6 Condiments Ina Garten Always Keeps in Her Pantry

In this case, store-bought is fine.

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Headshot of Ina Garten
Photo: Stephen Lovekin

Tune into any episode of Ina Garten's show, Barefoot Contessa, and it's likely you'll hear her say, "Store-bought is fine." This popular saying is Garten's way of reassuring novice cooks like myself that not everything has to be homemade (it's also the phrase that's inspired hundreds of hilarious memes). And one area in Garten's kitchen where you'll find store-bought ingredients is the pantry.

On her website, Garten has pages dedicated to the ingredients that she buys instead of makes. While she chooses to buy ingredients like De Cecco pasta and Libby's pumpkin puree, it was the common, everyday condiments that stood out to me. From vanilla extract to balsamic vinegar, check out Garten's go-to staples below and get them for your own pantry.

6 Ina-Approved Condiments

Maille Mustard, Old Style

six jars of mustard
Amazon

This mustard is made with whole seeds and has a slightly grainy texture, making it perfect for sandwiches, vinaigrettes and more. We're betting that Ina uses it in her recipes for Mustard-Roasted Potatoes and Mustard-Roasted Fish.

Buy it: Amazon, $18 for a pack of six, 7.3 ounce jars

Fini Balsamic Vinegar

bottle of balsamic vinegar
Williams Sonoma

Use this tart, 12 month-aged vinegar as a dressing for salad, on chicken or drizzled over a caprese-inspired salmon. The vinegar should be stored in a cool, dark place for optimal flavor and freshness.

Buy it: Williams Sonoma, $15 for a small bottle

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract

bottle of vanilla extract
Amazon

When Ina refers to "good vanilla," she's talking about this exact brand of extract. Though it's not technically a condiment, this vanilla is perfect for baking cakes and other sweet treats. If a recipe calls for another type of vanilla, i.e., bean, powder or paste, you can use this extract as a substitution.

Buy it: Amazon, $20 for a 4 ounce bottle

Hellmann's Mayonnaise

bottle of mayonnaise
Amazon

Mayonnaise makes any sandwich better, and this classic brand is Garten's go-to choice (Hellmann's was also Julia Child's pick). You can store this in the pantry, but be sure to keep in the fridge after opening for optimal taste.

Buy it: Amazon, $4 for an 11.5 ounce bottle

Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard

jar of mustard
Amazon

Compared to Maille's mustard, Grey Poupon's Dijon mustard has a smoother and creamier texture. It has a spicy and sharp taste that would work well with ham or turkey. Ina loves using Dijon in her Vinaigrette for Green Salad and Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce.

Buy it: Amazon, $3 for an 8 ounce jar

Huy Fong Sriracha

two bottles of sriracha
Amazon

Add a kick of heat to your next meal with the addition of Sriracha. You could use it in our Sriracha, Egg & Avocado Overnight Oats for a bold and flavorful bite.

Buy it: Amazon, $12 for a pack of 2

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