A Dietitian’s Unique and Yummy Grocery Finds – Part 1: Meal Solutions

by Katy Keogh, MS, RDN, LD

Last Updated: October 29, 2020

I’ve coined a term for one of my secret hobbies – food browsing. You know, just like browsing in the mall, except this is for grocery stores. Yep, I’m officially a nutrition nerd and one of the few people that like grocery shopping. I love being a food sleuth. It’s thrilling to find the next new yogurt variety or convenience food that will transform my meals into lazy delicious creations and keep it interesting. Of course, I can’t just rely on my taste buds alone to determine if a product is worthy. I’ve gathered our top five unique and convenient meal solution products that have passed the taste tests of our Dietitians, our families, and/or our patients. And, of course, these picks have an average combined score of 70 on OptUP!

1. Kroger Salmon Burgers
   These are perfect for the weeknight rush. Even seafood skeptics tend to enjoy these burgers. We love them topped with either guacamole, sweet chili sauce, or coleslaw. Pair with a whole grain bun and vegetable of choice for a balanced meal. Make a few spare and use chopped up in a grain bowl for lunch later in the week.
2. EatingWell Frozen meals, any flavor
   You’ve never tasted a frozen meal so good and so wholesome. We love how they supply 1 cup of vegetables in every meal – more than most convenient options. Pair with a side of fruit and/or yogurt for a quick, weekday lunch or dinner.
3. Kodiak Cakes Pancake Mix or, in the frozen aisle, try Kodiak Cakes Power Waffles
   These tie for first place in our houses. Both are a good source of whole grains and protein to fill you right up until the next meal. For an “everyday pancake,” top with mashed fruit and/or yogurt and/or nut butter (see below about the RX Vanilla Almond Butter). The pancake mix also doubles as a high protein muffin mix.
4. RX Nut Butter Vanilla Almond Butter Spread, or any flavor
   We are obsessed, and you will be too once you try it! Our favorite convenient, but exciting breakfast is to drizzle this over the Kodiak cakes waffles, or pancakes, and then top with diced fruit or berries. Gourmet in minutes!
5. Good Culture Cottage Cheese
   Cottage cheese is making a comeback, and it’s reinventing itself. We love how thick and high in protein this brand is. It could easily help make a meal or a satiating snack. Try spreading this on wholegrain toast or crackers and adding a few toppings for flavor (savory: herbs, tomatoes, sweet: honey, marmalade, fruit). Or, this may sound odd but it really is delightfully salty and sweet – top the cottage cheese with granola, chopped fruit (melon or berries), walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tide-you-over-til-noon breakfast.

Thanks to many months of COVID, our ability to food browse has been limited with fewer trips to the store and wanting to get in and out quicker. Try some of these ideas or do some food browsing of your own to spark a refreshing change from the food rut it seems we’re all experiencing. If you’d like more personalized food and meal ideas that fit your needs and preferences, we can do just that in a Telenutrition appointment with any of our talented Dietitians. We’re all food sleuths at heart and always strive to make our recommendations 100% personal, non-biased, and realistic.

Disclaimer: This information is educational only and not providing healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider.