Top Ajvar Brands: Spice Up Your Culinary Adventure!

Ajvar, a popular Balkan pepper-based condiment, has been captivating taste buds worldwide with its unique blend of sweet and smoky flavors. As its popularity grows, numerous brands have begun to stake their claim in the ajvar market, offering distinct variations from mild to spicy. Notable brands have emerged, each with its own take on traditional recipes, ensuring a variety of options for ajvar enthusiasts. To explore some of the top-rated ajvar brands and find your new favorite, read on below.

Illustration of ajvar

Best brands of ajvar in 2025

Podravka

Podravka, a Croatian company founded in 1934, is a renowned producer of ajvar, a vegetable relish made from peppers and eggplants, and is considered one of the best, using a traditional recipe with no preservatives. While the exact market share is not available, it's a popular brand in many countries, with their ajvar being sold in over 60 countries worldwide. The company also utilizes a unique squeeze bottle for easier use and is a recognized brand for quality, even winning the Best Buy Award in Croatia. In 2023, they also used AI to promote Ajvar in Slovenia.

Mama's Ajvar

Mama's Ajvar, a Macedonian brand established in 2010, is renowned for its high-quality, all-natural ajvar made from fresh, seasonal ingredients processed within 12 hours of harvest, using traditional family recipes, and has expanded its presence to markets across Europe, the USA, Japan, and Australia; they also won the Sofi Award in 2023 for their hot ajvar, and were the runner-up in the Lyutenica and Sauce category in the 2020 consumer survey MyLoveMarks, and they use a unique production process without any additives, preservatives, or artificial colors, creating a product that is both authentic and flavorful.

Granny's Secret

Granny's Secret, a Serbian brand with a history of over a decade, is renowned for its exceptional ajvar, a roasted red pepper relish, made with 94% roasted red peppers, sunflower oil, salt, and a little vinegar, and has received multiple Great Taste Awards, including one Gold Star in 2017; their ajvar is a 100% natural, gluten-free product, using a traditional recipe with approximately 11 peppers per jar, and is considered the best line of natural home-style food products on the Serbian market and a delicacy enjoyed throughout the Balkans. The product is also vegan-friendly, with only 1% saturated fat and no added sugar.

Pelagonia

Pelagonia, established in 2011, is an award-winning Macedonian brand renowned for its high-quality ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread, made with a traditional family recipe using 70% roasted peppers, 20% roasted aubergine, and other natural ingredients. They began shipping to the UK in 2012 and now sell in 17 countries, showcasing the best of Macedonian produce with a commitment to organic and sustainable practices. Pelagonia's ajvar, available in both mild and hot versions, is a versatile condiment, perfect with cheese, sandwiches, and eggs, and it is gluten-free, emphasizing the brand's dedication to authentic flavors and quality.

Bakina Tajna

Bakina Tajna, established in 2003, is a highly regarded producer of ajvar, a traditional roasted red pepper relish, using a recipe with just four ingredients: roasted red peppers (94%), sunflower oil, salt, and vinegar, with some variations including eggplant or chili for a spicier flavor, where approximately 11 peppers go into a single jar. Their ajvar is made from hand-picked vegetables and slow-cooked to preserve nutritional value, exporting to 25 countries, with ambitious plans to increase exports by 50 percent in 2013, reaching a capacity of 6,100 tons with a goal to produce 10,000 tons. Their products are considered a gourmet specialty and a staple food in many households.

Samardžić

Samardžić, a family producer from Nemanovci, Serbia, began vegetable production in the 1990s and has since become known for their high-quality ajvar, even venturing into organic production in 2012 with support from development agencies; their Leskovac "cepkani ajvar" is sold in major supermarkets, though primarily in northern Vojvodina. Although specific market share percentages are not available, their long history and focus on quality have established them as a prominent name in ajvar production. While a direct product website was not found, their production is mentioned across various media, demonstrating their reputation; this family's commitment and traditional methods make them a reliable source for authentic ajvar.

Zdravo Organic

Zdravo Organic, established in 2002, is a Serbian producer of ajvar, a traditional roasted pepper spread, made with 100% natural ingredients, without any preservatives or artificial additives, and is recognized for their high-quality production. Utilizing a pasteurization process, Zdravo Organic boasts production capacities exceeding 3,000 tons annually and has won the RS Chamber of Commerce award for the best domestic product. You can find more information about their products on their official website.

Dida Boža

Dida Boža is a renowned producer of ajvar, a traditional Balkan relish, using a recipe that includes 80% roasted peppers and 9% eggplant, with some variations also including hot peppers for a spicy kick. Known for using high-quality natural ingredients without gluten or preservatives, they earned a "Superior Taste Award" in 2024 for their Jaffa spread. Their ajvar was recognized as one of the best on the market in 2018 by a Croatian magazine. The company was inspired by the owner's grandfather, who was dedicated to farming, and their products are now available in various countries worldwide. You can visit their official website to learn more about their offerings.

Terra Balkana

Terra Balkana is a renowned producer of ajvar, a traditional Balkan relish, using high-quality roasted peppers and other natural ingredients, with some variations including eggplant for added creaminess, and while they may not have a specific market share percentage, their products are often featured in Balkan cuisine, celebrated at festivals, and recognized for their authentic taste, embodying a long-standing tradition of Balkan culinary excellence. You can explore their offerings further to learn more about their dedication to preserving Balkan flavors.

Farchioni

While Farchioni is a well-known Italian brand producing olive oil since 1780, there is no indication that they are a producer of Ajvar, a Balkan relish traditionally made from roasted red peppers and sometimes eggplant and garlic, renowned as a Balkan delicacy with the best varieties often being homemade. Although Farchioni offers various condiments, including flavored olive oils, their core products revolve around olive oil, wine, beer, and flour. The brand is committed to quality and sustainability, using raw materials from the heart of Umbria. You can explore their product range on their official website.