The rise of plant-based eating has been one of the most noteworthy shifts of the past decade in wellness, and it’s proving to be more than a fad. Not only is there surmounting evidence that it’s both a healthy and sustainable way to live, living that plant-based life also keeps getting easier thanks to the barrage of new products landing on store shelves.
Just this week, Kroger—the largest grocery store in the country—dropped a whopping 50 new plant-based products to their store line, Simple Truth, with plans to add 25 more before the end of the year. A sampling of what to expect: cauliflower-based tzatziki, plant-based “chicken” patties, non-dairy cheddar cheese slices, almond milk yogurt, oat milk ice cream, and vegan brownie batter. Not too shabby, huh?
As someone who at least tries to fill some of my cart with plant-based eats, I was curious which items a registered dietitian would be into. So, I sent the list to my friend Melissa Rifkin, RD. If she could choose only five of the new 50 new plant-based foods at Kroger, which ones would end up in her cart? Keep reading to see her picks.
A registered dietitian’s top 5 favorite plant-based foods at Kroger
1. Simple Truth Finely Ground Cauliflower Blended Baking Mix, $10
One of Kroger’s new items is a baking mix made of a blended mix of ground cauliflower and chickpea—perfect for making homemade pizza dough. “This blend is a great way to amp up your vegetable intake,” Rifkin says. “With its mild taste, it’s a good way to increase fiber intake.”
Buy it now: Simple Truth Finely Ground Cauliflower Blended Baking Mix ($10)
2. Simple Truth Organic Jalapeno Lime Kraut, $6
“I think this would taste delicious on a turkey [or tofu] hot dog,” Rifkin says. “It’s an easy and delicious way to add more probiotics to your meal.” Anything in the name of gut health, right?
Buy it now: Simple Truth Organic Jalapeno Lime Kraut ($6)
3. Simple Truth Ancient Grains Vegan White Cheddar Rice Crackers, $2
Wondering what a dietitian snacks on to avoid the 3 p.m. slump? Rifkin is fully intending to stock up on these. “It sounds like a terrific snack and they’re both vegan and gluten-free,” she says of the crackers. They’re made with a blend of ancient grains—namely brown rice, quinoa, flax seeds, millet, and amaranth—which means they won’t spike blood sugar levels either.
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Buy it now: Simple Truth Ancient Grains Vegan White Cheddar Rice Crackers ($2)
4. Simple Truth Organic Gluten-free Chickpea Fusilli Pasta, $3
Similar to the cauliflower baking mix, Rifkin says she likes this chickpea pasta because it automatically ups the fiber in your meal. “High in fiber with a bold texture, this is the perfect way to enjoy your pasta,” she says. Chickpeas are also high in plant-based protein, making this pasta a double win.
Buy it now: Simple Truth Organic Gluten-free Chickpea Fusilli Pasta, ($3)
Watch the video below to find out more about the health benefits of chickpeas:
5. Simple Truth Sea Salt Caramel Oatmilk Non-Dairy Dessert, $3.50
Even dietitians like dessert and when a craving for sweets hits, Rifkin says she plans on digging into a pint of this oatmilk-based ice cream. “This sounds like the perfect combo for a non-dairy dessert seeker,” she says.
Buy it now: Simple Truth Sea Salt Caramel Oatmilk Non-Dairy Dessert ($3.50)
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