10 Things Chefs Skip at the Grocery Store

When we imagine a chef shopping, we might picture them excitedly tossing fancy ingredients into their cart. But real chefs don’t fall for shiny labels or shortcuts. They’re focused on flavor, quality, and freshness and they know what to stay away from.

These are 10 things chefs usually avoid at the store, and the reasons why might surprise you:

Canned Tomato Sauce
It’s easy to use, but most store-bought sauces have added sugar, preservatives, or acidity. Chefs prefer to make a quick, fresh version at home.

Garlic in a Jar
It may save time, but once garlic is chopped and stored in a jar, it loses flavor and is often packed with preservatives. Fresh garlic makes a big difference.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
While it sounds healthy, chefs say this version just doesn’t taste as good. It’s weaker and can leave your dish flat.

Pre-Chopped Vegetables
They may seem helpful, but frozen or packaged chopped veggies often lose taste and important nutrients. Chefs would rather slice fresh ones.

Pre-Marinated Chicken Breasts
These are often full of sugar, coloring, and too much salt. A homemade marinade is easy and much tastier.

Cheap "Baking" Chocolate
Chefs go for chocolate with a high cocoa content and clean ingredients. It melts better and tastes richer.

Bouillon Powder
Most of these are full of artificial flavors, MSG, and lots of salt. Chefs make their own broth or stock and it’s worth it.

Frozen Meat
Defrosting changes the texture and taste. Whenever possible, chefs buy fresh meat for better results.

Store-Bought Salad Dressings
A simple dressing takes seconds to mix at home using oil, vinegar, and mustard without all the additives.

Pre-Grated Cheese
Grated cheese may be convenient, but it contains powders to prevent clumping. These affect how it melts and tastes. Freshly grated is always better.

Next time you shop, take a tip from the pros. Sometimes, choosing fresh or simple ingredients can make a big difference in how your food turns out.