HG Lisa's Favorite Food Finds of 2016

Dec 21 2016
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/question@2x-a02b76db47a4ac32799e8b19315b3cbf.png Hi Lisa,

The year is coming to an end, and I'm curious: What are the very best food products you tried in 2016? I'm a sucker for the "Spotted on Shelves..." feature in your Monday emails, and I wanna know which picks are your personal favorites!

Your #1 Fan
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/answer@2x-5ee5d524b01e4c5483f379894f2fa825.png Hi #1 Fan,

Thanks for asking! I've definitely tasted a LOT of innovative, healthy, and delicious new foods this year, but not all of them make it onto my personal shopping list. I think these seven are really special...

Quest Beyond Cereal Protein Bars

1 bar: 110 calories, 4.5g total fat (2.5 - 3g sat. fat), 160 - 170mg sodium, 17g carbs, 6 - 7g fiber, 8g sugars, 12g protein -- SmartPoints® value 4*

I'm a huge fan of the traditional Quest bars, and these new cereal bars are in a league of their own! Unique in texture, they're super light with just the right amount of chewiness. And the flavors are SO good: Chocolate, Waffle, and Cinnamon Roll! My favorite way to enjoy one: Spread with a tablespoon of peanut butter for the best 200ish-calorie snack ever! Stock up online, or find 'em in stores.

Enlightened The Good-For-You Ice Cream

1/2 cup: 80 - 100 calories, 1.5 - 4.5g total fat (1 - 2.5g sat. fat), 35 - 130mg sodium, 16 - 18g carbs, 5g fiber, 4 - 6g sugars, 7 - 8g protein -- SmartPoints® value 3 - 4*

I can't stress enough how much you need these ice cream pints in your freezer. You'll be shocked by how creamy and delicious they are, considering they're so low in calories and fat. Bonus: loads of protein! And I'm obsessed with the flavors: Frozen Hot Cocoa, Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Crunch (my favorite), and more. Track 'em down, and try 'em all...

DiMario All Natural Premium Smoked Snacks

1 oz.: 45 - 60 calories, 1.5 - 4g total fat (0 - 1.5g sat. fat), 280 - 370mg sodium, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 5 - 7g protein -- SmartPoints® value 1 - 2*

When it comes to mid-day chomping, I'm pro protein, which is just one reason that these snack sticks are a go-to for me. They're super low in calories, and their texture cannot be beat. They come in both pork (Original, Garlic & Fennel, and Hot) and chicken (Rosemary Herb), but the pork ones are my favorites. (The Garlic & Fennel is my hands-down #1 pick.) These snacks are the perfect size to throw in your purse, your car, your carry-on bag... I did so much traveling in 2016, and these things were always along for the ride! They're hard to find in stores, so order some online.

Eat Well Embrace Life Hummus Singles

One 2-oz. container: 110 - 120 calories, 5 - 9g total fat (0 - 0.5g sat. fat), 210 - 330mg sodium, 5 - 12g carbs, 2 - 4g fiber, 0 - 3g sugars, 3 - 5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 3*

This brand makes some of the best hummus ever! I especially love the "Other Bean" varieties, made with black beans, edamame, and more. This year, the company had the brilliant idea to create portion-controlled containers of some of their best flavors: Zesty Sriracha Carrot, Tuscan White Bean, and Edamame. Now you can enjoy hummus without the fear of accidentally inhaling a 600-calorie tub in one sitting. Don't let this year end without adding these to your life! In stores nationwide.

SeaSnax Chomperz Crunchy Seaweed Chips

1/2 pack: 40 calories, 2g total fat (0g sat. fat), 85mg sodium, 6g carbs, 0g fiber, <1g sugars, 4g protein -- SmartPoints® value 1*

Take a second to really take in those stats… a whole bag for just 80 itty-bitty calories? Thank you, snack gods! Unlike most seaweed snacks, these treats are sturdy and truly chip-like -- the perfect swap for greasy potato chips. I became totally addicted this year, and now I buy them in bulk! Try all four flavors: Original, Barbecue (my #1 love), Onion, and Jalapeno. Stock up online, or, grab them from a store near you.

Grainful Steel Cut Meal Kits

1/4 package (about 1 cup prepared): 200 - 250 calories, 3 - 7g total fat (0 - 2.5g sat. fat), 320 - 650mg sodium, 38 - 43g carbs, 4 - 6g fiber, 3 - 13g sugars, 6 - 9g protein -- SmartPoints® value 6 - 8*

I'm pretty picky when it comes to starchy carbs, so you KNOW I'd have to really love these to recommend them. These risotto-like oat dishes are worth every calorie. They're hearty and flavorful, so you can easily mix in veggies and lean protein to turn them into a full meal. And since they're shelf stable, they're the ultimate pantry staple. Order a bunch online, or see if they're sold near you. The Homestyle Cheddar is my fave!

Manhattan Chocolates Chocolate Leather

1 bar: 50 - 60 calories, 1.5 - 2g total fat (1g sat. fat), 25mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0 - <1g fiber, 4 - 5g sugars, 0g protein -- SmartPoints® value 2 - 3*

The search is always on for chocolate that tastes great and won't break the calorie bank. This year, I found a winner! These delicious, non-dairy, gluten-free treats are individually wrapped and taste like the lovechild of a Tootsie Roll and a Nestlé Crunch bar! They come in both Dark Chocolate and Original, and I'm completely obsessed. They're tricky to find but worth ordering via Amazon. Trust me: You've got to get your hands on these!

Chew on this:

Today, December 21st, is the first day of winter. Sounds like the perfect time to enjoy a bowl of Dan-Good Chili!

Who couldn't use a few new guilt-free food finds? Click "Send to a Friend" now!

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