First for Women Food Awards 2024: 80,000 Readers Weigh In on the Top Supermarket Picks This Year!
10 hours ago
From cereals to snacks, frozen meals to fresh ingredients and sauces to desserts, meet the winners of the first annual FIRST for Women Food Awards . These first-in-class foods—a mix of new products and classic favorites—will add tons of flavor to all your meals and make cooking faster and more convenient. Best of all, they’ve been tried, tested and chosen by the real experts: 80,000 readers just like you!
Best Cereal
Cheerios
The breakfast-in-a-bowl is beloved for its toasted oats flavor, crunch and heart-healthy benefits, including 34 grams of whole grains , 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of soluble fiber in every serving. Enjoy it with fruit and milk, sprinkle it on yogurt or pack it as an on-the-go snack. $3.68 for a 8.9-oz. box, Walmart .
Best Yogurt
Chobani Creations
This Greek yogurt line comes in fun flavors like Mocha Tiramisu and Bananas Foster. Loaded with 10 grams of protein and tasting “just like the dessert it’s named after,” it makes a great snack or treat. $1.69 each, select grocery stores nationwide.
What Chobani Creations yogurt flavor are you most excited to try?
Best Breakfast To-Go
Jimmy Dean Maple Griddle Cakes
Sausage, egg and cheese served on a pancake sandwich with maple syrup? Yes, please! So say FIRST readers who voted these their favorite make-and-take morning meal . The sandwiches combine three favorite breakfast foods in one and boast 13 grams of protein. $6.49 for a box of four, Target.
Did you get the memo? Pumpkin spice lattes (PSL) don't only have to be sipped warm. I know many piping hot fall drinks make us feel warm and cozy, especially as the weather starts getting chillier. But, if you swear by drinking iced coffee year-round, then the cold version of this drink is perfect for […]
Pro Tip: “Eating frozen mango, pitted frozen cherries and frozen peach slices straight from the bag is like having an Italian ice, without all the extra sugar. It’s delicious!” —Joy Bauer, R.D.
Best Mayo
Hellmann's/Best Foods Tajin Chili Lime Mayo Dressing
This creamy condiment gets a zesty pop from lime and a bit of spice from Tajín Clásico, a seasoning made from chili peppers, lime and sea salt. Fans of the mayo call it “absolutely delicious” and say it’s great on tacos, fish, sandwiches and more. $4.69 for 11.5 oz., Target.
Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, has everything you could want in a veggie side: it's creamy, spiced, cheese and just downright flavorful. Making it at home is also simple, especially when you use a shortcut ingredient like Hellmann's Chili Lime Mayonnaise Dressing, FIRST's award winner for best mayo as part of the FIRST […]
Best Plant-Based Milk
Califia Farms Complete Plant Milk
Made with a blend of peas, chickpeas and fava beans, this dairy substitute has 8 grams of protein plus the same nine essential nutrients as dairy milk— including calcium , vitamin D, vitamin B-12, magnesium and potassium—but half the sugar. Considered a complete protein, Califia scored with readers for its “delicious” flavor and creaminess. $5.99 for 40 oz., Target.
Almased Almond Vanilla High Protein Plant-Based Meal Replacement Shake
This powdered formula , boasting amino acids and peptides plus soy, yogurt and honey, has been shown to aid weight loss, regulate hunger and optimize metabolism. Fans like the texture, flavor and the 27 grams of protein. (Stir into water and enjoy!) $33.48 for 17.6 oz., Walmart.
Best High-Protein Meal Replacement Shake
Ensure Cherry Cheesecake Max Protein Nutrition Shake
The way you shop while at the grocery store sets you up for healthy, happy eating, says TODAY nutritionist and FIRST contributor Joy Bauer, M.S., RDN. We all know that the supermarket can be an overwhelming place, and it is incredibly easy to get sidetracked by the plethora of delicious options. But, those tasty treats […]
Best Classic Spice
McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning
A heady blend of garlic, paprika, salt and black and red pepper, this seasoning gives steaks, burgers and chops bold flavor. Sprinkle it over meat and grill or use it to whip up a tasty marinade. $1.90 for 3.4 oz., Walmart.
Pro Tip: “Stock up on spices, vinegars, herbs, mustards, limes and lemons to add flavor to your dishes. And don’t forget my favorite—the hot sauce!” —Joy Bauer, R.D.
Best New Spice
Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn Seasoning
This line of popcorn seasonings lets you tailor your snack to your craving. Thanks to creative brand collaborations, flavors include Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll and Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Sauce. $3 to $6 each, Walmart.
Best Ketchup
Heinz Pickle Ketchup
Get your pickles and ketchup in one simple squeeze. Heinz’s famous ketchup gets an addition of pickled seasoning for briny, bright flavor. The two-in-one delivers just the right amount of tang, and it’s perfect on burgers, hot dogs and fries. $3.48 for a 13.5-oz. bottle, Walmart.
I have a confession to make: I’m not a ketchup fan. In fact, I’ve actively avoided it for most of my adult life with the exception of my sister squeezing a dollop of it into my mouth on a dare. The overly sweet, one-dimensional flavor never appealed to me even in my childhood years, and […]
When you want ice cream, but you also want a candy bar (hey, it happens), this frozen sensation has you covered. Vanilla ice cream is laced with chocolate peanuts, pieces of Snickers and caramel ribbons for a salty-sweet- creamy-crunchy bowl of bliss. $4.67 for 1.5 quart, Walmart.
Cheesy dishes are a breeze to make with this rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella . The thick shreds melt quickly and easily, ensuring that everything from enchiladas to pizzas and mac ’n’ cheese are creamy and delicious. $2.98 for 8 oz., Walmart.
Pro Tip: “Make a point to buy and try a veggie or fruit you’ve never eaten. It’s a great way to get more nutrients and variety in your diet.” —Joy Bauer, R.D.
Best Frozen Veggies/Side Dish
Green Giant Restaurant Style Veggies and Rice
Made with brown rice and quinoa , this side has 8 to 10 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Choose spring veggies in a garlic basil sauce or spinach Florentine with a Parmesan Romano sauce. $2.98 for 10 oz., Walmart.
Most Versatile Fresh Ingredient
Avocados From Mexico
From scrambled eggs to tacos and toast, these tasty, heart-healthy fruits make virtually anything taste better. Loaded with healthy fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, avocados are bursting with rich flavor. Besides making your favorite guac, you can toss them in a smoothie, whip them into a velvety sauce or bake up some avocado fries. The options are endless. About $1 per avocado, supermarkets nationwide.
Best Soup
Campbell's Well Yes! Plant-Based Soup
These satisfying soups are powered by plants and made with nutritious ingredients. For instance, Chick’n Noodle contains plant-based chick’n, vegetables, white beans and noodles and has 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber . Readers give the taste high marks and say the ingredients make them feel good about what they’re eating. Available in multiple flavors, $2.69 for a 16.1-oz. can, Target.
With its buttery crust, tasty sauce and blend of four premium cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, provolone and Parmesan), this pizza gets high marks for its “almost homemade” taste, convenience (it bakes up in just over 20 minutes) and generous amounts of cheese. $4.89, Target.
These creamy dips with frozen veggies make great apps. The Buffalo Cauliflower version has a tangy, cheesy sauce, and Spinach & Artichoke features a Parmesan sauce. Just heat and enjoy. $5, at select grocery stores nationwide.
Rich with tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and onion, this versatile sauce is as good on pizza as it is tossed with pasta. It scores highly for its flavor, which some say is comparable to homemade, and its convenience. Just simmer and serve. $2.49 for a 24-oz. jar, Target.
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