To ask about your hidden gems at the supermarket?

[CathTurnbull]

Just a bit of fun. I always end up buying similar food items in my weekly shop. Occasionally I’ll try something new and it’s really nice and I’ll continue to buy it. For example last week I bought some balsamic chutney from Morrison’s- it was so good I’ve added it to most sandwich fillings yum 😋

Have you bought anything new recently which you’ve been really impressed with?

@CathTurnbull I have to say this is one of my favourite ever threads and I've been around a LONG time (name change a few years ago after i was rumbled in RL). Love finding new foods. Keep them coming folks

[quote MissConductUS]No way can American cheddar be anything like the real thing or anything like as good - America and cheese do not belong in the same sentence (they're almost as bad at cheese as they are at chocolate) never mind Cheddar

@RealityExistsInTheHumanMind How odd then that an American cheese took first place in the 2019 World Cheese Awards, along with numerous other prizes:

US cheeses win 131 medals and top honor at World Cheese Awards

The panel recognized the creativity and craftsmanship of U.S. cheesemakers, awarding a variety of new and elegant flavor combinations in additional to traditional favorites. In total, U.S. cheeses had their best showing to date, USA Cheese Guild noted, winning 131 honors, including seven Super Gold, 17 Gold, 40 Silver and 67 Bronze medals.

Along with being the largest single-country producer and exporter of cheese in the world, the United States boasts cheesemakers that tout award-winning production of more than 600 cheese types ranging from soft, fresh options to hard, aged varieties.

Don't despair however. I see here (click on the link for Top 16) that the UK had a cheese that came in fourth, after cheeses from Italy and Spain. I'm sure you'll do better this year.

gff.co.uk/awards/world-cheese-awards/[/quote]
Weird post. Just googled to see who the hell is buying exported American cheese and apparently Mexico, Southeast Asia, Canada, China and South America account for almost two-thirds of U.S. dairy exports, by value. Well, I have travelled in all those places, and found no good cheese in any of them.

@CompleteBarstool

Alpro chocolate desserts - they're in pots in packs of 4 (like yoghurts) but are not in the chilled section. So chocolatey..mmmmm.

In Lidl they're by the tinned pineapple, custard, baking stuff etc

Yes, the dark chocolate Alpro soya puds 😋

Lidl frozen leek and cheese swirls. Usually available during Greek themed week.

@Matilda400 Soba noodles can be found in B&M (£1!) though shoppers at my local have switched on and buy them all 😭

My dd may have bought all the soba noodles her kitchen cupboard is full of them

@viques

Can people stop recommending this please. I only buy it when it's reduced but if youse lot are all whipping it off the shelves while it is still full price then they won't be reducing it for us cheapskates.

Ha I’m one one the cheapskates too. Evidence attached

@StatementKnickers

Weird post. Just googled to see who the hell is buying exported American cheese and apparently Mexico, Southeast Asia, Canada, China and South America account for almost two-thirds of U.S. dairy exports, by value. Well, I have travelled in all those places, and found no good cheese in any of them.

Thanks for doing that research. i didn't reply originally, just thought 'there is no accounting for taste'.

That Crosta and Mollica Pane Pugliese is very good, but even better imo (and cheaper) is homemade no knead bread 🍞, makes great toast. Lots of recipes online, but this is the one I use (UK measurements).
attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2014/01/artisan-bread.html

It is so easy to make, just measure ingredients, add to bowl, stir, leave overnight.

Frozen chopped onions - since finding these (Aldi, Lidl, SuperValu (Irish large chain) - I have not chopped an onion or suffered runny eyes. I also keep frozen chopped chillis/ garlic / basil / coriander / ginger from Aldi in my freezer - life savers, especially when you want to do a quick dinner with a can of tomatoes.

I also second the Aldi Really Nutty Granola - as good as the stuff you get in a 5 star hotel, I bulk buy.

@Annasgirl

Agree with the frozen chopped onions and spices. I’d like to add frozen chopped mushrooms and spinach in to the mix. Absolute lifesavers for store cupboard / freezer Meals.

Buy chopped onions once

Then keep the bags, buy onions in bulk and have a chopping session.

Saves a few quid and some plastic packaging.

I have just seen an advert for M & S peanut butter with maple and bacon......

M&S Cornish cruncher cheese with balsamic onion. Makes the best cheese on toast EVER.

Waitrose eco kitchen spray. Smells lush,and like a posh kitchen should and at £2 is good price. Doesn't knacker my oak worktops either.

Frozen onions, spinach, peppers and herbs etc YES. Huge hassle saver!

Lidl Greek yoghurt is lush.

@Ladylimpet

There's a red wine in Aldi. Think it's the 'carcassonne'. Some French lady went mad and bought loads of bottles. Said it's more than double the price in France, and a very good wine. I did buy a bottle, just not tried it yet! Definitely the Geeta mango chutney. I didn't even like mango chutney, until I tried that! Also, I have to tell you all about the jam I've just bought. It's the Bonne maman range. The strawberry and wild strawberry one...oh my god. It's bloody lovely!

Best thread by some way!

I've tried many Jams but always end up buying Bonne Maman and the apricot is outstanding!! Try it!
The children won't have any other brand!!

Sorry replied to the wrong post!

Loving thread. Agree we need a per supermarket list.

Lots of great ideas on this thread! As others have said, roasted peppers in a jar. I get the ones in vinegar because they are cheaper and much lower in calories. I use these all the time now. Jars of minced garlic and ginger. Spontex dish sponges, much more expensive but they last so much longer they end up cheaper in the long run.

I was thinking of including Aldi for frozen basil in my next cycle tour of supermarkets inspired by this thread. We use frozen herbs loads but haven't seen frozen basil since Waitrose Longfield circa 2015.

Then I thought, what else do I need to get from Aldi while I'm there? Maybe I should do a spreadsheet?

I reached out for that Crosta e Mollica stuff the other day and decided it was better if I never discovered how nice it was.

@Namechangeforthis88

I was thinking of including Aldi for frozen basil in my next cycle tour of supermarkets inspired by this thread. We use frozen herbs loads but haven't seen frozen basil since Waitrose Longfield circa 2015.

Then I thought, what else do I need to get from Aldi while I'm there? Maybe I should do a spreadsheet?

I reached out for that Crosta e Mollica stuff the other day and decided it was better if I never discovered how nice it was.

I don't think Aldi does frozen herbs (or mushrooms or spinach) but their frozen onions and peppers are great.

I have never heard of frozen basil, never, ever. Dried and fresh only; I keep a growing pot in the kitchen and it lasts ages.

Sainsbury's does frozen basil

@jessstan2

I have never heard of frozen basil, never, ever. Dried and fresh only; I keep a growing pot in the kitchen and it lasts ages.

I present the miracle of frozen basil!

Love those sachets of herbs from Waitrose! I always have chopped garlic, coriander, and ginger in the freezer. Perfect for curries. The chopped garlic is perfect. Take a teaspoon out, reseal the bag. As good as fresh!

@GaryUnicorn; only a teaspoon? I usually use a tablespoon!