Quick Answer: Best overall: Tempesta 'Nduja (Chicago, about $15 for 4.5 oz). Milder for a board: La Quercia 'Nduja Americana (about $7 for 4 oz). Pantry jar from Calabria: Tutto Calabria.
Our top picks
'Nduja is spicy, spreadable salami from Calabria, and a small bowl of it turns a plain board into a talking point. A few makers sell it in the US; here's how they differ.
All 4 picks
Prices are store listings checked November 2026; supermarket prices vary by store.
Best overall
Tempesta 'Nduja
- Made in
- Chicago
- Pork
- Berkshire
- Ingredients
- Pork, Calabrian chiles, sea salt
Why it's here: Made by the Fiasche family (the company started as 'Nduja Artisans) from a generations-old Calabrian recipe: just Berkshire pork, Calabrian peppers and sea salt.
Watch out: Properly fiery; a little goes a long way.
Why we picked it (sources)
Best mild
La Quercia 'Nduja Americana
- Made in
- Iowa
- Made from
- Prosciutto and speck
- Chiles
- New Mexico red
Why it's here: An American take built on La Quercia's own prosciutto and speck with New Mexico chiles: smoky, savory and gentler, so guests can spread it thick.
Watch out: Not traditional Calabrian 'nduja.
Why we picked it (sources)
Price from Gourmet-Food.com; Deli Market News.
Best jar
Tutto Calabria 'Nduja (jar)
- From
- Calabria, Italy
- Making 'nduja since
- 1970
- Format
- Jar, with oil
Why it's here: An award-winning Calabrian family company. The jar keeps unopened in the cupboard, so it's easy to have on hand for last-minute boards.
Watch out: Jarred 'nduja has oil added, which makes it a bit less concentrated than fresh.
Why we picked it (sources)
Best nitrate-free
The Spotted Trotter Uncured 'Nduja
- Size
- 6 oz
- Style
- Uncured, no added nitrates
- Where
- Whole Foods
Why it's here: A small-batch spreadable salami for shoppers who avoid added nitrates, sold through Whole Foods.
Watch out: Fewer reviews than the others.
Why we picked it (sources)
How to serve 'nduja on a board
- Soften it: 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature, then serve in a small bowl with a spreader.
- Spread it on crostini with a drizzle of honey, or swirl a spoonful into whipped ricotta or burrata.
- Pair it with mild, creamy cheeses (burrata, fresh mozzarella, ricotta) and something cool like cucumber or grapes.
- How much: about ½ oz per person; it's rich and spicy.
- Storage: it's cured, so no cooking needed. Once opened, keep it in the fridge; cover a jar with a thin layer of olive oil.
Build the whole board: our ’nduja charcuterie board, the best burrata and the best ricotta.
'Nduja questions
What is the best 'nduja brand?
Tempesta, made in Chicago from a Calabrian family recipe. For a milder spread, La Quercia; for a pantry jar, Tutto Calabria.
Where can I buy 'nduja?
Murray's, Eataly, Whole Foods, some Hy-Vee stores, Italian delis and Amazon.
Does 'nduja need to be cooked?
No. It's cured, so you can spread it straight onto bread, though warming it brings out the flavor.
Is 'nduja very spicy?
Calabrian 'nduja is hot. La Quercia's American version is milder.
How long does 'nduja last once opened?
Several weeks in the fridge if you keep it wrapped or covered with oil and use a clean spoon.
How we picked these, and sources
No taste test compares 'nduja brands, so this is an unscored buyer's guide based on producer and retailer information and specialty-food coverage. We note which products are traditional and which are American takes. Checked November 2, 2026.
- Murray's Cheese: Tempesta 'Nduja
- Deli Market News: 'Nduja Artisans becomes Tempesta
- Faire: Tempesta 'Nduja product sheet
- Gourmet-Food.com: La Quercia 'Nduja
- Deli Market News: La Quercia's 'Nduja Americana
- Somerset Foodie: what is 'nduja (Tutto Calabria, jar vs fresh)
- Whole Foods: The Spotted Trotter Uncured Nduja
For the cheese beside it, see the best Pecorino Romano. Every guide is on our charcuterie buying guides page.
