Several years ago, I’d go through the grocery store shopping only based on nutritional labels: calories, fat, sugar, etc…. I paid little attention to ingredient lists, and a couple years ago realized I was missing a critical factor. For me, the ingredient list tells me exactly what I’m putting in my body….. and as I educated myself a little more, I began to realize that if I couldn’t pronounce the words on the ingredient lists, I probably shouldn’t be putting it in my body… even if according to the nutrition facts it was “healthy.” Now, when I’m shopping I buy organic produce (being mindful to always keep the dirty dozen organic: strawberries, spinach, nectarines, peaches, apples, grapes, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, and bell peppers), and try to ensure that most of the food products I purchase (i.e. meats, dairy for Harper, and packaged food) are organic and/or Non-GMO.
And while I’m not an expert, and don’t even feel qualified enough to create any sort of educational post on exactly what “Organic” + “Non-GMO” means, I did break down their definitions below, using external sources:
ORGANIC: “Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.”- via organic.org
Non-GMO: “Non-GMO means non-genetically modified organisms. GMOs (genetically modified organisms), are novel organisms created in a laboratory using genetic modification/engineering techniques. Scientists and consumer and environmental groups have cited many health and environmental risks with foods containing GMOs.”- non-gmoreport.com
Many of the articles I have read stated that if a food is certified organic, it can’t have GMOs in it.
All that to say, now when I shop, I look at ingredient lists, for non-gmo, certified organic designations, as well as the nutritional labels… and today I’m sharing my 10 favorite organic and/or non-gmo products that I purchase on the regular…..
1. Primal Kitchen Dressings: (Honey Mustard) I’ve always loved a great salad, but over the years have become a little wary of dressings. When I was introduced to this line, I was hooked. They’re dressings are made of avocado oil, and are so full of flavor. My go-to is the honey mustard option. I find mine at Sprouts + Trader Joe’s.
2. Chosen Foods Dressings + Marinades: Continuing on with my salad dressing obsessions, my two favorites from this line are the Garlic Lemon + Tamari Ginger. Both would make excellent meat marinades… and tonight we used the tamari ginger to marinade our shrimp…. it was delish. Available at Sprouts, Whole Foods, + Costco
3. Boom Chicka Pop Popcorn: My favorite after dinner snack if I’m craving something salty…. and a bowl of it satisfies any craving. They have so many delicious flavors, and I have to stop myself from eating the entire bowl! If I’m feeling particularly indulgent, I’ll toss in some peanut butter perfect bar (listed below….). Available at lots of retail locations.
4. Siete Cassava Flour Tortillas: These are my favorite tortillas for wraps, burritos, and taco nights. They don’t always stay together, but the messier the meal the tastier, IMO. I get mine at Whole Foods, but I recently saw them stocked at select Sprouts.
5. Chia Pod: Such an easy grab and go breakfast or snack option are these pre-made chia pods. You can top them with fruit + granola for a tasty meal…. I prefer the vanilla flavor. You can easily make your own chia seed pudding, but if you’re looking for something that you can grab last minute this is great. Available at Whole Foods.
6. Zevia Sodas: I kicked my diet coke habit years ago, but these sodas are amazing. They’re made from real ingredients, free from artificial sweeteners, and are void of caramel coloring. There are so many different soda flavors, and I can’t even taste the difference. I’ve been obsessed with the cola flavor lately, but the lemon lime is super good too (I’ve made cocktails from it….). Available at Sprouts + Whole Foods.
7. Sonoma Gourmet Pasta Sauce: So much flavor in this sauce, it has quickly become a favorite for our Italian night dinners. It is also free from added sugars. Our favorite flavor is the roasted garlic. Found at Sprouts.
8. KitchinFix Grain Free Waffles: Another simple breakfast option. Simply toss in the toaster, top with some almond butter + sliced bananas, and you have yourself a delicious breakfast. Harper loves these too. I get mine at Sprouts.
9. Dave’s Killer Bread: This bread is so soft…. and delicious. It makes for the best sandwiches. It comes in thicker slices, as well as thinner slices. We buy the thinner slices.
10. Perfect Bar: These comes in a variety of flavors, and my all time favorite is the dark chocolate chip peanut butter and sea salt. They’re a hit with everyone in the family, and I’ve found them cheapest at Trader Joe’s.
See last year’s roundup here.
(Outfit Details || Hat | Sweatshirt)
