31 of the Healthiest Things You Can Buy at Trader Joe’s

by Kate LowethDecember 18, 2023

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

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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

34 Time-Saving Food & Prep Hacks That Actually Work

by Natasha DavisMay 7, 2023

Here’s a hint: a pizza cutter can be used for more than just pizza

When it comes to feeding a crew of hungry kids, we’ve never met a shortcut we didn’t like. This is why, it being the season of busy weeknights and early bedtimes, we want to give you as many cooking hacks (scooped from resourceful parents everywhere) as possible. From meal-prep advice to the easiest way to get an egg that peels with ease, here are 36 clever food and cooking shortcuts that’ll save you tons of time.

Pizza Cutter for Herbs

using a pizza cutter on herbs is a clever cooking hack — iStock

Having fresh herbs in the house is nice for creating marinades, dressings, and more, but finely chopping those herbs can be difficult. The good news is, there’s a way to make the process easy. Place the herbs on a cutting board, and roll a pizza cutter through them. Don't worry about cutting in a perfect line, just roll through the bunch as many times as you want.

Peeling a Mango

cooking hacks: how to peel a mango — Fedor via Unsplash

The skin of a mango is pretty thick, and the peeling process usually involves careful knife skills. We found another way to get that pesky skin off with ease. All you need to do is slice the mango in half and grab a tall glass. Using the rim of the glass, get between the skin and the fruit at the bottom of the slice. Push down, and the skin will slide right off. Voila! You've got a perfectly peeled mango.

Steam Eggs Instead of Boiling Them

Boiled eggs can be a challenge to peel, but if you steam them over boiled water for 10-15 minutes, the shell will come off in no time.

Add an Ice Cube to Sautéing Onions to Avoid Burning

Cooking hack: add an ice cube to sauteing onions so they don't burn — Simona Sergi via Unsplash

If your onions are on the verge of burning, throw an ice cube into the pan. It'll evaporate quickly and give the veggies a hint of moisture to avoid being overcooked.

Store Partially Chopped Veggies in The Freezer

a good cooking hack is storing partially chopped vegetables in the freezer — Ashish Ansurkar via Unsplash

Have you ever just chopped half a stalk of celery or bulb of cauliflower, and had to put it back in the fridge where it immediately starts to wilt? If you want to keep your partially chopped veggies fresh, we recommend putting them right in the freezer. This locks in the freshness, and they’ll be ready to jump into the frying pan after a little defrosting time.

Shred Chicken in Your Food Processor

From tacos to salads, casseroles, and beyond, shredded chicken is a staple for family meals. But shredding it all by hand or with a pair of forks can take forever! Amazingly, there’s a quick fix for that—just toss boiled or baked chicken breasts in your mixer, and you’ll have expertly shredded chicken in seconds.

Put Water in Your Microwave to Preserve the Moisture

Whether it’s leftovers or meal-prepped treats, your microwave is a powerful tool. But you’re always at risk of drying out your food when you use it. We’ve got a simple way to avoid that. Toss a glass of water into the microwave with your food to give it a little extra moisture.

Freeze Sauce in Ice Cube Trays

We’re all about making cooking easier. With this meal-prep hack, you’ll be able to create perfectly portioned sauces days or weeks in advance and use them whenever you want. Just mix up your favorite sauces, put the liquid in your ice trays and freeze. Keep the portions frozen until you're ready to use them.

Boil Potatoes for an Easy Peel

From fries to mashed potatoes and chips, everybody LOVES potatoes. But, for a lot of recipes, peeling the potatoes is a must, and using a potato peeler or knife can be time-consuming and difficult. We have an easy fix! Boil the potatoes, let them cool, and the skin will peel off in seconds.

Try Silicone Baking Sheets

using a silicone baking sheet is a good cooking hack — Amazon

Do you hate cleaning cookie sheets? We know that cleaning them can be difficult because the grease and grime are baked in deep. Using a silicone baking sheet, which makes removing all of your tasty morsels as easy as pie, will change your life. We like this one.

Use Lemon Slices as a Base for Grilled Fish

Your filet of salmon will stay intact much easier if you line it with slices of lemon. Plus, the juices will seep up, making a flavorful dinner. See one of our favorite recipes here.

Put Marshmallows in Your Brown Sugar

storing marshmallows with brown sugar to keep it soft is a cool cooking hack — Shutterstock

Brown sugar is a baking necessity for cookies, cupcakes, and pies, but unlike white sugar, it can dry out very quickly, which means you’ll be stuck breaking up hard blobs of sugar when you want to use it. But, there’s an easy fix for this. All you need to do is throw a few marshmallows into the airtight container with your brown sugar to conserve the moisture and make it easy to scoop.

Separating Strawberry Tops

Strawberries are healthy and delicious. But chopping the green tuffs off the top of every piece of fruit takes so long! Use this fun trick to get them off without a knife: Take a straw and push it from the bottom of the fruit to the top in one swift motion—it'll pop those little green leaves right off.

Flatten Ground Meat

ground beef, which can be flattened to freeze, a genius cooking hack — iStock

No matter how hard you try, it seems like there’s never enough freezer space. We have a fun way to help you create extra room. Take your ground beef out of its package, put it in a Ziploc bag, flatten it, and put it back in the freezer; you'll be surprised by the extra open space. You can also write the expiration dates on the bags to make sure your meat is always fresh.

Cut Corn Over Your Bundt Cake Tin

Let’s face it, chopping fresh corn is a pain, mostly because the kernels get all over the counter. But there’s a way to make sure it never happens again. Grab your bundt cake tin, flip it upside down, stand the corn up in the middle, and slice the kernels off; they’ll fall perfectly into that round tin, so cleaning up is a breeze!

Stabilize Your Cutting Board

Slicing and dicing are a big part of cooking, which means you’re always reaching for the cutting board. But it’s important to make sure that it isn’t slipping and sliding all over the place, so make it stable by putting a damp dishtowel underneath it. It'll keep it in place and make clean-up even easier.

Cupcake Liner Catches Popsicle Drips

Popsicles are a childhood fave, but they can turn into a bit of a sticky mess. Prevent all of that dripping by slipping cupcake liners onto the bottom of your kids' popsicles. Slide the liner up so that it cups the bottom of the popsicle to make sure it catches all of those little drips.

Cut Cheesecake with Dental Floss

using floss to cut cheesecake is a smart cooking hack — Karolina Kołodziejczak via Unsplash

Cheesecake is a dessert that kids and parents love, but cutting it equally can be difficult. Well, we've got an easy way to slice it perfectly every time. Try using dental floss. Just make sure the dental floss is unscented, so you don’t get a minty surprise with your dessert.

Grate Your Butter

using a cheese grater on butter is a cooking hack — Shutterstock

Softened butter is a staple for all bakers out there, but putting solid butter in the microwave isn’t always the best way to get that soft consistency you're looking for. Try grating it with a cheese grader instead.

Use White Bread on Your Birthday Cake

Birthday cake is yummy, but when the party’s over, you're left with half a cake that'll be stale by tomorrow. What if there was a way to preserve this delectable sugar overload? Try putting slices of white bread on the interior sections of the cake where you cut into it—the bread locks in moisture.

Use Cookie Molds for Fun Food

No matter what time of year it is, you can always use cookie cutters. And they can be used for much more than just cookies. You can also use them to create pancakes or eggs with designs like flowers, cartoon characters, and more.

Make Oatmeal in Your Rice Cooker

Oatmeal is a warm alternative to cold cereal, but it does take a little more time to make in the morning. Try using your rice cooker to make the oatmeal instead. This way, you don’t need to worry about watching, stirring or remembering to turn off the stove. Just put everything inside, and within minutes you’ve got scrumptious oatmeal.

Use an Apple Corer to Make French Fries

An apple corer/slicer can instantly transform a plain potato into everyone's favorite side. That's right, you can make homemade fries in a snap with a utensil you may already have in your kitchen drawer. Grandma's Brief has all the delicious details.

Freeze Herbs in Ice Trays

freezing herbs in an ice tray is a good cooking hack to use — Shutterstock

Want fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary all year long? No problem. This cooking hack is worthy of Martha Stewart, sans the effort. Just put fresh herbs in ice trays, add oil, and freeze. Freezing the herbs in oil also prevents them from turning brown or getting that dreaded freezer burn.

Wedges are so 2022. No, not the ones you wear on your feet; those are still fabulous. We're talking about watermelon wedges. Instead of slicing the melon into wide wedges that inevitably get juice all over everyone's face and chin, cut the fruit in half, then slice it in a grid. You'll get evenly sized slices that each have just enough rind on the bottom for little hands to grab.

Cut Pancakes with a Pizza Cutter

The trusted pizza slicer really is a mom's best friend. From sandwiches to pancakes, you can use this snazzy slicer to save time and messes.

Cook Eggs in the Oven

It is a literal Egg McMuffin. Nick of Macheesmo shows us how to make a breakfast sandwich even more amazing by simply baking the eggs in a muffin tin. Best part? You can add other ingredients to the eggs (think spinach, ham, cheese) and then freeze the whole thing for busy on-the-go mornings. Find the original recipe here and the updated version here.

Frozen Grapes Taste Great

grapes, can be frozen for a snack, which is a great cooking hack — J Yeo via Unsplash

Pop grapes into the freezer for a sweet and crunchy treat that tastes like candy. A refreshing snack any time of the year, this is also a great way to make sure you always have fruit on hand.

Use Magnets to Keep Water Cups Handy

Talk about having a “why didn’t I think of that” moment. If your kids are anything like ours, then you probably go through a few water cups every day. Cut down on needless dishes with this awesome cup hack from Dana over at Made Everyday.

Cut Up Noodles

Use your noodle: Cut up spaghetti, linguine, and ramen with scissors. Smaller bites and shorter bits will ease frustration at the dinner table and make after-dinner clean-up easier.

DIY Uncrustables

You like the idea of making PB&J (or some "other butter" and jelly) ahead of time but don't really know how to make a good freezer version. Good news! One Good Thing by Jillee explains the how-to and shows you how to seal that sandwich—no fancy gear needed.

Coffee Filters as Snack Containers

Kimberly Harris via The Nourishing Gourmet

A brilliantly simple idea from The Nourishing Gourmet, swap out plastic baggies or even bulky reusables in favor of a biodegradable coffee filter. Psst! If you’ve gone Keurig, we’re betting you’ve got a box of these collecting dust somewhere in your kitchen.

Ice Cube Trays as Snack Holders

Having a stash of snacks is a must for every parent. But, having a bunch of different canisters, bags, and boxes on hand is difficult for travel and storage. Well, we’ve got the perfect hack for you! Try using silicone ice cube trays as snack trays for at home or on car trips.

Use Binder Clips in the Fridge and Freezer

If you need an easy way to keep all of your favorite munchies fresh in the fridge, may we suggest binder clips? Yes, you read that right. Grab some binder clips, and clip all of your bags of food directly onto the rungs of each shelf. This saves space and keeps everything nice and fresh. This works for bags in the freezer as well.

14 Kitchen Appliances That’ll Save You Tons of Space

by Gabby CullenOctober 5, 2021

If you love to cook, it’s hard not to want ALL the cool gadgets out there. But unless you have considerable space, it can be challenging to find a spot for all of them. Luckily, appliances are getting more compact and storage-friendly by the day. We looked around and found 14 kitchen appliances—from an Instant Pot to a food processor—that will not only free up counter space but will make your cooking endeavors that much easier. Keep reading to see them all.

All products featured on this page are independently reviewed and selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Sheet Pan Oven

You'll definitely want to add this toaster oven/air fryer to your kitchen gear as it comes in a too-cute red color and stores upright to save countertop space. The toast feature even adjusts cook time based on how many slices of bread you are toasting. Brilliant!

Buy it here, $209.

Vitamix Creations II 64-oz 13-in-1 Variable-Speed Blender w/Book

When you are looking to buy a blender, there's nothing better than a Vitamix. This powerhouse appliance will make baby food, blend your morning smoothies, puree soups and even make nut butters (if you're so inclined). Thre's no need for an ice cream maker or food processor with this versatile appliance.

Get it here, $380.

Cuisinart Coffee Center 12-Cup Coffee Maker & Single-Serve Brewer

If your counter is packed with both a multi-cup coffee maker and a single-cup pod brewer, we've got the perfect option for you. Ditch them both and snag this 2-in-1 machine from Cuisinart that will brew 12 cups when you are hosting friends, or a single cup when it's just you. A 40 oz. water reservoir with charcoal filter makes this even easier to use in the wee hours of the morning.

Get it here, $199.

Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

This mini version of everyone’s favorite pressure cooker takes the place of seven appliances: rice cooker, steamer, slow cooker and more. See our favorite Instant Pot recipes for busy nights here.

Buy it here, $66.

Cuisinart 3-Cup Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor

A mini food processor is better than no processor. This classic Cuisinart has a 24-ounce work bowl and has dishwasher-safe parts.

Buy one here, $40.

Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven

If your microwave isn’t built into a unit, this smaller version will fit nicely on a kitchen cart or, take up minimal countertop space.

Buy it here, $200.

NutriBullet® PRO Nutrient Extractor

Juicers can be one of the largest appliances that’s hard to find a good place to store. Consider this smaller version that’s just as strong as a bigger version.

Buy it here, $80.

Dash® Mini Waffle Maker

How cute is this mini waffle maker? Perfect for busy mornings or small families, you can stash this in a cabinet with ease.

Buy it here, $13.

Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Multi-Purpose Hand Blender

A hand blender is a secret weapon: it whips, blends and even froths. The best part? It stows away in a drawer instead of taking up precious counter or shelf space.

Buy it here, $30.

Nespresso Vertuo Next with Aeroccino 3

You love your Nespresso in the morning, but you don’t love how much space the espresso machine takes up. This version offers up the same great quality coffee, but with a compact design that’s perfect for small spaces.

Buy it here, $219.

PowerXL Smokeless Indoor Grill

If you don’t have the space for a grill, or if you want to be able to grill on days when the weather isn’t cooperating, this smokeless indoor grill will do the trick. The heat distributes evenly, and the ceramic coating makes for easy cleanup.

Buy it here, $140.

IronRen 0.5L Portable Electric

This mini kettle boil water, heat milk and cook noodles, so not only is it a good buy for your kitchen, but it’s perfect to take while traveling too.

Buy it here, $37.

Cooks 4.3 Quart Stainless Steel Air Fryer

You’ve been dying to get on the air fryer bandwagon, but don’t know where you put it. Try this 4.3-quart version that takes up almost no space. See our favorite air fryer recipes by clicking here.

Buy it here, $63.

FoodSaver® Compact Food Vacuum Sealer

This mini vacuum sealer offers all the larger versions, but its compact design makes for easy storage.

Buy it here, $110.

—Kate Loweth & Gabby Cullen

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Local Chefs Share Amazing Recipes Your Family Can Make Together

by Beth SheaApril 19, 2020

Food is such an amazing source of comfort and nourishment––and cooking or baking together and sharing meals as a family can be a treasured part of time spent together at home. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up delicious recipes from some our favorite local chefs and founders of San Diego based food brands. Read on for easy recipes for dinner and lunch as well as yummy snacks, breakfast, and a Disneyland dessert!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie Bowl/Katie's Healing Kitchen

Katie Farina of Katie's Healing Kitchen has a recipe that provides a bright start to every day or can be a filling snack or even a healthy dessert! Whip up her Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie Bowl topped with raw chocolate sauce to bring a smile to the face of everyone in your family. Katie offers an array of amazing cooking classes at San Diego's Wine Vault & Bistro, so when life goes back to normal, be sure to treat yourself to a class. In the meantime, you can order her cookbook, Katie's Healing Kitchen, Healthy, Plant-Based Recipes for Every Kitchen, to bring Katie's delightful recipes to your home kitchen.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie Bowl:
Katie offers, "This delicious breakfast bowl is the perfect way to start your day when you want to enjoy the decadent flavor combination of chocolate and strawberries in a healthy way!"

YIELD: 2 Servings

Ingredients:

-2 cups unsweetened plain or vanilla non-dairy vegan yogurt (like coconut or cashew)

-1 peeled and frozen banana, cut into chunks, thawed 15 minutes

-2 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, thawed 15 minutes

-1 tablespoon maple syrup, or more to taste

-Raw Chocolate Sauce (see page 246)

Optional Garnishes: fresh berries, frozen berries, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, banana slices, etc.

Advanced Prep:

-Thaw frozen banana and strawberries for 15 minutes at room temperature.

-Make Raw Chocolate Sauce (see recipe below)

-Blend yogurt, banana, and strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth, adding a splash of water or non-dairy milk if a thinner consistency is desired.

-Sweeten to taste with maple syrup

-Divide mixture between two bowls. Top with desired garnishes and drizzle over raw chocolate sauce.

Chef's Tips: Leftover chocolate sauce can be stored in a plastic squeeze bottle in the refrigerator. It will harden when refrigerated, but to re-liquify it, simply place the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

Raw Chocolate Sauce:
Katie says, "This is the quickest, easiest, and healthiest way to get a quick chocolate fix. It's perfect drizzled over desserts. Leftovers can be made into a raw chocolate bark. Simply pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes. Break apart and enjoy, or store in the freezer for a chocolate emergency."

YIELD: 1 Cup

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup raw cacao powder

-1/2 cup maple syrup, at room temperature

-1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

-pinch of salt

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

Chef's Tips: The coconut oil has to be completely melted and the maple syrup at room temperature for this to be the best consistency sauce.

Online: katieshealingkitchen.com

Veggie Salad & Grains with Buddha Sauce/Jai Wurfbain

Jai Wurfbain created his 100% plant-based and absolutely divine Buddha Sauce to pair with the wildly popular salad & grain bowls he sells at SoCal farmers markets.

His signature raw vegetable salad has a tasty bed of grains that really makes the salad a nice filling nutritious meal that is brimming with protein, fiber, anti-oxidants and minerals. It's a healthy base for the raw vegetables and life that the Buddha Sauce bring to the party in a bowl.

The gluten-free ancient grains he uses consist of quinoa, millet, pinto beans and red rice. He cooks the Pintos separately and mixes them into the other ingredients at the end. This mix can be cooked in bulk and can be added to any meal. They can be frozen and reheated easily without loss of taste or texture. Beautifully versatile and delicious, warmed up or cold.

Veggie Salad & Grains with Buddha Sauce

1 cup of Millet
1/2 cup of Quinoa
1/2 cup of red rice
4 cups of water
1 tbsp of coconut oil
1 tsp of salt

Use a rice cooker to cook these for 15 minutes. If you don't have a rice cooker, you may need to add a little water to a regular pot which you bring to a boil (covered), and then reduce to a low simmer for a further 10 minutes after which you can turn the heat off and then let the pot rest for another 15 minutes.

Cook 2 cups of pinto beans separately which, after draining, add to the cooked grains.

Top the grains with any assortment of raw veggies and even some nuts you have on hand and that your family enjoys. Next, drizzle Buddha Sauce on top, which elevates the entire meal to a truly enlightened next level!

You can buy Buddha Sauce at several local farmers markets or online. It's addictive and your whole fam will love it!

Online: buddha-sauce.com

Berry Yogurt Parfait/Megan Jolic, Love, Granola

Support local business Love, Granola, founded by mom Megan Jolic, by ordering one of her scrumptious bags of handcrafted granola in delicious flavors like You Are My Sunshine and Peanut Butter Crunch. All of her products are vegan and gluten-free, non-GMO and organic whenever possible––and some varieties are also nut free.

Next you can make Jolic's delightful, healthy and filling Berry Yogurt Parfait using your Love, Granola. Kids will think this nutritional snack is a dessert, and they will love helping you make it (or can even make it themselves), so it's a winner all around!

Berry Yogurt Parfait

Serves 4

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of yogurt

- 2 cups of Love, Granola

- 2 cups of fresh or frozen berries

- 1 banana

Directions:

In a bowl or glass, scoop 1/4 c. of granola. Layer 1/4 c. of fruit, and then 1/4 c. of yogurt. Repeat. Enjoy!

Notes: Have fun creating new flavors with different fruits, flavors of yogurt, nuts/seeds, and of course, Love, Granola!

Love, Granola is offering a 15% off promo code to Red Tricycle readers: (RedTricycle15) that's good until May 1.

Follow, shop or contact Love, Granola via the links below:

Website: lovegranola.net
Instagram: instagram.com/lovegranolasandiego
Facebook: facebook.com/lovegranolasandiego
Email: lovegranolasandiego@gmail.com

Churro Toffee Disneyland Copycat Recipe/Jenny Flake

Think you have to wait until Disneyland reopens to sink your teeth into their delicious Churro Toffee? Think again! Disney blogger Jenny Flake of Disney Hungry has graced us all with her copycat recipe of this swoon-worthy treat! Her Churro Toffee Disneyland Copycat recipe instructions are detailed on her website Picky Palate. There's also a video at the end of the post detailing the process further.

Be sure to follow Jenny on her wildly popular Instagram account, Disney Hungry, for all the latest and most tantalizing news on all of the epic food that's offered at Disneyland Parks. Her Instagram feed is a feast for the eyes and good for the soul!

Eggplant Meatballs with Marinara Sauce/Melissa d'Arabian

Did you catch our interview with local celeb chef Melissa d'Arabian? Be sure to check it out to learn about all her fave culinary delights in San Diego. Then make this yummy dinner with your family. Kids love shaping meatballs––and their hands are the perfect size to do so!

Melissa says, "Who says meatballs have to have meat? After being roasted in the oven, the eggplant takes on a meaty, hearty flavor that is an excellent foundation for “meatballs.” In addition, I flavor them with the traditional basil, garlic, and bread crumbs (whole wheat, in this case). I do have one other unusual twist up my sleeve, though: I add some smashed white beans for texture and an extra boost of protein. Pair these meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce and I bet no one will even know the difference!"

Eggplant Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Serves 4 (16 meatballs)
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour, 10 minutes (plus 20 minutes to cool)

1 large eggplant (about 12 ounces)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup cooked white beans, such as cannellini or navy (homemade, page 00; or rinsed, if canned), smashed with a fork
1 large garlic clove, very finely chopped or pressed through a garlic press
½ cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves or flat-leaf parsley
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling (optional)
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup whole wheat panko-style bread crumbs
Olive oil mister or nonstick pan spray
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the eggplant on top. Use a fork to prick the eggplant 4 times, then place the eggplant in the oven and roast it until it has completely collapsed and a paring knife easily slips into the center, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool the eggplant for 20 minutes. Leave the oven on.

2. Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh (discard the skin). Place the roasted eggplant in a medium bowl and stir in the egg and beans. Add the garlic, basil, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, the salt, and pepper and stir to combine, then mix in the bread crumbs.

3. Again, line the rimmed baking sheet with a clean sheet of aluminum foil and lightly mist it with spray. Shape the eggplant mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball (you should get about 16). Place them on the prepared baking sheet and lightly mist the top of the balls with spray. Bake the eggplant balls until they are golden-brown and firm, about 20 minutes.

4. While the meatballs cook, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan. Remove the meatballs from the oven, sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan, and serve with the marinara sauce.

Per Serving: Calories 304 / Protein 14g / Dietary Fiber 10g / Sugars 14g / Total Fat 11g

USS Midway Chocolate Chip Cookies

Miss your visits to the USS Midway Museum? Now you can savor a piece of the Museum's history at home by baking up a batch of USS Midway Chocolate Chip Cookies to eat chocolate chip cookies like the USS Midway sailors used to eat! Use this recipe that dates back to 1945.

1 lb. butter, cream well

2 cups granulated sugar & 2 cups brown sugar: add both to butter and cream together

2 eggs, 2 tsp. vanilla: add both to mixture

2 tsp. baking soda, 1.5 tsp. salt, 4 cups and 8 tbs. flour: combine these and then add to the mixture

1 bag chocolate chips (large): stir into batter

Spoon onto sheet and bake in preheated over at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Pho Ca Dao Owner Duke Huynh's Tofu Soup

Pho Ca Dao Owner Duke Huynh shared a recipe for a tofu soup, and included a twist of adding eggs to the broth for more nutrients.

Canh Cải Bẹ Xanh or Mustard Green Firm Tofu Soup/Recipe from Duke Huynh of Pho Ca Dao

Serves 2 as a main or 6 as part of a meal of many dishes

100g/1 cup cubed fresh tofu

2-cm/1-inch piece of fresh ginger, julienned

1 spring onion/scallion thinly sliced

1 vegetable stock cube

Dash of cooking oil

A pinch of sea salt

A pinch of black pepper

A pinch of sugar

300g/10.5 oz. Chinese mustard greens, chopped

Bring 1 litre/4 cups of water to the boil in a saucepan. Add tofu, ginger, spring onion/scallion, stock cube, oil, salt, pepper and sugar. When ready to serve the soup, add the Chinese mustard greens to the pan and bring to a boil again. Serve hot by itself as a main meal or with an array of other dishes and rice.

*A little twist I do at home before serving, while it’s still on the stove, break 2-3 eggs and stir into the soup (this will make the soup look more like egg drop soup, but much more healthy).

Rustic Apple Tart Recipe from Roanna Canete of The Gluten Free Baking Co.

Enjoy this Rustic Apple Tart recipe from Roanna Canete of The Gluten Free Baking Co.

Apple Top:

2 apples (peaches and plums will also work!)

2 Tablespoons sugar (Coconut or date sugar are great alternatives)

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400F. Take 2 apples, and decide if you like them peeled or not (if so, peel them now.) Thinly slice them (or use a mandolin) about ¼ inch thick. Combine slices plus lemon juice and sugar. Stir to coat all apples, and set aside.

Crust:

215 grams oats or oat flour (if you are celiac these MUST say gluten free on the packaging)

2 Tablespoons sugar (Coconut or date sugar are great alternatives)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup coconut oil

If using whole oats, place in food processor and grind into flour. Combine all crust ingredients, using either your hands or a spatula. If the dough seems too crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it feels right. It needs to reach a doughy consistency, but not too sticky.

To assemble the tart:

Using a piece of parchment paper, press out the dough into a 9.5 inch square with your hands. Move the crust with its parchment paper onto a baking sheet. Take your apples, and starting at one end, arrange them in an attractive pattern over the top of the tart. If there is liquid left in the apple bowl, drizzle it over the tart. Bake 25 minutes at 400F. Using a fork, pierce the apples to see if they are soft. If so, remove from oven. If not, add a few extra minutes.

Options for serving:

Find your favorite jam, and combine 2 tablespoons jam to 2 teaspoons water. Drizzle over tart.

Combine 1 tablespoon sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle lightly over tart.

––Beth Shea

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5 Ways to Have Fun Eating with Fussy Kids

By Edward Cota

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 30, 2019

Photo: Baking Child via Pixabay

Children refusing to eat what you put in front of them can be stressful for parents. However, independence in meals is completely appropriate for children, as they learn to discriminate based on newly recognized qualities of food, such as taste, texture, presentation, and familiarity.

If you have a fussy eater at home, you’re not alone. I took an informal survey of about 10 parents, and more than half of them identified their children as being fussy eaters.

Fussy children can make meals hectic. Concerns about wasting food and whether your child eats enough “good” food (or even enough food) are common concerns. Subsequent power struggles can make meals a burden. And planning your child’s preferences can be almost impossible.

However, there is good news: Some of the typical behaviors of fussy eaters, such as refusing new foods and times when your child only wants to eat their favorite food are normal.

Based on the experience of my little ones and the dozens of little ones of family friends, with time and repeated exposures, without pressure, most children will accept new foods. You can also breathe easier: the vast majority of children who consider themselves fussy do not really have severely restricted diets or suboptimal growth.

Over the years, here are the strategies we’ve learned that you can use to create happier and healthier meals.

1. Change Your Perception

The first step for exhausted parents is often a change of perception. During the preschool years, slowing growth (compared to the rapid growth seen during childhood and childhood) can affect dietary intake. Psychological changes can also cause kids to, naturally, develop a sense of independence.

As agents of their own preferences and actions, preschoolers prefer to feed themselves. They can develop strong opinions about food.

By labeling our children “fussy”, we are labeling behaviors that are considered appropriate for development as non-conforming.

When we consider that children reject food as nonconforming, interactions with our child during meals often become stressful. We tend to focus on getting our children to comply with our requests, rather than promoting a healthy relationship with food.

Instead of seeing children as non-conforming, we can recognize this display of independence in meals as completely appropriate for their age. Your child will discriminate based on newly recognized qualities of foods, such as taste, texture, presentation, and familiarity.

Focus your attention on encouraging your child’s healthy eating without pressing. Enjoy the time you spend together during meals, instead of focusing on your child’s intake.

2. Accommodate Them

Accommodating your child’s preferences during meals is a win-win situation: They exercise some independence, while also eating the foods you have prepared.

During the meal planning stages, ask your child what she would like to eat during the week or take your child to the grocery store and ask them to choose a vegetable to try.

Accepting children’s preferences does not mean you have to eat chicken fingers every night. If you are serving a spicy Thai dish, consider making a version with fewer spices for your children.

3. Have Children Try New Foods

Don’t press your children to eat foods that they don’t like. It’s okay if your child does not like broccoli. Plenty of adults don’t either.

As with many things, repeated daily exposure, offering non-food rewards for tasting unpleasant foods and parents who eat the same food as the child has shown to be effective methods for helping increase adoption of healthier types of food.

The use of rewards such as stickers can improve the acceptance of new foods by your children and make repeated exhibitions more fun. Praise your child for trying new foods, but stay neutral if they choose not to eat it right away.

4. Establish a Healthy Eating Model

It is also important that you eat with your child when he offers you new foods. You can not expect your child to eat vegetables if you don’t eat them either!

Children with parents who model healthy eating habits have been reported to be less “demanding” and to be more likely to taste unpleasant vegetables and eat more fruits and vegetables.

5. Children Make Excellent Cooks

Engaging the whole family in the preparation of the meal can relieve stress during the meal. And there is no reason you have to make dinner all alone! Have your child wash food while cutting, set the table while dinner is in the oven, or prepare a portion of the meal that can be largely automated using a rice cooker or microwave.

Children who participate in meal preparation have more positive attitudes towards food and are more likely to later eat the food they help prepare.

Make your children head chefs! You’ll help increase their ownership and self-confidence by doing so and teaching them good habits for life.

Edward Cota

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Im a lover of all things food and drink and can offer tips on the best cookware, restaurants and recipes that you'll be sure to love.

14 Cool Things You Can Have Delivered (That’ll Make Your Life Easier)

by Jennifer Massoni PardiniFebruary 26, 2018

As a parent, you’ve probably wished for any number of things to magically appear at the front door. Thankfully in this day and age, it’s not so unusual to get delivery service on the regular. What are some crazy and surprising things you can get right at home? Scroll down to see what we’ve found—these are the deliveries you’re going to want to add to your mom survival kit.

1. Asian Kitchen Package

Cort Furniture Rental

In the kitchen, you definitely need the right tool for the right job. If you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire, but not ready to commit to the additional accouterments, just rent what you need! Turn your home into a true test kitchen with this Asian Kitchen Package, which includes a rice cooker, wok set, tea set, rice and noodle bowls, ceramic soup spoons, cooking chopsticks and even a bamboo spatula.

Cost: The longer the lease, the better the price. $135.00 for one month, $45.00/month for six.

Online: furniture.cort.com

2. Direct-to-Refrigerator Delivery

stevepb via Pixabay

Walmart is testing out in-fridge delivery. Yes, you read that correctly. Grocery delivery is no longer a novel idea, and Walmart Grocery will already load up your car when you order groceries online. But now the superstore is going those few feet further—right into your refrigerator! They’ve partnered with smart-lock provider August Home to allow one-time passcodes to enter your house if you’re not home and you can even watch the unpacking in real time via the app. Read more about it here.

Cost: Currently a pilot program, service charge not yet announced.

Online: walmart.com

3. An Entire Team of Beauty Experts

kaboompics via Pixabay

Treat yourself! We know about subscription beauty boxes for mom, but did you know you can just go ahead and get the make-up artist, manicurist, or hair stylist delivered too? The Glam App also curates beauty trends for added inspiration. Services are located 22 cities across the U.S., with Augusta, Charleston, New Orleans, Orlando, and St. Louis all coming soon.

Cost: Competitive pricing, varies per service and location.

Online: theglamapp.com

4. Your New Favorite Bottle of Vino

Skitterphoto via Pixabay

“Let there be wine,” says Winc. No truer words may have been spoken to a mom some days! Winc’s got you covered with a monthly delivery of four bottles. With over 100 styles to choose from, you can cherry pick your preferences of whites or reds. Or, just fill out a Palate Profile so Winc can take care of the rest, including delivery. Never run out of wine again!

Cost: Starts at around $60.00/month depending on individual bottle price

Online: winc.com

5. Massages on Demand

carloslandazuri via Pixabay

It’s hard to know when you’ll really need that massage (besides every day, right?). With Zeel, you can book a massage on demand in over 70 metropolitan areas around the country, even on holidays. So pass the childcare baton and relax right at home.

Cost: Varies per service and location.

Online: zeel.com

6. A Taste of New York City

Al Case via Flickr

While it shuttered its famous doors after 80 years as a Midtown mainstay, Carnegie Deli can absolutely deliver. You don’t have to leave home for their famous cured and smoked meats or cheesecake and don’t forget to throw in a jar of pickles. This pastrami kit for four includes Carnegie’s specialty mustard and plenty o’ rye to go around.

Cost: Kit for 4, $89.00.

Online: goldbely.com/carnegie-deli

7. Clothes That You Can Return ... Any Time

Le Tote

You may have heard of clothing capsule services where you’re allowed to return what you don’t want to keep. With Le Tote, you can return everything … after you’ve worn it … for as long as you want! You can try out tailored trends without any long-term commitment (or impact on your New Year’s–inspired closet purge). The flat fee allows you to order as many totes as you want per month, and you can still purchase whatever you don’t want to return. Their blog has stylish stories, too.

Cost: Plans start at $59/month

Online: letote.com

8. Plant Rental

Cort Furniture Rental

Is that corner of the living room looking a little lackluster for that upcoming dinner party? Don’t have the greenest thumb? No worries, you can just rent a plant! Whether a succulent arrangement, a palm tree, or a living wall, there are options for whatever your style or occasion.

Cost: Prices vary per plant and lease term. Three months with a living wall is $23.00/month.

Online: furniture.cort.com

9. Amazon Home Services

fran 1 via Pixabay

Amazon’s suite of services makes many a mama’s life way easier. There’s everything you already know about, like Amazon Family for diapers and Amazon Fresh for grocery delivery. But did you know you can submit an in-home Service Request? Need furniture assembled? A faucet replaced? Pressure washing? Well, you can just Amazon all that, too. And be sure to check out All the Amazon Prime Features You Probably Didn’t Know About.

Cost: Varies per service.

Online: amazon.com/In-Home-Services

10. Live Ladybugs

Insect Lore

Yes, you can get a Live Ladybug Land and ladybug larvae shipped to your house. These are the perfect pets for non-committal tots (you’re supposed to set them free after they’re fully grown). Just remember to share with your bug lovers how useful ladybugs are to the gardening world.

Cost: $24.95

Online: insectlore.com

11. Chicken Hatching Eggs

Woodley Wonderworks via Flickr

Now for a set of pets that you can keep! These hatchable eggs will turn into cute fluffy chicks for a short while before becoming chickens. We imagine your early riser will love getting up to collect breakfast eggs in the morning.

Cost: $48.80 for 10 Special Assorted Chicken Hatching Eggs

Online: mcmurrayhatchery.com

12. Clean Laundry

Rinse via Yelp

On-demand laundry with pick up and delivery? You bet. Rinse is available seven days a week with a three-day turnaround, plus, there's a 24-hour turnaround wash and fold service for a rush fee of $5. And, since it's accessible through a mobile app, Rinse is a dream come true for any mom or dad with a spill-prone young ’un. Currently available in Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Cost: $1.75/lb of laundry.; $2.50 per shirt for drying cleaning. All pick-ups are free and standard delivery is $3.99.

Online: rinse.com

13. New Socks

Foot Cardigan

If your dryer is anything like ours and eats socks on the regular, Foot Cardigan might be your saving grace. Their youth line, Whippersnappers, delivers two pairs of colorful, fun foot gear for your kids every month. And while we moms boast of knowing everything, even we’re pretty sure that missing sock is … better replaced than hunted down.

Cost: $39/3 months or $11/month.

Online: footcardigan

14. Japanese Candy

Jordi Sanchez Teruel via Flickr

Japanese candy is so much more than “sweet.” They’re downright delicious and quirky, with from flavors like cherry blossom Kit-Kat and textures like fizzy soda gum. It's a piece of Japan delivered right to your door, minus the pricey airplane fee. Plus, Candy Japan sends their delightful treats twice a month instead of once!

Cost: $29/month

Online: candyjapan.com

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever had delivered? Share in the comments.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

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