These healthy Trader Joe’s products top our list for the new year

Whether you’re looking for a way to scale back on the junk, add some smarter snacks, or kick-start healthy habits in general, there are plenty of helpful options at your favorite neighborhood market. Fill up your cart in the fruit and veggie section and then add a few of our favorite healthy Trader Joe’s products to have at the ready. If you need some meal-prep help, check out our favorite Trader Joe’s meals you can make in 15 minutes or less.

Healthy Trader Joe’s Breakfast Products

Egg Wraps

Healthy Trader Joe's products like egg wraps will kickstart the new year.
Kate Loweth

We love these wraps as a breakfast burrito tortilla alternative or topped with fruit for a sweet crepe breakfast. Kids won't be able to tell the difference, we promise! Bonus: there's 4g of protein in each wrap. 

Peanut Butter Protein Granola

While you have to be careful when consuming granola since it’s normally high in sugar and fat, this peanut butter protein granola has 11 grams of protein per serving! Enjoy in small amounts atop yogurt for that extra protein serving your body is craving.

Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grains & Seeds

When it comes to a dense, nutritious breakfast, you can never go wrong with oatmeal. It packs a healthy portion of carbs and fiber, is rich in antioxidants, and can help lower your cholesterol and improve blood sugar control. Plus, it’s super tasty in homemade protein bars and in a smoothie, too!

Egg Bites

Trader Joe's

You love these little bites from Starbucks and now you can have them every day of the week at home. They come in a cheese, spinach, and kale flavor as well as bacon and cheese. Pop them in the microwave and serve with a dollop of salsa. 

Raisin Walnut Apple Bars

We love these little bars as they are packed with protein (10g per bar!) but they have the texture of a roll. Easy to eat on the go, these bars are packed with raisins, walnuts, and apples for a satisfying breakfast option. 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Snacks

Papdums

These lentil and chickpea crisps will be your new favorite snacks. One warning: You might just eat the whole bag in one sitting. They have a lovely light Indian flavor with the texture of Pringles. Great served with your favorite hummus. 

ABC Bars

We love these for kids' lunches as they have 4g of protein and taste great. The chocolatey dough enrobes the almond butter center and feels like a treat. 

Roasted Seaweed Snack

Roasted seaweed is a healthy Trader Joe's product you can put in lunches.

Crunchy, salty, and easy to pack in your kid's lunch. We love this seaweed snack to top ramen bowls. 

Dried Cranberries

These dried cranberries are perfect for snacking and are fortified with cranberry seed oil. They have 200mg of omega-3’s per serving and would be super tasty on a salad, in oatmeal, or enjoyed by the handful.

Veggie & Flax Seed Corn Tortilla Chips

You get the whole package with this bag of chips. Carrot, tomato, spinach, garlic, red beet, and onion plus lots of omega-3's are all found in this inexpensive and flavorful snack.

 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Add-Ins

Organic Acai Puree Packets

Acai is a superfood! These pre-made puree packets are loaded with antioxidants and are low in sugar (fruit is usually high in natural sugars). Perfect for that morning smoothie bowl.

Whole Flax Seed

add healthy Trader Joe's products like flax seed to your diet this year.

Flax seed is easy to add to your yogurt, homemade protein bars, and smoothies for a nice, nutty taste and texture. It's rich in omega-3s, fiber, and lignans, which block the effects of estrogen and could potentially help reduce the risk of hormone-associated cancers, such as breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate.

Organic Chia Seed

Trader Joe's chia seeds are a healthy item to add to your diet in 2023.

Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (that help raise your "good cholesterol"), fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. They also help with reducing inflammation and weight loss and are easy to make into overnight chia seed pudding. 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Beverages

Kefir & Cultured Milk

This kefir and cultured milk combo has 12 live and active cultures, packs a lot of protein, and is full of vitamin D. Kefir is a powerful probiotic, can improve bone health, and can aid with digestive problems.

Super Antioxidant Green Tea

Green tea is a must for healthy living: It helps regulate glucose levels, reduces bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, and might even help with aging and wrinkles.

Healthy Trader Joe’s Condiments

Almond Butter

Trader Joe’s salted and unsalted almond butter is great for protein: Each serving packs seven grams. The spread is great for baking or a la carte.

Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce

Made with just coconut water, sap, and sea salt, Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce is the perfect swap for sodium-laden soy sauce. The gluten-free, kosher sauce contains no soy, but 13 amino acids that make this product a must for stir-fries, fried rice, veggies, and more.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

 

Add flavor without all the carbs a tasty bagel usually brings when you use TJ’s coveted Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. The blend is made with poppy seeds, minced garlic and onion, sea salt flakes, and sesame seeds and is a great addition to anything! Try on hardboiled eggs, avo toast, and even your fave dinners.

Kerrygold Grass-Fed Butter

Kerrygold grass-fed butter is not only better for baking, but it also possesses properties that are anti-inflammatory and makes for an excellent Vitamin A source.

Sunflower Seed Butter

Sunflower butter is not only an alternative to peanuts, but is also an excellent source of protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and lots of other healthy fats. It's also great for kiddos who attend schools with a "no nut policy."

Healthy Trader Joe’s Lunch and Dinner Products

All-Natural Chicken Breasts

These pre-cooked chicken breasts are deliciously flavorful and a great option to have on hand for quesadillas, sandwiches, salads, or soups. Each chicken breast is individually wrapped. You can find these in the deli section. 

Beef Bulgogi

This frozen product is quickly topping our list of go-to items to have on hand when dinner needs to come together fast. Add some of the garlicky cabbage and serve this with rice for a filling meal. There's also a meatless option if that's your jam. 

Stir-Fried Garlicky Cabbage

Inspired by the Thai dish Galam Plee Pad Nam Pla, this simple stir-fry of cabbage, a whole lot of garlic, and fish sauce makes a tasty addition to your meal whether you have it as a side or mix it in with your stir-fry. 

Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup

chicken soup is one a healthy Trader Joe's products to add to your cart.

One of the most popular healthy Trader Joe's products, this soup is all the rage these days as a serving will really fill you up with a whopping 16g of protein. Plus, it's pretty delicious. 

Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower

This little packet really packs a flavor punch and is a great addition to taco night. It has around 200 calories in the whole bag, which makes it an easy add-on to your weekly menu plan. 

Harvest Grains Blend

This hearty and healthy blend packs lots of protein and fiber. It's made up of orzo, garbanzo beans, red quinoa, and couscous that can easily be paired with meat to make a full meal.

Frozen Brown Rice & Rice Medley

Brown rice far surpasses its white rice cousin when it comes to nutritional value, but it takes forever to cook. This box of three frozen brown rice packets makes eating healthy a cinch––microwave for three minutes and enjoy perfectly cooked rice (and no rice cooker cleanup!). Try the Rice Medley when you want a little more texture.

Organic & Sprouted TriColor Quinoa

Quinoa is referred to as a superfood and is higher in fiber than most other grains. It also has tons of protein, is low on the glycemic index, and is gluten-free.

Colorful Carrot Coins

We love these as a potato alternative to that pork roast you plan to serve for dinner. Pop them in the air fryer to get the perfect blend of soft inside and crunchy outside. 

Steamed Lentils

Trader Joe's

Lentils are high in fiber and therefore lower your cholesterol and chances of heart disease. Toss into a soup and enjoy increased energy, stabilized blood sugar, and a healthy gut.

Riced Cauliflower Bowl

Cut the carbs by substituting cauliflower "rice" for its white counterpart. When you use this easy, pre-made version from Trader Joe's, you'll get all the benefits of cauliflower, like tons of fiber, cancer-fighting properties, improved blood pressure and kidney function, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Additional reporting by Karly Wood

Hanukkah is the 18th and Christmas is next week. The last thing you should have to worry about is what’s for dinner between now and then.

Hanukkah starts tomorrow, December 18th. Christmas is next week. It’s safe to say we’re a little busy. Obviously, we love the holidays and almost everything that comes with them. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t just absolutely slammed with merry-making duties. The countdown is on and that means that it’s super speed to shop, wrap, write, bake, clean, and 10 things we’re probably forgetting. We just don’t have time to answer the daily “what’s for dinner?” question. So this is absolutely when we look to the best meals from HelloFresh even more than we usually do!

We know you’ve heard of HelloFresh. They’re the #1 meal kit in America, after all. You’ve heard that they jam-pack each weekly delivery with fresh, pre-portioned ingredients, easy-to-follow color instructions, and options that are sure to please the whole crew. Whether you’re a Meat & Veggies home, looking for Quick & Easy, prefer Vegetarian picks, or must have Fit & Wholesome options, HelloFresh has you covered. Oh, and everything is also completely delicious and incredibly high-quality. It’s safe to say we’re fans.

Since HelloFresh is offering 16 free meals, 3 free surprise gifts, and free shipping to all new customers, we’re sharing what we’re going to be whipping up this week between holiday happenings. And we’re not stressing about HelloFresh blowing our gift budgets, either. Meals start at $7.99 a serving, making it 25% cheaper than takeout, and less expensive than grocery shopping. It’s safe to say that our holidays are a lot easier with HelloFresh (and some extra coffee!).

Organic Chicken & Maple Carrot Power Bowls with Tumeric-Toasted Couscous & Lemony Hummus

It's impossible not to crave the maple syrup harissa-seasoned carrots in this dish! Served bowl-style (hello, easy dishwasher loading!), those carrots are served up with turmeric-seasoned couscous, crunchy kale chips flavored with garlic, creamy hummus, and topped with dried cranberries and walnuts. We're seriously drooling just thinking about it. 

BBQ Cheddar Burgers with Chipotle Mayo & Potato Wedges

Who'd complain about Burger Night? These BBQ Cheddar Burgers start with an onion-studded seasoned burger patty, topped with melty cheddar, BBQ-spiked onions, and chipotle mayo, then wrapped in toasty buns. Add oven-fresh fries on the side (of course) and you have an extra hand to track packages while you wait.

Smoky Barramundi with Brown Butter + Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Broccoli

Restaurant style, right at home! Paprika-rubbed barramundi fillets drizzled with a lemon and scallion brown butter sauce. It's served with roasted broccoli and sour cream mashed potatoes and ready in 35 minutes. Seriously? Seriously.

Pork Meatloaf Parm Over Spaghetti Marinara

This dish is pure amore. Chef-created individual pork meatloaf layered with classic red sauce and a cheesy panko topping. With a crispy-melty baked crust and a side of spaghetti marinara, this updated version of an old fave is a new fave for us.

One-Pan Cheesy Black Bean Tacos

We don't even care what follows the words "one-pan"; we're in. In this case, though, add hearty black beans, green peppers, two kinds of cheese, red pepper crema, and a 15 minute prep time, and we're there for it.

Crispy Chickpea & Kale Salad with Cucumber, Pickled Shallot & Lemony Tahini Dressing Visit

Kale is still one of the best superfoods out there, so you can feel great about this salad. Massaged kale (so it's not too chewy) is coated in a tahini-garlic-lemon-yogurt dressing, then tossed with cucumbers and pickled shallots. Topped with seasoned extra-crispy chickpeas, you don't even have to be a salad person to love it!

Bavette Steak & Sherry Shallot Sauce with Garlic Parmesan Potato Clusters & Mixed Greens

Made it to the end of the week? Time for a reward, especially during the holiday week! In 40 minutes, we're cooking up bavette steaks drizzled in a rich pan sherry shallot sauce with cheesy garlic potatoes and fresh greens. It's Winter Vacation-worthy for sure!

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.

All images courtesy of HelloFresh.

The risotto recipe is packed with one of the best vitamin C foods for kids

Think vitamin C is only found in oranges? Think again. Boost those immune systems with these Vitamin C foods for kids that will upgrade your family’s daily dose of this all-important vitamin, starting with breakfast all the way through dessert. Doing this might even help stave off some of the impending sick days we know are on the horizon. From healthy Dole Whip to irresistible Brussels sprouts, these foods are high in vitamin C and worthy of any winter menu.

One-Pot Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta

Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Parmesan Cream

Oat & Sesame

Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice if you want to boost your vitamin C consumption. And if you're looking for a recipe that'll be a winner with kids and adults alike, you're in luck. This dish is a comfort food classic, sporting bacon, and a cheesy sauce. Click on over to Oat & Sesame for more!

Healthy Dole Whip

Almost Supermom

If you're a fan of Disneyland's Dole Whip, we've got a double dose of good news. We have a recipe that not only promises a healthy version of your favorite treat but also includes a good dose of vitamin C, thanks to pineapple. Grab your Mickey Mouse ears and get the recipe from Almost Supermom.

Broccoli Cheddar Risotto

Savory Tooth

Broccoli actually has more vitamin C than an orange, so it's a great green bet for your family's diet! This recipe from Savory Tooth is a kid-friendly way to welcome broccoli to your dinner table—and it doesn't require constant stirring! 

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

The Seasoned Mom

Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C (the skin especially), and this recipe is great for a quick and delicious dinner. It has the melty cheese and pepperoni of your favorite pizza, but with a healthy twist. Best of all, it's a dump-and-bake kind of meal! Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

Lemon Chicken Veggie Bake

Chelsea of A Duck's Oven

Oranges may get a lot of the vitamin C glory, but lemons are a powerhouse source, too. The best way to take advantage? This one-dish meal that’s homey, tasty, and bursting with lemon flavor. Get the recipe here.

Broccoli Tots

Gimme Delicious

If your tots love tots, you've got to give this version, courtesy of Gimme Delicious, a try. Here, broccoli is the star, along with its hefty dose of vitamin C. Plus, they're baked, not fried, and perfect for a snack or main meal.

Roasted Cauliflower Corn Chowder

Valerie's Kitchen

Cauliflower has a surprising amount of vitamin C, but the trick is finding a kid-friendly recipe spotlighting this particular veggie. Cue this chowder that pairs roasted cauliflower with sweet corn, bacon bits, and cheesy goodness. Get the recipe from Valerie’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Red Peppers

My Second Breakfast

Just a cup of red bell peppers has a whopping amount of vitamin C and this recipe uses whole peppers in a super delicious way! They’re also so easy to make that kids can even help out. Get the recipe here.

Mango Smoothie Bowl

Downshiftology

This colorful smoothie bowl isn’t just a beautiful way to start your day. It’s also chock-full of healthy fruit, including vitamin C-rich mangos. And if you don’t live in a tropical climate? Just grab the majority of your ingredients from the frozen aisle. Get the recipe from Downshiftology.

Salmon Teriyaki with Pineapple Salsa

Dinner at the Zoo

We have just one word for this salmon dish: yum! It gets points for being easy to whip up, and there’s also a pineapple salsa full of fresh flavor and vitamin C. It sounds like a dinner winner to us! Get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Lola's Cocina

There are tons of ways to enjoy strawberries and their sweet vitamin C benefits, but we’re partial to this three-ingredient agua fresca. It’s a perfect summer drink (or a perfect drink if you want to pretend that it’s summer). Get the recipe from Lola’s Cocina.

Crispy Kale Chips

Ronit Shaked via Unsplash

We salute you if you've got a kid who will eat kale chips. This homemade version is ultra-easy to make and features all the fantastic nutritional perks of kale (including vitamin C!). Get the recipe here.

The Green Goblin Smoothie

Lindsey Johnson

Not only can you prep all the ingredients for this smoothie ahead of time, but you can also feel good about those ingredients (Think healthy superfoods: spinach, oranges, pineapple, and banana.). Get the recipe here.

Kiwi Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Catherine McCord of Weelicious

Did you know kiwi is a killer source of vitamin C? It also makes an excellent popsicle—and this no-fuss recipe is proof! Grab dixie cups and frozen peas (yes, peas!), and you’re halfway to enjoying a delish frozen treat. Get the recipe here.

Coconut Tangelo Rice Pudding

Toni via Boulder Locavore

The vitamin C train doesn't have to stop at dinner. Give your dessert the extra boost with this delicious creamy coconut tangelo rice pudding recipe from Boulder Locavore. Tangelos (a hybrid of mandarin oranges and tangerines) have a tangy kick that pairs well with creamy coconut milk.

As the temperature cools down, it’s the perfect time to dust off the old slow cooker and fire it up with our favorite fall Crock Pot recipes. From hearty soups and stews to chicken sandwiches and pumpkin butter, we’ve rounded up tried-and-true slow cooker recipes that celebrate the flavors of fall. Keep reading to get the scoop.

Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Chili

Mountain Mama Cooks

Take two kid-pleasing favorites and what do you get? This crave-worthy Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Chili. Hearty chili combines with those classic taco flavors for a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Get the recipe from Mountain Mama Cooks right here.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

The Daring Gourmet

Get inspired by this creamy tortellini soup that’s full of flavor. It’s nourishing and comforting, with a handful of veggies thrown in for a burst of vitamins. Get the recipe here from The Daring Gourmet.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs

More Than You Can Chew

Comfort food at its finest, it’ll be love at first bite with this dish from More Than You Can Chew. These Korean-inspired short ribs are seared in a sauté pan, then coated in a delicious sauce in the Crock Pot. To get the recipe, click here.

Beef & Barley Soup

Add Some Veg

From Add Some Veg, this hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup is basically fall in a bowl. It’s filled with beef, barley or brown rice, along with a healthy bunch of veggies. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Cupcakes & Kale Chips

This recipe will be on repeat in our kitchen all season long, courtesy of Cupcakes & Kale Chips. The chicken is cooked with apples, onions and apple cider, then piled onto sourdough rolls with sharp cheddar cheese. Click here to grab the recipe.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

The Food Cafe

Kick your usual potato soup up a notch with this recipe from The Food Cafe. This version has chunks of ham and is finished with milk and cheddar cheese for maximum creaminess. To get the recipe, click here.

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

Pinch of Yum

This beef ragu from Pinch of Yum is sure to be a hit with your whole crew. The beefy, tomato-laced mixture tastes perfect on top of fresh pasta. To get the recipe (including Instant Pot instructions, if you’re a pressure cooker convert), click here.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Blue Bowl Recipes

We love this tasty twist on chicken soup from Blue Bowl Recipes. Adding gnocchi bulks the soup up a bit, and the creamy base makes it super comforting. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding

ulterior epicure via flickr

Try something a little different with your Crock Pot, like this drool-worthy bread pudding from The Gunny Sack. Day-old bread, pumpkin puree and spices come together to make something truly magical. Click here to get all the details on how it’s made.

Slow Cooker Carrot and Apple Soup

Foxes Love Lemons

This hearty and flavorful soup from Foxes Love Lemons features ingredients like apple, carrot, and fresh garlic. It’s a guaranteed fall classic and a great way to warm up on a chilly day! Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

Dinner at the Zoo

How easy are these delish meatballs from Dinner at the Zoo? They only need five ingredients—and one of them is frozen meatballs! Plus, the sauce is truly tasty, and you can even serve over broccoli for an extra healthy kick. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Thriving Home Blog

Who says you have to hit up the coffee shop for your PSL fix? Try the DIY version of your fave fall drink and fill your house with that pumpkin-y smell. Best of all, there are no artificial ingredients! Get the recipe from Thriving Home Blog.

Healthy Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

Good Dinner Mom

Autumn time is apple time! Here's why this slow cooker applesauce is a winner: You can control the amount of sugar that goes in, it's incredibly simple to make, and the smell is divine. Grab the recipe at Good Dinner Mom. 

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Tapioca Pudding

Boulder Locavore

Looking for an awesome autumn dessert? Try this tapioca pudding, which is full of fall flavors, vegan, dairy-free, and super easy to throw together. For added fun, get the kiddos to help layer the fun toppings. Get the recipe from Boulder Locavore.

Cranberry Pomegranate Mulled Cider

The View from Great Island

Mulled cider is perfect for sipping on a chilly day. This vibrant version is lightly spiced, antioxidant-rich, and totally delicious. Plus, you can always adjust the flavors to suit your fam's tastes. Get the recipe over at The View from Great Island.

Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter

The View from Great Island

The perfect way to fall into autumn is with this pumpkin butter. It's super simple to whip up and a great schmear for muffins, croissants, toast, waffles, and more! Even better: the smell is like insta-aromatherapy. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Kristine's Kitchen Blog

There’s no need to wait for Thanksgiving to bust out an amazing sweet potato casserole. This version is great for any day of the week—and it’s a bit healthier than usual, thanks to a secret ingredient. (It rhymes with schmapple …) Get the recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread

Thanksgiving instant pot recipes
Life Made Sweeter

Ready for the best-ever cornbread? Since this version is made in the slow cooker, it comes out extra moist and just the right amount of sweet. You’ll set it, forget it, and absolutely love it. Get the recipe from Life Made Sweeter.

Slow Cooker Apple and Maple Pulled Pork

How To Simplify

Maple syrup is a fave fall flavor, but if it makes you think of breakfast, then it’s time to shake things up with this delicious recipe. Maple syrup combines with pulled pork, and the result is super yummy. Get the recipe from How To: Simplify.

Homemade Crock Pot Apple Cider

Baker Bettie

Pop some apples and spices in the slow cooker in the morning, and by the time your family gets home from work and school, the whole house will be smelling like autumn. It couldn’t get any easier—or tastier. Get the recipe from Baker Bettie.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Apple Crisp

Kristine's Kitchen Blog

Need a super easy fall dessert? This one goes out to all those folks who love pumpkin and their slow cooker. It’s full of warm spices, sports both pumpkin and apples, and it’s even on the healthier side of the dessert spectrum. Get the recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.

Slow Cooker Rosemary Chicken with Butternut Squash

Kari of GI 365

If you look up “homey” in the dictionary, you might find this exact slow cooker recipe. All you need to do is pop chicken, butternut squash, and cream of chicken soup in the Crock Pot and you’re all set! Get the recipe from GI 365.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

The Lemon Bowl

Everyone’s going to want to grab a spoon and slurp up this delish, fall-worthy soup. It’s got a hint of cinnamon, tons of squash flavor, and if you’re feeling adventurous, smoky chipotle peppers. You really can’t go wrong with this comfort food! Get the recipe from The Lemon Bowl.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Monkey Bread

Life Made Sweeter

Round up your little monkeys, because they’re going to love this easy and delicious sweet bread! It’s loaded with cozy fall spices and uses your favorite refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. Whip it up in a snap and enjoy for breakfast, snack time, or a decadent dessert. Get the recipe from Life Made Sweeter.

Spicy Pumpkin Chicken Corn Chowder

Boulder Locavore

Add a little spice—and pumpkin—to your life! This chunky soup is super hearty and filling and just the thing to warm you up on an autumn day. Adjust the spice level to suit your family’s tastes, and you’re ready for dinner! Get the recipe from Boulder Locavore.

Weekend Pumpkin Chili

Little Spice Jar

Give your usual chili a fun fall upgrade! This recipe is a great way to get your pumpkin fix in a savory and hearty meal. Its stick-to-your-ribs goodness is just what your lazy weekend needs, so you should probably start simmering ASAP. Get the recipe from Little Spice Jar.

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Erin Clarke of Well Plated

Start the day off right with these autumn-y overnight oats! They’re positively packed with pumpkin flavor (think: a whole can of pumpkin puree), along with lots of warm spices. Bonus points: Your house will smell heavenly when you wake up! Get the recipe from Well Plated.

 

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Are you a super mom looking to amp up your daily dose of superfoods? Never fear—we’ve created a list of superfood recipes that are as healthy as they are delicious. From an acai smoothie bowl and homemade kale chips to a divine dark chocolate bark, comb through the ideas below for some super inspiration.

Guacamole Bruschetta

The View from Great Island

With perks like vitamin E, vitamin B6 and “good” fats, it’s no wonder avocado gets so much attention. We like how this idea goes beyond the standard avocado toast—you can even use other superfoods as toppings for an extra healthy kick. Learn more over at The View from Great Island.

Crispy Kale Chips

Abi Porter via Flickr

Kale sports a ton of antioxidants, like vitamin C and beta-carotene, that will help keep you in tip-top shape and may even give your skin a beauty boost. The easiest way to get your fix? Kale chips! Go for homemade instead of store-bought with this recipe from A Little Yumminess.

Brie with Warm Honey and Toasted Walnuts

Inspired Taste

Psst! Eating just a handful of walnuts a day can help you lower cholesterol, boost brain power, sleep better, prevent heart disease and more. Sounds pretty good, right? We recommend this ultra-classy way to eat walnuts—complete with brie and drizzled honey. For the how-to, head over to Inspired Taste.

Superfood Chocolate Bark

Choosing Chia

This chocolate’s just for Mama! Not only does it give you a dark chocolate fix, it’s also topped with healthy nuts, seeds and goji berries, which offer beta-carotene, antioxidants and other immune-boosting perks. See? It’s your healthy duty to break off a piece of this bark. For the recipe, visit Choosing Chia.

Blueberry and Broccoli Pasta Salad

The View from Great Island

Ready for a superfood double whammy? Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, potassium and vitamin C. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Combine ‘em both in this irresistible salad, and you’ve got a real winner of a dinner. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Coffee Chia Pudding

Nutritionist Meets Chef

Heads up, coffee lovers! This pudding fulfills your coffee craving and is positively filled with chia seeds. Those little black specks have an abundance of fatty acids, magnesium, iron and more. It’s the perfect reason to grab a spoon and dig in! You can nab the recipe from Nutritionist Meets Chef.

Brown Sugar & Bourbon Glazed Salmon

A Healthy Slice of Life

Oh my, omega-3s! Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which means you should definitely bookmark this recipe from A Healthy Slice of Life. The bourbon glaze adds a little something special, and the whole thing cooks up in about 10 minutes. Ready to try it? Get the recipe here.

5 Minute Spicy Chili Almonds

Chef Savvy

Almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut, with a high amount of fiber, potassium, iron, protein and more. The best way to much on this super snack? By tossing them with fresh cilantro and spices! Get the easy how-to over at Chef Savvy.

Creamy Avocado Garlic Quinoa Bowls

Spirited and Then Some

In addition to avocado benefits, these tasty bowls also offer all the perks of garlic. (Think: vitamins C and B6, manganese, antioxidants and more.) Combine all that with quinoa, and you’ve got a healthy meal filled with get-up-and-go. Find the recipe at Spirited and Then Some.

Spicy Seaweed (or Kale!) Popcorn

Food to Glow

Seaweed is definitely worth eating for its antioxidants, calcium, and a wide range of vitamins—but if you’re looking to branch out from sushi rolls, why not use it to amp up your popcorn? This idea from Food to Glow has a little spice, sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes. You can also sub in kale! Learn more here.

Beet, Arugula & Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese

BS' in the Kitchen

You can’t beat the benefits of beets! They offer vitamins A, B, and C, potassium and fiber—among other things. For an extra elevated sandwich, try combining beets and goat cheese—we guarantee it’ll be the tastiest, most grown-up grilled cheese you’ve ever had. Get the recipe from BS’ in the Kitchen.

Green Goblin Smoothie

Lindsey Johnson

What’s the perfect smoothie for a mom-on-the-go? This green concoction, which includes a whole lot of fruit (hello, vitamins!) and iron and calcium-rich spinach. The creamy and lightly sweet flavor will even please the kids—if you feel like sharing. Get the recipe here.

Grilled Lentil Quesadillas

Taylor from Food Faith Fitness

Love lentils? You should! They’re cheap, versatile and high in protein—not to mention, an excellent source of folate, potassium, and a bunch of antioxidants. Lentils make these quesadillas especially yummy, and since they’re pureed and mixed with salsa, they taste like refried beans. Get the recipe from Food Faith Fitness.

Kiwi Popsicles

Weelicious

Did you know that just one kiwi packs 107% of your daily vitamin C? And one cup provides more potassium than the same amount of sliced bananas, but with less sugar and calories. That means that these popsicles are a real healthy treat—they even include some sneaky frozen peas! Get the recipe by clicking here.

Blueberry, Peach & Pecan Smoothie Bowl

Sophia DeSantis of Veggies Don’t Bite

Is this easy smoothie bowl the perfect dessert? You tell us—it’s packed with fruit, almond milk and pecans and all the vitamins and minerals that come with those awesomely healthy ingredients. You can use a combo of fresh and frozen fruit and even customize with other add-ins. Get the recipe from Veggies Don’t Bite.

What’s your favorite superfood recipe? Share with us in a comment below.

—Abigail Matsumoto

 

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Healthy Snacks for Babies & Tots

This post originally appeared on happyfamilybrands.com and is written by Andie Schwartz, M.Ed., RD, LDN, CLC

With your baby growing fast, snack time is an opportunity to introduce your child to more varied and healthy foods, increase the amount of vitamins and nutrients in his diet, and keep up his energy so he can play, explore and learn. Beginning at approximately nine months, your baby should eat two to three nutritious snacks (in addition to three well-balanced meals) each day.

Eating healthy snacks will help ensure that your baby is:

  • Gaining exposure to a highly varied diet. The more opportunities you have to offer new and different healthy foods, the more likely it is he will develop a taste (and desire) for a varied and healthy diet.
  • Getting nutrients. Eating sufficient amounts of protein, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, calcium, iron, vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals he needs to fuel the rapid development occurring in the first two years of life.
  • Consuming enough calories. Because babies have small stomachs that fill up quickly, they need to eat multiple times throughout the day in order to ingest enough of the energy needed to support their rapid growth. The average well-nourished baby increases his body weight 200% in the first 12 months and quadruples it in the first 24 months!
  • Learning appropriate eating behavior. Just like mealtime, snack time is an important opportunity both for socialization and for modeling healthy eating habits.

Remember that when it comes to snacks, quality matters. Just because a packaged food item claims to be for kids or has your child’s favorite character on the box, doesn’t mean that it’s nutritious. So-called “toddler foods” are often loaded with excess salt and sugar as well as highly refined carbohydrates. Consuming such highly processed snacks or beverages can set up a preference for these types of foods.

WHAT TO DO

1. Choose snacks that are high quality wholesome foods.

Rather than falling for the trend that snacks are an invitation to eat junk (highly processed food), use snack time to incorporate a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein he needs. Focus on providing snacks to be chewed, rather than sipped (unless, of course, your child is not feeling well and not able to eat as he normally would), because calories from drinks are often void of nutrients and fiber and loaded with sugar, additives and caffeine. The exception would be whole fruit and vegetable smoothies because they do contain fiber, vitamins and minerals.

For packaged convenience/on the go snacks, look for foods that have no added sugar.

2. Keep it safe.

Perishable foods should be refrigerated or kept on ice in a cooler. And supervise your little one while he eats, making sure to offer foods that are appropriate in terms of texture, size and shape for your child’s abilities. Avoid having your child eat while crawling, walking, running, or sitting in a moving stroller or car-seat, which could pose as a choking hazard.  Instead, sit down to enjoy a snack together!

3. Cultivate healthy snacking habits.

To encourage healthy snacking, avoid eating in front of a screen or while distracted by other activities. And develop an eating schedule (with flexibility) to manage your child’s expectations about when food will be available rather than creating an environment in which eating is an all-the-time activity. Remember that kids should eat roughly every three hours (or five to six times each day) and while parents should determine the what, when, and where of feeding, in order to have a healthy relationship with food, children should be the ones to decide whether and how much to eat.

4. Gather snack ideas.

To ensure you have healthy snack choices at your disposal, keep your child’s favorite healthy foods stocked at home, and always pack snacks while out and about as well as, if necessary, for daycare.

Favorite snack ideas include:

  • Soft, fresh fruit like bananas, apples, pears, peaches, oranges, clementines, mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes
  • Plain or no sugar added whole milk fruited yogurt
  • Cottage cheese with berries
  • Nut butter on whole grain crackers, rice cakes or a banana
  • Steamed carrots, string beans, sugar snap peas, peppers, zucchini, green beans, broccoli or cauliflower. If you feel like letting your little one get messy, let him dip the vegetables into hummus or homemade black bean dip (puree equal parts canned black beans and plain yogurt)!
  • Sliced cherry tomatoes
  • Peeled cucumber spears
  • Green peas (preferably frozen and defrosted, rather than canned)
  • Avocado
  • Applesauce
  • Rinsed, canned beans like chickpeas, cannellini, kidney or black beans (look for varieties without any salt added)
  • Dried Seaweed, especially plain, toasted sheets of nori (toasting makes the nori brittle and easy for a new eater to handle) or arame, which cooks in minutes and is a great finger food
  • No sugar added  whole grain cereal
  • String cheese or small cubes of cheese
  • Small cubes of tofu
  • Chia pudding
  • Raisins
  • Vegetable soup (low sodium)
  • 100% Whole grain crackers with sliced cheese
  • 100% Whole grain bread with smeared avocado and hummus
  • 100% Whole grain PB&J (or other nut or seed butter. Look for 100% fruit spread)
  • Quesadilla: whole grain tortilla with black beans, sautéed chopped mushrooms and melted cheese
  • Kale chips: toss kale leaves with olive oil, spread on a single layer on a sheet and bake at 275*F until crispy
  • Oat pancakes: mix 1 egg, ¼ cup oats, ½ mashed banana, a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg and cook on a skillet until golden brown
  • Nut butter pancakes: mix 1 cup smooth almond butter, 4 eggs, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons of 100% fruit jelly, 1.5 Tablespoons vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon and cook on a skillet until golden brown
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Vegetable omelets
  • Egg sticks: chop 1 cup of spinach, sauté, add 2 beaten eggs, cook well-done and cut into finger-size sticks
  • Egg Muffins: beat eggs and add in your favorite chopped veggies, pour into a greased muffin tin and bake 10-12 minutes at 350*F
  • No added sugar granola bar

If you have little ones with a gluten intolerance or are going gluten-free for your own health, it can be daunting to take the first steps towards removing wheat, rye, and barley from your diet. Luckily, there are lots of resources to help and plenty of recipe ideas to make it easy on the family. We collected some of our favorites, see them all below.

photo: Veggies Don’t Bite

Breakfast

1. Overnight Oatmeal: Oats don’t contain gluten but are often grown close to the grasses that do and are sometimes processed on the same machines. Look for gluten-free oats to be absolutely sure. Set the little ones up for the day with these overnight oats from Sophia DeSantis of Veggies Don’t Bite. Berries and almond milk give this recipe an extra sweetness.

2. Pumpkin Honey Bread: Removing wheat flour can be a challenge if you enjoy baked bread and pastries. Store-bought gluten-free flour mix isn’t hard to find and includes alternative flours made from rice or seeds. If you’re making your own flour, a good mix is 1 1/4 cups coconut flour, 1/2 cup tapioca flour, 1/2 cup millet flour or brown rice flour and 1/4 cup gluten-free oat flour. Pumpkin bread is a hit any time of the year, and this recipe from our archives packs a punch of omega-3 fatty acids thanks to the addition of flax seeds.

3. French Toast: Gluten-free pasta and bread are easy to pick up at the store, which means with a stocked pantry, the family menu can still include breakfast favorites like french toast. These are super easy to throw together if you’ve got gluten-free bread to hand.

photo: Cookie & Kate

4. Buckwheat Waffles: In spite of its name, buckwheat isn’t related to wheat so it’s naturally gluten-free. This simple, 100% buckwheat flour recipe from Cookie & Kate yields light and crisp waffles that are still fluffy on the inside.

photo: The View From Great Island

5. Blender Muffins: The batter for these muffins from The View From Great Island is based on oats, nuts, and water. Whizz up the ingredients, and fill muffin cups right from the blender for a gluten-free breakfast that takes less than half an hour to bake.

6. Pear and Banana Baked Pancakes: Try a twist on your usual pancakes with almond flour (It’s gluten-free!). These pancakes are oven-baked, which means no hovering over a hot stove. Kiddos will love topping them with powdered sugar and fresh fruit.

photo: Debbie Adler, Sweet Debbie’s Organic Cupcakes

Snacks

7. Sweet Cranberry Bars: These sweet bars are the perfect midday snack, especially since they’re filled with good-for-you ingredients like oats and coconut oil.

8. Sunflower Granola Bites: Instead of reaching for a granola bar at snack time, make a batch of these granola bites on Sunday afternoon. The sunflower butter and cocoa nibs make them an instant kid fave.

9. Oven Roasted BBQ Chickpeas: Little foodies will love getting in on the action when you’re tossing chickpeas in an insanely delicious spice mixture. Like kale chips, this recipe is vegan, nut-free and gluten-free.

10. Apple Pie Fruit Leathers: Homemade fruit leather may sound a little ambitious, but it’s actually super simple, not to mention way cheaper than buying it from the grocery store. You can also dry sliced apples the same way.

photo: Eat Within Your Means

Dinner

11. Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowl: Wheat-based pasta is off the table when you’re going gluten-free, but when one door closes, another opens. Say hello to this spaghetti squash recipe from Eat Within Your Means for a new kind of noodle. Cut the squash across the width rather than the length for the best spaghetti yield, and bake them to your liking before fluffing and adding sauce.

12. Mac and Cheese: This family favorite gets a makeover thanks to Veggies Don’t Bite, one of our go-to resources for gluten-free and vegan eats. This sharp white mac ‘n’ cheese bake is as creamy and delicious as its dairy counterpart.

13. Penne Pasta: Once you’ve found your favorite gluten-free pasta it’s business as usual, and you can cook up recipes like this tomato, feta, and basil pasta dish from our archives.

photo: Erin Clarke of Well Plated

14. Zoodles with Shrimp: Put a spiralizer on your shopping list because not only are zoodles (aka zucchini noodles) a healthy, low-calorie, and low-carb option to replace pasta, their mild flavor can easily adapt to a wide range of flavors. Heap them with lemon and garlic for this light shrimp scampi recipe via Erin Clarke at Well Plated.

15. Asian Lettuce Wraps: It can be a surprise to find out that gluten can also be lurking in salad dressings, soy sauce, french fries, and cereal, so it’s important to look at the ingredients when shopping for these items. Consider using lettuce wraps where you might have used a burger bun. These wraps from Our Family Eats are big on flavor, just make sure the soy sauce in your pantry is gluten-free.

16. Homemade Chicken Fingers: Kamut, farro, spelt, triticale, bulgur, durum, and semolina will be off-limits if the family is going gluten-free. These crispy chicken fingers put a healthy twist on the well-loved classic with the addition of sunflower seeds, flax seed, and sesame seeds to add some crunch.

photo: Cookie & Kate

17. Almond Meal Quiche. The almond meal base of this quiche makes it a delicious gluten-free alternative to a regular crust and adds an unexpected sweetness. If you think the kids will turn their noses up at arugula and mushrooms, use the crust recipe as your starting point and add a simplified cheese and ham filling.

18. Quick Chicken Stew: If you generally use wheat flour to thicken sauces, it’s easy to switch to rice flour or cornstarch to do the job. That’s what Amy Fothergill, of The Family Chef, uses in this recipe from our archives. She puts some leftover chicken to work for a simple and comforting family meal.

19. Sweet and Sour Chicken: Cornstarch is the thickening agent in this crock pot recipe from our archives. Pop the ingredients together in the morning, and by the evening the whole house will smell heavenly.

20. Mini Meatloaf Muffins: Everything is better when it’s bite-sized, and meatloaf is no exception. This recipe doesn’t use flour but you’ll have to have some gluten-free bread on hand to make breadcrumbs. It’s easy to sneak a few veggies into the mix, too!

21. Black Bean Burgers: Keep the veggie lovers in your family happy with these flavorful black bean burgers. Use gluten-free bread to bind and lettuce as an alternative to brioche or burger buns.

22. Mexican Pork Carnitas: Switch out wheat tortillas for corn, and you can still put together these tacos that are so tasty, no-one will notice the difference. This recipe takes a bit more time, but the leftovers will make it worth spending your Sunday afternoon cooking.

photo: Real Mom Nutrition

Dessert

23. Blueberry Oatmeal Cups: There’s no wheat flour needed in these blueberry oatmeal cups from Real Mom Nutrition, making them a wonderful baking option for gluten-free families. The recipe uses frozen blueberries, so they are an easy option any time of the year.

24. Chocolate Dough Balls: Oats and tapioca make up the flour in this recipe for chocolate dough balls. Dreamed up by Sophia of Veggies Don’t Bite, they are a mix between cookie dough and baked cookies. Plant-based, gluten-free, vegan and absolutely delicious, they’ll soon become a family favorite.

photo: The View from Great Island

25. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble: This fruit crisp from The View from Great Island is topped with oats and hazelnuts for a gluten-free dessert the kids will love. Just add ice cream!

26. Lemon Almond Cookies: Keep it simple with easy lemon almond cookies that pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa.

27. Secret Ingredient Brownies: The secret behind these brownies is black beans, believe it or not—they give the brownies their fudgy taste without adding extra calories.

28. Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies: In case the to-die-for combination of peanut butter and chocolate isn’t enough to convince you to whip this one up, it’s ridiculously simple to boot—there are only five ingredients!

29. Vegan Chocolate Pie: This indulgent no-bake dessert from A Taste of Madness has a magic ingredient— avocado! It’s rich and fudgy, and a sure fire winner for the whole family. Just make sure you have a gluten-free pie crust in the pantry, or make your own with this recipe at Cookie and Kate.

What are your best gluten-free recipes and resources? Let us know in the comments below.

— Emily Myers

 

If you read those ‘things you only know if you’re a parent’ listicles online, then you’ll have realized you’re not alone in feeling like a trip to the grocery store without the kids feels like a vacation. So we rounded up our favorite “vacation spots” in the Bay Area, perfect for when you have a bit more time on your hands or you’re after a hard-to-find ingredient. Explore the aisles, discover new brands, feel conscientious in your choices and maybe enjoy a glass of wine while you walk the aisles. And of course, with so many of these stores being family owned and run, they’re welcoming when you have little ones with you, too.

                                                              Photo Credit: Woodlands Market

San Francisco

Rainbow Grocery Cooperative
Originally started by a spiritual community in the 1970s, the Rainbow Grocery soon became secular, but has stayed loyal to its hippy roots. They aim to provide affordable vegetarian food products, including a great range of tofu and other meat substitutes. Proud to buy locally, they are ecologically and socially conscious, encouraging bicycling and alternative transportation to and from the store, practising daylight harvesting and donating to non-profit organizations and schools. These days they also sell a great selection of books, toys and bath and body products. Kids love the free samples, from cheese to olives to crunchy kale chips.

1745 Folsom St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-863-0620
Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. every day
Online: rainbow.coop

Gus’s Community Market
Now boasting three stores in San Francisco, Gus’s Community Market has been serving locals for thirty years. You can now take your pick between their Mission market, their Haight street location and their Noriega produce store. Have a coffee in their on-site cafe, sample some cheese from their extensive selection or try their freshly made sushi. There’s plenty of vegetarian fare, but they also offer house-made sausages, freshly ground chuck and seafood, delivered fresh six days a week. Their deli stocks an impressive selection of imported Italian meats and their sandwiches are available both for take-out and delivery.

2111 Harrison St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-431-9300

1530 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-255-0643

3821 Noriega St.
San Francisco, CA 94122
415-564-0370

Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day
Online: gussmarket.com

Canyon Market
Canyon Market brands itself an “urban hybrid market,” fusing traditional groceries with natural produce and specialty lines, all tailored to the specific needs of the neighborhood. Their local knowledge has given them an extremely loyal following of regulars who pop in for their groceries, wine tastings and to enjoy the outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome too. Their cheese selection is extremely well thought out, and their butcher Oscar will sort you out with the perfect cut of meat. Don’t miss out on the fresh baked pies!

2815 Diamond St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-586-9999
Hours: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. every day
Online: canyonmarket.com

Photo: Erin Feher

The Market
This sparkly new market is located on the ground floor of the Twitter building and offers all the perks you would expect. In addition to a specialty meat and fish counter, top-notch produce, and all the grocery picking you can imagine, there are plenty of options for eat-immediately deliciousness, from a sushi bar to a poke bowl counter to a taco shop. The lines between grocery store and all-around foodie heaven blur here, as you can now score pizza hot from the oven from Tony’s Slice House, freshly filled donuts from the Donut Dolly and power-packed smoothies from Project Juice. Need one more reason to do your shopping downtown? How about the dreamy #DrinkWhileYouShop program. Shoppers ages 21 and over can purchase a glass of signature beer or house red or white wine for $4 inside The Market and sip while you check off that grocery list. The carts even have cup holders!

1355 Market St.
San Francisco, Ca
Hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. every day
Online: visitthemarket.com

Local Mission Market
Taking their name very seriously, this market is dedicated to everything local; nearly all of their products come from within 100 miles. Their emphasis on sustainability means that they take into account the resources needed to grow, pick and deliver, so you’ll never see blueberries in the winter, for example. You can check their weekly schedule on their website so you know when the next delivery of what you’re after can be expected. Also online is a great recipe platform designed specifically for ingredients in store. They don’t just specialise in sourcing though, in store you can find their house-made granola, pasta, crackers, jams, pickles, sausages, soups, marshmallows and more. They also hold demos on everything from cooking for kids to knife skills, all for the princely sum of $1 per person.

2670 Harrison St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-795-3355
Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. every day
Online: localmissionmarket.com

                                                                  Photo Credit: Diablo Foods

East Bay

Diablo Foods
Something of a local institution, Diablo Foods has been running since 1968 and is still a family affair. Many of the staff have been with the company for more than a decade, with founder Ed’s grandson now working as the store manager. For a small store they have an impressive range—expect over 200 cheeses and more than 50 types of mustard. Their ‘Grab n Go’ counter stocks ready to eat risotto, lasagna, raviolis, chicken pot pie, twice baked taters, steamed artichokes, marinated tri-tip and a legendary chicken soup which locals turn to during flu season.

3615 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, Ca
925-283-0737
Hours: 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. every day
Online: diablofoods.com

  Photo: Berkeley Bowl by josh s jackson via Flickr 

Berkeley Bowl
Berkeley Bowl’s selection of produce needs little introduction; where else can you enjoy such choice? Choose from over 30 types of mushroom and bulk buy your favorite nuts in whatever form you fancy; salted, honeyed, candied, roasted, chillied, wasabied, you name it. They’ll go out of their way to serve you; just ask and their fish counter will call you when the Monterey sardines come in. Their aisle of Asian groceries and other world foods is a great resource, but speaking of aisles, a word of warning: BB shopping carts are wide and their aisles narrow, which when the store is busy gives it the feel of an obstacle course. Avoid rush hour.

2020 Oregon St.
Berkeley, Ca
510-843-6929
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Online: berkeleybowl.com

Farmer Joe’s Marketplace
Little Joe’s and the larger New Joe’s sell all sorts of organic products, from produce to beauty supplies. They also stock harder to find produce like dinosaur kale, heirloom tomatoes, cippolini onions and cactus pears, while priding themselves on being willing to special order any item you request. The new store includes a deli with freshly made soups, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken and a sushi chef available to take personal orders, and you can enjoy gourmet coffee and smoothies in their bakery area.

Little Joe’s
3501 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, Ca
510-482-8178
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

New Joe’s
3426 Fruitvale Ave,
Oakland, Ca
510-482-8899
Hours: 8:30am–8:30 p.m. every day

Online: farmerjoesmarket.com/

Market Hall
Siblings Sara, Tony and Peter Wilson wanted to create an alternative to weekly treks to the supermarket, so they teamed up and developed the Market Hall destination in Rockridge. Consisting of eight individual food and flower shops, the marketplace boasts a European-style bakery stocked with freshly baked croissants and focaccia. Market Hall Foods, formerly called The Pasta Shop, is still known for its handmade pasta, with stuffed ravioli, fresh sauces, soups and stocks also amongst its specialities. Marin Sun Farms Butcher Shop stocks 100% grass fed, pasture raised, California local, organic and non-GMO meats. And of course there’s a coffee shop and bakery there if you want to stay awhile.

5655 College Avenue, Ste. 201
Oakland, Ca
510-250-6000
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Online: rockridgemarkethall.com

Alameda Natural Grocery
100% powered by renewable energy, Alameda Natural Grocery is all about the organic, from their chemical free personal care products to the honey bee hives on their rooftop. As well as 100% organic produce, special dietary goods and local brands, the store also incorporates The Pantry, stocking all the essential kitchen equipment from knives and cookware to water bottles and bento boxes. They offer knife sharpening by The Perfect Edge every first and third Wednesday of the month.

1650 Park St.
Alameda, Ca
510-865-1500
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Online: alamedanaturalgrocery.com

                                                     Photo Credit: Grand Fare Market

Grand Fare Market
This unique twist on the urban grocery store sees the marriage of a gourmet market and trendy dining area in Oakland. Their coffee bar serves an outdoor patio strung with fairy lights and cushioned with sheepskin rugs. Husband and wife team Doug Washington and Freya Prowe source quality products from local farms and producers as well as many artisanal products from Bay Area makers, while Freya runs the on site boutique flower stall herself. Do some shopping then relax in the sunshine with a coffee, fresh juice or glass of wine and indulge in some people watching.

3265 Grand Ave.
Oakland, Ca
510-899-9610
Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. on Sunday
Online: grandfaremarket.com

South Bay

Zanotto’s Family Market
Andrea, Rosa and their 13 children are responsible for the three generations of Zanottos running the store today. Along with Troy and Patty Tibbils who met in their youth working at Zanottos and are now partners in three of the store’s locations, the Zanottos have managed to keep the business family owned and operated since 1976. Staying true to their Italian heritage, Zanotto’s Family market stocks lots of Italian speciality products and serves up Italian style panninis that are famous throughout the South Bay.

1970 Naglee Ave.
San Jose, Ca
408-294-9151
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Online: zanottos.com

                                                                                 Photo Credit: The Milk Pail

The Milk Pail Market
An open air market famous for its nostalgic glass bottles of milk, The Milk Pail is full of character. Their Dairy department is their pride and joy, with over three hundred varieties of cheese, including Italian reggiano, Danish fontina, French Morbier, Dutch gouda, Bulgarian feta, Swiss Tilsiter as well as local delicacies. Pair with their craft baked breads and New Zealand butter, and don’t forget to try their homemade peanut butter, free from any added sugar or salt.

2585 California St.
Mountain View Ca
Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Online: milkpail.com

The Willows Market
Branding itself ‘Silicon Valley’s Neighbourhood Grocery Store’, The Willows Market is as hip as you’d expect somewhere serving the tech industry to be. They stock hard to find old fashioned sodas and craft beers, with beer and spirit tastings on Thursdays from 4–7 p.m., and on Mondays from 4:30–8 p.m. the best food trucks from the Bay Area come to serve hungry shoppers outside the market.

60 Middlefield Rd.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-322-0743
Hours: Mon.–Sun. 6 a.m.–midnight
Online: willowsmarket.com

                                                  Photo Credit: Draeger’s Market

Peninsula

Draeger’s Market
Founded by Gustave Draeger in 1925 as “Draeger’s Delicatessen” in San Francisco, Draeger’s has transformed through the years to become the gourmet marketplace you see today. Still family owned and operated, three of the four locations host cooking schools and the San Mateo location also features the Viognier Restaurant. The fine dining is an accurate reflection of the grocery experience—if ‘fine shopping’ were a thing, it might look like this. Draeger’s gift baskets are the ultimate treat, and loyal customers travel far and wide for hard to find delicacies like Leonidas truffles and Bissinger’s chocolates.

222 East 4th Ave.
San Mateo, Ca
650-685-3700
Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day
Online: draegers.com

Roberts Market
Originally established as a butcher shop in the San Francisco Tenderloin District in 1889, Roberts Market can now be found in Woodside or Portola. Meat is obviously still their strong point, with bestselling prepackaged meals like corned beef, pot roast and herb chicken. The more adventurous might like to try their sushi, escargots and caviar.

3015 Woodside Rd.
Woodside, Ca
650-851-1511
Hours: 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. every day
Online: robertsmarket.com

Marin

Woodlands Market
Another family business, Woodlands’ success is unsurprising given that its founders’ ancestors were running grocery stores in San Francisco as early as 1910. Cheese and wine fans will appreciate the Kentfield store’s specialities—with resident cheese monger, Octavia Saez de Ibarra a member of The American Cheese Society, he can offer expert advice on all things cheese while the store holds wine tastings every Friday 5–7 p.m. and Saturdays 4–6 p.m. The cafe serves up salmon lox scrambles, ratatouille omelettes, blueberry pancakes and eggs Benedict, as well as a children’s menu and vegetarian and gluten free options.

735 College Ave.
Kentfield, Ca
415-457-8160
Hours: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Online: woodlandsmarket.com

Mollie Stone’s Markets
Mollie Stone’s was designed to be a blend of the best of both worlds, stocking both natural and organic produce alongside popular brand name products. The combination has been a grocery store success story, with the company now boasting nine branches, including one in Sausalito. Their determination to give back to the community is admirable, with $30k donated to local non profits to celebrate their 30th anniversary. They keep innovating too, with the Mollie Bus serving San Francisco stores and Mollieland childcare at the San Mateo store—a free, supervised play area for kids aged 2 to 12. Specialities include kosher, vegan, gluten free and world foods.

100 Harbor Dr.
Sausalito, Ca
415-331-6900
See details of other store locations here.
Hours: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. every day
Online: molliestones.com

Did we miss your favorite grocery stores in the Bay Area? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

–Katie Antoniou

Averaging six small meals a day, it might seem like a day with your baby or toddler is just passing time between meals. To satiate their growing bellies, it’s important to make every bite count. If you’ve found yourself in a snack time slump, or feel like your only on the go options are packed with unhealthy preservatives, then check out the ideas below. With both prepackaged and homemade goodies to choose from, these healthy treats are both kid- and mom-approved.

photo: BabyFoodE

Crackers: You can always opt for a pre-made option like Annie’s Organic Crackers, but if you are looking to cut back on ingredients try making your own. This delicious Animal Cracker recipe from BabyFoodE features three different flavor options, including dark chocolate for mommy, so be sure to try them all.

Hummus: Create a dipping game, diving your toddler’s favorite whole grain bread or cut-up veggies (for older toddlers) into a bowl of hummus. Made from chickpeas and heart-healthy olive oil, this protein and fiber packed dip is a filling snack.

Applesauce: Inexpensive, healthy and sweet, applesauce is a classic go-to snack that most toddlers love. You’ll find all-natural, unsweetened options in pre-packaged cups or pouches like these from GoGo SqueeZ or try this easy recipe from Smitten Kitchen.

Cottage Cheese: Considered a complete protein, when paired with fresh fruit like peaches or pineapple cottage cheese makes a wholesome snack. Try these cottage cheese pancakes from Weelicious for a delicious breakfast-style snack anytime of day.

photo: Yummy Toddler Food

Yogurt Gummies: This hybrid yogurt and gummy snack from Yummy Toddler Food is packed with fresh fruit and full of flavor. Easy to make, use silicone molds to create fun shapes.

Cheese Stick: Broken up into small bites or pulled into fun strings once your toddler is able to chew, string cheese is the perfect calcium-filled snack.

Banana with Peanut-, Almond-, Cashew- or Sun-Butter: Bananas are loaded with potassium and when paired with your child’s favorite butter it becomes a protein-packed snack you can feel good about serving. Be sure to look for an all-natural spread that includes just nuts and salt.

Smoothies: Ideal for when you’re on the go, make your child’s favorite blends at home and transport in an easy-to-clean container like the Squeasy Snacker Silicone Reusable Food Pouch.

photo: Little Duck Organics

Freeze-dried Fruits and Vegetables: Look for fruits and veggies freeze-dried with no added sugar, like these packaged treats from Little Duck Organics, Just Tomatoes, Etc!, or the Happy Family Brand. For older toddlers, the larger freeze-dried mango and banana from Trader Joe’s are another great option.

Avocado: Full of healthy fat, Vitamin E, fiber, iron, and potassium (just to name a few benefits), this nutrient dense fruit is delicious cut into cubes, pureed into a smoothie, or mashed on top of toast and served with a side of berries.

Popsicles: The perfect snack for teething toddlers, it’s easy to turn leftover smoothies into refreshing pops. You can even get the kids in on the fun mixing ingredients. Mama Papa Bubba features some yummy flavor combinations.

Pudding: Surprisingly easy to make, forgo to the store bought mix and opt for making your own pudding flavors. BabyFoodE gave this basic snack a healthy makeover by adding a little peanut butter, chia seeds and a few other surprising ingredients. Find the recipe here.

photo: Land of Nod

Muffins: Muffins are an easy solution to getting your picky toddler to eat their necessary vegetables. From sweet potato to spinach, the possibilities are endless. Try whipping up a batch of these Carrot and Zucchini Muffins from Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

Yogurt Bites: Yogurt dots are a great source of calcium, good fats and probiotics. These colorful, all-natural Frozen Yogurt Dots from Small Fry are fun to make and even more fun to eat. But if you’re short on time, the Organic Greek Yogis from Happy Family will also do the trick.

Fruit Snacks: Sweetened with honey and made with 100% fruit juice, DIY fruit snacks are a healthier alternative to the classic store bought treat. Try this easy recipe from Kelsey Nixon and Land of Nod.

Fruit Bars: That’s It and Trader Joe’s all-natural fruit bars offer full servings of fruit, and are soft enough for toddlers to chew. We suggest stashing a few in your diaper bag for emergencies.

What do you feed your toddler at snack time? Share with us in the comments below.

— Lauren Hill

Skip the usual two-hour baking time for lasagna and get your pot ready for this saucy, cheese dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy hangry tots. Aberdeen’s Kitchen came up with the brilliant plan to replace lasagna pasta with ravioli for an extra cheesy bite that cooks up in 20 minutes! Read on for the recipe.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 9 oz packet refrigerated 4 cheese ravioli
2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Ground black pepper to taste

Method:
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour marinara sauce and chicken stock and stir together. Bring to a boil.
2. Add spinach and ravioli. Add ricotta cheese in large chunks around the pan.  Return to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until spinach is wilted and ravioli is cooked through.
3. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and fresh ground black pepper to serve.

It never hurts to add more veggies! What greens would you add for that extra crunch? Share your ideas in the comments below.

This amazing recipe and photo is provided by Aberdeen’s Kitchen, a creative food blog that focuses on comfort foods and easy recipes. Visit Aberdeen’s Kitchen for more great ideas, from kale chips as snacks to veggie pot pies, to round out your meals. Follow her on Instagram for delicious food pictures!