What are your grocery store must haves?

dmb0174
dmb0174 Posts: 31
edited September 23 in Food and Nutrition
Okay all, I am working on my grocery list as well as meals/snacks for the week and really just looking for some new ideas to switch things up.

What are your must haves that you keep in the house either for meals or snacks?

Thanks!
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Replies

  • billylindsay
    billylindsay Posts: 102 Member
    chocolate milk
    porridge
    honey
    weetabix
    beer
  • Trishkit
    Trishkit Posts: 290 Member
    A big basket of fruit on the counter! Apples, pears, bananas, the occasional mango ... I'm so much more likely to snack on those if I see them in all their colorful glory. :-)
  • kittytrix
    kittytrix Posts: 557 Member
    Fresh veggies and fruits
    Milk
    Chicken Breast
    Lean ground turkey
    Cans of tuna
    Dried cranberries
    Walnuts
    Oatmeal
    Whole-grain bread
    Lots of water
    Juice
    Lean deli turkey and ham
  • brendansmom1
    brendansmom1 Posts: 526 Member
    hummus
    celery
    clementines
    sugar free pudding
    100 calorie snack packs for when I am craving a treat


    Those are the top musts for me :)
  • i've recently become obsessed with special k fruit crisps, they taste so good & only 100 cals a package (2 crips). & they're a great snack for between bfast & lunch...also good when craving something sweet, but don't want to go crazy with sugar & cals
  • orting514
    orting514 Posts: 153
    Haha thats funny, id say some good staples are fresh fruits and veggies, beans/lagumes, whole wheat breads pastas etc. etc. and my hubby just said dont forget the TP, haha.
  • fish (all different kinds)
    lean chicken
    fruit
    my new fave: organic greek yogurt (yum!!! and tons of protein)
    brown rice
    nuts (almonds, cashews, etc)
    skim milk (love this stuff - could drink a gallon a day, but I try to restrain myself!)
    crystal light on the go packs (pink lemonade) - I drink a lot of water, but sometimes I want it to taste like something besides water.
  • MobiusMan
    MobiusMan Posts: 385 Member
    Dark, dark chocolate
    Arnolds sandwich thins
    Fresh salsa, makes a great sandwich topper vice mayo or that sort
    fruit
    crystal light
    whole meat cold cuts (turkey breast, chicken breast ) be careful of ones with added sugar and other junk.
    sweet potatoes. (try them in stir fry and soups)
    Almonds (Emerald makes a cocoa almond that's great.)
  • monibee
    monibee Posts: 19 Member
    This is the stuff I buy every time I'm at the grocery without fail.

    Laughing Cow Light Cheese Spread (I like the french onion kind)
    Fat Free Half and Half
    Borden's Fat Free Sharp Cheddar Cheese Slices
    Hormel Natural Oven Roasted Turkey
    Arnold's Sandwich Thins
    Arnold's Everything Thin Bagels
    Thomas Multigrain Light English Muffins
    Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Patties and Links
    Eggs
    Chicken Breasts! Boneless skinless, of course.
    Celery
    Baby Carrots
    Broccoli
    Red Onion
    Fresh Spinach
    Fresh Cilantro
    Fresh Parsley
    Bananas
    Skim Milk
    Plain Yogurt
  • themommie
    themommie Posts: 5,033 Member
    weight watchers strawberry smoothie ice cream bars
    mini rice cakes carmel corn
    chicken
    ground turkey
    better oats oatmeal with flaxeed
    yogurt
    light microwave popcorn
  • tasiac23
    tasiac23 Posts: 48 Member
    cicken breaks
    sugar free chocolate pudding
    rice cakes
    eggs
    natural peanut butter
    low fat or fat free cheese
    veggies
    ground turkey
    whole grain bread/ wraps/ deli flats
    kashi cereal
    greek yogurt
    splenda
    green tea
    frozen strawberries and blueberries
    oatmeal
    goldfish :-)
    healthy choice soup
    lean cuisine (quick stuff)
    and more that i cant think of right now lol....hope i helped!
  • tasiac23
    tasiac23 Posts: 48 Member
    cicken breaks
    sugar free chocolate pudding
    rice cakes
    eggs
    natural peanut butter
    low fat or fat free cheese
    veggies
    ground turkey
    whole grain bread/ wraps/ deli flats
    kashi cereal
    greek yogurt
    splenda
    green tea
    frozen strawberries and blueberries
    oatmeal
    goldfish :-)
    healthy choice soup
    lean cuisine (quick stuff)
    and more that i cant think of right now lol....hope i helped!
  • tasiac23
    tasiac23 Posts: 48 Member
    sorry dont know why this posted twice :ohwell:
  • welly5
    welly5 Posts: 293 Member
    eggs
    more eggs
    yeast (i bake my own bread)
    skim milk
    baby bell cheese
    laughing cow cheese
    ground turkey
    spinach
    tomatoes
    lemons
    olives
    yogurt
  • emscat78
    emscat78 Posts: 14 Member
    Almonds
    Apples
    Clementines
    Ryvita Flatbread Crisps
    Yogurt
    Reduced Fat Cheese Sticks
    Edamame
  • I am not a vegetarian, but I really love Quorn Meatless Grounds. They have the same look and texture as ground beef and they are so much healthier. Perfect for a healthier alternative in chili, spaghetti, tacos, or really anything that calls for ground beef. Other than that I "must have":

    black beans
    bananas
    rice
    peanut butter
    bagels
  • helloiloveukitty
    helloiloveukitty Posts: 448 Member
    vitatops
    roast turkey and vegetables lean cuisines (its just simple turkey and greenbean...delicious and only 190 calories)
    sweet potatoes
    kashi go lean crunch
    think thin bars
    no added sugar dried tart cherries
    kiwis
    ambrosia apples
    bananas
    cabbage
    radishes
    trader joes frozen steel cut oats
    orowheat healthful bread
    boneless skinless chicken breasts
    red peppers
    mushrooms
    eggs
    turkey burger patties
    motts healthy harvest applesause cups
    vegetarian refried beans
    corn tortillas
    orange sherbet
    trader joes power berries (treat!)

    ^ wow long list but those are things I am loving
  • kendf60
    kendf60 Posts: 234 Member
    Chicken breast tenders, broccoli, carrots, green beans, almond milk, non-fat Greek yogurt, frozen berries(for smoothies), fresh fish (whatever looks best that day), Ezekiel sprouted grain low sodium bread, natural no-salt peanut butter, fruit spread, whole wheat tortillas, black beans, brown rice, oatmeal, agave nectar and Ginger snaps.
  • onebrookerlady
    onebrookerlady Posts: 4 Member
    This is a great topic, I always make sure to pick up:
    low-fat local yogurt
    skim milk
    oatmeal
    cottage cheese
    chicken (lately I've been lazy and buying a rotisserie chicken, but I can eat off that thing for several days!)
    mixed greens/spinach
    tons of fruit
    hummus
    brown rice
    black beans
  • servingthealiens
    servingthealiens Posts: 144 Member
    Oat Revolution oatmeal - around 150 calories depending on flavor, yummy, and has omega-3 and 6. Also good is and similar is the Three Sisters brand from Whole Foods

    Rice cakes - I'm a horrible midnight snacker (result of a medication I take) and those fulfill that "gotta have sweet and/or salty" urge with a minimum of calories.

    Crystal Light or similar drink mix packets

    Fruits and veggies for snacks. I love grapes, kiwi, cukes, and radishes

    Light Miracle whip - 20 calories per serving and tastes way better than mayo (IMHO)

    Powdered Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, or if you have a Penzey's Spices near you, their ranch base. I just take about 1/3 - 1/2 cup of Light Miracle Whip and add the dressing powder to taste. Low cal veggie dip that doesn't taste like crap.

    Hunts Snack puddings. About 110 calories and if you NEED something sweet, it's light years better than a candy bar

    Lean Cuisine or Smart Ones meals - Not a huge fan of processed meals, but I keep a few of these at work for the days I forget to bring something/am in a hurry, to stave off eating crap for lunch because I "had to"

    Tofu - I'm a vegetarian, so it's a good protein add-in to stir fries and similar. If you eat meat, chicken breast strips are a good alternative. You can pre-cook them and keep them in the freezer for when you need them. Awesome for quick fajitas, stir fry, in pasta salads, etc

    Cans of lower sodium, ready to serve soups. Fantastic quick and satisfying meals for those of us in a hurry, or when you want a light meal

    Healthy Life bread. 35-45 calories a slice, and actually TASTES LIKE BREAD. Imagine that. :noway:

    Steam in the bag veggies. Quick sides to go with the soups, or with other meals

    Canned white beans, black beans, or whatever you prefer. Great to add to pasta sauces, salads, etc for some protein

    ALMONDS - I'd be lost without them. Any of the flavored kind are good, but the plain roasted ones are yummy too. Yes, they have fat, but it's good fat, and 1/4 cup serving is great munching food and filling to boot. Also a good source of omegas.

    Dried fruit - Same, and can be mixed with nuts and breakfast cereals for quick, nutritious snack mixes. My favorite thing to do is mix cranberries, almonds, and Quaker Oat Squares

    String cheese - about 80 calories a piece, is a great healthy snack, low fat, and lets you feel like you're being "naughty" without actually being naughty

    Eggs - I get the cage free ones enriched with omega 3s (because I am veggie and don't get a lot through other sources, so I supplement when I can). 70-80 calories per egg and you can do SO many things with them. Hard boiled as snacks, mix them with your light Miracle Whip and some onion for egg salad to put on your Healthy Life bread, a low cal and healthy "breakfast for dinner" option

    Cottage cheese - I don't like it plain, but toss some low sugar fruit preserves on it, and get a yummy snack or desert.

    Wheat Thins or Triscuit Crisps (the diamond shaped ones) - good plain, or with your ranch concoction

    Boca or Morningstar recipe crumbles - even if you're not veggie, give them a try. I've made a lot of stuff with them that omnivores also like, like chili, tacos, nachos, sloppy joes, the sausage type is good in pasta sauce, and they're a LOT lower fat and lower calories than ground beef. Use them like you would use ground beef. One 12 oz package is equal to a pound of meat.

    Greek yogurt - I don't like its tartness too much by itself, but mixed in with some nuts or low fat granola, it's tasty and so good for you.

    Hope that gave you at least a few ideas.
  • praymond17
    praymond17 Posts: 20 Member
    Great post! I'm always curious about what people have on their grocery list. My must haves are:

    -soy milk (soy good)
    -eggs
    -cantaloupe (new favorite fruit!)
    -multi grain cereal
    -activia to go
  • I work about 2 minutes from a Costco, where I go at least twice a week to load up!

    Here is the stuff I always have my fridge and cupboards stocked with...

    Greek Yogurt (this is awesome with pomegranate seeds when they are in season!)
    Steel Cut Oats (so much more filling than regular oatmeal)
    Mini-Cucumbers (an easy snack to grab and go)
    Grape Tomatoes
    Eggs, eggs, and more eggs (I put them in my veggie steamer and they come out absolutely perfectly hard-boiled - I eat at least 4 or 5 whites a day, plus one whole egg!)
    Sprouted grain bread (I love Silver Hills Mack's Flax)
    Chia Seeds
    Unsweetened Almond Breeze
    Spinach (I use this in everything from salads to smoothies)
    Peppers (all colours - I LOVE peppers!)
    Celery (even my 3 year old loves this!)
    Low fat cheese
    Lemons
    Flax seed
    Bananas
    Green Tea

    I'm sure I could go on, but it's late and I can't remember anything else off the top of my head. :)
  • Must Have:

    Eggs - I like to hardboil a bunch for breakfast/snacks at work throughout the week.

    Plain Greek Yogurt - I add my own berries to save sugar.

    Cottage Cheese - Great alone as a snack, with berries, or cooked into scrambled into eggs for a high protein breakfast.

    String Cheese

    Berries (fresh or frozen)

    Bananas

    Baby Spinach - for salads.

    Broccoli

    Green Beans

    Celery

    Yellow Onions

    Green Peppers

    Garlic

    Low Sodium Canned Tuna

    Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins

    Frozen Shrimp - thaws so quickly, which is great for dinners and I don't have to worry about it rotting in the fridge during the week if I forget to use it.

    Natural Peanut Butter - I usually have a cooking snack of a TBSP of peanut butter when I get home from work. It keeps me from grazing on other junk as I am preparing dinner. (I also need it on hand for my puppy's kong but that's unrelated).

    Pistachios or Almonds

    Chicken Stock - for making soups.

    Crushed Tomatoes - for soups/sauces.

    Ground Beef or Bison - for burgers or Chili

    Quinoa - for soups.

    Chia Seed - I always add it to my Greek yogurt for extra fiber and omega 3s.

    Pineapple fruit cups - Also good added to yogurt.

    Unsweetened coconut - Great with the pineapple in yogurt.

    Mrs. Dash - any variety, but I use it to season all sorts of stuff. Everything from chicken and shrimp to green beans and scrambled eggs.

    Olive oil

    Good Seasons Salad Dressing Packets

    Herbal Teas - Peppermint is probably my favorite

    Stevia

    True Lemon/True Lime/True Orange Packets - Crystallized juice, great for adding flavor to waters. No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors.

    Spaghetti Squash - in lieu of pasta.
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    Alpen Sugar Free Muesli
    Fat Free Greek Style Yogurt

    New York Multiseeded Bagels
    Sesame Ryveta
    Philadelphia Light with Chives

    Fresh Fish ... lots!
    Cans of tuna
    Chicken
    sometimes Lamb or Beef

    Eggs

    Carrots
    Parsnip
    Sweet Potatos
    Broccoli
    Cabbage
    Onions
    Garlic
  • ttrussel
    ttrussel Posts: 99 Member
    Special K Fruit Crisps are my snack too!
  • Bananas
    Baby Carrots
    Edamame
    SF/FF Jello Pudding Cups
    Whole Wheat Tortillas
    Hummus (I love Sabra)
    Salsa
    Special K Crackers
    Laughing Cow Cheese
    Luna Bars (Lemon Zest is my favorite flavor)
    94% fat free Popcorn
    Almonds
  • Gotta agree on what a great post this is because it gives me ideas :) I always have :

    Skinless chicken breast
    Groud turkey
    Milk
    Eggs
    Romaine lettuce
    Cherry tomatoes
    Apples
    Fresh Cilantro
    Fresh Parsley
    Black beans (I use ALOT when cooking)
    Pita bread
    Chick peas (make homemade hummus)
    Onion
    Peppers ( variety)
    Avacados ( so much you can do with them)
    Carrots
    Spagetti squash ( Work great as a sub to pasta noodles)
  • This is a great topic!
    In the house I always must have...

    Tuna
    100% Juice
    Brown Bread
    Peanut Butter
    Grapes or Apples
    Rice Milk
    Cereal
    Egg Free Mayo
    Frozen Veggies
    Frozen Fruit
    Soya Protein Isolate
    Vitalite - dairy free margarine
    Celery and Hummous
  • Kcham817
    Kcham817 Posts: 106 Member
    2% Milk ( I make a lot of shakes)
    Kashi Honey Almond Flax
    Bananas
    Pears
    Greek Yogurt
    Tuna
    Mission Carb Wraps
    Turkey ( Boars Head)
    Ground Turkey
    Carrot juice
    Any seafood item that is on sale
  • reander
    reander Posts: 175 Member
    Tomatoes
    Cucumber
    Houmous
    Dark Chocolate
    Grapes (I love freezing them and keeping them next to the ice cream, so I have the healthier choice instead!)
    Bananas
    Eggs
    Carrots
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