Welcome to this week’s Try Me Tuesday. As a reminder…each week I will grab a new set of products and test them out. I’ll put the Publix brand up against a national brand product and report back.
I know many times I struggle with what brand to choose. Often a sale or a coupon/sale combination make that an easier decision…but what about those times when you need an item and there is not a sale? Do you grab the house brand or pay more and get the national brand? More importantly, is there really a difference in taste?
This week we tried Publix French Fried Onions.
Publix French Fried Onions, 6 oz, $2.69
Serving Size – 1 1/2 tbsp
Calories – 45
Total Fat – 3.5g
Sodium – 25mg
Total Carb – 3g
Dietary Fiber – 0g
Sugars – 0g
Protein – 0g
Ingredients: Onions, Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sunflower And/Or Safflower And/Or Canola Oil, Salt.
French’s Crispy Fried Onions, 6 oz, $3.99
Serving Size – 2 tbsp
Calories – 45
Total Fat – 3.5g
Sodium – 60mg
Total Carb – 3g
Dietary Fiber – 0g
Sugars – 0g
Protein – 0g
Ingredients: Onions, Palm Oil, Wheat Flour, Salt And Dextrose
RESULTS
- Publix – 1
- French’s – 3
I happen to love these little fried gems…they are fantastic in a salad, casseroles and I make a tasty chicken recipe with them. BUT, they aren’t something that my guys typically eat. Based on their reaction, I won’t be serving them any time soon–tee hee.
Both Jeb and Jake took a bite and made a really bad face. I think Jeb said something like…”what is this…burnt chips?” I thought since they are so fond of sour cream and onion chips that they would like them. I was WRONG! When I made everyone pick a favorite, the French’s was the winner.
Looking at the nutrition info, you can see there are a couple of significant differences. First, the calories and fat…while they are the same, you get more French’s for those 45 calories/3.5 g fat. But, there is double the amount of sodium in the French’s version. I am guessing that’s probably why I chose it as my favorite. I tend to like salty things.
There is a pretty significant price difference as well. But, as you can see, I took advantage of the current sale and got the name brand at a big discount.
I think if you were using the fried onions in a recipe, you’d have a hard time finding a difference. I have always gone with the French’s so I’d probably wait for a sale/coupon combo and go with them. If you need to watch your sodium intake, then the Publix might be a better option for you?
If you do a taste test…let us know which your family preferred!
