Shocking Gnocchi Ratings: Discover the Best and Worst Supermarket Options!

Gnocchi, a blessing in my household especially beloved by my kids, proved to be quite the revelation during my recent taste tests. Alarmingly, 80% of the gnocchi available were crafted from processed dried potato flakes and included emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), stabilizers (diphosphates), and preservatives (sodium metabisulphate). Furthermore, the packaging for these was predominantly non-recyclable—an unacceptable compromise for a product that can be made with simple, real ingredients and minimal preservatives. I’ve resolved to be more selective with my gnocchi purchases moving forward.

Typically served with a generous coating of sauce, I had never experienced gnocchi unadorned until now. Tasting them without any embellishments, along with carefully reading their ingredient labels, really exposed their true character. Traditionally, homemade gnocchi are boiled until they float—a matter of about a minute—but the commercial versions often recommend two to three minutes of cooking, leaving me skeptical of whether they were fully cooked.

Top Supermarket Gnocchi Picks

Best overall:

Dell’Ugo fresh potato gnocchi

★★★★☆

These moist, tube-shaped gnocchi offer a firm bite and a pure potato taste with a consistent doughy feel. Made from a straightforward blend of fresh potatoes, flour, salt, and sunflower oil, this heritage brand dating back to 1929 provides a quality choice. They rise to the top when perfectly cooked. Packaging is recyclable in-store.

Best bargain:

Rummo gnocchi di patate

★★★★☆

These small, slightly dry gnocchi contain 80% real potatoes along with durum wheat semolina. They include an acidity regulator (lactic acid) and a preservative (sorbic acid). Expect a familiar firm, squishy texture with a mildly sour taste. They rise when cooked. Packaging is not widely recycled.

Other Notable Mentions

Bertagni gnocchi di patate

★★★☆☆

These gnocchi are irregularly shaped with a dry outer texture and a satisfyingly chewy bite. Composed of 70% rehydrated potatoes and include preservatives and acidity regulators. They have a mild potato flavor. Some may float after a three-minute boil. Packaging is not recyclable.

De Cecco gnocchi di patate

★★★☆☆

This is the only shelf-stable product tested, boasting a shelf life of up to 12 months. The gnocchi are dry, misshapen ovals that are extremely firm and chewy. They offer a neutral taste and are made with 24% dehydrated potato flakes, acidity regulators, and preservatives. Partially float when cooked. Special recycling needed for packaging.

Co-op Italian Menu fresh gnocchi

★★★☆☆

These are plump, classically ribbed gnocchi that are the only ones with instructions to cook until floating, which takes about three minutes. They are softer but enjoyable and fluffy with a fairly neutral taste. Packaging not recyclable.

La Famiglia Rana traditional potato gnocchi

★★☆☆☆

Classic, oval-shaped gnocchi with a ribbed surface. Made using potato flakes, citric acid, and preservatives, it’s nice to see durum wheat semolina included. They have a fluffy texture, good bounce, and rise when cooked, but possess a slightly sour, acidic taste. Recycling information for packaging is unclear.

Waitrose gnocchi

★☆☆☆☆

These are round, oval gnocchi with a dry exterior. They are firm, even, and chewy with an unappealing, artificial taste. Made from dried potato, acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring. They do float after three minutes of cooking. Nonrecyclable packaging.

Morrisons Italian gnocchi

★☆☆☆☆

Classic ribbed and oval-shaped with a floury surface, crafted from dried potato and various additives including emulsifiers and preservatives. They offer a firm, even, and bouncy texture but the flavor is slightly off-putting and sour. They also float when cooked. Nonrecyclable packaging.

Sainsbury’s fresh gnocchi

★☆☆☆☆

Oval, ribbed gnocchi that are somewhat moist in the packet. Comprised of a low 20% potato content including dehydrated potatoes, plus various flours and preservative. They are plump and squishy with a neutral taste, but only some float. Packaging not recyclable.

Tesco gnocchi

★☆☆☆☆

Deeply ribbed, oval shapes resembling large witchetty grubs. Dry and firm, made from dried potato and skimmed milk. They have a soft, chewy texture with a flavor reminiscent of instant mashed potatoes. Did not float. In-store only recycling options for packaging.

For more, read the best supermarket spaghetti and the best frying pans for every kind of cook