It’s time for another grocery post!!! Here are a few favorite pantry staples this spring:
Theo Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are, according to Theo’s website, “bits of unrefined cacao beans that have been separated from their shell and roasted to perfection in our chocolate factory. Nibs are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of antioxidants.” Cacao nibs are also, according to me, delicious. I love sprinkling them on my oatmeal, greek yogurt, and banana ice cream! I think they’d be really good in pancakes or waffles, too. Thank you, Wegmans, for adding this product to your already-brimming shelves!
TJ’s Golden Roasted Flax Seeds
I like burnt food. Burnt popcorn especially. I know, it’s weird. But what I like most about these roasted flax seeds is the depth of flavor due to the roasting. They don’t taste burnt…but they almost do. Regular flax seeds I could totally live without. I mean, I like them for their health benefits, but flavor-wise, they’re entirely forgettable. But these! Oh these! These I add to everything. Such a good advancement in flax seed technology.
TJ’s Omega Snack Packs
Apparently all of my omega needs are being met by Trader Joe’s these days. While I usually don’t spring for preportioned snack packs because it just seems too much expense for too much laziness, these have been really handy to have around when life gets crazy and I need food to-go.
Ezekiel Muffins
These are long overdue as a feature but let me tell you, totally worth the wait. I wasn’t going to buy them because it takes a lot for me to purchase a grocery item that costs about $5. Especially when that item is English muffins. But what lured me in was the protein content – 8 grams in each muffin! So I added them to the cart. And I’ve never looked back. I am hooked on these things…so good for you, and SO GOOD! Oh my word, with peanut butter and banana slices…heaven.
Kashi Lemongrass Chicken
Kashi, your frozen meals make my life a better place. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love them. And this Lemongrass Coconut Chicken? It’s like a summer vacation! Love it!!!
Ben & Jerry’s Greek Frozen Yogurt
This picture was not taken this morning with all of the rest. Because I had to pull it from my Instagram archives. Because this item is no longer in my possession. Because I had no problem finishing the pint in under 48 hours. I think that’s all I need to say about that.
Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa
This stuff is the magic behind the chocolate greek yogurt and the chocolate banana ice cream. And if you want to eat brownie batter for breakfast (and really…who doesn’t?), just add a tablespoon to your oatmeal in the morning and mix it with some almond milk. You get all of the rich luxuriousness of dark chocolate for only 10 calories per tablespoon – no grams of sugar and one gram of protein! Miracles DO happen!
Nature Valley Protein Bars
Something unprecedented happened over the weekend. I swapped the week’s worth of LUNA bars I had already picked out for these Nature Valley Protein bars. Now…hear me out. Ingredient wise, LUNA bars are filled with real, organic ingredients and probably have a quality advantage over Nature Valley. But what swayed me was that, surprisingly, the Nature Valley bars only have 6 grams of sugar per bar along with the 10 grams of protein…and the ingredient list was much shorter…and the price was much cheaper! I still love me some LUNA; they put out so many great products and I support their mission. But for less sugar and less money and great flavor…I’ll be buying these for awhile!
Chobani
Speaking of sugar, I usually prefer to buy plain yogurt and add my own toppings because flavored yogurt just has SO MUCH sugar! However, Chobani has won me over. For quick and easy protein these yogurts can’t be beat, and they’re so good! Add something crunchy on top for texture and you’ve got a great snack on the go.
Celestial Seasonings Sweet Coconut Thai Chai and Fruit Tea Sampler
The Thai Chai, aside from being fun to say, is helping me weather these less-than-springy days we’ve had around here recently. The Fruit Tea Sampler gives me hope that someday, in the far and distant future, fresh fruit will be readily available and iced teas will be brewed with enthusiasm.
Food Should Taste Good Jalapeno Chips
I’m so glad Carolyn suggested this brilliant combination: jalapeno chips and guacamole were made for each other. Oh my word…SO good! These chips are great by themselves or with hummus, too, but they’re really best with a hearty side of guac.
Annie’s Fat Free Raspberry Balsamic Dressing
Fat free and low fat items aren’t my favorite. I feel like the real deal has so many more advantages than disadvantages, satiety being one of the main ones. However, if you’re looking to save a few calories but not lose any flavor (or sleep over fake food), this is one fat free dressing that can’t be beat. It’s made from real ingredients, won’t add any extra fat or many extra calories to your meal, but tastes amazing! Great pick for a healthy dressing or marinade.
And there you have it! These items have been frequent flyers on this season’s grocery list. How about you guys? What have you been buying lately?
