anyone who doesn’t love more traditional ranch flavors.
9. Kraft Classic Ranch
- Producer: Kraft Foods
- Taste: Balanced between creamy and thin
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening
Kraft Is Everywhere
It’s easy to think of Kraft and only think of cheeses, specifically Kraft’s outstanding mac and cheese. The reality is that Kraft has its hands in so many areas that it’s no surprise to see ranch dressing on store shelves. The good news is that Kraft’s Classic Ranch dressing is quite tasty. It doesn’t hurt that it’s inexpensive compared to other brands without sacrificing taste or volume. Kraft strikes a good balance between not being runny and being too thick.
8. Marzetti Simply Dressed Ranch Dressing
- Producer: Marzetti
- Taste: Subtle yet creamy
- Refrigeration: Refrigerated
Marzetti’s Cult Following
If you look up this ranch on Reddit, it’s clear that there is a bit of a cult following being formed. Those who love Marzetti’s love it all the way and no other ranch matters. There is a huge benefit to Marzetti’s being on the healthier side with a lower calorie count. As it’s a refrigerated option, there is a fresh feeling that feels great when the first taste hits.
7. Whole Foods 365 Classic Ranch
- Producer: Whole Foods (Amazon)
- Taste: Subtle garlic taste
- Refrigeration: Refrigerated
Wholly Good Ranch
Whole Foods is home to many delightful dressings but it’s the 365 Classic Ranch that sits above the rest. This is Whole Foods’ generic ranch but there is nothing generic about the taste. Those who love the Whole Foods Classic Ranch love it wholly and completely. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Whole Foods 365 is among the healthier options ranch lovers can find that won’t sacrifice taste.
6. Litehouse Homestyle Ranch
- Producer: Olive Garden
- Taste: Very lightweight
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening
Litehouse Is Very Light
When it comes to the taste of Litehouse Homestyle Ranch, the thing that makes it great is right in the name. This is arguably the lightest-tasting ranch on this list. This means it’s not thick and is arguably more runny than other brands. The good news is that even without a thicker blend that works well for other brands, Litehouse just works.
5. Bolthouse Farms Classic Ranch
- Producer: Bolthouse Farms
- Taste: Very thick
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening
Bolthouse Is a Real Classic
What makes Bolthouse Farms Classic Ranch so interesting is that it doesn’t taste like any other ranch on the market. It’s the thickest around which is why Bolthouse labels its Classic Ranch as a “Yogurt Dressing & Dip”. However, it’s this exact thickness that makes Bolthouse such a joy to taste. There is a delightful aftertaste of garlic, which works surprisingly well against all odds.
4. Olive Garden Parmesan Ranch
- Producer: Olive Garden
- Taste: Thick and creamy
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening but best served cold
Olive Garden for the Win
When you think of Olive Garden, your first thought is likely breadsticks and not ranch dressing. However, Olive Garden’s Parmesan Ranch may be its secret sauce. It’s definitely on the thicker side but there is a similar taste consistency with every bottle you buy. Reddit reviews highlight there is a just right balance of vinegar, which makes it a delight to have every time.
3. Ken’s Steak House Ranch
- Producer: Ken’s
- Taste: Thick texture perfect for dipping
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening
Ken’s Is a Crowd Favorite
Like Hidden Valley, Ken’s is a crowd-favorite ranch dressing at your local grocery store. The best that can be said about Ken’s is that it’s perfect for its creaminess. There is plenty of flavor which makes it good not just for dipping carrots, but also as a way to spruce up your next steak meal. Among on the shelf ranch options in the wild, Ken’s is among the very best.
2. Marie’s Creamy Ranch
- Producer: Marie’s
- Taste: A bit thicker but oh-so-creamy
- Refrigeration: Requires immediate refrigeration
Marie’s Creamy Perfection
There’s a definite reason why Marie’s Creamy Ranch has “creamy” in the name. There is just something outstanding about how well Marie’s tastes. The thing is it’s not too thick but it’s thicker than most other ranches you’ll find in your local grocery. The best part is the lack of a nasty aftertaste, which is a big win for Marie’s. The only downside to Marie’s is the need for immediate refrigeration.
1. Hidden Valley
- Producer: Hidden Valley
- Taste: Consistently tastes like a classic ranch
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate after opening
Hidden Valley Rules
When it comes to the best original ranch around with a consistent taste time after time, Hidden Valley is the way to go. It’s safe to say the Hidden Valley ranch label may be best associated with ranch dressing, period. If there is one thing this ranch does well, it’s that it has not changed the formula for decades.
Not too creamy and not too thick, Hidden Valley wins every time. Best of all, Hidden Valley Ranch goes with absolutely everything. From dipping carrots to the top of salads, Hidden Valley is the jack of all-trades ranch dressing.
The #1 Thing to Do Before You Claim Social Security (Sponsor)
Choosing the right (or wrong) time to claim Social Security can dramatically change your retirement. So, before making one of the biggest decisions of your financial life, it’s a smart idea to get an extra set of eyes on your complete financial situation.
A financial advisor can help you decide the right Social Security option for you and your family. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you optimize your Social Security outcomes.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.