10 Best Artisan Bread You Can Find at the Grocery Store, Ranked

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, artisan bread. Whether you’re making a sandwich or enjoying a slice with butter, the quality of the bread makes all the difference. Fortunately, you don’t have to visit a bakery to get your hands on top-tier loaves. Many grocery stores now carry a selection of artisan breads that taste just as good as the ones made by hand.

10. Pumpernickel Bread

Pumpernickel is a dense, dark bread made from coarsely ground rye, which gives it a strong, slightly sweet flavor. It’s great for hearty sandwiches with bold fillings like pastrami or smoked salmon. However, its unique taste isn’t for everyone, which is why it ranks lower on the list. While grocery store versions capture the rich flavor well, pumpernickel is an acquired taste for many. Its chewy texture and earthy flavor may not appeal to all palates.

9. Rye Bread

Rye bread has a firm, hearty texture with a slightly sour flavor that pairs well with robust fillings like corned beef or pastrami. Though grocery stores offer decent versions, it can sometimes lack the boldness that freshly baked rye bread provides. While it’s a staple in many kitchens, rye doesn’t have the same universal appeal as lighter loaves. Its dense texture makes it better suited for specific dishes, rather than everyday meals.

8. Seeded Loaf

A seeded loaf is packed with a variety of seeds like sunflower, sesame, or poppy, offering a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. While it’s a healthy option, not everyone enjoys the added texture of seeds. Grocery store versions provide a solid mix of nutrients, but they can sometimes lack the freshness and crunch of bakery-made loaves. It’s a great choice for those who want more fiber in their bread, but not everyone will love its chewy, textured bite.

7. Olive Bread

Olive bread brings a savory, salty twist to the table, with bits of olives baked into the dough. Its briny flavor pairs wonderfully with cheese or charcuterie, making it a favorite for special occasions. However, the strong taste of olives isn’t always ideal for everyday meals. While grocery store versions can be quite good, olive bread’s distinct flavor limits its versatility. It’s perfect for a gourmet touch, but not everyone craves that level of boldness in their bread.

6. Multigrain Bread

Multigrain bread is a wholesome, nutritious option, combining different seeds and grains for a hearty, flavorful loaf. Its texture is chewy and dense, making it ideal for sandwiches or as a healthy snack. Grocery store multigrain loaves strike a nice balance between taste and nutrition, but they don’t always hit the mark in freshness. It’s a solid, healthy choice, but might lack the lightness and softness of other artisan breads.

5. Focaccia

Focaccia is a soft, flavorful flatbread often topped with olive oil, herbs, or vegetables. Its airy texture makes it perfect for dipping or serving alongside meals. Grocery store versions of focaccia can capture the rich, olive oil-infused taste, though they may not always have the fresh, pillowy texture of bakery-made loaves. Its savory flavor and versatility make it a great choice, though it’s sometimes better suited for specific meals like soups and salads.

4. Ciabatta

Ciabatta’s rustic appearance, with its crispy crust and light, airy interior, makes it a top choice for sandwiches. Its large holes in the crumb allow it to soak up sauces, making it both delicious and practical. While grocery store ciabatta doesn’t always match the freshness of bakery loaves, it still delivers on flavor and texture. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing option that works for everything from paninis to dipping in olive oil.

3. French Baguette

A classic French baguette is known for its crispy, golden crust and soft, chewy interior. Grocery stores do a surprisingly good job replicating the bakery-fresh taste and texture, making it a must-have for everything from sandwiches to appetizers. Slice it for a charcuterie board or enjoy it warm with butter — it’s incredibly versatile. Its simple ingredients and perfect balance of crunch and softness make it a favorite for many.

2. Brioche

Brioche is a rich, buttery bread with a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. It’s made with eggs and butter, giving it a slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for French toast, burgers, or enjoying plain. Grocery store brioche often rivals bakery versions in terms of flavor and texture. Its light, fluffy crumb and golden crust make it a go-to for both breakfast and dinner, placing it near the top of the list.

1. Sourdough Loaf

Sourdough takes the crown for its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and versatility. Grocery stores offer sourdough loaves that are nearly as good as those made by hand, with a perfectly crisp crust and soft interior. Its natural fermentation process gives it a depth of flavor that other breads can’t match. Whether for sandwiches, toast, or dipping, sourdough’s balance of flavor and texture makes it the best artisan bread you can find at the grocery store.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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