Best Croutons and Snack Foods in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Try, and How to Stretch Your Pound

Why croutons deserve more credit than they get

Croutons are the crunchy punctuation mark of a good salad, the surprise texture in a bowl of soup, and a sneaky little snack when the munchies hit. Think of them as tiny golden nuggets that can turn a simple meal into something interesting—like adding a spark of laughter to a quiet dinner party. They’re portable, long-lasting, and come in a range of flavors from garlic to herb to sourdough, which makes them a versatile cupboard staple.

From garnish to star ingredient

Most people treat croutons as a garnish, but they can steal the show. Use toasted cubes to add heft to a summer panzanella, blitz them into a crunchy topping for mac and cheese, or mix them with nuts and dried fruit for a party bowl. Croutons are the culinary equivalent of a Swiss Army knife—handy in almost any situation.

Where to buy croutons in the UK: supermarkets that stock the good stuff

If you’re hunting for croutons, the usual UK supermarkets are the first ports of call. Each retailer offers its own twist—own-brand bargains, premium gourmet options, and seasonal limited editions. Here’s a quick tour of where to look and what you’re likely to find.

Tesco

Tesco typically carries a broad selection, from budget-friendly own-brand packs to more upscale variants in the “Finest” range. Look in the salad dressing and accompaniments aisle; Tesco often runs multi-buy deals, so you can stock up without breaking the bank. Need crunchy garlic croutons? Tesco’s shelves usually have several options.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s mixes popular national brands with its own-label croutons, sometimes offering artisan-style sourdough cubes or lightly seasoned options. Their mid-range “Taste the Difference” line tends to be a good bet if you want something a little more refined for entertaining.

Asda

Asda is the place to shop when price matters most. Expect competitive pricing on larger bags and frequent in-store promotions. If you’re feeding a crowd or prefer to keep a pantry reserve, this is a smart stop—especially for simple, classic flavors.

Morrisons

Morrisons usually stocks a variety of textures and flavors, and their deli areas sometimes carry freshly made or locally sourced crouton options. They also often have seasonal varieties that pair well with autumn and winter soups.

Waitrose & Partners

For fans of premium ingredients, Waitrose offers artisan and specialty croutons, often made from good-quality loafs such as sourdough or ciabatta. If you want croutons that taste like they came from a boutique bakery, this is the place to look.

Aldi and Lidl

Don’t overlook the discounters. Aldi and Lidl rotate unusual and gourmet-style finds at wallet-friendly prices. The packaging might look simple, but the crunch and flavor can punch above its weight. These stores are great for trying new twists without committing too much cash.

Ocado and online grocers

For convenience and variety, online grocers like Ocado and other delivery marketplaces bring a wide range of options—own-brand, supermarket, and specialty producers—right to your door. Online shopping is ideal if you’re searching for a niche item like gluten-free or very specific flavor profiles that aren’t carried in every physical store.

Specialty and health food shops

Holland & Barrett, independent delis, and farmers’ markets sometimes stock gluten-free, low-salt, or artisan croutons. If you care about ingredients—ancient grains, no added sugar, or distinct artisan sourdough blends—these shops are worth a look.

Choosing croutons that match your taste and diet

Picking croutons shouldn’t feel like deciphering a code. A few simple considerations—texture, flavor, and dietary needs—will get you where you want to be. Do you want a bold garlic hit or a subtle herby crunch? Soft-centred? Rock-solid crisp? Read the label and sniff the bag if you can; your nose will tell you a lot.

Texture matters

Some croutons are light and airy like little puffs, while others are dense and wafer-like—great for soups that need serious crunch. If you prefer to toss them into a salad without sogging out, choose firmer, thicker cubes made from crusty bread such as sourdough.

Flavor profiles

Common flavors include garlic, herb, cheese, and plain. Garlic and cheese varieties are fantastic for soups and snacks, while plain or lightly seasoned cubes are excellent when you want the bread to carry the flavor rather than compete with it. If you like spicy food, keep an eye out for chili or peppercorn options.

Dietary needs: gluten-free and vegan options

Gluten-free croutons are widely available now, especially at health food shops and some major supermarkets. Vegan croutons are usually easy to find too—look for simple ingredient lists without butter or dairy-based flavorings. Labels and allergen statements are your friends here.

Creative ways to use croutons beyond salads

Croutons are more than a salad accessory—get creative and they’ll surprise you. Think of them as edible building blocks: toss, grind, crisp, or soak. They can change texture, add heft, or save the day when you need a quick crunchy component.

As a soup topper

Sprinkle croutons over creamy soups like tomato or pumpkin for contrast. A handful of garlicky croutons on a bowl of soup is like putting a chorus line in a ballad—suddenly it’s lively and memorable.

In snack mixes

Mix croutons with roasted nuts, seeds, and herbs for a savoury trail mix. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika, toss and bake for 5–10 minutes to refresh them, and you have a party snack that disappears fast.

As a breadcrumb substitute

Pulse croutons in a food processor to make quick, flavorful crumbs for coating chicken or topping casseroles. They’re a shortcut to crunchy perfection and can add a subtle seasoning without extra effort.

How to make croutons at home: easy and cheap

Making croutons at home is ridiculously simple and a satisfying way to use stale bread. It’s also a money-saver: a loaf that’s gone a bit dry can be transformed into several servings of snackable crunch. Here’s a basic approach that uses imperial measurements so you can follow along easily.

Basic homemade crouton recipe

Cut about 8 oz of day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy. That’s it—no fuss, just crunchy goodness.

Flavor variations

Want garlicky croutons? Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder before baking, or rub the finished cubes with a crushed garlic clove while they’re still warm. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated hard cheese over the cubes in the last 3 minutes of baking so it melts and crisps.

Budget tips: how to keep crouton costs low

If you love a crunchy topping but don’t want it to become an expensive habit, there are practical ways to save. Buy larger bags during promotions, use stale or day-old bread, or pick own-brand products which are often cheaper but just as tasty.

Bulk buys and multipacks

Supermarkets frequently sell multipacks or larger bags at a lower per-ounce price. If you use croutons regularly for soups, salads, or snacking, buying larger quantities can shave costs over time.

Make your own for pennies

Turning stale bread into croutons costs next to nothing—mainly your time. The recipe above uses simple pantry ingredients and only requires 12–15 minutes of oven time. Consider this a culinary version of recycling: tasty, thrifty, and satisfying.

Storage and keeping croutons crisp

To keep croutons crunchy, storage is key. Moisture is the enemy, so avoid leaving the bag open in a steamy kitchen. With the right care, croutons can stay fresh and crisp for several weeks.

Airtight containers and cool, dry places

Transfer opened packs to an airtight container or resealable bag and store in a cool, dry cupboard. If you have a humidity issue in your kitchen, a sealed jar with a paper towel underneath can help absorb excess moisture.

Freezing croutons

Yes, you can freeze croutons. Lay them flat in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They’ll keep for months; when you want them, bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crunch. Think of freezing as pausing their life story until you need the crunch again.

Online vs in-store: choosing the best shopping method

Both online and in-store buying have perks. If you want immediate gratification, in-store shopping lets you check packaging and pick up the freshest pack. Online shopping offers variety and the ability to filter for dietary needs—great when you’re searching for gluten-free or specialty flavors.

When to shop in person

Shop in person when texture matters: you can judge size, weight, and sometimes aroma. It’s also better for snagging in-store deals or quickly grabbing a favorite brand during a weekly shop.

When to shop online

Choose online for convenience and variety. Niche brands and specialty options often turn up on grocery delivery sites, and subscription features can save time for regular users. If you’re trying to find a specific dietary option, online filters make life easier.

Conclusion

Croutons are small but mighty. Whether you buy them from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, or a discount store like Aldi and Lidl—or make them at home from day-old bread—they offer texture, flavor, and flexibility. With a few smart shopping habits and simple storage tricks, you can keep your pantry stocked with crunchy options that elevate salads, soups, and snacks. So next time you’re in the supermarket aisle, don’t just pass by the little bags—think of them as an easy, affordable upgrade for almost any meal.