March is National Nutrition Month!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
March is National Nutrition Month®, time to celebrate and activate to capture the bounty and benefits of food! National Nutrition Month® is an annual nutrition education initiative from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For 48 years, Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist members (now more than 100,000, the largest professional nutrition organization in the world), have led the food and health conversation, sharing all the benefits eating well and being active can bring to your life. The central theme for 2021, “Personalize Your Plate”, recognizes that family, history, culture and community all influence what we eat, and there are many flavorful, inspiring ways to bring food and health together.
If you believe there is room to get more benefits from the food you eat, check out some of my favorite tips and hacks from the Academy to power your plate in 2021:
- Take time to enjoy your food.
- Include healthful foods from all food groups.
- Use a grocery list to shop for healthful foods.
- Fuel for school or work with a delicious, nutritious breakfast.
- Keep healthy ingredients on hand.
- Keep food safety front and center.
- Share meals with family and friends, in your home and virtually!
- Hydrate healthfully.
- Learn how to read Nutrition Fact Panels.
- To get personalized nutrition advice to meet your goals, see a registered dietitian nutritionist!
Take credit for the good choices you are already making and consider what you could add to your efforts to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Check out our website and learn more about the Know Your Colors nutrition guides, health and wellness articles on the Price Chopper blog and Pharmacy pages, Price Chopper You Tube videos, the Kids Cooking Club and the healthy recipes – explore the website and store for more information and inspiration. Enjoy eating well with us for National Nutrition Month!
3 Reasons You'll Love Little Leaf Farms Lettuce
Didn’t think you could “love” lettuce? Lett-uce tell you why Little Leaf Farms is deliciously different:
- You’ll love Little Leaf Farms lettuce because they show their lettuce love. Their baby greens are grown in an environment where every condition caters to exactly what the lettuce needs. These pampered greens are harvested at the peak of flavor, giving you a balanced and refreshing crunch that will make you crave your next salad.
- Little Leaf Farms lettuce is grown close to you! Did you know that 95% of lettuce in the United States is grown on the West Coast? That means it takes 10+ days to get to your local grocery store. Little Leaf Farms baby greens on the other hand waste no time – traveling from their greenhouse in Devens, MA to your local Price Chopper in the same day. This means that they will stay fresh in your fridge for two weeks or more and you’ll never have pick through slimy, wilted greens.
- Sustainability and food safety are built into every level of the Little Leaf Farms 10-acre greenhouse. They grow their greens using state-of-the-art technology to harness natural resources like the sun and recycled rainwater, and they never use harmful chemicals, pesticides, or GMOs. Their automated system ensures that Little Leaf Farms lettuce never comes in contact with human hands and harmful pathogens, so their greens are always clean and safe to eat. You don’t even need to wash them – just pop open the container and enjoy!
For your next salad, drizzle Little Leaf Farms greens with their simple yet delicious signature vinaigrette:
New Items: FAGE BestSelf® Yogurt
NEW FAGE BestSelf® Lactose Free Greek yogurt is here! Discover the heavenly taste of real dairy Greek yogurt without the lactose. FAGE BestSelf is available at Price Chopper|Market 32 in three delicious 5.3oz flavors – Vanilla, Strawberry and Blueberry.
It is rich, creamy, low-fat and protein-packed Greek yogurt that’s unbelievably lactose free – allowing you to enjoy with confidence. FAGE BestSelf contains 100% natural ingredients and is Non-GMO Project Verified.
Try these easy, delicious, and lactose free recipes!
Mixed Berry Smoothie with FAGE BestSelf
5 minutes · Perfectly creamy with 100% natural ingredients, our new Greek yogurt is not just delicious, it’s lactose free. Add FAGE BestSelf to your favorite smoothie recipe for the boost you need.
Produce
- 1 Banana, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups Berries, fresh or frozen mixed
- 1 Blueberries
- 1 Mint
- 1 Raspberries
- 1 Strawberries
Condiments
- 2 tbsp Agave maple syrup or honey
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/2 cup Almonds
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups Milk
Frozen
- 1 cup Ice
Other
- 1 ½ cups FAGE Total 5% FAGE Total 2% FAGE Total 0% or FAGE BestSelf
Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie
5 minutes · Kick-start the week with this refreshing smoothie! It’s made with our new FAGE BestSelf Greek yogurt that’s not just tasty, it’s surprisingly lactose free.
Produce
- 1 Banana, frozen or fresh
- 1 tsp Ginger, fresh
- 2 cups Pineapple chunks, frozen or fresh
Baking & Spices
- 1 tbsp Turmeric, fresh
Dairy
- 1 cup Milk
Other
- ½ cup FAGE Total 5% FAGE Total 2% FAGE Total 0% or FAGE BestSelf Plain
Winter Citrus Yogurt Bowl
5 minutes · Creamy, dreamy FAGE BestSelf Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with bright, seasonal citrus to give you that much-needed boost without the lactose.
Produce
- 1 Blood orange
- 1 Grapefruit
- 1 Mint
- 1 tbsp Pomegranate seeds
Nuts & Seeds
- 1 tbsp Granola or nuts
Other
- 2 cups Fage total 5% fage total 2% fage total 0% or fage bestself plain
- 1 Naval orange peeled and thinly sliced
For recipes, and to learn more about FAGE’s products, please visit:
Seafood Smarts for Heart and Health
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, Lifestyle and Wellness
If you are thinking more about eating well and supporting better health with food, you are not alone. The good news is, there is one move you can make to add foods that bring benefits for heart and mind at every age and stage – eat more seafood.
The Seafood Team at Price Chopper has gone hook, line and sinker off the deep end to make sure you have fresh, delicious choices. Waiting for you in the Seafood department, beautiful Fresh Chilean Salmon Fillet, amazing colossal scallops, (super tender and the perfect serving size for young children), premium shrimp and a wide variety of other fillet options are all ready for your favorite family-friendly Fast Fresh Beach Tacos recipe, a cutting edge twist on international flavors like Maple Gochujang Roasted Salmon with Shiitake Mushrooms Charred Red Cabbage, and grilled seafood recipes like Tequila Lime Shrimp Skewers with Grilled Fruit Salsa. Chef tip – many recipes are adaptable to your favorite seafood item, fresh or frozen, though cooking times may vary. Grilled recipes can also be oven-baked or broiled – make it your own!
Time-crunched? Seafood fits perfectly into a busy schedule, cooking up in an average of about 10 minutes. Catch a great deal and enjoy a M32 seafood and vegetable dinner with Seafood meals available in the GrabNGo case. Salmon Florentine Pinwheel with Broccoli is just one of these just-right portioned Market 32 Seafood Meals that bake in their own tray for quick cooking and cleanup. Watch for AdvantEdge bonus points – what a great way to benefit waist and wallet!
Need any more reasons to dive in? Seafood is a nutrient-dense food – lean protein, omega 3’s, Vitamin D, and minerals like iron, selenium, zinc and iodine are all part of the package seafood offers. That is straight from the updated recommendations released by the FDA and EPA last year. In this update, the FDA and EPA enhanced their recommendations and guidance with a Best and Good choices list, (more than 20 recommended items are in stores!) and shared some evidence-based guidelines for women who might become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers and young children. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, encourages starting children on seafood at 6 months or older – a bright beginning for smart food habits. Fresh, frozen and canned/pouch all count, and fit every appetite and budget. Only one third of Americans eat seafood each week, with the average intake just below 3 ounces per person – about half the twice-per-week recommendation of the American Heart Association and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. So, get with the guidelines and enjoy more seafood each week!
10 Ways to Love Lemons and Limes
Lemons and limes are major culinary collaborators, complimenting and enhancing many flavors, used in beverages, baking, and dishes from breakfast to dessert. They are essential to some cuisines – lemons front and center in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, limes synonymous with Southwestern, Caribbean, Thai and Mexican specialties. Every chef, foodie and dietitian has favorite ways to use the juice, zest and fruit of these citrus superstars.
Good to know:
- Lemons and limes should be washed under cool running water before use.
- A large lime or medium lemon will yield about ¼ cup of fresh juice.
- Store lemons and limes in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
- Lemons and limes can be frozen – sliced in rounds or quarters, frozen individually on a parchment covered sheet pan, then bagged for use within 3 months.
- Add lemon or lime juice to pan sauces at the end of cooking, after removing from heat.
- Too much lemon and lime can curdle dairy – check ingredient ratios for best results.
- Lemon or lime juice can be used to minimize browning in apples and potatoes
- Fresh zest is best – lemon and lime zest lose flavor with exposure to air
- Lemon juice can substitute/reduce the need for added salt in some recipes.
Power pairings – lemons and limes are easy to use with a variety of herbs and spices. Check out this luscious list for some inspiration!
Lemons love:
Butter, basil, ginger, honey, pepper, rosemary, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, Dijon, parmesan, dill, blueberry, and raspberry.
Lavish limes in dishes with:
Coconut, curry, chili, cilantro, coconut, chipotle, mango, hoisin, red pepper, jalapeno, cranberry, raspberry, and blackberry.
Bring that zing to your table with some great recipes:
Chicken with Lemon Herb Mushroom Sauce
Leftover Lemony Pork Kale White Bean Fettuccine
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Dip (also a great sauce for chicken or seafood!)
Beer and Chocolate Pairings
Brandon Carbonare
Calling all beer fans and foodies! Valentine’s Day is around the corner and although we love the traditional heart-shaped box of chocolates and bouquet of roses, why not up your tradition to a Valentine’s Day Experience? We’re talking about beer and chocolate pairings – that’s right, beer and chocolate. Interested? Read all about some of our favorite pairings.
First up, Dogfish Head 60-Minute IPA. This beer has a very unique brewing process, by boiling over 60 different hops for a full hour a pungent, citrusy, and grassy flavor is born. All without being overly bitter. This hop-forward golden amber India pale ale provides piney and citrusy notes with a crisp mouthfeel and slightly lingering bitterness. You can find it year-round, measuring in at 6% ABV with an IBU of 60. With a beer like this, you’ll want to pair it with a spicy or salty dark Chocolate. Elements of spice and salt both pair nicely with the contrasting crispness from the IPA and mellow together with the finishing subtle bitterness of both the beer and the chocolate. There really is no going wrong with this combo and would make for a perfect after dinner treat.
Our 2nd round is for the pilsner lovers out there. Let’s take a look at Pilsner Urquell! First brewed by Josef Groll in 1842, Pilsner Urquell was the world’s FIRST golden pilsner lager, changing the world of beer forever. Pilsner Urquell’s signature flavor balances sweetness from the triple-decocted malt, and bitterness from our Saaz hops. The thick head of dense, wet foam adds smoothness and seals in flavor and aroma. With a refreshing crispness from natural carbonation, then subtle caramel tones and a clean finish with a pleasing hoppy bitterness. This Czech beer rates a 4.4% ABV and IBU of 40 – pairing perfectly with a medium body dark chocolate. Our chocolate of choice for this beer is dark chocolate truffles. These decadent poppable pearls deliver a uniquely smooth and rich gourmet taste, and there is no going wrong with a smooth dark chocolate center covered in a delicate dark chocolate shell.
Next up we’re going local, to the capital region’s own Brown’s Brewery. Engaging, dark, and bold, Brown’s Oatmeal Stout is an ever-popular ode to the classic English Stout, earning Brown’s the prestigious gold medal at the World Beer Cup. An approachable, easy to drink, rich, and silky-smooth glass of pure delicious indulgence. Coming in at 5.25% ABV and an IBU of 20, this stout pairs with something a little different – coffee flavored dark chocolate. The bold flavors of the stout work perfectly with the just as bold flavor of the coffee beans in the chocolate bar. Give this pairing a go if you’re a true coffee lover.
Staying with the spirit of local, our next beer hailing from Cooperstown, we have Ommegang Three Philosophers. Rich and complex, this tour de force is a glorious blend of elegant Belgian-style quadruple ale and authentic Belgian kriek, its malty depth and gentle sweetness enhanced by sparkling carbonation and a serendipitous touch of cherry. This Beer packs a punch at 9.7% ABV and an IBU of 21. For this beer, we recommend being adventurous. Try some unique varieties of dark chocolate, flavors of cinnamon, cayenne, oatmilk, and more all work with this versatile brew. These pairings can be customized to give you a unique experience every time and allowing Ommegang’s unique beer to really shine.
Now on to our final pairing, we take a look at Unibroue’s La Fin du Monde, a Top fermented Blonde Belgian triple, coming in at 9% ABV and an IBU of 19. Unibroue’s Flagship, this beer is medium bodied with a pleasant, lingering warm finish, a fine, sustained, and slow effervescence and a white, creamy, generous head. Brighten up your pairing and your day with orange or citrusy dark chocolate. Delicious velvety chocolate with a hint of orange for a bright and citrusy accompaniment works beautifully with this wonderful beer, you can’t go wrong with the warmth of a Belgian triple and orange chocolate, a match made perfect.
While we may have reached the end of today’s pairings, that doesn’t mean there aren’t more out there. Let us know on social media if you try any of these suggestions or just let us know know if you have a recommendation that would be a great combination. Thanks for sticking around and joining us on our pairing adventure.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Shop Beer and Chocolate Pairings
Celebrate Black Owned Brands!
At Price Chopper/Market 32, we make it our mission to provide the highest quality products to our customers. Whether it’s food items, health products, or beauty necessities, we strive to put the best of the best on our in-store shelves and online aisles. The black owned brands we carry play a vital part in helping us reach our goal, and with Black History Month upon us, we are excited to highlight a few of our favorites!
Sylvia’s Soul Food: Founded by Sylvia Woods, aka “The Queen of Soul Food”, Sylvia’s Soul Food products come from the kitchen of Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem, NY. Founded in 1962, the restaurant is a community favorite, often referred to as “world’s kitchen” by the locals. Sylvia’s has served authentic soul food for over 55 years, all while hosting Gospel Brunch Sundays, Live Music Wednesdays, and Daily Specials all showcased in a cozy, home-cooked meal environment. Even Civil Rights Activist Reverend Al Sharpton frequents Sylvia’s, where he often summits meetings of leadership, featuring guests such as Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Kamala Harris. If you’re in the neighborhood, we highly recommend checking out the restaurant!
Glory Foods: In 1989, Glory Foods was founded by Bill Williams on the vision of making authentic, pre-seasoned southern style vegetables. The initial product line featured 17 pre-seasoned canned vegetables, today they’ve expanded to 64 products, including hot sauce and muffin mix. In 2010, after co-packing on and off for Glory Foods for two decades, McCall Farms acquired the company and moved the headquarters from Columbus, OH to Effingham, SC. Six years later, Glory Foods made headlines when their new see-thru can of beans won the 2017 Gama Innovation Packaging Award for its innovative design and packaging.
Koia: Koia brand drinks are for everyone, in fact a line from the company’s creative manifesto statement says, “It’s for party-goers and stay at-homers, hippies and hipsters and those who have recently had hip replacements.” Koia’s mission is to create easy access to healthy, delicious plant-based nutrition. They use 100% plant-based ingredients for shockingly delicious, yet approachable flavors.
Mrs. Richardson’s Toppings: Mrs. Richardson’s Toppings offers rich, delicious ice cream toppings and dessert sauces. And speaking of rich, the company has quite a history. In the 1920’s, the toppings were first developed by a pair of pharmacists, Alick and Dirbin Richardson. At the time, the pair owned a soda parlor in Rochester, New York and needed something to top their desserts and drinks. Using only the finest ingredients, it didn’t take long for Mrs. Richardson’s brand to begin appearing in restaurants and grocery stores.
Dr. Wood’s Naturals: Founded by Van Woods, son of Sylvia Woods of the aforementioned Sylvia’s Restaurant, Dr. Woods is rooted in commitment to family, community, and doing what’s right. The vision was to produce high quality, affordable skin care products sourced worldwide, but made in the US. Dr. Woods promises to provide safe, natural, cruelty-free products that are good for you and the environment. Featuring ingredients that support the families of small farmers and producers around the world. Led by the slogan, “All Thing’s Good,” Dr. Woods lets those words define each and every ingredient that goes into the company’s products.
Shea Moisture: Shea Moisture is the legacy of Sofi Tucker, a mother of four and entrepreneur. In 1912, she sold Shea Butter, African Black Soap, and homemade beauty products in Sierra Leone. Today, Shea Moisture honors her vision by continuing to use raw shea butter handcrafted by women in Africa. The company stands for accessibility, modern wisdom, sensory solutions, and cultivated cultures. Each purchase shows support to the company in their goal to reinvest back into their communities.
If you haven’t, we highly recommend giving all these products a try. Each company creates some of the highest-quality items available and we are proud to support each of them in our stores and on our website.
Shop Black Owned Brands
New Items: Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® BIG LIFE™
Come check out NEW Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® BIG LIFE™at your local Price Chopper/Market 32! Big Life is a high-quality dry dog food product that offers a tasty and satisfying experience for your big dog.
As a dog parent, you always have an eye out for dog food with the best balance of taste and nutrition. The recipe for Big Life dog food contains a combination of Nourish-Bites™ which are nutrient-packed nuggets with real veggies you can see, along with tender meaty pieces. This complete and balanced recipe helps support healthy hips & joints.
Inspired by the kitchen of Rachael Ray, Big Life is a new way to love your dog back. Big Life comes in delicious flavors such as savory chicken with veggies and barley, and hearty beef with veggies and brown rice.
Buy Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® BIG LIFE™ and provide your big dog with a tasty and healthy Big Life product! You can find Big Life in the dry dog food section of the pet aisle, in both 14lb and 28lb bags.
Join the 85% of shoppers who agree- they will buy this product for their big dogs!
*For more information on Big Life please be on the lookout for various advertisements on TV, Internet and Social Media.*
From the Heart of New York State - Chobani Powers Your Plate!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN
Greek yogurt – a delicious, versatile food made with centuries-old tradition, now supporting farms and farmers in many local communities, affordable, sweet or savory, perfect to pair with fruits, veggies, nuts, granola, and to serve as dips, smoothies, power bowls and snacks – all while bringing the benefits of flavor and texture, probiotics, protein and nutrients to the occasion. It is hard to name another food like it!
Chobani Yogurts, literally made in the heart of New York State, have been central to helping so many understand, explore and enjoy the benefits of Greek yogurt. Several years ago, the Nutrition Team from Price Chopper was invited to the Chobani headquarters, to learn about the company and the many ways they work on creating quality. It was a great experience – we started at one of the local dairy farms and followed that fresh milk from cow to cup! Chobani brought a former cheese facility back to life and helped energize a food-tastic phenomenon!
Low fat dairy is considered a nutrient dense food – milk is a nine-nutrient package and supplies several nutrients that children and adults alike need to increase, including potassium and calcium. Low fat dairy is also one of the food groups recommended to be included in heart healthy lifestyles by the American Heart Association, and is also supported by the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, (https://www.DietaryGuidelines.gov) with emphasis on fat- free and low fat dairy, about 3 servings per day, and attention paid to managing added sugars.
How can Greek yogurt power up your plate? On the American Heart Association website, check out Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt or try this one for muesli, another traditional food, Muesli, and serve with Chobani Fat Free Greek Yogurt. If you are looking for an easy way to add protein, Greek yogurt can have as much as 20 grams per cup! That protein can help keep you and yours full and focused on busy mornings, or satisfy a snack attack (and get one of those 3 recommended servings) between meals in the afternoon.
Another power pairing is Chobani Greek Yogurt and Market 32 Walnuts. Add some fresh or frozen PICS berries, and you have a delightful parfait, creamy, crunchy, nutritious and delicious. We have made this magic easy for you, with a Buy Market 32 Walnuts, get $1 off 32 Oz. containers of Chobani Greek Yogurts, including Chobani 0% Plain Yogurt, Vanilla and Strawberry. Check out the special Market 32 Walnuts display in the Produce section to get the offer and bring home this combo to power your plate!
Inspiration For A Fantastic Game Day Feast
Enjoy the big game with a winning spread! Draw inspiration from our ideas to present hungry guests with an unforgettable game-day feast.
New Takes on Nachos
Nachos are a fan favorite! They’re super simple to prepare, can be made any time of day and have endless flavor combinations. Up your nacho game with Greek Salad Nachos consisting of pita chips topped with cucumbers, feta cheese and banana peppers for a Mediterranean twist. Or, elevate game day with succulent seafood nachos featuring shrimp, lobster, crab or a combination!
For another satisfying spin on nachos, use heartier bases that add texture and flavor. Beyond chips, mini bell peppers and cauliflower are better-for-you bases that will hold all of your tasty toppings, or swap chips with tater tots for comforting tot-chos!
One Pan for the Win
Easy classic game-day appetizer recipes like potato skins, sliders, and stuffed mushrooms are reliable one-pan options. Meatballs are another timeless bite-size app that’s perfect for baking on a sheet pan or cooking low and slow in the slow cooker. Incorporate different flavors into meatballs or serve them with various sauces. Try Tex-Mex meatballs, honey-garlic sauce or maple syrup-brown sugar glaze. Or, kick up the heat with Sriracha-BBQ Meatballs.
Sheet pans are also great for making several meal components. Roast veggies, steak and tortillas all at once to treat game-day guests to build-your-own Sheet Tray Chile-Lime Steak Fajitas.
Air Fryer Solutions
Air fryers heat up quickly and cook foods in half the time as an oven, making them perfect for creating game-day meals with a satisfying crunch! Wings are a game-day go-to and deliver next-level flavors when air-fried. Air fry chicken wings at 375° for about 20 minutes, and pair with sauces like ranch, buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing.
And don’t forget about your vegetarian guests! Toss cauliflower florets into the air fryer for crispy, delicious veggie-friendly “wings” that are ready for dunking!
Creating a game-day spread of deliciousness is all about creativity and fun. Price Chopper and Market 32 have everything you need to make your game-day feast a delicious adventure.
