Back-to-school season is a time for consumers to reevaluate dietary habits and turn over a new leaf as they send their kids back to the classroom. SFA News Daily asked a trio of buyers for their product picks.
Better-for-you alternatives and grab-and-go snacks and beverages are among the recommendations.
Summer Thompson, buyer, Market Hall Foods, Oakland, California
• Big Spoon Roasters Almond Butter
• Bjorn Qorn Assorted Popcorn
• Calivirgin Bountiful Basil Olive Oil
• Dry Botanical Bubbly Watermelon
• Heidi’s Strawberry Jam
• Kolsvart Candy Fish, Raspberry Fish
• Koeze Company Cream-Nut Crunchy Peanut Butter
Jennifer Rojas Cline, category manager, Bi-Rite Family of Businesses, San Francisco
• Cocojune Kids Organic Dairy-Free Yogurt, Strawberry Banana
• Dram Mushroom Cola, Adaptogenic Sparkling Cola
• Leisure Project Hydrating Wellness-ade, Mango Ginger
• Ritual Coffee Hayes Jammer Oat M*lk Latte
• Sea Monsters Baked Supergrain & Seaweed Puffs, Sour Cream and Onion
• Table Foods Dosa Chips
• wildwonder Strawberry Passion Prebiotic and Probiotic Sparkling Drink
“Ritual Coffee’s first foray into the ready-to-drink realm is a homerun and a must-have for parents adjusting to a new school schedule. Made with single-origin coffee and Minor Figures Oat M*lk, it’s heading to the top of our RTD coffee sales chart,” said Cline.
Dwight Richmond, director of center store, Town & Country Markets, Poulsbo, Washington
• Eat the Change Organic Cosmic Carrot Chews Orange Mango Moonbeam
• Nixie Sparkling Water, Black Cherry Lime
• Oats in Coats Instant Oatmeal, Apple
• Pop & Bottle Oat Milk Latte, Vanilla Cold Brew
• Sea Monsters Baked Supergrain & Seaweed Puffs, Vegan Ranch
• Unite Food PB & Jelly Protein Bar
“Learning is not just in books or a classroom but in the care and thoughtfulness parents and students put into their daily diets and eating routines. Whether it is a healthy start to the day, on-the-go nutrition, or simple brain-charging snacking, [the back-to-school] season not only starts journeys in education, but it promotes eating habits that last a lifetime,” said Richmond.
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Image: Eat The Change