‘Restaurant quality’: $8 Coles item freezer aisle shoppers mad for

Food lovers are going crazy over an $8 freezer item that was introduced at one of the country’s biggest supermarkets this week.

Food lovers are going crazy over an $8 freezer item that was introduced at one of the country’s biggest supermarkets this week.

Coles introduced Italian Potato Gnocchi with Cacio e Pepe to the freezer aisle as part of its Coles Finest range last week, with the item retailing for $8.

Shoppers — including food content creator @nectoriouspapi — were quick to spot it on the shelves and praise the dish.

“Guys, head to Coles because this is a must-try. It’s made in Italy and it tastes absolutely delicious,” he said.

Fellow food blogger Ange Eats, who also spotted it in stores, said it was delicious and that there was a similar version for mushroom risotto.

Mary Kalifatidis, who appeared on Big Brother, said she loved the Italian Gnocchi with Cacio e Pepe, calling it “soft and pillowy”.

“For a meal you don’t have to make from scratch, that is restaurant quality,” she said.

Another food content creator, Sarah Brown, said it was a “melt in your mouth” dish and that it was “chef’s kiss”.

Other social media users were in agreement, with one saying; “Love the Coles Finest line! They have so many good things.”

But some did have their concerns.

Coles introduces Coles Finest Potato Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe. Picture: Instagram/@nectoriouspapi

One asked: “Were the portions really small? Calories look too good to be true per serve!”

“Ooooo, looks delicious. But is it Nonna approved,” one said, asking the big question.

One added: “Go to Italy and get their thoughts on this.”

The gnocchi in a bag was introduced into stores last week, with the Cacio e Pepe flavour proving to be popular. This flavour will be available in all stores by the end of the week while the Sorrentina version will be available at select stores.

“An authentic home-cooked Italian meal has never been easier with the recent addition to the Coles Finest range of Italian Gnocchi with Cacio e Pepe sauce and Gnocchi with Sorrentina Sauce,” a Coles spokesperson told news.com.au.

“These new light and fluffy Gnocchi products will give customers a taste of Italy in just seven minutes in a pan!

“Proving popular in just their first week, we aren’t surprised that customers are loving this addition to our quality range of convenient and delicious meals available at Coles.”

Many fans raved about the dish. Picture: Instagram/@nectoriouspapi

It comes after Coles announced that from July 31 it would be cutting the cost of one kilogram cheese blocks for 12 weeks in a bid to help cut down grocery bills during the cost of living crisis.

Coles will reduce the price of the popular household staple by $4.40 from $13.90 to $9.50. This price drop will be fully funded by Coles to ensure dairy farmers are not out of pocket.

The move comes as more than 40 per cent of Coles customers revealed they preferred to buy a block cheese over sliced or shredded cheese, in a survey conducted by the supermarket.

All types of the cheese including colby, tasty cheddar and Australian light tasty cheddar will be reduced as part of Coles’ “down down” price reductions.

Coles chief commercial officer Anna Croft said Coles is “committed” to ensuring customers save on their weekly grocery budget at the checkout.