Which brands are you loyal to?

[lilmomma]

I only buy Hellman's Mayonaise. Kraft Mac and Cheese. Diet Coke. Lay's potato chips. Cambell's Soups. Barilla pasta. Tropicana juice. El Milagro tortilla chips. I don't really know why. It's not as if I have done taste tests or anything but I just always get these brands. What are you loyal to and why?

[smartie]

Heinz Ketchup, Hellman's mayo, Stouffers Mac and Cheese.

[lilmomma]

I forgot Heinz.

[Mr Taster]

You know, Cooks Illustrated (the same people who bring you PBS's "Americas Test Kitchen") did a blind taste test of ketchups, including fructose sweetened and organic varieties of big brands like Heinz. They broke down the ketchups in a lab to determine pectin content (to determine viscosity... a watery ketchup is unappetizing), salt levels, and pH (They determined that a high acidity level is important, as is a higher salt and sugar content, and a high tomato content).

The winner....?

Hunts!

I know it sounds like blasphemy. But it's true. Heinz was ranked "Recommended with Reservations" for being bland and too sweet, though texture was praised.

Hunt's on the other hand was ranked high for an inviting, smooth texture, tangy fresh flavor and well balanced flavor profile.

Heinz Organic came in at #2

And the bottom-ranked one? Westbrae fruit sweetened ketchup (for being an overly sweet molasses and tomato train wreck.)

Mr Taster

[alkapal]

how ironic, because hunt's *tastes* sweeter than heinz, no matter what atk says.

[sbp]

Yeah, it was strange, since a couple of years earlier, Heinz was the winner. Hunts tastes fine for a condiment, but Heinz IS ketchup.

[Mr Taster]

Where is the prior taste test for ketchup? I didn't find one, either on the CI website or by doing a google search.

I did, however, find this blind taste test that a newspaper set up in Heinz' hometown of Pittsburgh:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06267/...

Brand loyalty is a powerful thing!

Mr Taster

[sbp]

It was around 1999-2000, I think. I remember the test because the editors wrote that they suspected Heinz won because the testers already have in their mind the Heinz as the benchmark. So of course, Heinz measured up to their ideal.

[Mr Taster]

But really, if I were to do a blind tasting of ketchup, I would have no idea what Heinz tasted like in relation to other ketchups... I would only know what tasted "right" and what tasted "wrong". But there's a whole flavor profile range of what would taste "right", and once that line is crossed, it would taste "wrong".

I'm addressing this simply because I feel it's always good to agitate complacent tastes and habits. How many things do we do, eat, experience in our lives not because we actively enjoy doing it, but simply because doing the same thing doesn't require any additional effort?

Truly, I'm much more comforted by the Heinz label than Hunts'. And it's also my impulse to reach for the white label. But I certainly wouldn't dismiss CI's findings out of hand without trying it out for myself.

Also, bear in mind that I'm not advocating one ketchup or the other. I haven't done the taste test myself. I'm simply presenting the information in order to agitate the complacent :)

Mr Taster

[alkapal]

i'm not stating a brand loyalty when i say that hunt's tastes sweeter than heinz. i rarely *buy* ketchup, as i don't use it very much.

and i hope you're not implying that brand loyalty is always born of "complacent tastes and habits" rather than of experience, and a decision about which product one prefers.

[Mr Taster]

Not always.

Mr Taster

[danhole]

When I was living with my parents there were certain brands that mom was loyal too. Of course I never knew anything else so that was what I bought when I moved out. Good Golly, was that a mistake. I started branching out and found that NO, I really don't like Miracle Whip! I ended up with totally different brands of everything from peanut butter to cleaning solutions. I had to keep my mouth shut around her, and be careful not to complain when I went to her house. She thought I was a traitor because I had salad dressings that were not made by Kraft! LOL! And yes, it was an informed decision that made me turn away from her Hunt's ketchup and start using Heinz.

[KaimukiMan]

this could almost qualify as a separate thread, what brands would you switch from if you had a choice (grew up and moved out, don't have to keep the spouse, parents, children happy, they sold the alternative in your area, etc)

[Mr Taster]

You're touching on a very powerful and controversial subject...

That is, did our tastes develop because of habit or by choice?

Certainly a great argument can be made for habit, because cultures around the world eat different foods, and human tastes develop based on a lifetime of experience rooted in what our culture presented (or didn't present) to us. In America, many of us (including me) were primarily presented with the big brands we know and trust... Heinz ketchup, Quaker Oats, Philadelphia cream cheese, etc. But the question rarely comes up... WHY do we trust them, love them?

The easy answer is "because I like it, so go away and don't bother me Mr Taster". But I'm fascinated by the question... WHY do we like certain things and not others?

Let's say hypothetically you grew up in a society that historically only provided potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your friends, family, your peers all eat potatoes 3 times a day. Potatoes are shared at celebrations, at funerals, standard mealtimes. Some of the people in that society might be naturally inclined to like potatoes more than others, but everybody eats them because, well, that's what the diet is.

I believe that if those VERY SAME people from Potato Society grew up in Carrot Land, you'd have virtually the identical situation... everyone would eat carrots-- they'd have a special place in people's hearts. They'd want the carrots their mom grew. But everyone would eat them, because that's what the diet is and that's what's available.

Applying my high school level application of the scientific method, this says to me that when you have a common thread among divergent situations, you're getting closer to the truth. The food itself is incidental to the argument, and that tastes are malleable, flexible-- according to what we become used to, what our parents introduced us to, what our friends ate, and what we discover on our own within the limited paradigm of what actually is available to us. (For example, in Taiwan a great char broiled steak is very hard to come by, just as a great stinky tofu is hard to find here)

Bear in mind that I am not saying that Chowhounds do not exist in the Potato Society, Carrot Land, Taiwan or America. What I am saying is that I believe personal taste is largely arbitrary, and that what one likes or doesn't like is more about attitude, personal outlook, and yes-- HABIT rather than a critical decision or some hard wired "I like it" / "I don't like it" response to a particular flavor/texture/smell/etc.

To argue otherwise would be to tie ethnicity directly with taste for food, which I find extremely hard to swallow (*Rim shot*)

How often do we actually challenge the notion that Philadelphia cream cheese, for example, is really the tastiest/best value/best for you/whatever your criteria for evaluating and buying cream cheese is? I'll tell you what I believe.... almost never.

How many of us eat something simply because we're used to it, or because we simply don't know a better/tastier/more appealing alternative exists?

I'm still blowing people's minds with steel cut oats. My stepdad, an decades-long avowed oatmeal hater, tried it reluctantly several years ago. His reaction: "This can't be oatmeal." Case in point. There are so many things in our society which people like, or think they like, or don't like based on the fact that they just aren't aware of what else is out there, or because they don't feel comfortable challenging their comfort zone.

Mr Taster

[alkapal]

you have a low opinion of people's ability to judge what they like and prefer, don't you?

[Mr Taster]

We only have the ability to choose from the limited set of choices presented to us at any given time in our lives.... first as kids (because our parents make the food-buying decisions for us) and later as adults as our tastes develop and grow.

At any given food-purchasing moment, we have a finite selection of foods to pick from, whether the choice is what's on the shelves of the local Megamart, or if we are choosing one of 5 lunch restaurants that's within a 10-minute walking radius of our workplace. Our choices are nearly always based on a selection of A, B or C... or 1, 2 or 3.... it's never realistically 1 - 9,999,999,999,999.

Imagine growing up in the suburbs and going apple shopping in a suburban supermarket. A mom is presented a choice of two different kinds of apples.... let's say Delicious and Mcintosh. She makes her apple buying decision for the family (and subsequently her kid's taste for apples is developed) based on those choices... i.e. the kid grows up associating sweet apples with Delicious, and sour with McIntosh. Let's say this suburban mom loved sour Mcintosh apples, but her kid tried them a few times hated them. For the kid's whole childhood he ate Delicious apples because he know that he intensely dislikes the other kind, the kind his mom liked.

Now let's move forward in time... the suburban kid grows up and only eats Delicious apples, because based on his experience "I don't like sour apples." That means out of 1) habit 2) lack of knowledge and 3) rebelling against his mom for making him eat sour apples, he has grown into an adult that thinks that all apples aside from Delicious are "unsafe" to eat (too sour, etc.). He instinctively gravitates towards Delicious apples, because that's what he knows, and quite frankly, he's got better things to do than worry about getting a bum apple. So he goes with what he knows. There's no crime in that.

Now imagine if this same kid had grown up on an apple orchard in the country... he grew up eating Fujis, Winesaps, Galas, Romes, Gravensteins, etc. His taste for apples would have developed entirely differently. With an entirely different set of circumstances forming his tastes, perceptions and habits, would the exact same person still come out of that apple orchard as a sour apple averse, Delicious-only-eating adult?

Again, I know many people love to reduce this question to "you either like it or you don't" but there are a really interesting, complex set of circumstances leading up to why people develop tastes for certain things and not others.

I really believe that culture (recognition of brand labels and peer influence), circumstance (the life events introducing you to specific foods), attitude (open mindedness) and- yes, habit, dictate our food preferences, not some inherent genetic blueprint that causes one person to like Mcintosh vs. Delicious, Hunts vs. Heinz, or stinky tofu vs. hamburgers.

True, it's all a matter of personal taste, but if what I've said is true, then our personal tastes are entirely arbitrary and given the right circumstances, people have the capacity to develop a taste for a lot more things than we give ourselves credit for.

Mr Taster

[sisterfunkhaus]

I would say that Mr. Delicious is sadly missing out on the incredibly delightful honey crisp apple, and that makes me sad.

[Languid Lass]

Ah.. Honey crisp = apple nirvana!

[Chowrin]

nay. you have to try goldrush. who wants a bloody watercored apple anyhow? Shit for pie, shit for anything cept eating. And they Do Not Keep.

[alkapal]

wow, chowrin, i've never met anyone so passionate abut apple varieties! ;-).

[The Professor]

I'm in the apple club too...the differences between apple varieties is dramatic, and unfortunately, too many of the supermarket varieties are bred for uniform color or a too sweet taste (there are a few notable exceptions though). The best apple varieties are the ones that were selected from randomly found trees and grafted (this was common since apples do not grow true to type from seed)

I so look forward to autumn, for visits to orchards that still grow the older varieties with some real character.

[Weheartfood]

Word!!

[KaimukiMan]

To a certain extent what you say is true. If I ate mayonnaise "x" all my life, I am going to have a tendency to prefer mayonnaise "x". But what we find is that a certain number of people find they like mayonnaise "z" a whole lot better. The "z" people get on a website like chowhound and proclaim loud and long that "z" is a far superior mayonnaise. Eventually some of us are going to try mayonnaise "z" and decide it really does have a better flavor, or maybe we will decide that the "z" people need their tastebuds decertified. In any event we have a large enough taste base to encompass not only those who like mayo "x" with both their potatoes, and with their carrots, as well as those who have seen the light and changed to mayo '"z".

I know this is true because I think skippy is really good peanut butter. I used to think it was the ONLY peanut butter, then I came on chowhound and found that some people don't care about peanut butter, and others like other brands. After reading some of their comments I began to wonder, and one time when jif was on sale at the market i tried it. Lo and behold, I found that - for me - it did taste more like fresh peanuts. And I found that I liked that flavor. So now I buy jif, usually. Sometimes Skippy is on sale and I still like it, but I am now loyal to two brands.

[KaimukiMan]

I have now stared a thread on switching product loyalties.

<http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6228...;

[Mr Taster]

And then there is the question.... why did mayonnaise "x" get to become so popular in the first place? Is it truly a superior product (tastier, healthier, cheaper, etc.), or does it just benefit from generations of name/label recognition?

Quaker Oats is a great example. A couple of years ago they had a commercial where they were interviewing "regular people" and one of the Joe-the-plumber types said something like "Seriously, what other oatmeal is there?" I wanted to scream and throw something at the TV every time I heard that. Steel cut oats are such a superior product in terms of flavor and texture, but the vast majority of Americans don't even know what they are or that they even exist.

The typical person when entering the oatmeal aisle of the supermarket is going to be overwhelmed by a wall of the smiling blue Quaker oats man and grab one of 10 different kinds of the same product (old fashioned, quick cooking, etc.)

The supermarket **might** stock some Irish oats... tucked away in the bottom shelf way in the back will be an overpriced $8 tin.

So here's the problems:
1. For most people, Quaker rolled oats IS oatmeal
2. Supermarket might only stock Quaker/store brand rolled oats
3. Steel cut oats are way more expensive
4. Steel cut oats take way longer to cook (so for people that might overcome the intrinsic psychological/economic/marketing hurdles to actually pick up a tin with a foreign logo, they very well might be scared off by the 30 minute cooking time and put it back)

Ultimately, the very small percentage of people that overcome those substantial hurdles will experience a vastly superior product. Of course not all will like it. And some will overcook them into mush, because that's what they're used to eating anyway. But a small percentage will take the time to find out how to cook them right, and their worldview of oatmeal will be transformed (like my stepfather, an avowed oatmeal hater, whose story I outlined in another post on this thread)

*whew*. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. There's no way this could go mainstream without a major marketing push with serious bucks behind it.

Hmm... that begs another interesting hypothetical question...

What if Quaker branded their own line of steel cut oats?

I'd bet you that sales of steel cut oats would skyrocket. Admittedly, the long cooking time might render it incompatible with American lifestyles and render it financially unviable in the long term, but I would bet that having that smiling blue doofus on the package would probably increase overall steel cut oat sales by some insane percentage... not because American tastes have instantly changed overnight, but because people trust the logo.

There's something very "Push lever, get food pellet" about brand marketing and logo recognition that just doesn't sit well with me.

Of course some percentage of those new rash of Quaker steel cut oat sales would be mistakes ("honey... they filled the oatmeal box with rocks"), and some more adventurous types would try it because people trust the logo. It's as if that smiling Quaker gives people a little encouragement... "Go ahead, try it. Would this smile steer you wrong?" And then there would be those of us already familiar with steel cut oats, who would buy them just to see how they compare to the Irish oats the "oatmeal cognoscenti" have been enjoying for decades.

What do you think?

Mr Taster

[aforkcalledspoon]

I would have to agree that branding is a factor that hugely underscores our choices. Look at all those people who preferred Hunt's ketchup in a taste test, but swore loyalty to Heinz. Like cutting off your nose to spite your face! In day to day life, I have witnessed variations on this "Heinz-craze". My husband is prejudiced against anything "organic" on penny-pinching principle alone and if he has seen the label, will pronounce the product bland and "healthy-tasting" (ie. smacking of bitter whole grains or lacking salt and sugar). Prejudices do trump tastebuds in many cases as our minds inform choices before the product hits the palate. So I guess I agree!

[Mr Taster]

Replying to my own post...

Looks like Quaker HAS in fact released their own version of steel cut oats (although the giant photograph shows a bowl of rolled oats) in a distinct blue package.

http://www.quakeroats.com/products/oa...

I'll have to take a look at the oatmeal section of the supermarket today to see if they stock it.

Mr Taster

[Mr Taster]

Follow up again....

My supermarket (Ralph's) does not, in fact, stock Quaker steel cut oats but they do stock McCann's Irish Oatmeal for an overpriced $8 a tin (compared to Trader Joe's $5, or $3 for the non-McCann's brand). And McCann's wasn't on the bottom shelf... it was next to the bottom :)

The point is that even with the oatmeal marketing behemoth that is Quaker, they're in no rush to inform people about it or make it as widely available at the local supermarket level.

Mr Taster

[beachmouse]

The Quaker steel cuts are widely carried in my local Publixes. They showed up a couple years after the stores started carrying McCann's, Spouse is the oatmeal person in the house, and far prefers the McCann's Quick and Easy (5 minute) steel cut oats to the Quakers because they're a better trade off in terms of cooking time/flavor.

[Mr Taster]

I've seen those quick cooking McCann's at Trader Joe's and often wondered... how in the world can you quick cook steel cut oats? The whole point is that more of the fiber is there, and it takes longer for the water to boil through. They must process or parboil in some way.

Honestly, I really don't get why people think steel cut oats are such a chore.... it's 30 minutes of mostly unattended cooking time. You can make a gigantic batch because it reheats, freezes and thaws out like a dream. Pour oats in water, watch a TV show, and like magic you have breakfast for several days.

Mr Taster

[Chowrin]

yinz cut 'em in half or so. still got da fiber, half the time. that said, the humidity works well in my house. boil away!

[ChrisOC]

Try Bob"s Red Barn Scottish oats. They are stone ground and have a texture somewhere between steel cut and the cooked and processed "Rolled oats". The original oatmeal was stone ground.

[The Professor]

I used to be a die hard SKIPPY PB fan...until I tasted (just out of curiosity, and not for any health reasons) one of the "natural" brands, made with only ground peanuts and sometimes a little salt. After one taste, I just couldn't handle Skippy, Jif, or any of those hydrogenated, sugar added brands anymore. Suddenly, they tasted to me like flavored Crisco.

[Val]

damn straight, professor! A few years ago, I bought a jar of Smucker's natural and never looked back...thought my son (teen at the time) would reject it, but he loved it at first bite also. I'm not 100% brand loyal on this either...cost and availability are a factor but am willing to try new kinds.

[sisterfunkhaus]

I actually went to completely different preferences than what I grew up on. I won't touch Miracle Whip, margarine, Cheese Whiz, cream of mushroom soup, and the like. I eat foods that my parents would have never touched, and still think are weird or "Yankee."

[Naguere]

I am in the potato society and have just been out watering my 1st Early 'Epicure' (known in
Scotland as Ayrshires . developed in 1896,

The EEC tried to ban the cultivation of them

They are not available in shops, you must grow them.

Yum.

[aforkcalledspoon]

This correlates interestingly, to me, anyway, with the study out about the levels of high fructose corn syrup and mercury in popular foods. Hunt's was at the tip top of the list (if I recall. please, I gave birth twice in two years, don't quote me on anything. i can't even remember their birthdays)

[bythebayov]

I remember seeing this episode and wondering who the people judging were and where they lived! I dont like hunts at all and even though I tend to like ATK's recomendations, I videmately disagree with this one....Heinz just tastes like America in the summer for me :-)

[michelley]

I thought it was Del Monte that won.

[bythebayov]

not in the episode I watched but it may have been a later/earlier episode? I don't really like del monte either!

[globalgourmand]

Definitely prefer Heinz Organic to all others. The only other brand loyalty I have is actually to Follow Your Heart's Vegenaise as a "mayo" spread (preferring it to the real thing, in fact.) I also used to prefer Wolfgang Puck's vegetable stock, but did a taste-test with his chicken stock recently and felt it was too sweet. That's pretty much it.

[phantomdoc]

I love Hellmans mayo, but, when at a brger king I asked for some mayo to take out. I got some packets that say Heinz mayo. I remember Burger King advertising that they only used Hellmans, but that was in the 1970's. I have never seen Heinz in the store and haven't checked their website. this stuff tasted exactly like Hellmans to me.

Recently on Americas Test Kitchen they rated Hunt's over Heinz ketchup. Haven't tried it but definitely will.

Kraft Philly cream cheese.
Turkey Hill all Natural ice cream.
Maille dijon mustard.

[alkapal]

hunt's ketchup is sweet, imo. and not "sweeeee-eeet" in the slang way, either!

[mpjmph]

Yes. Hunt's is too sweet, that's why I'm a Heinz girl. My only other strong brand loyalty when it comes to food is Diet Coke.

[Mr Taster]

See my comment above

The sugar content in Hunt's and Heinz is the same (4g per 17g serving size).

However, the difference is in the pH level.... Heinz is less acidic with a 3.84 pH versus Hunt's 3.82

By contrast, the bottom-ranked ketchups had the lowest acidity at 4.15 and 4.29 pH

Mr Taster

[Chowrin]

heinz is more acidic, if the numbers you're posting is right.
and I agree. heinz tastes best b/c they have the best distilled vinegar.

[alkapal]

heinz tastes more acidic ("sharper, "brighter") to me, and i like it better than hunt's.

heinz also makes a good dill pickle relish.

[jmckee]

Yeah, and Cook's Illustrated preferred a domestic dijon to Maille as well. This is one of the few times I've ever seen Hunt's rated over Heinz.

[Mr Taster]

But to be fair, they did rank both of them extremely highly... Maille also came in "Highly Recommended" (alongside #1 Grey Poupon and #3 Roland Extra Strong) with the only even slightly negative comment that Maille is slightly less hot than GP.

Mr Taster

[steakman55]

French's mustard, Heinz ketchup, Duke's mayo (southern), Green Mtn. Coffee, Diet Cokes, Lea and Perrins worcestershire sauce, Cabot Seriously Sharp cheddar cheese,
Kellogg and Kashi cereals, Sister Schubert's rolls, Niman Ranch prime dry aged beef, Blue Bell ice cream, Simply Orange OJ, Old Bay seasoning, HUBS peanuts, and I am sure many many more........

[juliewong]

I am actually not very loyal to many brands and will try the supermarket versions however Heinz, campbell's veg beef soup and illy coffee will not be substituted for

[bythebayov]

what is Illy coffee?

[OCAnn]

It's pretty good Italian coffee that's on the pricey end; one tin costs approx $13. You can find it at your local market.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Illy+coffee

[Cinnamon]

I love Illy, but interchange it with Lavazza, another ground Italian coffee or espresso in a vacuum can. Both seem cheapest at World Market... the Illy at least some number of dollars under the usual grocery store, and the Lavazza $6-8 for the espresso in the can, even the gold one (slightly premium). I think it's a little larger can than Illy ??? But both are wonderful and smooth. I like them better than all but one local-roasted I used to be able to get on the other side of the U.S.

[kattyeyes]

We brew Illy in pods here at home. I love the stuff. But I've had Lavazza out and love it, too. We are definitely on the same espresso page. I don't even need sugar or syrup when I drink my Illy.

Just curious--where on the other side of the U.S. did you find the local roast you loved?

[Cinnamon]

This one! Coffee Tree in Greenwich, CT (first one mentioned here, opened by a guy from Maxwell House)
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/10/nyregion/dining-out-coffee-bars-find-their-place-in-the-state.html

But if you go down there you've also gotta try Terra for dinner (Northern Italian, cozy upscale but casual place with its own pizza oven.
)http://www.shopgreenwichavenue.com/Pa...

[kattyeyes]

Thanks, Cinnamon! I very rarely get down to CT's "Gold Coast," but when I do, I will keep this in mind. I run with someone who spent years in FFD County, so I will ask him about these places. I appreciate the tips!

[chocolate]

Count me in as another devotee of Illy. Have also had Lavazza and really liked that as well. I have been getting the Illy coffee from William Sonoma ($13.95) but will definitely check out World Market as I think there is one not to far from me. Thanks.

[bythebayov]

I'll have to try it...thanks for the tip!

[mojoeater]

I've tried others and no mayo beats Hellman's (Best Foods when we're in LA). Heinz ketchup is still the best, too.

[LaLa]

I agree only Hellmans mayo

[LJS]

I agree that Hellman's beats Kraft, but I believe Cains All Natural beats ALL! (though I am aware I should have chimed in 18 months ago for this to be timely-LOL!)

[bythebayov]

not familiar w cains all natural, where do you get it?

[alkapal]

i remember someone mentioning cain's before in a favorable way -- maybe for their sandwich spread, too.

from their site: "CAINS FOODS products are produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Ayer, Massachusetts. Ship time from Cains to supermarkets across New England and New York takes hours, not days."
http://www.cainsfoods.com/Consumer.html

[mnos]

Cheerios. I can eat multiple versions of most other cereals, but Cheerios have to be Cheerios.

[spellweaver16]

Agreed! Nobody else gets the texture right. Especially with the Honey Nut variety.

[Cinnamon]

I tried the brand (whose name I've forgotten) from Whole Foods in desperation and was surprised to find how great those were. Subsequently bought Cheerios, which now taste like cheap wispy paper by comparison. (Although I did get a box of the Banana Nut Cheerios gratis with a delivery recently, and those are pretty wonderful.) But for the basics, now I'll always prefer that brand at Whole Foods. (But I wouldn't go conventional store-brand on Cheerio wannabes.)

Some of my top brand preferences are:
Diet Coke
In Mexico, Diet Pepsi
Heinz ketchup
Farmer John bacon/sausage
Meyenberg goat milk
Trader Joe's brand cinnamon, and organic peanut butter
Lindt Excellence chocolate
Kahlua liqueur
Starbucks espresso liqueur (distinct from Kahlua)

[jjw]

I agree. I'll eat the store brand of any cereal except Cheerios!

[sheilal]

Jif peanut butter, Heinz ketchup, Hidden Valley for ranch dressing, Sabra for hummus, French's mustard, Barber's french onion dip, Milo's sweet tea

[laliz]

Best Foods mayonnaise
Diet Coke
Mrs. Grass vegetable soup mix (for spinach dip) NO SUBSTITUTE
French's Worchestershire Sauce
Quaker Oatmeal
Skippy Peanut Butter
Hebrew National Hot Dogs
Duncan Hines Cake Mix
Jell-O Pudding mix (never instant)
Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix
Knudsen Cottage Cheese
Daisy Low Fat Sour Cream
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Trader Joe's Extra Virgin Olive Oil

[Midlife]

Heinz Ketchup and Chili Sauce
Diet Coke & Coke Zero
Beaver Brand Deli Mustard
Nathan's natural casing hot dogs
Best Foods Mayo
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
CoffeeMate
Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies
Lea & Perrins Worecestershire
Newman's Own Oil & Vinegar Dressing

[Mr Taster]

Can I ask, how did Beaver deli mustard get into your lineup? I wonder if it's a regional thing.

Where I come from, which is to say from the shadow of New York City (sounds better than New Jersey), it's Guldens all the way.

The first time I had Beaver mustard was out here in LA. The gigantic seeds got stuck in my teeth, and I found it strangely sweet by comparison. Guildens definitely has a fine grain, a sour tang and not the slightest hint of sweetness.

Mr Taster

[Blush]

President's Choice Decadent Chocolate Chips
Kellogg's All-Bran Flakes
Habitant Minestrone soup

[Gio]

Crosse & Blackwell
TJ's Mayo, Ketchup, EVOO
Lea & Perrins
Gulden's spicy brown
Pastene Kitchen Ready
Green Mt. Gringo
Probably others I cannot think of right now....CRS syndrome, you know.

[mhd]

yess!! TJs has the BEST ketchup

[kchurchill5]

None really. Honestly. Real mayo, don't care who's brand, kraft, not really, stouffers, not really, butter, what is on sale. I realistically can say I don't have any main brand. I do like Vernos Ginger ale since we had a thread on that and only buy that ginger ale. I do like Publix brand Caesar and balsamic dressing which I keep on hand, but usually make my own, and like Ore Ida fries, but if Publix made them I might get their brand but I do like Ore Idas curley fries.

That is about it. No faves really.

[Sean]

Hellman's

[bayoucook]

Hellman's mayo if I can't find Duke's
Diet Dr. Pepper
Lea and Perrins
Cabot extra sharp white cheddar
Kraft Mac and Cheese
Stouffer's Mac and Cheese
Cheerios
Sister Schubert's yeast rolls
Blue Bell ice cream
Mary B's frozen buttermilk biscuits
Eggland's Best eggs

[Paula76]

I've been thinking long and hard and couldn't come up with a single one! I tend to search for offers and buy any brands, although the only processed foods I get are cheddar cheese, baked beans, potato chips and ketchup for my boyfriend who doesn't give a flying fig about what brand they might be.

[bigfellow]

Phillip's Crab

[alkapal]

martin's potato rolls and burger buns. great for pulled pork sandwiches!

https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&catalogId=1&productId=372562

pepperidge farm bulk stuffing (in the bag) herb flavored, and mixed with real home-made cornbread at thanksgiving for the best dressing. http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/Product...

i only buy hellman's mayo, but don't turn up my nose at kraft <because it has really improved in the past few years>; duke's is just too "neutral" without any sugar at all, but mom prefers it -- especially for her savory salads, like the lesueur pea salad she makes with minced onions, chopped celery, chopped boiled egg and cubes of sharp cheddar cheese. there are variations, some with pimento, some using grated cheese, some with bacon...

stonyfield farm organic whole milk yogurt is so rich and creamy. the trader joe's organic whole milk yogurt is *very* similar.

and frozen food: spinach soufflé from stouffers. i could eat it every day, and am so happy it can be zapped in the microwave.

[Val]

Fage yogurt...love that stuff!
Boar's Head mustard.

As others have said, Lea & Perrins worcestershire and yes, the Stouffers mac & cheese is just so creamy and tangy and luscious. I usually try to make my own but hell, that stuff is delicious and I can't get mine to come near it, though I DO keep trying.

[buttertart]

Nabisco Premium saltines, regular, salted please. No other saltine compares.

[ChristinaMason]

Totally agree! Esp. not Krispy!

[gaffk]

With butter! (Pun not intended.)

[buttertart]

Krispy should be called Nasty. Buttered when feeling naughty. That was my mom's bedtime snack, buttered saltines and a small glass of milk.

[gaffk]

Have never tried Krispy (not sure they are even available in my area), but have tried a few other brands. You're right, it must be Nabisco Premium.

Buttered saltines were always what mom gave us with chicken noodle soup. When I crave a taste of childhood, they still hit the spot.

[buttertart]

They're the same for me. I didn't know you could eat them any other way until I left home. I absolutely have to have them in the house.

[alkapal]

did anyone else crumble or "park the whole" saltines (proper) on chili? i've now got to have saltines with chili. that is the power of "food-in-youth."

[buttertart]

I have to have them with Campbell's cream of tomato soup, and I love them with chili, but I'm a dunker, not a crumbler. Or I put bites of the chili on top of the cracker and eat together.
My boss pulverizes his into soup and then eats the sludge they produce. No like.
Other uses: aged cheddar cheese and peanut butter vehicle (salty side down).
My oldest brother remarked once that at his in-laws' they served the soda crackers (Canadian for saltines) upside down (with the flatter side up) and it upset him. Talk about food in youth.

[roro1831]

Duke's Mayo, although it used to be Blue Plate, but go with Hellmen's when my supply of Duke's runs out.
Diet Coke
Simply Orange Orange juice, or any of their juices
Lea & Perrins
Zapp's Potato chips
Heinz ketchup
French's yellow mustard
Zatarains crab boil
Zatarains Jambalaya mix

[alkapal]

simply apple is divine. i will not drink apple "juice" but for that one.

good apple cider is another matter....

[jmckee]

Heinz ketchup
Hellman's Mayo, unless I'm where I can get Duke's.
Plochman's mustard
Maille dijon mustard
Vernor's ginger ale
Lea & Perrin worcestershire
Barilla dried pasta
Philadelphia cream cheese
Jif Creamy
Alziari olive oil
Smucker's jellies / jams
Hodgson Mill flour and yeast
Bob's Red Mill semolina flour
Bush's baked beans
Snyder's of Hanover pretzels
Crisco and Crisco Oil
McCormick dried herbs/spices

[lilmomma]

Kikkoman soysauce and Kadoya sesame oil

[jmckee]

I forgot Kikkoman! My wife thinks it's a food group. . .

[smaki]

Kikkoman + Sambal = Szechuan anything

If you like it hot add more Sambal Oelek.

[smaki]

And to make your Szechuan hotter still use SRIRACHA HOT CHILI SAUCE. It is also a favorite on rice, veggies, noodles, with ranch on salads, etc.

[buttertart]

I beg to differ, Japanese soy sauce and Indonesian or Thai/Vietnamese condiments do not make a Sichuan anything.
Chinese soy sauce and doubanjiang, yes.

[smaki]

Possibly soy with sambal is just what I associate with my favorite Szechuan beef or chicken dish with green onions served over rice or noodles at a favorite local place to eat on the west side of Portland in Beaverton, Oregon calld Wang Q Restaurant just learned is closing soon. Ming Tsai has a good list of Asian ingredients including common chili ingredients at:

http://ming.com/foodandwine/ming.com-...

[achtungpv]

Give Pearl River Bridge Superior Dark Soy Sauce a try. You'll never go back. It so much deeper and richer in flavor than Kikkoman and all the other major brands. It's unbelievable.

[sophia519]

Muir Glenn tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste
Barilla pasta
Good Seasonings Italian dressing mix
Emil's frozen pizza
Pastene olive oil
Jif creamy peanut butter
La Yogurt yogurt
Roland or Maille mustard
Diet pepsi
Simply Orange orange juice
P.G. Tips Tea
Pastene canned beans
365 (whole foods) balsamic vinegar
Santarita's tortilla chips (big bag only $1.79)

[stricken]

Muir Glen totally rocks! I could drink their ketchup from a paper cup.

[grouper]

Me too...and I don't really like ketchup that much! I think it must be that it has real sugar and not HFCS. I have to keep Heinz in the house for the rest of my family. They just don't understand.

[danhole]

Seems like a lot of us agree on many products! Here are my favorites:

Hellman's Mayo
Vlasic Pickles
Jif Creamy reduced fat peanut butter
Nabisco premium saltines
Mezzetta marinated olives
Heinz ketchup
Hunts canned tomato products
Ore Ida frozen potato products
Kraft Deluxe american cheese
Fritos corn chips
Powerade Sports drink

I am a coupon clipper, so I have tried other products for most of the above, or other brands/store brands, and once I did I decided that I would never do it again! Some things are worth the extra money.

[kubasd]

Hellman's mayo
vlasic pickles (gotta have that crunch!)
Jif peanut butter (forget the reduced fat, it just has more sugar)
nabisco saltines (sb's just dont't compare)
Heinz's ketchup
muir glen tomatoes (all varieties)
rienza canned beans
kraft mac and cheese (when i must)
GG frozen veggies (when i must)
Smartlife meat replacements (when i have the craving
Fage greek yogurt (chobani sucks in comparison)
Barilla whole wheat pasta
Amy's soups/chilis
Kashi cereals
Tropicana OJ
Farmer's cow milk and eggs (local)
Breyer's ice cream
Coke products

yeah apparently i'm pretty loyal to certain brands.....

[The Professor]

Vlasic? really?
I used to be a Vlasic fan, but not in many years.

Have you tried Claussens? Fresher, brighter flavor and much crunchier in my opinion!

[danhole]

There's more discussion about pickles further down. I had forgotten about Claussens when I made my list and put Vlasic in. I actually like both, but they are so different. Vlasic has more variety, and I like the sandwich toppers, or whatever, but then Claussens sit right beside them in the fridge because sometimes only a claussen hits the spot!

[alkapal]

claussen's has the sandwich "slices" now - 'cause they're in my fridge: crunchy, dilly-icious!

[sisterfunkhaus]

I have Vlasic slices, Best Made giant dills, and Claussen halves. I occasionally have Tabasco hot pickles as well. Different occasions and cravings call for different pickles.

[Cinnamon]

Oh yeah re the Kraft Mac 'n Cheese. And it has to be the kind in the box with the powdered orange stuff that passes for cheese. Not into any other pasta shapes, sizes, preparations, other cheeses, etc., not even any other Kraft varieties of it. If I want a cheesy pasta dish I'll use some other kind of pasta and fancy cheese with other ingredients, etc., but I don't really like any macaroni and cheese except for Kraft's - they just taste like... something else... and I still haven't gotten my mac-n-cheese. It's a HUGE brand preference. I don't eat it often.

[cuccubear]

I’ve been loyal to Coca-Cola for years. (I will occasionally buy RC Cola for something different.)

Other brands are:
Gibble’s – for plain potato chips
Martin’s for BBQ potato chips
Dawn for washing dishes
Devoutly loyal to Kunzler bacon – better by far than any big commercial brand
Mt. Olive pickles
Kool-Aid – original flavors only
Crest toothpaste

I loyally avoid any product with phenolketoneurics, and I always buy locally grown/made produce and bread when available.

[alkapal]

cuccubear, i'm with you on the great quality of kunzler bacon. and mt. olive pickles populate my pantry and fridge, along with claussen's, vlasic, and b&g pickles.

dawn is a destroyer of my hands, though.

ps, where's your bear? is it now a gummy bear?

[buttertart]

My brand loyalty for dish detergent is to original formula green Palmolive in the geeky 70's looking bottle, precisely because it still looks and smells the same as it did when I first set up housekeeping.

[danhole]

Forgot about Claussens! Love their Dill pickles, but Vlasic is great for the zesty dills strips and the sandwich toppers, or whatever they are called.

[Val]

Yep...I don't buy pickles anymore to keep in the fridge due to sodium...but Claussens are the best, hands down, for store-bought especially if you don't have a nice kosher deli nearby from which to purchase them...which we don't here in SWFL. <sigh>

[kchurchill5]

Claussens are not too shabby. I get the ones in the dairy aisle. Cold, Not bad. I use them on my sandwiches and on a burger now and then.

My friend made this BBQ burger, The meat had grated cheese, onion and BBQ in the meat and then topped with spicy sauteed peppers pepper,a mix of jalapenos, cubanellos and red pepper, sliced pickles and sliced tomatoes with lettuce. A aioli and dijon mustard.

Pickles made the burger. IT was amazing!! Without the pickles, iit wouldn't of been the same.

Since the burger I always keep pickles in the fridge.

[alkapal]

hey val, publix has recently had the ba-ta-mpte (sp?) pickles -- the half-sours were interesting. they were on an end-cap for and after passover -- even as recently as two weeks ago. i wanted to try their garlic dills. here's a photo: https://www.allinkosher.com/p-32079-b...

[Val]

mmmmm...thanks, sounds very good. Sounds like they are NOT refrigerated like the Claussen, correct?

[trvler]

Publix carries Wickles Pickles...they are spendy but so delicious.

[cuccubear]

Sorry for the delayed response, just got back from Rehoboth and didn't take a laptop.

As for the avatar, just thought I'd change things up a bit. Gummi's are probably a little more "cuccy" than that ferocious monster, lol.

[alkapal]

sorta crummy weather for your trip, huh? ;-(.

[cuccubear]

Rained all day Sunday, but the town was deserted and had great lunch at Pig + Fish. Otherwise weather was fine.

[alkapal]

excellent! pig and fish? tell us about it. bbq and fresh atlantic fish?

[cuccubear]

Super meal, (probably the best burger I’ve had in years) and great service. Their Doghead beer was delicious too. Friendly atmosphere and very clean. Here’s their website. I highly recommend this place!

http://www.thepigandfish.com/

ed. 13:02 - I'm planning to divulge my complete findings on the appropriate Rehoboth board...

[alkapal]

nice to know the place. the name sounds like a shack kind of place. the menu (and prices) belie that....

[cuccubear]

re: my edit above. It did sound like a joint, but as soon as we walked in, we knew it would be nice.

[Kagey]

Wow. This thread made me realize that I don't regularly use many brands at all. Most of the food I buy is fresh--vegetables and fruits with no brands on them. I don't drink soda, except for an occasional ginger beer. I buy my bread from a bakery stand at the market. I make my own soups, mayonnaise, mac & cheese, salad dressing, jams, pasta sauces, and cakes/cookies. I try to buy small farmers' English cheeses.

Having said that, when I buy brands I often buy:

DeCecco pasta
Heinz Ketchup
Maille dijon mustard
Meridien Organics peanut butter
Twinings chai tea
Squid fish sauce
Marigold buillon powder
Waitrose (UK): canned sardines, milk/eggs, pretzels, beans.
Seasoned Pioneers spices

[bythebayov]

Kagey, how do you find the time to make your own mayo, jams, cakes and cookies...Mad respect my friend :-)

[laliz]

this thread reminded me of something I have learned the wrong, and hard way. Never EVER purchase "generic" or store brand saltines or graham crackers. Nabisco for sure.

[kattyeyes]

So true! I always buy Nabisco grahams, but today the only cinnamon ones they had were low-fat. No thank you. So I figured I would just buy Keebler. NOPE. They don't even taste right! UGH! Nabisco Honey Grahams are where it's at, period.

It's definitely interesting (and kind of cool) that so many of us prefer the same brands.
Other brand loyalties:

DeCecco capellini; Barilla for all other shapes
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar (I also prefer their butter)
Coca-Cola (accept no substitutes--I can correctly identify it vs. RC and Pepsi!)
Birds-Eye Steamfresh frozen peas (and corn)
Heinz ketchup
Hellman's mayo (though I now want to try Duke's)
Penzey's extracts and spices
Duncan Hines cake mix (butter recipe golden and French vanilla)
Simply Smart OR Over the Moon 1milk (whichever's on sale and/or we have a coupon)
Illy espresso
Munchos--there is nothing else on our planet even LIKE Munchos except Munchos!
Multi-Grain Cheerios and Kix
Stew Leonard's pomegranate juice blend
Tostitos tortilla scoops (handy shapes to stuff with taco meat and cheese) or lime chips
Bahlsen Choco Liebniz (in a league far above Lu's Little Schoolboy)
Noble ruby red grapefruit juice

And as to why--over time, I've discovered these items taste better than the products of their competitors. Some of it is sentimental attachment (Duncan Hines). It's not that I don't bake from scratch, but I've yet to bake either of the kinds I've mentioned from scratch...and they are delicious ties to happy memories. And I do believe Duncan Hines is far superior to Betty Crocker or any other box cake brand. We always made our own frosting, though, and couldn't fathom buying a can. Everybody draws a line somewhere, right? HA HA!

[kattyeyes]

I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you.
My name is kattyeyes and I'm a Duke's mayo convert.
<Hi, kattyeyes!>
To all of you who are loyal Hellman's/Best Foods, next time you head south (or know someone who is heading there), pick up a jar and see if you don't switch allegiances, too. You can also order Duke's online.
http://www.dukesmayo.com/

Many thanks to alkapal and the many other posters who showed me the way.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/620025

[LaLa]

i will agree that Dukes rocks...My fridge has Hellmans and Duke's in it at all times!

[alkapal]

also, never purchase generic vanilla wafers.

[Alicat24]

Due to many many financially lean years, I've gotten used to generic or store brands for a lot of products. The first name brands I use that popped into my head were Hellman's mayo, Heinz ketchup and Jiff Extra Crunchy. Since there are so many things I'm not particular about, I got up and perused the fridge and pantry and realized I have more brand loyalty than I thought. I'm sure there must be more, they just aren't in the house right now. My list:

Dorito's Nacho chips
Smucker's
Wishbone Robusto Italian
Hidden Valley powdered dressing
Velvetta
Arnie's Sourdough bread
8 'o Clock Columbian whole beans
Nabisco Wheat Thins
Maruchan Raman
Cambell's for certain soups like Tomato and Bean and Bacon
Kraft Deluxe american cheese
Cherrios and Wheaties

[Sam Fujisaka]

Generics other than Kikkoman, Jim beam, Squid or that ugly baby, Maseca, and Nishiki ,Koda Brothers, or CalRose.

[kchurchill5]

Hey I totally agree with kikkoman and beam, the others ... not me. but yep. And I admit I forgot this one Yoplait Vanilla Bean Custard Yogurt. Better than the rest, but otherwise I eat yogurt a lot but that one is always yoplait.

[mom22tots]

Temp-tee whipped cream cheese. Think this is an east coast thing. Philadelphia doesn't hold a candle!

[kubasd]

oooh I do love temp-tee whipped cream cheese....

[KaimukiMan]

Heinz Ketchup (mom tried to convince me otherwise when I was around 12, no way)
Best Foods Mayo
French's for yellow mustard
Guilden's for Brown Mustard (but I'm open to suggestions)
Lea & Perrins (there's another brand?)
Tabasco (I have others, but I always have tabasco in the house)
Green Giant niblets corn (yes the canned kind)
Dole or Del Monte Pineapple (prefer Dole)
VanDeCamp's Pork & Beans
Dennison Canned Chili
Jif Peanut Butter (converted from Skippy's about a year ago, chunky please)
Welches Concord Grape Jelly (Smuckers in a pinch)
Coke (once I start drinking it again)
Morton's Salt
SPAM (the one and only)

[SeoulQueen]

Kikkoman Soy Sauce
Heinz Ketchup
Skippy Super Chunk Peanut Butter - I hate smooth peanut butter
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
A1 Steak Sauce - I love, love, love this stuff
Better Than Bouillion - both chicken base and vegetable base
Vlasic Pickles
Tabasco
Kellogg's cereals - I'll eat almost any of their cereals and no one else's
Reynolds alumnium foil

I agree with Kaimukiman - gotta put SPAM on the list.. my DH hates the stuff and doesn't even like me saying the word, so just for him.. SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM! :)

[Caroline1]

My top ten I'm loyal to:
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies
Oreo cookies

Oh. And Dan-T's Inferno Raspberry Chipotle sauce. Good stuff! Yes. Even on Oreo cookies.

[KevinB]

With the economic downturn, I've been forced to economize. Although I much prefer Heinz, I found that President's Choice is not a bad substitute. Similarly, when Diet Coke is on sale, that's what I buy, but I've found Shoppers Life Brand diet cola acceptable. (Diet Pepsi? I'd rather drink water.)

But the one thing that I am totally and completely brand loyal to is HP Sauce. I've heard there are other brown sauces, and I was even given some at some Scottish B&B's, but HP is head and shoulders above the rest. A1? Feh. Heinz 57? Double secret feh. HP is the real deal!

[hotdoglover]

I used to only buy Hellman's because to me, the slogan "Heinz is what ketchup tastes like", applies to Hellman's being what mayonaise tastes like. Until I had Admiration brand mayonaise. I was at a food cart and tasted it on a sandwich. I didn't know what it was, but it tasted so much better than any mayonaise I've had including Hellman's. I asked the brand. Admiration is in Englewood, N.J. and is known for their salad dressings, mayo, mustards, and other products. Not available in supermarkets. You can find this brand at some Restaurant Depots and other food warehouses. This mayonaise is also used at 5 Guys. At least the ones I've eaten at in New Jersey.

[alkapal]

do you think the admiration brand is the one in most restaurants? isn't it pretty thick compared with hellman's -- a good bit stiffer? a 4 gallon tub of admiration's "extra heavy" mayo could last me a very, very, very long time. but....for $20.99! ;-). http://www.webstaurantstore.com/admiration-real-extra-heavy-mayonnaise-4-gallon-bulk-tub/125MAYOBULK.html

look at this innovation from admiration: z trim mayo (reduced fat, but with natural fiber for bulk) http://www.redorbit.com/news/business...

[KaimukiMan]

4 gallons of mayonnaise? That would take like 2 or 3 years to use up. Even I don't keep mayo in the fridge that long.

[hotdoglover]

I know that some restaurants use Admiration mayonaise. One restaurant owner in particular says that she gets compliments all the time about the mayonaise. 4 gallons is a bit much, but I did find one place that sells this brand in a half gallon container. The place is Karis, owned by Best Provisions on Avon and Jeliff in Newark.

[hotdoglover]

Admiration may be a little thicker than Hellman's, but it may be hard to notice. I wouldn't neccesarily use the term heavy, as it may be a turnoff to some. But if you could get Admiration mayonaise in a small jar, you would never go back to Hellman's again.

[alkapal]

as i said here (or another thread?) there is a restaurant mayo i like quite a lot -- perhaps it *is* admiration. next time, i'll ask.

[cimui]

other than alcoholic beverages, i have to say i really don't have all that much brand loyalty -- or perhaps it's better to say i have a range of brand loyalty. it's more about availability and price. i do like and often purchase:

santa barbara brand fresh salsa
marukan rice wine vinegar
kadoya toasted sesame oil
kedem canned chickpeas
health valley amaranth flakes cereal
arrowhead mills tahini

... but that's in huge part because they are readily available. i've had excellent products made by other producers; they're just harder to find where i am.

[Missy2U]

Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese
Oscar Meyer Bacon
Ballpark Hot Dogs
Hellmen's Mayo
Edy's Ice Cream
Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & Meatballs (What?? The cans are convenient for lunch.)
Campbell's Spaghetti O's (See above)
Simply Grapefruit Grapefruit Juice
Pepsi
Dr. Pepper
Rold Gold Pretzels (Whatever happened to Mr. Salty?)
Krakus Ham
Contadina Tomato Paste
Hunt's Tomato Sauce
Campbell's Tomato Juice
V8
Kikkoman Teriyaki and Soy Sauces
Spam
Old Style

Sorry - Editing to say "Why". Because we've tried other brands, we like these the best, we always stock up when they're on sale, and they just are our favorites. Perhaps it's having grown up with them - I don't know.

[OCAnn]

Best Foods/Hellman's mayo
Breyer's Vanilla Bean ice cream
De Cecco pasta
Volvic water
Laura Scudder's Natural peanut butter
Penzey's spices
Martinelli's apple juice

[OCAnn]

forgot one: Broguiere milk.

[mess]

miracle whip
naturally fresh ranch dressing
any type of greenwise meats
greenwise soymilk
pepsi

[Val]

Mess, have you tried the greenwise (I'm assuming you are talking about Publix Greenwise) Blue Corn Chips? They are really awesome! I'm becoming brand-loyal to them!

[mrsbuffer]

Hellman's Mayonnaise
Heinz ketchup
gulden's spicy brown mustard
caffeine free diet pepsi
nathan's hot dogs
Bumble Bee solid white tuna
Philadelphia cream cheese
Cheerios
Ore Ida Tater Tots
Skippy Extra Crunchy peanut butter
Smucker's preserves
Schwepps ginger ale
Ronzoni or Barilla pasta
Tropicana OJ with calcium
Helluva Good Extra Sharp Cheddar
Rosemary and Olive Oil Triscuits
Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk

[alkapal]

ore-ida over mccain's frozen seasoned curly fries -- by a longshot!!!

[adamshoe]

Ore-Ida tater tots and crinkle-fries
Gulden's Spicy brown mustard
La Tourangelle Sesame oil
JIF!!
Best Foods Mayo
Heinz Organic (orgasmic...) Ketchup
Ghirardelli Semi sweet chips
KING ARTHUR FLOUR!!!
Better than Bouillon chix base and beef base
Albers corn meal
Dawn dish liquid
Fritos
Daisy Sour cream
Lipton's onion soup mix
Nathan's Hot Dogs (or Kaspers or Caspars here in CA....
Bakers unsweetened chocolate
Hersheys cocoa
Will probably think of more... adam

[alkapal]

adamshoe, should they market it as heinz orgasmic ketchup, do you think?

~~~~~
hmmmm, probably not.

[ErnieD]

Oh, I'm super late to this but Better than Bullion most definitely. The only thing I like when it comes to packaged soup-related items.

Otherwise I'm not terribly brand loyal. L&P worcestershire (or swissterhsheer as I can't stop my stepson calling it) and Best Foods mayo are about it. I like Heinz ketchup, but I eat plain (not chipotle-ridden) ketchup almost never, whereas my husband eats it almost every week and doesn't care. So I go for the cheap stuff.

[aforkcalledspoon]

Embarassing: all of my brand loyalty is consecrated to Lay's potato chips. I will cheat on all of my preferences for budgetary/locale reasons (can't drag my butt to Vons, etc.). But only Lay's will do. But I will only buy soy sauces made in Japan. The Korean and Chinese version just do not cut it. at all. Actually I have a lot of country loyalty versus brand. Perhaps that doesn't even make sense.

[Cinnamon]

That makes all sorts of sense.

[stricken]

365 organics frozen veggies, berries, barbecue sauce.
Simply Organic dried herbs
Horizon milk and cheeses.
Muir Glen ketchup
Grey Poupon dijon
Cholula hot sauce
Rao's pasta sauces.

I'm loyal to 365 and Horizon and Muir Glen because they're organic and they are the most prominent brands in WFM.
I'm loyal to Rao's because the pasta sauces are brewed by God himself!

[MrsCris]

Armstrong cheddar cheese
Sapporo Ichiban instant ramen
Kikkoman (for table soy)
Hellman's mayonaise

[auroralaura]

Gotta be Lucini Italia (http://www.lucini.com). Love them! Their hand-picked, heirloom Tuscan Plum tomatoes from Bolgheri, Italy (in BPA free GLASS jars, no less) are absolutely vibrant and will raise the profile of just about any dish. And I am over the moon about their new infused olive oils. These use pure essential oils for their flavour (rather than synthetics or chopped up bits of stuff that'll surely go rancid...) -- drizzle the Tuscan Basil one over a tomato salad and I am set!

[auroralaura]

Ooh - and Newman's Own Prunes. These things are soooo good!! I treat myself to a few each night before tucking in. They are gooey, chewy, and not too prune-ish at all. Kind of taste molasses-y, really. They've made them almost good enough that you want to eat the whole bag...almost (fortunately!). The only thing that bugs me is that the little hole used to hang the sachets in the grocery store is invariably punched BELOW the zip-lock resealing thing, letting air in. Boo.

[huaqiao]

I always get Bull's Head sa cha sauce( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shacha_s... ) not really because of any loyalty to the brand, but just because all the others taste bad.

My mom has been trying to get everyone in the family to switch to a different brand because the owners of Bull's Head are mainland sympathizers or something, but all the imitation brands are horrible. Usually overly sweet with a pasty consistency.

For hot pots, nothing beats Bull's Head with some chopped green onions, minced raw garlic, and a raw egg yolk. :D

[Bethcooks]

Land O Lakes Butter. I was more brand loyal before we got a Trader Joe's!

[sukishanti]

Kerrygold butter
Crosse & Blackwell Major Grey's mango chutney
Kraft american cheese
Kraft mac 'n cheese
Claussen pickles
Tropicana OJ
Brown Cow yogurt
Diet Pepsi
Campbell's tomato soup

[buttertart]

It occurred to me following along this thread that it would have been interesting for the posters to identify where they were located (even in the most general terms as in country or region of same) since some of these brand names are unknown to me as I would expect they are to others. (I'm in NYC now but have lived in the Bay Area and upstate NY and grew up in Ontario province. Nabisco Premium Saltines all the way, baby, every location. Perished for the lack of them in Taipei, in the 80's although there were other compensations of course.)

[lilmomma]

I am the op and I am from Chicago!

[bythebayov]

I too like Heinz ketchup, Frenches Mustard andHelman's mayo. Other favorites include Newman's own cesar dressing, Coke Zero, dececco pasta is the best around, simply orange oj, splenda, tostitos scoops for parties and philadelphia brand cream cheese. As for why, they taste the best and I like knowing that I am getting a consistently good product. My non-food items include, Palmer's coco butter, dove original scent deoderant, Pears soap, shaklee cleaning and face products and Lorac for eyeshadow...I also love viva paper towels and will "stock up" when they are on sale!

[alkapal]

hey there bythebayov! i used to love, love, love the newman's own creamy caesar, for salad and for dipping carrots! then, one day i tasted it, and it just seemed waaaaay too salty. i haven't bought it since! maybe my taste buds changed -- or they changed. who knows, but it just is too salty for me anymore.

[bythebayov]

it is salty, but I love salt (bad, I know). Also recently fell in love with these Kosher pickles from NY (with a manora on the front) cant remember the name, but their half sweet and garlic dills are to die for, think I am addicted needed to eat at least one a day! am also loyal to OPI nail polish though that isn't a food :-)

[mcf]

Ba Tampte, and it's half SOUR, not sweet, and they're to die for!

[alkapal]

ha ha, yep, i'm an OPI gal, too.

i like those batempte pickles, but have only had the half-sours. i bought them in publix down in florida, but i don't know where i've seen them here in arlington, virginia.

just bought my sister some pickled baby tomatoes for her martinis -- they're called tomolives! cute! (haven't tasted one yet). http://www.oldsouth.com/

(oooh, that old south website looks like a great place to do some shoppin').

[invinotheresverde]

Frank's Red Hot Sauce
Heinz Ketchup
Hellman's Mayo
Boca Vegan Grillers
Claussen Pickles
Sambuca White
Kahlua
Philly Cream Cheese
Trader Joe's Spring Onion Rice Noodle Soup
Newman's Limeade
Earth Balance

[MinkeyMonkey]

I only have one brand I am loyal to, Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing. It was my grandmother's choice and it has always been my favourite.

I am not loyal to Barilla but when I want pasta that doesn't require taking out a mortgage, then I choose their whole grain pastas.

Other than that, the brands that are organic, don't use salt, leave out the sugar, leave out the preservatives and are not owned by companies who do nasty things are my first choices. The ones on sale are my second choices!

[cheereeo]

CHOOSY MOMS CHOOSE JIF!

And Colgate -- Is toothpase a food?

[alliegator]

Nott a food?--but it's the best at keeping me cavity free and and my tooth bleaching looking fresh!
Seriously, 35 and no cavities is pretty good.

[Alan N]

Goldfish crackers (not whales or sharks, etc)
Don Julio Tequila

Together.

[kattyeyes]

LOL, gives new meaning to swimmin' with the fishes. ;) YEEEHAAAAAAAAAA!
Mas tequila!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoVeF9...

[FrankD]

I'm just curious.. do you dunk the goldfish in the tequila, or do you crumble them into it? And do you still have a squeeze of lemon afterwards?

[BobbyG]

I live in Colorado. I have very few loyalties but the ones I have I won't compromise on.

I won't buy anything Kraft. To me, all of their products are horrible. I was stationed overseas for 15 years and the commissaries loved Kraft products, and didn't carry anything else. Terrible.....especially the Mayo and Mac and Cheese. That being said...............

Hellman's/Best Foods Mayo. Can get them both in Colorado and I buy whatever is on sale.
Hidden Valley Ranch
Nathan's Hot Dogs
Wonder Bread (bread, buns) (I'm sorry. I love it)
Hostess anything
Oscar Meyer Bologna
Velveeta
Cambell's Soups
Ranch Beans
French's Mustard
Cattlemen's BBQ Sauce

That's about it. I'm a foodie and am always messing with food. I won't hesitate to spend money on good food. But these are the basics that sit in my fridge that I won't stray from.

[Georgia Strait]

yes on the Hellmans mayo. My aunt has always bought it. I follow her lead. Also if I ever (rarely) buy mushroom soup, it would be Campbells. I tried to be fancy and organic one time and bought that expensive "annies" brand of condensed soup - it was DISGUSTING flavor. I even wrote in to their consumer website and never heard back. Haha.

what else - Twinings tea but not so much anymore.

[bythebayov]

trader Joes mushroom soup concentrate is delish imo, try it if you have a TJ's in your area

[erikschwarz]

Dr. Nut. Nothing else soothes one's pyloric valve so effectively while inducing salutary contemplation of theology and geometry.

[alkapal]

that's some soda!

[Tripeler]

My pyloric valve is going nuts already. Sounds theologically salutary and positively geometric!

[alkapal]

does it take you to the event horizon? if not, i ain't drinkin' it! it's just a pretender.

[ryback]

Siracha
Kewpie Mayonaise from Japan If not available Duke's
Jack Daniels
Zapp's potato chips
HEB market ketchup real sugar

[cb1]

McCormicks "Old Bay". A lot of the crab houses around here (Maryland) use JO Spice, but I can't stray from the Old Bay. And no other "seafood" spice compares

[LJS]

Totally agree (and not surprised that you happened to think of this today, cb1!)

Old Bay is my 'go to' spice with any seafood: I took a can to Italy with me when I taught there and a school colleague, an Italian who is a very good cook, watched in horror as I added it to my variation of a local calamari dish...suffice to say, she "came to scoff and stayed to pray".

(Surprisingly to me, I found ltalians cooks deeply conservative who will vary regional/traditional recipes only if forced by lack of ingredients.)

[alliegator]

Pepsi products have less of a cloying sweetness to me than Coke does. I'm not much of a soda drinker, but you'll never see me with a Coke. Also, Pepperidge Farm snacks like goldfish and breadsticks are some of my favorite junk foods, I'm pretty loyal there.
Grey Goose vodka for me. Finlandia for anyone else. I'm surprisingly picky about vodka.
And beacuse we all use the toilet at some point---Angel Soft is the only paper for me.

[smaki]

Hellman's mayonnaise also known as Best Foods west of the Rockies. I always will love to eat too much of it on sandwiches. And all kinds of things. In fact, I've been and am addicted. When a kid a favorite was mayo on both sides so thick you could not see the bread, pickles sliced thin on both sides then cheese in the middle made in a way it almost drips mayo out the back with every bite. Sometimes would eat a pickle sandwich open faced or closed without the cheese! Love too much mayo with real butter in mashed potatoes where taste the mayo and butter enough do not need gravy. Eating so much mayo has not been good for my waistline and have always struggled to keep mayo consumption in check. While find for me personally Unilever moving their mayo to smaller plastic containers is not so nice, and has given me motivation to not eat so much of it anymore. Now finding alternatives to mayo and six of mine are below...

Does it bother anyone else mayo is no longer in glass? Their change to plastic is the main reason this way-to-regular customer slowed down buying it. Hellman's / Best Foods went to plastic jars to save money in recent times. Nearly the last mayo to switch to plastic, but gave in eventually like all the other common brands. And Hellman's / Best Foods mayonnaise is now in 30oz jars instead of their historic 32oz quart. Unilever, the parent company, is not passing the savings onto the consumer just trying to make more profit. Plastic has been proven to leach toluene with other chemicals into water and foods - especially in situations where oily food is in contact with a newly manufactured plastic material. Here is only one example of a test done that found toluene and other chemicals in multiple brands of water in plastic bottles (lots of other stuff can be Googled about plastic and food being bad):
http://www.ewg.org/BottledWater/Bottl...

I also used to make pickles year after year in the mayo jars friends, family, and myself saved through time. Still have some mayo jars but break a few every season so soon will not have any left. When pickle buy jars when need more adding expense - free was a good price.

Have not been eating as much Hellman's / Best Foods mayonnaise since they went to the new smaller plastic jars. Now go out of my way to find other alternatives than Unilever mayo in my diet. Some better tasting and better for you are:

Option 1: I eat better more fancy mustard on sandwiches burgers, and sausages like brauts without mayo and not missing it. Beaverton Foods extra hot Dijon is something re-discovered here and my favorite right now - and happens to be made only a few miles from my home. There are many specialty mustard types fun to break the routine with. I really enjoy a mustard with whole seads and no horseradish - there used to be a common one in about a 20oz white crock with the cork top sealed in red wax can not find anymore. Have been trying others and the new to me Grey Poupon with seeds isn't bad in a pinch (PBS's Create Channel America's Test Kitchen gave it a good review is why I tried it). Good whole seed reasonably priced mustard without horseradish suggestions are welcome as kinda looking for a favorite now not eating so much mayo.

Option 2: Love to cut my lunch meat, lettuce, cheese, with pickle sandwiches in quarters made without mayo or mustard. Then I dip in a small bowl with home made Italian and a good intensely fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil then enjoy to dip then bite before gets soggy or drips too much. The fat added is less and of a better closer to natural kind. And I like the taste better than a sandwich with mayo most times. Like a touch of balsamic in addition to the normal white distilled vinegar I usually use. Also sometimes thicken into a vinegarette thicker sauce by wisking in dribbles of oil until thick with a bit of an emulsifier like mustard (uses more oil than like to get thick so don't do this much but an option). Please note many olive oils get yucky hard in the fridge (can be raised in temp and go back to normal but takes time) so I pre-make my italian without EVOO and mix at the table.

Options 3: Now enjoy fresh squeezed lemon juice thickened with beans / ground very fine nuts blended thinned with water into a thick paste then flavored to make a spread for my sandwiches. Can share recipe ideas of anyone wants it. This is surprisingly good and adds protein instead of fat. I eat this as salad dressing, on top of beans / rice / chili, as a spread on things like sandwiches, and also as a dip for chips / veggies. Very versatile.

Option 4: Making more of my own home made mayo. Playing around with using better for me or better tasting oils depending on what am eating. When crave it just make a little batch. Enjoy this and find do it when crave. While don't do it for everything only when crave or to break the routine and to replace store bought mayo in home use when eating something right then or not heating. Remember store bought mayo is paseurized and home made is not so they need to be cooked with differently.

Option 5: When do use store bought mayo mix it in with other things to use less such as sour cream or cream cheese. For example mayo is good about half and half with sour cream then flavored with onion, or a fresh herbs, sometimes a little dill. And flavored sour cream with chives / dill with a few drops of liquid smoke can be a spread or dip without mayo. Also like to mix in whipped cream cheese into these concoctions. Also eat flavored or not flavored whipped spreadable cream cheese instead of mayo on sandwiches, burgers, and sausages and find it enjoyable. Sometimes yogurt or Greek yogurt (a newly found favorite) is also in the mix or alone in the sauce (to make a unique to me dip, topping, dressing, or spread). Have been mixing it up looking for new favorites now not eating mayo alone all the time.

Option 6: For burgers, dogs, and sausage. Finely chop skinned cucumber without seeds (too watery for this especially if keep in the fridge to eat left over), add chopped chives/ green onion / or mild onion (we like the red ones), add finely chopped pickle (we make home made ones). In a ratio with about cucumber 2-3 parts, onion one part, pickle one part. In a bowl put stir in one spoon of mayo into veggies. Instead of mayo sometimes use nothing, a few drops of pickle juice, a dash of Italian salad dressing, greek yogurt, or plain yogurt (whatever you use don't use much). Also awesome as a side dish and I often top with a bit of catsup and mustard when on the side probably because always eat it on burgers / dogs / brauts. This came from my mom's mom she would make ahead of time and take boating to eat on the BBQ food on the river sand eating out of a cooler.

Now that Unilever put the mayo I grew up loving in a smaller plastic jar I personally am making some changes. Do not miss over eating it often and feeling out of control. Still eat some, but only a small fraction as much as I used to. Any other mayo alternative ideas are welcome because do not want to ever go back to consuming as much Best Foods mayonnaise as once did.

[alliegator]

Ok, true story--I was moving from my apartment to a new place and needed to get rid of some unused mayo in the glass. Being very petite, I threw the thing up at the tall lip of the dumpster and it didn't make it. It shattered, covering me in mayo and splintered glass.
I caught the attention of a maintainence worker who brought out a hose and held it while I gently peeled off the layer of oil and glass shards.
Bottom line: IMO plastic is your friend :)

[smaki]

Sorry to hear you missed the throw...

As you can see above, often I like to toss Best Foods / Hellman's / Unilever mayo as far as I can (to keep me from eating it) and pick substitutes / substitutions / replacement / replacements / alternatives / or something else that tastes better. If anyone wants to split the sponsorship of a Best Foods / Hellman's / Unileaver mayo launching, throwing, or destruction contest, we can do it here in Oregon! Will make a great memory for anyone who wants to show up. Many of my friends / family are in situations where their land can have rockets while I can only have explosives here without large projectiles (will work as long as we stand back far enough to avoid flying gas / plastic covered in mayo).

Would you or anyone you know like to be part of the first annual mayo destruction contest? We can have it every summer starting in 2011 In honor of the plastic mayo containers now everywhere instead of glass. If we talk to the right people confident we can get some mayo plastic jars into orbit. The idea of a competition to spread mayo by explosion further than ever before is something that needs to be done.

Is the last weekend in August good for you as a time to get together for creative ideas about mayo destruction and creative spreading from plastic container? Bring your glass also for trade and will make sure you get some home made pickles.

[alliegator]

Practically shrieking with laughter!!! If I had a limitless bank account and the time on my hands I would show up for sure :)

[tracylee]

Hey, count me in! Not a long drive for me - as long as I include stops at Uwajimaya and Trader Joe's.

I need to start making more mayo from scratch anyway.

My boyfriend saves large glass jars from just about anything to store his pickled beets every year. Mostly, they're pickle jars from buying pickles in the refrigerated section at Fred's.

[Breadcrumbs]

Tetley Tea
HP Sauce
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
Heinz Ketchup
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
Fry’s Cocoa Powder
Hellman’s Mayonnaise
Frank’s Hot Sauce
Canada Dry Ginger Ale

[im_nomad]

Kraft tartar sauce. (I chalk this up to not liking sweet pickles or sweet dressings). I love to dip fries into it and put it on all kinds of non-fish sandwiches. Nothing else cuts it.

[FrancoD]

Starbucks coffee is one brand I stay loyal to.

Lately, I've been drinking their green tea a lot, but their 'Bold' coffee option is, by far, my favorite! I also agree with the above mentioned, from the original post! :) There's just some company's that do it the best. What can you do?

[alkapal]

i really like the "christmas blend" and wish they offered it year-round. i wonder if they do, but use a different name?

[Maggie Larkin]

heinz ketchup - as far as i know there is no other
hellmans mayo
silk light vanilla soy milk
chobani - greek yog
lay's baked chips
classico - tom sauce
ocean spray - craisins
jello brand is the only type of pudding ill get either

[woodleyparkhound]

DeCecco pasta is my main brand loyalty. I also stick with Barilla marinara sauce for pasta.

[plantainchips]

Not sure if it would be considered a brand, but there are certain things I buy only at Trader Joe's and will make a special TJ's run if I'm out.

Gluten-free pancakes
Organic nonfat plain yogurt (in the big white tub with light blue - mild and creamy tasting)
Baked potato chips (salt and salt & vinegar flavors)
Irish breakfast tea - nice and strong
Plain kefir

Whereas if I go to the supermarket I usually look for what's on sale even if it's the generic.

[monica1020]

Hellmans Mayo
Heinz ketchup
Boarshead cold cuts
Tropicana OJ
Maxwell House Colombian (though some of the Colombian blends by other companies are good--just not as good as MH)

[texangurl]

Hellman's mayo
Pepperridge Farms bread, gold fish crackers
campbells soup
Amy's Frozen food
Dole Pineapple- Strawberry- Orange Juice
Kraft Mac n cheese (original, accidently picked up a 4 pk of thick and creamy last time)
CM olive oil
CM organic white rice
starkist tuna
zapps chips

[texangurl]

sorry forgot one- coke, not dr. pepper or pepsi.

[goodhealthgourmet]

CM olive oil
CM organic white rice
~~~~~~~~~
what's CM?

[Mr Taster]

Creamy Mullet?

Crazy Membrane?

Classic Munch?

Circuitous Malaprops?

Candy Monkey?

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/55519

Mr Taster

[alkapal]

i have to say that the boar's head deli meats that i've had -- the smoked turkey and the roast beef -- have been truly outstanding. the smoked turkey tasted nothing like the processed smoked turkey that i've had from delis in the past, and like ...well...real smoked turkey. the roast beef was nicely seasoned and medium rare. perfect

[buttertart]

I like their roasted chicken breast a lot too (the non-flavored one). Nice and moist and really chickeny, perfect for toasted chicken sandwiches with avocado, yum.

[alkapal]

good tip. i've been craving a chicken BLT.

and with avocado, it could be a CBLAT.

geesh, that sounds like some medical test.

[buttertart]

Hope your CBLAT results are good!

[ChristinaMason]

-Bonne Maman jams and preserves---especially the strawberry. These taste like real, fresh fruit and don't have a bunch of additives. Sarabeth's are also excellent for the same reason (they don't even contain added pectin! Just fruit and sugar. They are pricey though): http://www.sarabeth.com/Preserves/pro...

-Skippy Natural PB (I switch between extra chunky and smooth). I also like store brand, though, as long as it doesn't contain HFCS.

-Barilla pasta, mostly because it's the best I can find for the price

-Vernor's ginger ale

-Vintage wild cherry seltzer water

-Smart Balance original margarine

-Polly-o string cheese (I buy the others on sale, but they are never as good

)

-Martin's potato rolls (the competitor's are not as soft or "potato-y"

-Cheerios. But I'd be happy to find a generic/organic that had the "right" texture.

-Lea & Perrins Worecestershire

-Kikkoman soy sauce/tamari

-Claussen or Boar's Head dill pickles (can't stand cooked pickles)

-Ghirardelli chocolate chips (bittersweet) and ground cocoa

That's all I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure there are more.

[alkapal]

claussen & boar's head- yeah! every now and then i'll go for vlasic, but usually regret it. for smaller pickles, i like mt. olive -- good to eat, nice variety for relish trays (;-) and often on sale! the ba-tempte brand is pretty good, too.

agree 100% on martin's potato rolls. the "other" brand just can't match up. good for pulled pork bbq in the "dinner roll" size.

i made a mistake once and bought another worcestershire, but it was not up to snuff & was way too salty. i think it was "french's." BAH!

agree 100% on the bonne maman preserves & jams - like homemade (or pretty darn close). pricey, but worth it.

[alkapal]

i meant to mention the king's hawaiian dinner roils -- even better than martin's for little bbq sliders. or ham and cheese...

[saltwater]

I am only brand loyal to a certain point on most things. If it gets too expensive, I will switch. If a special offer appears, I might try that. Also, some of my loyalties are really based on having tried a certain number of store brands or other brands and always liking them less, but I would switch if a foodie friend presented me with a better tasting product.

Barillia
Kimlan (soysauce)
Kellogg's Rice Crispies
Heinz
Columela Extra Virgin olive oil (I've never had a flavorless or rancid bottle from them)
Chaokoh (coconut milk that has a real creamy layer)
Smuckers raspberry jam (store brand not as good)
Hellman's (not as good as before, but nothing better has come along)
Our local store brand of frozen green peas

[buttertart]

Kimlan, yes, 100%. And Evergreen sesame oil if I can find it.

[saltwater]

I've never noticed the Evergreen brand locally, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't find it if I started looking. How does it differ from Kadoya?

[buttertart]

It's imported from Taiwan and it's a lighter color but has a gorgeous smell and taste. One whiff transported me back to my kitchen in Taipei. Also cheaper than Kadoya if I recall correctly.

[saltwater]

Sounds good! I might like something slightly lighter. I'll look for it next time, but that will be awhile, since I have a fair amount of Kadoya sitting around.

[LearnedHand]

Zapp's chips.
Kraft Mac and Cheese ("blue box")
CC's New Orleans blend for drip or cold-drip coffee
Cafe Bustelo for espresso
Tabasco for hot sauce
Camellia red beans for red beans and rice (Mahatma rice)
Heinz ketchup
Bird's Eye frozen veggies
Local beers (Abita, Heinerbrau, Lazy Magnolia)
Zatarain's mixes for rice dishes and boil seasonings
...and Coke, not Pepsi.

[Shann]

Hunts and Heinz ketchup (I know, I like both)
Hellman's Mayo (will occasionally buy Miracle Whip if I want salad dressing but Hellman's is the only mayo).

Most other things I will try something different because (1) price (2) want to try something different to see if its better (3) just don't care.

[buttertart]

Do you use the ketchups for different things?

[kmacd]

Used to be Liberte but no more - Liberte pro-biotic no fat yogurt - opened the yogurt to find it moldy before expiry date 5 times in the last 8 months. When it's good it's good but this is too much. I'm done with Liberte. Finally complained to the Canadian food Inspection Agency when it happened again today.

[Weheartfood]

That's sooo unfortunate. When I have a real food budget I buy because they have 8-10% mf yogurt. Astro has plain 6% but after eating liberte it pales in comparison but for the cost value. Their fruited yogurt only comes as high as 2% mf, weak :(

[meatnveg]

Nutella
Coke Zero
Ferrero Rocher
Maille Hot Mustard.
Grace's Hot Sauce, Tabasco in a pinch.
PC Ice Cream - Cherries & Chocolate flavour only

[montrealeater]

In no particular order:

PC paprika and tomato popcorn
PC piri piri sauce
La Costena refried beans
Diet Coke
Kraft Dinner
St Albray cheese (GOT to have this at all times)
Kelloggs Raisin Bran
Lavazza coffee
Frog Hollow Farm peaches
Lays and Humpty Dumpty potato chips
Heinz ketchup

[chooguru84]

I grew up in brand loyal household (I've been sent back to the store to return butter that wasn't Challenge brand or sugar that wasn't C&H), so I've got it bad as an adult. I have to have French's yellow, deli, and honey mustard in my fridge at all times. I buy other kinds as well, but those are mainstays. Hunt's was always my ketchup of choice. Heinz is good, but a little too thick for my tastes, and Heinz yellow mustard is horrendous IMHO. I only buy Dunkin Donuts coffee, and in DD territory, I will forsake Starbucks and any other fancier, trendier chain. Whenever I get bottled water, it has to be Poland Spring or Aquafina because even though I know it's psychological, they taste crisper and cleaner to me. I don't care for soda, but will only buy Diet Coke when I do have it.....oooh and Ore-Ida frozen potato products.

[OldGrayWolf]

Del Monte stewed tomatoes
Miracle Whip salad dressing
Coke vs. Pepsi (although I've recently boycotted them due to human rights issues)
Vernors ginger ale
Freshlike canned/tinned vegetables
Dannon yogurt vs. store brand
Mooville milk (non homogenized, 'cream line', organic local farm)
Blue Diamond nut/rice crackers
Hellman's mayo
Hershey's dark cocao powder
Smithfield bacon
Smithfield babyback ribs

[sugarflowers]

Aquafina water

Perrier

Pellegrino

Heinz Ketchup

Best Foods mayo

Kettle Brand Chips

Honey Bunches of Oats cereal

Trader Joe's brand of Greek yogurts

Nutella

JIF

Ben and Jerry's ice cream when I feel like wasting money on a pint, lol

iet Coke - for those rare occasions I splurge on soda

Corona/Corona Light - the only beer I can drink without feeling instantly ill

Holy Guacamole when I can't make my own

Guittard chocolate chips for baking (okay, and snacking too!)

[piccola]

I'm not very loyal. I buy based on taste, nutritional info and price. There are brands that I prefer, but if I find something that looks better (or costs less for a similar product), I'll switch. That means I end up buying lots of store brands -- and a lot of President's Choice -- but again, it's more out of convenience than loyalty.

[Buckeye_Local]

Classic yellow Mustard has to be French's. Spaghetti sauce has to be Classico.

[inaplasticcup]

Huy Fong sriracha, Best Foods (Hellman's) mayo, Tabasco for red pepper-vinegar hotsauce, Tapatio for the red pepper/cumin type hotsauce... Think that covers it.

[pgoodwin1]

Mr Mustard Hot
Jack Daniels Horseradish mustard
Neuman's Own spaghetti sauce
Queen City Sausage. meets and brats
Taster's Choice
Popsicle brand natural juice Popsicles (with sugar)
Edy's and Breyer's chocolate ice cream
Haagen Daz chocolate peanut butter ice cream
Jif creamy
Dunkin' Donuts (cake donuts)
Krispee Kreme (glazed)
Kroger large curd cottage cheese
Smucker's strawberry preserves

[Tripeler]

Ma Rainey's Moleskin Cookies
Loosener's Castor Oil Flakes

[crowmuncher]

I am not loyal to any brand. I read the ingredients and then decide.

[The Professor]

Lately, same here.
In fact, I've abandoned some formerly favorite brands after reading the ingredients and noting how things changed.

Also beware when ANY brand states "new and improved" or "now better tasting" on the label. It usually seems to mean they've found a way to produce it more cheaply, shrink the size a little, and raise the price a bit.

[crowmuncher]

Thanks. I know that what you are saying is true from my own experience with that.

[lyri]

Barilla Pasta
Simply Orange or Tropicana
Frontera/Salpica Salsas
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Coca Cola
Ben & Jerrys

[alitria]

Mae Ploy Curry Pastes and Sweet Chili Sauce

Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Hebrew National Hot Dogs

The only light cheese I like is Laughing Cow. Not gourmet, but tasty and low cal when I'm craving something with that creamy texture and really watching calories.

I have to use protein powder and after trying every one on the market, I like exactly one of them. The Champion New Whey is the only kind that doesn't make me want to gag.

When I buy lunchmeat, I try to remember to get the Columbus brand at Costco. Tastes much more like actual sliced meat than any other I've tried.

For diet cola, which I occasionally enjoy, I love Coke Zero. Nothing else tastes as close to "real" soda to me. I usually do tea or water, but when I want a soda, this is my go-to choice.

[exvaxman]

Only one for me - Silver Spring Horseradish.
Usinger's when I have the option.

Wife - Heinz Ketchup. No substitutes.

Kid - Kraft mac & cheese. We did many home made versions but he refuses to switch.
Also - (try not to gag) he LOVES the ore-ida lasagna. As a growing pre (and now teen), he can go through a family size as soon as he gets home from school. And then want dinner.

I have made homemade, even to having him help me make the noodles and sauce, but to no avail. Just toss him teh cheap stuff for lasagna and he is happy. Other thing he is into now is the (gag) Walmart branded pepperoni chicken frozen dinner. I have accused my wife of cheating on me to have him. .

[alkapal]

ore-ida lasagna?

[bitchincook]

PG Tips tea
B&M Baked Beans
Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice, original recipe
unsweetened mayonnaise, such as WF's 365 brand or TJ's
Rold Gold pretzels
Hatch's enchilada sauce
Pace piquante sauce
Gardenburgers
Arrowhead water
Thomas' English muffins
Gravy Master
TJ's Greek feta in brine
NatureSweet grape tomatoes (the ones that come in a dome)
Q tonic water