Best Budget-Friendly: MW POLAR Whole Black Garlic

What is the best black garlic? 

And what is black garlic anyway?

Available as whole heads of garlic or as a powder, black garlic is made by fermenting heads of garlic for weeks or months.

At the end of this aging process, the heads turn black, hence the name. 

The flavor profile of black garlic is more mellow than fresh garlic—you might notice pronounced molasses flavor notes.

You can use black garlic as you would regular garlic, as long as you realize black garlic doesn’t have the same garlic punch as fresh garlic. We like to add finely chopped black garlic to our favorite mayonnaise for a burst of flavor. 

Whole cloves of black garlic are excellent to add to sauces or to make into a compound butter for steak.

When we review an ingredient like black garlic, we do blind taste tests—but we also look for aroma and value. One black garlic that came out a top favorite in our tests also happens to be one that is also budget-friendly: MW Polar’s Whole Black Garlic.

This one impressed us with a delicious, buttery texture and flavor that was akin to balsamic vinegar.

What We Liked

• Delicious!

• Affordable.

• BPA-free container.

• Imported from China.

• Easy to peel.

• No added sugar.

• Flavor is like balsamic vinegar.

What Needs Work

• Not everyone likes the texture.

Best Sweet Flavor: Homtiem Black Garlic

We know some folks prefer black garlic that has a sweeter profile. Homtiem’s Black Garlic, imported from Thailand, won over our blind taste testers with its sweet flavor and firm texture (similar to a fig).

What We Liked

• Sweet with mild notes of garlic.

• Great in savory recipes like stews.

• Fig-like texture.

• Fermented for 90 days.

What Needs Work

• Too sweet for some folks.

Best Powder: McCormick Black Garlic Powder Seasoning

Powdered black garlic is easier to add to dry rubs and marinades. After trying several black garlic powders, McCormick was tops in our taste test.

What We Liked

• Mix of black garlic with salt, spices, cocoa powder and other ingredients.

• Sweet/savory blend.

• Great as a seasoning for fish, pasta and chicken.

• Easy-to-use shaker bottle.

What Needs Work

• Too salty for some testers.

• Has too many other ingredients besides black garlic, say critics.

Best Texture: RioRand Black Garlic

This pricey black garlic had an interesting texture that we judged superior to other brands we tried—basically, it was like a gummy candy. The flavor was that of molasses with garlic undertones . . . very yummy!

What We Liked

• Great for compound butter on steaks.

• Soft texture.

• Sweet profile.

• Very tasty!

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!