In my ideal world, I wouldn't need to go to a supermarket. Ever. We would raise our own food. I would can and freeze like a maniac all summer and into early fall, and we would eat only what we could grow. We would have pastured chickens running around and a milk cow. I would churn butter and dry herbs and render lard. Well, that's not going to happen this year. Our modest garden provided a few cukes and peppers, lots of lettuce, and we are patiently waiting on a tomato crop, as well as some butternut squash. But that won't cut it for a year's worth of food. Thus, another year of weeding through the junk in the grocery store and figuring out to make wise, healthy, and affordable choices.
I choose to shop at my local chain grocery store rather than a specialty natural foods store for a number of reasons. One is that it is closer to home. Another is that this chain has started carrying a store brand of organic products which are very reasonably priced. And third, they keep their stock very consistent which makes shopping more predictable and convenient. I can't always find organic options, so I have found a few products that make the grade in some areas, if not all. I think of these are compromise purchases. I have decided that, to remain sane, I need to buy things even when they're not perfect. This has taken hours of label reading and research over the last year. It's a jungle out there. The ingredients I will not compromise on are as follows: -MSG -Nitrates/Nitrites -Gluten -High fructose corn syrup -Any form of industrial seed oil including: soybean, sunflower, canola, "vegetable oil" -Any form of processed soy Some "Compromise" Products: 1. Utz Kettle Cooked potato chips: Delicious. Fried in peanut oil, which is better than vegetable oils most chips are fried in. Not organic, not primal. Moderately priced. Hannaford often runs them at 2 bags for $5. 2. Kerry Gold butter: Also delicious. Made from milk from grass fed cows. In Ireland. Which is the drawback. But it is very difficult to find butter from grass-fed cows otherwise. Not certified organic. 3. Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk: At $3.59 for a half gallon, it's about 60 cents more than the store brand organic milk. However, Stonyfield cows are almost guaranteed to be raised on farms where they are being pastured. Drawbacks are that it is ultra heat pasteurized (as is all milk sold in stores unless it is raw) and it's not necessarily coming from a local source. 4. Thin and Trim Homestyle Roasted Turkey Breast: One of the only deli meats I could find, upon extensive research, that does not contain nitrates, nitrites, or MSG. Also gluten free. 5. Edward and Sons Brown Rice Snaps: If you can't live without crackers, these are a great alternative. They are made from rice flour (only 2 ingredients listed), and are therefore free of funky oils, gluten, and the ever ambiguous natural flavorings (read MSG). Very crispy, great vehicle for nut butters, cheese, etc. Usually about $2.99 for a pack. 6. Polar Classics Premium Root Beer and Cream Soda: The kids usually have, on average, exactly 1 soda a week. This brand does not use high fructose corn syrup. They love it. High in sugar, but a fun treat. 7. Breyer's Natural Ice Cream: Vanilla and chocolate are both limited to milk, cream, sugar, and tara gum for ingredients, as well as vanilla beans or cocoa. Many of their other flavors, however, contain a variety of nasty additives, sweeteners, and thickeners. Look for the "natural" specification on the label. Any flavor that says "homestyle" or "creamy" has lots of additives. 8. Organic Popcorn: To go with soda, usually on family movie night. I'm not a big fan of eating lots of corn, but when we do, I try to make it organic, as 90% of the corn grown in the US is currently genetically engineered and thus saturated with chemicals such as Round Up. Yum. 9. Our Daily Red: A lovely red table wine made from organic grapes, without added sulfites. If red wine typically gives you a headache, try this as an alternative. Price ranges from $8.99 to 11.99. 10. Buying in Bulk: When I want to save money over grocery store prices, I have found a few convenient methods for buying in bulk. Bob's Red Mill Products: I use organic brown rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour extensively in my GF recipes. I also use xantham gum. All of these can be purchased by the case from Amazon for about half the price in the grocery store. I have an Amazon prime subscription ($79/year) which, among other benefits, offers free 2-day shipping on many products. Olive oil: I purchase by the gallon from Jedward's International. (http://www.bulknaturaloils.com/Products/15825-bulk-organic-extra-virgin-olive-oil.aspx) At about $30 after shipping for a gallon, it's a great deal for organic olive oil. Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm Emily. I currently work in online education management, but I also have a Masters degree in Nutritional Sciences (my true passion). In addition, I am a mom, cook, avid reader, novice gardener, and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. On my blog, you will find articles on food, fitness, weight management, and eating issues. ALL recipes on my blog are gluten-free. Many are low-carbohydrate. Most are grain free. Enjoy! Categories
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June 2019
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