Introduction
Kroger is one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States, and it offers a wide variety of food options. But with so many choices, it can be hard to know which foods are the healthiest. To help you make the best choices, we asked a dietitian to share her top picks for the 12 best foods you can buy at Kroger right now. From nutrient-dense produce to healthy proteins and snacks, these are the foods that will help you reach your health and wellness goals.
12 Best Foods You Can Buy at Kroger Right Now, Says Dietitian
Kroger is one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States, and it offers a wide variety of food options. But with so many choices, it can be hard to know which foods are the healthiest. To help you make the best choices, we asked a dietitian to share her top picks for the best foods you can buy at Kroger right now.
1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a great choice for a healthy diet. Kroger has a wide selection of both, so you can choose the ones that you like best. Look for seasonal produce for the freshest and most nutritious options.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet, and Kroger has a variety of options. Look for whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, and other whole grain products. These are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Lean Proteins
Protein is an important part of a healthy diet, and Kroger has a variety of lean protein options. Look for lean cuts of beef, chicken, and fish, as well as plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh. These are a great source of essential amino acids.
4. Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products are a great source of calcium and other essential nutrients. Kroger has a variety of low-fat dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose plain varieties to avoid added sugar.
5. Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet. Kroger has a variety of healthy fats, including olive oil, nuts, and avocados. These are a great source of essential fatty acids and can help you feel full and satisfied.
6. Healthy Snacks
Snacking can be a great way to get in extra nutrients throughout the day. Kroger has a variety of healthy snacks, including nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whole grain crackers. Choose snacks that are low in sugar and high in fiber and protein.
7. Frozen Foods
Frozen foods can be a great way to get in extra nutrients without having to cook. Kroger has a variety of frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins like fish and chicken. These are a great way to get in extra nutrients without having to cook.
8. Canned Foods
Canned foods can be a great way to get in extra nutrients without having to cook. Kroger has a variety of canned fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins like tuna and salmon. Choose low-sodium varieties to reduce your sodium intake.
9. Condiments
Condiments can be a great way to add flavor to your meals without adding a lot of calories. Kroger has a variety of condiments, including low-sodium sauces, vinegars, and mustards. Choose condiments that are low in sugar and high in flavor.
10. Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor to your meals without adding a lot of calories. Kroger has a variety of herbs and spices, including turmeric, cumin, and oregano. These are a great way to add flavor without adding a lot of calories.
11. Healthy Beverages
Healthy beverages are an important part of a balanced diet. Kroger has a variety of healthy beverages, including water, unsweetened tea, and low-fat milk. Choose beverages that are low in sugar and high in nutrients.
12. Plant-Based Alternatives
Plant-based alternatives are a great way to get in extra nutrients without having to eat animal products. Kroger has a variety of plant-based alternatives, including tofu, tempeh, and seitan. These are a great source of protein and other essential nutrients.
Kroger has a wide variety of healthy food options, so you can make the best choices for your diet. With these tips from a dietitian, you can find the best foods to buy at Kroger right now.
The product recommendations in this post are recommendations by the writer and/or expert(s)
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Traditional grocery stores like Kroger and its banner names (Smith’s, Ralphs, and Fred Meyer, among others) might not be the first place you think to shop to improve your diet. However, recently Kroger Health, Kroger’s healthcare division, was awarded Retailer of the Year by Mass Market Retailers for championing the link between nutrition and health. Furthermore, their iconic “Simple Truth” line has become an over $3 billion brand that offers natural and organic products which often strive for a better ingredient list and nutrition label. Based on this information alone, it’s evident that perhaps there are more healthy foods you can buy at Kroger right now than previously assumed.
Here, we give you a straight-forward guide on what foods—private or national brand—should be making a more regular drop in your grocery cart when you shop at Kroger. For more helpful suggestions for quality foods you can buy at Kroger, check out The Best Breakfast Foods to Buy at Kroger for Weight Loss, Says Dietitian.
Per ½ cup serving: 100 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 130 mg sodium, 19 g carbs (3 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 7 g protein
We are certainly familiar with the concept of canned beans—but canned lentils? Now, that’s different—not to mention, an excellent food you can buy at Kroger at present. Lentils also hail from the legume family and are a tremendous source of fiber and protein and add some “chunk” to favorite dishes. Simple Truth Lentils play well in sauces, atop salads, or as a burger patty alternative.
Per package (10 g): 35 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 9 g carbs (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 0 g protein
Too busy to slice and dice, or even peel, fruit? Then freeze-dried fruit may be up your alley. Simple Truth Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack‘s only ingredient is fruit (strawberries, bananas, apples and blueberries to be exact) and it has a long shelf-life, so it isn’t wasted staring at you from the back of the fridge.
Per ¼ cup serving: 60 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 25 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (3 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 8 g protein
Nutritional yeast, or “nooch,” is here to stay, and Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast is an excellent one to buy at Kroger! Vegans rejoice at this cheesy alternative that has all the protein (and then some) compared to cheese, a fraction of the sodium (about 245 mg less than conventional parmesan cheese per the same serving size), and three extra grams of fiber (on top of cheese’s zero grams).
Per ¼ cup serving: 70 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 25 mg sodium, 12 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein
Most frozen stir fry products use copious amounts of sauces and come with a high sodium price tag—but not Kroger Stir Fry Starters Vegetables With Noodles. This vegetable and noodle combo in the freezer section is a very low sodium solution towards dinner that can easily be thrown in a wok or on the stovetop.
Per bag (326 g): 400 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 680 mg sodium, 68 g carbs (17 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 18 g protein
Birds Eye Steamfresh Frozen Protein Power Blend is marketed as a full meal solution and it offers just that: the right mixture of grains, plant protein, and vegetables, as well as striking a good balance of fat, carbohydrates (including an astounding 17 grams of fiber), and protein.
Per 1 cup serving: 80 calories, 4 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 75 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (2 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 7 g protein
The only acceptable alternative to cow’s milk in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 is fortified soy milk (preferably unsweetened). Silk Unsweetened Soy Milk addresses that need and with somehow really great taste. Keep it on hand at home for cereal, cooking, baking, or just by the glass.
Per 2 oz serving: 180 calories, 3.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (13 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 24 g protein
A trend which has made its way into the American food vernacular, bean-based pastas continue to show up in the dry goods aisle, like in the case of Explore Cuisine Edamame Spaghetti. This ingenious way of presenting dinner alters only one ingredient. However, it triples and sextuples, respectively, the amount of two key nutrients—protein and fiber—versus the traditional wheat-based version.
Per 2 tbsp serving: 60 calories, 4.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 150 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein
Cashews aren’t just for trail mixes anymore. Cashews have re-entered the snack category in the form of creamy, yet healthy, sauces, spreads, and dips. Simple Truth Hatch Queso Cashew Dip‘s first four ingredients are a blend of water, cashews, Hatch Valley green chiles, and tomatoes.
Per 1 pack (56 g) serving: 100 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (4 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 1 g protein
We all know guacamole is the usual way to enjoy mashed avocados, but guacamole also comes with a generous amount of added salt. However, Simple Truth Mashed Avocado does not. Simple Truth has created a to-go cup of mashed avocado that is sodium-free and has just one ingredient: avocado. Spread this product guilt-free on your next toast or sandwich.
Per 1 pouch (99 g) serving: 70 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 5 mg sodium, 10 g carbs (3 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 2 g protein
If you’ve never taken the plunge of eating chia pudding or sipping on a chia seed drink, take the first step with this Mamma Chia Squeeze Snacks squeeze pack—a healthy, convenient food you can buy at Kroger right now. It is a reasonable serving size towards a snack, provides under three grams of fat (all healthy and unsaturated), with some fiber and protein to keep you fuller.
Per 1 oz (28 g) serving: 170 calories, 14 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 40 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (2 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 5 g protein
All mixed nuts can fit well into a healthy diet (when we stick to a ¼ cup or 1 oz serving at a time). But this particular product, Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, is low in sodium. It also is a “deluxe” blend that leaves out peanuts (the base of America’s favorite nut butter) and opts for other nuts like hazelnuts, pistachios, and pecans.
Per 1 cup serving: 80 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 35 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 12 g protein
If selecting cow’s milk dairy products, be on the lookout for low-fat options. Two Good Vanilla Low-fat Greek Yogurt is not only low-fat (under three grams or less of total fat per serving), but also very low in sodium, contains no added sugar, and is an excellent source of protein.