Bridgford Original Sweet Baby Ray's Beef Jerky

 

I remember as a kid my mother would make beef jerky for my brother in our dehydrator but I never gave it a try. I think the idea of eating dried meat just weirded me out. As I got into adulthood and began following Weight Watchers I'd heard from the grape vine that it was a great snack substitute that offered a substantial amount of protein.  A savory sort of snack that would take a little time to eat but would pack enough of a protein punch that it wouldn't leave you looking for something else.

I had tried various beef jerky brands but either it was too dry, smelled funny, reminded me of dog treats (I know....I know...) or I just didn't like the flavor. That is until my fiancé and I went on vacation to Tennessee last year and his friend told him he should try out the Brigford Original Sweet Baby Ray's Beef Jerky. I was skeptical at first and didn't have any of the first bag - but when he opted to pick up another bag during the week, I decided to give it a try.

Truthfully I was quite surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. The jerky is softer in texture, it's chewy, some pieces are slightly tougher than others but for the most part it's a palatable texture.  Flavor wise - it's your classic Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce flavor. Smokey, sweet. Together it's a home run. I was glad to find it sold at my local Wal-Mart so now I can pick up a bag to have on hand whenever I am in the mood for a different snack.

There are a few other flavors available - teriyaki, sweet n spicy, honey barbecue and honey chipotle.

A serving, 1 ounce, is 90 calories or 2 smartpoints.

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Caramel Apple Pie

I've mentioned it time and time before ... Greek yogurt is my favorite yogurt and typically the only "type" of yogurt I purchase. I've heard great things about the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Caramel Apple Pie yogurt so when I finally spotted it on shelves at Wal-Mart I picked a couple up.

 

Needless to say I'm glad I picked up a couple because this yogurt is pretty amazing. It's delicious - filled with bits of apples. The apple flavor is right up there with the caramel being in the background. The caramel isn't blatantly artificial or offensive. The two flavors blend together effortlessly leaving a delicious flavored breakfast, snack or dessert. I've enjoyed it on its own while also with some cooked cinnamon apples. Out of the two limited edition caramel apple flavored greek yogurts out on the market right now ... this one undoubtedly takes the cake.

 

A serving is 80 calories or 2 points plus values.

Bolthouse Farms Holiday Nog

Egg nog! One of those beverages that I love … but I find the calories/points associated with it not even worth it … so I don’t have it. When Thanksgiving/Christmas roll around I start eyeing the egg nog selections hoping someone will invent a delicious egg nog that’s calorie/points plus friendly. Last year I tried the Silk version and it’s tasty but it’s as thin as water. Egg nog is delicious because of its flavor, but also due to that recognizable thick and creamy texture.

While at Wal-Mart I noticed they carried Bolthouse Farms Holiday Nog, so I checkd the nutrition facts label and stuck the bottle in my cart.  I’ve only tried Bolthouse Farms salad dressings, so I wasn’t entirely sure how the nog would be.  After cracking open the bottle as a late night treat, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was thicker in consistency. Very egg nog-like which was appreciated well before I even took a sip.  After I did take a drink I was sold … this is hands down the best lighter alternative to egg nog that I have had. It’s thicker, it’s creamy, it’s nutmeggy, it’s vanillay … and it’s just a party in a glass.  I’m truthfully quite floored as to how good this is so once I finish the bottle I purchased, I will gladly purchase another.

A 4 ounce serving (1/2 cup) is 80 calories or 2 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you ever tried a Bolthouse Farms limited edition beverage?

Twix Gingerbread

Around the holidays, I like scoping out the new and interesting flavors companies come out with.  Needless to say when I spotted Twix Gingerbread at Wal-Mart, they found a temporary home in my shopping cart.  Since these are “fun size” they’d be perfect in the candy dish in the living room, so they’d inevitably be eaten, especially during the holidays.

The other night I was in the mood for a little sweet, so I cracked open the bag. Peeling it, it looks like your plain ole Twix.  After the first bite, I wasn’t impressed – my initial reaction was “Gingerbread? There’s no gingerbread!” But after the second bite I found the gingerbread flavor … and I found it to be strange. Twix are chocolate, cookie and your classic caramel, so having a gingerbread flavor in it, takes it to a whole new level. I admit I’ve had gingerbread cookies, muffins, etc., but I’ve never had gingerbread meet chocolate or caramel.  These aren’t gross, but I feel they’re “meh”. Nothing to truly write home about… or run out to buy, but if you enjoy gingerbread and chocolate you may truly enjoy these.

A serving is a cookie bar, which is 80 calories or 2 points plus. If you can’t stop yourself at one, you can have 2 for 160 calories or 5 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Twix Gingerbread candies?

Olive Garden Light Italian Dressing

This was a fun food find at Walmart – Olive Garden Light Italian Dressing.  I love having salad, but I admit sometimes my salad dressing choices can get old. I believe I have the largest array of salad dressings in the refrigerator, but my Italian dressing choice is boring to me as of late that I don’t even use it – so this was a perfect find.

I haven’t been to the Olive Garden in ages, but I recall when I last went the best thing about my meal was the salad and breadsticks. The dressing is sold in both the full-fat and light variety.  Since I do not use full-fat dressings (because frankly they are not worth the calories/fat/points) I opted to go with the Light.  I will admit, it was a little pricey as far as dressings are concerned - $3.28.

The dressing is liquidy as most Italian dressings are but is packed with flavor.  There’s a zippiness to it, that’s pleasing on the taste. There’s also a nice helping of romano cheese throughout the dressing which give it a salty quality. It’s definitely a homerun and a far different flavor when compared to regular Italian (as in Robusto Italian dressing).

There’s 30 calories in a 2 tablespoon serving – which is 1 points plus value.  Although for 1 tablespoon serving, 15 calories and 0 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you tried the Olive Garden light Italian dressing?

Goldfish Puffs - Salsa con Queso

Whodathunkit? Goldfish crackers in the form of (but not in the classic shape of) puffy cheese curls? I have seen the other 3 flavors in the line in stores but had not seen this one until I went to Walmart. Because it seemed so unique, I picked up the Goldfish Puffs Salsa con Queso flavor. I love Goldfish because they give you a cheesy crunch and since the crisps are so small you get more. Technically not because you are getting the same amount in ounces, but looking at the sheer volume of the serving it seems to be more filling (again, eating with your eyes).

The salsa con queso flavor is definitely different when compared to classic plain Goldfish crackers . The puffs are very pungent but packed with flavor. It reminds me exactly of a cheesy salsa ... but a very potent one that can make your lips pucker, if that makes any sense. Definitely not for the faint of heart. If you don't like bold flavors or you don't like a salsa flavored snack, then this would definitely not be for you. I don't find these have any sort of "heat" to them but the seasoning can make your tongue feel a little tingly after a while. Personally I felt these were alright, but they aren't going to be a repurchase for me.
　

A serving is 41 puffs, which is quite a good amount when put into a bowl. The serving is 4 points plus values. You could say debatable if it's worth the points, but I did find I enjoyed these -- but they weren't a snack I reached for every day.

QUESTION:
Have you tried the new Goldfish Puffs?

Blue Bunny Fat Free Brownie Sundae Ice Cream

I spotted this Blue Bunny Fat Free No Sugar Added Brownie Sundae Ice Cream at Walmart and due to the nutrition facts; I decided to pick it up.  I enjoy ice cream every once in a while, and since this was such a change of pace as far as ice cream flavors are concerned, so we had to pick it up.

Brownies and ice cream are two staple items which just go together perfectly.  The ice cream is made up of fat-free no sugar added vanilla ice cream which is blended with fudge ribbons and chunks of brownies.  It’s sweet, chocolaty and just a yummy dessert. I found the ice cream to be relatively creamy and it blends perfectly with some fresh sliced strawberries on top of it.  The ice cream has no added sugar, but it is sweetened with Splenda.  That may be a turning point for some, but I don’t mind Splenda sweetened foods.

A serving size is ½ cup serving for only 80 calories or 2 points plus values!  Quite a steal for ice cream, since the lowest I have found for scoopable ice cream (outside of strawberry fat free frozen yogurt) has been 3 points or higher.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Kellogg’s Special K Nourish – Lemon Twist

I had been seeing these Kellogg’s Special K Nourish at Walmart for a few weeks but was hesitant to pick up a box because I already had a growing stash of nutrition bars to enjoy.  Finally, after finding a bin containing single bars, I purchased the Lemon Twist flavor because I love lemon.  The nutrition bar is made with a blend of multi-grain and quinoa, which I felt was really different.

After gathering the will to try it, I opened the package and immediately smelled this earthy fragrance with a strong note of lemon.  The lemon wasn’t unpleasant but the earthy fragrance was, well, rather daunting.  Looking at the bar, you can see the quinoa and you can see a mixture of grains which are all stuck together with a lemony icing over the top of the bar.  Earthy crunchy smell aside, I took a bite.  It was okay … nothing fabulous, but nothing wretched.  The texture is chewy, it’s not very sweet, but it is lemony although not overpowering.  I can’t say I was a huge fan of these, nor can I say that I would be purchasing another box – but it was interesting to “step outside the box” in the nutrition bar realm.  My only suggestion would be if you do want to try these or any of the other flavors available … try to get your hands on a single bar instead of a whole box. It might save you a couple bucks if you end up disliking these.

A single bar is a serving and it’s 4 points plus values. Admittedly these are one of the lower point nutrition bars I have tried … but the taste isn’t quite up to par for me, so I’ll stick with my slightly higher in point nutrition bars.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Kellogg’s Special K Nourish bars?

Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Patties

I picked up a box of the Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Patties while at Walmart to have them for dinner (aka brinner).  I usually buy larger sausage patties to make sandwiches, but these looked good and I had heard good things about the Jimmy Dean turkey sausage line.

Cooking them up (well, really only heating them through and browning them a bit) was simple.  Taste wise they really reminded me of regular pork sausage patties. They had that “fatty” flavor that comes with pork sausage, but without all the fat and calories in typical pork sausage.  These weren’t greasy feeling nor did they make me have a stomachache (as some full-fat products sometimes do).  They also don’t have a real turkey flavor to them – they taste more like pork sausage, which is interesting.  Enjoying the sausage with eggs and toast really made a very filling meal.

A serving size is 2 sausages which calculate out to 3 points plus values or you can have 1 sausage patty for 1 points plus value.  Two thumbs up!

QUESTION:

What is your favorite sausage type & brand?

Pure Protein Shake Frosty Chocolate

Recently, you may have seen me post about the Vanilla Cream Pure Protein Shake.

Well, while at the supermarket I was meandering through the aisles in the health food section and noticed they carried 4-pack screw top bottles of Pure Protein Shake so I picked up the Frosty Chocolate to try.  There was also a Cookies & Cream flavor, which I undoubtedly want to try next.  Although I have since spotted the brand at Walmart (as well a keg of pure protein powder).

There are days and instances where I just need to boost my protein intake.  I admit I don’t like to drink my points, but for a whole can which can give me 23 grams of protein for only 3 points plus values – I’ll take it.  Most protein powders/shakes/drinks are in the 5+ points value range particularly when they get into the higher levels of protein such as this (23g).  Occasionally on days where I’m not really hungry for good for breakfast, I’ll have a shake and it tides me over for a few hours until lunch time.

The Frosty Chocolate isn’t bad, but I think the vanilla is better.  This doesn’t have a solid aftertaste, but it does kind of remind me of a chalky chocolate – but it’s nothing disgusting.  I’ve drank two cans of these already and they just do the job.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Pure Protein Shakes?

Russell Strover S’mores (Caramel and Original)

I originally tried these Russell Strover’s S’mores last year around Halloween time.  I only purchased one, thought they were delicious … so needles to say when I saw these at Walmart right before the 4^th of July I picked up one of each flavor – original and caramel.  My boyfriend and I didn’t have any plans for the fourth, we wanted to stay in so I figured these would be a nice treat for us after hanging in all day.  Well … I’ll just say these didn’t make it to the 4^th BUT they did make it to 2 days beforehand!

These are a delicious invention and they should certainly be available all year long.  It’s a classic s’more but with a very unique twist.  There’s two graham crackers sandwiched between an ooey gooey super soft marshmallow which is coated in chocolate then stuck between the graham crackers.  The only difference with the caramel s’mores is in between the chocolate and marshmallow there is a layer of ooey gooey caramel.  The caramel was hands down my favorite.

These are great because its portion control at its finest.  S’mores are one of those summer treats that can easily be over eaten because it’s sugar overload.  Whereas with these packaged s’mores you open the packet and once it’s gone, it’s gone. You can note the points in your tracker and there’s no guilt, there’s no “double dipping”, etc.

The original s’mores is 6 points plus for the whole thing or 3 points plus for half.  The caramel s’mores is 7 points plus for the whole thing or 3 points plus for half.

QUESTION:

Have you tried the Russell Strover’s packaged S’mores?

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends – Orange Cream

This is the last Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends yogurt I had picked up.  As mentioned in my previous posts I really enjoy and love Greek yogurt, so I’m always thrilled when I find a new brand that’s points plus friendly.  I was intrigued by this yogurt because I haven’t seen an orange cream flavored Greek yogurt. I’ve only ever seen Yoplait’s orange creamsicle (at least I think that’s what it’s called) regular yogurt.

If you’re not a fan of orange, then this yogurt is not for you.  It’s definitely a very prominent orange flavor (which, naturally, I’d expect).  It is on the thicker side, which is sometimes hit or miss with the lower point Greek yogurts.  I do have to say, the Orange Cream flavor was good ….but the coconut is my favorite, the banana cream my second favorite and this one would be my third favorite.

As with the others, these are 2 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends?

Saturn/Donut Peaches

I spotted these “new” hybrid Saturn Peaches AKA Donut Peaches at Walmart and had to buy them.  I love peaches, but I find they’re only good at certain peaks in the season in my area.  Let alone the fact that peaches typically never go under $3/lb so I don’t buy them often because I’ll be honest I like nectarines a whole lot more.

I purchased these because not only were they different and unique but I could literally smell the sweetness of the peach through the packaging.  They were a little pricy - $2.97 for the pack of 3 but it’s a whole new experience for me peach wise.  The peaches have that classic peach fuzz on the outside but inside it’s a white flesh peach and they are soft, juicy, fragrant, and just plain ole delicious.  I will say make sure you have a napkin handy when you are eating these because the juices flow.

These make m wish I lived down the street from a peach grove.

QUESTION:

Have you ever tried Saturn or Donut peaches?

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends – Toasted Coconut Vanilla

This is another one of the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends I purchased and this one is in the Toasted Coconut Vanilla flavor.  As I’ve mentioned I enjoy yogurt, but I especially enjoy Greek yogurt because of it’s added protein and filling quality.

The yogurt is thick, but not as thick as a Chobani greek yogurt.  Flavor wise it is undoubtedly coconut.  It’s quite delicious and I feel it tastes just as you would assume summer tastes like.  It’s very refreshing and just really tastes like a summer on a tropical island.  You’re supposed to enjoy your food, right?  So why not enjoy it and assume you’re laying on a beach in Jamaica? ;)  I have to say, out of the banana cream and this one – the toasted coconut vanilla TOTALLY takes the cake (er … spoon?).

The greatest part is the cup is only 2 points plus values.  The sad part is I have only been able to find these at Super Walmart locations.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite greek yogurt?

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends – Banana Cream

I have become such a huge fan of Greek yogurt. I enjoy regular yogurt, but since Greek yogurt has so much more protein in it, it’s far more satisfying and filling. I’ve learned that not all brands of Greek yogurt are for me – some are too tart, some are too sweet, some flavors are just horrendous for my taste buds and some are too high in points to be comfortable with.

One brand I learned I truly enjoy is Dannon Light & Fit Greek.  Typically they’re 2 points plus values, so when I spotted this new line at Walmart I had to pick up one of each flavor that they had available.  I tried the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends – Banana Cream flavor and it’s DELICIOUS!  I was and am pumped to have found a banana cream flavored greek yogurt that is points plus friendly.  There are other brands out there on the market for banana greek yogurt but they’re 3-4 points and sometimes I feel that’s too hefty in points for a yogurt.

The flavor of this yogurt is exactly as it reads – a banana cream flavoring. It’s not overly banana cream, nor is it fake tasting, it’s a nice balance in the middle.  It’s filling, tasty and a home run.  I’m just sad that the brand is only sold at Walmart (at least for now?) but I hope my local market picks up the brand because it’s too yummy to have to wait to purchase or play “find the yogurt” at Walmart.

QUESTION:

Have you tried the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends?

Hormel Rev #5 Italian Style Ham Wrap

This is the type of thing I purchase when I go out for a quick errand with my mother, which then turns into an unexpected 3+ hour jaunt.  3+ hour unexpected jaunts typically equals a starving Shannon.  A starving Shannon in Walmart smelling fried foods near the deli is usually a bad combination.  They always say not to shop hungry and since I wasn’t borderline hangry (hungry angry) at the moment I was able to think level headed.  Quickly bypassing the fried foods section, I made my way over to the pre-packaged deli meat section and decided to pick up this Hormel Rev #5 Italian Style Ham wrap.

Typically, this is not something I would purchase, but since I just needed something this was a far better option for me.  I’ve seen these Hormel wraps featured on a few people I follow on Instagarm’s feed so I decided to give it a shot.  The Italian Style Ham wrap is an Italian herb wrap with smoked ham and mozzarella cheese.  The wrap itself is 5 points plus for the whole wrap or 3 points plus values for ½.

My thoughts?  The wrap was alright, palatable and satisfying but it definitely was not something I’d run out to buy a few to have in the fridge.  It was a healthier alternative to the other things around me at that particular moment, but I wasn’t “wowed” by it.  I would repurchase if I was in a bind and needed something that didn’t take much thinking, but I’d prefer (in most circumstances) to be able to make my own sandwich for the same points but far more satisfying.  I guess we can say I’m at the middle of the road with this one.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Hormel wraps?

Weight Watchers Jalapeno String Cheese

I spotted this Weight Watchers Jalapeno String Cheese at Walmart many, many times and finally decided to give it a whirl.  My local grocery store only carries the classic light and the smoked so I usually don’t purchase any string cheese.  This string cheese has the classis light part-skim mozzarella cheese stick flavor but the jalapeno does bring it a nice, I feel a mild zip to it.  I personally don’t really care for light string cheese because I find the flavor of it to be overwhelming and unpalatable but this particular flavor variety I do enjoy.

Hot Pepper Jack cheese is one of my favorites to have with crackers and pepperoni – but since 1 ounce is not justifiable for the points I don’t purchase it any longer.  But with this jalapeno cheese I can tear off some strips, have it with some turkey pepperoni and a few Ritz crackers and I’d be good to go.

As mentioned I can only find this particular string cheese at super Walmart locations.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite string cheese flavor?

DiGiorno Pizzeria! Supreme Speciale Pizza

The last time I had DiGiorno pizza has been probably 3 years ago. Whys that?  Well, DiGiorno used to be my favorite frozen pizza and that’s because during the time in my life where I didn’t read nutritional information and I solely went on what I liked to eat.  Well, I liked DiGiorno pizza and I ate about ½ a pizza on my own.  Well, fast forward to joining Weight Watchers and I realized that a serving in a rising crust DiGiorno pizza is 1/8^th of the pizza.  Around the time I calculated it out and it was 9 points per SLICE of pizza (1/8^th).  Needless to say, I hadn’t purchased another DiGiorno for myself to eat in a VERY long time.

That is, until I saw the new Pizzeria! line launched to my local Target and I checked out the points plus values. 1/4^th of a pizza was 9 points plus? Say what?!  I was running a ton of errands around the beginning of April and wasn’t going to be home for 3+ hours so I didn’t buy it.  So when I did want it (by mid-April) I was sending everyone on Pizzeria! hunting missions and all were coming up empty handed.

We found the DiGiorno Pizzeria! Supreme Speciale Pizza at Walmart and paid $3 for it after a coupon.  My boyfriend and I had it for dinner one night and I swear … this is THE best frozen pizza I have ever had!

I am a pizza officiando (I think I can accurately wear that hat – because I’ve eaten many pizzas in my hay day and even post-Weight Watchers start).  I order out pizza at least once a week, and if we don’t order it out, we’re either making our own or heating up a frozen pizza.  This takes the cake where frozen pizzas are concerned.  It’s got a moderately thick crust. The sauce is delicious. The vegetables are sautéed and just delicious – they’re not that plain jane throw frozen veggies on the frozen pizza and call it a supreme.  This is the bad mama jamma of frozen pizzas.  They’re so good we now have 2 more in the freezer for whenever a moment of pizza weakness arises.

1/4^th = 9 points plus.  Totally worth it!

QUESTION:

What is your favorite frozen pizza?

Quaker Popped Sweet & Salty Rice Snacks

While at Walmart I picked up a bag of these Quaker Popped Sweet and Salty Rice Cakes – which have a mixture of caramel corn and cheddar rice cake snacks in them.  I was surprised that I really quite enjoyed these.  At first it was a little odd – but it was really quite yummy.  Its two classic Quaker Rice Cake flavors mixed together to create a unique experience for your taste buds.  The cheddar crisps are the staple rice cake in a mild cheddar flavoring whereas the caramel corn is a classic rice cake encased in a sweet caramel casing.

There are 14 crisps in a serving which isn’t bad and would be a lot easier to only eat the 14 if you proportioned your snack ahead of time.  I’m not the biggest fan of cheddar snacks, but these were palatable.  One thing I would really love to see from Quaker would be a caramel corn and chocolate mixture – now THAT would be right up my alley!

A serving of these is 3 points plus for the 14 crackers.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any Quaker rice cake snacks? If so, what’s your favorite flavor?