The Best Store-Bought Salsa Verde By Far Comes From A Family-Owned Brand

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If you've had authentic Mexican food, then you know how much salsa can impact a dish. Just a small spoon can brighten up a protein or give new life to a boring stew — and no taco is truly finished until sauces come into play. Red, tomato-based salsas tend to be more popular, but there is so much to be said for a zesty salsa verde. If you're looking for a reliable supermarket version, one standout option comes from a family-owned brand: Casa Martinez.

An expert from Tasting Table who tried nine store-bought salsa verdes was blown away by the Casa Martinez Fire-Roasted Salsa Verde Tatemada. The version they tried, which had a medium heat level, was packed with a delightfully tangy flavor that felt balanced and bright with just the right amount of spice. The blend's kick comes courtesy of serrano and jalapeño peppers, while cilantro lends a herbaceous, fragrant flavor.

Tatemada is a traditional Mexican culinary technique that involves charring vegetables over an open flame to give sauces — and other foods, like stews — a smoky, fire-roasted finish. Our tester loved the complexity that tatemada gave Casa Martinez salsa. The peppers were also chunky enough to provide some texture, while the thickness was perfect for dipping, topping, or coating proteins.

The Martinez family traces its roots to the Sinaloan region of Mexico. Having already had success selling salsas locally, Jesus Martinez Sr. and his wife, Adriana, moved their family to Arizona to study the U.S. market and set up a new brand: Casa Martinez. They started out by selling the salsas door to door. Now, the jars can be found at major retailers across the country.

Judging by the company's growth, our tester isn't the only one who's been impressed, with online reviews painting a similar picture. Walmart customers have called it "delicious" and "authentic," with one person writing, "Very impressed! I love green chili salsas of all kinds[,] and this one is at the top of my list." Social media users also enjoy other flavors from the brand. One Reddit user said the Diabla was "the best jarred salsa I've had" while another said in a second post they were "addicted" to it. Someone commented on that second post, "It's amazing! I love hot super hot salsa but there is a limit to how hot it can be ... this salsa is right at that limit and it is perfect."

If you find this Tatemada near you, use it to make cheesy chicken enchiladas, tacos, or a smothered burrito. Our tester enjoyed it on its own with tortilla chips, but they also had plans for some delicious chilaquiles verde. If you have trouble locating it, our number two and three picks, Del Real and Cholula, are great backups.