You’re going to want to sit down as we’re combining two of our favorites—Trader Joe’s and sheet pan dinners—for the ultimate easy dinner option. For most of these “recipes” (and we use that term loosely) all you have to do is cover your sheet pan in foil, preheat the oven, and dump your favorite Trader Joe’s items on the pan to bake. The best part is that they’re no active cooking and you can typically bake these at anywhere from 350-425 degrees (just by adjusting the cooking time), perfect for when you want to add some rolls or other items to go along with them.
Mini Gnocchi + Spinach Artichoke Dip + Cherry Tomatoes
You can find these mini gnocchi in the fresh food section and the spinach artichoke dip in the freezer. Drizzle your pan with olive oil, dump the mini gnocchi and tomatoes in the pan, add a few cubes of frozen garlic along with some salt and pepper, and plop the artichoke dip into the center of the pan. Bake until the tomatoes burst and the dip has melted. Add a little stock or cream to loosen up the dip and stir to combine. You don’t even have to boil the gnocchi before baking; it’s that easy!
If your family members are fans of the cult-favorite Unexpected Cheddar, then this dinner will make them happy. Cut the pre-cooked sausage into half moons and then dump them on a foil-lined cookie sheet along with cauliflower gnocchi and broccoli florets. Bake at 400 degrees until the gnocchi is done to your liking, around 20 minutes. Give it a stir once or twice so everything browns evenly.
If your crew can handle a little bit of heat, this option could not be easier. Cover your sheet pan in foil and put the shawarma chicken on one side and the sweet potato fries on the other. Follow the package instructions for cooking the fries. Your chicken should be cooked through by the end of this process but check the internal temp for doneness. Serve with naan to make “naan tacos” for one of the most kid-friendly Trader Joe’s sheet pan dinners.
Set your oven to 400 degrees and run the shrimp under water in a colander until they have defrosted. Dry them with a paper towel and place them on a cookie sheet with some olive oil. Add a package of frozen asparagus spears or fresh asparagus and spread them out on the pan. Slice a lemon thinly and place the slices over the shrimp and asparagus. Bake until the shrimp are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Squeeze another lemon over everything and serve.
A piece of salmon is pretty much the easiest thing you can bake, trust us. Pick up some salmon filets from the fresh meat section and a bottle of the new salmon rub seasoning. Cover your pan with foil and drizzle a little olive oil on it. Place your salmon skin side down and sprinkle with salmon seasoning. On the other half of your pan, spread out the colorful carrot coins. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Serve with rice.
We love this pork tenderloin as it cooks up in no time. Start by searing it in a hot pan and then transfer it to a sheet pan with your cauli gnocchi and haricot verts. Add a little olive oil and garlic powder/salt/pepper and bake at 425 until the pork is cooked through, usually no more than 20 minutes. The gnocchi and green beans will come out nicely browned and the pork flavorful.
Santa Maria Style Tri Tip Roast + Chimichurri Sauce + Brussels Sprouts
Kate Loweth
The cooking instructions for this roast say to cook it at 425º for 30-45 minutes and that’s the perfect amount of time to get some nice roasted Brussels sprouts going. Cut the ends of the sprouts off and then cut them in half before placing them on a sheet pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the roast to the pan and cook until the roast is done, giving the Brussels sprouts a stir once during cooking. Serve with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce and a warm baguette.
This might be a little bit of a cheat but we had to include this fully-cooked roast on our list because it is the ultimate lazy dinner choice. Heat it up along with the microwaveable mashed potatoes and the salad of your choice for the ultimate easy Trader Joe’s sheet pan dinner.
We’re obsessed with these salmon bowls that come together in a flash. Line your sheet pan with foil and add your salmon with a dash of salmon rub. Bake until cooked to your liking. Microwave the rice and assemble your bowls with your favorite toppings: edamame, cucumbers, Soyaki, seaweed sheets, and whatever other vegs you have on-hand.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Kate Loweth
All you need is 20 minutes to pull this delicious meal together. Set your oven to 425 and cover your sheet pan in foil. Cut the Pollo Asado into long, thin strips and spread it out with the fire-roasted peppers and onions on your sheet pan. Bake until cooked through (about 15 minutes) and then broil for a minute to get some nice char on the chicken. Serve in your favorite tortilla with salsa to top.
These flavorful bites of beef are easy to cook under the broiler. Partner them with green beans or their skinny cousin the Haricot Verts and you’ll be set with a main and a side. We love these served with the Harvest Blend grains.
We’ll be supporting these AAPI & Asian-Owned brands all year!
May is AAPI Heritage Month! It’s a time when, according to asianpacificheritage.gov, “The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.”
We’re celebrating by showcasing some of the best brands in the world that are owned and run by Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs. These brand represent the creativity and innovation of the community, and supporting them is a great way to honor this month of learning. Afterall, it means putting money directly into the hands of business owners. While we believe it’s extremely important to learn and educate ourselves this month (and throughout the year), supporting AAPI and Asian-owned brands is a tangible way to make a difference. From fashion to food, beauty to tech, we’ve got a little something for everyone on this list. Get ready to discover some amazing AAPI and Asian-owned brands that you’ll love just as much as we do!
Fly By Jing
Fly by Jing
Fly By Jing was founded in 2018 by Jing Gao, who creates products honoring the flavors of her hometown of Chengdu, China. She's drawn fans like Cate Blanchett and Emma Chamberlain with a range of tingly, spicy, and savory goodies! Fly By Jing—Shop Here!
Maison Miru
Maison Miru
Creator of the viral Nap Earrings (flat-back earrings you can wear all the time!), Maison Miru creates size-inclusive jewelry is waterproof, sweatproof, and life-proof so you can wear it 24/7, transforming your look for whatever you’re doing. Also, for the month of May, Maison Miru has launched two limited-edition items (Heart of Dinner System Kit and Heart of Dinner Memory Palace Bracelet) in collaboration with and in support of Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit organization providing hot meals for the most vulnerable Asian elderly community around Manhattan's Chinatown area. Maison Miru—Shop Here!
Material Kitchen
Material Kitchen
Material Kitchen's co-founder and CEO Eunice Byun has created a line of kitchenware that blends sustainable sources with gorgeous design that's meant for everyday use. Material Kitchen—Shop Here!
IMMI
IMMI
Kevin Chan and Kevin Lee (known as KChan and KLee, or "The Kevins") grew up first-generation immigrants working alongside their families in the farms and markets of Thailand and Taiwan. Having similar childhood experiences, The Kevins came together to create the first low-carb, high-protein, plant-based instant ramen made with good-for-you ingredients without sacrificing flavor! IMMI—Shop Here!
Brightland
Brightland
Embracing sustainability and traceability, Brightland founder and CEO Aishwarya Iyer had a vision of creating fresh and pure pantry essentials. Brightland's olive oils, vinegars, and raw honey are produced on small family farms in the U.S! (As featured in Oprah's Favorite Things!) Brightland—Shop Here!
Jason Wu Beauty
"I think Jason Wu Beauty is about revealing your inner icon—your inner beauty. I think there is a lot of heavy makeup on the marketplace right now, and our approach is kind of the opposite of that. It’s about a light hand. It’s about really showing yourself through the beauty products, not being covered up by them.”—Jason Wu for Harper's Bazaar Jason Wu Beauty—Shop Here!
Honua Skincare
Honua Skincare
Another fabulous brand straight from Hawaii, Honua Skincare was created by O'ahu native Kapua Browning, who uses the line to share her passion for Hawaiian culture, botanicals, and aesthetics. Honua Skincare—Shop Here!
Selfmade
Selfmade
Stephanie Lee set out to create a collection that focuses on "scientifically proven, therapeutic ingredients and allows our community to create transformational habits that support both their physical and emotional well-being." Selfmade—Shop Now!
Sanzo
Sanzo
Founder Sandro Roco was inspired by the recent rise of amazing blockbuster films directed by or starring AAPI and/or Asian people, the popularity of Korean pop music, and the influence of Asian pop culture around the globe. Sandro combines classic Asian flavors and a modern label to bring you Sanzo Sparkling Water! Sanzo—Shop Here!
Avya
Avya
Discover how great your skin can look with AAPI and women-owned skincare brand Avya! Formulated without yucky stuff and made to nourish and plump your skin. Avya—Shop Here!
Gunas New York
Gunas
Animal lover Sugandh G. Agrawal started Gunas New York in 2009 with the ultimate goal of creating amazing pieces that are vegan and cruelty-free! Gunas New York—Shop Here!
Kwohtations
Kwohtations
Letterpress-printed greeting cards and stationery designed by Janine Kwoh from Brooklyn, NY, Kwohtations is designed with diversity and inclusion in mind. Plus all the designs are adorable! Kwohtations—Shop Here!
My goal is to create products that encourage us to embrace the diversity, complexity, and kinship in our lived experiences. My hope is always that others will recognize some of themselves in what I create and feel a bit more seen, more connected, and less alone. —Janie Kwoh
LittleHippo
LittleHippo
The Mella Sleep Trainer, Alarm Clock, and Nightlight uses expressions and colors to teach toddlers when it's time to stay in bed! AAPI and women-owned brand "on a mission to create beautiful, modern children's products, minus the sky-high prices". LittleHippo—Shop Here!
Musely
Musely
You've probably seen Musely treatments on your social media, and there's a great reason why. Musely's board of a dozen top dermatologists have designed prescription skincare, haircare, and other treatments that are so effective, you have to check out all the before and after pictures from real patients. By delivering freshly compounded formulas that are uniquely catered to you and your concerns that’s delivered straight to your door in 2-4 business days, eliminating doctor visits, expensive prescription costs, expired prescriptions, & more, Musely is truly customized treatment. Musely—Get Started Here!
Country Archer Provisions
Country Archer Provisions
From meat sticks in mouthwatering flavors including Jalapeno Beef, or turkey and grass-fed beef jerky such as Sweet Chipotle Turkey or the new Zero Sugar Beef Jerky line in three delicious flavors—Classic, Spicy Sesame Garlic and Mustard BBQ—you’re sure to find a flavor from Country Archer Provisions that your taste buds will love. Country Archer Provisions—Shop Here!
Sundāri
Sundāri
Sundāri is a skincare brand based on yoga and wellness principles for a whole body experience. They're also a favorite of day spa pros! Sundāri—Shop Here!
Multitasky
Multitasky
Julia Xu started Multitasky with the idea that office supplies and gadgets should be functional and fun. From desk goodies to tech and travel supplies, Multitasky has such cute offerings! Multitasky—Shop Here!
Kreya
Kreya
Kreya is a South Asian, Woman, and Sikh owned business creating solutions to bulky totes and bags. Each of their bags functions as two—a tote/backpack and a crossbody/shoulder bag! Kreya—Shop Here!
Arrae
Arrae
Arrae creates 100% natural supplements with real results and zero "woo". With accurate dosing, Arrae’s alchemy capsules solve everyday problems that women constantly deal with. You know what we mean - bloat, anxiety, etc. This is the wellness product for the millennial woman, who has a lot on her plate but doesn’t want to compromise on how she feels. Arrae—Shop Here!
Kite Beauty
Kite Beauty
Kite offers on-the-go glowy concealer in a convenient business card-like package! That way, you can touch up anywhere and everywhere. Kite Beauty—Shop Here!
Cabinet Health
Cabinet Health
Co-founded by Chinese-American Russell Gong and Indian-American Achal Patel, Cabinet Health is a sustainable healthcare company that invented the world’s first refillable and compostable medicine system to offer an impactful solution to the 190B single-use plastic medicine bottles produced in the medicine industry every year! Plus they're oh-so-cute. Cabinet Health—Shop Here!
Cardon Skincare
Cardon
While Cardon's products aren't only for men, they're designed with men in mind! They feature multitasking power products that make it fast and easy for him to take care of his skin. Plus, their sleek packaging looks great on the vanity. Cardon Skincare—Shop Here!
Common Heir
Common Heir
Common Heir is plastic-free skincare that'll transform your skin with sustainable packaging and ingredients! Common Heir—Shop Here!
Le Mini Macaron
Le Mini Macaron
Salon manis at home? Our dreams have come true! Le Mini Macaron is affordable and comes with a ton of color options. Le Mini Macaron—Shop Here!
Mila
Mila
MiLa brings restaurant-quality Chinese food (think dumplings, noodles, sauces, and even ice cream) right to your house (no greasy takeout containers included!). MiLa—Shop Here!
AMYO
AMYO
New York based, female founded and operated jewelry line that aims to be evergreen and affordable. Their rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are all under $300 and made from Vermeil, 14K Gold and Sterling Silver! AMYO—Shop Here!
Gimme Seaweed
Gimme Seaweed
Gimme Seaweed organic, non-GMO snacks are light, crunchy, and easy to add to any of your favorite recipes or just eat on their own! Plus, kiddos love them. Gimme Seaweed—Shop Here!
Redmint
Redmint
Redmint is focused on building the connection between skin and internal health to build the ultimate self-care rituals. The whole collection is grounded in three core TCM modalities: Yin for nourishing, Qi for uplifting and Yang for regenerating. All products are clean and made in California, filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids to produce lasting results that improve over time. Redmint—Shop Here!
Laoban Dumplings
Laoban Dumplings
Laoban Dumplings are flavor-forward, chef-driven dumplings made from scratch using all-natural, premium ingredients! Laoban Dumplings—Shop Here!
Fotile Kitchen Appliances
Fotile
Ranked among Top 500 Asian brands for five consecutive years, Fotile offers a selection of range hoods, in-sink dishwashers, air-fryers/steam ovens, cooktops and more! Fotile Kitchen Appliances—Shop Here!
Partake Foods
Partake Foods
All Partake products are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and are free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame, and shellfish). And they're so, so good, too! Parake Foods—Shop Here!
Free AF Mocktails
Free AF
Each Free AF drink is powered by Afterglow, a 100% natural botanical extract that mimics the pleasant warmth of drinking alcohol—without the alcohol. It’s what helps their non-alcoholic cocktails taste as good as their alcoholic equivalent. These all-natural alcohol-free cocktails are low calorie, low sugar, gluten free and vegan. Free AF Mocktails—Shop Here!
Oh Beauty
Oh Beauty
Oh Beauty offers a curated selection of skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, fragrances, devices, and more from brands you know and love including Alastin, Elta MD, Phyto-C, Purelift, Paul & Joe, Living Proof, Olaplex, Philosophy, This Works, Elemis, Purelift, Tom Ford, and more. Oh Beauty—Shop Here!
Aviron
Aviron
Aviron incorporates gaming psychology to engage users mentally with games, competitions, guided programs, and scenic rows. Or if you prefer catching up on your favorite shows or sports games, Aviron provides streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify and YouTube! Aviron—Shop Here!
Retold
Retold
Retold’s concept is to fill each Retold bag with your unwanted textile goods, drop it off with the prepaid label, and you're done! Together with Retold’s partners, all items sent are thoroughly sorted before going to charities, thrift stores, reuse partners, up-cyclers, and soon, next generation fabric houses. All Retold bags come pre-labeled with postage prepaid and are made plastic-free from biodegradable and compostable cornstarch! Retold—Join Here!
Komo's Kimchi
Komo's Kimchi
An authentic kimchi paste that ferments beautifully and can be used with all types of produce, from bok choy and napa cabbage to perilla leaves and radish! Komo's Kimchi—Shop Here!
M.M. LaFleur
M.M. LaFleur
Stylish and functional workwear pieces that are easy to mix and match and are sure to be worn for years! M.M. LaFleur—Shop Here!
Albion
Albion
Albion is a Japanese beauty brand that is fiercely devoted to providing consumers with luxury skincare infused with powerful botanical extracts grown on their own farm in Japan (without the use of pesticides). Albion—Shop Here!
Invity
Invity
Invity is based in Singapore and focuses on NAD, AMPK and Sirtuin pathway research to develop novel ingredients and proprietary formulations proven to support and protect your skin from the inside-out. Invity—Shop Here!
KA! Empathogenics
KA! Empathogenics
The first-ever brand bringing Kanna (a small succulent plant native to South Africa that’s clinically proven to lift mood and sharpen cognitive function) to the masses in chew form with Kanna Chews. KA! Empathogenics—Shop Here!
Mooncat
Mooncat
Mooncat is a line of 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and handcraftednail polishes that serve as wearable art. Mooncat—Shop Here!
Unicorn Glow
Unicorn Glow
Unicorn Glow is a line of affordable makeup products that meet the needs of various make-up moods of expression so you can discover your best looks and bring out your signature individuality. Unicorn Glow—Shop Here!
BobaBam
BobaBam is the at-home kit that lets boba lovers make authentic Taiwanese boba drinks, with all the taste and texture of conventional boba shops, in the comfort of their own kitchens. Available in brown sugar, coffee, mango, strawberry, and milk tea. BobaBam—Shop Here!
Just Date
Just Date/Amazon
Just Date offers organic sugars and syrups made from real fruit so you can feel better about your sweeteners without leaning on chemical sugar substitutes. Just Date—Shop Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
If the idea of coming up with a recipe and finding time to hit up the grocery store is too much to bear, this list of amazing meal delivery services in Dallas for families is the easiest way to get dinner on the table when you’ve got a busy plate (pun intended!) and exactly no time to plan. From heat-and-eat options for when you just can’t cook another meal, to meal kits that will have the kids cooking with you, there’s something on this list that will satisfy every family. Get ready to get cooking!
Front Porch Pantry
iStock
Since 2016, Front Porch Pantry has been feeding Texas families cost-effective, gourmet meals with no prep involved. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner delivered to your door when you want them, no subscription required. We love the honey lemon dijon chicken with rice pilaf and the steakhouse dinner with pup fries for family-friendly options. Not sure what to order? Try a "Taste of Front Porch Pantry" that includes 6 meals for $84/week.
Based in Austin with stores across Texas and in Philadelphia, Snap Kitchen offers fresh and healthy, chef-designed meals that are ready to heat and heat, no meal prep or cooking required. All Snap Kitchen meals are personally designed by a team of registered dietitians and chefs, with curated lifestyle plans including low carb, keto-friendly, Whole30, paleo, high protein, vegetarian, balance and best-sellers. Committed to only using ingredients that promote optimal health and reduce the risk of disease, Snap Kitchen meals are made fresh daily and do not contain any gluten, antibiotics, added hormones, or artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.
Snap Kitchen stores across Texas are open and convenient curbside pickup and delivery will still be available for contactless shopping. Stock up with fresh, healthy, no-work-required meals for the week by ordering online or via the iOS app.
Cost: The six-meal plan costs $14/meal and the 12-meal plan is $11/meal. Save $10 on an order of $50 via this link.
Sun Basket provides meal kit customers with organic produce and clean ingredients with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Consumers can also upgrade to premium meats like grass-fed filet and jumbo shrimp. Broaden your culinary horizons with family-friendly meals like chicken tagine and Taiwanese noodle soup. You can even select "super speedy" meals which can go from box to table in less than 20 minutes or "one pot" meals which keep the dishes to a minimum. Hooray!
Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.
Sun Basket recently released their Fresh & Ready meals and families will want to try them out for sure. Fresh & Ready is an ideal weeknight meal solution—the meals feature a complete dinner that is pre-cooked, packaged and can go straight into the oven or microwave, ready in 6 minutes or less, no additional prep required.
Chef-made, nutritionist-designed meal delivery service Territory Foods delivers meals free of gluten and refined sugars to families. With over 35 options that are updated weekly, you choose what you want, the items are cooked to order and delivered twice a week to keep your fridge stocked. Pause or cancel at any time. Try the chicken stir fry or BBQ pork with mashed potatoes as easy kid-friendly options.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The partnership gives Marley Spoon access to Martha's archive of over 18,000 tried-and-true recipes to feature in their meal kits. They promise quality purveyors offering grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, American-caught shrimp and artisanal cheeses. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
Cost: Prices start at $15/serving. Dinner for two (3 nights a week) starts at $90. The first week of shipping is free.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor. With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps.
Cost: Customers can order 4-12 meals a week starting at $9/meal.
This meal delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist approved and kid approved, too! Choose your kids meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week.
Cost: Meals start at $13/serving and $10 shipping.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly.
Farmbox Direct offers various size boxes packed with seasonal, farm-fresh fresh fruits and vegetables to your door. You select the shipment size and customize your box, and check your doorstep for easy monthly deliveries.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).
There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
As parents we wear oh so many hats—driver, coach, nurse. You name it; parents do it. And with the start of the school year just around the corner, we know you’ll be putting another hat on top of your (very tall) stack—chef. But what if someone else helped with that heavy lift, at least a little? That’s where the best Boston meal delivery services for families come in. We’ve got tons of meal kit picks that let your family sit down to a healthy, home-cooked (and often plant-based) meal that you didn’t have to plan or prep…much. Read on to let someone else do the cooking for a change.
Jayna Kropas
Clover Food Lab
While we’re sure you’ve seen this local spot around town, if their meal delivery kits haven’t made it onto your radar yet, they’re worth a look. Clover started the delivery side of their restaurant biz in the early days of the pandemic, and they’ve kept it going because it filled a need. Boston families are always on the lookout for healthy, plant-based meals they can get on the table quickly (these take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to prep). That’s what you’ll find here.
There are a few ways to get in on the action. Subscribe to the Meal Box program and count on an evolving menu within a daily category (think: Salad Mondays, Taco Tuesday or Pasta Saturdays…you get the idea). Not sure you want to commit? Simply order Meal Boxes individually to see what you think and go from there. Families can also mix and match Meal Bundles any day of the week. It comes with everything you need to make the meal, and saves you (yet another) trip to the store. Sauces, dips and produce can be added to your order to help fill in the gaps.
With a name like Mama Sezz we’re already sold on this local mom-owned meal delivery service that makes feeding your family plant-based meals super easy. Each meal serves 2-3 people, can be frozen for up to two months and is completely heat-and-eat. That means families have total flexibility to get a healthy dinner on the table whenever they need it. If you’re not so sure about plant-based or have been flirting with the idea for a while now, try their Get Me Started bundle that helps newbies know where to be begin. Their MOM bundle is another great option for families—it’s got all kinds of vegan meals your kids will absolutely love.
If a local company focused on sustainability is what’s on your family’s menu, look no further than al FreshCo. Serving the greater Boston area since 2013, they source all of their ingredients fromlocal New England farms to make their creative and healthy meals. The service works like many other—families opt in to the number of meal kids they’d like each week (one kit feeds two), place your cooler outside and get your food. If you're not quite sure you want to go all in, you can also try a one-time order. Orders are placed by Saturday (at midnight) for delivery the following Tuesday. And thesustainable packaging used to wrap these easy-prep meals will make you feel extra good about the whole experience.
Feast & Fettle is like having a private chef without someone cooking in your kitchen. The business was founded by Maggie Pearson, a former personal chef who believes busy, working families shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience. The meal delivery service puts an emphasis on high quality ingredients that are delivered locally to Rhode Island and Boston residents. The menu changes every week, incorporating seasonal trends and local partners. All meals are made in their local kitchen, then delivered to your door by their own team of delivery drivers. This model ensures your meals arrive fresh, not frozen.
Their plans for singles, couples families are highly customizable, and each menu incorporates items fit for all dietary preferences. Not sure what tastes great together? Try out the Chef's Pairings. They even have their own line of kids meals that are perfect for the picky eaters in your life.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Families have two options when it comes to meal delivery with Purple Carrot and both are great for busy families. Boxed Meal Kits include everything you need to make a healthy dinner. All you have to do is prep and cook and call the kids down to eat. Then there's fresh, Prepared Meals (think: Italian Pasta Bowls and Chilled Curried Chickpea Salad). These tasty dishes are heat and serve, leaving you more time to do things like help with homework, make the latest after school run or even just relax (imagine that!). All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Good to know: We're crushing on Purple Carrot's Plantry ingredients like cauliflower snacking crackers and chocolate-covered oat bites that kids can grab and eat.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The partnership gives Marley Spoon access to Martha's archive of over 18,000 tried-and-true recipes to feature in their meal kits. They promise quality purveyors offering grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, American-caught shrimp and artisanal cheeses. The menu features 45 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free and more.
Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help. Also, the blog offers great tips and ideas, like what to do with lentils, immune-boosting foods and Martha’s easy Oscar party snacks. The family kit feeds four adults, so will easily feed two adults and two kids.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor.
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen rotating options. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table. Perfect for rushed weeknight dinners! Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem. You can skip any time.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. You'll be able to choose from 30 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis. Most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like wit these meals that are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times. All your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes and you'll have 27 different recipes to choose from each week. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. New recipes are added weekly. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to select the options that are right for your family. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta, while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.
How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too). There are no (as in zero, zilch) animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos, and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan.
As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
What's not to love about a meal delivery service that's focused on kids? Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced, lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist-approved and kid-approved, too! Choose your kid's meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. The Bowl of Yays Pasta with veggie marinara and the Mighty Meatballs and Veggie Chili are crowd pleasers for sure. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Families can enjoy Sunbasket two different ways, depending on your busy schedule. If you've got time to cook, Meal Kits are the way to go. Each scrumptious meal comes pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes; all you supply is the people power to cook it. But if you're extra short on time, you can order one of Sunbasket's Fresh & Ready meals that go from container to table in just three minutes. Hello, making it to soccer practice on time! The Meal Kits come with easy to filter options like Paleo, gluten free and vegetarian, and you can order breakfast, lunch and snacks to help with the other aspects of your busy family life too. Basically, you can go quite a long time without having to set foot in a grocery store with this to-your-door service.
Farmbox Direct offers various size boxes packed with seasonal, farm-fresh fresh fruits and vegetables delivered straight to your door. You select the shipment size, customize your box from there, then check your doorstep for easy monthly deliveries. Menus changed based on the season and you can stick with an all-organic box or go with a natural one. Add in a juicing box (red, orange or green) for a tasty boot, too.
It doesn’t matter what season it is—winter, spring, summer or fall—families are busy all year long. But just because we’re short on time, doesn’t mean we don’t want our kids to have delicious and nutritious meals. Luckily, frozen meals have evolved to include breakfast, lunch and dinner, consist of healthier ingredients and offer more kid-friendly options. Here are our picks for the best new frozen meals for busy families.
Cool Beans
Cool Beans
Perfect for a quick dinner or wrapped in foil for a school lunch, Cool Beans plant-based frozen wrap are packed with globally-inspired flavors. Made with whole ingredients, gluten free and vegan, your kiddos will reap the benefits of this fiber-rich food with flavors like spicy chipotle and tikka masala.
Crispy pizza lovers will want to add these to the rotation and parents will love that they are super quick to cook up for hangry kids. They are gluten-free and you won't have to worry about the cauliflower contents sending your anti-veg kids over the edge. We found the flavor to be indistinguishable from other crunchy-crust pizzas.
Adorable little fish that are only made with four ingredients and can be cooked thawed or frozen? Yes, please! A great alternative to fish sticks, you can get these in salmon or cod, and there are no added hormones, dairy, egg or binders.
When you want a convenient, ready-to-eat meal or snack after a long school day, pop a Daiya pizza in the oven. With a variety of options, including Meatless Pepperoni Style, Supreme, Cheeze Lover’s and Fire Roasted Vegetable, Daiya Pizzas are quick to prepare, so parents can spend their time helping with homework and hanging out with the kids.
Got a chicken nugget addict in your crew? You'll want to know about this! Kidfresh brings you kid favorites with a nutritious twist like chicken nuggets with added pureed cauliflower, mac n' cheese with pureed carrots and pizza strips with hidden cauliflower. Your little ones will be eating better without even knowing it!
This clean-label world cuisine company is known for their popular dishes like Pad Thai and Chicken Biryani, and now you can get these, and new dish Pineapple Fried Rice, in a family size! Saffron Road uses ethically sourced ingredients and has other ready-made meals and frozen entrees for busy families.
Family-sized meals will initially be available at Whole Foods Market, Walmart and Harris Teeter.
Green Giant's New Frozen Veggie Lineup
Green Giant already has the market cornered when it comes to fast, easy veggies that complete your meal. Now, the company has even more options to sneak in the green! Now you can shop products like veggie hashbrowns, tots, rings, fries, spirals, cauliflower breadsticks and gnocchi.
You can shop the new products at retailers nationwide.
Pizza'nadas from Brazi Bites
If your kids are pizza addicts, this option is for you. Brazi Bites recently introduced their new line of Pizza'nadas, an extension of the brand’s popular Empanadas line. Pizza’nadas start with the same, iconic Brazilian cheese bread base made from clean ingredients like tapioca flour, eggs, cheese, and milk, stuffed with fresh mozzarella, uncured pepperoni, and tomato sauce for a delicious, nostalgic pizza flavor consumers love. Take the Pizza’nadas straight from the freezer to the oven or air fryer for a scrumptious snack that is ready in minutes.
Buy them here, with 15% off your first order using code YUM15.
Snow Days Grain-Free Pizza Bites
Whip up some guilt-free pizza bites with new Snow Days! They're made with grain-free and gluten-free Cassava dough and packed with organically farmed veggies. Snow Days pizza bites also contain no grains or preservatives and take just takes 10 minutes to make.
Buy them here, $31.49 for a two-pack subscription, or a one time price of $34.99. Use code REDTRI10 for $10 off your first purchase through the month of May.
Alex's Awesome Sourdough
Alex's Awesome Sourdough
For your next family pizza night, put Alex's Awesome Sourdough on your list. It combines two of our loves—sourdough and pizza—in a quick-baking option that will feed your crew in a flash. You have four flavors to choose from: mozzarella, sunflower pesto, mushroom, vegan margherita with two grain-free options coming soon. Each pizza is shaped by hand by artisan pizza makers and because it is made from sourdough, they are easier to digest.
Instead of serving up fish sticks for the kids, opt for the new Sea Pal Shrimp Nuggets from SeaPak™. These sea turtle and starfish-shaped shrimp bites offer a whopping 14 grams of protein per serving, are wrapped in a crispy whole-grain breading and have no artificial preservatives. Our editor’s kids give them two thumbs up!
Known for its high-quality meat products, Belcampo recently launched a line of frozen meatballs made from the company’s organic, grass-fed beef; simply heat and eat! We think this is a great way to get protein on your kids’ plate without putting in a lot of time in the kitchen.
Made with spicy-sweet goodness and the signature cream cheese frosting, these new Cinnabon Frosted Cinnasweet Swirls are perfect for a cozy weekend morning with the kids.
These new plant-based nuggets are Mickey Mouse shaped, made with non-GMO soy and offer 10 grams of protein per serving. Vegetarians and families hoping to have a meatless meal here or there rave about these, so be sure to give them a try.
Smucker's Uncrustables Frozen Turkey & Colby Jack Roll-Ups
Smucker’s new Uncrustables are perfect for lunch boxes or snack time. Made with real turkey and Colby jack cheese, just pull them out and let them thaw! Plus, each serving offers 10 grams of protein.
Kids will flip over these Organic Ice Wands featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen 2 and the plant-based Organic SuperFruit Freezies that were released from DeeBee's just in time for the summer heat. DeeBee's Organics shelf-stable freezies are made from premium organic fruits with zero added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and are allergen-free of nuts, dairy, fish, wheat and soy. You can feel good serving them every afternoon this summer!
From Scott & Jon and their frozen shrimp and grain bowls, comes four new flavors—Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Ramen Noodle, Spicy Ramen Noodle, and Shrimp Scampi Pasta. All of their bowls cook in under four minutes and are under 300 calories. Each bowl is also packed with protein.
If 2020 taught us anything, it was to have a stockpile of healthy snacks for kids ready at home when the hangries strike. Fuel up with these low- or no-sugar store-bought snacks for kids that will boost their brain power and give them the energy they need to play and learn. From brand-new snacks just released in 2021 to healthy snacks we always have in our pantry, read on for the best new store-bought snacks to stock up on now.
Spudsy Sweet Potato Fries
Those misshapen sweet potatoes aren't going to waste! Spudsy take them and upcycles them into a plant-based snack the whole family will love! The brand's Sweet Potato Fries are grain and gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based and come in three flavors including Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry and Cheese Fry. While you're shopping, be sure to pick up a few of our other faves, cinnamon churro and Bangin' Bar-B-Q sweet potato puffs!
These are not your Corn Nuts of the 90's! Love, Corn products are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and come in so many delicious flavors. New this year, Vegan Cheezy makes the perfect, guilt-free snacks for moms and a great addition to school lunches.
Perfect for toddlers, big kids and even busy moms, Yumi's fruit leathers come in mixed berry, mango and strawberry flavors. Kids will get a full serving of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar in each strip!
Don't just eat, feed your brain! Brainiac's new products include Brain Squeezers, Brain Butters and Smart Tubes & Smoothies that pack a proprietary blend of brain nutrients including Omega‑3s and Choline and are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, have no added sugars or artificial flavors and are approved by pediatricians. Did we mention they taste great, too?
Get all the things you love about an Everything bagel in a thin, tasty cracker! RW Garcia's delicious snack is organic, verified non-GMO, gluten free, kosher and is made with corn, seeds, garlic and onion.
Find them at local grocers nationwide.
KIND Bar Minis
KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time.
Yes, you can still have your tasty cheese balls and eat them too! The Good Crisp just turned your guilty pleasure into a healthy snack with no fillers, artificial flavors, gluten or GMO's. On top of that, they've added Wellmune, which helps support your kiddos immune system.
Make packing that sweet snack a breeze with GoGos squeeZ brand new AlmondBlend Pudding! The plant-based pouch offers 5 grams of protein and 30% less sugar as compared to traditional dairy pudding so no guilt required.
The Famous Amos brand is being reimagined for today’s world with three new cookies. While sticking with its bite-sized shape that people know and love, Famous Amos is shaking things up by introducing three new recipes with premium ingredients from around the world including:
Belgian Chocolate Chip: An elevated classic chocolate chip cookie with authentic Belgian chocolate
Philippine Coconut and White Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with coconut from the Philippines
Mediterranean Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with hazelnuts from the Mediterranean
These Lemon Blueberry Bars from Hungry Buddha are the perfect combo of zesty lemon with the sweetness of juicy berries all in one delicious, vegan, plant-powered and allergy-friendly snack bar. These gluten free, Non-GMO bars are packed with 10g of protein and only 2g of sugar, and are made without the use of palm oil, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. Pick these up at your local Sprouts Market for $2.49.
Catalina Crunch
Catalina Crunch, the makers of delicious keto-friendly cereals and cookies, just released a brand new Crunch Mix that features protein, fiber and specially curated natural ingredients in four delectable flavors: Traditional, Cheddar, Creamy Ranch and Spicy Kick. Each variety is made with the same delicious taste and crunch of your favorite party mixes and features a delicious mix of Catalina Crunch cereal, vibrant seasonings, nuts, chickpea pretzels and (depending on the flavor) cheese crisps. We love to keep these in the car for impromptu park days and hiking trips.
Perfect Bar to the rescue! The new snack size is perfect for kiddos and now comes in Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Made with organic peanut butter and organic honey, 20+ organic superfoods and six grams of whole food protein, these petite bars make the ideal lunch or after-school snack.
Get them in the refrigerated sections of Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and retailers nationwide for $6.99 for an eight count box.
Undercover Snacks
Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Developed by a mom whose two daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, all Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate.
Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. They are made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single-serve packs in as a treat!
Looking for healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid's backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens? Look no further! Developed by a mom whose children have severe food allergies, Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. They are perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family.
A sweet, popcorn-based treat without all the extra added sugar? Yes please! Just a 1/2 cup clocks in at 60 calories and 2 grams of sugar thanks to their all-natural sweeteners. Now you can feel good about treating the kids without any of the guilt.
Make snack time fun and educational! Dick and Jane's educational snacks are all-natural, non-GMO and 100% nut-free. Each pack is made with crackers imprinted with learning opportunities like spelling, abbreviations and more. Varieties currently include States & Capitals, Presidents, English & Spanish, Food & Nutrition, Fun & Fitness and Farmers Market.
KRAVE recently introduced a new Zero Sugar Jerky line that marries grass-fed beef with all the flavor and none of the sugar. Your kids will love the two new flavors: Sonoma Style BBQ and Southwest Hatch Chile. KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky perfects bold flavor and tender texture for a snack that delivers on taste and nutrition—both 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavors have 12g of protein, 0g of sugar and only 1.5g of fat per serving.
KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky is available now in select CVS stores nationwide and online at kravejerky.com, with availability in Meijer, Kroger and on Amazon coming soon.
Belgian Boys
Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for your next road trip. Kids will especially love the speculoos cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the Belgian chocolate cookie bars (hide these, you'll want them for yourself). Try their frozen breakfast items like waffles and bite-sized pancakes for on-the-go munching.
Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bars are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in teriyaki and original flavors.
Plant-based eaters, listen up! Pure Batch has grab-and-go cookie batches that include four types of truffles, a protein brownie and refrigerated-to-eat cookies. You'll love knowing that you are feeding your body with something nutritious while also enjoying a sweet treat.
2Betties creates dairy-free, nutrient-dense mini donuts with no refined sugars. We love them for a hiking treat to motivate the kids to keep going! They are currently offered in six delicious flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet Almond, Mocha Chip, Vanilla Bean, and Pumpkin Spice. Hide the wrapper and your guests will think you’re an expert donut maker.
Developed by parents, DINO BARS are the healthy, travel-friendly bar that your kids will love eating. They are wrapped in edible paper and available in three fun flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and mango. Parents will love that they are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Horizon Organic's Yogurt Pouches and Cultured Dairy Smoothies
Horizon Organic's newest offerings from their Growing Years line include a yummy dairy smoothie and yogurt pouches. The dairy smoothie comes in a small container that's perfect for school lunches or a quick snack. We also love that these new snacks were developed with the help of a pediatrician, so you'll know your kids are getting great nutrition.
Sink your teeth into RIND’s new Skin-In Dried Fruit snacks! The chewy, tasty snacks have no added sugar and 4-6g of fiber per serving. Because the skin is still on, kiddos will get more vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than other dried fruit brands. Not only that, they are non-GMO project verified, Kosher certified, allergen-friendly and gluten-free. We love all the flavors that include Tropical Blend, Straw-Peary, Orchard, Tangy Kiwi, Coco-Melon and Coconut Crisps.
Enjoying lentils never tasted so good! Perfect to enjoy by the handful or tossed on a salad, these salty snacks pack plant-based protein, are gluten-free and have vegan options. Choose from Pink Himalayan Salt, Barbeque, Falafel and Cinnamon Sugar.
Quinn is known for making crazy delicious and totally craveable pretzels and microwave popcorn using only 100% REAL, simple ingredients and kicking artificial ingredients and unpronounceables to the curb. We love the maple almond butter filled pretzels for family hikes and the whole grain sea salt pretzel sticks for school lunches.
For on-the-go snacking that you can count on to be free of junk, look to Supernola. These superfood clusters come in Triple Berry Vanilla, Dragon Fruit Lemon Zest, Honey Sweet Goji, Banana Nut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Nut Crunch. Supernola fits many specialty diets including Paleo, Keto (4 flavors), Vegan (4 flavors), and is naturally dairy, gluten, grain, peanut and refined sugar-free.
Chips made out of cactus? Just say YES to Tia Lupita! These grain-free chips come in flavors like sea salt (our favorite), salsa verde, hot sauce, and chipotle, you'll definitely find one that you love.
The world's first Greek yogurt bar wrapped in chocolate has two new flavors! Delicious enough to pass for dessert, the Coconut and Berry Açaí treats are just 100 calories, contain one gram of sugar and pack eight grams of protein.
The two newest flavors are available exclusively at Whole Foods and you can find the others by visiting cliosnacks.com.
Raisels Pick-Your-Mix
Raisels, the creators of the fun-flavored Golden Raisins, has just launched the perfect way to get the flavors you want sent right to your door. The new Pick-Your-Mix option will allow you to mix-and-match delicious Raisel packs to create a perfect, custom Raisels box. Choose from among 7 options to bring the sweet, sour and slightly-spicy Raisel flavors to you. We love these as an alternative for kids who love sour candies—they won't know they're really eating fruit!
Bobo's Almond Brownie Oat Bars and Bites
Bobo's is back with new whole grain snacks! Get ready to let kiddos sink their teeth into gluten-free whole grain oats, cocoa, chocolate chips and chocolate almond butter in the new almond brownie oat bars and bites. Not only that, choose from brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.
Solely's new Organic Whole Fruit Gummies contain only two or three ingredients, real whole fruit and a little Vitamin C. Every pouch offers 0.7 ounces of fruit, is only 60-70 calories and has no added sugar, preservatives, gelatins, colors, or gums. They're also USDA organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. Choose from Organic Mango and Organic Mango & Orange flavors!
Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market.
LesserEvil Lil' Puffs
We'll just come out and say it: these new snacks from LesserEvil are so delicious you'll want to buy one bag for them, and one bag for you. The brand-new line includes flavors like Veggie Blend, Sweet Potato Apple, Non-Dairy Cheddar and Strawberry Beet. The puffs, which are in fun star-like shapes, use organic coconut oil and offer zero grams of sugar. They're certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO project verified, grain-free and gluten-free. The tasty snacks are best for toddlers 12 months and older.
We love these refrigerated bars for on-the-go snacking as they come in kid-friendly flavors like Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter. Pop them in your purse for a protein-rich, plant-based snack that you can feel good about serving. With 10g of protein per bar, you can definitely keep the hangries away.
We love this delicious line of tender chicken snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and various spices and we think you will too. They’re available in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Honey and they're the perfect option for hikes or to keep in your purse for when the hangries hit. High in protein, they can definitely get you through a playdate at the park that ran through lunchtime.
Give their lunches a colorful boost with Butterfly's brand-new nut butter that comes in two unique colors and flavors: Blue Dream and Pink Panther. Each is a unique mix of walnut, cashews, macadamia and MCT oil. The color comes from pitaya (dragon fruit) and blue spirulina. Both new flavors are organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.
If your babe is a puff fanatic turn to the brand-new grain-free puffs from Serenity Kids. With zero grams of sugar and no fillers like rice and grains, Serenity Kids leads with cassava root and real veggies. Choose from flavors like Carrot & Beet with Olive Oil, Broccoli & Spinach with Bone Broth, Tomato & Mushroom with Bone Broth and Sweet Pepper & Basil with Olive Oil. The entire line is non-GMO and USDA Organic certified.
This uber-fresh plant-based food company gets a 10,000/1000 rating from our editors, which basically means these protein bars are beyond tasty! Handcraft and plant-based, Urban Remedy's bars are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in healthy fats. Currently, they are available in Cacao, Matcha and Superfood Chaga flavors.
Ditch your traditional sandwich cookies that are loaded with sugar for these low-carb treats that taste delicious! Packed with 4g plant protein, 2g sugar and only 5g net carbs. 100% plant-based, nothing artificial, great macros and now available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla Crème and Peanut Butter.
These delicious mochi ice cream bites are available in individually-wrapped packaging and are gluten free and non-GMO. Made with all-natural ingredients, they are a tasty, no-mess, perfectly portioned treat everyone will enjoy. The new single serve mochi are available in varieties including Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Strawberry, and (non-vegan) Green Tea, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Dough Bites and more at the self-serve freezers in Whole Foods and other grocery stores nationwide!
CLIF Kid Zbars: Cinnamon Roll
Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we're eager to let you know about CLIF Kid's brand new flavor: cinnamon roll. It's packed with whole grain oats and swirls of cinnamon, and it tastes just like your fave doughy cinnamon rolls (but without the gooey, sticky mess).
Our kids can't get enough of Nature's Bakery fig bars, which means this brand has set the bar high for kids (and adult) snacks. Good news: Nature Bakery's brand-new soft-baked bars are just as delicious as their beloved fig bars. The new snack comes in two flavors: Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip. Both flavors feature organic whole grains, fruits and veggies with 9 grams of whole grains, fruits, veggies and chocolate chips. They're free of high fructose corn syrup and are nut-, dairy- and soy-free. Our toddler loved the bar and we thought that it was soft enough to give to our 11 month old who devoured it as well.
Launched in early 2020, Mavericks Snacks is new to the snacking game. But that doesn't mean they're going unnoticed. Mavericks Snacks was recently voted "Best New Healthy School Snack" and are winning kids (and parents) over with their delicious Cookiez and Crackerz. Their Cookiez have 40% less sugar than the leading kids cookie and their Crackerz boast 8 grams of whole grains. All snacks are non-GMO and peanut-free.
This keto-friendly snack brand strives to make OG-tasting products in a healthier way. Each product is gluten-free, grain-free, made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. Shop seven delicious products for 2021 that include Caramel Clusters, Salted Caramel Mini Cookies and Vanilla Shortbread Mini Cookies.
A great on-the-go snack, GOOD GOOD's Krunchy Keto Bars taste like a dessert. Packed with nutrients, each bar is loaded with eight to 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and has no added sugar. Choose from Raspberry Cheesecake and Caramel Friendly flavors in this snack that is great for parents and kiddos!
We all know how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy—the constant battle over sugar and veggies never ends. That's why ICONIC® Kids was created. It's a delicious kid’s drink with 0g of added sugar, a full serving of daily organic vegetables, Vitamin D3, and a taste that will trick kids into thinking it’s dessert. Try the sample pack and you'll get two of each of these flavors: Fruity Fiesta (tastes like the milk leftover from a bowl of Fruit Loops), Chocolate Carnival (as decadent as a sliver of rich dark chocolate cake) and Vanilla Vacay (tastes JUST like a vanilla milkshake).
Gluten-free and plant based, Without a Trace's Power Bites are tasty as can be. The allergen-friendly bites are made with real ingredients and are free from chemicals, fillers, are non-GMO and the Big 8, plus sesame. Enjoy these fork-free morsels in Red Raspberry and Cinna-Monster.
Snacking Avocado is a uniquely light and crispy clean-ingredient snack made with slices of real Hass avocados that are freeze-dried and simply seasoned with sea salt and spices. Available in three savory flavors, including Sea Salt, Sea Salt Lime and Roasted Chipotle, the nutritious new line is vegan, keto, gluten-free, Non-GMO, high-fiber and sugar free.
Addicted to Thin Mints but looking for a better-for-you option? Check this out! Kate's Real Food just launched their newest all-natural energy bar flavor, Dark Chocolate Mint, and you're going to love it. Like all Kate’s Real Food products, the Mint Bar is loaded with tasty USDA-certified organic ingredients, including cool peppermint extract, smooth dark chocolate, natural cacao powder, creamy peanut butter and certified gluten-free oats. It also includes organic, dried bits of cacao beans, adding texture to the bar with chocolate in a pure, unaltered form.
For a breakfast or on-the-go snack you can feel good about, we love The Soulfull Project's new granola. Made with steel-cut oats, brown rice crisps and puffed quinoa, your kids will love the "no junk" flavors of maple pecan, toasted coconut and dark chocolate cherry. You'll feel good knowing that for every serving of a Soulfull Project item that is purchased, one is donated to a food bank in that same region.
Bubba's Fine Foods Sweet & Savory Nut Mixes
These brand-new nut mixes from Bubba’s Fine foods come in six different flavors, three savory, and three sweet. Each one is filled with real food ingredients, and pack a whopping seven grams of protein. The 1.2oz serving size makes this an easy snack for busy parents and kids alike. And, if you’re trying to eat a more keto-focused diet, these nut mixes also only have three grams of net carbs per serving, too!
Clio has launched a new less-sugar Greek yogurt bar in two flavors, peach and mixed berry. With only one gram of sugar and eight grams of protein, this is a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with the kids.
You know and love KIND bars for their low-sugar combo of nuts, dark chocolate, salt and much more. Now, they've just launched their second-edition EQUALITY bar. While the bar itself is the favorite Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut, but the new wrapper is custom designed by a Black female artist, and it represents a world that’s beautifully diverse, inclusive and equitable.
Ditch the sugary sports drink and hydrate with Greater Than instead. With new flavors that include Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Clementine, this electrolyte drink is non-GMO, gluten and dairy free, 100 percent vegan, organic and paleo friendly. It's perfect for busy kids and parents on the go!
With the past year’s disruption in the food supply chain, many families have looked to order their meat directly from the source. There are many different meat delivery options out there and we gathered up a few of our favorites to share with you. Order up a box and get ready to get grilling!
Beck & Bulow
Beck & Bulow
Beck & Bulow offers pasture-raised buffalo, beef, elk, wild boar, lamb, heritage pork, poultry, wild-caught seafood and more. Check out their butcher shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico or place an order for nationwide delivery. With meat boxes available at all different price points, you can try out your usual favorites along with some new options. Boxes are available for individual orders as well as on a subscription basis if desired. Don't forget to pre-order your Thanksgiving turkey!
Superior Farms
When you are looking for the highest quality lamb for your dinner table, Superior Farms is the spot. Lambs are set to pasture across vast grasslands, sustaining on the natural vegetation as they have for centuries. This employee-owned company takes pride in bringing a sustainable, delicious, nutritious change of pace to the table. Now available via Amazon Fresh, you can order up Lamb Loin Chops, perfect for end-of-summer dishes like these chops with Mango Salsa from the American Lamb Board.
Harry & David Fine Meats™
Harry & David Fine Meats™
Harry & David Fine Meats™ provides shoppers with around-the-clock access to the same fresh selection and quality that they’d find at their local butcher shop—delivered right to their doorstep. You can also find recipes, how-to guides and more to provide inspiration for creating memorable summer gatherings.
We tried out their grilling collection and it was perfect for a family with 4 Rastelli’s™ Antibiotic-Free Filets of Top Sirloin, 4 Rastelli’s™ Pork Ribeye Steaks and 8 Rastelli’s™ Antibiotic-Free Black Angus Beef Triple Blended Burgers. Available options go beyond beef with chicken, pork and seafood also available. Add on some marinades to make tonight's dinner a no-brainer. They're all available via two-day shipping and are a perfect option for a last-minute gift.
Pasturebird, a pasture-raised chicken company, is on a mission to revolutionize agriculture by applying modern technology to ancient farming methods and to make pasture-raised more accessible for everyone. Pasturebird believes in the regenerative power of pasture-raised chicken for land, animal and community. Its goal is to improve the standard for raising animals and revolutionize farming from a man-made system of depletion back to a natural ecosystem of perpetual regeneration and replenishment.
Pasturebird’s chickens live outside in a natural habitat—on grass, in the fresh air and sunshine with plenty of space to roam and forage—and are rotated to a new pasture every single day in a "floorless coop." The company offers a variety of chicken products, from whole and spatchock chickens to chicken wings, drumsticks and breasts available direct-to-consumer nationwide.
You don't have to travel to Charleston to enjoy a meal from one of the best BBQ joints in the country. Lewis Barbecue ships its award-winning smoked meats, including whole brisket, pulled pork, and sausage, all across the country. Lewis also offers a tasty lineup of their signature all-purpose sauces perfect for elevating any summer dish. Your backyard barbecues will never be the same!
KC Cattle Company is a veteran-owned company that sells hormone-free Wagyu beef raised on its own farms. It employs and mentors veterans and donates proceeds from sales to many veterans' foundations. All their cows are raised in a stress-free environment, so the beef is more tender and the cows are happy. No hormones or antibiotics and more omega-3 and omega-6 because of higher marbling and good fat.
They have two amazing gift packages for Father’s Day including:
Pa’s Pick Bundle—This pick is perfect for dad to enjoy a delicious Wagyu KC Strip Steak dinner with plenty of World Famous Gourmet Wagyu Beef Hot Dogs and Wagyu Beef and Bacon Cheeseburger Bratwurst to share with everyone there to celebrate him!
The Backyard Dad Bundle—If the father in your life enjoys spending his free time in the backyard tending to the grill while telling copious amounts of "dad jokes" then this bundle will certainly please! Just remind him, it's no joking matter when preparing Wagyu Ribeye Steaks. Or maybe you let him tell those "cheesy" jokes, that way he just might share!
We know you'll love the father-daughter duo behind Flannery Beef just as much as we do. San Francisco native Bryan Flannery, Jr., learned the meat business from his father, Bryan Sr., who founded beloved Bryans Quality Meats in San Francisco in 1963. And now Bryan Jr. and his daughter, Katie, are the proud team behind Flannery Beef specializing in high quality, USDA Prime Holstein Beef. The duo has worked tirelessly to source, cut and dry age the finest quality beef products available anywhere—and the effort has paid off.
Previously available only to chefs, Flannery Beef pivoted during COVID to get their beef, pork and lamb into the hands of consumers. Their gift boxes are the perfect thank you gift for a neighbor and we love the burger blends to keep on hand during the grilling months. Remember them for holidays as their rack of lamb is a stunner.
Porter Road began in 2010 as a way to get quality beef to consumers without the middleman. They've been shipping their hand-cut meat since 2017 and you can order beef, pork, lamb and chicken to be delivered to your door.
We especially love the BYOBun Kit as it is the perfect option for weekend grilling, or to take with you on your next camping trip. You provide the buns, Porter Road provides the pasture-raised bratwurst and hot dogs, and Cleveland Kitchen provides the Classic Caraway Kraut and Roasted Garlic Kraut. It's pretty much a match made in grilling heaven.
ButcherBox is a mainstay in the meat subscription box market and it's for a good reason. They source wild-caught seafood, pasture-raised pork, grass-fed beef and more, and deliver it right to you. Their plans are super flexible with the custom box being a family favorite. Order what you what, when you want it and change up your order with every delivery if you'd like.
Right now they're offering a free BBQ bundle with your order: two strip steaks, six burgers, and 5 lbs. of drumsticks for FREE in your first box. Exp. 5/31
For a meatless BBQ option, check this out. DoorDash has partnered with Beyond Meat®, a leader in plant-based meat, to offer limited-edition, July 4th grilling kits to help customers host the ultimate BBQ featuring this summer’s hottest grilling essential: the sizzling new Beyond Burger®. The kits are available exclusively on DoorDash for on-demand delivery from DashMart, a new type of convenience store owned, operated, and curated by DoorDash. In addition to the Beyond Burger®, the grilling kits offer a custom grilling mit, apron, grilling tools, a bottle opener and a recipe card with custom dishes.
To order the kits, open up your DoorDash app and visit the DashMart store page.
Snake River Farms
iStock
If Waygu beef is your jam, you need to get hooked up with some deliveries from Snake River Farms. They first bred Wagyu with high quality cattle in the late 1980s and loved its deep flavor and sublime marbling. You'll feel good knowing that they control their entire supply chain, from the ranches where the cattle are raised to the humane processing facility to their in-house customer care team.
Stock your freezer with a slew of steaks and burgers to be ready for all that summer grilling. The monthly subscription box is a great way to try out different products.
Oceanside is having a resurgence thanks to new development that’s happened over the past few years. The growth has brought in game-changing beachfront staycation hotels, kid-friendly eateries, markets, art walks, and an influx of cute retail shops. What you expect to find from the North County city, like the pier and the beachside playground, is still there, but it’s the unexpected that will make you eager to plan a special trip to the once isolated military town. Whether you check out the old or the new spots (or mix in a little of both), spending a day or weekend in Oceanside is an adventure. Read on for everything you need to plan your next day (or weekend!) trip.
Hop in the family car and head all the way to the northern shore of San Diego, you can’t miss it! If you don’t want to drive, there are other fun ways to get there. Make it a day trip or heck stay for the weekend when you take the train or the bus. The Oceanside Transit Center is only ½ mile away from the pier; it’s an easy 12-minute walk and you can bring strollers on board. There are bathrooms and lockers at the Oceanside Transit Station too.
Coaster Train: starts at the downtown Santa Fe station and stops along the coast Sprinter Train: starts from Escondido and stops along the way Breeze Bus Transit: catch it anywhere in North County and ride it all the way west
Oceanside Transit Station 235 S Tremont St., Oceanside 760-966-6500 Online: gonctd.com
Playtime has always been a blast walking along the beach and pier, but most people overlook the nearby harbor or storytimes and books from the public library. There’s also a little-known chocolate escape room for kids and an indoor playground or if you’re feeling gutsy go indoor skydiving. Support local and shop at one of the many neighborhood stores. You'll find everything from succulents and shells, to gifts and souvenirs.
Oceanside Harbor Grab some coffee from Nautical Bean and stroll two miles all around the harbor for epic harbor and ocean views with boats coming and going. Grab a bite to eat and watch the ocean at one of the many restaurants: Joe’s Crab Shack, Rockin’ Baja Lobster, Oceanside Broiler, Harbor Fish & Chips just to name a few.
Oceanside Fishing Pier Stroll all 1942 feet along this iconic wooden pier that was built in1888. This is a great spot to fish, watch the surfers or just enjoy the beautiful California coast. Let your kids play at one of the few playgrounds that are actually on the beach! (Ruby’s restaurant at the end of this pier recently closed, but there will be a new restaurant coming in soon.)
Wheel Fun Rentals Rent some wheels for a spin on the boardwalk in a surrey, bikes, (tandem, electric), or four wheel “car” like bike, kid’s bike and even kid’s trailer bike attachments. No reservations needed, helmets, locks and baskets are included.
Oceanside Boat Rentals Rent the electric Duffy boat (psst…it’s shaded!) for a one-hour tour of the Oceanside Harbor. You can also rent kayaks and powerboats for in-harbor touring only.
256 S Harbor Dr., Oceanside 855-690-0794 Online: boats4rent.com
Play Kingdom Kids will play hard at this indoor playground with climbing, sliding, jumping, car tracks and more. They have a coffee shop inside just for parents with free Wi-Fi and comfy seats so you can relax while the kiddos play.
Boss Play Escape Rooms – The Chocolate Factory Put your kids’ reasoning skills to the test inside this Chocolate Factory themed escape room where they’ll either steal the top-secret recipe or find the golden ticket.
2216 El Camino Real, Oceanside 760-385-3971 Online: boss-play.com
iFly Oceanside Suit up and fly around the vertical air tunnel at this indoor skydiving hang-out. If you don’t want to fly, they have seating all around which is still fun to sit and watch everyone else. Kids ages 3+ are allowed to fly!
3178 Vista Way, Oceanside 760-606-4359 Online: iflyworld.com
Sunset Market Every Thursday from 5-9 pm is the Sunset Market so plan ahead for this one. It’s an outdoor style festival with shopping from arts & craft vendors, live music and good food.
Oceanside ArtWalk Every month on the First Friday head to Artist Alley from 5-9 pm where you’ll find local artists featuring their pottery, crafts, jewelry, art, music and more! It’s a free event and local restaurants participate too.
Between Pier View Way + Mission Blvd. at Pacific Coast Hwy Online: oceansideartwalk.org
Little Louie’s Gift Shop Stop in to grab last-minute beach supplies like shovels, buckets, hats and beach blankets or just some souvenirs like a seashell wind chime, to remind you of your wonderful beach staycation.
Plantology Bring home some nature from this really cute plant café. You’ll find lots of indoor/outdoor plants and succulents to keep you company at home. Or give some to a friend when you pick up their gift-giving supplies to make it easy. You might even want to take a selfie in front of their beautiful insta-worthy hand-painted walls outside.
Oceanside Library Check out more than just books at this popular library. Out front, you can find ducks swimming in the gorgeous fountain, where kids will be mesmerized by the fountain jets spraying. Sign up for the summer reading program and, when they return, attend one of the kids' storytimes.
California Surf Museum It wouldn’t be a trip to Oceanside without learning a little about its surfing history. You’ll find chronicles of famous surfers and a surfboard exhibit featuring Bethany Hamilton’s board with the shark bite.
North County Model Railroad Society Tucked behind the Mission San Luis Rey next to Heritage Park, you’ll find this model railroad club. They offer tours every half hour on Saturdays and Sundays to see their running model train tracks and elaborate scenes.
Restaurants with games, activities and kid-friendly menus are amazing finds for parents to enjoy a meal out together and since Oceanside has become a local foodie destination with high-quality sourced ingredients in a casual setting, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite with the whole family. These family favorites are only minutes to the ocean so consider grabbing takeout and hit the beach.
ZigZag Pizza Build your own pizzas and salads, even with dairy-free cheese and gluten-free crusts too. Eat it there with over 150 craft beers to choose from or take it with you for your beach day. You’ll find it inside the Club Wyndham Oceanside Resort, but anyone can walk in and order up.
Hello Betty Head up to the rooftop deck at this casual seafood spot with a beachy vibe for some fish tacos, beer, ocean views and sunset thrills. Their seafood menu is too good not to stop in here for some ceviche, poke, fish and chips, seafood plates and more.
Tin Fish Oceanside This classic walk-up fish and chips bar also serves fish tacos, oyster po’ boys, fried seafood baskets, burgers, chicken and more. You’ll find patio tables and chairs nearby to enjoy as you watch the waves roll in.
That Boy Good BBQ This is hands down the best Southern and BBQ food in the area. Pulled pork, brisket sandwiches, gumbo, chicken and waffles, catfish, sweet tea and even a bloody mary with ribs on top.
Swami’s Café Oceanside You’ll be glad you stopped in for a bite at this popular locals' spot for some healthy breakfast, lunch, acai bowls, smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices.
202 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside 760-966-1203 Online: swamiscafe.com
Harney Sushi Not your average sushi restaurant with a live DJ it’s hip and lively and their unique sushi rolls are what bring locals back for more.
Zzang Hot Dogs Experience this Korean crispy rice corndogs either plane or covered with cubes of potatoes or cheese. For a truly unique flavor try their squid ink battered corn dogs or their cereal-covered cheese and sausage hot dogs.
Johnny Manana’s From breakfast, lunch and dinner you’ll have a fiesta in this fun and colorful setting. With low prices, live music, great food and drinks you’ll be coming back here for years to come like so many others do.
Ty’s Burger House This is a burger joint like no other! Relax on their back patio in this family-friendly restaurant serving up unique burgers. You’ll find grass-fed beef and vegetarian patties, but also some exotics like kangaroo, buffalo and venison.
Banana Dang Coffee This colorful artsy café serves up more than just coffee and golden chai lattes. They’re known for smoothies and toasts like the honey crunch on rosemary bread.
Brown Cup Café & Lounge Relax in their plush living room-style furniture and use their free Wi-Fi while you sip on a banana nut or raspberry latte or go for something exotic like Thai tea. Grab some avo toast to tide you over until lunchtime.
401 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside 760-231-7968
Where to Find Sweets & Treats in Oceanside
Parlor Doughnuts
Plan accordingly for a sweet snack in between the fun or as a little motivation to get the kids headed back out at the end of a long day.
Parlor Doughnuts This trendy donut shop has tourists and locals alike wrapped around their light and fluffy layered donuts. Their commitment to small-batch made in-house all day long is what shines through in all of their crafty flavors like french toast, Sandy Beach, maple pecan, strawberry shortcake, and more. The drive and line out the door are worth the wait.
San Luis Rey Bakery & Restaurant An Oceanside institution for over 52 years, you’ll find gorgeous and delicious cakes, cookies, breads and more tucked behind their equally delicious Mexican restaurant. Great place to stop for a bite and a treat before or after walking the grounds of the old Mission San Luis Rey next door.
Mission Donut House Friendly service, great selection and good coffee.
1502 Mission Ave., Oceanside 760-757-2979
La Michoacana Plus A funky colorful shop with bins full of Mexican paletas, or fruit popsicles, ice cream, tostiloco, agua frescas and more to choose from. There are over 20 flavors to choose from, like Oreos, watermelon, coconut, peach, kiwi and you can further choose to have it coated with chocolate, sprinkles or even gummy bears. You might be able to choose from all the flavors, but everything will melt in your mouth.
Nana’s & Pop's Sweet Shop One of the best sweet shops in O’side, but you’ll have to head to the harbor to find them. Lots of sweet-tooth tastes to choose from, like ice cream cones & sandwiches, candies, saltwater taffy and even a treat for your pup.
Staycations are the best when you find a kid-friendly hotel with pools and views! Even better when they're walkable to everything you need for a full day of fun and food.
The Seabird Resort Brand new oceanfront rooms just a three-minute walk to the beach can’t be beat! Suites have separate living rooms, terraces, room service, pool, spa and an on-site restaurant are just some of the amenities you’ll find to help you relax here.
Mission Pacific Hotel by Hyatt A rooftop pool with oceanfront views is enough to make anyone feel like they’re on vacation. They’ll even set up complimentary chairs, towels and sunbrellas for you on the beach. Other ways to enjoy your time here include two on-site restaurants with room service, bring your dog to this pet-friendly resort, workout in the gym or walk to the beach every morning.
201 N Myers St., Oceanside 844-330-1722 Online: hyatt.com
Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort This highly rated family-friendly ocean view hotel has everything you need to escape your mid-week grind. Book a one or two-bedroom condo that comes with a separate living room, full kitchen and even a washer and dryer inside. Or you can book standard hotel rooms and all have access to their kid activities like crafting, contests and game room; swimming pool, the 7th-floor Skyroom library and lounge, free parking and all just a three-minute walk to the beach.
The Fin Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Walk two blocks from the Oceanside Transit Center and 10 minutes to the beach and pier. This boutique Hilton hotel has a zen garden and updated rooms. It’s walkable to some great foodie destinations like the Switchboard Restaurant and Banana Dang Coffee down the street.
133 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside 760-279-6300 Online: hilton.com
Studies have revealed that a toddler can ask anywhere from one hundred to three hundred questions a day on average! That’s one of the reasons why outsourcing the inevitable, ever-present “what’s for dinner” dilemma is such a treat for busy, overstretched parents. We’ve found a bounty of quick prep and prepared meal delivery services in San Diego that bring meal kits right to your doorstep. Read on to feast your eyes on the best meal delivery services, and give yourself a well-deserved break.
Veestro
Ready for 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).
There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
Cost: Starting at $9.90/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options
Go local by choosing Territory for your meal delivery service. Choose from a variety of 35 meals, so you and your family never get bored with the option of adding, skipping, and pausing meals at any time. This community-based service has a roster of local, independent San Diego chefs who work with a registered dietician to craft wholesome and nutrient-dense meals—bonus; every dish is made with no gluten, dairy, or refined sugar.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
Cost: Meals $8.99/serving. Delivery is free for all orders.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor.
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
Cost: Customers can order 4 meals ($11.50/each), 6 meals ($8.99/each), 9 meals ($8.99/each) or 12 meals ($7.99/each) weekly.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Cost: Meals cost $8.99-9.99/serving with free shipping
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
Cost: Plans start at $7.99/portion + $8.99 shipping
This meal-delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist-approved and kid-approved, too! Choose your kids' meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. The Bowl of Yays Pasta with veggie marinara and the Mighty Meatballs and Veggie Chili are crowd pleasers for sure. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Hungryroot is an online grocery service that delivers modern, healthy food with recipe and meal planning support. Hungryroot’s mission is to help people feel their best by making it easier to shop for, cook, and love healthy food. Customers share their food needs and receive personalized weekly deliveries of healthy groceries along with 10-minute recipes to make fresh, delicious meals. All of Hungryroot’s deliveries are nutrient-dense and tailored to a variety of diets and food needs including vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, pescatarian, tree-nut free, peanut-free, and egg-free.
Cost: Pricing plans average from $60 to $100 per week and orders over $70 receive free shipping.
Parents, take one thing off your plate by having Nurture Life put meals on your family table? Nurture Life makes the process super simple by delivering meals with ingredients that are focused on organic veggies, lean antibiotic-free proteins and whole grains. Additionally, their meals are developed by a team of registered dietitians and chefs and all are peanut and tree nut (except coconut) free—and their facilities don’t contain any peanuts or tree nuts. Bonus: Nurture Life meals are ready to enjoy in two minutes or less!
After signing up, you can choose the meals that best fit your kiddos' palate (or what you'd like them to try) based on their age group, and you can select the number of meals you'd like in your box. It's easy to skip weeks or add additional meals, and you can be worry-free with these veggie-forward, nutritious dishes. Food preferences include veggie, meat and fish, and meal plan age groups are: Baby (10-24 months), Toddler (1- 4 years), Kids (5-10 years) and Kids (11+ years). Family meals like mushroom and truffle ravioli are also a great option.
Cost: Plans start at $39 and you can skip weeks, pause or cancel services at any time.
Factor is a weekly subscription service with flexible management options. You can select from plan sizes of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 18 meals per week with the option to change your plan size at any time. You can also skip any weeks when they don’t need a delivery or turn the subscription off and back on at any time. Factor believes clean eating shouldn’t have to be so hard––and that healthy food should be readily available to everyone. They deliver chef-crafted and dietitian-designed meals nationwide; meals arrive fresh (never frozen) and are fully prepared. Simply heat in the microwave or oven and enjoy.
Their menu features a variety of different meal options for those that follow specific diet patterns such as keto, Paleo, low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein and dairy-free. Their dietitians and chefs create these meals to ensure that they reflect the standards of each diet. For example, keto meals are made with 70% fat or above, Paleo meals are dairy-free, and high-protein meals are made with 35 grams of protein or more.
Factor is also very strict about what they put in their meals, and their chefs use only the highest quality, freshest ingredients available. Every meal is free of gluten, soy, hormones, antibiotics, GMOs and preservatives.
Additionally, their dietitians are on-hand to provide an extra level of support. They offer free 20-minute consultations for all new or prospective customers.
Fresh and easy! Michaela’s meals are organic, gluten-free, and contain no GMOs. She’s known for answering the phone to take your order herself, and she shops at the local farmer’s market to source her ingredients. Michaela will customize meals to fit your needs––even catering to Keto and Paleo diets. You can order breakfast too! Half-pints will love the high protein cinnamon roll pancakes.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $65 for 5 meals/week
Locally made and organic! We love that you can order from breakfast and lunch to dinner and snacks with Foods Made Fresh. Even more, the menu changes weekly, so the family gets a variety of meals. Dig into the blueberry French toast to start the day and delight in the roasted chicken with green tahini sauce, and quinoa salad delivered fresh to your door for dinner.
Delivery: Most of San Diego (see map on website). Cost: Minimum order $35, plus $9 delivery fee.
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Choose what option works best for you with the price per item decreasing the more items you select. Every week there's a new menu and everything that is available is gluten and dairy-free. You can choose from vegan and non-vegan options.
While the majority of the Thistle menu appeals to greens-loving adults, our kid tasters loved the 24 Carrot Gold muffin and the nourishing green juice. Bonus for busy parents: the most you'll need is a few minutes to warm up the meals (if you desire) or eat them room tempinstead.
Cost: Fully-customizable packages start at $29.98/week.
Farm fresh goodness! We love that these meals are local, organic, farm-to-table meals that offer options like going grain-free. One of our faves is the orange basil Salmon with organic quinoa pilaf and organic heirloom ginger carrots. Even more, if you want to take a week off or not commit to a subscription, then this delivery service is for you. Further, you’ll enjoy large portions and get to choose from Keto or Paleo options too.
Delivery: North County San Diego Cost: Minimum $45 order per delivery. Plus $7 delivery fee.
Calling all vegans! This meal delivery service offers a selection of delicious meals that contain no animal products, and they arrive in plant-based containers too. The vegan meal plan offers dishes like kung pao “beef” (made with vegan beef substitute), steamed broccoli, snap peas and brown rice. Moreover, you can order a family subscription (it’s non-vegan) with dishes like maple BBQ chicken with potatoes if you want too. There are many choices to fit your family’s tastes.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: Vegan from $53.55 for 5 meals/week; Family Plan from $54.99 for 5 meals/week
We love this local husband and wife owned meal delivery service with a focus on lean, healthy food. Firstly, if you call, there’s a good chance you will talk to Anthony, the friendly customer-oriented owner. From chicken breast bites with asparagus and brown rice to vegetarian chili, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your family’s dinner table. So what are you waiting for? Try them out today.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $52.50 for 5 meals/week
Ingredients at your door! You’ll find organic, non-GMO ingredients that are pre-chopped and pre-measured ready to go. Make your nightly meals easy on you with these 30-minute meals from box to table. The meals are perfect for families and offer from two to six servings based on your choice. Even more, there is a pint-sized (kid’s) meal option. From the ground beef tacos to the many vegan and gluten-free options, we give this meal prep service a thumbs up!
Delivery: California (San Diego included) Cost: From $59.79 for 2 meals/week; Plus $7.99 delivery fee.
All the hues of the rainbow! We love that this San Diego delivery service lives up to its name. So, expect plenty of healthy (and colorful!) food on a plate, from spicy shrimp and veggie pad Thai to rainbow veggie tacos. What’s more, you’ll find smoothies and sweet treats like vegan peanut butter cups.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $33 for 3 meals/week
If your family wants clean protein, organic produce and delicious gluten-free meals, SoCalFRESH has got you covered. Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken and wild-caught salmon mix with heart-healthy oil and Himalayan pink salt. What you won't see is any white sugar, dairy or wheat flour. With tasty dishes like Moroccan chicken or Beef Bolognese, we're pretty sure your family will want seconds.
Delivery: San Diego, Orange County and Riverside Cost: From $67 for 5 meals/week
Over the hill and far removed from the hectic (and sometimes cuckoo pace of Hollywood) is Studio City. Tucked between Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and the Cahuenga Pass, Studio City has become a popular spot for parents to raise their growing broods thanks to the easy walkability, incredible restaurants and shops, plus some top-rated schools. It’s no wonder so many families call it home! Whether you’re a resident or just a valley visitor for the day, scroll below for the best things to do in Studio City—plus some exciting new developments coming this summer.
Every Sun. rain or shine, Angelenos flock to the Studio City Farmers Market. Featuring locally grown produce, artisan foods and crafts, this is the place to be and what’s even better is that profits are given directly back to the community. During your visit, you’ll find everything from grass-fed beef and fresh seafood to prepared foods, artisan breads, olive oils, honeys, and of course, colorful fruits and veggies.
Littles will dig the pony rides, petting zoo, train rides and bouncy slide. To keep things COVID-safe, the market currently has just one entrance on Laurel Canyon with an exit at Radford. This market to be a hotspot for celeb spotting as well—though kids may only be impressed if it's Waffles + Mochi.
Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Studio City Farmers Market 2052 Ventura Pl. Studio City
Classic Toys: This retro-esque toy shop has all the toys you loved as a kid like pinwheels, kaleidoscopes, pick-up sticks, jacks, marbles, PEZ dispensers, and so much more. Great for presents for your kids, your kid's bestie, and who are we kidding, a piece of nostalgia for yourself as well.
Kit Kraft: For crafts, supplies and all things DIY, head to Kit Kraft—a family-run business that has been located on Ventura Blvd. since 1954. PS: Check out their fun tutorials on sand art, wire wall art and more.
This all-day dining hotspot on Tujunga has a been a local favorite for over 20 years. Once a private bungalow, it’s no wonder Aroma captures the charm and warmth of dining at someone’s home. Grab a seat on the wraparound patio and listen to the soothing sounds trickling fountains as you enjoy a delicious meal or just grab a cappuccino on your way out. At night, the space become even more magical with twinkling fairy lights abound, so it pays to visit for dinner as well.
Aroma Coffee & Tea Co. 4360 Tujunga Ave. Studio City
Luckily, you no longer have to trek to Santa Barbara for a double scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. With an adorable shop now in Studio City, locals can enjoy what folks in Santa Barbara have known for over 70 years—the taste of delicious ice cream that’s sustainable, organic and what some have deemed the “best ice cream in the world.” The menu features a fantastic array of flavors ranging from the usual suspects of mint chip and salted caramel chip to limited releases like peanut butter and jelly sando or honey and cornbread cookies.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream 12073 Ventura Pl. Studio City
If your sweet tooth leans more in the candy direction, have we got a place for you. Cocoa & Candy in Tujunga Village is a boutique candy shop filled with drinking chocolate, carefully curated candy, as well as old family favorites (hello, Everlasting Gobstoppers!). They have just about every kind of candy you can imagine with many imported, harder-to-find options as well. It’s a great shop to grab a unique gift for others or to pick up a little something for yourself. Go ahead…we won’t tell.
Grabbing breakfast, lunch or dinner is a no-brainer at any of these favorite kid-friendly dining hotspots.
Granville Cafe: Family-friendly spot dishing out American comfort food that's made from scratch. Don't miss out on the kid's menu called, "Little Villager Menu"—a steal for $7.50.
Carney's Express Limited: In addition to having some of the best hot dogs in town, Carney's serves up epic burgers and fries, all in a vintage railcar.
Your Good Neighbor Restaurant: All-day breakfast and lunch are always a win-win for dining with kids and this could very well become your weekend go-to spot. Make sure to save room for dessert!
Casa Vega: This iconic Mexican dining spot is always fun for a special occasion for kids and adults alike.
Sharkey's Woodfire Grill: For modern Mexican food, we can't get enough Sharkey's. Pick up their "Family Meals"—Fajita Taco Fiesta for 4—or order from their kid's menu. Either way, we love their use of natural and organic ingredients, resulting in some of the tastiest meals around.
Fryman Canyon Park is a favorite hiking spot of Studio City residents featuring 122 acres of breathtaking views and a fitness course. There’s also easy access to the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail—a 3-mile loop that connects to Wilacre Park, Franklin Canyon and Coldwater Canyon Park. At an elevation of 450 feet, you’ll definitely get some stunning valley views that are worth the climb. Parking is available in the trailhead lot, but usually gets crowded on weekends so be sure to arrive early.
Fryman Canyon Park 8401 Mullholland Dr. Studio City
Whether you have budding tennis players or golfers in your abode, Weddington Golf & Tennis is one of the best places in the valley to play both. Weddington Golf is lovely a 9-hole, par 27 course that also features a 25-stall driving range, practice putting green and chipping practice area. Weddington Tennis offers private lessons to players of all ages and is open to the public with 16 courts for rent, 7 days a week. The facility can also help set you up with tennis coaches who can help you level up your game.
Weddington Golf & Tennis 4141 Whitsett Ave. Studio City
Looking for more things to do in Studio City? We also love:
We Rock the Spectrum: An all-ages play space, that also offers fun classes, special school's out sessions, and more.
Beeman Park: A large playground with swings, an outdoor mini-gym to work up a sweat, plus open grassy fields make this spot a perfect pit-stop during the day.
iFly Hollywood: Have a burgeoning daredevil on your hands? Then the sky's the limit (sort of) with this indoor skydiving space located at Universal CityWalk.
Universal Studios: Check out the magic of Hollywood (and Butterbeer) by spending the day at this unforgettable theme park.
PINZ Bowling Center: Nothing says good, retro fun like a bowling ally that's been serving up strikes since 1950.
Meet up with the Treepeople for epic moonlit walks.
LA River Walk: Take a stroll along the LA River's Valleyheart Greenway and check out the Great Toad Gate, Butterfly Bench and Rattlesnake Wall—all designed by 4th & 5th-grade students.
While we already can't get enough of The Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel for their resort pool day passes, when you are ready to eat and shop, head to the area's newest development at the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Coldwater Canyon to visit The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge. Here you'll find some favorite Red Tricycle spots like Civil Coffee, Roberta’s Pizza (here's why we love this pizza spot), SALT Optics, Tocaya, Tuesday’s Sweet Shoppe, Ushi Ushi, cult-worthy ice cream maker Van Leeuwen, and Vuori. Expected to open this summer.