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| Great for those just starting down the whole-wheat pasta path. A subtler flavor for subtler sauces—basic marinara would be perfect. Shop: Archer Farms Whole-Wheat Spaghetti (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Deciding when to buy budget-friendly store-brand products and when to pass and go for the gusto can be a tricky task. Luckily, we've done the dirty work so you don't have to. Cooking Light staffers weeded through countless products to bring you the best that the store-brands have to offer. We'll start with Whole Foods Organic 100% Whole-Wheat Bread. A hearty, dense texture makes this ideal for toast, slathered with a tart fruit preserves. Shop: Organic 100% Whole-Wheat Bread (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| What you want from canned tuna are distinct, meaty flakes, and that’s exactly what you get here—plus clean, pure tuna taste. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Albacore Tuna (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Superior creamy texture at a great price—about $2 a pound. This is the butter to stock up on. Shop: Market Pantry Unsalted Butter (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Its neutral flavor puts focus on the filling. Straight out of the box, its thickness is ideal for heavy custards or quiches. Shop: Great Value Pie Crust (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Your standard steam-in-the-bag bean goes upscale with these haricots verts--like beauties. They maintained their flavor and texture, despite being frozen. Grassy, crunchy, and crisp, they're the perfect go-to for the time-strapped cook. Shop: Archer Farms Extra-Fine Green Beans (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| A nutty, nuanced oil that's bold but not bitter. Intensely roasty, toasty flavor with a clean finish. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Toasted Sesame Oil (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Clean, clear butter flavor. Shop: Great Value Unsalted Butter (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Light, silky texture, balanced vinegar-lemon tang, and a nice salty kick. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Canola Mayonnaise (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Dark, strong, with an intense smoky character. Shop: Target Market Pantry Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Flecks of spices set this ketchup apart from other brands. We loved the sweet and naturally clean flavor and applaud Whole Foods for making a great product with only 160 milligrams of sodium per tablespoon. Less salt but lots of flavor. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Ketchup (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Lemony and full of heat, with a backbone of cumin, coriander, and cardamom. Coconut milk and butter provide creaminess (and 4g sat fat). Traditional with pork, but try with potatoes. Shop: Archer Farms Vindaloo (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Thinner (without being watery) with a milder hit of coconut flavor. Not overly sweet. Does not have the oaky taste found in some light coconut milks—best in a dessert recipe. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Light Coconut Milk (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| This is a chip clinger with cumin, salt, and heat all getting their turn on the palate. Tangy with a smoky endnote—you can tell the jalapeños were roasted properly. Shop: World Table Salsa Verde (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| They’re corn-yellow-pretty, delectably crunchy, nicely salted, and loaded with hearty flavor. Plus, a zip-top bag closure staves off staleness (if they last long enough for a third or fourth session). Shop: Archer Farms Tortilla Chips (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Whole Foods’ house brand offered a buttery flavor balanced with just the right amount of salt and crunch (again, not tooth-breakingly hard, but not airy or floury, as several samples were). Shop: 365 Everyday Value Organic Crunchy Mini Twists (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| So thick and luscious that one tester thought it might be mascarpone cheese. Shop: Market Pantry Light Sour Cream (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| These hearty beans hold up well during the canning process—firm, yet still tender. Shop: 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Black Beans (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| The intensity of the apple flavor really hits in every bite—with just the right sweetness to balance the tart notes. Shop: Market Pantry Applesauce Natural (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Crisp on the outside with a tenderly chewy middle. Not overly sweet, so they're the perfect accompaniment for maple syrup. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Organic Homestyle Waffles (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| This oil's clean, fresh taste is the perfect backdrop for sautéing veggies like mushrooms and onions, but its grassy finish was something we savored with a simple slice of crusty bread. Shop: Great Value Pure Olive Oil (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Stands out for its nice, thick, creamy texture and light sweetness. Shop: Archer Farms Plain Soy Milk (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| For a budget balsamic, this one packs a thick, rich punch. Ready to drizzle or glaze grilled chicken or salmon. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Balsamic Vinegar (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Slightly puffed brown rice gives this not-too-sweet granola a nice, light crunch. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Oat and Honey Granola (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Its toasted whole-wheat notes are complemented—rather than obscured—by the sweet frosting. Tall, fluffy biscuits don't lose their crunchy mojo in milk. Shop: Market Pantry Frosted Bite-Sized Shredded Wheat (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| A midsummer-fresh tomato taste and a nice, thick texture make this a great option for any soup, stew, or sauce that needs body. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Diced, No-Salt-Added Tomatoes (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Great for those just starting down the whole-wheat pasta path. A subtler flavor for subtler sauces—basic marinara would be perfect. Shop: Archer Farms Whole-Wheat Spaghetti (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| Walmart's house brand is thick and clingy, has a robust vinegar flavor, and the standard 190 milligrams sodium. Its brightness is balanced by a smooth, sweet finish. Shop: Great Value Tomato Ketchup (Photo: Randy Mayor) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
| A good basic-butter choice if you’re looking for organic. Shop: 365 Everyday Value Unsalted Butter (Photo: Manfred Koh) |
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| The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. |
