We’ve eaten and toasted our way through the holidays and by now, if you’re anything like us, you’re feeling the aftereffects of one+ too many cookies and cocktails. Lets savor those yummy memories while we turn the page to where the still-tasty-but-healthy choices reside.
This year’s nutritious Mediterranean product selections (that we sampled at the Fancy Food Show) will get you started on a New-You chapter. We were also introduced to some fabulous non-Mediterranean products that were too good to keep to ourselves—you’ll find them on our Kouzina Extra blog, Healthy New-You. Stin iyia sou! To your health!
This year’s nutritious Mediterranean product selections (that we sampled at the Fancy Food Show) will get you started on a New-You chapter. We were also introduced to some fabulous non-Mediterranean products that were too good to keep to ourselves—you’ll find them on our Kouzina Extra blog, Healthy New-You. Stin iyia sou! To your health!
EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Extra-Virgin olive oil contains polyphenols and monounsaturated fats (particularly heart-healthy omega-9 oleic acid) and are a great source of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin K, which may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Mentis Estate
Mentis Estate’s superior Extra-Virgin Athenolia Olive Oil and Fleur de Sel sea salt (see below in SEASONINGS) from Laconia, Greece elevate any dining experience to five-star perfection.
This pure, unblended olive oil harvested from just one olive variety, the renowned Athenolia, has an acidity of less than 0.5% and features well-balanced aromatic characteristics described as pine, floral, nutty, fruity, buttery, and pungent, with a hint of artichoke. Use as a luscious dipping oil, drizzle over a salad, or drizzle as a finishing touch to heighten the flavor of any dish. The flavorful way to eat healthy and feel good!
For more about Mentis Estate, see our Olive Oil: Branch to Bottle blog.
Mentis Estate olive oil is available in gourmet shops and online.
Mentis Estate’s superior Extra-Virgin Athenolia Olive Oil and Fleur de Sel sea salt (see below in SEASONINGS) from Laconia, Greece elevate any dining experience to five-star perfection.
This pure, unblended olive oil harvested from just one olive variety, the renowned Athenolia, has an acidity of less than 0.5% and features well-balanced aromatic characteristics described as pine, floral, nutty, fruity, buttery, and pungent, with a hint of artichoke. Use as a luscious dipping oil, drizzle over a salad, or drizzle as a finishing touch to heighten the flavor of any dish. The flavorful way to eat healthy and feel good!
For more about Mentis Estate, see our Olive Oil: Branch to Bottle blog.
Mentis Estate olive oil is available in gourmet shops and online.
Flor de La Jara Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This premium extra-virgin olive oil from Spain, last year’s Fancy Food Show host country, magnificently represents the region. It’s so exquisite that it was chosen for Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2024!
Varieties: Three from the La Jara region (Montes de Toledo) of Spain—Arbequina (mild notes of fruit and fresh herbs, green almonds, and a touch of sweetness); Picual (fruity with notes of banana and a slight peppery finish); Cornicabra (a robust intense oil with notes of green tomatoes, artichokes, and a distinct peppery finish that indicates the rich presence of vitamins and polyphenols)—a taste for every palate!
This premium extra-virgin olive oil from Spain, last year’s Fancy Food Show host country, magnificently represents the region. It’s so exquisite that it was chosen for Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2024!
Varieties: Three from the La Jara region (Montes de Toledo) of Spain—Arbequina (mild notes of fruit and fresh herbs, green almonds, and a touch of sweetness); Picual (fruity with notes of banana and a slight peppery finish); Cornicabra (a robust intense oil with notes of green tomatoes, artichokes, and a distinct peppery finish that indicates the rich presence of vitamins and polyphenols)—a taste for every palate!
Monini Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This splendid organic, single-varietal 100-percent Italian olive oil is the recipient of multiple, well-deserved awards.
Varieties: Three unique flavor profiles from three Italian regions offer an accompaniment for a number of dishes. Monocultivar Coratina from Apulia is intensely fruity, pungent, and balanced (best over grilled meats and vegetables). Monocultivar Nocellara from Sicily has notes of green tomato and sweet almond (best over fish, chicken, and salads). Monocultivar Frantoio from Umbria has hints of artichoke and green almond (best over red meats and vegetables).
This splendid organic, single-varietal 100-percent Italian olive oil is the recipient of multiple, well-deserved awards.
Varieties: Three unique flavor profiles from three Italian regions offer an accompaniment for a number of dishes. Monocultivar Coratina from Apulia is intensely fruity, pungent, and balanced (best over grilled meats and vegetables). Monocultivar Nocellara from Sicily has notes of green tomato and sweet almond (best over fish, chicken, and salads). Monocultivar Frantoio from Umbria has hints of artichoke and green almond (best over red meats and vegetables).
Oro di Milas Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This multi-award-winning monovarietal oil from Turkey, produced with Memecik olives unique to the Milas region, is certified by the European Union as PDO. Milas has a long history of olive oil production. Historical sources indicate that olive cultivation began in Anatolia approximately 6,000 years ago. During the Ottoman period, the region was very famous for its olive oil and exported large amounts of it, which significantly boosted its economy.
Oro di Milas boasts an intense aroma of green olives and freshly cut grass, with notes of tomato leaf, aromatic herbs, green apple, and green almond. The combination of spiciness and a slight bitterness culminate in a pleasant aftertaste. This versatile oil is ideal to pair with just about any food.
This multi-award-winning monovarietal oil from Turkey, produced with Memecik olives unique to the Milas region, is certified by the European Union as PDO. Milas has a long history of olive oil production. Historical sources indicate that olive cultivation began in Anatolia approximately 6,000 years ago. During the Ottoman period, the region was very famous for its olive oil and exported large amounts of it, which significantly boosted its economy.
Oro di Milas boasts an intense aroma of green olives and freshly cut grass, with notes of tomato leaf, aromatic herbs, green apple, and green almond. The combination of spiciness and a slight bitterness culminate in a pleasant aftertaste. This versatile oil is ideal to pair with just about any food.
Acushla Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Acushla, Celtic for “beat of my heart,” was chosen to represent the emotion and passion of its founder. Originating from the Protected Designation of Origin of Trás-os-Montes in Portugal and extracted from cobrançosa, madural, verdeal, and cordovil olive tree varieties, this high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil has a low acidity level. Acushla is a balanced yellowish-green olive oil, medium fruity, with a slight bitterness and spiciness. In addition to its excellent texture and taste, Acushla is suitable for serving at the table, but also for preparing gourmet dishes.
Acushla, Celtic for “beat of my heart,” was chosen to represent the emotion and passion of its founder. Originating from the Protected Designation of Origin of Trás-os-Montes in Portugal and extracted from cobrançosa, madural, verdeal, and cordovil olive tree varieties, this high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil has a low acidity level. Acushla is a balanced yellowish-green olive oil, medium fruity, with a slight bitterness and spiciness. In addition to its excellent texture and taste, Acushla is suitable for serving at the table, but also for preparing gourmet dishes.
GARLIC
Black Garlic DownVillage
Founded on Pelion Mountain in Thessaly, Greece, Black Garlic DownVillage has been a pioneer in black garlic production since 2013 using high-quality consciously-grown Greek garlic. Add sweet flavor and good health to foods with this nutrient-rich superfood from Greece that’s loaded with allicin, a powerful compound known for its health benefits (enhances muscle recovery while boosting the body's immunity against infections, supports cancer prevention, lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure), and has at least twice the antioxidants of white garlic (and no garlic breath!). Great for savory and sweet dishes; pair with cheese and cured meats; punch up salads, marinades, sauces, veggies, dressings, dips; flavor meat, fish, and pasta.
Black Garlic products: cloves, honey, pearls, paste, ketchup
Founded on Pelion Mountain in Thessaly, Greece, Black Garlic DownVillage has been a pioneer in black garlic production since 2013 using high-quality consciously-grown Greek garlic. Add sweet flavor and good health to foods with this nutrient-rich superfood from Greece that’s loaded with allicin, a powerful compound known for its health benefits (enhances muscle recovery while boosting the body's immunity against infections, supports cancer prevention, lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure), and has at least twice the antioxidants of white garlic (and no garlic breath!). Great for savory and sweet dishes; pair with cheese and cured meats; punch up salads, marinades, sauces, veggies, dressings, dips; flavor meat, fish, and pasta.
Black Garlic products: cloves, honey, pearls, paste, ketchup
SEASONINGS
Mentis Estate
Fleur de Sel (“flower of salt”): Mentis premium, medium-grain Fleur de Sel is 100% hand-harvested using artisanal methods to produce the finest quality sea salt with its full compliment of minerals and the delicate taste of the Mediterranean Sea. Its nuanced and delicate flavor with a flakey, subtle crunch sets this above regular sea salt. It’s also excellent as a finishing condiment over salads, vegetables, and any type of meat or fish. And, yes, it beautifully finishes a dessert (especially chocolate). Locally harvested salt is a unique way to experience the rare and complex flavor of a region and the essence of a country.
Mentis Estate Fleur de Sel is available in gourmet shops and online.
Fleur de Sel (“flower of salt”): Mentis premium, medium-grain Fleur de Sel is 100% hand-harvested using artisanal methods to produce the finest quality sea salt with its full compliment of minerals and the delicate taste of the Mediterranean Sea. Its nuanced and delicate flavor with a flakey, subtle crunch sets this above regular sea salt. It’s also excellent as a finishing condiment over salads, vegetables, and any type of meat or fish. And, yes, it beautifully finishes a dessert (especially chocolate). Locally harvested salt is a unique way to experience the rare and complex flavor of a region and the essence of a country.
Mentis Estate Fleur de Sel is available in gourmet shops and online.
SAL de IBIZA Fleur de Sel
Sea Salt: Fleur de Sel La Vie en Rose
Sea salt is always the healthier salt choice, and this aromatic variety from Ibiza adds a new dimension to flavorful seasoning. Made with hand-harvested salt flowers, rose petals, rose buds, and a touch of precious rose oil. Use with lamb and game dishes, or with oriental-inspired meals. As a dessert salt, this pairs well with dark chocolate and ice cream.
Other sea-salt special varieties: Mar Blau with Organic Black Garlic, Isla Blanca
Other sea-salt mix varieties: Granito with Herbs, Granito with Chili, Granito with Flowers
Sea Salt: Fleur de Sel La Vie en Rose
Sea salt is always the healthier salt choice, and this aromatic variety from Ibiza adds a new dimension to flavorful seasoning. Made with hand-harvested salt flowers, rose petals, rose buds, and a touch of precious rose oil. Use with lamb and game dishes, or with oriental-inspired meals. As a dessert salt, this pairs well with dark chocolate and ice cream.
Other sea-salt special varieties: Mar Blau with Organic Black Garlic, Isla Blanca
Other sea-salt mix varieties: Granito with Herbs, Granito with Chili, Granito with Flowers
Farmer Foodie Italian Herb Cashew Parm
If dairy’s an issue, gift this delectable Italian Herb Cashew Parm—made from premium organic cashews, a blend of savory Italian spices, and herbs—as a replacement for parmesan. The product embodies traditional parmesan flavors with added tangy pizza vibes. The rich creamy goodness of Italian Herb will elevate any culinary experience. Crafted with care and passion, this artisanal Cashew Parm is the perfect marriage of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Recreate all your favorite Italian dishes with this deliciously dairy- and gluten-free Italian Herb flavor.
Varieties: Italian Herb Cashew Parm, Golden Chedda Cashew Parm
If dairy’s an issue, gift this delectable Italian Herb Cashew Parm—made from premium organic cashews, a blend of savory Italian spices, and herbs—as a replacement for parmesan. The product embodies traditional parmesan flavors with added tangy pizza vibes. The rich creamy goodness of Italian Herb will elevate any culinary experience. Crafted with care and passion, this artisanal Cashew Parm is the perfect marriage of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Recreate all your favorite Italian dishes with this deliciously dairy- and gluten-free Italian Herb flavor.
Varieties: Italian Herb Cashew Parm, Golden Chedda Cashew Parm
PROTEIN & FIBER
BreadKone
Chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad between two slices of bread, messy! Bread in the shape of a cone, neat, and you’ll have your other hand free to grab your drink. With almost 6 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar, BreadKone will leave you satisfied but not weighed down. With unlimited uses and filling options, it’s no wonder the sensation that started in Greece has found it’s second home in the US.
Varieties: Classic, Sesame & Herbs, Cheese (parmesan), Everything Seasoning; available in 2 sizes, 3.7 oz, 1.8 oz
Nutrition (per Classic 3.7 oz serving): almost 6 grams protein, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram sugar, calories 222
Chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad between two slices of bread, messy! Bread in the shape of a cone, neat, and you’ll have your other hand free to grab your drink. With almost 6 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar, BreadKone will leave you satisfied but not weighed down. With unlimited uses and filling options, it’s no wonder the sensation that started in Greece has found it’s second home in the US.
Varieties: Classic, Sesame & Herbs, Cheese (parmesan), Everything Seasoning; available in 2 sizes, 3.7 oz, 1.8 oz
Nutrition (per Classic 3.7 oz serving): almost 6 grams protein, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram sugar, calories 222
Pi00a Pizza Napoletana
Fresh-from-the-brick-oven-excellence in a frozen pizza? Oh yes, and no one will ever guess it didn’t come from the pizzeria. Get ready to be blown away. Go protein rich (up to 20 g) and fiber-healthy (up to 5 g) with Pi00a’s bursting-with-flavor pizzas, like Miso Eggplant (one of our favs!) or choose another from their scrumptious menu. Each flavor is unique and fabulous! Sprinkle on some Spicy Chili Crunch for a fiery-sweet finish (also great on eggs, veggies, and ice cream). Bonus, your purchase supports the Deaf community, affording members the opportunity to train and work. Great product, worthy cause…win, WIN!
Varieties: Marinara, Margherita, Soppressata, Spicy Soppressata, Quattro Formaggi, Hainan Chicken, Miso Eggplant, Asian Pear
Nutrition per serving: up to 20 grams protein, up to 5 grams fiber
Fresh-from-the-brick-oven-excellence in a frozen pizza? Oh yes, and no one will ever guess it didn’t come from the pizzeria. Get ready to be blown away. Go protein rich (up to 20 g) and fiber-healthy (up to 5 g) with Pi00a’s bursting-with-flavor pizzas, like Miso Eggplant (one of our favs!) or choose another from their scrumptious menu. Each flavor is unique and fabulous! Sprinkle on some Spicy Chili Crunch for a fiery-sweet finish (also great on eggs, veggies, and ice cream). Bonus, your purchase supports the Deaf community, affording members the opportunity to train and work. Great product, worthy cause…win, WIN!
Varieties: Marinara, Margherita, Soppressata, Spicy Soppressata, Quattro Formaggi, Hainan Chicken, Miso Eggplant, Asian Pear
Nutrition per serving: up to 20 grams protein, up to 5 grams fiber
Monterey Farms ArtiHearts
Founded in 2000, Monterey Farms in California is a boutique producer of premium artichoke (and butter) products. These ready-to-eat, hand-trimmed artichoke hearts allow you to enjoy the rich flavor of fresh artichokes without all the dirty work. Delicious, healthy, and easy…a New Year’s trifecta!
Varieties: Natural, Herbal, Grilled
Nutrition per serving: 2-3 grams protein, 4-5 grams fiber, 0-0.4 gram saturated fat, 40-80 calories
Founded in 2000, Monterey Farms in California is a boutique producer of premium artichoke (and butter) products. These ready-to-eat, hand-trimmed artichoke hearts allow you to enjoy the rich flavor of fresh artichokes without all the dirty work. Delicious, healthy, and easy…a New Year’s trifecta!
Varieties: Natural, Herbal, Grilled
Nutrition per serving: 2-3 grams protein, 4-5 grams fiber, 0-0.4 gram saturated fat, 40-80 calories
Zesty Z Pita Chips
Mother-and-son team, Lorraine and Alexander Harik have zested up snack time with these new flavor-packed, high-fiber (6 g) pita chips, with 22% fewer carbs than leading pita chips. They’re twice baked from fresh pita, giving you double layers, signature grill marks, a deeply satisfying crunch, and a chip that will hold up against even the strongest dip! Snacks just got a whole lot more, well, Zesty!
Varieties: Sea Salt, Parmesan & Garlic
Nutrition per serving: 6 grams fiber, 3 grams protein, 3.5 grams total fat (lower than other pita chips), 0 saturated fat, 0 grams sugar
Mother-and-son team, Lorraine and Alexander Harik have zested up snack time with these new flavor-packed, high-fiber (6 g) pita chips, with 22% fewer carbs than leading pita chips. They’re twice baked from fresh pita, giving you double layers, signature grill marks, a deeply satisfying crunch, and a chip that will hold up against even the strongest dip! Snacks just got a whole lot more, well, Zesty!
Varieties: Sea Salt, Parmesan & Garlic
Nutrition per serving: 6 grams fiber, 3 grams protein, 3.5 grams total fat (lower than other pita chips), 0 saturated fat, 0 grams sugar
Freekeh Harvest Pita Chips
Freekeh (free-kuh), an ancient Mediterranean supergrain, was discovered around 2300 B.C. The grain is slow-roasted and turned into a protein-rich pita chip, perfect for dipping or healthy snacking on-the-go (6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no added sugar). These delicious chips have up to 3 times more protein and fiber and up to 50% less fat than other pita chips. While new to America, freekeh is a notable staple of a Mediterranean diet. And even more notable, their roasted nutty flavor is addictive!
Varieties: Sea Salt, Everything
Nutrition per serving: 6 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, 0 grams added sugar
Freekeh (free-kuh), an ancient Mediterranean supergrain, was discovered around 2300 B.C. The grain is slow-roasted and turned into a protein-rich pita chip, perfect for dipping or healthy snacking on-the-go (6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no added sugar). These delicious chips have up to 3 times more protein and fiber and up to 50% less fat than other pita chips. While new to America, freekeh is a notable staple of a Mediterranean diet. And even more notable, their roasted nutty flavor is addictive!
Varieties: Sea Salt, Everything
Nutrition per serving: 6 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, 0 grams added sugar
Sincerely, Brigitte
Grab N’ Go Sticks: individually wrapped single-serve cheeses
Finally, on-the-go gourmet cheese sticks! These sticks begin with premium milk from small Wisconsin dairy farms using vegetarian rennet and only fresh ingredients, resulting in the most distinctive flavor. Brigitte is always looking for ways to spice things up with her flavor combinations, bringing together bold, sweet, spicy, and savory into the most elating flavored cheese.
Varieties: Tomato Olive (Prairie Jack with olive & sundried tomato), Garlic Basil (Prairie Jack with garlic & basil), Chipotle (white cheddar with chipotle), and more—all delish and the Tomato Olive tastes like pizza!
Nutrition per stick: 5 grams protein, 80 calories
Grab N’ Go Sticks: individually wrapped single-serve cheeses
Finally, on-the-go gourmet cheese sticks! These sticks begin with premium milk from small Wisconsin dairy farms using vegetarian rennet and only fresh ingredients, resulting in the most distinctive flavor. Brigitte is always looking for ways to spice things up with her flavor combinations, bringing together bold, sweet, spicy, and savory into the most elating flavored cheese.
Varieties: Tomato Olive (Prairie Jack with olive & sundried tomato), Garlic Basil (Prairie Jack with garlic & basil), Chipotle (white cheddar with chipotle), and more—all delish and the Tomato Olive tastes like pizza!
Nutrition per stick: 5 grams protein, 80 calories
Dixie Grace’s Boiled Peanut Hummus
In this innovative hummus, traditional chickpeas are replaced by boiled peanuts to create a flavor-packed creamy spread. We were delighted to find that we enjoyed it more than the typical store-bought chickpea hummus. Add in that it’s high fiber, non-GMO, low in saturated fat, cholesterol- and gluten-free, and you’re eating guilt-free! Serve with crackers, pita, or veggies, or spread it on sliced bread to dial up the flavor of your sandwich. It’s also the perfect choice for anyone allergic to chickpeas.
Varieties: Original, Hot & Spicy
Nutrition per serving: 7g plant-based protein, 4-5g fiber
I hope you enjoy getting on a deliciously healthy track with these Mediterranean-inspired products from the Fancy Food Show. Don’t forget to check out our Kouzina Extra blog, Healthy New-You, for more delectably healthy items. For Mediterranean Diet recipes and tips, see our collection.
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us!
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
In this innovative hummus, traditional chickpeas are replaced by boiled peanuts to create a flavor-packed creamy spread. We were delighted to find that we enjoyed it more than the typical store-bought chickpea hummus. Add in that it’s high fiber, non-GMO, low in saturated fat, cholesterol- and gluten-free, and you’re eating guilt-free! Serve with crackers, pita, or veggies, or spread it on sliced bread to dial up the flavor of your sandwich. It’s also the perfect choice for anyone allergic to chickpeas.
Varieties: Original, Hot & Spicy
Nutrition per serving: 7g plant-based protein, 4-5g fiber
I hope you enjoy getting on a deliciously healthy track with these Mediterranean-inspired products from the Fancy Food Show. Don’t forget to check out our Kouzina Extra blog, Healthy New-You, for more delectably healthy items. For Mediterranean Diet recipes and tips, see our collection.
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us!
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
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Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
