Coffee Mate - Chocolate Chip Cookie Creamer

I have seen the Coffee Mate Chocolate Chip Cookie Creamer at my local grocery store for months. I had refused to purchase it because I had a container of creamer I was working on finishing. Then while on a whim grocery store run I decided to pick up a bottle to try, solely because my local Dunkin Donuts are running out of their Chips Ahoy coffee syrup ... and I was looking for a suitable replacement.

Unfortunately, I didn't find a direct replacement but it is an okay substitute to have in your morning/afternoon/evening coffee if you're in the mood for something sweet. The creamer itself resembles chocolate milk. It's got a chocolate flavor to it, which for me when mixed in my coffee, comes across more like chocolate creamer than chocolate chip cookie. One thing I noticed is that it has a rich creamer flavor to it (more so than in the other creamers I tend to purchase). The creaminess to it is a slight drawback since I'm not the biggest creamer fan (granted, I only use a tablespoon at a time).

Truthfully, Dunkin Donuts set my taste buds on a high standing pedestal and in comparison to that, this doesn't even come close to meeting the mark. It's a decent creamer, but it's certainly not what I had in mind when I purchased it.

A serving, 1 tbsp, is 35 calories or 1 points plus value.

Trader Joe's Super Green Powder

Jumping on the green juice bandwagon I decided to pick up a container of the Trader Joe's Super Green Powder in an attempt give myself a little bit more of an antioxidant boost. I get in my share of fruits and vegetables daily, but I figured a little added boost wouldn't hurt.

The bottle says that a single scoop contains at least 8000 ORAC units (for example, a 3.5 oz serving of cherries has about 670 ORAC units and a 3.5 oz serving of broccoli has about 900 ORAC units). Quite a boost comparatively speaking. The container states to add a scoop to 1 cup of water, skim milk or juice. It can even be stirred or mixed in a blender for smoother consistency. It's also suggested to use the mix once daily to receive the health benefits.

On my first try I opted to go with 1 scoop into 1 cup of water. Immediately my water was transformed into a dark (but see thru) shade of green. It smelled faintly of berries, but not overwhelmingly so (say, in comparison to a Crystal Light packet). Upon first sip, I was surprised with how bland it tasted. It really tasted like nothing ... kind of like when someone adds a flavor packet of Kool-Aid into water (without any sugar added). It tastes like something, but tastes like nothing at the same time because there's no added sweetness.

Just because of that this isn't a supplement I'd suggest drinking plain in a glass of water or milk (unless you're into that flavor profile). I'd suggest mixing this into a smoothie for a little added boost that you're sneaking in. This way you're at least getting the nutrients without perhaps chugging a flavor profile you're not exceptionally excited about.

 

A serving, 1 scoop (10g), is 50 calories or 1 points plus values.

Rockstar Roasted with Almond Milk - Light Vanilla

I've been on an energy drink kick as of late so while at the store I noticed a line of coffee beverages, the one that particularly caught my interest was the one made with almond milk. I happen to be a huge coffee fan so of course I had to pick up a can of the Rockstar Roasted with Almond Milk - Light Vanilla after spotting it on a local grocers shelf.

Evidently these canned coffee beverages have been out for a while, but it was the first time I had ever laid eyes upon them. I went for the light vanilla because it was made with almond milk and because it wasn't too bad calorie wise (I don't necessarily like to throw my calories/points plus values away on beverages). 

The drink itself is very good. I stashed my can in the refrigerator overnight and the next morning it was perfect for my early morning pick me up while at work. It's lightly sweetened, has enough almond milk in it to change the color of the coffee (it's a lighter brown color), and has a very smooth vanilla flavor to it. It's quite refreshing, particularly when in a pinch where I don't have a coffee in hand (or essentially the things I need to make myself a coffee to my liking on hand). 

A serving, 8 ounces, is 60 calories or 1 points plus values or the whole can is 120 calories or 3 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Stir-Fry Vegetables

I've been dabbling more in the frozen vegetable world, so when I spotted Trader Joe's Stir-Fry Vegetables I opted to pick up a package to give a whirl. I love a good stir fry, but sometimes getting all of the appropriate vegetables together can be a little bit of a hassle particularly if I'm making a meal for just myself.

 

For a quick meal one night I decided to heat up the stir-fry vegetables as a side alongside some chicken. I followed the package directions, opting to heat the veggies through in the microwave. They turned out perfectly, not overcooked and were a pretty good consistency. The combination of the vegetables was perfect (pea pods, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, soybeans, water chestnuts, carrots, mushrooms) - allowing each vegetable to shine while providing sustenance with some bite.

I paired my meals alongside some steamed brown rice, while I also just ate some of the vegetables with chicken that was drizzled with Trader Joe's Sriracha Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce.  Overall I am quite a fan of this vegetable stir-fry blend because it's simple, satisfying and a great addition to any dish.

 

A serving, 1 cup, is 45 calories or 1 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Cilantro Salad Dressing

I have been in quite the salad rut as of late so I picked up a bottle of Trader Joe's Cilantro Salad Dressing in hopes it would transform my salad life. Truthfully, I'm not the biggest cilantro fan but I'll try (almost) anything once and since I was a fan of the Bolthouse Farms Avocado Cilantro dressing I figured this couldn't be so bad.

The consistency of the dressing is thinner, but it does have a little body to it. I found a serving is more than enough to cover a decent size salad without feeling gypped or let down. Flavor-wise, it's definitely cilantro flavored salad dressing, but it's not offensive or overwhelming on the palette. I enjoyed it on top of a salad, served alongside steak tips and a baked potato.

Some folks have stated they like to use this as a marinade. If I was to go that route, I'd certainly have to add some additional flavors to it (since I am particularly picky about my meats seasonings).

According to the Trader Joe's website: "This crisp, cool dressing begins with a reduced fat mayonnaise base, and gets both its bright color and vibrant flavor from loads of fresh cilantro. We include crumbled Cotija cheese, pasilla peppers and finely chopped pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to round out the flavor profile. It's tangy and a little sweet, an apt accompaniment to a garden salad, and an excellent addition to wraps, sandwiches, fish tacos or even a baked (or grilled) potato."

A serving, 2 tablespoons, is 45 calories or 1 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Jalapeno Greek Yogurt Dip

In an attempt to make a healthy snack fresh vegetables, I decided to pick up a container of the Trader Joe's Jalapeno Greek Yogurt Dip. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect flavor wise, but I only hoped it would be delicious ... and I have to say, it really is.

With Greek yogurt dips I find they really are give or take. Sometimes they are a huge win, other times they are a huge fail. This dip itself is a huge win (so much win I've repurchased it a few times). The consistency of the dip is along the lines of looser than a chip dip, which is perfect to dip fresh veggies into. It's perfectly jalapeno, offering a nice almost bold spice - it's definitely clearly there but it's certainly not so spicy that your taste buds are overwhelmed. It's far more enjoyable than say the ranch veggie dip that's sold at most grocery stores. Plus, since it's not as thick your taste buds aren't just getting all dip and cancelling out the natural flavor of the vegetable you're dipping.

Initially I had purchased a tray of cut up vegetables at Trader Joe's and found the combination perfectly complimented the jalapeno flavor. Jicama, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots and sugar snap peas. All went pleasantly with the dip but as would snap peas, broccoli, celery, and bell peppers etc.

A serving, 2 tbsp, is 50 calories or 1 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Organic Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce

When I spotted the Trader Joe's Organic Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce I was immediately excited. I happen to be a huge fan of sriracha, garlic and BBQ sauce (even though I truly don't have BBQ sauce very often). So to have the best of three worlds morphed into one ... I had to give it a try.

What sold me almost immediately in store (outside of just the flavor) was the fact the nutrition facts are quite fabulous for a BBQ sauce. Typically the BBQ sauces sold in my local grocery store are so high in calories, fat and sugars that they're not even worth it. Since I have enjoyed some of the other BBQ sauces (and sauces in general) at Trader Joe's over the years, I decided this was a must have.

I notice the flavor of this BBQ sauce intensifies depending on what you use it on and how concentrated the serving is on the item you're putting it on. I've put it over grilled chicken that I ate alongside brown rice and brussel sprouts and I found it takes on a smoky/sweet flavor. Whereas I've also had the same dish in a mush smaller portion with 2 tbsp of BBQ sauce on it and I found the heat in it is very well known. The sriracha comes out swinging and your mouth is left feeling heated and tingly, but certainly not on fire. Then on the flip side if I have a small taste of it, it tastes like a sweet smoky BBQ sauce. As much as I love garlic, and I can see the pieces of garlic running throughout the BBQ sauce I certainly don't pick up any garlic notes. Ideally once you roast garlic it takes on a sweeter flavor, which is more than likely the reason why it's not so in your face.

Overall I really, really enjoy this BBQ sauce. It's unique and unlike any other sauce that I've tried on the market. I'm anticipating using this on the grill this summer, perhaps even mixing it into some ground beef and making sriracha roasted garlic BBQ burgers. Sound amazing, huh?

A serving, 2 tbsp, is 50 calories or 1 points plus value.

Trader Joe's Feta Cheese Spread

Opting to pick up something different as a snack/condiment I decided to pick up a container of the Trader Joe's Feta Cheese Spread. I love feta and a spreadable version seemed to not only be unique but right up my alley. Initially I wasn't quite sure what I would use with this so I decided it'd be an experiment.

 

Experimenting with this spread was satisfying because it's so versatile. It's got sort of a cream cheese texture to it, where it's not loose and runny, but not so firm that it's a thick block of cheese - but it's somewhere in the middle but leans more towards the thick side of the equation. The dip is a unique blend of feta cheese, neufchatel, yogurt and Mediterranean herbs. This dip isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. If you don't like feta, then you're ultimately not going to enjoy this because it is one of the major flavor categories.

 

The dip has that classic salty feta cheese flavor, while the spices help mellow out the saltiness and give it some added boosted flavor. It's very unique and satisfying in a number of ways. Initially I tried it with some pita chips. Then I ventured into adding it into my salads, eating it with chicken, smearing it onto the top of a piece of bread and enjoying it with a hamburger. But surprisingly enough, one of the most enjoyable ways I had this spread was actually on top of a potato. It just went together so well and gave such good flavor to the potato that it was one of my favorites and I had it with my lunch for a few days.

A serving, 2 tbsp, is 60 calories or 1 points plus value.

Silk Cashew Milk - Unsweetened

Many moons ago I made the switch to using almond milk in a majority of my cooking (I still use skim milk on occasion, but I typically go with non-dairy milks). Initially it was quite the venture into almond milk just due to the vast difference in taste and texture (particularly when put into ice coffee). I have always been a cashew fan, so when I heard there was a new Silk Cashew Milk - Unsweetened out I had to try it. Low and behold I spotted it at a local grocery store so I snatched up a container.

 

The Silk brand is my "go-to" for non-dairy milks, so to see a cashew variety I was sold from the get-go. The cashew milk is quite thick and creamy. I feel a lot creamier than your average almond milk and definitely creamer than skim milk. Whereas the flavor of the cashew milk is what sold me. It tastes very much like cashews and is hands down a winner. Clearly, if you're not a fan of cashews, then you would not be a fan of this. This is the unsweetened variety, while they also have an original version which is sweetened and is 60 calories per 1 cup serving.  According to the brands website the product is free of dairy, soy, lactose, gluten, casein, egg and MSG.

 

Unlike some of the other almond milks, these are not available flavored, but that doesn't mean you could not flavor your milk in the comfort of your own  home. I have used this in my oatmeal, adding a drop of vanilla extract into the bowl. It's good alongside some cereal, it's good on its own and it's also good as a milk substitute in recipes.

 

A serving, 1 cup, is 25 calories or 1 points plus value (for my Weight Watchers friends you can have 1/2 cup for 0 points plus values or even up to 2 cups for 1 points plus values)

Trader Joe's Beet Hummus

Beets are one of my favorite vegetables. I love them in salad, on the side with my dinner or just as a simple little snack. Needless to say when I spotted the Trader Joe's Beet Hummus I was immediately intrigued and had to incorporate it into my week.

Due to the sheer deep purple shade to the hummus I believed 1) you'd have to undoubtedly love beets to enjoy it and 2) you'd have to really love hummus/chick peas in order to enjoy this. Upon first taste that theory was very much true. The hummus is blended with with fresh beets - while there are little diced up pieces on top of the hummus mixture for some added flare/texture.

Texture wise it's slightly "gritty" and not as smooth as traditional hummus. While there is a slight graininess to the dish, it is thinner in consistency. It's not runny, but it's certainly not as thick as your traditional or even flavored hummus dishes. I enjoyed the hummus alongside a protein-filled salad. Delicious and quite unique!

A serving, 2 tablespoons, is 45 calories or 1 points plus values.

Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Yogurt Dressing

I've been getting bored of my plain ole regular salads to the point that I would take a few bites and would end up throwing the rest away ... or not even touching it.That's in part to the fact that I've allowed myself to get bored. I make the same "type" of salad and relay on 2 salad dressings to kick it up a notch ... but in reality, it's not enough anymore.

 

While at Walmart, picking up a few items to jazz up my week I picked up a bottle of the Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Yogurt Dressing. I'm not the biggest fan of cilantro, but I figured it would be a different flavor and something that would go good with, say, a taco salad. With that in mind, I whipped up a batch of taco meat for lunches for the week and have been using the dressing alongside it and I have to say, it's pretty delicious.

 

The dressing is smooth and creamy and 2 tablespoons, when mixed into greens really does go along way. It's flavorful, without being overly bold. The cilantro flavoring is very mild which I think is in part of the added avocado. It's along the lines of a ranch dressing, but it doesn't have that zip that comes with ranch. It's got a pretty good flavor and blends well with really whatever you decide to add to a salad. 

 

A serving is 2 tablespoons which is 40 calories or 1 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Kalamata Olive Hummus

I'm a huge fan of hummus, but it wasn't until 6 or so years ago that I started trying flavored hummus' instead of the traditional kind. Since shopping at Trader Joe's I find their flavored hummus' are a section of the store I always hope to see expand. Time and time again I've seen the Trader Joe's Kalamata Olive Hummus but I had refrained from purchasing it out of plain hesitance.

I can't really say what I was hesitant ... I love hummus and enjoy kalamata olives but I think it was the idea of putting the two together that was concerning? Since I was on the hunt for new flavors to change things up, I picked up a container. I brought it ti work to layer on my wrap for a sandwich and I'm glad I did.

The hummus itself is utterly delicious. It's your classic creamy hummus that has bits and pieces of kalamata olives running throughout it here or there. The olives giving off only a subtle amount of saltiness. The creaminess from the hummus itself not allowing the salty olive to overpower it. I found it to be a perfect addition to a sandwich, or even a creamy complimentary side to a salad. Nonetheless this has turned out to be one of my favorite Trader Joe's brand hummus.

A serving, 2 tbsp is 60 calories or 1 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar

Around the time this Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar was featured on the Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer I was intrigued. Intrigued, but a little scared. Perhaps it was the word caviar that installed some fear in me ... because all I could think was salty fish eggs. Not that this salsa would have salty fish eggs in it ... but you know how the mind works sometimes. Finally, fear set aside, I picked up a jar to give it a try.

Looking at the salsa through the jar, you can see it's a rather unique blend of corn, black bean onions and bell peppers. Yet, according to the Trader Joe's website it's pickled in a blend of chipolte peppers, adobo sauce and lime juice concentrate. I'm sure that's noted on the bottle but I didn't know that until I actually opened the jar.

The salsa itself is moderately thick. It's filled with corn, black beans, peppers and onions which is a plus because sometimes salsas are overwhelmed with tomatoes.  The Cowboy Caviar does have a spicy/hot category to it, there's also a mild level of sweetness to it. I served myself 4 tablespoons and enjoyed them with some salty tortilla chips and found it balanced it out ... although there was a minor burning sensation in my mouth afterwards. Not painful, but noticeable.

Since I typically relate salsa to chips or salsa to taco salad that's about as far as I've tried this. Although from what I've read on Trader Joe's website they suggest using this as a sauce on a pizza. Now, I admit ... that'd be a mighty interesting, tasty pizza.

A serving, 2 tablespoons, is 25 calories or 1 points plus values or you could have 4 tablespoons for 50 calories and 1 points plus.

Ole Extreme Wellness Spinach & Herb Tortilla Wraps

I’m a fan of the Ole Extreme Wellness High Fiber Tortilla Wraps … and I’ve been known to make special trips to certain grocery stores just to pick them up. So, on one of those special trips I noticed a package of  Ole Extreme Wellness Spinach & Herb Tortilla Wraps on the shelf near the traditional so I picked it up. After a once over of the nutrition facts I realized they’re the same as the original so I plopped them into my cart to give them a go.

Truthfully I find flavored tortillas aren’t overly flavorful to the fact you can taste what it’s made of. For instance tomato basil tortillas … I’ve noticed a slight flavor category, but nothing that is distinctively bold.  These are along the same lines … there’s a slight spinach and herb flavor but it’s not overwhelming and it’s very mild. I’ve been enjoying them with egg salad sandwiches or even deli meat roll ups. They’re not bad and are a nice twist from the same ole same ole.

Each wrap is 90 calories or 1 points plus value.

Rice Krispies Treats Crackle Snaps - Fudge Drizzle

I popped into the grocery store one night simply to pick up some breakfast items. Low and behold I spotted an item that I simply could not leave behind ... that item being the Rice Krispies Treats Crackle Snaps in Fudge Drizzle.  I more importantly couldn't leave them behind due to the nutrition facts.

 

I'm a snacker. I look forward to my couple snacks during the day ... and I'm normally looking for something that's going to satisfy a particular craving. There are times where I'm in the mood for crunchy, yet sweet ... and these treats fulfill both qualifications. They're light, crispy little round crisps - that resemble rice cakes, which have a drizzle of chocolate over one side of the crisp.

 

Each bag is filled with light, airy, crispy, slightly sweet crisps. The bags themselves are pretty full - which I have to admit is appreciated.  Each bag is a single serving which makes for easy packing of snacks and limits the ability to double dip (well ... unless you eat two bags).  These are also available in a caramel drizzle.

 

Each pounch is 60 calories or 1 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Three Layer Hummus

I grew up in an area where there is a pretty strong Mediterranean presence. Mediterranean foods have been a staple in my "diet" from a young age. Growing up I always had traditional hummus ... and it wasn't until my 20's that I stepped outside the proverbial box and tried flavored hummuses.

Within the last year I've been trying the different flavored hummus varieties available at Trader Joe's. Deciding it was time to try something new I picked up a container of the Trader Joe's Three Layer Hummus and I am so glad I did (I've repurchased it twice already).  The hummus is a unique blend of three hummus flavors, which create quite a worldly experience on the taste buds.

The bottom layer is zesty cilantro hummus, the middle layer is your traditional hummus and the top layer is the classic roasted red pepper hummus. Admittedly the thing that caused me from being hesitant to purchase this for so long was the zesty cilantro hummus. Cilantro is one of those flavor categories that I'm not the biggest fan of ... but the cilantro flavor isn't overwhelming and the mild zip that the zesty portion provides is delightful. The mildly spicy cilantro hummus paired against the traditional helps bring it down a notch, more than likely due to the natural creaminess of it. The roasted red pepper is a nice blanket over the flavors, which ties them all together so well.

I've enjoyed this hummus so much, I've been incorporating it into any dish/snack I can. One of my favorite ways to have this hummus is on a sandwich alongside either deli chicken or boiled ham. It’s also a fabulous addition alongside a salad with grilled chicken or even a hamburger.  The only downside is this hummus (as well as almost all products from Trader Joe's) it doesn't have a very long shelf life, but if you're able to eat it before the expiration date it's well worth the money.

A serving is 2 tablespoons, which is 30 calories or 1 points plus values.

Joseph’s Flax Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Pita Bread

I have been a huge fan of Joseph’s bread products for as long as I can remember. Mediterranean food is big in my area and since I’ve grown up eating it, pita bread has been a staple that I reach for. Over the last year, I’ve been trying to eat more wheat based breads (with the exception of hamburger buns and light Italian bread). So when I spotted the Joseph’s Flax Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Pita Bread I decided to pick up a pack.

These particular pita breads are sold in 2 sizes – one is a larger round pita, whereas these are small “personal sized” pita bread. I have tried both varieties and I find I enjoy this particular type a lot more than the larger size. The pita is on the thinner side, but it is filling due to it being made up of oat bran and whole wheat, it also helps that each pita packs a punch with 5 grams of protein. If you’re used to classic white flour based pita breads, you’d undoubtedly notice a difference in taste … but once you are used to the wheat bread taste, it’s delicious. The one thing I love about these breads is they are so universal. They’re the perfect size to stuff a hamburger into, deli meat, tuna salad and they’re great for a personal sized salad pocket. They’re also standalone delicious for a personal sized pita bread pizza.

A serving is 1 pita which is 50 calories or 1 points plus value or you can have 2 pita breads for 100 calories or 2 points plus values.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Fire Roasted Vegetable Soup

I’m typically not a person who reaches for soup on a cold day, but lately my taste buds have been gravitating towards soups/stews.  So while the weather has been less than stellar in my area, I decided to try out one of the frozen Smart Ones soups I had tucked away in my freezer.

I have tried vegetable soups in the past, and for the most part they’re not usually my “forte” because of the tomato base. So that thought in the back of my mind was the main reason I held off on giving this soup a try sooner. I heated the soup in the microwave per the directions and enjoyed this along with my dinner.

I have to say … the soup is pretty darn good! Although with the name “fire roasted vegetables” I assumed that simply meant vegetables that have been charred over an open flame. Well … that’s the case in one aspect, but “fire” in this instance also means this soup is spicy! I certainly wasn’t expecting the heat but it ultimately made the soup that much more delicious. It certainly wasn’t that plain ole tomato base that I’m not a big fan of.

Each bowl is 60 calories or 1 points plus value.

Wendy’s Frosty Alternative

This is the end result of what I call “Facebook made me do it.”

Browsing Facebook I saw a friend posted a Frosty alternative recipe. Going over the recipe I was intrigued but decided I was going to make it with a few tweaks to make it more my “style” if you will. The original recipe had really no sweetness to it (as told by the ingredients and those who tried the recipe comments).  I knew I wouldn’t enjoy it as it was originally, so I opted to tweak it a bit. I have to say, the end result came out pretty well. It’s not an exact Wendy’s frosty replica, but it’s a healthier alternative. The only thing missing was my small fry on the side.

I didn’t go into making this expect it to be creamy and smooth. It’s got the classic frosty flavor, with a hunt of banana in the background, but texture wise it’s icier (to be expected) but nonetheless it was an enjoyable treat.

Serves 1. 1 Points Plus Values.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (I used vanilla)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar free chocolate syrup
• 1 packet Equal
• 1 banana
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 15 ice cubes

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and ice is all chopped up.

Serve in your favorite glass.

Sargento Ultra Thin Pepper Jack Cheese

Popping into Target with my friend this past weekend, we were walking past the cheese casing to head up to the front of the store when I spotted the Sargento Ultra Thin Pepper Jack Cheese. I am a HUGE lover of pepper jack because it’s undoubtedly my favorite type of cheese. Unfortunately it’s a bit difficult to find and my local grocery store doesn’t sell the Land O Lakes version at the deli, so I was excited to pick this up.

The cheese is sliced very thinly as the package explains, which is exactly how I enjoy my cheese sliced.  The thing I like is there are pieces of parchment paper between each slice which make for easy removing of each slice and keeps slices from sticking to one another. The cheese itself is real cheese, it’s flavorful and it packs that little spicy punch which I enjoy. I’ve been enjoying this with burgers, deli meat and even on top of tuna salad.

A serving is 3 slices for 120 calories or 3 points plus, or you can have 1 slice for 40 calories or 1 points plus.