This post is sponsored by the NFRA.
A Dietitian’s Guide for What to Buy in Safeway’s Frozen Foods Aisle.
Plus, get this Immune Builder Beet Smoothie made with citrus and frozen beets!
You guys, grocery stores. They are one of my things. I love exploring (yes, even with a toddler), although these days it looks more like the little guy “helping mama push the shopping cart” or me literally running down the aisle chasing after him because he loves to RUN… away. Yes, I’m that mom you see that has no control over her screaming child who may or may not be throwing a tantrum on the floor.
Sooooo… Safeway, I wrote about my obsession with O Organics (exclusive to Safeway) last year; since March is National Frozen Food Month, today I wanted to share with you my favorite finds in their frozen aisle ANNDDD I’m tempting you with this immune building beet smoothie. You’re pumped, right?
But first, coffee. Literally they have a Starbucks in our Safeway!!! HELLO, you know I’m an instant fan. Safeway, you had me at coffee. So promptly after wiping down my shopping cart with the antibacterial wipes (goodbye germs), I swung through to pick up a latte. Oh yes, we are off to a good start.
After coffee, I hit up the frozen aisle which has so many unique finds that I just had to put together this list of favorites for you. I literally had a frozen foods high after leaving the aisle! It was so fun.
Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruits provide all the benefits of fresh with an increased shelf life, pre prepped convenience, and often a better price. And that’s WINNING in my mom book. They are frozen at the peak of ripeness so they are fresh and full of good nutrition. I love to add a variety of frozen fruits to smoothies (DUH) and berries to oatmeal and pancakes- they will thaw as the oatmeal cooks and add a boost of antioxidants and vitamins! Two of my favorite brands at Safeway are Earthbound Farm Organic and O Organics (oh and they have organic wild blueberries at a great price!
In a hurry? Pre-made smoothie packets are a super easy way to put together a healthy snack or meal in no time! Just add a packet and liquid to the blender for a quick breakfast or snack—I like these Campoverde Fruit & Veggie Blenders and they have several fun varieties that incorporate the benefits of both fruits and vegetables!
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are super convenient when you are busy. I love the Earthbound Farm Organic Power Blend because it combines the power of three leafy greens – spinach, kale and swiss chard, making it easy to add a nutritional punch to pasta, soups or even a smoothie! Frozen root vegetables are the way to go (no peeling or dicing involved); they’re easy to add to your favorite soups or make an easy side dish. Beets are one of my favorite root vegetables! Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and inflammatory compounds. Make a smoothie with beets like this Immune Builder Beet Smoothie, or add to a salad to give that extra nutritious punch to your meal. Frozen makes it so easy to just grab a handful and throw into your smoothie! I used Earthbound Farms Rustic Cut Organic Ruby Red Beets in this beet smoothie. Isn’t the color of this beet smoothie amazing??
Winter squash is packed full of vitamin A, a vitamin important to maintain eye health. It’s also rich in iron and calcium which are hard to find nutrients in plant foods. It is great for a soup base and versatile enough to stir into oatmeal or eaten as is topped with walnuts. Cascadian Farms Organic Winter Squash is a great choice as the only ingredient is organic winter squash! Thats right, no additives.
Craving tots? Sweet potato tots are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Yum! They make a great side dish to family meals or toss them on top of a salad! Bonus: each serving of Alexia Sweet Potato Puffs provides 60% of your daily vitamin A needs! These are my son’s fav.
Frozen Grains
P.F. Chang’s Steamed Brown Rice has no additives, which we love! Choose the brown rice option for the whole grain benefits, such as fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Bonus…this rice is already cooked and easy to throw in your stir fry, soup or salad AKA less dishes and kitchen clean up, thanks to frozen brown rice!!
Gluten Free? Safeway offers a wide variety of GF options in the frozen aisle. Storing bread in the fridge can make it dry out, but freezing it means it will stay fresh until you’re ready to use it. I’m a big fan of Udi’s Gluten Free Millet-Chia Bread, it contains a hefty dose of Omega-3s and fiber thanks to the ancient grains millet and chia!
Frozen Convenience Foods
There are some nights when nothing but pizza will do. Having a frozen pizza or two on hand means you can be prepared when these nights happen! The roasted veggie option from Open Nature has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Another vegetarian option is the spinach and feta pizza from O Organics. Both provide calcium from the cheese and vitamins A & C from the veggies. Pair with a salad and a protein for a complete, delicious meal!
In our busy lives sometimes the convenience of already prepared foods are the closest we’ll get to home style cooking. However smart choices are important, because let’s face it not all convenience foods are created equal. Safeway carries Evol Foods Thai Style Curry Chicken. This is a smart choice as it is gluten free and provides 15g of protein per serving, less than 6g of sugar, and 2g fiber along with vitamins & minerals such as vitamin A, C, and iron for a great choice on work day or evening.
Frozen Treats
Lets face it, everybody has a sweet craving once in awhile, and ice cream is my sweet of choice. Alden’s Cookies & Cream Ice Cream (YUMM) always goes into my shopping cart 😉
Oh and if you’re not all about grocery shopping like I am… Safeway has a grocery delivery service (and in full disclosure I did place an order while writing this post…because organic wild blueberries and diapers were a must)…can you tell I’m squealing with excitement??!!!
So I’d love to know, do you shop at Safeway?? What are your favorite frozen food finds to add to your grocery cart? If you make this Immune Builder Beet Smoothie be sure to share a pic by tagging @KristinaLaRueRD and use the #loveandzest!
If you need more frozen food inspiration and recipes, be sure to visit EasyHomeMeals.com and visit them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Immune Builder Beet Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
This Immune Builder Beet Smoothie made with citrus and frozen beets! Love the color of this smoothie!!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons raw cashews
- 2 medjool dates, pitted (optional) *can also use maple syrup
- 2 cara cara or navel oranges, peeled
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 1 cup Earthbound Farms Frozen Organic Ruby Red Beets
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Soak cashews and dates in warm water for at least a minute; drain water and place in a blender.
- Add oranges, lemon, beets, and water to the blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add ice and blend until smooth. Pour into two glasses and enjoy.
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie
Keywords: immune boosting, 5 minute
Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.
Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!
If you’re a modern mama– I’d love for you to join my Facebook group A Modern Motherhood Collective!
Have you found another brand of frozen beets? Trader JOes used to have one, too, but neither of them exist anymore….
Have you tried the brand Love Beets or the ones from Trader Joes? I know they aren’t frozen but they are cooked and peeled and easy to toss into smoothies. Alternatively you can freeze those yourself too. It’s a bummer these frozen ones aren’t available anymore.