Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
History
Vitamin C Day was started in 2019 by a skincare company (Skinceuticals ®), when their scientists showed that some Vitamin C can be absorbed by the skin. This is an important find, as Vitamin C is a key nutrient for skin health and production of collagen, a structural protein found in all connective tissues in our bodies. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient – essential means it must be obtained by eating and drinking because humans cannot make it. Vitamin C is important to many body systems, and research is always reaching to better define roles and mechanisms, especially for preventive health efforts like reducing incidence of cancer or heart disease.
Natural Sources
Vitamin C is found in multiple foods, including all citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, and cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Many foods are fortified with Vitamin C, and it may also be a functional ingredient that maintains freshness. It is so commonly available in foods typically eaten by Americans; it is rare to find a deficiency. It was long recognized that citrus fruits contained a substance that prevented scurvy, a disease that killed sailors from the 1500-1800’s, but the nutrient was not actually identified until 1932.
Supplements
Many people increase their intake of Vitamin C via foods and supplements to ward off chronic health issues, or perhaps when a cold is coming on. In the 1970’s, Linus Pawling, a scientist, and proponent of mega dosing Vitamin C, recommended the equivalent of 12-24 oranges, to support overall health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means our bodies do not store it well. Due largely to Dr. Pawling’s recommendations, it was not uncommon for people to take high potency supplements of 1000 mg or more, but that is rarely recommended now. In fact, though well-recognized as an antioxidant, at very high levels it can become damaging to cells.
Current Guidelines
The Recommended Daily Amount for adults 19 and older is 90 mg for men and 75 for women. Children’s needs are lower and defined by age and stage of growth. High intake over time results in lower absorption once the body’s limited stores are maxed out. Though it is not toxic, the Tolerable Upper Limit (the maximum amount generally recognized will not cause harm) is 2000 mg per day. Excessive Vitamin C can result in nausea and other GI issues. High, excessive intake of Vitamin C can backfire if it is suddenly stopped – a person that pivots from excess to none can develop rebound scurvy. Despite prevalent belief that Vitamin C can prevent colds, research has so far shown limited benefit, though it may be helpful to reduce virus duration.
Food First
Ensuring you get enough Vitamin C is a great motivator for eating more fruits and vegetables, preferably often over the course of the day. The benefits of eating more produce stack up as other nutrients come along for the ride, such as Vitamin A, fiber, bioactive substances (polyphenols) and water. Vitamin C enhances absorption of iron, which is important to children, pregnant women, and anyone with malabsorption due to intestinal issues or perhaps even a medication interaction. To get the best food benefit, pair higher iron foods, like cooked, unprocessed red meats, legumes, and iron-fortified foods with foods high in Vitamin C to enhance natural absorption of iron. Despite prevalent belief that Vitamin C can prevent colds, research has so far shown limited benefit, though it may be helpful to reduce virus duration.
Best Practices
Enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables – the more you eat, the more likely you are to meet the RDA without a supplement. If you are concerned, ask your health care provider or registered dietitian-nutritionist to assess if you would benefit from a supplement and why, as well as ensuring there are no concerns about current medication/supplement interactions by sharing supplement information with your pharmacist. If supplements are needed, keep them lower dose and consider using every other day. The RDA is based on a weekly average – you are sure to get some Vitamin C most days and can fill in gaps with moderate supplementation.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
While National Ice Cream Day is celebrated today, July 16th, we think every day is Ice Cream Day! Whether it is hot and humid or a stormy blizzard, there is never a bad time to eat ice cream. Speaking of all things ice cream, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is celebrated on August 2nd, so we made sure to provide you with our fantastic recipe below. Now for the fun part – We want to give you the scoop on this creamy, indulgent dessert!
Favorites:
Vanilla is ranked the most popular ice cream flavor, followed by chocolate. Of course, ice cream toppings are a must! Hot fudge is the most popular ice cream topping, which is only fitting for your traditional ice cream sundae.
Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, rated number seven for most favored flavors, was introduced by the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Burlington, Vermont. Oh, and we should mention that our Price Chopper and Market 32 locations sell a variety of Ben & Jerry’s!
Ice Cream in the United States:
As of 2022, the United States ranked second after New Zealand for the most ice cream consumption worldwide. This makes sense considering about 90% of United States households have ice cream in their freezer.
Can you guess the state that produces the most ice cream? The answer is California. In total, the United States produces 1.38 billion gallons of ice cream each year! I guess you can say that is a LOT of ice cream!
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: Homemade cookies with PICS Ice Cream is a must-have this summer! This recipe is unforgettable.
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day the right way, and browse our ice cream selection. Be sure to check out our PICS new pint ice cream!
Mia Teal
Paid Media Marketing Coordinator
Crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, fresh veggies are the perfect addition to any summer meal. From tasty salads to zesty stir-fries, there are endless ways to enjoy these nutritious powerhouses. At Price Chopper and Market 32, not only do we have fresh veggies for you year round, but we also have a ton of recipes that you can make with them. What better time to try a new recipe than today, National Fresh Veggies Day!
I am sure we all remember the dreaded statement as kids: “Eat your veggies!” However, there are actually so many fun ways we can eat them, from dipping your carrots in ranch dressing to making a delicious stir fry meal. Oh, what about in a smoothie? The possibilities are endless when it comes to making veggies more appealing. Don’t believe us? Well, let’s take a look below…
Heirloom Tomato, Mozzarella, & Beet Stack: Nothing says summer like mozzarella, tomato, and basil. I can just smell this combo! This recipe combines the most delicious summertime ingredients for your next appetizer or light meal.
Mexican Street Corn: Have you ever tried Mexican Street Corn? Well now you can! These are so delicious, you will be coming back for seconds!
Carrot-Zucchini Chocolate Muffins: This sneaky way to get vegetables in your food is not only delicious, but easy too! Your child will love these.
Kicked-Up Green Smoothie: Enjoy this refreshing smoothie on a hot summer day to feel energized and rejuvenated!
Looking for more inspiration? We have an abundance of on our Recipes Page, Price Chopper Ready Website, and YouTube Channel. We hope you enjoy fresh veggies not only on National Fresh Veggies Day, but all year long.
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
June: The kickoff to summer and National Red Rose Day which falls on June 12th! Red roses are the oldest flower known to man and have been referred to as a symbol of love and passion. They are one of the most popular flowers for weddings and holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. With summer creeping up on us, so are the various festivities that come with the season. Picnics, weddings, birthday parties and graduations are all the perfect events for a stunning bouquet of roses. Varying in six different colors, roses don’t only have to be a romantic gesture. A flower which represents love, friendship, happiness, gentleness and admiration, roses can be a showstopper for any event!
Dating back to over 35 million years ago, roses have continually evolved and spread their beauty across the world. Not only are roses used to adorn a beautiful centerpiece, but they have been used for medicine, skincare, perfumes and teas.
The rose shares the title of National Flower among three states: Iowa, North Dakota and New York. The decadent scent and vibrant petals are perfect any time of the year, especially in June!
Roses are beautiful in all shapes, shades and sizes which is why Market 32 and Price Chopper have them readily available in our floral section every day. Shop in store for pre-made bouquets of beautifully arranged roses or use our online services, DoorDash and Instacart. Order a unique and hand-crafted bouquet of red roses adorned with lush greenery and fresh baby’s breath. Our online ordering allows customers to send personalized cardettes for any occasion which is sure to warm the hearts of the receiver.
Happy National Red Rose Day!
Mia Teal
Paid Media Marketing Coordinator
There is nothing like sitting by the pool on a warm summer day, drink in hand, and not a care in the world. We want to make sure you have what you need to kick back, unwind, and make the most refreshing drinks that are ideal for any summer occasion. What better way to try a new fruit cocktail (or mocktail) than today, National Fruit Cocktail Day?
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have a large variety of PICS seltzers, sparkling water, and club soda in all sorts of fun and fruity flavors. With both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options at hand, we have what it takes for the best summer possible!
Bourbon Cherry Smash: This drink is bursting with different flavors including cherry, lemon, lime, and orange. Be sure to pick up your favorite PICS seltzer in the water aisle and our PICS lime juice in the produce department.
Tart & Juicy Sparkling Punch : Fruit galore! Try this mix with or without alcohol. You won’t be disappointed!
Citrus-Basil Spritzer : This non-alcoholic drink is nothing short of refreshing on a summer day!
Spring Cocktails : Blueberries, raspberries, lemon, lime, and basil…what combination could be better?
Shop Our Summer Drinks and Seltzers
Interested in trying these drinks? Check out our Price Chopper and Market 32 Youtube Page to learn how!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
The love of a pet is like no other. After all, pets are family who we cherish and adore. On National Pet Parents Day, we want to give a special shoutout to all the pawsome pet parents out there. Thank you for all you do to keep your little friends happy and healthy.
We want to call out some ways in which you can keep your pets safe around the house. This time of year, we like to fill our homes with all the beautiful colors of flowers and plants. However, some can be toxic to our pets. These include: lilies, azaleas, marijuana, amaryllis, tulips, aloe, and daffodils. Check out other toxic and non-toxic plants here.
Other ways to keep your pets safe is by ensuring that they are not ingesting human food or chemicals from the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure that when you are preparing a meal, all scraps are picked up and properly disposed of. Some foods that may be harmful to pets include chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chives, raisins, and grapes. Read more here to learn about other harmful human foods.
Regarding chemicals and other cleaning supplies, it is a good idea to keep all of these on a high shelf. Additionally, if you do need to keep your supplies low to the ground, consider child-proof latches for these cabinets. As we know, pets can be very curious!
Consider checking out these sources below for any further information!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Spring is a time for new beginnings. All around us, trees are blossoming, the birds are chirping, and life is getting more beautiful by the day. Another important aspect of spring that we like to honor is Earth Day. Even though the day has passed, we want to help you make Earth Day, everyday! Part of helping out our planet is by lessening, or eliminating food waste in the household. Did you know that over 100 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States each year? Those numbers are nothing short of frightening. Luckily, we have ways to help you combat the fight against food waste. What better day to start than today, National “Stop Food Waste Day?”
- Freeze/Store Leftovers: There are so many products that can be frozen. For example, if you bought too much meat this week, you can freeze it instead of throwing it away. Other items that can be put in the freezer include bread, fruit, vegetables, and more! If you do make too much one night, try storing it for your lunch or dinner the next day.
- Meal Plan: Set a day each week to sit down with your family and meal plan. For example, you could create a dinner outline to map out what the main course meal will be, what sides you plan to have, and any refreshments. Do this for each day of the week so that when you go to the grocery store, you already know what to buy and how much.
- Check expiration dates: How many times have you gone through your refrigerator, only to find an expired product that you completely forgot about? We’ve all been there. Regularly going through your refrigerator and pantry to check expiration dates is a huge step in the right direction! A helpful tip would be to locate items that are expiring soon and move them towards the front.
- Make a meal from a meal: There are always options to use your leftovers to make another meal. Examples of this include soup, sandwiches, and salads. Check out our recipes website or our Price Chopper Ready website for delicious meal ideas that can be made from your initial meal.
Donate: The next time you go through your pantry and find food that you no longer want or need, consider donating these products to your local food bank. Unsure of where to drop off your food? Check out Feeding America’s website to locate a food bank near you!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing
Hooray for National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day! We are going nuts over this delicious combination that is a favorite for so many people. At Price Chopper & Market 32, we have a wide selection of peanut butter, jelly, jam, and fresh bread. Be sure to take a look at the end of this article!
Do you really know your peanut butter and jelly? Don’t miss out on these fun facts!
- The peanut butter & jelly combination is nothing new. The first of these sandwiches appeared 122 years ago in a cooking magazine.
- The average American will eat 15,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before graduating high school. That is kind of a lot!
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are ranked #9 of the top 15 sandwiches Americans love.
Love peanut butter and jelly? So do we! That’s why we’re sharing our favorite recipes below for National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day. Whether you prefer chunky or smooth, grape or strawberry jelly, we’ve got something for everyone. Explore new flavor combinations and impress your taste buds with our easy-to-follow recipes.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Breakfast Tart: This freshly baked peanut butter & jelly breakfast in the morning will put a smile on everyone’s face! The best part? It is quick, simple, and only requires a handful of ingredients!
PB & J Stuffed French Toast: Remember when we noted that peanut butter & jelly has evolved? This is the perfect example! This takes the classic French Toast to a whole new level!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing
March 24th is National Cocktail Day, which just happens to fall on a Friday this year. How convenient! Price Chopper and Market 32 have a variety of recipes and all the best ingredients you need to celebrate tonight! First, let’s rewind time and see some history of the cocktail.
Cocktails are nothing new. In fact, they have been around since the 18th Century! Originally inspired by British punches, the term “cocktail” was first shown in a 1798 newspaper. It is unknown who created the first cocktail, but one thing is for certain – Cocktails have evolved over time. There are so many different recipes and variations to making a delicious cocktail. The possibilities are endless!
Now for the best part – let’s mix some drinks!
Spring Cocktails: What better way to celebrate the first week of Spring than with this Spring Cocktail! This drink is a delicious mix of berries, bourbon whisky, vodka, & gin!
Pomegranate Cosmo: To say this drink is refreshing would be an understatement. Fresh pomegranate in your cosmo? I think yes!
Poison Apple Sour: Dare to try this Poison Apple Sour? With only a few ingredients and 5 minutes prep time, we think this is a must-try!
Cos-Mocktails: Who says your drink needs to have alcohol? Try this non-alcoholic mocktail for a delicious, refreshing drink!
Need some ingredients! Shop below!
Source:
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing
Crunchy French bread dipped in Olive Oil is a pairing like no other. Since National French Bread Day was this week, we wanted to draw attention to this delicious duo, but also highlight the benefits of olive oil. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have freshly baked French Bread in our bakery that is made daily, a wide variety of olive oil, and so many recipes on our website that use olive oil as a main ingredient. Want to discover what the hype is around olive oil? Keep reading to find out!
Olive Oil Benefits:
Olive oil is considered to be heart-healthy. A 2022 Harvard study illustrates that regular olive oil consumption instead of animal fats could lead to lower cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, olive oil could potentially help boost bone health and strength, as well as combat inflammation, according to the North American Olive Association. For more information, see the sources at the end of this blog and different studies that have come out around olive oil.
Cooking With Olive Oil:
While there are many different types of olive oils, you may be wondering what the differences are. In our “Cooking with Olive Oil” article, you will learn about four main types of olive oils and how they stand out from each other. This article will help you choose which olive oil to use the next time you cook. Additionally, if you are looking for new recipes that use olive oil, you have come to the right place! Check out these fabulous recipes that you are sure to love!
Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake: When you think of baking a cake, you would typically use canola oil or vegetable oil. Yes, you can actually use olive oil in some baking recipes like this one! With cinnamon & nutmeg also in the mix, you are sure to have a favorite here.
Italian Easter Pie: With Easter right around the corner, you will certainly want to try this Italian Easter Pie at your holiday gathering. All the freshest ingredients into one savory pie will have your guests thrilled!
Harvest Salad: Fresh arugula, blue cheese, walnuts, and brussel sprouts make for a fantastic salad. Cooking the brussel sprouts in PICS olive oil is the perfect way to make them!
Honey-Garlic Skillet Chicken: With only six ingredients, this chicken dish is absolutely delicious and simple to make.
