Kroger shelves are packed with grocery staples and gourmet surprises—but which ones do professional chefs actually buy? We dug into the carts of top chefs and cookbook authors to find out which Kroger-exclusive items make their weekly shopping lists. Whether you’re looking to upgrade taco night, build a show-stopping pasta dinner, or sneak plant-based options into your menu, these 12 chef-approved finds are worth adding to your cart. Spoiler: #7 could change the way you eat lunch forever.
1. Private Selection Italian Cavatappi Pasta $1.99/16 oz
Chefs love cavatappi for its elegant twist and unbeatable sauce-gripping texture. The Private Selection version is made from premium durum wheat and cooks up to a perfect al dente. Whether you’re whipping up a cheesy baked casserole or pairing it with a bold tomato sauce, this pasta earns top marks for quality and value.
2. Simple Truth Plant Based Meatless Chorizo $4.29/12.9 oz
This plant-based chorizo delivers the bold, smoky spices of traditional sausage—without the meat. Chefs praise it for its authentic flavor and versatility. Use it in tacos, over breakfast scrambles, or mixed into pasta for a flavorful protein boost that even meat-lovers won’t miss.
3. Private Selection English Toffee Caramel Ice Cream $5.99/48 fl oz
According to one pastry chef, this is their “not-so-secret dessert weapon.” Packed with rich caramel swirls and crunchy toffee pieces, it’s indulgent enough to serve for guests and comforting enough to enjoy straight from the pint. Bonus: it pairs perfectly with espresso.
4. Simple Truth Organic Garbanzo Beans $1.00/15 oz
A chef-favorite pantry staple, these organic garbanzo beans are ideal for homemade hummus, grain bowls, or crispy roasted snacks. The texture is soft but not mushy, and the flavor is clean and earthy—exactly what you want in a quality legume.
5. Private Selection Mascarpone Vodka Sauce $4.27/24 oz
This luxurious sauce blends tomatoes, vodka, and creamy mascarpone cheese into a velvety texture chefs adore. It’s the kind of shortcut sauce that tastes like you’ve simmered it all day—perfect for a date-night dinner or quick weekday indulgence.
6. Private Selection Assorted Macarons $5.99/12 ct
Pastry chefs agree: these frozen macarons rival bakery-quality confections. With flavors like raspberry, pistachio, and lemon, they thaw beautifully in minutes for a sophisticated dessert with zero fuss. Great for entertaining or solo snacking.
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7. Simple Truth Plant Based Turkey Style Deli Slices $3.49/5.5 oz
This is the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. One chef says they use it for plant-based Reubens, wraps, and even diced into fried rice. The texture is convincingly meaty, and the flavor is savory without being overly salty—a hard balance to nail.
8. Private Selection Medium Chile con Queso $4.19/12 oz
Creamy, spicy, and deeply flavorful, this queso is a must-have for Tex-Mex night. Top chefs love it not just for dipping, but as a gooey addition to burritos, nachos, or even stirred into grits. Microwave-friendly and made with real cheese.
9. Simple Truth Organic Thick & Chunky Medium Salsa $3.29/16 oz
This salsa is a top pick for its fresh, homemade texture and balanced spice. Chefs use it as both a dip and a simmer sauce for eggs, rice, or grilled meats. The organic ingredients give it a clean flavor that shines in any dish.
10. Private Selection Frozen Mukimame $3.19/16 oz
Shelled edamame is a chef-approved powerhouse—full of protein, fiber, and vibrant color. These frozen gems steam up in minutes for salads, stir-fries, or just a snack with sea salt and lemon. A freezer must-have.
11. Simple Truth Organic Taqueria Style Tortilla Chips $2.50/9 oz
These chips are thicker and crunchier than your average grocery store find. They hold up well to heavy dips like guacamole or queso, and chefs love their rustic texture and lightly salted finish. They’re perfect for plating gourmet nachos.
12. Private Selection Italian Buffalo Mozzarella & Arugula Thin Crust Pizza $8.49/17.9 oz
Frozen pizza—but elevated. This one features rich buffalo mozzarella, peppery arugula, and a crackling thin crust that crisps beautifully in the oven. Chefs call it “restaurant quality from the freezer aisle,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Final Thoughts
Who says grocery store picks can’t be gourmet? These 12 Kroger finds prove that top chefs know how to shop smart—without sacrificing quality or flavor. From freezer-section favorites to pantry staples, these products are chef-tested and flavor-approved. Next time you’re roaming the aisles, skip the guesswork and grab a few of these culinary gems—you just might feel like a pro in your own kitchen.
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