My Favorite Real Food Packaged Items

It's no surprise that food that comes in a package is not in its natural state. However, staying away from ALL packaged food is quite hard, especially in this day and age. When I am buying packaged foods, I focus my attention on the ingredient list. First off I look for a minimal number ingredients. The longer the ingredient list, the more processed that item is. According to the Real Food Rules on the 100 Days of Real Food Blog, packaged foods must have 5 or less ingredients. I use this as a guideline, not as a strict rule. However, just because a food item only has three ingredients, take potato chips for example, doesn't mean it is healthy. I also look for quality ingredients. I try to stay away from white flour, white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and sweeteners, and any other foreign ingredients. Here is a list of my favorite packaged items that we keep in our house. Most of these follow the guidelines of real food, although some closer than others. Do you have any other real food packaged items you like? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!



This is my favorite cereal! It only has a few ingredients, is made with 100% whole wheat, and is high in fiber. It has just the right amount of sweetness for my taste.

Steel Cut oats are very good for you. The quick cook are the most convenient if you can find them. I usually mix equal parts steel cut and regular old fashioned oats. Of course, you would need to cook the steel cut oats for a few minutes before adding the other.

 Ezekiel Cereals are made with sprouted grains and have minimal ingredients. I think they taste similar to GrapeNuts cereal. I add them to yogurt or mix in with my usual cereal.

 This is another one of my favorite cereals that has few ingredients. Plus, each serving only contains 5g sugar which is very good compared to most cereals.

 The Ezekiel Sprouted Grains english muffins are absolutely delicious! Toast them up and spread with butter, jam, honey, cream cheese, or almond butter.

Snacks

These crackers are my favorite gluten free crackers. They are crunchy and salty and go really well with cheese and dips.

This Fit Popcorn only has 3 ingredients and is very tasty! Makes a great snack.

 Who knew triscuits only have three ingredients? AND they are made with whole wheat.

 These are my favorite tortilla chips. They are just YUM! I find these at Whole Foods Market.

   180 Snacks sells these nut clusters that are fantastic. They are sweet and crunchy and oh so satisfying.
 Larabars are made with mostly nuts, dates, and fruit. They are chewy and moist and make a great snack. And with so many flavors, you are sure to find one you like.

  These popcorn chips only have a few ingredients and they satisfy my chip craving. They are the perfect amount of sweet and salty.

 My husband loves these pre-packaged trail mixes. It's the only way I can get him to eat nuts! 

These graham crackers are made with 100% whole wheat. They are really yummy for s'mores or slathered in almond butter.

Bread Items

 This is the bread we like to keep on hand. The Ezekiel sprouted grain brand has a few different types of bread found in the freezer section of most grocery stores.

 Ezekiel also makes flour and corn tortillas perfect for making wraps and quesadillas.

We love having a roll with dinner, and these are the healthiest that I have found. They carry them at Whole Foods.

Desserts
 These are very similar to Fig Newton cookies, except they are made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with fruit juice. 

 Breyers vanilla is one of the few types of ice cream that has 5 ingredients or less. It's one of those staples we always keep on hand.

  This all-natural peanut butter is made with dark chocolate and has no hydrogenated oils. It's great on ice cream, bananas, or whole wheat graham crackers.