9 Grocery Store Brands Chefs Secretly Respect

Many chefs covertly depend on well-known grocery store brands for their consistency, quality, and affordability, even though they are frequently linked to gourmet ingredients and boutique suppliers. Although these brands aren’t always ostentatious, professional kitchens have quietly praised them for being on par with more expensive brands. These reputable products, which include pantry essentials, canned goods, and frozen produce, demonstrate that you don’t always need to spend a fortune to cook like a pro.

1. King Arthur Baking Company

For good reason, King Arthur’s flour is a pantry essential in both home and commercial kitchens; it is reliable, unbleached, and of excellent quality. When baking bread, cakes, or pastries, chefs value that the protein content is consistently stated and stable across batches. King Arthur flour provides structure without sacrificing flavor, whether you’re creating a delicate sponge or chewy pizza dough. It’s a great option because it’s widely accessible and non-GMO.

2. Cabot Creamery

In the culinary world, Cabot Creamery, a cooperative owned by dairy farmers, is known for producing highly regarded cheddar cheese. Chefs seek out cheese with a bold, tangy profile, and its sharp cheddar is aged to perfection. It keeps well when sliced on a cheese board but melts nicely for sauces. In addition to cheddar, Cabot’s butter and sour cream are commended for their purity and richness. It is accessible, reasonably priced, and competitive with gourmet brands.

3. Rao’s Homemade

One of the few jarred sauces that chefs regularly recommend is Rao’s Homemade marinara sauce. Its straightforward ingredient list—tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, and basil—contributes to its allure. It doesn’t require doctoring and tastes rich and clean. Rao’s offers chefs who are pressed for time a shortcut without sacrificing flavor. Many kitchens gladly pay for the authenticity and convenience, and its higher price tag reflects its quality.

4. Goya

Goya is still a preferred brand for chefs experimenting with Latin American or Caribbean flavors, despite its basic supermarket presence. Its frozen products, adobo seasoning, and canned beans are highly regarded for their consistency and authenticity. Particularly prized for their flavor and texture, Goya’s canned black beans and chickpeas make dependable additions to salads, stews, and sides. Although some people might not notice, professionals secretly rely on Goya products for consistent outcomes.

5. Kikkoman

Kikkoman soy sauce is a common ingredient in recipes that go well beyond Asian cuisine and is a mainstay in both home and professional kitchens. Chefs rely on it because of its balanced salinity, umami depth, and natural brewing process. It’s ideal for marinades, glazes, and even salad dressings because it’s neither too salty nor too sharp. Kikkoman is a favorite all over the world because of its quality and adaptability. It consistently produces reliable results and can be found in sushi bars, fine dining kitchens, and home pantries.

6. Hellmann’s (or Best Foods)

When chefs need a dependable base, they turn to Hellmann’s mayonnaise, which is also referred to as Best Foods in some regions of the world. It’s perfect for aioli, dressings, and sandwich spreads because of its mild flavor and smooth texture. It holds up well in both hot and cold preparations and emulsifies well with herbs and acids. To add volume without sacrificing quality, chefs frequently combine it with homemade ingredients. Hellmann’s mayo is frequently chosen over homemade mayo due to its consistency and shelf-stability.

7. San Marzano (Certified)

Chefs adore San Marzano tomatoes for their rich, sweet flavor and low acidity, especially those certified from the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region of Italy. True certified tomatoes (DOP-labeled) are frequently found in upscale supermarkets, even though a number of brands sell “San Marzano-style” tomatoes. Because of their thick flesh and low seed content, chefs use them in braises, soups, and sauces. They are a secret weapon for pasta dishes and don’t need much seasoning to shine.

8. Bob’s Red Mill

Even the healthiest chefs can find what they need in Bob’s Red Mill’s extensive selection of grains, flours, and baking ingredients. Chefs can more easily choose gluten-free, whole grain, or organic options thanks to its minimally processed and clearly labeled products. Bob’s Red Mill produces fresh and nutritious products, whether it’s flaxseed meal, almond flour, or rolled oats. It is a well-known brand in kitchens that prioritize healthy cooking without compromising on taste or texture.

9. Trader Joe’s Private Label

Although Trader Joe’s isn’t available everywhere, chefs frequently laud its house-brand products in the places where it is. The private label products, which range from jars of almond butter to frozen truffle ravioli, are renowned for their creativity and high quality. Chefs can purchase high-quality products at a reduced cost because many Trader Joe’s items are made by renowned manufacturers under a different name. It is especially prized for its distinctive taste combinations, snack foods, and dependable pantry essentials.