Whether you're trying to build the best charcuterie board possible or want to make the Italian sub of your dreams, it's important to choose the right kind of salami. After all, this salty cold cut packs flavor into whatever dish it touches (like rigatoni with spicy salami and tomato), providing luscious fat, complex spices, and an umami touch. But if you're at your local grocery store trying to choose the best salami available, you may be left scratching your head. Which brands are worth trying out, and which aren't?

I tasted my way through nine different salami brands to give you the knowledge you need to make the most delicious decision. I've ranked these products according to both flavor and texture, including the thickness of the slices, when applicable, to give you a better idea of the brands you should seek out when you're shopping. Hopefully, the next time you use salami in a recipe, it'll taste better than ever.

If you're a regular Trader Joe's-goer, then it might make sense to snag yourself the Salame de Parma the next time you're there. This salami isn't the best of the bunch, but it'll do the job if you're not particularly picky about your Italian deli meat. You'll get that salty, meaty, and fatty flavor that you love from salami, but unfortunately, you won't get the same complexity you'll find in some better, more balanced brands. This may not be a big deal when you're eating a sandwich that's packed with a ton of other flavorful ingredients, but if you're looking for a salami that will shine all on its own (like on a charcuterie board), there are better brands to check out first.