Chefs Say This Is the Best Store-Bought Sourdough Bread You Can Buy

Like many other people, I started baking sourdough during the pandemic and fell in love with the bread. It has an irresistibly tangy flavor, perfectly crisp crust, and chewy interior. If you know anything about this pursuit, though, you’re well aware that it’s a ton of work.

To whip up a loaf of homemade sourdough requires forethought to feed the starter, along with several days of preparation. You’ll need the strength to knead dough, plus about eight hours to let it rise. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of times when I don’t have the time to make a homemade loaf, but still want sourdough at home to pair with a quick soup or toast in the morning.

I thought I’d poll a few food professionals to see which brand they turn to when they want a delicious, high-quality sourdough loaf for their everyday bread needs. Interestingly, they all recommended the same brand.

The Food Experts

The Best Store-Bought Sourdough Bread

In the eyes of my experts, the best sourdough bread on the shelf is La Brea Bakery’s sourdough loaf.

”It has the perfect balance of chew and flavor, and the long fermentation makes it easier on your stomach than basic white bread,” says Castillo. Ramos agrees, adding, “La Brea’s sourdough is our go-to for everyday meals. The crust is just the right amount of crisp, and the inside stays soft and chewy. I love how it stands up to hearty toppings—plus, it’s available at pretty much every grocery store, which is a lifesaver during busy weeks.”

Lagsdin also loves that it’s available everywhere, and Hill chooses La Brea for its “texture and tang.” Plus, for the sourdough purists, this loaf is as close to homemade as it gets. It has only five ingredients: flour, water, salt, semolina, and a starter from 1989. This bread has the tangy taste, crisp crust, and satisfying chew I’ve come to expect from a well-made sourdough loaf.

You’ll find La Brea Bakery’s sourdough loaf at Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, Ralph’s, Fred Meyer, and more.

How To Eat Sourdough Bread Like a Professional

The chefs had plenty of ideas for using this bread at home. “La Brea Bakery’s sourdough is a great all-around sourdough for sandwiches and toasting. My secret—leave a stick of butter on the counter overnight so it’s easy to spread on top,” says Lagsdin.

“I love keeping it simple: a great toasted loaf, amazing olive oil, and a pinch of Maldon salt is hard to beat. I make toast for breakfast all the time—from avocado with everything seasoning to a Mexican-style version inspired by molletes with chorizo, salsa, and refried beans. And if the bread goes stale, it becomes croutons for the perfect panzanella,” Hill says.

Castillo uses this bread for what she calls “pizza toast.” “For pizza toast, rub some garlic on toasted sourdough, add sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings—chef’s kiss,” she says. Meanwhile, Ramos uses it as a base for pan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread), open-faced sandwiches loaded with roasted veggies or leftover carnitas, and even French toast.

The next time I need a store-bought sourdough loaf, I know exactly what to look for!