The Condiment Book: Unlocking Maximum Flavor with Minimal Effort

by Claire Dinhut

From TikTok sensation Condiment Claire, a quirky and informative guide to the flavor enhancers we can’t get enough of, with dozens of recipes for making and using condiments of all descriptions

Claire Dinhut soared to internet fame tasting and rating hundreds of jams, mustards, and butters, showing how she incorporates condiments into virtually every bite she takes. Often posting from the remote French village where her father maintains a fourteenth-century mill, she delighted followers with her charmingly casual approach to preserving and pickling, showing how easy it is to transform seasonal produce and kitchen odds and ends into homemade condiments that will enhance any meal and create unique gifts.

The Condiment Book captures the role condiments play in defining food cultures around the world, pairing brief histories of flavoring agents from ketchup to kimchi with tutorials on creating unique flavor combos to suit your own palate. In chapters devoted to Butters and Salts, Fruit in Jars, Hot Sauces, Pickles and Ferments, Dips, and of course Mustards and Mayo, Claire guides readers through the making of condiments to give or keep, and offers a handful of “condiment companions” ideal for serving alongside the cook’s handiwork. Helpful charts and graphics give abundant ideas for pairing condiments and flavors, extending the use of these versatile products far beyond the expected.

Packed with lush photos, cheerful “doodles” and the whipsmart observations of a Harvard-educated, bilingual gourmand obsessed with everything salty, spicy, bitter, and sweet, The Condiment Book is the ideal gift for any cook eager to dip a toe into the world of preserving, or any food lover looking for new and exciting ways to use those bottles and jars knocking around their pantry.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Food and Drink

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a cute book with some historical background on the origins of familiar condiments than a serious cookbook. This was a little disappointing since I was really looking forward to a condiment recipe book given my love of condiments. The included recipes are generally simple and common ones; think butter, mayo, ketchup, quick pickles, dips and jams.

This would be best suited as a gift for new cooks who appreciate condiments or fans of the author, a well-known social media content creator. Worth mentioning, there are 2 versions of the book and this US version has more recipes and photographs than the UK edition.

[Caitlin Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book led to me making the best cheese toastie of my life. No notes 5/5.

[Stine]

Pickles

[Kat]

not life changing but cute and ive been manically making experimental pestos since i finished this a couple days ago, chefs kiss goes to anchovies <3

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insight into the world of condiments and their history. The Condiment Book tickled my brain in the same way Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrst did. 

[Hayden Renaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got around to finishing this book and it made me love Claire even more! Her personality showed through all of the condiment history and recipes. The doodles — especially the Stinkometer — really added to the experience. I’m looking forward to giving the Tomato-Vanilla-Basil jam & Caesar salad dressing recipes a try

[Sophie (RedheadReading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be right back, I simply must go make an ungodly amount of pickles and dips...

[Nadine Belling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's not a cookbook, but an incredible book if you love food and cooking. Beautifully written with amazing illustrations!

[Agustina Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Feels like a warm hug everytime id go pick it up. It is not a cookbook! Truly a collection of history and fun facts about condiments as well as some easy home recipes to pair with the stories. Such a great read, ive learned alot too!

[Kathleen Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell how much time and love went into this book. It’s apparent how passionate Claire is about learning about different cultures through the flavors native to that part of the world. I think the jam part was most interesting, as well as the hot sauce and kimchi parts. Loved it

[Sara McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I learned to much about my own personal taste preferences and the history behind all my favorite condiments - can’t wait to try more recipes from this (not a cook)book!

[Tina Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book of flavor combinations, the history of condiments, and unique recipes! I especially love having base recipes for simple things like jams and hot sauces that I can then tweak and adjust to my flavor preferences and what’s in season.

[Hailey Strother · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new kitchen staple for me. Highly recommend!

[LizaMari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Plenty of inspiration for this year's meals!

[Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book! I pre-ordered this version and I will definitely be obtaining the US version as well when it comes out because I hear it will be a bit different.
I love all of the historical deep dives, charts, and doodles. The flavor combos Claire puts together are always 🔥. The recipes in here are fantastic as well! The candied jalapeno bites are a new favorite! So much good stuff in here and such a fun read. Everyone should check this book out I can't hype it up enough!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-ordered the U.K. edition to give as a Christmas gift and couldn’t resist reading it before I gave it away! It’s just so visually appealing, and the writing really captures the engaging way Claire talks about food. My ONLY complaint is that some of the background colors make it difficult to read the text— but overall, I really enjoyed it (and I don’t typically read in this genre)! Highly recommended.

[Rachel Dangora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I can’t wait to also get the US version when it’s released next year. Claire is one of my favorite creators because of her deep dives into recipes, history, and travel. This book is all of that mushed up into the perfect little handbook guide on condiments. I can’t wait to try the recipes and become a condiment connoisseur!

[Megan Luckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE HER BRAIN I LOVEEE THIS BOOK!! the way she experiments is so inspiring

[Siera Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire writes on the evocative power of flavour like a true Proustian. Her guide is the perfect companion to join the never ending search for lost thyme 💕📗💕

[Laura Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delicious from start to finish. No notes. Just very hungry and excited to try tons of new things!

[Kendall P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claireeee!! I’ve been a fan since day one and had high hopes for this book - that were ABSOLUTELY EXCEEDED. What a fun way to demonstrate flavor, explain condiment structure, and become inspired to make new things.

The illustrations are in-cred-ible. Like, holy smokes this book is stunning and fun and timeless.

Claire’s use of tone and zest is cozy and fun to read. This is a permanent staple in my kitchen and will become a book I frequently gift to other chefs/at-home cooks! I went out of my way to get the European version and I regret nothing about that decision. I was confused whether this was a cookbook or not at first, and I think she does a fabulous job explaining why this is called “the condiment book” - because that’s exactly what it is.

Excellent read for at home cooks, chefs, and general foodies, or perhaps people who love trivia and food history!

Well done, Condiment Claire!

[Iben Holm Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun and nerdy book, and i loved it. Gives new and interesting ways to combine food in a new way. For me as a chef some things is kinda obvious but is good to know for “normal” people heheh. But other things i didn’t know. So you learn something everyday.

When my mom saw how many tags i have in this book, it maybe defeated the purpose of them. I don’t think 11 tags is to many. I’m just excited to try some new recipes hehe.

I have not cooked from it yet, but i’m gonna use some of it in my new years menu this year, so that is gonna be exciting. Scallops and sea buckthorns is gonna be interesting. Very special.

[Selina⚔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book with helpful illustrations on how to maximize leftover scraps into delicious condiments.

It's also happy, nostalgic, and teaches history in easy-to-understand terms and visual cues!


Galing!!

[jngarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the historical mini stories regarding condiments! So many amazing recipes I want to try as well, I used half a stack of post-it’s marking up my favorites. Claire’s love of condiments through her storytelling, shine vibrantly through the pages of her book.

[Abby Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Claire. The way she processes flavor is something to be envious of. Actually LOLed multiple times while reading.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic book. From the recipes to the history lessons to the small illustrations, it was an absolute delight to read and will live in my kitchen forever.

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have been making more condiments that i can eat since i read this book.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anderledes og inspirerende! ✨

[Silvia Pastorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars plus special mention to the lovely drawings: I want more food books with drawings, not just photos!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to be insufferable making my own butters and jams.