After an unprecedented spring and summer our habits have changed exponentially. Whole Foods Market global buyers and experts unveiled their top 10 anticipated food trends for 2021 in the retailer’s sixth annual trends predictions. Hard kombucha, upcycled foods, leveled-up breakfasts and jerky made from produce are among the food influences expected to take off in the next year.
Significantly influenced by the state of the food industry, the 2021 trends report reveals some of the early ways the food industry is adapting and innovating in response to COVID-19 for a post-pandemic food world.
“There have been radical shifts in consumer habits in 2020. For example, shoppers have found new passions for cooking, they’ve purchased more items related to health and wellness, and more are eating breakfast at home every day compared to pre-COVID,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, Chief Marketing Officer at Whole Foods Market. “Food trends are a sign of the times, and our 2021 trends are no exception.”
While Whole Foods Market’s predictions for 2020, including regenerative agriculture, new varieties of flour and meat-plant blends, continue to evolve, the 2021 trends represent what’s new and next for the coming year and what consumers should expect to see on the food scene.
Whole Foods Market’s top 10 food trend predictions for 2021:
Well-Being Is Served
The lines are blurring between the supplement and grocery aisles, and that trend will accelerate in 2021. That means superfoods, probiotics, broths and sauerkrauts. Suppliers are incorporating functional ingredients like vitamin C, mushrooms and adaptogens to foster a calm headspace and support the immune system. For obvious reasons, people want this pronto.
Epic Breakfast Every Day
With more people working from home, the most important meal is getting the attention it deserves, not just on weekends, but every day. There’s a whole new lineup of innovative products tailored to people paying more attention to what they eat in the morning. Think pancakes on weekdays, sous vide egg bites and even “eggs” made from mung beans.
Basics on Fire
With more time in the kitchen, home chefs are looking for hot, new takes on pantry staples. Pasta, sauces, spices — the basics will never be boring again. Get ready for reimagined classics like hearts of palm pasta, applewood-smoked salt and “meaty” vegan soup.
Coffee Beyond the Mug
The love affair between humans and coffee burns way beyond a brewed pot of joe. That’s right, java is giving a jolt to all kinds of food. You can now get your coffee fix in the form of coffee-flavored bars and granolas, smoothie boosters and booze, even coffee yogurt for those looking to crank up that breakfast parfait.
Baby Food, All Grown Up
Thanks to some inspired culinary innovation, parents have never had a wider or richer range of ingredients to choose from. We’re talking portable, on-the-go squeeze pouches full of rhubarb, rosemary, purple carrots and omega-3-rich flaxseeds. Little eaters, big flavors.
Upcycled Foods
Peels and stems have come a long way from the compost bin. We’re seeing a huge rise in packaged products that use neglected and underused parts of an ingredient as a path to reducing food waste. Upcycled foods, made from ingredients that would have otherwise been food waste, help to maximize the energy used to produce, transport and prepare that ingredient. Dig in, do good.
Oil Change
Slide over, olive oil. There’s a different crop of oils coming for that place in the skillet or salad dressing. At-home chefs are branching out with oils that each add their own unique flavor and properties. Walnut and pumpkin seed oils lend a delicious nutty flavor, while sunflower seed oil is hitting the shelves in a bunch of new products and is versatile enough to use at high temps or in salad dressing.
Boozed-Up Booch
We tipped you off about hard seltzer bursting on the scene in 2018, and now alcoholic kombucha is making a strong flex on the beverage aisle. Hard kombucha checks all the boxes: It’s gluten-free, it’s super bubbly and can be filled with live probiotic cultures. Cheers to that!
The Mighty Chickpea
You can chickpea anything. Yep, the time has come to think beyond hummus and falafel, and even chickpea pasta. Rich in fiber and plant-based protein, chickpeas are the new cauliflower — popping up in products like chickpea tofu, chickpea flour and even chickpea cereal. That’s garbanzo-bonkers.
Fruit and Veggie Jerky
Jerky isn’t just for meat lovers anymore. Now all kinds of produce from mushrooms to jackfruit are being served jerky-style, providing a new, shelf-stable way to enjoy fruits and veggies. The produce is dried at the peak freshness to preserve nutrients and yumminess. If that’s not enough, suppliers are literally spicing things up with finishes of chili, salt, ginger and cacao drizzle.
Sometimes it can be hard to find healthy food options for picky kids. Cerebelly is the first science-backed, brain-focused children’s food brand created by a mom of three and practicing neurosurgeon to deliver age-optimized nutrients for early brain development. Now they are collaborating with Peppa Pig for the launch of Smart Bars.
The Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars are perfect for children 1 and older. They are portable and accessible for more refined palates and further Cerebelly’s mission of making the highest quality, science-backed food accessible for all children and families.
“We initially launched Cerebelly with a focus on pouches so we could confidently cover the critical window of brain development that happens in the first three years of life. While we’re always innovating our pouches, I realized that as kids grow up, they will need a new format to continue benefiting from Cerebelly –something portable and accessible to their more refined palates. These Smart Bars were the perfect next step,” said Dr. Teresa Purzner, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Cerebelly. “Kids are used to eating bars, but ones that are low sugar, vegetable heavy and packed with hard-to-get brain-supporting nutrients are hard to come by. Ours are allergen free, school safe and so tasty for even the pickiest eaters.”
The Smart Bars are available in two delicious flavors that kids will love, Blueberry Banana Sweet Potato and Carrot Raisin. Each contains zero grams of added sugar, 3g of protein and 10-12 brain-supporting nutrients, compared to leading competitors on the market which offer only 0-3 nutrients. The special edition bars will debut in all Whole Foods markets nationwide, priced at $4.99 for a variety box of five, as well as on Cerebelly.com to coincide with the brand’s site relaunch.
“Supporting our Peppa Pig fans growing up as they embark on everyday new adventures, helping to create everlasting childhood memories is at our core,” said Jamie Epstein, eOne Director of Marketing – North America, Family Brands. “We’re thrilled to join Cerebelly on their newest journey teaching nutrition through education for preschoolers and their parents with the launch of Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars. We can’t think of a better partner, whose mission aligns with ours of giving children the best possible start in life.”
The special edition Peppa Pig Smart Bars will launch alongside two additional smart bar flavors, Strawberry Beet and Green Apple. All smart bar varieties contain organic whole grain oats, organic nutrient blends derived from spinach, broccoli, squash seed, cranberry, maitake mushroom, chlorella, sunflower seed and more, along with natural flavors, kale, organic beets, lemon juice and sea salt.
The Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars will be priced at $4.99 for a variety box of five at Whole Foods. Additional smart bar flavors and subscriptions will be available on Cerebelly.com, ranging from $3.74 to $4.99 depending on quantities purchased.
We could wax poetically for hours about the amazing groceries we pick up at Trader Joe’s. From the creative packaging to one-of-a-kind finds, there’s no end to the love that is TJ’s. This time around, we turned down a different aisle to scour the shelves for amazing beauty and household items––and we were not disappointed. Keep scrolling to see some of the best non-food Trader Joe’s products you need to pick up on your next grocery run.
Personal Products
Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream
Trader Joe's
We could all use a little help when it comes to keeping bright-eyed. New in 2020, Trader Joe's Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream is packed with all the goodies: hydrolyzed marine collagen, Coenzyme Q10, Manuka honey, hibiscus extract, and almond, argan, rosehip & marula seed oils. At only $5.99 a tube, you simple can't go wrong.
Peppermint & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar
Trader Joe's
Ditch the plastic waste and pick up the new Peppermint & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar at your local TJ's. Each one is made from saponified oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil as well as jojoba, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus oils and dried mint leaves. Oh, and it's free from parabens or sulfates! Snag a bar for just $3.99.
Nourish Shower & Bath Cleansing Oil
Trader Joe's
Keep the dryness at bay this winter with Trader Joe's Nourish Shower & Bath Cleansing Oil with Almond Oil. For just $6.99 (a steal when compared with high-end stores) this version is made with a blend of sweet almond and grape seed oils, in addition to castor seed and sunflower seed oil.
Oatmeal Exfoliant Bar
Launched back in 2002, Trader Joe's Almond Ginger Scent Oatmeal Exfoliant Bar has recently undergone a packaging change to the more eco-friendly kraft paper (goodbye, plastic!). This luxuriously foamy soap is made in France and contains bits of colloidal oatmeal and the pleasant spa-like almond ginger fragrance. Snag a bar for just $2.99 in the beauty aisle.
Rose Facial Oil
A quality moisturizer with a lovely fragrance, Trader Joe's Rose Facial Oil is a steal at $5.99. While this product is not an anti-aging miracle maker, the non-oily or greasy formula makes it worth a try.
Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Dry hair got you down? TJ's Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask is here to save the day. The $4 tube contains shea butter and coconut oil (of course), in addition to argan oil and vitamin E to help tame frizz and leave your hair silky and smooth.
Blueberry & Açai Facial Scrub
Skip the pricey department store products and head to Trader's to snag a frosty jar of Blueberry & Açai Facial Scrub for only $5.99! It's made using U.S.-grown blueberries that have been frozen to maintain all those healthy antioxidants, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, and various plant extracts. Enjoy the scrubby alpha-hydroxy acids and rock that healthy glow.
Preserve Toothbrush
Made with recycled yogurt cups, these BPA-free Preserve Toothbrushes are an easy product pick up if you're out and about. The eco-friendly brushes are made with super soft bristles and are just $2.99.
Spray Sunscreen
Trader Joe's Spray Sunscreen SPF 50 won a coveted perfect score for the 2018 Consumer Reports Sunscreen Guide, and at only $6 for a can it is a must-buy. Each can comes with a locking cap and offers UVA & UVB protection, contains aloe, vitamin E and coconut oil. Did we mention it's also water resistant? Snag a bottle (or two) on your next Trader's visit.
Lavender Salt Scrub
Detox from a long day with Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub that is made with almond, apricot and avocado oils. The 20 oz. jar holds the delicious-smelling salt-based formula that gets rid of dry and dead skin and is nice on the wallet at only $5.99.
Hand Sanitizer Spray
If you have kids, you can pretty much never have enough hand sanitizer! The next time you're making your grocery run, pick up a bottle of grapefruit and lemon scented spray from TJ's for just $1.99––your hands will thank you.
Laundry & Cleaning
Wool Dryer Balls
If you're looking for a more natural way to launder, then wool dryer balls are your best friend. Free from artificial fragrances and other chemicals, these bouncy guys help dry clothes faster and naturally soften and reduce wrinkles in your clothes––and can be used over and over again. You can pick up a bag of four dryer balls for just $5.49.
Liquid Dish Soap
The plant-based formula used in Trader Joe's Liquid DIsh soap is hypoallergenic and cuts through grease. The biodegradable product comes in a light citrus scent and is only $2.99 for a large 25 oz. size.
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Trader's Multi-Purpose Cleaner is made with essential oils and is eco-friendly. The product boasts a streak-free formula that can be used on tons of surfaces throughout your home, is biodegradable and comes in a large 34 oz. size for just $2.99.
Household Goods
Waxed Cotton Food Wraps
Trader Joe's Waxed Cotton Food Wraps are the alternative to plastic wrap you've been looking for. The 3-pack of clothes comes in three sizes, are made in Tunisia and are 100 percent cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and pine resin. Use anytime you would normally use your single-use plastic wrap and enjoy this reusable product for just $8.99.
Greeting Cards
Perhaps one of the most underrated sections at TJ's are the greeting cards! For just $.99 each, you can stock up on tons of unique cards for every occasion without breaking the bank. Designs feature classic styles and plenty of whimsical and quirky cards that you can only find at Traders.
Grapefruit Scented Candle
Embrace the fragrance of spring and summer with Trader Joe's hand-poured Grapefruit Candle. For just $3.99, you can enjoy the natural soy-coconut wax and a lead-free wick at quite the bargain. Coming in a tin with a lid, take this candle with you whenever you go for om-worthy relaxation.
–Karly Wood
All photos: Karly Wood for Red Tricycle/Feature photo: Trader Joe’s
Looking for a fun hands-on activity that keeps giving? Consider making a bird feeder or two. Not only are they easy for kids to make, but it’s a low-cost project that will keep them busy. Even better, adding a bird feeder to your backyard is a great way for kids to connect with nature and develop a new hobby to fill long summer days. Break out the binoculars, future bird watchers, and consider whether a classic pine cone feeder or a recycled version made with paper and plastic is the right fit for you. We’ve got bird feeder plans for them all.
These DIY toilet paper tube bird feeders will add a bright, happy touch to any backyard. Rescue a few toilet paper tubes from the recycling bin, add crepe paper for a festive touch, and you'll be ready to make your own in no time. Fly over to Creative Jewish Mom for step-by-step instructions.
Snugglebug University dreamed up this sunflower-inspired bird feeder for a kids' art group—and we think it's a perfect DIY project for long summer days. The centerpiece for this clever design is a paper plate holder. Just add birdseed, nut butter and a few other materials, and you'll be ready to make your own eye-catching bird feeder in no time. Find out how at Snugglebug University.
The crafty chickadee over at MADE Everyday took the lead making this delicious craft. All you’ll need is a few pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, string and about five minutes. Check out the how-to here, and use the leftover peanut butter to make your hungry birds a tasty treat.
If you want to make a bird feeder with your kids but don't have the energy to put together another craft project, you can order a ready-made kit with all the supplies you'll need to make two bird feeders. Dirt and Dazzle offers ready-to-ship DIY bird feeder boxes ($15) with wooden ornaments, birdseed, craft sticks and peanut butter. Bonus: these boxes make a great gift for nature-loving kids and future Audubon Society members.
The art teacher behind Art Bar Blog came up with this easy upcycle idea for transforming an empty milk carton into a vibrant birdhouse. Utilizing the carton’s house-like shape, she added a small hole and then had her students decorate using their favorite paint colors. You’ll find a list of materials and instructions here.
Keep budding woodworkers busy with this DIY wood birdhouse kit. Available from Etsy shop DJA Woodworks ($20), these sturdy wooden kits come ready to assemble. Your kid can paint the rainbow birdhouse of her dreams, then put it outside for her feathered friends. Add a few sunflower seeds, and hungry birds will move right in.
This recycled craft by Handmade by Kelly adds a pop of color to any backyard. The bird won’t be able to resist stopping for a snack at this vibrant feeder. Choose your favorite hues of duct tape and head over to Momtastic to learn how to make your own.
Be sure to save the sticks from your favorite frozen treats this summer, because this popsicle stick bird feeder is super simple to make, and lots of fun to decorate. Head over to Create-Celebrate-Explore for instructions.
The vibrant colors of this recycled bird feeder really pop against the tree’s green leaves. Made using an empty soda bottle, and assorted hues of tissue paper, you’ll find a full list of materials and the step-by-step instructions over at Artzy Creations.
Your budding builder will love tackling this fun outdoor craft. When it comes to making your own version of this LEGO feeder, the experts over at Project FeederWatch advise adding drain holes, cleaning regularly and storing in a sheltered location. Visit their site for help identifying and feeding the birds in your neck of the woods.
These peck-worthy ornaments were created by the crafty duo behind Eighteen25. Choose your favorite cookie cutter shapes, and head over to the blog for a list of ingredients and the tutorial.
These decorative birdhouses from Sew Country Chick are cute as a button. A little paint and an assortment of buttons are all you’ll need to add a little flair to any ordinary wooden birdhouse. Fly over to Mod Podge Rocks for the how-to.
Planning to make a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice or refreshing lemonade? Then be sure to save the rinds for this colorful craft from Handmade by Kelly. These sweet bird feeders are easy to make using the rinds of your favorite citrus. Find the instructions over at Mother Nature Network.
This eco-friendly bird feeder is perfect for serving the flock of feathered friends visiting your backyard this season. Head over to The Creative Cubby to learn to make this easy, recycled craft.
Chef Ryan Rondeno, a private chef to the stars like Ashton Kutcher, Diddy, Ben Affleck, Will Smith, Common, Tyrese Gibson, and Robert Smith has holiday cooking tips to help prepare you for the season’s festivities filled with family, friends, and of course, unforgettable food. Check out the tips below and plus a couple of lavish recipes, using simple techniques, so that everyone (including you, the host!) can enjoy.
1. Stay Seasonal: Fall is one of my favorite times to cook! Food that’s flavorful with the mixture of spices and reminds us of hearty comfort food. Everyone should visit their local farmer’s market and learn what items are featured each week.
2. Try New Spices and Seasonings: Try new seasoning blends. The use of spice blends enhances the flavors of chicken, pork, lamb, beef, seafood, and vegetables. The Rondeno Spice Collection would be a great addition to your pantry!
3. Research New Recipes: Oftentimes we find ourselves in a cooking funk, often asking, “How can we keep it interesting in the family kitchen?” Use recipe Apps, videos, and articles to learn and try new recipes. Cooking classes and social media cooking groups are other options to be engaged and learn from people around the world.
4. Follow Cooking Trends: Following cooking trends allows you to be consumed with what’s relevant on the dinner table. Whether it’s avocado toast, toast, BBQ, seafood boils, or even becoming a vegetarian, trends keep the dinner table interesting and you’ll become a better cook in the process.
5. Make Your Dinner Interactive: Cooking together is significantly important in the family. Tacos, making fresh pasta, cupcakes, cookies are some examples of interactive cooking. Parents should allow each member of the family to take the lead of cooking dinner too! As parents, you have an opportunity to pass on your family culture through stories and food.
The featured recipe has been paired with a carrot top pistou and spiced creme fraiche sauce. This side dish can stand alone or become a beautiful addition to seafood, beef, lamb, or poultry.
Cumin Roasted Carrots with Spiced Creme Fraiche
Serves 2-4
Ingredients
2 bunches of heirloom carrots 8oz. creme fraiche
1 cup olive oil, plus 2 tbs 2 tsp. curry powder
2 tbs. butter 1 tsp. ground ginger
6 cloves garlic 1/4 c sunflower seeds
2-3 tps cumin 1 cup carrot leaves, packed
1 lemon, juiced salt to taste
1-2 tps. crushed red pepper pepper to taste
4-5 sprigs of thyme
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Remove carrot tops and reserve. Peel carrots. Thoroughly clean the carrots removing any dirt.
3. In a 12 inch saute pan, add butter and olive oil at medium heat.
4. Add cumin, 4 cloves of garlic smashed, crushed red pepper, and thyme. Toast for 30 seconds.
5. Add carrots and mix in the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
For the Carrot Pistou:
In a food processor, add carrot leaves, sunflower seeds, garlic, juice of half a lemon. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle olive oil until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
For the Creme Fraiche:
In a small bowl, add, creme fruit, curry powder, ground ginger, and juice of 1/2 a lemon. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper. Taste for seasoning adjustments.
To Assemble:
Smear creme fraiche on the base of the plate. Add roasted carrots. Spoon pistou on top of carrots.
* This recipe was written by Private Chef to the Stars Ryan Rondeno of Rondeno Culinary Designs.
Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.
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.
Yogurt maker Chobani has come to the aid of low-income students in Rhode Island, pledging to pay off their school lunch debt and donating free yogurt as well.
Last week a school district in Warwick, Rhode Island made headlines when it announced that unpaid school lunch debt would result in students being served cold sandwiches in place of hot lunches. To deal with the $77,000 worth of debt, students who owe money would be served sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwiches until their debt is paid off.
The schools in Warwick, Rhode Island, can put those jelly sandwiches away: Chobani is stepping up to pay the massive lunch debt of some of its students https://t.co/g4nSeCGo5A
Chobani, the company famous for its Greek yogurt and humble beginnings, has donated $47,650 in order to help pay off that student debt. It is also donating yogurt to the community in Warwick.
“As a parent, this news breaks my heart,” Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya said in a statement. “For every child, access to naturally nutritious and delicious food should be a right, not a privilege. When our children are strong, our families are stronger. And when our families are strong, our communities are stronger. Business can and must do its part to solve the hunger crisis in America and do its part in the communities they call home.”
Getting pregnant doesn’t always come easily for some women and couples, leading them to try everything from oysters and eggs to sunflower seeds and grapefruit just to conceive. A newly-released diet for fertility may have answers—and they’re based in science instead of old Facebook Groups’ tales.
Harvard School of Public Health’s Drs. Jorge Chavarro and Walter Willet recently released a nutrition-based book, The Fertility Diet: Groundbreaking Research Reveals Natural Ways to Boost Ovulation and Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant. So what do these Harvard docs have to say about eating to conceive?
The pair reviewed the diets of over 18,000 women. Not so surprisingly, they found that women with better quality diets, those who were more active and those who didn’t smoke were more likely to get pregnant. Chavarro and Willet aren’t only experts who believe that healthy eating is tied to fertility.
In an interview with CNN, Dr. Marie Menke, assistant professor and director of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said, “If you are going to be searching for a fertility diet, this is a good place to start. Research shows an association between this dietary pattern and a reduced risk of infertility in some women.”
When it comes to specifics, Chavarro and Willet recommend avoiding trans fats, using unsaturated vegetable oils (such as olive oil), eating vegetable protein, choosing whole grains, drinking one glass of whole milk a day, getting iron from fruits and veggies and aiming for a healthy weight. Along with diet, the doctors also suggest getting some physical activity (but not overdoing it) and if you smoke—quit right now.
A widening sunflower seed recall has expanded to over 100 snacks due to Listeria fears. Nature Valley is recalling it’s “Protein Chewy Bars” and “Simple” nut bars. The ones included in the recall are:
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Roasted Peanut & Honey – 4 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-46475
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Roasted Peanut & Honey – 16 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-41308
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt – 4 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-46474
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar-Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt – 25 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-41301
Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar – Honey, Peanut & Almond with Pumpkin Seeds – 5 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-47196
Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar-Peanut, Almond & Dark Chocolate – 5 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-45724
CLIF BAR® Nuts & Seeds energy bar all pack configurations with “best by” date ranges starting 08JUN16 through 21JAN17
CLIF BAR® Sierra Trail Mix energy bar all pack configurations with “best by” date ranges starting 05JUN16 through 24MAR17
CLIF® Mojo® Mountain Mix® trail mix bar all pack configurations with “best by” date ranges starting 16JUN16 through 02FEB17
Also, Kashi has voluntarily recalled some items due to possible Listeria contamination, including it’s Kashi® Trail Mix Chewy Granola Bars, Bear Naked® Soft Baked Granola Cinnamon + Sunflower Butter, and Kashi® GOLEAN® Honey Pecan Baklava Bars.
The other brands effected by the Listeria scare include HyVee, Atkins, Planters, and Spitz. To see the full list and to find more information, please visit the www.FDA.gov, or click here.
Kids love chicken fingers and they just can’t get enough. Why? Because they’re tasty and easy to eat. No utensils needed, just a good grip and a saucy dip to enjoy these crispy delights. This recipe is a great way to transform those boring bags of frozen strips into a healthy meal that both you and your kids will enjoy.
Ingredients: 2 large eggs
3 slices whole wheat bread, or gluten free bread
1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds preferably, but roasted with no salt works fine too.
1/4 cup ground flax seed meal
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds, untoasted or toasted
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Method: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place a metal cooling rack (like you use for cooling baked goods) onto a baking sheet. Set aside. (I like to use the cooling rack so that the chicken fingers don’t become mushy on the bottom, but it’s completely optional.)
2. Add eggs to a shallow baking dish or bowl. Beat well with a fork. Set aside.
3. Place bread, flax seed meal, sunflower seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Process for about 1 minute, or until small crumbs form. Place crumbs into a shallow baking dish or large plate. Set aside.
3. Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. Slice chicken into strips, about 1″ thick.
4. Set up your breading station: Starting from left to right place the chicken strips, then the beaten eggs. Next to that place the breadcrumbs, then last should be your baking sheet.
5. Working with 3-4 chicken strips at a time, place the chicken in the egg. Let the egg drip off back into the bowl, then place the chicken strips on top of the bread crumb mixture. Light roll the strips to coat on all sides. Place the chicken strips on the rack on the baking sheet. Repeat until all the strips are done. You can use your hands to pat the bread crumbs onto the chicken strips if necessary.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is done. Let cool slightly then serve.
Susan Schuman is a working mom with two small kids and a hungry husband. She writes Our Family Eats to share ideas for fun, wholesome meals that anyone can fit into their hectic schedule. You can connect with Susan on Twitter @ourfamilyeats.
