16 Grocery Store Products That Beat the Big Brands on Flavor

When you think of grocery shopping, big-name brands might come to mind first, but there are some amazing store-brand products out there that are giving them a serious run for their money. Whether it’s a tasty snack, a pantry staple, or something special for your next meal, these store brands can surprise you with better flavors, and they come at a fraction of the price. From Aldi to Costco and Trader Joe’s, grocery chains have stepped up their game with products that taste even better than the ones you’ve probably been buying for years.

Aldi’s Benton’s Cookies

Benton’s cookies from Aldi are often praised for tasting just as good, if not better, than more expensive brand-name cookies. Their range includes chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and fudge-striped varieties. Benton’s cookies are well-balanced in flavor, offering a satisfying sweetness without being overly sugary. They have a perfect crunch, reminiscent of well-known brands, but at a more affordable price. Many Aldi shoppers prefer these cookies over competitors like Chips Ahoy. Their taste has made them a go-to choice for people looking to save money without sacrificing quality.

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a beloved frozen food item that has consistently outperformed big-brand counterparts. It offers a crispy, flavorful texture once baked, with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that rivals many takeout dishes. The chicken pieces are large, tender, and well-breaded, giving a satisfying bite. What sets it apart is the authenticity of the flavors, mimicking restaurant-quality Chinese food. This product has been the top choice for Trader Joe’s customers for years, especially when compared to frozen meals from larger brands like PF Chang’s. Its affordability and superior taste make it a winner.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup

Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup from Costco is often rated better than premium brands like Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin. It is 100% pure maple syrup, without any artificial additives, giving it an authentic and robust flavor. The syrup is sourced from Canadian maple trees, ensuring a quality product. Its rich, deep taste enhances the flavor of pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast dishes. Customers love its thickness and natural sweetness, which is far less processed than other syrups on the market. The value for money is exceptional, considering the high quality and larger bottle size.

Whole Foods 365 Organic Peanut Butter

Whole Foods 365 Organic Peanut Butter is frequently considered better than well-known brands like Skippy and Jif. This peanut butter has no added sugar or hydrogenated oils, making it a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Its creamy consistency and rich peanut flavor are loved by many, especially those looking for an organic option. Unlike many commercial peanut butters, 365 Organic doesn’t contain palm oil, giving it a cleaner, more natural taste. It spreads easily and maintains its freshness longer than other brands, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers. The overall quality exceeds expectations at a comparable price point.

Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Salsa

Simply Nature Organic Salsa from Aldi is highly praised for its fresh taste and affordability compared to more expensive brands like Tostitos and Pace. It comes in mild, medium, and hot varieties, with a blend of organic tomatoes, onions, and peppers. The flavor profile is well-balanced, offering the right amount of heat without overwhelming the palate. What sets it apart is the use of organic ingredients, providing a cleaner, more robust flavor than competitors. The salsa is also praised for its chunky texture and vibrant color. It’s a must-have for parties, tacos, or simple snacking with chips.

Walmart’s Great Value Ketchup

Walmart’s Great Value Ketchup is known for surpassing Heinz in blind taste tests. It has a slightly tangier flavor with a richer consistency, which many consumers prefer. Priced significantly lower than Heinz, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. The taste is often described as more natural, with less of a processed aftertaste. Its thicker texture makes it ideal for dipping or adding to sandwiches and burgers. Despite being a store brand, it has gained a loyal following among shoppers who appreciate its superior flavor.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bacon

Kirkland Signature Bacon from Costco has earned a reputation for being one of the best bacon options available, even when compared to premium brands like Oscar Mayer and Hormel. The bacon is thicker and meatier, offering a better balance of fat and lean meat. Its smokey flavor and perfect crispiness make it ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or adding to recipes. What distinguishes it from other brands is the consistent quality in each package, ensuring you get the best product every time. The value, especially when bought in bulk, makes it a top choice for bacon lovers.

Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar

Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar has a complex flavor that sets it apart from other store-bought cheeses like Cabot or Tillamook. It starts off tasting like a mild cheddar, but finishes with the sharpness and nuttiness of aged parmesan. This cheese has won multiple awards and is a customer favorite at Trader Joe’s. Its texture is firm but crumbly, making it ideal for snacking, grating over dishes, or pairing with wine. The flavor is so rich and bold that it’s often compared to cheeses you’d find at specialty shops. Many customers choose it over pricier brands due to its unique taste.

Aldi’s Specially Selected Brioche Buns

Aldi’s Specially Selected Brioche Buns have become a favorite among shoppers looking for premium-quality bread at a fraction of the cost of well-known brands. These buns are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them perfect for gourmet burgers or sandwiches. Their texture and flavor are superior to standard hamburger buns from brands like Wonder Bread. What makes them stand out is their richness and the way they elevate any meal. The price point is also highly competitive, giving consumers a luxury product for less. They’ve been widely praised in taste tests against similar buns from larger brands.

Target’s Good & Gather Vanilla Almond Milk

Target’s Good & Gather Vanilla Almond Milk has garnered attention for its superior taste and affordability compared to leading brands like Silk or Almond Breeze. The almond milk is smooth, creamy, and has a distinct vanilla flavor that doesn’t overpower the nutty base. It’s perfect for adding to coffee, smoothies, or cereal. Good & Gather’s almond milk is also fortified with vitamins, making it a healthy option for those seeking dairy alternatives. Customers appreciate that it’s free from artificial flavors and sweeteners, giving it a more natural taste. It’s a standout product in the plant-based milk category.

Aldi’s Millville Toaster Tarts

Millville Toaster Tarts from Aldi are a budget-friendly alternative to Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts, often outperforming them in taste and texture. These toaster pastries come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, brown sugar, and s’mores, offering a sweet and satisfying snack or breakfast treat. They have a slightly flakier crust than Pop-Tarts, with a filling that is rich and flavorful without being overly sugary. The price difference is significant, with Millville offering nearly identical taste and quality for a fraction of the cost. Parents and kids alike often prefer these over the more famous brand due to their superior texture and value.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken is a cult favorite among shoppers, frequently outshining rotisserie chickens from grocery giants like Safeway or Whole Foods. Its moist, tender meat and perfectly seasoned skin make it an unbeatable deal at under $5.00. The flavor is consistently praised for being both savory and slightly smoky, with a perfect balance of herbs and spices. Many customers use it for a variety of meals, from sandwiches to soups, or as a protein addition to salads. The quality-to-price ratio is unmatched, which is why it remains one of Costco’s best-selling items year after year.

14. Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are often hailed as superior to the more mainstream Reese’s version. The combination of rich, dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter offers a more sophisticated flavor profile. Many customers prefer the less sweet, more robust taste of the dark chocolate in Trader Joe’s version. The size of the cups is also more substantial, giving a more satisfying bite. They’re perfect for a quick treat or as a dessert for entertaining. The affordable price and high-quality ingredients make them a favorite for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Costco is a product that consistently outperforms even more expensive, premium olive oil brands. It’s made from first-cold-pressed olives, ensuring the oil maintains its robust, fruity flavor and healthy properties. The quality of the olive oil is so high that it’s often used in professional kitchens, with many chefs praising its clean taste and versatility. Ideal for cooking, salad dressings, or dipping, the oil is a staple in many households. The large bottle offers exceptional value, especially for such a high-quality product, making it a top pick among home cooks and foodies alike.

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi has become a trendy, low-carb alternative to traditional potato gnocchi, and it has been praised for its flavor and texture. Unlike many other cauliflower-based products, Trader Joe’s gnocchi holds up well when cooked, offering a chewy, satisfying texture. It’s gluten-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions or those looking for healthier alternatives to pasta. The flavor is mild, allowing it to pair well with a variety of sauces, from marinara to pesto. Customers love its versatility and ease of preparation, making it a pantry staple for quick, delicious meals.

Walmart’s Great Value Mac & Cheese

Walmart’s Great Value Mac & Cheese has been known to surpass Kraft in taste tests, offering a creamier, cheesier flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. The pasta cooks to a perfect al dente, and the cheese sauce is rich without being overly processed or artificial. Customers are often surprised by the quality of the product, especially considering the price difference between Great Value and national brands. It’s a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or budget-friendly lunches. Many parents prefer this store-brand option for its superior taste and cost-effectiveness.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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