Sure, foods and beverages can taste good, but sometimes they do more to stand out from the pack. In the past few months, I’ve had a chance to try some foods and drinks that go the extra mile. Whether they provide additional nutrients or are a solid substitute for something you’re avoiding, I highly recommend adding at least one of these to your pantry.
Brami Italian Protein Pasta ($2.99 and up, Enjoybrami.com)
We all know and love pasta, but it doesn’t deliver much nutritional punch.Brami pastas contain just two ingredients: premium durum wheat semolina and lupini bean flour. It is extruded from bronze-dies and contains triple the fiber of typical pasta, with 70 percent more protein, and 25 percent fewer net carbs. It requires no special cooking and has a wonderful texture and flavor. Brami Pastas are available in over 5,000 stores nationwide or it can be purchased on the brand’s site.
Yo Mama’s Saucy Pasta Sauce Gift Set ($32 at Yomamasfoods.com)
These sauces are great to keep on hand for those nights when you want a tasty meal but don’t have the time to create a delicious, complex sauce for your pasta.There are three different tomato-based sauce sets available, and if you prefer alfredo, there’s a trio for that, too. The sauces contain no artificial ingredients, gums, added sugar, or preservatives. The brand also makes trios of delicious salad dressings and condiments.
Three Spirit Nightcap Elixir ($39, Us.ThreeSpiritDrinks.com)
The non-alcoholic beverage trend is taking the US by storm, and there is no shortage of options. Since my husband and I are “dry” during the week, we’ve been trying a variety of non-alcohol libations. The ones I appreciate the most are like this one—more than just a fizzy mocktail.Nightcap, also known as The Dream Maker, is a yummy botanical blend that includes ingredients like Valerian, Mosaic Hops, and Lemon Balm. Taste-wise, I am reminded of a mellow Moscow Mule.
Huzzy Smart Sips Variety Pack ($19.99 for 4, Huzzysmartsips.com)
Another mocktail option, this woman-founded company has created all-natural beverages made with adaptogens and nootropics. They are gluten-free, low calorie & carb, and have no refined sugar and are available in several delicious, cocktail-inspired flavors, like Pop Wow Moscow Mule and Long Island Spill the Tea. I like their Variety Packs, which give you a chance to experience multiple flavors.
Mixxers ($16.99/5 sachets, Mixxers.com)
If you want something a little more potent, these powder sachets are paired with your favorite spirit for the perfect cocktail. From margaritas to palomas, no mixology skills are required! The delicious blends have just 50 calories per serving but deliver authentic flavors. The sachets are made of sustainable materials and produce significantly less waste than traditional bottled mixers, saving hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles each year.
Cacao Phat Fudge ($23.99 for 12, NHC.com)
Need an energy boost for your body and mind? This yummy cacao spread contains Tahini, Turmeric, Cacao, Maca powder, and coffee grounds, to help give you the boost you need before a workout or during that afternoon slump. Phat Fudge can be spread on toast or crackers or eaten right from the pouch. Think of it as a healthier version of Nutella. Bonus: Phat Fudge is appropriate for paleo and keto diets. Coming soon: Halva and Strawberry flavors.
Numi Drinking Chocolates Variety Pack ($36.97, Numitea.com)
These Fair Trade Drinking Chocolates are rich in cacao, a superfood that contains more antioxidants than blueberries!This is no ordinary hot chocolate. It can be used to make rich hot chocolate in the European style, baked with, or added to smoothies. The set includes three flavors: Dash of Salt, with a touch of pink Himalayan salt; Kick of Mocha, with coffee and vanilla; and Touch of Chili, with chili spice for a dash of heat. Available on Numitea.com and you can buy individual bags on Amazon.
Ripple Original Plant-Based Milk ($29.99 for 6 32oz. shelf-stable containers, Amazon)
Since our daughter was little, my husband and I have experimented with different dairy-free milks to avoid potential motion sickness and excess phlegm that dairy can cause. Non-dairy milk has become the norm for us, and we’ve tried many, including Soy, Oat, Coconut, and Almond. Unfortunately, some forms of non-dairy milk are packed with sugar or the resources required to grow the crops are problematic.Recently, we had a chance to try Ripple, made from yellow peas. Ripple, which is a Certified B Corp, tastes fantastic – and not of peas – and peas are a regenerative crop, benefitting the soil rather than depleting it. Ripple is available in various forms, including milk, half & half, and protein shakes, and in flavors like plain, chocolate, and vanilla. They even have shelf-stable and travel-size options. You can find Ripple products at many grocery stores, or you can order it on Amazon.
Mooala Simple Almond Milk ($46.99 for 6 32oz. shelf-stable containers, Amazon)
Another dairy-free favorite is Moola. These regeneratively farmed, plant-based milks, creamers, and blends are certified USDA-organic and free from GMOs, herbicides, preservatives, or toxic chemicals.Of the different types, my favorite is their three-ingredient Simple Almond Milk, which is creamy and delicious, and low in fat and calories. And if you crave a little sweetness, try their brand new Simple Almond Milk in Vanilla Bean, which contains just four ingredients: organic almonds, filtered water, organic vanilla extract with organic vanilla beans, and Himalayan pink salt – this new flavor is simply made and versatile. Moola is available on Amazon, Target, Fresh Direct and more.
CauliPuffs Classic Variety Pack ($25.99 for 15 snack-sized bags, Amazon)
If you’re looking for an alternative to greasy, high-calorie chips, check these out! These crunchy puffs are so full of flavor that they will satisfy a crunchy craving, but each bag is only 100 calories.The Classic Variety Pack includes three yummy flavors: Honey BBQ, White Cheddar & Habanero Ranch flavors. These cauliflower, rice, and corn puffs are non-GMO, gluten-free, and baked in avocado oil.
