You’ve likely noticed the plethora of packaged food products on the market claiming to be “healthy.” But have you questioned their validity? After all, many health professionals advise against prepared and heavily processed foods (according to Verywell Fit). They recommend opting for whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, certain dairy products, and healthy fats, along with other minimally processed items. However, many of us rely on convenient, packaged food products to constitute at least some part of our daily diets.
The good news is that there are healthy options available. To make informed purchasing decisions, it’s crucial to read and understand food nutrition labels. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizes the importance of paying attention to serving size, calories, and nutrients. Additionally, look for products with shorter, recognizable ingredient lists.
While the healthiest foods typically don’t have labels, there are several health food brands that are genuinely worth buying. Our list is not exhaustive, but it highlights easy-to-find brands across various food categories, including grains, meats, dairy, snacks, condiments, and frozen foods. Better yet, many of these brands are not only beneficial for you but also for our planet. Happy shopping!
Bob’s Red Mill
If you’ve recently browsed the baking aisle, you’re likely familiar with the expanding range of Bob’s Red Mill products. In addition to their variety of flours, Bob’s Red Mill also offers snack bars, baking aids, oats, protein powders, grains, beans, seeds, and easy baking mixes. Epicurious dubs Bob’s Red Mill the “holy grail for grains and flours,” and recommends several products that will transform your cooking, such as chickpea flour, wheat germ, coconut flour, arrowroot starch, and sorghum.
Bob’s Red Mill is renowned for accommodating dietary restrictions. As NPR notes, the company became a gluten-free giant before its time. Founder Bob Moore, now in his 90s, began milling whole grains in the early 1980s. After learning about the limited food options for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities, he started producing gluten-free products. Today, Bob’s Red Mill offers over 100 gluten-free options, with a dedicated wing in their 325,000-square-foot warehouse for gluten-free foods.
RXBar
RXBar is best known for its high-protein bars, available in a variety of flavors such as Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter, Blueberry, and Chocolate Chip. The simple, whole food ingredients are listed prominently on the front of the packaging, ensuring transparency (e.g., 3 egg whites, 6 almonds, 4 cashews, 2 dates, no B.S.). Besides bars, RXBar also produces nut butters, oats, and cereal products.
As Business Insider reports, “Anything not listed on the front packaging can be found in the ingredients list in the back, but most RX Bars have fewer than ten ingredients — all of which you will recognize.” With a nutritious and tasty product, RXBar was recently sold to Kellogg for $600 million: “RX Bars are delicious, good for you, and they’re clean and simple. That is why people love them.”
Stack assesses the healthiness of RXBars, praising their high protein, high fiber, and healthy fat content. While they do contain sugar, it primarily comes from dates. This isn’t a disadvantage, as dates provide “significant amounts of potassium, vitamin B-6, and iron, but their high fiber content makes them a smart sweetener.”
Dave’s Killer Bread
Among the breads on the shelf, dietitians generally agree that Dave’s Killer Bread is a solid choice. The story behind the bread is as follows: Co-founder Dave Dahl was raised in a family of bakers, but his life took a different turn when he spent 15 years in prison. Upon release, he decided to change his life and returned to the family bakery. There, he began experimenting with “killer” bread recipes that tasted great, were filled with seeds and grains, and used organic and non-GMO ingredients. The company now offers multiple varieties of “killer bread”: thin-sliced bread, bagels, English muffins, burger buns, and even snack bars.
At the request of Eat This, Not That!, registered dietitian Brittany Modell examines the nutrition of Dave’s Killer Bread. “One slice of bread contains 5 grams of protein (quite high for bread!) and 5 grams of dietary fiber, which is excellent.” She also notes that each slice has 5 grams of sugar, similar to many other bread brands. In other words, you’re better off choosing Dave’s Killer Bread for its high protein and fiber content over other packaged bread products.
Primal Kitchen
Condiments like salad dressings and mayonnaise can be hidden sources of sugar and sodium, which can be a downside if you’re looking to enhance an otherwise healthy diet. Fortunately, Primal Kitchen offers several healthy alternatives. From kitchen essentials like ketchup, ranch dressing, and pasta sauce to delicious avocado oils, buffalo sauce, and queso-style dip, the company relies on simple ingredients to create products that still taste great. NBC News reports that Primal Kitchen’s salad dressings are sugar-, soy-, and dairy-free, certified paleo- and keto-friendly, and nutritionist-approved. Their taste testers particularly enjoyed the balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, and caesar dressings.
Apparently, Well+Good shares the same sentiment about Primal Kitchen’s honey mustard, including it in their list of 11 healthy salad dressings. Registered dietitian EA Steward states, “It’s rich in heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats from avocado oil, and unlike so many bottled dressings containing additives, this Primal Kitchen Honey Mustard dressing has simple whole foods-based ingredients you would cook with at home.” If you’re a fan of Primal Kitchen, you might also want to explore Tessamae‘s dressings and condiments.
Kashi
For over 35 years, Kashi has provided products designed to “nourish people and planet with plant-powered passion.” Their website declares, “We value not just the foods we make, but how we make them by being progressive and mindful of sustainable and ethical farming practices. Inside every box, bag and wrapper, there’s not just real food, but a real food philosophy at work.” While Kashi is best known for breakfast cereals, they also produce tasty frozen waffles and convenient snack bars.
Verywell Fit cites Kashi Go Lean breakfast cereal as one of the seven best healthy cereals, according to a dietitian. It is praised for its high protein content (12 grams per serving) and 13 grams of fiber. However, Go Lean also contains 7 grams of added sugar. Alternatively, Healthline recommends Kashi 7 Grain Whole Nuggets, which are significantly lower in sugar than Kashi’s other options (and cereals in general). Kashi’s nuggets, reminiscent of Post Grape Nuts in appearance, are made with seven types of grains, including oats, wheat, rye, barley, buckwheat, and triticale.
Amy’s
When selecting frozen meals, we recommend seeking those with whole food ingredients, while considering the following: “Your best bet is one with less than 500 calories and no more than 600 milligrams of sodium. You also don’t want to go too low in calories — if a meal sits below the 300- to 350-calorie mark, you’ll want to beef it up with a side of lean protein like shrimp or lentils, a healthy fat such as avocado or olives, or a fruit or starchy vegetable. And you’ll want to aim for a meal with at least 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. These nutrients help keep you fuller for longer, so you won’t be raiding the pantry a few hours later” (via NBC News).
Dietitians have a favorable opinion of Amy’s frozen foods. Amy’s offers not only popular items like pizza and macaroni & cheese but also international cuisine –– Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and Indian. Taste testers at Self loved Amy’s Roasted Vegetable Lasagna and Amy’s Cheese & Pesto Pizza, which met specific requirements from their registered dietitian. Amy’s also provides plenty of low-sodium options, including Amy’s Brown Rice & Vegetables, which contain only 270 milligrams per serving.
Califia Farms
Califia Farms produces plant-based, dairy-free products, including almond, oat, and coconut milks, creamers, cold-brewed coffees, and more. According to their website, these health-focused products are vegan, kosher, and free from gluten, carrageenan, and soy. They are also non-GMO project verified and use BPA-free packaging.
CEO Dave Ritterbush recently told Food Navigator that the California-based company has been enjoying solid growth since the pandemic, with a recent surge in ready-to-drink coffees and creamers. He also stated that plant-based milks continue to take shares from the overall dairy market.
If you wish to avoid regular milk, creamer, or half and half in your morning cup of coffee, registered dietitian Amy Cambell recommends Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk Creamer (via Diabetes Self-Management). She describes it as “a rich, full-bodied coffee creamer that won’t have you missing your usual creamer one bit.” You can find more healthy, non-dairy creamer options from yet another health food brand worth buying –– Nutpods come in sweetened and unsweetened varieties. Don’t miss their holiday flavors!
EPIC Provisions
If you appreciate 100% grass-fed meats but also value the convenience of packaged foods, EPIC Provisions offers healthy, humane, and easy-to-grab snacking options. According to their website, “EPIC epitomizes real foods and will always be humane, pasture-centered, and most importantly, delicious.” The company is best known for their EPIC bars, which include a variety of meats, nuts, dried fruits, and seasonings.
Men’s Health describes EPIC bars as simple, straightforward, and the “no-nonsense snack you need right now.” EPIC Provisions also offers animal-based rinds, sticks, bites, broths, and fats. All products are Whole 30 approved, and some are keto-friendly.
If you’re seeking a hearty snack, EPIC bars might be the answer. Keep in mind that they are fairly dense due to the addition of fruit and nuts. If you prefer a more basic jerky, consider trying a Chomps meat stick. Similar to EPIC bars, Chomps are made from 100% grass-fed meats and contain zero sugar.
True Story
“True Story believes in a future of food that is a return to what is real and true. A future that is respectful to the source of our food – the soil, the animals, and the farmers. True Story is nurturing a community of family farmers, artisan producers, progressive retailers, and food lovers who are dedicated to this future,” states The National Provisioner, reporting on the brand’s launch in 2017.
Although True Story recently introduced raw Kurobuta pork to their line (according to Nosh), the brand is best known for their packaged deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and charcuterie –– not exactly what you think of when we say “health food,” right? But unlike other brands, True Story remains focused on simple, clean, natural, and organic ingredients produced in sustainable ways. All products are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and wheat-free. As for nitrates (potentially harmful preservatives commonly added to packaged meats), the company website explains that only naturally occurring nitrites, such as those found in celery through photosynthesis, are present in their products.
Not sure if meat is even healthy? It depends on which ones you eat. Regina Ragone, RD, told Provisioner Online, “Animal protein sources, such as lean meats like True Story, are similar to the protein found in your body. These protein sources are considered to be complete sources of protein because they contain all of the essential amino acids that your body needs to function effectively.”
Tribali Foods
In an interview with Fed and Fit, Tribali Foods founder Angela Mavridis shares that her father owned and operated a hamburger fast food restaurant while she was growing up. Consequently, she became a vegetarian, pursued fitness, and consumed many frozen vegetarian patties. Later, she studied nutrition and realized her body needed more. She started eating 100% grass-fed beef –– and hasn’t looked back.
Tribali Foods offers 100% grass-fed frozen meats that are free-range, paleo-friendly, Whole-30 approved, and free of dairy, canola oil, gluten, antibiotics, hormones, and soy. Plus, they taste great. In a taste test, Eat This, Not That! ranked Tribali’s Mediterranean-style beef patties among the best frozen burgers: “Immediately you get this rich meaty taste that’s lifted by acidic notes from the lemon peel and pairs nicely with the herbal notes of spearmint, parsley, and rosemary.”
Amy Shapiro, RD, endorsed a newer Tribali breakfast option: Chicken & Apple mini sliders. “Tribali Foods’ new sausage product does pass my clean food test. With minimal ingredients, family farm-raised organic chicken, and fruit sweetened and flavored with spices, there is nothing I don’t like about this—as long as you stick to the serving size” (via Eat This, Not That!).
Nuttzo
Are you searching for protein-rich nut butters and bars that the whole family will adore? If so, it’s time to go a little Nuttzo!
This San Diego-based company offers a range of mixed nut and seed butters, along with a few snack bars. According to their website, Nuttzo products contain high-quality ingredients without added sugar and oils. They are available in organic, all-natural, GMO-project verified, gluten-free, palm oil-free, soy-free, peanut-free, tree-nut free, refined-sugar free, and BPA-free varieties.
Men’s Health reports, “NuttZo was created by a mother trying to maximize the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that could be packed into 2 Tbsp of a nut butter in an effort to improve the health of her newly adopted nutrient deficient children.” For those who haven’t yet tried Nuttzo, founder and CEO Danielle Dietz-LiVolsi suggests starting with Peanut Pro (via The Baltimore Sun). She describes it as having an awesome peanut flavor, along with other nutritious nuts and seeds. Enjoy it in a PB&J, on a banana, or straight from the jar.
Siggi’s
Although yogurt is often touted as a healthy food, some types are better for you than others. Be aware that yogurt can be loaded with sugar, but it can also be an excellent source of calcium and protein. Prevention highlights the 14 healthiest yogurt brands, according to dietitians. Alongside several popular Greek-style options, they recommend Siggi’s plain nonfat yogurt and Siggi’s 2% coconut yogurt, stating, “Siggi’s yogurts are a type of Icelandic skyr, meaning they are super strained, resulting in a tremendously thick, lower-carb spoonful.” Siggi’s is generally known for “simple ingredients” and “not a lot of sugar.”
Fooducate assigns most of Siggi’s yogurt flavors an A for being “much better than average.” The products are minimally processed and naturally good sources of calcium, while also offering 15 to 16 grams of protein per serving. If you’re trying to avoid added sugars, pay attention to the flavor you choose. For instance, certified nutritionist Karin Adoni Ben-David notes (via InsideHook) that although most of the ingredients in Siggi’s Vanilla are good, this flavor also contains one that is questionable: “The second ingredient is agave, which is basically sugar and not the best type. Even though agave was marketed smartly as a low glycemic sweetener, it actually has the highest levels of fructose — even more than the notoriously known high fructose corn syrup.”
Kettle & Fire
There are numerous benefits to drinking bone broth. It is nutritious, may help protect your joints and bones, and is even believed to reduce inflammation, aid sleep, and support weight loss (according to Medical News Today).
Women’s Health explains that bone broth is made by boiling bones, usually for more than 24 hours. If you don’t have the time (or motivation) to make your own, Kettle & Fire provides a “convenient, delicious, and nutritious” solution with their line of grass-fed and finished, sippable bone broths and soups. Their products are made from the bones of humanely raised cattle and chicken, containing no additives, preservatives, antibiotics, hormones, artificial flavors or colors, or extra sodium.
Verywell Fit cites Kettle & Fire as the best organic bone broth due to its taste, nutritional content, and value, while Women’s Health includes the brand on their list of the best bone broths to buy, according to nutritionists. You can choose from seven different varieties, including turmeric ginger, mushroom chicken, chipotle beef, and coconut curry. Alternatively, try Pacific Foods –– another excellent brand for healthy broths and soups.
Simple Mills
For a healthy snack brand, Simple Mills provides “clean, nutritious foods for a better life.” Their offerings, all of which are 100% gluten-free and non-GMO, include crackers, cookies, bars, baking mixes, and even frosting. (Admittedly, labeling some of these products as healthy might be a stretch. However, they are undeniably healthier than many other packaged snack food brands.) The majority of Simple Mills’ products are also vegan, paleo-friendly, and kosher.
Consider the Almond Flour Sea Salt crackers, which Prevention‘s dietitians rate as the best overall healthy crackers for snacking. One taster remarked, “Good crunch—heartier than saltines, but in that zone.” Sounds appealing? Well+Good also endorses the product, calling them the best gluten-free crackers that dietitians enjoy snacking on. Maggie Michalczyk, RD, says, “Made with simple ingredients like almond flour, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds—and nothing artificial ever—these are a definite snacking win for anyone looking for a gluten-free, grain-free, corn-free, and dairy-free option.” For another healthy cracker option, check out Mary’s Gone Crackers.
Annie’s
If you have kids (and even if you don’t), you’re likely familiar with Annie’s. The brand is perhaps best known for boxed mac and cheese, along with adorable, bunny-shaped graham crackers. Annie’s also produces canned soups, boxed meals, cereal, baking mixes, refrigerated dough, dressings, condiments, and an abundance of snacks: crackers, cookies, bars, puffs, frozen treats, and more. Annie’s strives to use sustainable ingredients and responsible packaging. Some of their products are organic, gluten-free, and/or vegan.
The healthiness of Annie’s products has been debated. According to Mental Floss, “Although Annie’s products are organic and free of GMOs, trans fats, and added sugar, some critics argue that Annie’s is not as healthy as it claims. These critics highlight that a serving of Annie’s mac and cheese has a similar amount of calories, sodium, and saturated fat as Kraft mac and cheese, and Annie’s uses refined flour instead of whole grain flour. In response, Annie’s has reiterated that its goal is to create cleaner, more natural versions of convenience foods.”
Annie’s has also announced its commitment to eliminating phthalates, a potentially harmful chemical found in some cheese products, from their offerings (according to Insider). Bottom line: If you’re a busy parent who occasionally relies on packaged foods, you could do far worse than Annie’s.
Nature’s Path
If you enjoy boxed cereal for breakfast, Nature’s Path has some excellent options. In addition to cereal, they offer granola, bars, oatmeal, and chips. According to the Center for Food as Medicine, “The company is dedicated to being socially responsible by creating delicious organic breakfast and snack foods that suit a variety of dietary needs, but beyond their products, Nature’s Path strongly pledges to reach sustainability goals and actively give back to communities in need.”
As an example, FoodSided reports that Nature’s Path Regenerative Organic Certified Oats is not only good for you but could also benefit the environment. “When given a choice, many people prefer an option that is not only good for them but good for the planet. Nature’s Path is encouraging people to start their day with a breakfast that could help save the planet. In the process, that bowl of oatmeal can also be a way to fuel the day with good nutrition.”
Consumer Reports ranks Nature’s Path Organic Heritage Flakes as a top pick for both nutrition and taste in their traditional cereal category. A one-cup serving contains 160 calories, 7 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein. Other customer favorites include Pumpkin Seed & Flax granola, Dark Chocolate & Red Berries granola, and Sunrise Crunchy Maple cereal (according to Nature’s Path).
Siete Foods
For fans of all things crunchy, Siete Foods has you covered with healthy snack options. This Mexican-American food brand produces delicious, grain-free products, including chips, tortillas, seasonings, and sauces. Healthline includes Siete tortilla chips on their list of the 8 best healthy chips. This paleo-friendly item comes in a variety of delicious flavors and is made with avocado oil, often considered a healthier alternative to highly refined oils like canola and soybean.
Of course, some of you may wonder whether chips can ever genuinely be considered healthy. A Huffington Post article explains that while it would be a mistake to eat chips with the intention of replacing vegetables, if you’re in the mood for a salty, crunchy snack, there are healthy chip brands available –– including Siete. Registered dietitian Vanessa Risetto comments, “These chips are grain-free, low in calories and decent on the protein amounts. They’re also pretty flavorful, with fun flavors like lime, which is a favorite of mine.”
Lundberg Family Farms
Most dietitians recommend whole grains as an integral part of a healthy diet. Since Albert Lundberg fled the Nebraska dust bowl in 1937, four generations of Lundbergs have cultivated the family’s rice fields using sustainable farming practices (according to Lundberg Family Farms). Today, their product line includes organic and non-GMO grains, snacks, and ready-to-heat offerings. According to their website, family favorites include Organic Wild Blend Gourmet Rice, Organic Thin Stackers (Red Rice & Quinoa), and Organic Rice Pilaf (Cilantro Lime).
Healthline praises Lundberg Family Farms’ Organic Long-Grain Brown Rice on their list of the best rice brands for 2021. And if you’re not yet consuming brown rice instead of white rice, here’s why you should: “Unlike white rice, brown rice is considered a whole grain because it contains all parts of the grain — the bran, germ, and endosperm. Thus, it’s often higher in fiber, protein, and certain minerals like manganese and magnesium than white rice.”
