The “Absolutely Delicious” $5 Store-Bought Dip I’m Serving on Memorial Day (It Tastes Homemade!)

I love a good dip. My go-to is hummus, with roasted pine nut and lemon dill being some of my favorite flavors. I’m also perfectly content with the classic. (Hummus and carrots are my deserted island foods, if that puts anything into perspective.)

When it comes to any dip, I’m looking for something creamy that packs a punch and amps up the flavor of whatever I’m pairing it with — whether it’s carrots, chips, or a veggie pita sandwich.

I’ve seen lots of buzz about Bitchin’ Sauce but had never tried it (until now). It seems I was in the minority because when I mentioned it to my coworkers, lots of The Kitchn staff said they loved it. Clearly I’m late to the game, but I had to try it out for myself to see if it would have a permanent spot in my fridge. (Spoiler: It now does.)

What’s So Great About Bitchin’ Sauce Original Almond Dip?

Unlike most other dips on shelves, Bitchin’ Sauce dips are vegan, though you might not even know it. Bitchin’ Sauce Original Almond Dip is made by blending raw California almonds with water, lemon juice, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic, and spices to give it an umami flavor and creamy texture without using dairy.

The company was created by husband and wife duo, Starr & L.A. Edwards, who initially sold the original dip at local farmers markets in San Diego. The pair quickly amassed a huge following, and now the sauce is sold in grocery stores nationwide at Costco, Sprouts, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. You can find dozens of savory and sweet Bitchin’ Sauce dips in the refrigerated section near the hummus and other dips. (The Kitchn staff are partial to the Pesto, Chipotle, and Green Onion flavors).

Bitchin’ Sauce Original Almond Dip has a slightly orange hue with a gritty look from the almonds. You can see little brown specks throughout. The texture is much runnier than I expected, resembling a loose yogurt. The sauce coats the back of a spoon but doesn’t leave an imprint where you scooped it out; instead it folds back in on itself.

I tried the sauce on its own as well as with some store-bought potato chips. From the first bite, the dip is tangy, lemony, and bright with a spicy, smoky flavor. It’s creamy too, so there’s no missing the dairy, and it paired well with the salt and vinegar chips — the brininess of the chips playing off the zestiness of the sauce. If I didn’t know prior, I’m not sure I could tell you it was made from nuts.

What’s the Best Way to Use Bitchin’ Sauce Original Almond Dip?

I’m joining the unofficial fan club we have at The Kitchn and definitely would buy it again. It has that je ne sais quoi factor and would certainly stand out among a classic hummus and sour cream and onion dip. But it’s also so much more than a dip.

“Bitchin’ Sauce is incredible,” says Lindsay, our editor in chief and dip lover. “Within just two days of having it in my fridge, I found so many ways to use it as a flavor booster to add some oomph: I spooned it over avocado toast, dunked leftover roasted sweet potatoes in it as a condiment, used it as a dip for tortilla chips, and topped it on rice bowls. Is there anything this sauce can’t do?!” 

Buy: Bitchin’ Sauce Original Almond Dip, $5.29 for an 8-ounce container at Target