Pepperidge Farm

Pepperidge Farm Had been my favorite producer of baked goods for so many years that I can't remember when I first fell in love with the brand. They have always been consistent with great tasting products. I'm a penny pincer but I always splurge and pay higher prices for Pepperidge Farm products due to their superior taste & texture. However, I've just purchased my last loaf of bread from them. I loved their dark pumpernickel bread and couldn't wait to get home after purchasing a fresh loaf to tear into the package and grab a slice or two to eat right away before making a sandwich or bothering with butter. I stopped buying it a while back because every loaf had holes in them that seemed to get larger & larger over time. I continued to purchase their 100% whole wheat bread because that bread was always soft but solid with superior flavor to others. That has ended also. Their latest packaging states " New look but same recipe". That is definitely not true. Sure, the taste is the same but texture and bread height is not. This bread consistently has large holes in it now just like their pumpernickel bread. Photo of latest purchase is attached. By the way, I'm a retired Pastry Chef with a discerning palate.

This week I shall be embarking upon a series of reviews called "Hall of Famer." These were companies that were once great, then slid into mediocrity.

I mostly blame the corporate mindset of current MBA models taught in business schools across the US.

Anyway... Pepperidge Farm used to be a lovely little top tier producer of fine breads and gourmet soups. Cookies, as well.

They sold out their soup line to Campbells... big mistake.

Then they abandoned some of their more choice bread options such as their large family style loaf of white bread that would last a family of four for a week of lunches.

This company used to appeal to the carriage trade... now they are just another rung on the ladder of corporate mediocrity.

Such a shame PF... I used to love you.

Three stars.

PS TBH and fair... I still buy their cookies occasionally, as well as their cute little goldfish crackers and pretzels.

Okay... since my earlier review, I have softened and reconsidered my stance. For old time's sake... and based upon their cookies, crackers and some of their breads, I am bumping up PF to four stars, I guess.

* * * *

THEY STOPPED MAKING THE KEY LIKE CAKE (NOT THE PIE BUT THE CAKE)
ONLY PRODUCT I REGULARLY BOUGHT FROM THEM AND THEY DISCONTINUED MAKING IT
I WAS VERY UPSET RUNNING TO ALL OF THE PIGGLY WIGGLIES TO GET ONE BUT NOOOOOO
VERY ANGRY THEY STOPPED MAKING IT

Pepperidge Farm raisin bread is now so little, I was laughing at it as I was buttering it. Four bites per slice!