Just out of curiosity, what are your go-to grocery store items that you just have to shop for? For us, it has to be ramen, potato chips, Greek yogurt, and… wait, the list is too long.
But have you ever wondered what A-lister chefs pick from grocery stores for their everyday prep, snacking, or for feeding their last-minute guests? Ever thought what the inside of their grocery bag would look like? Well, allow us to give you a peek!

Daniel Romero/Unsplash | Ever wondered what popular chefs shop for at grocery stores? You’ll be surprised at some of these items
What Do Popular Chefs Buy at Grocery Stores?
Even though they have to prepare numerous batches of a variety of gourmet dishes at their workstations, most Michelin star chefs prefer keeping it simple and wholesome when it comes to cooking for their near and dear ones. This is why some chefs prefer purchasing multipurpose ingredients that can be easily used in multiple simple dishes (or even when they have to grab a quick bite). Here’s a quick look at some of them.
Crispy onions
Who on earth doesn't like the crunchiness of those fried sweet tender onions? Most of us love them, right?! But do you know how tedious a task it is to make them from scratch? Phew! It takes a lot of time
Even the most experienced and talented chefs understand that, which is why they take the smarter route and buy them from the store. TBH, there’s nothing to complain about those store-bought crispy onions. They’re mildly salted, non-greasy, and to top it off, they’re cooked to perfection. It's a total win-win situation!

Simona Sergi/Unsplash | Though they’re a part of a lot of dishes, most chefs prefer store-bought crispy onions
Greek yogurt
Joe Gentempo, the executive chef at Parkwood's Atlanta, Georgia, quotes that Greek yogurt (unsweetened) is a blank canvas for both sweet and savory dishes. This ingredient in itself is so multipurpose that you can use it as sour cream for your savory dishes, as a substitute for mayonnaise (a healthier option), and also as a base for your chilled breakfast smoothie. And here's a little tip – just elevate your morning smoothie with a hint of honey and a handful of frozen dry fruits. We assure you it'll become your favorite breakfast option.
Frozen dried fruits
Frozen nuts are not just a great option for those midnight munchies, but they’re also an extremely versatile and tasty ingredient for garnishing.
A must in every pantry, you can add them into your smoothies, sprinkle them on a bowl of Greek yogurt, or add them to your pancakes, French toast, and waffles as a zesty garnish. The choice with them is literally endless.

Rachael Gorjestani/Unsplash | Frozen nuts are another thing that’s often store-bought by chefs for quick garnishes and crunch-additions
Wrapping Up
Now that you’ve seen them, won’t you agree that even though any chef won’t mind preparing their dishes from scratch, it’s just plain smart to pick them up from the store? Chefs believe when it comes to these specific items, their store-bought variants are as fresh as the homemade ones. Therefore, these ingredients get a thumbs-up from most of them. So, next time when you visit a grocery store, make sure you add these items to your list!