Ranch Rankings

The consistency was watery and thin. Many complained of a dirty water or chemical flavor, but one optimistically said that it could be the kind of ranch used for bagged iceberg lettuce or a cheap banquet salad. "This would make anyone hate ranch, even ranch lovers," one wrote.

Price: $3.99, 12 ounces

Tasters hated the consistency, saying that it was too watery and looked "oddly gray, drab and sad." It smelled like feet or sweat and tasted like bad cheese with a powdery aftertaste, they said. "I couldn't taste it again," one wrote.

Price: $3.29, 8 ounces

Describing its flavor as like lemon Pledge or poppyseed dressing, tasters complained that this ranch was too salty, cloyingly sweet and acidic. "This is super gross," one taster wrote.

Price: $7.69, 9 ounces

While this ranch evoked childhood memories for one taster, others complained that it tasted like spoiled dairy with an overpowering tartness. Another complained that it smelled like fish or mayo, neither of which were what they wanted in a ranch dressing.

Price: $3.29, 12 ounces

One taster said that despite being strangely sweet, the dressing had texture and flavor profiles one would expect from ranch dressing. Another participant wrote that though the dressing looked cheap, it tasted better than expected.

Price: $4.99, 8.36 ounces

With a runny consistency and evident spices, Newman's was super sweet and sour with a chemical note. Some said it tasted like a factory, and others complained it was too citrusy, almost like an AirHead candy.

Price: $4.39, 16 ounces

Multiple people said it tasted less like ranch and more like Caesar dressing, writing that the flavor was off and totally unbalanced. One taster said it was "pretending it's ranch," but others said it may be good on salad, pizza or fries.

Price: $3.99, 16 ounces

This ultra-thick, Target- brand dressing had a strong, garlicky scent and a super thick consistency. One taster complimented its vinegar profile. But other participants had issues with it tasting too much like mayo.

Price: $2.87, 12 ounces 

This is the kind of ranch dressing that one taster would serve to vegetable-averse children to convince them that vegetables are good. Tasters also said this was a lighter style and looked cheap on a table.

Price: $2.49, 15 ounces

For people who want a dressing that is on the sweeter end and without that tangy zip, this is the one for you. An optimistic taster said it had potential if served with fries.

Price: $2.79, 16 ounces

Ken's Steak House received compliments for its rich flavor, consistency and appearance. Although one taster said she would dip her pizza in this ranch, another participant said it reminded him of the ranch from the salad bar in middle school.

Price: $3.49, 16 ounces

The most common praise for this Aldi-brand ranch dressing was the consistency, which is thicker than most of its competitors. Participants said it would be good on fries and wings and has a creamy flavor that reminded them of buttermilk.

Price: $1.49, 16 ounces

Although Kraft Classic didn't receive marks as high as the winner, tasters were pleased with its balanced flavor and called it 'generic and inoffensive' with a great consistency and pleasant, egglike aroma. However, others said it tasted cheap, like a grocery store brand, and one taster complained that the consistency was too thick for a dressing.

Price: $3, 16 ounces

Hidden Valley's The Original Ranch is proof that sometimes, the original really is the best. Tasters loved this one for its creamy texture, strong tang and peppery flavor. One commenter said this would go perfectly with pizza, and another said that the more she tasted it, the more she grew to like it. Another participant accurately called it "classic."

Price: $2.49, 16 ounces