This additive has been banned from cosmetics, but not from food
A delicious spread or dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and spices, savor it on a slice of Italian ciabatta white bread with mashed avocado and watercress garnish.
Pesto works wonders in a sandwich, or heaped on warm toast. Mix it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese for a yummy spread.
How about this for an inspired combo? You can use crunchy or smooth peanut butter, while the jelly comes in a variety of fruit flavors. Spread over thickly sliced bread and enjoy one of the most popular sandwiches in the United States.
For something special, treat yourself to a truffle spread. Combine it with cashew butter or cream cheese, a dash of pesto sauce top with sliced cherry tomatoes, and serve on wholegrain bread.
Ajvar is a traditional Balkan condiment made from sweet bell peppers and eggplants. It tastes just as good on sandwiches, with a bit of added garlic.
Simply made from grinding either raw or roasted almonds into a nut butter, this wonderful sandwich spread makes a tasty alternative to peanut butter.
Made from baked or roasted cashews, this is a delightfully rich and creamy sandwich spread that's easily made at home.
Another popular condiment that also makes a mouthwatering sandwich spread, herb and garlic curd is made using cream cheese, quark, whipped cream, and mixed herbs. Mix in garlic to taste.
A great standby, a simple cream cheese spread is heightened by a garnish of chopped chives and rosemary.
If all else fails, there's always Marmite. This cherished British savory sandwich spread is made from concentrated yeast extract, a byproduct from brewing beer.
See also: Marmite! Why we love it, and hate it
Avocado is such a versatile fruit. Mashed with sesame seeds and parsley, it makes a quick and healthy spread either on bread or toast.
Taramosalata is Greek and Turkish in origin. It's made of groundfish, shrimps, and caviar, and is garnished with lemon. A traditional dip tastes just as good on a sandwich and makes a tasty snack.
This nutty delight uses walnuts as the base ingredient. It's made by roasting them to bring out their natural oils to create a silky smooth and creamy spread.
There are numerous pâté recipes out there to follow, and few fail to satisfy the palate. Try making a homemade variety with onion marmalade. Serve on generous slices of baguette.
Not something you'd immediately associate with a sandwich spread, but a red onion confit heaped onto a slice of bread with liver pâté is simply inspiring.
If your slice of bread is looking for something exotic, introduce it to a black sesame seed and honey tahini. A Middle Eastern condiment, tahini makes any sandwich shimmer.
A sauce containing chopped pickles or piccalilli, remoulade, a traditional French sauce commonly used as a condiment or dipping sauce, is equally appealing as a spread in a sandwich, garnished perhaps with paprika.
Tapenade hails from Provence in the south of France. Consisting of pureed or finely chopped olives, capers, and anchovies, it's a spread or condiment traditionally eaten as an hors d'œuvre spread on bread.
Looking for good old Southern comfort food? Slap a wedge of homemade pimento cheese between two slices of white bread and serve with potato chips.
Aioli is a cold sauce consisting of an emulsion of garlic and olive oil. A condiment hailing from the Mediterranean, it's often used as a spread to enhance sandwiches filled with cold meats. Give it a try.
A chutney is a spread in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent, and is very much at home when used on a variety of breads. If opting for pumpkin and tomato chutney, serve on pumpkin bread.
A healthful white bean spread is made using cannellini beans, olive oil, and lemon juice. It's delicious on an open sandwich, topped with slices of horse radish, for instance.
A hit in the United States where it's made in Louisville, Kentucky, Benedictine spread is a partnership of cucumbers and cream cheese.
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, refers to any cheese made from goat's milk. Add garlic, basil, parsley, and chives to a light, nourishing spread for a quick, healthy snack.
A favorite with the kids, lemon curd is a spread made out of fresh lemon juice, eggs, sugar, zest, and butter.
Another avocado spread idea, this one uses dill and tzatziki sauce for an authentic taste of southeast Europe and the Middle East.
Slice up a baguette and mix anchovies and cream cheese with an olive paste with fresh parsley, and watch your guests' faces light up!
There's something quite homely about sweet apple butter. Spread it generously and sprinkle with cinnamon for a warming treat.
Top lightly toasted crostini with creamy brie cheese and a savory bourbon, maple, and brown sugar bacon jam for a truly inventive sandwich spread.
It doesn't get much simpler than this. Enjoy a coconut butter sandwich with fresh bite-sized coconut fruit chunks, and imagine you're in paradise!
Many of these spreads can be made with everyday ingredients found at the local grocery store. Click to explore the world of some delicious DIY spreads.
Spread the word: Delicious sandwich spread ideas
Wondering what to put in your next sammie?
FOOD Recipes
Looking for ideas on how to keep two slices of bread company? Then you could probably use a good sandwich spread!
While butter and cheeses are typical spreads, there's a whole kitchen-load of alternatives out there that will turn your sandwich into a feast. And guess what? Most of these appetizing spreads can be made right at home.
Feeling hungry? Click through and spread the word.