If you’ve ever wished for a salad topper that elevates your dish to restaurant-quality status, you might want to consider the following: some grocery store croutons in the market are more than just crispy bread cubes.
They offer a burst of flavor and texture that can transform a simple salad into a gourmet experience.
Keep on the lookout as we explore the top contenders in the world of store-bought croutons, revealing which ones might just be your new favorite pantry staple.
Which is The 10 Best Croutons Grocery Store Brands You Can Buy?
You can’t go wrong with Fresh Gourmet’s Premium Croutons Italian Seasoned for a burst of authentic flavor that elevates any salad or soup.
If you prefer a smaller size, the Best Select Mini Croutons are perfect for adding a crunchy texture without overpowering your dish.
For a classic combination of buttery goodness and garlic punch, Fresh Gourmet’s Premium Butter & Garlic Croutons are a reliable grocery store choice that never disappoints.
1. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Caesar Croutons
For crouton enthusiasts seeking a satisfyingly flavorful and crunchy addition to their salads, the Whole Foods Market’s 365 Organic Caesar Croutons stand out as the top grocery store choice.
These croutons, part of the 365 Everyday Value line, boast organic ingredients and meet stringent quality standards set by Whole Foods Market.
While some customers appreciate the delicious taste and reasonable pricing, others have noted a lack of robust flavor and crunchiness.
Despite being suitable for salads and snacks, some find the croutons too soft, missing that desired crunch factor.
It’s worth mentioning that these croutons contain a higher fat content, which mightn’t align with everyone’s dietary preferences.
Overall, the 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Caesar Croutons offer a decent option for those looking for an organic twist to their salads.
Best For: Those looking for an organic and reasonably priced option to enhance the flavor and crunchiness of their salads.
What’s So Great
- Made with organic ingredients.
- Reasonably priced.
- Suitable for salads and snacks.
Good to Know
- Some customers find them lacking in robust flavor and crunchiness.
2. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Butter and Garlic Croutons
If you crave bold garlic flavor and a satisfying crunch in your salads or dishes, the 365 by Whole Foods Market’s 365 Organic Butter and Garlic Croutons stand out as the top choice among store-bought options.
These croutons, from the 365 by Whole Foods Market brand, come in a convenient 4.5-ounce size and are certified organic, meeting the high quality standards set by Whole Foods Market.
Customer reviews highlight the nice flavor and crunchiness of these croutons, making them a popular choice for enhancing the taste of salads and soups.
While some find the garlic taste to be strong and pleasant, others feel it can be overpowering. These grocery store croutons are ideal for salads or as a standalone snack, adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes.
Though some customers mention they’d prefer a lower price point, many agree that these croutons offer good value for their quality.
Best For: Those who enjoy bold garlic flavor and a satisfying crunch in their salads or dishes.
What’s So Great
- Nice flavor and crunchiness
- Certified organic and meets high quality standards
- Enhances the taste of salads and soups
Good to Know
- Strong garlic taste may be overpowering for some
3. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Seasoned Croutons
When seeking store-bought croutons that cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences and offer a delightful crunch, the 365 Organic Seasoned Croutons by Whole Foods Market stand out as a top choice.
These croutons, available in Caesar and butter flavors, are medium-sized and maintain a satisfying crunch without being overly hard.
While some customers have noted the presence of unchewable bits, breaking them down into smaller pieces can enhance the eating experience.
The fact that these croutons are accidentally vegan, containing no milk, makes them suitable for various dietary needs.
Whole Foods Market’s commitment to quality ensures that these croutons meet strict standards, offering a tasty and convenient addition to salads and soups at a reasonable price.
Best For: Those looking for a vegan-friendly and affordable option to add a satisfying crunch to salads and soups.
What’s So Great
- Accidentally vegan, suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Maintains a satisfying crunch without being overly hard.
- Reasonably priced and offers a convenient addition to meals.
Good to Know
- Some customers have noted the presence of unchewable bits.
4. New York Bakery Garlic Butter Croutons
With their generous seasoning and crunch, New York Bakery Garlic Butter Croutons are the top grocery store choice for those seeking a flavorful and satisfying addition to their salads or snacks.
Made with home-baked French bread, these twice-baked croutons offer big Texas-size bites that deliver an extra crunch with every mouthful.
The optimal taste satisfaction from the generous seasoning makes them a versatile option for consumption with beans, salads, or as a standalone snack.
Their full flavor and crunch make them perfect for Caesar salads, adding that extra oomph to your dish.
Customers rave about how these croutons elevate their salads, with comments like ‘Love these in my salad & the kids too’ and ‘My favorite snack in salads or just to crunch and munch on.’
The only downside? Some wish they were available in larger bags for endless enjoyment.
Best For: Those looking to add a flavorful and crunchy twist to their salads or snacks without compromising on taste satisfaction.
What’s So Great
- Made with home-baked French bread for authentic flavor.
- Generously seasoned for optimal taste satisfaction.
- Versatile for consumption with beans, salads, or as a snack.
Good to Know
- Some customers desire larger packaging options.
5. Mrs. Cubbison’s Restaurant Style Caesar Salad Croutons
For those seeking an unparalleled salad or soup enhancement, look no further than Mrs. Cubbison’s Restaurant Style Caesar Salad Croutons.
Made from fresh-baked bread, lightly toasted, and perfectly seasoned, these croutons elevate the flavor and appearance of any dish they grace.
Customer reviews rave about their versatility; loved by grandchildren as a snack or a salad topping, they aren’t too salty, making them perfect for salads with fresh ingredients.
The croutons boast a fresh, good taste that stays crispy, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. Whether you sprinkle them on a salad or enjoy them straight out of the bag, Mrs. Cubbison’s Restaurant Style Caesar Salad Croutons are sure to satisfy your craving for a crispy, flavorful treat.
Best For: Salad and soup enthusiasts looking for a versatile and flavorful topping option.
What’s So Great
- Made from fresh baked bread for a crispy texture
- Versatile for use in salads or as a snack
- Not too salty, suitable for salads with fresh ingredients
Good to Know
- Limited to a 5 oz package size
6. Amazon Fresh Seasoned Croutons Caesar
Crunch on Amazon Fresh Seasoned Croutons Caesar for a flavorful and budget-friendly salad or snack option that will satisfy your craving for a crispy, well-seasoned bite.
These 5-ounce caesar seasoned croutons from Amazon Fresh offer a delightful crunch with each bite. While they contain Milk, Soy, and Wheat, they’re a high-quality option at a reasonable price, bearing the trusted Amazon Fresh brand.
Customers rave about the taste and crunchiness, making them a hit not only with adults but also with kids. Reviewers praise their freshness, perfect for adding to salads or enjoying as a standalone snack.
With positive feedback like ‘Tasty as heck’ and ‘Good and delicious,’ Amazon Fresh Seasoned Croutons Caesar are a must-try for crouton enthusiasts looking for quality at a great value.
Best For: Customers looking for a budget-friendly and flavorful salad or snack option that offers a delightful crunch with each bite.
What’s So Great
- Great taste and crunchiness
- High-quality at a reasonable price
- Versatile for salads or standalone snacking
Good to Know
- Contains allergens (Milk, Soy, Wheat)
7. Fresh Gourmet Premium Italian Seasoned Croutons
When seeking croutons that elevate your salads and dishes with a savory blend of herbs and spices, Fresh Gourmet Premium Italian Seasoned Croutons stand out as the top choice.
These premium grocery store croutons are made from fresh, oven-baked bread, ensuring a quality taste that enhances your meals.
The generously sized pieces are seasoned perfectly, adding a burst of flavor to every bite. With only 25-30 calories per serving, you can enjoy these croutons guilt-free.
The convenient resealable bag helps to maintain freshness, ensuring that each crouton retains its delicious crunch.
While the recent price increase may be a deterrent for some, the overall quality, taste, and versatility of these croutons make them a must-have pantry staple for salads, soups, and beyond.
Best For: Those looking for a premium, flavorful addition to salads and dishes that offer convenience and quality taste.
What’s So Great
- Made from fresh, oven-baked bread for a quality taste.
- Generously sized pieces seasoned with a savory blend of herbs and spices.
- Convenient resealable bag helps maintain freshness.
Good to Know
- Recent price increase may be a deterrent for some customers.
8. Fresh Gourmet Premium Butter & Garlic Croutons
With its generous size and rich buttery garlic flavor, the Fresh Gourmet Premium Butter & Garlic Croutons stand out as the ultimate choice for those seeking a delectable crunch in their salads or soups.
These croutons offer a perfect balance of taste and texture, providing a satisfying crunch without being overly hard on the teeth.
The subtle garlic butter flavor enhances the overall experience, making them a versatile addition to various dishes. The resealable bag ensures freshness for longer, and the large cut of the croutons adds a substantial bite to your meals.
Customer reviews rave about the delicious taste and crunchy texture, with many mentioning how they enjoy these croutons both in salads and as standalone snacks.
If you’re looking to elevate your salads or soups, Fresh Gourmet Premium Butter & Garlic Croutons are a must-try.
Best For: Those who enjoy adding a satisfying crunch and subtle garlic butter flavor to their salads or soups.
What’s So Great
- Generous size provides a substantial bite to meals.
- Rich buttery garlic flavor enhances overall taste experience.
- Resealable bag ensures freshness for longer storage.
Good to Know
- Packaging may vary, leading to potential confusion for some customers.
9. Best Select Mini Croutons for Salad & Soups
The Best Select Mini Croutons for Salad & Soups offer a flavorful and crunchy addition that elevates your meals to a gourmet level.
These mini croutons come in a convenient resealable container, ensuring lasting freshness.
While some customers enjoy the delicious onion garlic flavor that these croutons provide, others find them to be a bit too hard for salads.
The small size of these croutons makes them perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to your soups and salads without overwhelming your palate.
If you prefer smaller croutons with a bold seasoning, these mini croutons could be the ideal choice for enhancing the texture of your favorite dishes.
Just be sure to add them right before serving to preserve their crunchiness.
Best For: Those who enjoy a bold onion garlic flavor in their salads and soups.
What’s So Great
- Convenient resealable container for lasting freshness.
- Small size provides a satisfying crunch without overwhelming.
- Ideal for enhancing the texture of dishes with a bold seasoning.
Good to Know
- Some customers find them too hard for salads.
10. Fresh Gourmet Premium Croutons Italian Seasoned
For those seeking a bold and authentic Italian flavor experience in their salads or dishes, the Fresh Gourmet Premium Croutons Italian Seasoned stand out as the top choice among store-bought croutons.
These large-cut croutons come in a resealable bag, ensuring maximum freshness with each use.
Made in the USA, these premium restaurant-style croutons are generously seasoned and crafted from fresh, oven-baked bread. Toasted to a perfect golden brown, these croutons bring the taste of Italy right to your table.
As the number one brand of croutons and salad toppings globally, Fresh Gourmet has been a trusted brand for nearly 30 years.
Customers rave about the crisp texture, spicy flavor, and how these croutons enhance the taste of salads and soups.
If you have self-control, these croutons come highly recommended; however, caution is advised for those prone to overindulgence.
Best For: Those who enjoy bold and authentic Italian flavors in their salads or dishes.
What’s So Great
- Generously seasoned with a bold Italian flavor
- Made from fresh, oven-baked bread for premium quality
- Offers a crispy texture that enhances salads, soups, and more
Good to Know
- Can be addictive due to their delicious taste
Frequently Asked Questions
Can store-bought croutons be used in recipes other than salads, such as soups or casseroles?
Yes, store-bought croutons can elevate more than just salads. They’re versatile enough to be used in various crouton recipes, providing crunchy texture and flavor to soups, casseroles, and other dishes.
While they may not always be the ideal crouton alternative due to variations in flavors and toppings, their convenience and crunchiness make them a handy pantry staple for quick and easy meal upgrades.
Are store-bought croutons typically made with whole wheat or white bread?
When it comes to store-bought croutons, the type of bread used varies. While some brands may opt for whole wheat for a healthier twist, others stick to traditional white bread. The bread choice influences the flavors and textures of the croutons.
Homemade croutons often offer more variety in terms of bread types, allowing for customization in toppings and seasonings. Experiment with different varieties to find the perfect match for your dishes.
Do store-bought croutons contain any artificial preservatives or additives?
When checking store-bought croutons, scan the ingredient list for artificial preservatives or additives. Some brands sneak in these extras to extend shelf life.
Nutritional content can vary, so watch out for high sodium or unhealthy fats. The manufacturing process can affect taste, with some croutons being too dry or bland.
Opt for brands with cleaner ingredients and a shorter shelf life for a fresher, more natural taste.
How long do store-bought croutons typically stay fresh after opening the package?
When it comes to crouton storage, remember this – like a delicate flower in a vase, store-bought croutons need care.
Once you open the package, aim to seal it tightly to maintain freshness. Most store-bought croutons can stay fresh for about 2 weeks after opening.
To extend their shelf life, consider transferring them to an airtight container. Remember, proper storage is key to preventing crouton expiration.
Are there any store-bought crouton brands that offer gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions?
When looking for gluten-free croutons, it’s key to check labels for wheat ingredients. Some brands offer gluten-free options, but homemade alternatives can be fresher and more flavorful.
Experiment with gluten-free recipes for crunchy toppings that cater to your dietary needs. You can customize flavors to suit your taste preferences and elevate your salads with creative salad bar ideas.
Enjoy exploring the world of gluten-free croutons to enhance your meals.
