I’ve tried a few store-brand foods in the past that I haven’t liked, so for awhile it made me hesitant to try again. But lately, it seems they’re getting better. In the latest issue of Consumer Reports (CR), trained testers took part in blind tests and compared national brands with store brands in 29 food categories. The results – 19 ties, four store brand wins, and six national brand victories. Here are the store-brand healthy foods that scored high:
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Salsa
Old El Paso Thick n’ Chunky Medium, 17 cents per serving
vs.
Kirkland Signature (Costco) Organic Medium, 10 cents per serving
Winner: Store brand – CR found Kirkland’s salsa more complex and better tasting, overall
-
Multigrain spaghetti with omega-3
Barilla Plus, $2.25 per box
vs.
America’s Choice (A&P) Plus, $1.59 per box
Winner: Tie – Taste testers say the two are similar, and each has a mild, whole-grain flavor.
-
Frozen strawberries
Dole Whole, 86 cents per serving
vs.
Kirkland Signature (Costco), 47 cents per serving
Winner: Tie – Size was the only noticeable difference for taste testers.
-
Dijon mustard
Grey Poupon, 5 cents per serving
vs.
GreenWise Market Organic (Publix), 3 cents per serving
Winner: Tie – CR says they are each tasty in their own way and would be happy with either one.
-
Frozen broccoli
Birds Eye Steamfresh Premium Select Florets, 55 cents per serving
vs.
365 (Whole Foods) Florets, 38 cents per serving
Winner: Tie – Testers found both about the same, but say a slight natural sweetness in the Birds Eye is missing from the 365.
You can see more of CR’s report here.
Good to know you can find good tasting store-brand foods and save money, isn’t it? Do you have any favorite store-brand foods?
I like this report. Looks like I’ll be trying more store brands. CASH SAVINGS is the name of the game!
Oh yeah, Yum Yucky! I am big into saving $$ these days! Coupons, coupons, everywhere!
I buy store brands all the time!
FYI: Calorielab is rolling again
Dr. J – ALL the time??
I do most of my grocery shopping at Kroger, and they’re Private Selection label is usually as good as or better than the mainstream brands. They’re ice cream was my favorite, back when I ate ice cream.
Cammy – No more ice cream? At all??!
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