Men's Health's Best Supermarket Foods
Try these healthy and tasty picks, straight from the supermarket aisles.
June 12, 2008— -- Men's Health reveals the best foods in its Annual Nutrition Awards. Months of scouring grocery stores with nutritionists and chefs led to identifying the nutritional champions in every aisle. Bonus points were given to those products with more protein and fiber and less added sugar and sodium. But no penalties were given for fat, because fat adds flavor and keeps hunger at bay.
Once leaders were chosen in each category, a head-to-head taste test determined the winner. See a dozen of our favorites below, or check out the full list.
Best Morning Beverages
Tropicana Grab-n-Go with Calcium and Vitamin D
110 calories, 26 g carbs (Per 8-oz carton)
These small containers keep every serving fresh and make it easy to down on the run.
Illy Expresso Coffee (Medium Grind)
No calories
As deep and rich as store-bought coffee gets. Plus, the grounds work great mixed with chili powder and smoked paprika, and rubbed on steak.
Starbucks Double Shot Light
70 calories, 6 g carbs, 4 g fat (per can)
Many coffee drinks have as much sugar and as many calories as regular soda. But not this version.
Best Cereals
HOT: Quaker Weight Control Banana Bread Oatmeal
160 calories, 7 g protein, 29 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 3 g fat (per packet)
Simple to make -- at home or work.
COLD: Post Shredded Wheat
170 calories, 6 g protein, 40 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 1 g fat (per cup)
Only one ingredient in this cereal -- whole wheat -- so you don't have to worry about added ingredients and sugar content.
Best Grains
Arnold Natural 100% Whole Wheat Bread
90 calories, 3 g protein, 16 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 1.5 g fat
Use 100 percent whole-grain bread to get more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants in every bite of your favorite sandwich.
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Blend Spaghetti
180 calories, 7 g protein, 6 g fiber (Per 1/4 cup dry)
None of the gritty texture or unappealing flavor that you get with most whole-wheat pastas.
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Best Dairy
Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Original
70 calories, 5 g protein, 0 g carbs, 6 g fat
They're great when you are on the go -- individual packaging helps keep them fresh.
Edy's Slow Churned Vanilla with Crunch Bar
150 calories, 19 g carbs, 8 g fat, 10 sugars (per bar)
This is one indulgence that won't leave you in tears. Sometimes you've got to satisfy your cravings, and eating food in a "bar" form makes sure you taken in a single portion. If you're going to cheat, this is the way to go.
Best Classic 'Junk Food'
South Beach Diet Pepperoni Pizza
350 calories, 31 g protein, 36 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 12 g fat (per pizza)
With its perfect size and whole-wheat, crispy crust, this was an easy winner in its category.
Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Chips Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper
150 calories, 2 g protein, 16 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 9 g fat (per oz.)
The perfect balance of salt, spice, and big potato crunch
Late July Organic Vanilla Bean with Green Tea
100 calories, 1 g protein, 16 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 5 g fat (per 2 cookies)
Like an Oreo -- but it tastes fresher. Contains pure organic chocolate with a hint of vanilla.
Need more ideas? Check out the full list here.
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