Carol Berg Sloan, RD
Nutritionist
According to the Grocery Manufacturing Association, more than 30,000 new products are introduced into the marketplace every year. There are a few that meet my criteria for a keeper- cost, taste, nutritioun- that I hope will be around a while.
According to their website, Ak-Mak sesame crackers are made with organically grown “whole of the wheat” flour that is stone ground. These crackers are crunchy, satisfying and a good source of fiber.
Five crackers have only 110 calories, two grams of unsaturated fat and four grams of fiber. Delicious with a spread of hummus or your favorite nut butter, these crackers are available at Trader Joes for about $1.99 for four servings.
Speaking of hummus, I love this popular Middle Eastern dip made primarily of cooked chickpeas. I have probably tried most all brands out there, and if I don’t make it myself, one of my favorites is Cedars All Natural Hommus Roasted Bell Pepper. Two tablespoons, a hearty portion, has 50 calories. What I love about this hummus is that it is thicker than most and has a smooth consistency without too much added oil. It seems homemade! The one-pound tub is about $5 at Sprouts, but it lasts about a month and is a great dip for veggies or chips, or spread on a sandwich instead of mayonaise.
Barbara’s Puffins are good and bad- good because they are delicious and nutritious, bad only because I can’t stop eating them! This cereal line of the Petaluma, California-based Barbara’s Bakery now has eight flavors which run about $3.79 a box. My favorite is the Original, which is gluten-free and of which ¾ cup provides 90 calories, five grams of fiber and two grams of protein. My friend JoAnn, who enjoyed Cap’n Crunch growing up (as I did), says this cereal provides, crunch and sweet at the same time without all the sugar!
“The Honeycrisp apple was produced from a 1960 cross of Macoun and Honeygold, as part of the University of Minnesota apple breeding program,” states honeycrisp.org, the website for my favorite apple. Crunchy, sweet, little bit of tart!.what a satisfying snack for only 80 calories and five grams of fiber. These apples can be a little pricey at $2.79 to $2.99 per pound, but worth every penny to me!
Last but not least are the popular California Cuties. According to their website, there are two varieties of Mandarins: Clementine Mandarins and Murcott Mandarins. Clementines are available in the first half of the season, from November through January. Murcotts are available in the second half, February through April. These easy-to-peel succulent citrus treats are great for a simple dessert or pick-me-up afternoon snack. With only 40 calories and two grams of fiber per fruit, you can enjoy a couple with no guilt. A three-pound bag is about $5.99 at most major grocery stores.
What have you found in the grocery store lately that you are enjoying? Share your favorite snack, dessert, fruit or veggie at cbsrd@verizon.net , and I’ll do the nutritionals!
