In Upstate New York,Wegmansis more than a grocery storeit’s a hallmark of regional identity.
The Rochester-based supermarket chain has attracted the kind ofloyal, enthusiastic fan baseusually associated with sports teams or celebrities.
When I first moved to New York State, I assumed all the hype around the store was overblown.
Photo: tarheel1776 / Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!
However, one visit convinced me that this chain was something special.
As this regional powerhousecontinues its expansionalong the East Coast, more and more shoppers are discovering the Wegmans magic.
Here are 25 of my personal favorite Wegmans items, from grab-and-go prepared meals to pantry staples.
Photo: Wegmans
Inari Parcels
Few grocery stores do sushi as well as Wegmans.
Finding a grocery store withinari parcelsin the sushi section is even rarer.
Look for inari parcels in the prepared foods section with the vegetarian sushi options.
Photo: Wegmans
In my experience, they’re often happy to make a few for you upon request.
Enjoy it lightly toasted with butter or olive oil.
Wegmans Fresh Living Basil
No dirt or green thumb required withthis hydroponically grown basil plant.
Photo: Wegmans
Each plant has enough basil leaves to make a nice sized batch of pesto right away.
It lasts much longer than the picked packaged leaves for about the same price.
Black Cherry Vanilla Sparkling Water
ForgetLaCroix.
Photo: Wegmans
The blend of sweet cherry and creamy vanilla flavor offers a welcome change from the usual citrusy sparkling beverages.
The private-label nuggets come in big solid tubs instead of bags like other brands.
This helps keep the pretzels from getting crushed in transit so you could enjoy each nutty nugget intact.
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Each tub runs about $8, a competitive price for a premium packaged snack.
“Danny’s Favorite” might be the most iconic.
The macarons come in chocolate, raspberry, black currant, vanilla, and lemon flavors year-round.
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The chickpeas come pre-seasoned with garam masala, onion, garlic, and tomato broth.
This meal starter costs $1.49 for a 12-ounce can and is packed with fiber and vegan protein.
Sold at $11.99 per pound, these olives aren’t cheap but the quality is worth the price.
Photo: Wegmans
The retailer’s cave-ripened wheels of cheese are sold by the wedge at Wegmans in-store cheese shop.
Fans of soft cheese rave about theBon Vivant, a brie-like cheese with a washed rind.
At Wegmans, I can get the same quality tofu for $2.19.
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The easy-to-cook filets grill up tender and flaky with a nutritional profile you’ll feel good about.
It also contains 80% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C all with zero calories or sugar.
TheGrandpa’s Saucefrom the chain’s Italian classics line takes jarred sauce to new heights.
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For vegetarians, Wegmans now makes a meatless version of the popular sauce, too.
Then I discovered thesetwo pound tubs of raw cashewsat Wegmans for $11.99.
Thedealcoholized roseis a convincing stand-in for the regular stuff with a rosy pink hue and a subtle fruity aroma.
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Reheat it on a stovetop or in the toaster oven with a little oil or butter for best taste.
Choose from cooked, raw or vegetarian packages, or grab one of each to feed a crowd.
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Photo: Chris Shott for Eat This, Not That!
