Homemade is usually best. Full stop. BUT, when you’re short on time, it’s always great to know which store-bought options you can count on. Our team has taste-tested store-bought pimento cheese and spicy pimento cheese offerings in the past, and today, we’re talking spinach dip.
After flitting around Nashville to snag whatever we could find on the shelves at nearby grocery chains — Kroger, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Walmart – we ended up with six dips for our blind tasting. These were the results!
THE WINNER: Chef Flavas Spinach Artichoke Dip Supreme
Imagine our delight when the winner of this taste test turned out to be a product from a small, locally owned business in Memphis, Tennessee! This was the only option available in the refrigerated section at Walmart on the day of our visit, and although we tasted all of our dips cold, it’s recommended that this one be heated before serving — and it still took the top spot.
None of us were familiar with this brand prior to the tasting, but we learned that Chef Flavas — owned by husband-wife chefs Regina and Chris Moore — earned a spot on Walmart shelves following an all-call competition back in 2022. We’re now keeping an eye out for their other flavors!
SECOND PLACE: Publix Deli Spinach Dip
Water chestnuts? In spinach dip? Because this was a blind taste test, none of the tasters got a heads-up that this dip contains water chestnuts, which might explain why it was difficult for them to say what they liked about it. Some commented that it has just the right amount of spinach, while another who tasted it said it’s “exactly what you’d expect from a bite of spinach dip.” All that said, this is a tasty and reliable option that goes well with chips, crackers, and raw vegetables.
THIRD PLACE: Aldi
As more Aldi locations have popped up around the South, it’s grown on us as an inexpensive destination for throwing together a snack spread in a hurry. We typically head straight for the cheese, crackers, and jarred goodies, but we won’t be skipping the refrigerated dips again. Landing in third place, this spinach dip is bright, flavorful, and has the most prominent presence of carrot! It would pair best with raw veggies.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Trader Joe’s Sour Cream Spinach Dip
The rankings for this Trader Joe’s option were all over the place — some loved it; some really didn’t. If you’re at Trader Joe’s and looking for a variety of snack options, go for it! But if you’re leaving the house specifically in search of spinach dip, we’d recommend hitting one of the options listed above instead.
Kroger Private Selection Creamy Spinach Dip
While this was not a favorite, one taster raved that it would be fabulous as a sandwich spread rather than a dip! Which got us thinking … it would probably make a great base for chicken salad or tuna salad, too.
Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
We decided to throw a “healthier” option into the mix to shake things up, and unfortunately, it didn’t take. Many of the tasters noted that this option was “too tangy” or “bitter” — likely due to the additions of Greek yogurt and kale. Though several of our team members really enjoyed this one, it was ranked in the bottom spot the most often. We certainly wouldn’t discourage you from trying it, but if you’re looking for a traditionally tasty spinach dip, this isn’t it.
I Dip, You Dip, We Dip
We embarked on this latest tasting in hopes of finding a couple of good go-to options for game days and impromptu gatherings. We succeeded in that, but we were also reminded what a fun, conversation-sparking activity it is. If you love themed gatherings with friends — book clubs, game nights, and watch parties — we can’t recommend tastings enough.
To test dips, just make sure there are plenty of accoutrements on deck, like chips, crackers, and raw veggies. And if you want it to be a blind test, transfer the dips to bowls, hide the packaging, and set up paper and pens for note-taking. Just be sure to note which dip is which before you toss the containers!
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