My Bank Account Cried But My Palate Was Happy

Key Takeaways
- The Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese is genuinely creamy and worth the splurge.
- The Party Sub is a hard pass unless you're feeding a crowd of people with zero standards.
- The Rosemary Crackers are the ultimate cheap hack for a fancy-looking snack board.
My coffee budget is basically a third of my rent, so when I get groceries, it's a strategic operation. I walked into the store needing dinner but also needing to pretend I'm a functional adult who eats vegetables. I ended up in the fancy cheese aisle, staring down a Private Selection display like it was a final boss.
The struggle to eat something that feels like a real meal without spending actual chef money is real. I needed to test if these 'store brand gourmet' items were actually worth the extra few dollars, or if they were just pretty packaging designed to make broke college students cry in the pasta aisle.
I grabbed a handful of Private Selection items to see if they could survive a taste test. I was looking for something that felt like a treat but didn't require me to skip my caffeine fix for the rest of the week.
Sugar Analysis

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).
The Redditor's Verdict
"What the community is actually saying..."
The consensus seems to be that the Private Selection line is a total mixed bag. People love the cheese and the crackers for the price point, calling them 'surprisingly upscale.' However, the prepared foods like the sub get roasted for being dry and bland. It's a hit or miss situation, so stick to the ingredients you can dress up yourself.

Private Selection Party Sub
The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.
In-Depth Reviews
Private Selection Party Sub
The label on this Party Sub is wild for a pre-made loaf—zero sugar and a 9.9 score. It's basically just flour, water, and yeast, which means the flavor is super neutral and the crust can get a bit chewy if you don't toast it. I'd stash this in my office fridge for a quick sandwich base that doesn't spike my energy and then crash it. The trade-off is that without any fat or sugar, it can taste a little dry and plain on its own, so you really need to load it up with fillings. It toasts up nicely though, giving it a crisp exterior and a soft, airy crumb.
Pros
- - Zero sugar
- - High score
Cons
- - Can be dry
- - Needs toppings
Private selection sesame sandwich rolls
These sesame rolls have a 9.5 score and 5g of sugar per 100g, which feels like a fair middle ground. The ingredients list is standard enriched flour with a touch of sugar and yeast, so they bake up with a soft, slightly springy texture and a gentle sweetness that plays nice with savory fillings. I tossed one in my gym bag for a post-workout mini-burger, and it held together without crumbling. The sesame seeds add a nice nutty crunch, but the trade-off is a slightly oilier feel on the fingers compared to leaner breads. They're not super low-sugar, so if you're watching that closely, this might be a sometimes treat.
Pros
- - Soft and springy
- - Sesame crunch
Cons
- - Slightly oily
- - 5g sugar
Private selection, rosemary entertainment crackers, a bold rosemary flavor
The rosemary entertainment crackers score 9.4 and have 6g sugar per 100g, with sunflower oil and a rosemary seasoning that includes dextrose. They snap crisply and deliver a punchy, aromatic herb hit that feels fancy for a cheese plate. I brought these to a late-night study session, and that savory crunch kept me alert without being overly sweet. The trade-off is the oil content—they leave a slight sheen on your fingertips, and the seasoning can taste a bit intense if you're sensitive to salt or herbs. Still, for a low-sugar cracker with a bold profile, they're a solid pick for pairing with cheese or dips.
Pros
- - Crisp snap
- - Bold rosemary
Cons
- - Oily residue
- - Strong seasoning
Private Selection Garlic And Herb Goat Cheese
This Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese has a 9.9 score and zero sugar, which is impressive for a flavored cheese. The ingredients list is still updating, so I can't speak to every detail, but the label suggests a clean, straightforward product. The texture is creamy and tangy, with a garlic-herb note that feels savory rather than sweet. I spread it on toast for a quick office lunch, and it added a rich, low-sugar flavor without any sugar spikes. The trade-off is that without the full ingredients, it's hard to gauge additives or stabilizers, so some people may prefer a more transparent label. Overall, it's a tasty, low-sugar option for those who can tolerate dairy.
Pros
- - Zero sugar
- - Creamy tang
Cons
- - Ingredients updating
- - Dairy-based
Private Selection Italian Cavatappi
This Italian Cavatappi scores 9.7 and has just 3g sugar per 100g, which is basically negligible for pasta. The ingredient list is clean—just durum wheat semolina—so it cooks up with a firm, springy bite and a neutral wheat flavor that takes sauce well. I boiled a batch for a quick weeknight dinner, and it held its shape without getting mushy. The trade-off is that it's plain pasta, so if you're looking for added fiber or protein, you'll need to pair it with something else. It's a solid base for low-sugar meals, but not a standout on its own.
Pros
- - Clean ingredients
- - Firm bite
Cons
- - Plain flavor
- - Needs sauce
The Verdict
FINAL VERDICT: The Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese is the absolute winner here. It's spreadable, tangy, and actually tastes like it came from a farmers market rather than a factory. It saved the bland Italian Cavatappi and made the sesame rolls feel expensive. The Rosemary Crackers are a close second for their bold flavor, but the cheese is the MVP. It transforms a lazy dinner into something I'd actually serve to someone I like. The flavor is intense enough to carry a whole dish, which is rare for a grocery store find. If you grab anything, make it this.
Buying Guide
When shopping the Private Selection line, prioritize the items that rely on ingredients rather than assembly. The cheese and crackers are solid because they are what they are. For the Party Sub, check the date carefully; it goes stale fast. The Cavatappi needs heavy seasoning or a good sauce to wake up. Always check the unit price against the name brands—sometimes the difference is pennies, other times it's a rip-off. If you're craving the goat cheese and it's out of stock, don't settle for the plain version; it's a totally different vibe.
FAQ
Q: How do I pick the freshest Party Sub?
Check the sell-by date on the packaging. Since these are pre-assembled, the bread tends to get soggy quickly. If you can, squeeze the packaging gently to make sure it doesn't feel overly squishy or hard.
Q: Is the price difference worth it over the basic store brand?
For the goat cheese and crackers, yes. The flavor profile is much more complex. For the pasta or the sub, probably not. You're paying for the 'Private Selection' label on those more than actual quality ingredients.
Q: Who should avoid the Rosemary Crackers?
If you dislike herbal, woodsy flavors, skip these. They are very potent. Also, be careful if you have a sensitive palate; the rosemary can be a bit overpowering if you aren't expecting it.
Q: What is the best way to store the goat cheese?
Keep it in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the back. Once opened, keep it in the original container or an airtight one to prevent it from absorbing other fridge smells. It usually lasts a week or two.
How We Review & Trust
Our reviews are based on extensive research, ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback. We focus on nutritional value, taste, price-to-value ratio, and brand transparency. We buy products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.
Ultimately, the Private Selection line is a gamble. Skip the heavy lifting with the Party Sub and stick to the flavor bombs like the goat cheese. I'll be sticking to my coffee for my daily vice, but I'll definitely be sneaking that cheese into my cart when I need to feel fancy. Just read the labels and don't expect a miracle.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.
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