Supermarket bread has come a long way in the past few decades.
No longer is your choice white or wholemeal, maybe wholegrain if you were lucky.
No, there is a wealth of choice going around from your basic white block to some fancy French styles, and many would give most bakeries a run for their money.
Canstar Blue has named Australia’s favourite supermarket bread, and the joint winners are the South Australian chain Foodland and Coles.
In second place were Woolworths, Costco and IGA.
Aldi didn’t rate a mention but, according to the survey notes, brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. So that’s a lot of you out there who don’t rate Aldi’s bread. Can’t say I’m surprised.
Canstar Blue said Foodland’s offering, while varying slightly from store to store, covered all the basics as well as a good range of sweet buns and pies and sausage rolls.
As for Coles, Canstar Blue praised their range, which included vegan and gluten-free options.
This week’s best deals
Aldi
Sensible: Voltaren Emulgel, 100g, $14.99. Those of us of – ahem – a certain age will know this product all too well. Unlike Deep Heat it doesn’t pong, although through an accident I don’t want to talk about, I have discovered it doesn’t taste too good. This is a fantastic price, cheaper than even when the two majors have it on special. Snap up two, you’ll probably need it.
Indulgence: Foldable exercise bike, $169. Look, it’s obviously not groceries but the marketing video that goes with it is totally bonkers, which is frankly my favourite thing about Aldi. See it here.
See the catalogue here.
Coles
Sensible: Half price on a whole bunch of vitamins and supplements if you are into that sort of thing. Everything from bulk protein powders to every vitamin and mineral you’ll ever need. There are even hair gummies, which I’d probably have a crack at and tell myself they’re lollies.
Indulgence: Tip Top Raisin Toast varieties, $4.50. Pointing out my warning again that sale prices on products such as crumpets, English muffins, rolled oats and raisin toast will soon go into seasonal hiatus, so snap them up while you can.
See the catalogue here.
Woolworths
Sensible: Nudie Juice varieties, $7, save $1.50. One of my favourite brands. Judging by the taste they don’t juice it with the skins, which gives it that nasty flavour. You know that taste, preferred by cheap hotel breakfasts around the world. Plus they bring out interesting new blends all the time.
Indulgence: Sammontana Gruvi Ice Cream four pack, $8, save $2. Yes, I listed this here for no other reason than its fabulous name. Also, they have pistachio flavour.
See the catalogue here.
IGA
Sensible: Whole cauliflower, $2.99. Warning, controversial opinion ahead; I think the cauliflower is second only to the potato for versatility. You can fry, boil, grill, roast, cover it in cheese and also make rice out of it. Also goes well as a pizza base and part of a stir-fry and soup.
Indulgence: Pampas pastry varieties, $4.95. Not really an indulgence in our household because I am a cooking black hole when it comes to good pastry. Ingredients go in, and not much comes out. I’m certainly never making puff pastry, that’s for sure.
See the catalogue here.
Do you buy supermarket bread? What’s your favourite supermarket for bread? Why not share your opinion in the comments section below?
Also read: Chill out, its okay to eat frozen food
There is no better bread in Australia than Woolworths ancient grains sourdough with seeds on top. It’s real bread, not the soft white, half cooked dough which usually passes as bread. The Woolies bread is usually uncut so you can choose the slice thickness. If you have bread digestion problems give this a try.