# Guidance requested on Chutney as an alternative to cranberry sauce **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [November 2, 2026, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352 "2026-11-02T17:23:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/1 "2026-11-02T17:23:51Z")
I like cranberry sauce (canned or homemade) on the side with anything. Of course it goes great with turkey, etc., but also with sausage (Polish sausage), meat loaf, fried chicken, and other flavorful things where you want an intermittent bite of something sweet. Applesauce can also function this way. I did a google search for suggestions on alternatives to cranberry sauce and got Lingonberry jam and Cherry compote, and I ordered from amazon, but each of those, while I think they’d be great on toast, is just too sweet to be a real relish/condiment. I’ve been wondering about chutney for this role in my mealtime setup. There are so many different kinds! Where should I begin? I don’t want to wind up with a bunch of jars that I took one bite out of and couldn’t stomach the rest. I want something mostly sweet, but not “dessert” sweet. I know there are spices added, and I’m okay with some of that-- but NO cilantro! Stonewall Kitchen has some chutneys that might be entry level for a chutney virgin such as myself: > **[Creators of Specialty Foods, Since 1991 - Stonewall Kitchen | Stonewall Kitchen](https://www.stonewallkitchen.com/search?q=chutney&search-button=&lang=null)** > > Search Results - Stonewall Kitchen A search for “chutney” on amazon gives almost 400 results: [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chutney&i=grocery/](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chutney&i=grocery/) Do you have favorites? Are there some even your little kids will eat? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/2 "2026-11-02T17:30:56Z")
Here’s a sweet mango chutney in a convenient single-serving container. > **[Deep Sweet Mango Chutney - 44 lbs Barrel](https://www.ishopindian.com/deep-sweet-mango-chutney-44-lbs-barrel)** > > This 100% natural Sweet Mango Chutney is a mild and delicate blend of sweet mangoes, sugar and spices.It pairs wonderfully with cheeses, can be used with chicken on the grill, as a dip with your favorite veggies, or simply as a curry side. Turn any... ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/3 "2026-11-02T17:34:17Z")
😲 Once it’s empty, you could move in there. Or before it’s empty, I guess. BTW, on the product page it says, “Need more qty. Let us know.” Oh-kay. 👍🏽 ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/4 "2026-11-02T17:37:06Z")
Stonewall Kitchen have an apple cranberry chutney that you might like. Or you can Google for recipes for homemade cranberry chutneys. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/5 "2026-11-02T17:38:18Z")
My local HEB has these… [https://www.heb.com/search?q=chutney](https://www.heb.com/search?q=chutney) ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/6 "2026-11-02T17:38:19Z")
Not cranberry but every chutney I’ve gotten from Trader Joe’s has been good and I’d go so far as to say adventurous. You can’t beat the price and if you hate it, Trader Joe’s will cheerfully refund your cost, no questions asked. Pretty low risk. # **Sri Lankan Organic Mango Chutney** **$3.29** /8.5 Oz They also do a very tasty refrigerator crushed cranberry/ orange relish that I make a point of getting every year. In fact I get two pints and I live alone! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/7 "2026-11-02T17:40:09Z")
The result I get for that search is “No exact match for ‘chutney.’” ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/8 "2026-11-02T17:44:40Z")
Trader Joe’s is very good about letting you return stuff that you don’t like. But if I go to TJ’s, I’ll have to buy a couple of bags of these, then I’m doomed… [![](https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/Trader-Joe-s-Rolled-Corn-Tortilla-Chips-Chili-Lime-Pack-of-1_a1cabc14-c68f-4b5e-b52e-04e88d3dbda4.3741ec82825a802f642c5ad7994a2c10.jpeg) ](https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/Trader-Joe-s-Rolled-Corn-Tortilla-Chips-Chili-Lime-Pack-of-1_a1cabc14-c68f-4b5e-b52e-04e88d3dbda4.3741ec82825a802f642c5ad7994a2c10.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/9 "2026-11-02T17:47:09Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The result I get for that search is “No exact match for ‘chutney.’” Here’s a screen capture from that page. Maybe you have to be logged in or something. 🤷🏽 [![](https://i.imgur.com/KHcuy8e.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/KHcuy8e.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/10 "2026-11-02T17:57:16Z")
This isn’t chutney, but it looks good. > **[Amazon.com : Beaver Brand Cranberry Mustard, Sweet, Tangy with Honey, 13 oz |...](https://www.amazon.com/Beaver-Brand-Cranberry-Mustard-Cranberries/dp/B001E0KZK0)** > > Amazon.com : Beaver Brand Cranberry Mustard, Sweet, Tangy with Honey, 13 oz | Cranberry mustard, sweet & tart with honey for turkey, sandwiches & charcuterie. Gluten-free. Made in the USA since 1929. : Cocktail Sauces : Grocery & Gourmet Food ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/11 "2026-11-02T17:59:45Z")
I love all chutneys, but just popped in to say “Any time you change a traditional Thanksgiving dish, also provide the traditional option”. My wife proudly displayed her Cranberry/Horseradish Relish for Thanksgiving. I saw a bunch of skeptical faces on the younger generations, so I quickly showed them the traditional cranberry sauce we’d made, and the “stuff from a can” (with the ridges still showing). ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/12 "2026-11-02T21:28:28Z")
You need to try out some sampler packs of teeny tiny little chutney jars like [this one](https://www.silkrute.com/grocery/jams-honey-and-spreads-en/pickle-and-sauce/nimkish-fruit-chutneys-combo-pack-of-6-assorted?srsltid=AYCX9vKt9mBvnB1D8BCg2C4SCV1t--n5awWbvwIpyb77lMTScph9igzwPIc), although I don’t know for the life of me how that vendor can sell this so cheap; note that I am not recommending this or any other specific product, just the general idea of trying a chutney sampler before committing yourself to a big-azz jar of any one flavor. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/13 "2026-11-02T21:46:48Z")
What a great idea! Yes, little sampler jars are exactly what I need. I went to Trader Joe’s and I did buy a jar of the mango chutney, just tasted it, and I really like it. Very mild. Not too sweet. I will have to see how it works with a meal. And yes, I also bought a bag of the rolled corn chips with chili lime seasoning. 🙄 They are so good! It helps if you love pain. You just have to keep eating them, because if you stop, then the pain catches up with you. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/14 "2026-11-02T23:27:07Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > This isn’t chutney, but it looks good.  > > [Amazon.com](https://a.co/d/0etnGC1U) [Beaver brand Cranberry Mustard] That’s what I put on my roast beef sandwiches, along with some horseradish (same brand). The cranberry mustard is also great on turkey sandwiches. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2026, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/15 "2026-11-03T04:13:11Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I want something mostly sweet, but not “dessert” sweet. I know there are spices added, and I’m okay with some of that-- but NO cilantro! Interestingly enough, coriander chutney is an entire traditional category of fresh (non-preserved) chutneys. Generally, if you see a bright green sauce chutney, that’s based on cilantro. There’s even an example in your screencap, in the top right of the image. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2026, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/16 "2026-11-03T11:09:47Z")
The standard sauce or chutney to have with[samosas](https://www.recipetineats.com/samosa-recipe/) is tamarind. Both of these are terrific food ideas. The tamarind provides a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2026, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/17 "2026-11-03T12:48:29Z")
Have you heard of Amba? If not, let me give you the Good News! Amba a pickled mango sauce of Indian/Iraqi Jewish origin. It’s savory and tangy and less sweet than chutney, and goes well with meat (like shawarma) and plenty of other dishes. And it is your Lord and Savior. > **[Amba (condiment)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amba_(condiment))** > > Amba or anba (Arabic: عنبة,\[a\] Hebrew: עמבה\[b\]) is a tangy condiment made with mango pickle. Created by Iraqi Jewish merchants in Bombay who purportedly shipped mangoes in vinegar back to Baghdad, Amba bears a resemblance to chutneys from South Asia. The spicy, sweet and sour sauce is typically made of pickled green mangoes, vinegar, salt, turmeric, chilies, and fenugreek. It is enjoyed in various Middle Eastern countries, particularly in Israel, as well as to a lesser extent in Europe and Man... ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/18 "2026-11-03T13:02:17Z")
Looks intriguing… There are several on amazon. Here are a couple- > **[Amazon.com : Magichero Amba Sauce, Traditional Middle Eastern Mango Amba Sauce,...](https://www.amazon.com/Magichero-Traditional-Turmeric-Preservatives-Artificial/dp/B0HGM2BKGN)** > > Enjoy the distinctive tangy and savory flavor of Amba Sauce, a traditional Middle Eastern-style sauce made with a flavorful blend of vinegar, garlic, turmeric, spices, and other ingredients. Ready to serve straight from the container, it is a... > **[Amazon.com : SHUUG Amba Sauce 9 oz, Mango Curried Hot Sauce, Mild to Medium...](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQCHFHT7)** > > Amazon.com : SHUUG Amba Sauce 9 oz, Mango Curried Hot Sauce, Mild to Medium Spice Mango | Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher | Bold, tangy, and slightly spicy mango sauce | Flavor Cooking, Dipping, Marinades : Grocery & Gourmet Food ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2026, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/19 "2026-11-03T13:08:11Z")
The first one looks better - amba isn’t supposed to be a hot sauce. Here’s another option: > **[Amazon.com: Pereg Amba Sauce, Mediterranean Mango Spread, 13 oz | Tangy &...](https://www.amazon.com/Pereg-Mediterranean-Flavorful-Condiment-Gluten-Free/dp/B0FCHDYFQH)** > > Add a bold, tangy twist to your meals with Pereg Amba, a Mediterranean pickled mango sauce and spread inspired by classic Middle Eastern street food. This vibrant condiment blends ripe mangoes with vinegar and aromatic spices, creating a uniquely... ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2026, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352/20 "2026-11-03T13:17:25Z")
Oooo–I really like the look of that! I just ordered some. 🙂 * * * Anyone familiar with this product? Apparently it is ubiquitous in South Africa and something of a nostalgia item for people who grew up there. > **[Amazon.com : Mrs H.S. Balls Original Flavor Chutney, The Recipe That Survied A...](https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Balls-Original-Chutney-plastic/dp/B01MRNSHPT)** > > Amazon.com : Mrs H.S. Balls Original Flavor Chutney, The Recipe That Survied A Shipwreck, (1) 1.1Kg, In A Wide Mouth Octagonal Plastic Jar - Imported from South Africa - : Grocery & Gourmet Food [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-requested-on-chutney-as-an-alternative-to-cranberry-sauce/1034352.md?page=2)