July favourite finds

While some people loathe going grocery shopping,  supermarket shopping (and going to the market) are actually quite enjoyable for me, because I love food and I love to look for yummy, healthy things I can incorporate into my diet. In fact, I probably spend far too long in the supermarket and I’m probably one of those annoying people who stay in one place for ages looking at the different options and reading the ingredients list/nutritional information! I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite things I’ve been eating/drinking lately.

1. Straight Up probiotic yoghurt by The Collective

There are SO many yoghurts on the market, but for a plain yoghurt, this has got to be my favourite.  It has no added sugar, it’s not too tart, and it’s deliciously creamy.  As well as being low in sugar, I love the fact The Collective Dairy don’t use preservatives in their products.  It’s so tasty that you’ll be sure to eat it quickly anyway!  I love this on top of porridge, as a snack with berries or it’s also delicious on top of vegetable soups or curries.

2. Barkers Unsweetened Blackcurrant  drink

Every now and then I feel like something that’s not water to drink.  This unsweetened blackcurrant drink by Barkers is the perfect drink for those occassions.  Where many fruit syrups are loaded with syrup, this is just freshly squeezed blackcurrants – no sugar, no artificial sweeteners.  Not only is it tasty, it’s also full of antioxidants.  Blackcurrants  are also a great source of Vitamin C so this makes a perfect drink for helping ward off those winter colds.    If you prefer things a little sweeter, you can add a few drops of liquid stevia – I did this for my fiance who isn’t so accustomed to less sweet foods!  You can mix this with hot water too for a nice hot drink on a winter’s day.

Buy it online here for $8.90 or at supermarkets nationwide.

3. Oob Organic Berries

So the middle of winter is not berry season but that doesn’t mean you have to go without.  Frozen berries are a great option for the cooler season.  I love stiring them through warm porridge at breakfast time and topping with plain yoghurt and a small drizzle of maple syrup.  My favourite to buy are the Oob brand.  They’re organic and sourced from NZ where possible.  Blueberries are one of my favourite berries due to their high antioxidant levels and their great taste.

4. Green and Blacks 85% Dark Organic Chocolate

I’m most definitely a chocoholic.  While I love milk chocolate (Whittaker milk Madagasca and coconut are personal favs), it’s far too easy to eat too much of it!  Dark chocolate is also healthier for you, being higher in antioxidants from the cocoa, plus it’s much lower in sugar.  My favourite at the moment is Green and Blacks 85% dark chocolate.  It’s got a delicious smooth flavour, and a couple of squares really hit those chocolate cravings without the need for more.    Dark chocolate is high in flavonols – which act both as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory.  Some studies have shown that dark chocolate can reduce bad cholesterol levels, increase good cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure! So enjoy guilt free (in moderation of course).

5.  Alison’s Pantry Goji Nut mix

Nuts are my go to snack – they’re high in fibre, a source of protein and a good source of heart healthy monounsaturated fats.  I’ve been making good use of New World’s bulk bins and trying out lots of different nut and fruit and nut mixes lately and this Goji mix is one of my favourites.  It contains goji berries, cranberries plus pistachios, raw cashews, almonds, pecans and golden raisins. Goji berries are a rich source of antioxidants and also contain contain xanthin and lutein which are believed to help protect the eyes and promote good eye health.  A small handful makes a tasty snack – a nice mix of sweet from the fruit, and crunch from the nuts.  You can find this mix at New World supermarkets in the bulk bins.

What are your favourite supermarket buys?