We’ve all been there. You need a caffeine jolt, but you’ve got a sleeping baby in the backseat. Or you’re in a rush and don’t have time for an all out stop at a coffee shop with the kids. Or maybe you just want your cappuccino quick and contactless. Fret not, because we’ve got your fix at these drive-thru coffee shops. Read on for where to get your motor runnin’.
Cuppa Cuppa Coffee
Grab a latte, cold brew, blended mocha, blended caramel and more delicious coffee drinks at this favorite coffee stop among locals. Add a bagel with spread and make it a meal. We like the Smokey Jo Latte, which is made with creme brulee syrup and smoked sea salt. The perfect blend of sweet and salty.
6606 Mission Gorge Rd. San Diego, CA 92120 619-852-4959 Online: cuppacuppacoffee.com
With several locations all over San Diego, you can pull into a nearby Better Buzz drive-thru no matter where your local travels take you. When we swing by the Miramar location, we get the Rose Water Latte prepared with espresso, rose water, and steamed milk topped with creamy foam and dried rose petals. They also serve plenty of other coffee drinks, smoothies and teas as well as sandwiches and an acai bowl.
Click here for multiple drive-thru locations including Miramar, Escondido, Pacific Beach, Point Loma and San Marcos.
Treat yourself to a handcrafted golden chai or a white mocha or a Vietnamese cold brew to really perk you up. Grab a portobello mushroom flatbread and some S3 coffee beans to go. They offer homemade almond milk, oat milk, soy and coconut milk alternatives too. Pictured here is their Blue Island latte. Also on the menu: a detox cider as well as seasonal drinks and drink specials to keep your rotation fresh and unique.
6225 Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego, CA 92120 619-693-5333 Online: s3coffeebar.com
Say aloha to this seriously 'bad ass' coffee: 100% Kona Coffee from the Kona region in Big Island, Hawaii. You'll be spoiled for choice between the Lava Java Mocha, Haole's Menehune and Onolicious Mocha and more creatively named drinks that are as delicious as they are fun to order. On particularly drowsy days, opt for the Jitter Juice which boasts a Lungo shot of their packed-with-flavor signature espresso and steamed milk paired with dark chocolate and Irish cream flavors. Bottoms-up!
9878 Carmel Mountain Rd.Ste C. San Diego, CA 92129 858-240-7077 Online: badasscoffee.com
Hit up this favorite Ocean Beach hot spot for gourmet coffee, a large selection of reasonably priced acai bowls, bagels and fresh pastries (they even have gluten-free pastries). People rave about their drip coffee, but they also sell a wide array of espresso drinks, teas, healthy smoothies and ice blended drinks. If you really need some pep in your step, order the hammerhead which pairs espresso and coffee.
4984 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107 Online: cafebellaob.com
The decadent donuts made from scratch every thirty minutes are the icing on the cake at this drive-thru coffee shop. Add The Cooper Top donut to your drink order. It's sure to please with its salted caramel espresso glaze, maple frosting and espresso grinds. The cute drink menu is divided into categories like: soccer moms, coffee snobs and health nut jobs, so you can order accordingly by opting for drinks like a copper rose latte, a red eye or a some kombucha. If the afternoons have got you in a slump, don't miss their $2.50 Happy Hour on all coffee drinks Mon.-Thurs. from 2-6 p.m. Swing by!
You'll surely be 'glad' you drove to Gladly Coffee for a premium espresso drink. They also serve blended cold brews, hand scooped shakes, smoothies and tea. Grab one of their classic breakfast sandwiches too, to start the day right. Tastebuds up for an adventure? Try the Dirty Harry latte which is made with real butter, brown sugar and sea salt.
Hawaiian coffee and acai bowls are a combo that will keep you going. We love the Coconut Waimea bowl for an added energy boost. But it's the SHAKA Thai Mocha latte that puts the wind in our sails. Order up the POG Hawaiian smoothie to please your pint-sized passengers.
6137 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92111 858-541-2444 Online: coffee-hawaii.com
Coffee Corner whips up classic espresso drinks like mochas, lattes and macchiatos, drip coffee, cold brew, chai tea lattes and matcha lattes, hot chocolate, as well as signature drinks with a twist served hot, iced or blended. The Genieva boasts Heath and English toffee, the California features white chocolate and caramel, and that's just the beginning. They have an array of caffeine-free blended frappes and real fruit smoothies for the little ones too. People rave about their acai bowls that you can customize by adding seasonal fruits and toppings like bee pollen and cacao nibs. Careful, you may get addicted to coffee runs to Coffee Corner.
If there’s ever a year we wanted a break from cooking and baking, it’s 2020! Make the star of the Thanksgiving meal as easy as pie with our top-rated allergy-friendly pumpkin pie guide, featuring 13 pies!
1. Raised Gluten Free Bakery
Product: Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Gluten
Does Contain: Soy, Corn
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding Coconut), Milk, Egg, Wheat, Sesame, Gluten Allergen Statement
2. Katz Gluten Free
Product: Personal Size Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Egg
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Wheat, Gluten Allergen Statement
3. Wholly Wholesome
Product: Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that uses dairy, eggs, tree nuts, and soy.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut Allergen Statement
4. Wholly Wholesome
Product: Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that uses dairy products and tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut Allergen Statement
NON-DEDICATED FACILITY
5.Sara Lee
Product: Oven Fresh Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated Allergen Statement
6. Marie Callender’s
Product: Frozen Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated Allergen Statement
7. Mrs. Smith’s
Product: Original Flaky Crust Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
8. Costco
Product: Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
9. Whole Foods Market
Product: Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Coconut, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
10. Great Value
Product: Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: May contain traces of coconut and pecans.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
11. Archer Farms
Product: Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: Processed in a facility that also handles soy and tree nut ingredients.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated Allergen Statement
12. Daiya
Product: Pumpkin Spice Cheezecake
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding Coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated Allergen Statement
13. Good and Tasty Bakes
Product: Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Tree Nut (Almond), Milk, Egg
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.
Looking for uncharted territory to explore and new outdoor family activities to enjoy with your kids while social distancing? You’ll find plenty of excitement and adventure in these secret spots and hidden gems. From messages written in the rocks to a backyard farm, and magical fairy homes to a ship that has never set sail, your family will delight in discovering these special places right here in San Diego that feel like they’re a world away.
Feed the animals, sip a homemade almond milk latte, buy local honey, soaps, jam and other organic goods and produce. This is more than just an organic produce stand. The family lives and works here and it feels like you’re just a neighbor popping by for a chat and a bag of oranges. The kids can play on the lowered climbing wall and slide, while adults can relax in their cute backyard lounge area and sip on fresh made lattes. Our favorite was talking to and feeding the animals; they have pigs, goats, chickens and bunnies.
IMPORTANT: Online reservations are REQUIRED in advance to allow for social distancing in this small space. No walk-ups will be allowed.
Cost: $10 per family for a 30 minute time to feed their animals. A lettuce bundle is included.
Capacity: Only 3 families will be allowed per time slot.
COVID Rules: Face masks are required to be worn at all times for adults and kids over 2 years old, unless you're sitting down eating or drinking. Social distancing is in effect here, please stay 6' apart from other households during your visit.
Current Hours: Weds. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
629 Mar Vista Dr., Vista 760-877-9054 Online: sandnstraw.com Instagram: @sandnstraw
Walk through these colorful painted rock pathways filled with messages of kindness and hope that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. What once was a littered vacant lot growing with weeds, has been magically transformed by the neighbor into this inspiring place. This is a city own lot that Dave took upon himself to clean up, fill with beautiful plants and create this work of art. He encourages people to leave their own painted rocks behind. Before you go here, paint your own rocks at home to leave them here so you can spread your own love for others to see. If you don’t have your own rocks or paint, you can email the caretaker and he’ll be happy to provide some for you.
What’s nearby: Walk 2 blocks up for some scoops at Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream (formerly Handels) or walk 2 blocks down to Moonlight Beach. Or both!
200 B St., Encinitas Email: davedeancommercial@gmail.com Instagram: @davesrockgarden
Chase the butterflies around in the largest butterfly vivarium on the West coast. This nonprofit helps the native butterflies and pollinators by studying the plants and pollination in their ecosystem. They have butterflies year round so you’ll likely see different ones every time you go. Stop by their nursery to pick up some milkweed and watch the monarchs flutter over to your own backyard.
Current Hours: daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $6/person, active duty military and ages 2 and under are free, $3/military family members
Whales and bunnies and bears, oh my! Finding over 40 different shapes trimmed in these topiary hedges will keep the kids busy and amazed for a while. This is a private residential garden so it’s more of a stop and look spot, but it’s one that’s worthy of a drive by to see.
Exploring the plant and animal kingdoms here could take you a while. With roosters, turkeys, turtles, goats, bunnies, birds, fish, chicks, ducks, some new donkeys and probably a few others, just finding the animals will be worth your stop. They have a kids playground area, but it’s currently closed. For some extra fun, try to find the special painted rock that’s hidden around the gardens. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some plants for your garden while you’re there. You might want to walk through the succulent section for some pick-me-ups, like “Lookin’ Sharp!” or “You had me at Aloe!”
Current Hours: Thurs.-Sat. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego (City Heights) 619-284-6358 Online: cityfarmersnursery.com Instagram: @cityfarmersnsy
Relax in these beautiful gardens as you wander around the meticulously maintained grounds. It’s meant as an educational resource for those looking to “green” their landscaping, but it’s been one of my kids’ favorite places to visit in all of San Diego. Kids love to run on the pathways, dig in the children’s garden, look for butterflies in the butterfly pavilion and play with the water ball fountain. If you start your tour towards the left after you enter, you’ll find the magical fairy gardens that surround Ms. Smartyplants’ (the children’s educator) office. You’ll find tortoises across from the gift shop and koi fish in the ponds near the entrance. There are lots of great picnic spots here at either the shaded outdoor amphitheater, the covered gazebo or underneath the trellised pergolas.
Current Hours: Tues.-Sun. from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $8/adults; $5/seniors 55+, students & military; $4/kids ages 3-17; Free for kids 2 & under
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon 619-660-0614 Online: thegarden.org Instagram: @thewaterconservationgarden
'Seas' the Day and keep the pirates away when you visit this grounded naval ship at Liberty Station. This is a scale model that has actually never set sail and was only used for training naval recruits. Kids love using their imaginations here to pretend like they’re sailing on the high seas. Bring a picnic lunch or grab some pizza from nearby Oggi’s when your little sailors get hungry. There’s lots of room to spread out on the fields nearby or alongside the waterway.
Parking: The side street that you’ll park on isn’t named, so enter on Laning Rd. and head towards Oggi’s to park next to the Homewood Suites by Hilton.
4461 N Harbor Dr., Liberty Station
Summers Past Farms
If a quiet day in the country is what you’re after, venture just outside of San Diego to this family-owned farm. Summers Past Farm is a scenic, peaceful getaway where kiddos can frolic in the beautiful gardens and interact with the resident cats, dogs, bunnies and chickens. You’ll also find a sweet pea maze and a gardening store. Parents will appreciate the small coffee bar too! Be sure to visit the gift shop to take home a special treasure.
It may be hot and humid, but many people are celebrating Christmas in July. Coffee mate just unveiled their highly anticipated seasonal offerings including a new, limited-edition holiday creamer. Coffee mate Toll House Cookies n’ Cocoa brings two of the most beloved holiday treats together – chocolate chip cookies and warm hot cocoa.
The seasonal lineup will also feature new offerings from natural bliss – dairy-based Mint Truffle and Caramel Toffee Almond Milk. Returning favorites Coffee mate and natural bliss Pumpkin Spice and Coffee mate Peppermint Mocha will be available again as well.
Coffee mate fans will find these flavors at their local grocery store starting September and throughout the holiday season.
Coffee mate Toll House Cookies ‘n Cocoa
With flavors reminiscent of Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies and a cup of hot cocoa, this festive creamer is sure to fill your holiday season with warm, enjoyable moments. (32 fl. oz., MSRP $3.99)
natural bliss Mint Truffle
Limited-edition natural bliss Mint Truffle creamer combines flavors of real milk chocolate and mint to bring a festive touch to your cup. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $3.29)
natural bliss Caramel Toffee Almond Milk
Made with real almond milk, this limited-edition plant-based creamer brings notes of caramelized sugar and buttery toffee to your cup. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $3.29)
Coffee mate Pumpkin Spice
This creamer is rich and smooth with spicy pumpkin notes, and also comes in a sugar-free version. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $2.69)
natural bliss Pumpkin Spice
Simple, all-natural ingredients like milk, cream and cane sugar are blended with natural pumpkin flavor to create this sweet and spiced delight. (32 fl. oz., MSRP $5.49)
Coffee mate Peppermint Mocha
Flavors of peppermint and rich, chocolatey mocha create a taste that’s the perfect addition to a cozy, winter morning. This flavor is also available in a sugar-free version. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $2.69)
If you can’t make it out to Starbucks, you can enjoy a taste of your favorite coffee drinks right in your kitchen. New Starbucks Non-Dairy Creamers are a unique blend of almond milk and oat milk. Use these creamers to recreate your favorite handcrafted beverages.
Caramel Macchiato and Hazelnut Latte Non-Dairy creamers join the original line of creamers featuring popular favors from Starbucks.
Caramel Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer inspired by Starbucks Caramel Macchiato, is crafted with sweet, buttery caramel and hints of vanilla flavor to pair perfectly with your morning cup of coffee.
Hazelnut Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer, inspired by Starbucks Hazelnut Latte, is crafted with flavors of rich hazelnuts to pair perfectly with a cup of your favorite coffee.
Starbucks Non-Dairy Creamers can be found in the refrigerated dairy aisle where groceries are sold nationwide beginning this August.
As parents, it’s our duty to teach our kids the importance of healthy nutrition and physical activity, but what good does it do if we don’t practice what we preach? If you are struggling to establish and stick with healthy habits yourself, have your kid’s health serve as motivation.
As primary role models, it will be more effective to serve as examples of good practices. The impact we have on our little ones, especially in their early years, can affect their lifelong decision-making. We are responsible for providing an environment that helps our children maintain a lifestyle that is beneficial to their health. The secret to successfully teaching your kids to develop healthy habits that will stay with them throughout their lives is to practice those habits together. Here are some tips to help you teach your kiddos the importance of proper nutrition and exercise.
1. Promote a Healthy Balanced Diet: Just like us, our kids need to consume foods and beverages that are packed with nutrients to fuel their bodies with energy. You don’t need to force healthy foods onto your children, but rather teach them the benefits of eating them. Explain to them that eating food full of vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates, will give their muscles energy to move and feel great while eating a heavily salted, greasy, or sugary meal will make them feel sluggish. Nutrient-rich foods and beverages filled with potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fiber are essential to their development. Foods to include in their daily diet are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein (seafood, lean meats, eggs, beans, peas), and low-fat dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, or non-dairy products such as almond milk.
You don’t need to deprive your kids of the things they love to eat, even if it’s unhealthy, but it is important to stress that moderation is key. Avoid getting fast food regularly and focus on feeding your kids home-cooked meals. When you are eating fruits and vegetables, make sure to express how good they taste and how great you feel after eating them.
Remember to praise your kids when they make healthy food choices by giving them a thumbs up or a high-five!
2. Involve Them in Meal Prepping: A great way to teach kids about the importance of a balanced diet is with food preparation. Use cooking time to teach your little ones about basic nutrition and the importance of vegetable and fruit consumption. Preparing meals with your kids that include lots of healthy nutritious options will increase the chance of them making healthier choices as they get older.
It is important to prioritize making this time a fun, positive experience; make them feel like they are an essential part of the meal-prepping process by giving them the title of “head chef,” for instance. Another idea is to have your kids help prepare healthy snacks that are fun to make—like “ants on a log” (celery, peanut butter and raisins). You can also have them use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun shapes or turn a fruit salad into a fun art project.
One thing you might want to consider is taking your kids grocery shopping. It can be helpful when explaining to them how to make better choices by going down the aisles, educating them on why certain foods are more nutritious than others.
3. Get Active Together: The best thing you can do to help your kids have an active lifestyle is to have one yourself. Making fitness a part of your life will naturally become a part of theirs. Having them involved in your physical activity is a great way to teach them about the importance of fitness. As a role model, if they see you being physically active and having fun, they would like to join in on the fun as well!
Participating in activities as a family is a great way to spend quality time together while getting some exercise. Focus on making exercising a fun activity—if kids are not enjoying themselves, they will avoid getting involved in the future so keep it lighthearted and positive. As a family, play sports, take short hikes, do a couple of treks around the block, walk the dog, play dance video games, etc. You can also make it more interactive by doing an outdoor scavenger hunt or a mini-marathon event with race numbers and a finish line. Having a set-up with props will make it more fun and enjoyable for the kids.
While it’s never too late to start making healthy changes in your family, the earlier your kids learn healthy behaviors, the better. As role models who are continually being observed by our kids, don’t miss the opportunity to implement habits that will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Geoff brings a passion for health and fitness and over a decade of exercise programming experience to Trainiac. He spends his free time training for Ultra Marathons and resides in a small mountain town in Washington with his wife and two young children.
If you want to avoid going inside the grocery stores right now, or you can’t get a scheduled grocery delivery date until next week, there are plenty of other ways to fill up your fridge, faster. Local restaurants, chocolate shops and even flower stands will stock you up with fresh produce, bread, butter, eggs, milk and more. Most of these locations even have your groceries available the same day when you place your order for either curbside pick-up or local delivery. Bonus: many of these locales are still operating restaurants, so treat your fam to lunch or dinner from their takeout menu to support small businesses while gathering your kitchen essentials. Read on for where to stock up!
Known for their cozy rustic vibe and dog-friendly patio, you can now pick up essentials from the Lazy Dog Pantry. They started out with their Home Essentials box for $40; which includes 3 lbs raw chicken, 15 eggs, 1 gal milk, 1 loaf bread, butter, rice, vegetables and even toilet paper. Now they offer Meal Kit Boxes too like a Pizza Night Kit for $35 with 2 balls of homemade pizza dough, marinara sauce, all the pizza toppings, caesar salad mix and brownies. There’s a Backyard BBQ Kit for $60; which includes 2 flat iron steaks, 8 hot dogs, coleslaw mix, and all the fixings. And a Brunch Kit for $45 with pancake mix, whipped cream, Nutella, fresh bananas, syrup, 15 eggs, 1 lb bacon, breakfast potatoes, coffee and fresh OJ. Their food menu is available as well as a bowl of chicken or beef dog food for your pooch. They have a large selection of beer and wine available.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up only *delivery is only available from their menu, not their market When: same day available
This craft-beer restaurant in Pacific Beach is the newest business to turn into a neighborhood grocer. They have the essentials like bacon, eggs, produce, grains, toilet paper and more.
How to order & pay: call or use delivery apps How to get it: pick up or use any of the delivery apps When: same day available
Yes pizza is in their name and it’s their specialty, but to help you enjoy their delicious food in your own kitchen you can shop from their new Pop-Up CPK Market. In addition to their regular pizza or take and bake pizzas, you can order meal kits to cook at home or essential pantry items. Their meal kits are a choice of pan roasted chicken, salmon or grilled ribeye for either 2 or 4 servings that come with salad, sides and dessert. Other options include a charcuterie board, fruit & veggie boxes, pizza kit, lettuce wrap kit, taco kit or individual staples like 1 gallon of milk, 1/2 galling of apple juice, a dozen eggs, sugar, flour, bread, pasta, sauce, and even a selection of thawed meats and frozen seafood. They have a large selection of beer and wine available.
How to order & pay: online or app How to get it: scheduled pick up or curbside *delivery is only available from their menu, not their market When: same day available
Known for their original grass-fed burgers and organic ingredients, Burger Lounge has started selling individual grocery items from their Essentials Corner Store that you can add on to your take out order. Items are sold individually a la carte and include essentials such as milk & almond milk, whole & liquid eggs, bread, buns, cheese blocks, yellowfin tuna steak, butter, tortillas, vegetables from their menu items, the only fruit options are oranges and apples. You can also buy bottles of their sauces and condiments as well as their delicious lavender mint lemonade or their hibiscus lemonade and even beer or wine.
How to order & pay: online or app How to get it: scheduled curbside *delivery is only available from their menu, not their grocery goods When: same day available
Various locations: Kensington, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Gaslamp Downtown, Coronado, Ja Jolla, Del Mar, Del Sur, Carlsbad
This hip coffee & home goods shop in Liberty Station has switched gears to provide grocery goods from their general store. Order online and pick them up the next day at the curb. Call when you arrive and they’ll bring it all out to your car. They have fresh fruits and vegetables, breads (gluten free options), milk and non-dairy milks, dry goods, beer, wine, personal care needs, home goods and that does include toilet paper. They have beer, wine and an Irish mule kit available.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled curbside When: next day available, call to see if same day is available
2860 Sims Rd. Liberty Station in Pt. Loma 619-255-8772
Pick up some decadent chocolate while you do some grocery shopping at this Chocolate Bar & Bistro in South Park turned makeshift grocer. They sell the essential fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, bread/bagels, dry goods, sugar, pasta, garlic, cheese and toilet paper. Some items they sell that most other pop-up grocers don’t is yeast (active dry and fresh), yogurt, raw meats like bacon, ground beef and steak, exotic cooking oils and even fresh made bloody Mary mix, lemonade mix and a concentrated vanilla bean cold brew. They have a large selection of bottled wines available.
How to order & pay: online or walk in How to get it: scheduled pick up When: usually same or next day available
This artisan scratch bakery & cafe features sustainable, organic foods and treats. Now they're featuring essential grocery and pantry items too. You can order fruits, vegetables, eggs, butter, coffee, milk/non-dairy, cheese, flour, sugars and pasta. They have few other items that are hard to find elsewhere like yeast and a good selection of meats like nitrate free ham, roasted turkey, bacon and salami. Limited beer and wine are available.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: scheduled curbside pick up or delivery When: same day available
This sweet owner recently bought this flower stand a couple months ago after leaving her banking job. She quickly changed gears to keep her business running and offer what people need access to right now: fresh food. She offers a good variety of fruits and vegetables and even sells eggs. There are a few parking spots you can park in and walk over to choose your items or you can drive-thru and roll your window down where she’ll take your order. She’ll go collect your items and put them in the back of your car for you. Your grocery shopping experience doesn’t get much easier or nicer than her. Oh, and pick up a beautiful bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home while you’re there.
How to order & pay: in person walk-up or drive-up How to get it: in person When: same day available
2555 Morena Blvd. (at Ingulf St.) Bay Park 619-277-2940
An Irish family pub atmosphere in Bay Park is offering large family meals to go as well as essential grocery items like bread, milk, eggs, produce and meats. Grocery items are only available Thursday - Monday.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: in person When: Thursday - Monday
This downtown Russian restaurant is now offering through ASAP Produce same day grocery delivery to San Diego County and surrounding counties. You can order meats, seafood, milk/nondairy, eggs, bread, fruit, vegetables, grains, pasta, pickled items, drinks and even desserts.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: same day if ordered before 6:30 p.m.
This downtown French inspired restaurant is offering large family meals like lasagna and quiche Lorraine, but you can also buy essential groceries too. These are limited to eggs, blueberries, apples, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, salami, pasta, prosciutto, pate and gourmet cheese.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up When: same day available
2101 Kettner Blvd. Downtown Little Italy 619-915-6172
You can order a preset gourmet Market Box from Kettner Exchange once a week if your order by Wednesday. The full box price is $225 or half a box is $115. Here are some of the items it comes with: 4 Scottish salmon filets, 4 Hanger steaks, 4 chicken breast, eggs, almond milk, butter, vegetables, lemon butter sauce, chipotle aioli, french bread, apples, bananas and creme fraiche panna cotta. This is the only food box that also comes with our local 4 assorted Devil’s Dozen Donuts!
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: if you order by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, it will be ready for pick up or delivery on Thursday
2001 Kettner Blvd. Downtown Little Italy 619-255-2001
This is a Mexican/Asian restaurant in Pacific Beach and they’re offering limited essential items on Thursdays only if you order by Sunday afternoon. They’re offering a $30 pantry box that you can pick up for a contactless curbside pickup. In the box you’ll find 1 gallon milk, 15 eggs, cheese, choice of meat (chicken, soy chorizo or bacon), 2 lbs rice, black beans, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, onions and garlic.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery *deliveries only to Pacific Beach, Mission Beach or La Jolla When: order by 2 p.m. Sunday ready for Thursday pick up or delivery
El Pescador has been serving high quality locally sourced fish for over 40 years and is a San Diego landmark loved by many locals. Check out their fun Instagram to get a dose of their contagious happy go lucky spirit. You’d be delighted to get a delivery from their team if you order from their seafood counter or their new grocery market. They are getting daily deliveries of fresh fish and fresh vegetables, local breads, eggs and of course toilet paper. One thing they have that others don’t: Bobboi Gelato in many flavors. Beer and wine are available as well.
How to order & pay: phone in orders How to get it: scheduled curbside pick up or delivery within 2.5 miles When: same day available
Classically elevated Mexican dishes are made using sustainable ingredients at this UTC restaurant. Order a family fiesta pack of tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas that feeds a family of 4 and add on some essential grocery items if you need them. You can purchase these essentials as a grocery pack (fruit, vegetable or dairy packs are $25; butcher pack is $250 for 13 portions of meats like flat iron steak, ribeye, salmon and others); or you can buy these essentials individually.
How to order & pay: phone in orders How to get it: scheduled curbside pick up When: same day available
Known for their hearty weekend breakfasts and lunches they also have an onsite butcher shop where you can buy meats raised humanely without hormones or antibiotics. Purchase meats separately or as part of their big game party pack and you can also order from their new essential grocery provisions market. You can find frozen seafood, vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, butter, sugar and flour.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: same day available
Working as a pop-up restaurant inside Red House Kitchen, they’re offering essentials as an add-on only to orders placed from their food menu. Order some Jambalaya or baked ziti and add on a bag of fresh fruit or vegetables for $20 each, some bread, milk or even a charcuterie board. Check their social media for updates.
How to order & pay: call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery *please reserve deliveries for seniors or those at risk When: they’re only open Thursday - Sunday with deliveries between 4:30-5:30 p.m. and curbside pick up between 5:30-8:30 p.m.
A Coronado French neighborhood cafe serving Provencal classics is now offering grocery essentials like eggs, milk, flour, steaks and charcuterie boards.
How to order & pay: call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: same or next day
Subway Grocery is a beta program for 100 Southern California Subway restaurants that are trying out selling their individual deli items. It has started in Orange County recently and it may expand further into other franchises, so be on the lookout at your nearest Subway or ask them if they’re going to participate.
Fresh made homestyle comfort foods are what they do best, so it’s no surprise their new food box offerings comfort you with all the essentials you need right now. Choose from one of 7 large produce or home essentials boxes like a fruit box for $30, a veggie box for $25, a lettuce box for $20, a fruit/veggie box for $30, a pantry box for $40 (bread, pasta, onion, garlic, cheese, tomato sauce, salami and a bottle of wine), an indoor picnic box for $65 (includes 3 bottles of wine, grapes, crackers, salami, cheese, baguette, preserves), and even a morning box for $40 (eggs, milk, flour, sugars, butter, chocolate chips, baking soda and coffee). Or you can choose some of these items a la carte like eggs, milk, butter, flour, raw or pre-grilled chicken, bread, soups or mashed potatoes.
How to order & pay: online or app
How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery within 6 miles *delivery is available for all of their grocery goods *free delivery for orders over $70 and reduced delivery fees at $30 & $50 when you order online
When: same day available
1640 Camino del Rio N Mission Valley Mall 619-894-8916
2400 Historic Decatur Rd. Liberty Station Pt. Loma 619-226-6254
If you love grabbing a coffee while out and about, your habit is about to get a whole lot cheaper! Panera Bread is announcing a brand new unlimited coffee subscription service!
Starting February 27, the company is launching the first unlimited high-quality coffee subscription service that includes hot coffee, ICED coffee and hot tea. For just $8.99 (plus tax) a month, customers can get unlimited java and teas at over 2,100 Panera locations.
Photo: Courtesy of Panera
Panera has also removed its upcharge on plant-based milk at all their locations in the United States in an effort to be more “plant-forward.” Customers can add their choice of milks, including almond milk at coffee stations for free. More non-dairy alternatives will be making their way to Panera locations in the future.
The new subscription is available to all MyPanera members, a free loyalty program. Starting today, members can register for the subscription through the Panera website and mobile app. Starting Monday, Mar. 2, members can also sign up via QR code in Panera bakery-cafes.
Ah, snacktime. It’s our kids’ favorite time of the day, but for us parents, it can be a little more tricky. We’re always searching for snacks that are convenient for us, healthy for them and delicious enough to satisfy picky palates. Below, we’ve rounded up a bunch of new snacks that totally fit the bill, just in time for the back-to-school rush. Snacktime meltdowns are about to become a thing of the past—just scroll down to get the goods.
Fall 2019
Fruit Crunch Parfait
These new fruit parfait cups from Del Monte are perfect for anyone working with non-dairy dietary restrictions. The coconut creme has the creamy texture of yogurt, and the flavor is great. There's a full serving of fruit in each cup, as well as probiotic-rich crunchy granola toppings that are a hit with kids. They come in four flavors: Mango, Strawberry, Blueberry and Pineapple Coconut.
If you need a little crunch but want a healthier option than what you'd normally find on a supermarket shelf, try the new bean chips from Beanfields. Offered in flavors like cheddar sour cream and Himalayan pink salt, they satisfy your savory cravings and also pack in the protein with every bite.
These high-protein snacks are great for after school or before sports. They come in two different combos: Super Cheesy (crispy cheddar cheese and almonds) and Really Ranchy (crispy gouda cheese and pecans). Each pack has 9g of protein (but just 3g of net carbs).
For a snack that tastes like dessert, but is much more healthy than an actual chocolate bar, turn to TRUWOMEN Protein Bars. These delish bars (we tasted them ourselves!) are 100% plant-based and made with all-natural ingredients like almonds, brown rice, cassava flour and cashews. All bars are totally vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO and kosher, with the minimal ingredients listed on the label. Choose from flavors like Daydreaming About Donuts to Saltylicious Almond Love to Oh Oh Cookie Dough.
You've likely already tried a few of the other flavors by Harvest Snaps; these veggie-based snacks are a great crowd pleaser and an excellent alternative to potato chips. The newest flavor, a sweet and smoky, Southern Style BBQ will give you that BBQ chip fix with way less sodium, fat or preservatives.
An after-school snack that is packed with protein but not packed with processed "mysterious" ingredients? Alpha Foods plant-based snacks like these nuggets fooled were happily gobbled up during a playdate with a vegetarian kid and a meat-eater, all without complaint.
Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice and this new bar from Bobo's will hit that PS craving for a snack that is low in fat and sugar. Approved by three finicky third graders, too.
As a parent, at some point you start to think "aren't all fruit bars the same?" We were suffering from fruit-leather overload and tried Pure Organic's Layered Fruit Bar in Pineapple & Passionfruit and realized we'd been doing fruit bars all wrong. These are packed with flavor, all natural, gluten free and low cal. They're absolutely delicious.
These crunchy little snacks come in bar and bite-sized and are the perfect alternative to those mounds of cheese crackers full of ingredients you can't pronounce. Because these babies are very straightforward: they are literally just baked cheese! Super low carb and high protein, all you KETO moms might just be snagging these for yourself.
It has finally happened. Our pickiest snacker devoured a protein bar without being cajoled. PAW Patrol Luckybar Protein Bars have more protein than two eggs. They have low carbs, no fillers, gluten or preservatives. And they taste great! We loved all the flavors, including Crazy Coconut and Chocolate Campfire. This is the jackpot of protein bars! Find them at luckybar.com or your fave grocery store.
bare Baked Crunchy Medleys
bare snacks
You might already be familiar with bare snack foods and their array of baked veggie and fruit snacks. The new kid on the block this school year are the Medleys. We loved the apple strawberry combo. .
A great alternative to a sugary after-school treat, SmartSweets Gummy Bears (and Sour Gummy Bears) are every bit as delicious at their sugar-ladened counterparts. Which means you can still satisfy that craving without blasting them with sugar.
Once Again Amore Organic Hazelnut Spread with Milk Chocolate Squeeze Packs
Looking for an alternative to Nutella or an on-the-go treat that isn't packed with tons of sugar? These little squeeze packs from Once Again (makers of nut butters galore) are so good we actually used them not-overly-sweet icing for sugar cookies.
These little stars are packed with yum power (seriously, we had to hide them from ourselves so the kids could try them) and they're packed with protein, too. Each serving has 6 grams, a lot more than your average snacky cracker, made with non-GMO ingredients, real cheese, and no artificial colors or ingredients. We also liked the Mixed Berry Yogurt crisps.
If you're looking for a snack bar that's filled with good things like peanut butter, dark chocolate, coconut and more, then Kate's Real Food bars are going to check all the boxes on your list. Made with organic non-GMO ingredients as well as all-natural honey, they are not only wholesome but taste great too. The newest flavor is lemon coconut, but there five other combos to pick from as well, including dark chocolate peanut butter and mango coconut.
Swap out those sugary crispy treats for something healthy! Made with farm-fresh blueberries, Smashcrispy Blueberry Crumbles are made in a nut-free facility, are naturally gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients. They pack just the right amount of sweetness, without being overly sugary.
You can shop blueberry and all the other flavors at Instacart.com.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Simple Mills
There are a lot of gluten-free products out there and it's no surprise that some of them just don't hold up. So it's pretty rare to find a snack that is gluten-free that 1) the entire family loves and 2) tastes better than 99% of the other crackers out there, gluten or no gluten. Simple Mills crackers are made with almond flour, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and cassava, which means they actually have three grams of protein per serving. While the crowd favorite was Rosemary & Sea Salt, they have a variety of other flavors including Farmhouse Cheddar and Fine Ground Sea Salt snack packs perfect for fall lunches.
When you think of a coconut-based snack you might not always think of a savory. PRANA's Hula Salt & Pepper coconut chips will change that! For those times when you don't want to dole out the Lays, but something salty and a full of (good) fat is in order, these little snacks are packed with a crisp flavor. Mom approved (and also consumed).
How do you get your kids to eat enough protein but also not wrinkle their noses up? You give them a protein bar that is maple syrup flavored. Not only is this yummy little bar organic it's got eight grams of protein. While we acknowledge some kids don't like nuts and seeds, this little bar just might change their minds. They are also soy and dairy-free and have less than six grams of sugar per serving. For anyone who has ever nearly chipped a tooth on a Kind bar, this bar's for you!
Want your kiddos to eat their veggies but know they need a little motivation? These delicious veggie snack packs from GAEA may be your solution. Choose from carrot, cauliflower or gherkin (or one of their many olive varieties you may already be familiar with). Packs are resealable, nut-free, gluten-free, low-calorie and resealable. The snack packs are shelf-stable, which means they don't require refrigeration before eating and are also free of preservatives.
For busy days and hangry kiddos (we’ve all been there!), Nature’s Bakery has the perfect solution. Their Oatmeal Crumble Bars are packed with 14 grams of whole grains and three grams of fiber, ensuring that your little one will stay full for hours on end. They’re made with an open-top oat bar filled with real fruit jam and topped with a crunchy oat crumble and come in three flavors: strawberry, apple and cherry.
34 Degrees Sweet Crisps in Cinnamon, Lemon, Vanilla or Chocolate
34 Degrees
For a healthier alternative to a cookie or other treat, Sweet Crisp offers a variety of flavors including Cinnamon, Vanilla, Chocolate and Lemon. These wafer-thin treats are like round little discs of something between an ice cream cone consistency and a cookie. They're lower in sugar than most kids treats and make an excellent little snack to get your fix. Crowd favorite around here were the cinnamon, but it was a hot debate.
Sometimes you just need a little boost of protein—and honestly, those chalky protein powders and drinks are just not appealing, especially for kids. That’s why we love these tasty Chicken Snack Sticks from Mighty Spark. They’re made with chicken free from MSG, antibiotics and hormones and have up to 6 grams of protein in each serving. Check out their unique flavors: black bean & chipotle, BBQ seasoned sweet potato, sea salt & pepper, honey & jalapeno and cranberry & ginger.
Bobo's There With Care Limited Edition Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar
Bobo's
Bobo's has teamed up with There With Care to donate $5 from every box sold of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Bars. There With Care provides support to families facing critical illness, helping to provide fundamental services necessary to keep a family together during a medical crisis. Not to mention, these delicious, soft snack bars make the perfect after-school, on-the-go boost your kids will love. They were even approved by a finicky eight-year-old.
You’re probably familiar with Justin’s line of nut butters and snacks (those peanut butter cups are to die for!). This summer, they’ve upped the ante with their newest product, Almond Butter Covered Almonds. They’ve got 3 grams of plant-based protein per serving, making them a perfect after-school snack.
Fueling up on the go is easier than ever thanks to Rowdy Prebiotic Foods. Their new Blueberry Almond Tart Bar is the perfect quick snack, made with antioxidant-rich blueberries, creamy almond butter, and their signature natural sweetener, yacon root. All of their bars are free of dairy, soy and gluten, are low-glycemic, paleo-friendly and 95% organic.
Learn more (and check out the other flavors) at rowdybars.com.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Kids
Nutri-Grain
If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, then these new, bite-sized Nutri-Grain Kids are an essential item to keep in your pantry. They’re available in three kid-pleasing flavors (apple, strawberry and grape) and the ingredients are parent-approved too. The filling is made with real fruit, and there’s no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. They’re also a good source of whole grain and pack in plenty of vitamins and minerals.
It’ll be love at first taste with Nature Nate’s honey. Their raw and unfiltered honey is made by North American bees, and now it’s available in convenient packets that are perfect for slipping into lunchboxes or enjoying as an after-school snack. Drizzle some onto a nut butter sandwich, add it to ants on a log or blend it into a smoothie—the sky’s the limit with this awesome alternative to processed sugar.
Siggi’s Icelandic skyr is already super delicious, but they’ve taken it to the next level with their newest release, Simple Sides. It has their signature 2% skyr (if you haven’t had it before, it’s similar to Greek yogurt and also packs in a ton of protein) on one side, and the other side has a complementary topping. Vanilla yogurt is paired with almonds and dried cherries, honey yogurt goes with dried figs and walnuts, and apples, almonds and oats get sprinkled on vanilla and cinnamon yogurt.
Spice up snack time with these tasty new crackers from Back to Nature. Their Cracked Black Pepper Harvest Whole Wheat Crackers are free from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives—and they taste great too. Stack ‘em up with cheese or nosh on them all by themselves. Plus, check out their wild Kale & Sea Salt Crackers, which are just as green as you’d imagine, with pieces of real kale inside. We’ll take anything to get more veggies on our plates!
Happy Tot Organics Superfood Bars are nutrient-dense fruit and oat bars that are made for busy toddlers and families. Containing 350 milligrams of omega-3s (ALA) from flaxseed and three grams of fiber, these bars boast zero grams of added sugar and are naturally sweetened with real organic fruits! You can find from plenty of major retailers nationwide and choose between two flavors: blueberry and oatmeal or strawberry, sunflower butter and banana.
If your kids dig Fritos, but you want something a tad bit healthier, turn to RW Garcia's new Organic Yellow Corn Chips. They're the first snack company ever to receive Non-GMO Project Verification, which is basically the gold standard for affirming that a product contains no GMOs. Besides being tasty, the chips are made in a facility that is totally peanut- and tree nut-free, which is awesome news for any families dealing with those allergens.
When is a raisin not a raisin? When it's a vine-dried grape, aka a revamped raisin from Life's Grape. It might not sound like that big of a deal but for anyone whose ever tried to pry that last chunk of hard, dry raisins from a box, hear this: these are superior raisins!!! Every one is plump and sweet and our editor's finicky eight-year-old gobbled them up a lunch-sized packet and asked for more. We can't wait to use them in baking, too!
Square Organics latest snack packs a serious protein punch: both the Peanut Butter Protein Crispy Bar (with flavors like Vanilla Crunch, Toasted Coconut & Dark Chocolate Chip) and chocolate-coated Organic Protein Bar (Cookie Dough, Nuts & Sea Salt and Peanut Butter) have a whopping 10 grams of protein in that yummy little square. They literally last for hours and make that perfect after-school-before-practice-snack.
Enjoy your Honeycrisp year-round thanks to Tree Top's new organic Honeycrisp dried apple slices. You'll love that there is only one ingredient in this flavorful snack: Honeycrisp apples. Tree Top sources their apples from Pacific Northwest orchards and its new product comes in a convenient 20 oz. resealable pouch. Available now at Costco (check your local Costco for details with prices varying by location).
Whether your kiddos are anti-crust or you're just trying to give them extra healthy ingredients, Ozery Bakery's Morning Rounds will be a hit. They are made with real fruit and grains that contain 5 grams of real fruit, 7 grams of whole grain and 2 grams of fiber. Toss in lunches or toast up for breakfast, these tasty snacks are so good your littles won't even realize they're healthy!
Chocolate as a snack, you say? This isn't your ordinary candy bar. PRANA offers up "superbarks" made from fair trade chocolate and key ingredients. The PRANA Chia Balance—dark chocolate bark with caramelized coconut & probiotic chia—is not only incredibly delish, but it is also nutrient-dense with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, probiotic chia seeds and is even a great source of fiber. There's even 4g of protein in a serving. The Maca Power version—dark chocolate bark with corn flakes, almonds and maca—provides sustained energy with 4 g of protein, ancient grains and maca, which has a positive effect on memory, energy and mood. There are seven barks to choose from.
Looking for a healthier lunchbox treat that is actually more delicious than a traditional, sugar-packed cereal treat bar? Made Good's Caramel Crispy Squares and Strawberry Crispy Squares are divine. They are free from nuts and other common allergens, including peanut, dairy, egg and soy, so they are totally safe for school lunches. Sweetened with cane syrup and made with brown rice crisps, these delicious snack bars might make their way into mom or dad's own lunchbox, too. They also come in Vanilla and Chocolate Chip.
Next time that dessert craving hits (for you or them) reach for a Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Snack Buddies Bar, a new line of kid-sized Greek yogurt bars that debuted March 2019. Dairy-based, Yasso's Snack Buddies offer 25% less sugar than the leading novelty and 10% more protein. It's packed with live and active cultures, and no high fructose corn syrup or high-intensity sweeteners. Eight perfectly kid-sized bars come in each box with new flavors: Mint Cookie Chums, Strawbuddy Lemonade, Fudge Space Chip and Party Animal.
Shop here or get yours at retailers like Target, Publix, and more.
Kids know best when it comes to what tastes good so it's pretty awesome that Kashi's newest snack, Organic Super Food Bites, was dreamed up by a team of kids. They're not only tasty but good for you, too. They're packed with superfood ingredients like coconut flour, chickpeas, açai and sweet potato, and include 10g of whole grains and three grams of fiber. Choose from two flavors: Mixed Berry and Chocolate. These peanut-free snacks come in handy pouches, which make dishing them out on-the-go easy peasy.
Sans artificial ingredients or fillers, Truth Bars will give your kiddos their daily dose of prebiotics and probiotics. Choose from five flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Almond Crunch, Chocolate Raspberry Coconut and Dark Chocolate Coconut. Gluten free, non-GMO, kosher and a max of five grams of sugar per bar, this is one snack you and the kids can feel good about.
For kids with allergies, finding a bar that actually tastes good and is safe can be a challenge. These delicious new breakfast bars from one of the most trusted allergy-friendly food companies are sure to be a win. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, sulfites, lupin, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, casein, egg, shellfish, sesame and mustard (phew!) you might wonder what actually in these bars. With four types of "purity protocol gluten-free oats" and lots of whole grains, they come in a variety of yummy flavors including Apple Cinnamon, Berry Medley, Chocolate Chip Banana and Maple Fig.
One word to the wise: they are more crumbly than other breakfast bars we've tried, so be prepared if you plan to eat on the go!
New to January 2019 is Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Veggie Yogurt cups in purple carrot and sweet potato flavors, as well as Kids Whole Milk pouches in new flavors apple cinnamon sweet potato and blueberry apple carrot. The baby yogurt cups include no added sweeteners and, like all of their products, are certified organic, free from artificial hormones, toxic pesticides and GMOs.
The snack bar company co-founded by actors Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell and Ravi Patel has just launched a new kids’ bar, and they’re delicious. Made totally school safe (no nuts, dairy, soy or gluten), the new flavors include Chocolate Chip “Dino”-Mite, Rockin’ Straw-beary and S’more Blast, and each bar is Non-GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, and Kosher, plus they’re made with clean ingredients and only have 5g of sugar per serving. And, that whole life-saving thing? With every box purchased, a child in need will receive a meal.
We’ve always loved the quality of cereals and baking goods from Bob’s Red Mill, so we were thrilled to hear the employee-owned company was debuting a line of kid-friendly snack bars in five different flavors. Inspired by some of your favorite childhood snacks, these bars are filled with wholesome ingredients like organic honey and peanut butter, plus they’re filled with fiber and protein to keep little bellies full longer. New flavors include Peanut Butter Jelly & Oats, Peanut Butter Chocolate & Oats, Peanut Butter Coconut & Oats, Peanut Butter Apple Spice & Oats and Peanut Butter Banana & Oats.
This new company makes products free of the top eight allergens, so you’ll be able to toss one of their new snack bars into your kid’s lunch box or share with friends with no worries. We especially love that each bar is filled with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which means each bite is packed with extra nutrients and antioxidants. Choose between pineapple and raspberry.
Ready for the cleanest, tastiest, most nutritious on-the-go snacks? Perfect Kids offers trusted, quality ingredients with a cookie-dough-like texture and taste. Each bar also delivers seven grams of whole food protein and eight Superfood veggies.
What’s better than instant oatmeal? How about warm and ready in minutes spoonable muffin! These plant-based muffins are loaded with Superfoods and protein. They’re available in Banana Nut, Blueberry, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.
Your kids’ favorite lunch is now an on-the-go snack. These peanut butter and jelly single-serve snack packs come in four different flavors including Almond Butter and Raspberry.
Introducing Pop Chips that are convenient, delicious, and guilt-free made from chickpeas and rice that are the perfect addition to any meal or snack. Each box comes with 4 bags of Cheddar, 4 bags of White Cheddar, and 4 bags of Apple Cinnamon Squeaky Pops.
The Complete Crunchy Cookies are bite-sized, plant-protein packed, contagiously crunchy cookies available in classic flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, and Cinnamon Sugar. Each 1.25oz pouch is packed with 6 grams of plant-based protein and four grams of fiber, while the 4.25oz resealable bag that delivers 20 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber.
Available at Lenny & Larry, $20.20 for 1.25oz, 12 pack
Quinn Pretzels
These pretzels are whole grain, gluten free, non-GMO and yummy! They come in Classic Sea Salt Pretzel Sticks and Twists along with Touch of Honey Pretzel Sticks, and the newest flavor—Deli Rye Style Rods.
Keep them going strong with a snack that packs a nutritious punch! We love Jif Power Ups Chewy Granola Bars because they are super-yum and have 5 grams of protein in each bar. They come in a variety of flavors including Chocolate with Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Banana and are a kid-approved by our own editor's son who gave them "two dancing thumbs up." Check out also the Jif Power Ups Creamy Clusters, too, for a super easy on-the-go snack with staying power. Even Neil Patrick Harris agrees.
The bars are $5.99 for 5 and the clusters just $2.99 a bag. Shop them at Jif.com
Keep your kids fueled up for recess with thinkKIDS's new protein-packed bars. These bars have a whopping 45% less sugar than most granola bars out there—just 4 grams of sugar per serving, plus 7 grams of protein, plus they're made without icky stuff like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. The kid-friendly flavors include Vanilla Cupcake, Cinnamon Sugar Cookie, Cookies 'n' Cream and Chocolate Chip.
Not down with dairy? Check out Kite Hill's dairy-free yogurt tubes. These vegan snacks are made with almond milk, fruit and live active cultures. Choose between two yummy options: sweet Wild Berry or Strawberry Banana. Pop them in the fridge or freezer for a smooth, creamy treat.
GoMacro's protein bars are packed full of good organic stuff. Three new flavors of the vegan bars, each with 10 grams of plant-based protein, are ready to feed hungry hordes. Blueberry and Cashew Butter will please the fruit lovers out there and Dark Chocolate + Almonds offers a cocoa fix. Parents will want to keep the Mocha Chocolate Chip ones all to themselves—the bar gives a caffeine boost equal to half a cup of coffee.
Whether you take your coffee black or pumpkin spiced, we can all agree that fueling up at a spot that welcomes kids puts the pep in our step as parents. We’ve got a list of San Diego’s best coffee shops for families that have turned brewing your perfect cup of joe into an art form. One shop on our list even offers a music, story and snack time for kids so you can get your fix while the littles have fun. Read on for where to order up your new favorite cup of joe.
A little birdie told us to fly straight to Parakeet Cafe for delicious coffee and delectable eats, and we're so glad we did! The cheery space features vibrant, neon and hand-painted parakeet print wallpaper that will instantly bring a smile to your face. But that's just the beginning of all there is to chirp about. Parakeet Cafe's coffee drinks, comprised of ethically sourced beans, house-made syrups and alternative milks, pair beautifully with their healthy, creative menu. They believe "indulging in your health should be just that: indulgent. Every item on the menu is full of lush, organic ingredients, bright flavor, interesting textures and beautiful color."
We love the turmeric latte, an enticing blend of turmeric, ginger, vanilla, cardamom, honey and almond milk, paired with their cacao waffle served with coconut yogurt, organic fresh berries, banana, chia, cinnamon and coconut sugar. Additionally, you'll find something for everyone's taste from their extensive menu of savory and sweet breakfast and lunch items ranging from decadently topped toasts and robust salads to comforting soups and hearty breakfast entrees served all day. Their pastry case is straight out of heaven, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options to choose from.
Four locations:
3745 Paseo Pl. Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92130 858-345-1688
927 Silverado St. La Jolla, CA 92037 858-412-5627
1680 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 619-255-1442
1134 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118 619-675-0104 Online: parakeetcafe.com
Located in hip and trendy North Park, Communal Coffee offers coffee, flowers, gifts and a community-minded, inclusive atmosphere. A true coffee-junkie’s haven, this unique bean house proudly serves up San Francisco’s acclaimed Sight Glass Coffee as well as breakfast and lunch favorites. The onsite flower shop by Wyld Blooms will bring a little sunshine to your day. Snag a bouquet of wild blooms for home or snap a few photos for your Instagram feed. Because let’s face it: Coffee + Flowers = Instagram love. Check out Communal Kids by Seed & Song offering music, dance, stories, snacks and drinks for wee ones. Click here for info on Communal Kids events. Communal Coffee also has an outdoor location in South Park.
Insider’s Tip: We recommend the Lavender Honey Latte. For the littles, try the Iced Creamsicle drink.
2335 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104 619-363-7737
The aptly named Mostra Coffee ('mostra' is Italian for show, exhibition, or performance) lives up to its name by offering innovative brewing experiences and flavors that elevate grabbing a cup of joe to an art form. Additionally, Mostra was just named 2020 Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine.
This elegant yet cozy neighborhood coffee shop features 'English Industiral' inspired design and has the first three-head, Mavam espresso machine in San Diego. The machine was built into a low bar-top so customers can witness the brewing process themselves. Mostra invites the community to warm up in their friendly, relaxing environment to make connections and enjoy great coffee. We love their impressive list of signature drinks including the Campfire Latte: oozing with flavors of mocha, graham cracker crumble and honey and the Bibingka Crème Brûlée Latte: inspired by a Filipino dessert, a Crème Brûlée Latte made with coconut-infused whole milk, topped with coconut powder as well as their Choconana: house-made banana milk mixed with Brazil Cold Brew.
12045 Carmel Mountain Rd. San Diego, CA 92128 858-304-0061 Online: mostracoffee.com
For a truly unique coffee-going experience, add canoodling with cats to the mix! Cat & Craft is North County's first cat café, and it boasts “Purr-over” coffees from Manzanita Roasting Company alongside “Catprese” toast and Hazel & Jade pastries. You'll get to cuddle adoptable kitties from rescue organization Love Your Feral Felines during your visit. (Married owners Andrew and Caroline Vaught hope to rehome 500 cats in the café’s first year.) If you'd rather admire the kitties from a sneeze-free zone, a glass viewing wall separates the café and the cage-free cat lounge. Visit during Kiddie Cat Hour, where you can reserve a one-hour session to pet and play with the kitties.
3211 Business Park Dr. Vista, CA 92081 760-295-1181 Online: catandcraftcafe.com
That's amore! Italy meets San Diego at this charming coffee caffe' that serves up award-winning espresso, tea and Italian sodas. You can also come in at lunchtime to enjoy a panini or Neapolitan pizza (served Weds.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.) with your fave coffee drink. Additionally, Bread and Cie delivers fresh pastries daily as an added sweet touch to your fuel-up! An enticing ambiance and the aromas of coffee brewing and pizza baking? Sounds like heaven!
3933 30th St. San Diego, CA 92104 619-683-7787 Online: caffecalabria.com
Hawthorn Coffee is as family-minded as a coffee house can get. Owned by a father/son duo, Kevin and Dylan, Dylan's young sons often frequent the shop. The clientele consists of many parents with kids as well as expecting parents. Kevin says, "Part of the reason why is that we believe in welcoming everyone, and that means everyone. Our philosophy is that kids can do no wrong, so we let them have the run of the shop. And since kids generally make noise, we let them do that, too. And that, in turn, makes parents very relaxed." In addition to this fantastic, inclusive atmosphere, Hawthorn Coffee means business when it comes to the perfect cup of joe. They serve Cat & Cloud of Santa Cruz, CA, Dapper&Wise Coffee Roasters of Beaverton, WA and Arcade Coffee Roasters of Riverside, CA, in their shop because of their "commitment to that sweet balance, blend, and consistency of deliciousness." Save us a seat!
Officially named the oldest coffee shop in San Marcos, Old California Coffee House & Eatery is a local favorite. This charming coffee shop features lots of well-loved sofas and chairs, an eclectic collection of instruments, funky décor and free WiFi. The fire pits on the patio are lit nightly to make for a cozy place to gather. Play games with the fam, listen to music, or simply chill. The coffee and food menu are expansive and reasonably priced. We recommend the Snickerdoodle specialty drink for the munchkins or the kid-at-heart. Don’t forget your four-legged furry friends. They are welcome on the patio!
1080 W. San Marcos Blvd. #176 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-744-2112 Online: oldcalcoffee.com
The King’s Craft Coffee Co.
Elizabeth Silva
Tucked away in east Poway, The King’s Craft Coffee (TKC), was founded by local dad and former defensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers, Cory Withrow. Poway’s first specialty coffee shop, these guys serve up single origin brews sourced from small holder organic farms. TKC features an outdoor seating area for kiddos to burn off some energy and plenty of seating for tired parents. In true Poway fashion, this coffee shop has a small town vibe that your whole “brewed” can get hip to. A portion of TKC’s sales are donated to non-profits and they've partnered with regional organizations like Rady’s Children’s Hospital and Poway Pop Warner. Grab your cup of java then head over to North County Soccer Park, where the pee wee league plays (ages 4-11) or spend the afternoon a short distance away at the scenic Old Poway Park.
14530 Espola Rd. Poway, CA 92065 858-842-3717 Online: thekingscraft.com
In the heart of La Mesa, the family-owned Brew Coffee Spot has gained the attention of local families. This coffee house uses award-winning coffee beans that are 100% certified organic and responsibly sourced. And Brew Coffee Spot sees roasting beans as a science. Since coffee and tea are 98% water, they take their water purity very seriously. To ensure great tasting drinks, they use a configurable water system that delivers reverse osmosis and blended filtered water. Brew Coffee Spot offers a wide variety of food—including vegetarian and vegan options—a pretty extensive coffee and tea selection, and hello, free WiFi! Need we say more? Join in on the fun with family game night, a painting workshop, live music, or a fair trade jewelry show. We promise, Brew Coffee Spot will be your new fave.
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-713-6698 Online: brewcoffeespot.com
City dwellers take heart! Copa Vida, nestled in East Village, has it all: location, chill vibes, great coffee and tea and food. Whether you’re new to the coffee life or a caffeine connoisseur, Copa Vida’s take on coffee and tea is approachable and welcoming to all. Copa Vida offers hot and cold espresso pressure drinks—including single origin brews—an extensive tea list and breakfast, brunch and lunch. Copa Vida has an open concept with giant windows that open to the street. Perfect for people watching! And add to all that, Copa Vida is walking distance to Petco Park at the Park which offers a kid’s play area, little league field, picnic area and more. If the littles are up for it, end your day at the nearby San Diego Central Library, where you can join a guided tour.
Insider’s Tip: For parents on the go who can’t spare a moment waiting in line, Copa Vida offers a self-service honor bar until 10 a.m. on weekdays. Simply help yourself to a cup of java, leave some cash, and off you go!
905 J. St. San Diego, CA 92101 619-501-7529 Online copa-vida.com
Two words: pastry case. But Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe also offers so much more. This artisan bakery serves up delicious coffee drinks and a mouthwatering breakfast, brunch and lunch made using sustainable, organic, local ingredients. Nutmeg is also a dream come true for those on alternative diets, as you'll find vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free menu items to enjoy––even from the pastry case. High chairs, a laid-back ambiance and an open floor plan make it easy to bring the kids along for your fix.
Nutmeg just opened a second location in Scripps Ranch as well!
12640 Sabre Springs Pkwy. Ste. 107 San Diego, CA 858-486-8863
New Scripps Ranch location: 10755 Scripps Poway Pkwy. Ste 107 San Diego, CA 92131