Guilty-pleasure foods are something even the world’s top chefs cannot resist. While professional kitchens offer direct access to premium ingredients, complex recipes and state-of-the-art appliances, many chefs still reach for the same shortcut ingredients and snacks that ordinary home cooks enjoy.
Eight chefs shared the snacks, condiments and cooking must-haves that bring them the most joy when they are away from the line and not preparing other people’s orders. Their picks range from salty crisps to premium tinned fish and convenient protein smoothies.
Salty Snacks and Umami Bombs
Executive Chef Michael Quigley of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa makes no apology for his love of Torres black truffle potato crisps. He first spotted them at his local grocery store several years ago and was instantly hooked. When the shop stopped stocking them, he turned to online ordering instead.
Quigley describes the crisps as super salty and completely addictive. While he says they are best enjoyed on their own, he often pairs them with homemade tuna salad. He acknowledges they are probably loaded with artificial truffle flavouring, but that does not deter him. A three-pack costs around £10 online.
Premium Store-Cupboard Essentials
For Mark Ladner, executive chef at Babbo in New York, Agostino Recca anchovy fillets in oil are a non-negotiable staple. He keeps these Sicilian anchovies on hand to anchor the menu, celebrating a coastal, southern character that gives his dishes a layered depth.
While proteins and produce must remain fresh, having high-quality brined fish available on demand helps Ladner stay calibrated rather than sourcing them every few weeks. He argues that making a dish compelling is not about overmanipulating it or using 20 different steps, but about prioritising high-quality ingredients that combine fresh market produce with reliable imported staples. A jar costs around £22 online.
Convenient Nutrition for Busy Schedules
Ryan Salter, co-founder and chief product officer of Breadless, a Detroit-based fast-casual spot reimagining carb-heavy sandwiches, relies on Designer Wellness protein smoothie pouches to get through demanding days. His schedule is unpredictable, spanning early prep, catering events, menu development and running restaurants.
There are plenty of days when he is feeding everyone else before he has a chance to feed himself. Ordering the pouches on a subscription plan means he always has a nutritious option within reach, whether heading into the kitchen or driving between events. The pouches can be tossed into a bag or stored in an office, and Salter notes they are gluten-free.
