Here is the Tastiest Salsa for a Maine Summer

Inspired by WABI TV5's Todd Simcox, I have decided to hunt down the best salsa with a summer vibe in Maine. Using cucumber as I believe tortilla chips could have an impact on the flavor of each salsa, I will test as many summer salsas that I can find at Maine grocery stores and determine which is truly the best once and for s-ALL-sa.

Wait, What Does Maine's #1 Meteorologist Have to do With Salsa?

Oh, you didn't know that in addition to Todd Simcox's weather reports heard on WABI and Q106.5 with David & Cindy every morning, Mr. Simcox and family also produces Todd's Salsa, and it is freakin' delish. But is it the best in Maine? Hence my research so we consumers can make sure that we are enjoying the most flavorful salsa this summer.

Ok, How Does a Salsa in Maine Have a Summer Vibe?

Fantastic question. In my non-expert opinion with zero credentials whatsoever, in order for a salsa to have a summer vibe, tropical fruit must be involved in the ingredients. According to the aforementioned Todd Simcox, it's going to be hot enough this summer. We need a salsa that we can enjoy on the boat, beach, backyard BBQ, etc. with less of a kick and is more refreshing.

Contestant 1: Garden Fresh Gourmet Mango Peach Salsa is Available in Maine

Garden Fresh Gourmet Mango Peach Salsa has started the competition out strong. Lots of flavor where you can certainly taste the mangos and peach. It's very refreshing, however, it stays true to its mild rating maybe too much.

I would like a little bit more spice, but overall, absolutely delicious. Garden Fresh Gourmet receives a 4 out of 5 peppers from me.

Contestant 2: Galaxie Salsa's Peach 'Sweet Ride' is Made in Maine

I could eat Galaxie Salsa's Peach 'Sweet Ride' with a spoon. In fact, I did. In addition to the traditional salsa ingredients, this salsa produced in Maine is created using zucchini and peach, and both add a very unique, addicting flavor. 4.3 peppers out of 5 for Galaxie - yum!

Contestant 3: Shoutout to Walmart for Providing a Superb Salsa in Maine

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Walmart? I love Walmart, but I'm still surprised at how fresh and flavorful this salsa is. Marketside Sweet Heat Mango Peach is available for only $3.98. I can distinctly taste every ingredient in this salsa and kept wanting to go back for more. Am I giving this salsa the highest rating so far? Yes, I am. 4.5 peppers out of 5. So good! How is this so good?!

Contestant 4: Try An El Paso, Texas Salsa in Maine This Summer

Admittedly, I knew that I was going to love this salsa because I have had it multiple times prior, but I am certainly not going to give it the high rating I anticipated after tasting the other salsas.

Desert Pepper Trading Company's Peach Mango Salsa is full of flavor and has just the right amount of kick, however its consistency is far soupier that its competitors. It's an affordable $4.79 at Hannaford, and I'll give it a rating of 3.9 peppers out of 5.

Contestant 5: Newman's Own Mango Salsa is Available Nationwide Including Maine

Newman's is like the chain of condiments, including salsas, and their mango salsa is very delicious. Newman's Own was created by actor Paul Newman and they provide great products all around.

Their mango salsa is chunky, hearty, and the mango flavor is strong. I especially love that 100% of profits goes to help kids. It does have the most carbs and sugars added than any other salsa sampled. Newman's Mango Salsa gets 4 peppers out of 5 for me for the flavor, charity, and that it is the cheapest at only $3.59 at Hannaford.

Contestant 6: Hannaford's Generic Store Brand Salsa in Maine is Formidable

Taste of Inspirations is the generic food brand for the company who owns Hannaford. Their Mango Pineapple is good and has a lot of flavor, but I couldn't really taste the mango nor pineapple. We are looking for a summer taste, and this wasn't it. It's $5.59, too. Although very tasty, I give this salsa 3.5 peppers out of 5.

Contestant 7: Can Todd's Salsa Created in Bangor, Maine Weather the Competition?

I saved Todd's Salsa last because going into this, Todd's Pineapple Salsa was already my favorite. I wanted to give the competition a fair shot and try to win my tastebuds over. Maybe I would be so exhausted by the time I reached Todd's Salsa, that I would be disgusted with tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc.

I have had my fair amount of salsa, and I am quite full, but Todd's Salsa is far superior. Is the secret that TV5 Meteorologist Todd Simcox knows the weather patterns and when to harvest the ripest, most delicious fruits and veggies? I don't know, but what I do know, is that even as one of the more expensive salsas at Hannaford and Tiller & Rye, it is by far superior at 4.9 peppers out of 5. There is a reason it was sold out today in Brewer.

These ratings are of course my sole opinion, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong. I recommend you try all 7 of these salsas this summer, or just come over to my place. I have quite the supply now. Did I miss a salsa that you recommend? Email me: david.bugenske@townsquaremedia.com.