Food
Top 10 Grocery Store Foods that EXCEEDED Our Expectations!
The supermarket may be where we buy everyday food items, but some of them might just surprise you! The next time you’re buying your groceries, be sure to look out for these Top 10 Grocery Store Foods That EXCEEDED Our Expectations!
10. Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough
If you don’t have time to make them from scratch but still want to have that fresh-baked cookie experience, Toll House sells cookie dough that is ready for the oven. It comes in an oddly-shaped but convenient tube, so you can cut small cylinders of dough and put them directly onto the baking sheet. The result is quick and easy cookies that taste oven-fresh and have that soft, gooey consistency that tastes almost as good as Grandma’s favorite recipe. A bonus to baking these is that your house will smell like cookies for quite a while afterwards, making for a super cozy atmosphere. These cookies are perfect to bake in the winter months, when all you really want to do is snuggle up under some comfy blankets with Netflix and a plate of chocolate-chip deliciousness. Though it may be tempting, you definitely don’t want to eat the dough straight out of the tube. With the words “do not consume raw cookie dough” written in capital letters on the package, you’re better off baking these properly in the oven instead of eating the dough as-is and risking a food-borne illness. With some sources citing that Toll House apparently took its cookie recipe directly from Ruth Wakefield – who supposedly invented the chocolate-chip cookie at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts – it’s no wonder that this cookie dough has such a classic and delicious taste.
9. Barbara’s Peanut Butter Puffins
If you frequent the healthy cereal aisle often and are looking for something delicious without overloading on sugar, look no farther than Barbara’s Peanut Butter Puffins! These square, puffed cereals are perfect for people looking to enjoy a filling breakfast without wanting to sacrifice clean ingredients. Peanut Butter Puffins only have 9g of sugar per serving, which will add to their taste without giving you too much of a sugar buzz. Non-GMO verified and made with real peanut butter, you can rest assured you’ll know exactly what you’re eating with these. Online reviews of Puffins say that they don’t get soggy with milk, remaining crunchy even when you’re almost done with your morning bowl. They taste great dry, too, in case you ever want to pack them in a bag and eat them as a quick snack at work or school. Last but not least, they’re both vegan and kosher, which means they can still be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions. If you’re not the biggest fan of peanut butter, Barbara’s also has multigrain and cinnamon Puffin flavors, so there are lots of different options to choose from. While a lot of us try to eat the healthier types of cereal in order to watch our fat and sugar intake, sometimes you just crave something a little tastier on a Monday morning, and Puffins work as a perfect compromise.
8. Honey Maid Graham Crackers
Though you may think Honey Maid Grahams are only good for making s’mores during your next camping trip, Honey Maid’s famous graham crackers are super tasty on their own, without the help of marshmallows or chocolate. If you want something sweet and starchy to snack on, Honey Maid Grahams may not come to mind immediately, but the fact that they’re flavored with real honey and no high-fructose corn syrup means that they have an authentic and addictively sweet taste. The small packages they come in means that they won’t go stale if you seal them properly, so you can rest assured that your next time snacking on these crackers will be as good as the first time you took them out of the box. Although perfectly tasty on their own, there are countless ways to use Honey Maid graham crackers in desserts: from honey graham cracker crusts to ice cream crumbles and chocolate graham cracker toffee, the possibilities for these versatile snacks seem to be endless! The next time you’re looking for groceries at the supermarket and plan on trying your hand at making a fun and creative dessert, or if you’re just in the market for a sweet snack with a real honey taste, you won’t regret picking up a box of Honey Maid Graham Crackers; they’ll quickly become a permanent resident in your pantry!
7. Chex Mix
Arguably one of the more underrated members in the snack aisle, Chex Mix is much better than many of us give it credit for. The mishmosh of textures and tastes make it super fun to eat, making the experience a lot more varied and enjoyable than a simple bag of potato chips. General Mills’ Chex cereal isn’t much to write home about, but their snack version of this cereal takes it to the next level. With mini breadsticks and pretzels tossed into the mix, there’s something for everyone in a bag of Chex Mix. The complex mashup of flavors make it sophisticated enough to serve in a snack bowl at your next dinner party, with the texture of the cereals and pretzels going especially well with wine or cocktails. One of the top selling points of Chex Mix is that it has 60% less fat than regular potato chips, making it a comparatively healthier option to snack on than your average bag of Lays or tube of Pringles. They also come in both sweet and salty iterations, which is great if you’re feeling swayed to a particular flavor on a certain day. With flavors like Cheddar Jalapeno, Dark Chocolate, Bold Party Blend, and Turtle, there’s a Chex Mix flavor for any type of snacker. Once you try one of the many flavors of Chex Mix, you’ll be enthusiastic to test out the other versions!
6. Amy’s Burritos
Ever wanted a real-tasting burrito without leaving your own kitchen? Amy’s just might have what you’re looking for. These frozen burritos are reported to taste as authentic as you can get from the frozen foods section of the supermarket. Made with organic beans and rice and formulated with ingredients that you can actually pronounce on the nutrition label, you’ll know exactly what you’re eating without the unsettling sense of mystery that comes with getting a burrito at the drive-thru. Amy’s Burritos come in lots of different flavors that will suit anyone’s taste; with low-sodium and gluten-free options available, a wide range of people will be able to enjoy these burritos without breaking dietary restrictions or exacerbating any existing health conditions. With their cheddar cheese burrito clocking in at 340 calories, an Amy’s burrito is a perfect lunchtime pick-me-up that will fill you up nicely but won’t knock out half your daily calorie intake in one go. How you cook an Amy’s burrito depends on how hungry you are and how long you’re willing to wait for one to be done cooking. You can cook an Amy’s burrito quickly in the microwave if you’re looking for a quick meal, but many recommend putting one in the oven for a longer period of time to get that authentic taste, saying that it doesn’t even taste like a frozen burrito when you bake it in the oven.
5. Eggo Homestyle Waffles
You probably remember the phrase “leggo my Eggo” from those nostalgic commercials that aired on Saturday mornings. Though Eggo also makes pancakes and French toast, you probably know them best for their waffles. These toaster-ready frozen waffles tasted good when we were all kids, but they still manage to wow us years later! If you toast them for just the right amount of time, a couple of Eggo waffles make for a crunchy, fluffy, delicious breakfast. Getting them to a nice golden-brown color and adding a condiment of your choice will brighten even the bleakest morning. Though traditionally enjoyed with butter and maple syrup, Eggo waffles can be eaten with sugar for a more simple flavor, or with jam for a sweet and tangy experience. Their fluffy, starchy taste makes them a perfect accompaniment for all sorts of add-ons, especially if you’re a coffee drinker: the sweetness of waffles with assorted condiments paired with a bitter cup of drip coffee is a great way to jump-start your morning and give you the energy you need to take on the day. If you’re in too much of a hurry to mix the batter yourself, Eggo offers great-tasting waffles that are simple and easy to make. They have lots of other waffle varieties, but their Homestyle flavor, although lacking in bells and whistles, is the one that will pair great with anything you decide to put on it. After a while of eating them, you’ll probably forget they came out of the freezer!
4. Van Holten’s Pickle-in-a-Pouch Jumbo Pickles
Pickles are one of those controversial foods: some people hate them with a burning passion, while others can’t get enough of the sour crunch. For people who love them, these giant dill pickles may be worth looking into. The idea of a giant pickle in a bag seems pretty weird to people who haven’t tried it, but it actually makes a fun and convenient snack for people who love pickles but don’t want to lug around a heavy glass jar. Crunchy, sour, and delicious, Van Holten’s monster pickles are literally zero calories, so they’re a perfect option if you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying way to snack. (Not to mention, the fun designs of personified pickles on some of Van Holten’s packages are likely to brighten up your day a bit, too.) While reaching into a jar and pulling out smaller pickles can be a messy and oftentimes inconvenient experience, having a huge pickle you can bite into like an apple means they can be carried around a lot more easily. With Van Holten’s Jumbo Pickles, it is now socially acceptable to enjoy your favorite controversial snack in places that aren’t just your living room sofa. They’re especially delicious and refreshing when you pick them right out of the fridge at the deli section on a hot day. With sweet, spicy, and super-sour flavor varieties, there are lots of different types of pickles to tickle your taste buds!
3. Totino’s Pizza Rolls
Okay, so they’re not the healthiest option on this list, but finding a package of Totino’s Pizza Rolls in any friend’s freezer when looking to make a shareable snack is always a win. No one can doubt the feeling of triumph and joy that comes as a result of being presented with a Totino’s Pizza Roll, no matter how much of a health freak you may consider yourself to be. These little guys taste like a tiny version of a frozen pizza, but somehow add a new level of crispy deliciousness that even pizza can’t imitate. Easily cooked in the microwave, they’re perfect for kids or college students to snack on when playing video games or just hanging out. If you microwave them correctly, eating a Pizza Roll is an unforgettable experience; when biting into a Totino’s Pizza Roll, you’ll be met with a crispy golden outside paired with the perfect ratio of cheese, tomato sauce, and pepperoni on the inside. Though most people opt for the Pepperoni flavor by default, Totino’s also has lots of other fun flavors to enjoy; this includes simple cheese, sausage, double pepperoni, and even a combination if you feel like mixing things up. If we had to make a ranking of Italian-inspired American snack foods, Totino’s would reign supreme on the list. Though you shouldn’t snack on them all the time, Totino’s Pizza Rolls are a great way to add some fun to any party.
2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Though they can be found nearly everywhere and not just in the grocery store, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups never disappoint. Reese’s has branched out with their peanut butter products — launching cereal, snack bars, and even peanut butter in a jar — but you can never go wrong with their OG Cups. The simple combo of chocolate and peanut butter is so effective, and Reese’s does it better than anyone else on the planet. Though we’ve eaten these during countless Halloween parties and late-night convenience store visits, Reese’s cups will never get old, and the brand seems to be pretty aware of that. They haven’t changed much about their original cups at all since they were first invented nearly a hundred years ago in 1928. Continuously cracking the list of the top ten favorite chocolate candies in the States, the hype for Reese’s doesn’t seem like it’ll die down anytime soon. Though it’s not exactly a healthy snack, the peanut butter in a Reese’s cup might just give you the extra kick of sugar-induced energy you might need when you’re having a tough day; not to mention, the sweetness of the milk chocolate will likely brighten up your mood a bit if you’re feeling down. There’s nothing like some Reese’s goodness on a rainy day to get you back on your toes!
1. Annie’s Shells and White Cheddar
Any fan of mac and cheese will tell you that Annie’s is the gold standard of this quick dinnertime favorite. While macaroni and cheese isn’t the healthiest option out there, it’s what most busy parents and college students like to make as a cheesy, comforting, and cost-effective way to wrap up their long, busy day. With very few organic options, Annie’s stands out from other mac and cheese options for its cleaner ingredients. Made with real cheddar cheese and free of any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, you can tell Annie’s claim to be “made with goodness” is completely true: the lack of any of the added nasty stuff is completely evident in the way this stuff tastes. Though all flavors of Annie’s mac and cheese are delicious, their Shells and White Cheddar variety earns a special place on this list for its creamy and slightly sharp cheese taste. If you’re able to cook up some Annie’s White Cheddar mac with some broccoli and a little chicken, you’ll have a filling and complete meal that is perfect after a long day spent working, studying, or just trying to keep yourself going. If you somehow haven’t tried Annie’s yet and want an upgrade from other boxed mac and cheese brands that tastes like they’re full of weird chemicals, the Shells and White Cheddar is worth the slightly higher price tag. You’ll never want to go back to Kraft Mac and Cheese again!