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 product selections (that we sampled at the Fancy Food Show) will get you started on a New-You chapter. From snacking to meal replacement to hydrating pre- and post-workout, we’ve got you covered!

MMMJerky
This thin and crispy beef jerky is made from USDA Prime grade brisket known for its extensive marbling (accounting for just 2% to 5% of beef sold) and gourmet flavor. It's a quick and simple way to sneak in that protein when you're on the go!
​
Flavors: Regular, Cracked Black Pepper, Spicy, Hananero
Nutrition per 1-oz serving: 8 grams protein, 5 grams fat (2.5 grams saturated fat), 130 calories

Crisp Power Protein Pretzels
Crisp Power, is the first-ever protein pretzel with satisfying crunch and high fiber. It recently launched on Amazon and at select Costco locations. This healthy high-protein (28g), low-carb (6 grams net carbs per bag verses the average 41 grams in a regular snack bag) pretzel makes snack time count and is a great alternative to regular pretzels and chips. 
​
Flavors: Sea Salt, Sesame, Everything
Nutrition per serving: 15-16 grams protein, 6 grams fiber, 0 grams sugar, calories 110-120

Zing plant-based bar (award winning), Mini bars
Mini bars, BIG taste – with 5 grams of protein, these decadent minis are perfect when you need just a little something to hold you till the next meal.
​
Flavors: Dark Chocolate Cherry, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Variety Pack
Nutrition per mini bar: 5 grams protein, just 2 grams added sugar, 100 calories

Scott’s Protein Balls
Convenient on-the-go snacks with a nutritious protein boost in these plant-based, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free nibbles. Nut-free options available! The brand’s clean ingredients, innovation, sustainability practices, and transparency (no GMOs, no artificial colors or flavors, no hydrogenated oils, no refined sugar or salt, no preservatives) are the four corners of its values.
​
Flavors: Peanut Butter Cacao, Java Peanut Butter, Snickerdoodle, Brownie Batter, Confetti, Mint Chocolate Chip
Nutrition per serving (2 balls): up to 7 grams protein, about 140 calories

Whoa! Dough
Your favorite cookie dough flavors in a snack bar packed with protein and fiber. If you want the yumminess of homemade cookies without the fuss, try their new Ready-to-Bake Cookie Dough. All are certified vegan, plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-, soy-, dairy-, and egg-free. There’s something for everyone!
​
Flavors: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip, Brownie Batter, and more.
Nutrition per bar: up to 5 grams protein, up to 5 grams fiber

Nairn’s Breakfast (Oat) Biscuits
This perfectly balanced biscuit/cookie begs the question, why do other cookies need to be sooo sweet?! Well, they don’t, and these biscuits (with 23 grams of Scottish-baked whole-grain oats) have just the right amount of sugar (30% less than leading brands), are satisfying without being overwhelming, and with 3 grams each of protein and fiber, breakfast just got a boost. They're also great for tackling those afternoon munchies!
​
Flavors: Dark Chocolate and Coconut (our favorite), Salted Caramel, Blueberry & Raspberry, and more
Nutrition per serving (3 cookies): 3 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, just 7 grams added sugars, 190 calories
Shop: Amazon

For Good Granola (no-oat granola)
The Sofi Award-winning Chocolate Chile with Tart Cherries brand has added an exciting new buckwheat granola flavor portfolio (in Pineapple, Cranberry Spice, and Sweet Curry) with up to 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. These deliciously healthy granolas can be eaten on their own or sprinkled over salad, ice cream, dessert, and more.
​
Nutrition per serving: 4 grams protein, 3 grams fiber

Quick Fit Bites
Quick Fit Bites offers delicious, convenient, wholesome snacks crafted from real, simple ingredients that you can read and understand. Nourish your body with snacks that are as good for you as they are delicious. No refined sugar, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free.
​
Flavors: Almond Cashew, Choco Peanut, Choco Hazelnut
Nutrition (Almond Cashew): up to 3 grams protein, 2 grams fiber

Diggables Buckwheat Puffs
With 3 grams of complete protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, this whole-grain, gluten-free buckwheat snack is rich in antioxidants, minus the artificial colors and fillers in those other commercial puffs—crispy deliciousness that satisfies!
​
Flavors: Maine Sea Salt, Garden Herb, White Cheddar
Nutrition per serving: 3 grams protein, 2 grams fiber

CauliPuffs
This family-owned brand has created gluten-free snacks with non-GMO ingredients (rice, corn, cauliflower) that are baked (not fried!) with avocado oil. Tasty, healthy snacking just got easier!

Flavors: White Cheddar, Honey BBQ, Habanero Ranch, Salt & Pepper, Chili Lime
Nutrition: 2 grams protein, 0 grams added sugar

Peak Protein Bars
This 19-20 grams whey protein bar has literally set the [high] bar. The crisp and creamy texture, superior taste, and the resulting sustained fullness can ready you for a workout or satisfy post exercise. If you can have just one bar in your bag, this is the ONE!
​
Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Almond Butter Amaretti, Dark Chocolate Mint
Nutrition (per bar): 19-20 grams protein, 7-8 grams fiber, 290 calories

Brooklyn Cured
This award-winning charcuterie brand has a fabulous new on-the-go Bresaola and Gouda Snack Pack (Sofi Gold award 2024, Appetizer & Snacks category) – high protein, no antibiotics, no nitrates, pasture raised; the bresaola is like a beef prosciutto and the gouda is creamy perfection—the perfect pair. Other combos and charcuterie also available.
​
Nutrition per serving (2 per pack): 7 grams protein, 65 calories

Fossil Farms
All-natural, farm-raised, nutrient-rich game/proteins that are antibiotic-, steroid-, hormone-free; sustainably raised, and responsibly harvested.
​
Products: game meats/birds, poultry, sausages & hot dogs, beef, pork, gourmet burgers, exotic meats, eggs, more
Nutrition for Bison Ribeye Steak (per 3.5 oz serving): 21 grams lean protein, 225 calories, rich in omega-3 fats, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and more

Acme Smoked Fish
Forget the tuna sandwich. This new Sesame Crusted Smoked Yellowfin Tuna (Wild-Caught) is a pre-sliced, sushi-grade tuna in a grab-and-go pouch. Gently smoked to perfection, brushed with sesame oil, and coated with crunchy sesame seeds, this tuna packs 20 grams of protein in a 3-ounce container. Serve over greens or grains for a complete meal. Fresh and awesome!
​
Nutrition (per 3 oz serving): 20 grams protein, 1.5 grams fat, 100 calories

Smearcase FroCo Ice Cream
This is the next BIG thing--it’s so amazing that it sold out on the company’s website last year. With up to 44 grams of protein per serving, a boost of collagen, and half the fat of regular ice cream, dessert no longer has to be on the naughty list. It’s so rich and creamy that you’d never guess it’s powered by cottage cheese (seriously, NEVER guess!). Enjoy in a bowl or add a scoop to the blender and up your smoothie game.
​
Flavors (seriously delicious): Vanilla Bean, Peanut Butter, Mocha Joe
Nutrition (per serving): 39-44 grams protein

Full of Beans Pancake & Waffle Mix
Bean up your breakfast with 15 grams of plant-based protein. The mix is made with fava beans, brown rice, oatmeal, oat fiber, pea starch, MCT oil, and a touch of coconut sugar (just 2 grams added sugar). Simply whisk with water, pour, and flip (for pancakes). The result is fluffy, filling, and delicious.
​
Nutrition per serving: 15 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, 4 grams sugar, 238 calories

PRI Manuka Honey Dark Chocolate Patties
Good-for-you New Zealand manuka honey (MGO 60+) wrapped in antioxidant-rich dark chocolate is a double win. This superfood duo boasts antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. When a sore throat threatens, pop one of these luxurious patties.
​
Flavors: Cherry, Orange, Salted Caramel, Raspberry, Mint, Ginger, and Coffee

Twrl Milk Tea (the first plant-based milk tea)
Natural energy drink inspired by boba milk tea that’s refreshing and beyond delicious, using plant-based, clean ingredients—each variety with its own unique profile. Add Popping Boba beads to bubble up your tea in Strawberry, Lychee, Honey, Crystal, and Brown Sugar flavors.

Flavors: Hojicha Roasted Green (for a pre- or post-workout boost), smooth floral Supreme Jasmine Pu’erh (with three times the antioxidants as a cup of green tea), Taiwan-Style Black (for a morning or afternoon chocolatey-cinnamon boost with three times the antioxidants as a cup of black tea), Ube/purple yam (for heart health, lower inflammation and oxidative stress)
Nutrition per serving (1 can, about 8oz): sugar 6-7 grams (way less than other milk teas, 20-25 grams), 45-50 calories (other milk teas 120-175)

Strive (dairy without the cow)
Boost your morning smoothie with a better protein that’s creamy and delicious.
All of the milk protein and goodness with none of the milk sugars. This is an animal-free whey protein, so no need for hormones or antibiotics (with reduced carbon emissions).  It’s also calcium enriched, vitamin fortified, with 9 essential amino acids—perfect for drinking healthy without the moo!
​
Flavors: Freemilk Whole, Freemilk Chocolate, Oat Barista (it froths, foams, and steams better than the plant-based alternatives for that perfect latte!)
Nutrition per serving: 10 grams protein, 4 grams sugar, 130 calories

Quarterpast
Gold Energy Drink Concentrates with Guarana & Green Caffeine – this award-winning cold-brewed fruit-and-natural-caffeine (from green coffee beans and enhanced by guarana) beverage starter provides a sustained energy boost that’s refreshing and delicious without the artificial flavors of traditional energy drinks! Just add water and ice.
​
Flavors: Gold Kiwi, Apple & Lime, Tropical, Watermelon
Other concentrates include: Iced Coffee (in Caramel and more), Iced Chai (in Vanilla and more), Iced Tea (in Lemon, Apple, Peach), Drinking Chocolate, and Coffee Syrups—just add ice and/or your favorite milk or coffee.

The Republic of Tea
Packed with antioxidants, tea is the natural choice when cutting back on caffeine or choosing no caffeine at all. Teas like Get Burning, Get Lean, Get Charged, and SuperAdapt Burnout Blocker can help you get the most out of your workouts. This brand also has a vast selection of premium teas ranging from seasonal to themed to flavored to those offering specific health benefits, such as Weight Control, Metabolism, Detoxing, Relieving Stress, and Soothing Throats. There’s traditional Earl Gray, Chai, and Matcha Green alongside decadent Chocolate and Spiced. Enjoy a cup of goodness!


I hope you enjoy getting on a deliciously healthy track with these inspired products from the Fancy Food Show. Don’t forget to check out our Mediterranean New-You Guide post 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

Copyright © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

We’re wrapping up our month-long series on the fabulous new foods featured at the Fancy Food Show with non-Greek beverages and edibles that made a notable impression and captured our taste buds—from that morning cuppa Joe, to lobster entrees and BBQ, to snacks and treats, and everything in between. These products will get you party ready without all the fuss of making them from scratch. Shopping and recipe links included!


GOOD MORNING!
 
Civilized Coffee Company
Products: Instant Cold Brew Coffee Granules, tea powders, espresso powder, whole bean international coffee varieties (including Turkish), and more
 
The Instant Cold Brew Coffee Granules are made with 100% Arabica beans that have been cold-brew extracted and spray fried into easy to dissolve granules that result in low acidity, smooth full-bodied flavor—forget the overnight brews with messy filters and grounds in the trash. For hot or cold use.
 
The coffees and teas stand up to fresh brewed and are incredibly convenient when on-the-go, camping, traveling. All you need is a cup and a spoon.
 
About the brand: Sustainable farmers and packaging (clean & minimalistic), transparent direct trade with East African region, farmer to consumer, non-GMO & gluten-free, shelf stable (up to 1 year), 51% owned/controlled/managed by U.S. veterans
 
Civilized Coffee's focus is on specialty coffees, premium instant teas and global ingredients.
*Espresso Powder has been awarded Best Espresso Powder 2021 by America's Test Kitchen. 
*Latest product release Instant Cold Brew Coffee Powder has become a game changer in the fast growing Cold Brew Coffee category.
 
SHOP
RECIPES

Runamok Maple, Vermont-based, family-owned
Products: Maple Syrup (pure and infused with flavors like cinnamon-vanilla, salted-caramel, cardamom, coffee, and elderberry), Sparkle Maple Syrup, Sparkle Tonic (Maple Cocktail Mixer), Maple Cocktail Syrups and Bitters, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, honey, and more
 
Pancake syrup has been elevated to a new level with this reimagined line of barrel-aged, infused, and smoked maple syrups, as well as maple-based cocktail mixers and bitters, that shine in everything from entrees (grilling, too!) to desserts to beverages. Start with breakfast, then add them to whatever sparkles your taste buds.
 
SHOP
RECIPES

ENTREES PLEASE!

Hancock Gourmet Lobster
Products: Lobsterman’s catch to lobster rolls, lobster pot pies, lobster mac n’ cheese, lobster grilled cheese sandwiches, and so much more
 
For over 20 years, Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. has been creating and shipping legendary Maine lobster experiences nationwide. These prepared gourmet-restaurant-quality lobster meals are made from scratch using award-winning recipes featuring Maine lobster that’s delivered to your door! Eco friendly and sustainable.
 
SHOP

Ford’s Gourmet Foods Bone Suckin’ Sauce (BBQ bomb!)
Products: Bone Suckin’ Sauces and seasonings

Our favorite is Bone Suckin’ Sauce Sweet Southern, Hot—it’s award-winning, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The sweet-hot and spicy flavor makes it the ultimate sauce for grilling, caramelizing, and cooking. Full of character, this sauce makes everything taste bone-suckin’ delicious.
 
SHOP
RECIPES

Jersey Italian Gravy
Products: Italian-style pasta sauces
 
The original, all-natural, nothing artificial, family recipe. Hearty, flavorful, and as close to homemade pasta sauce you can get in a jar. Each variety has a standout personality all its own, including Sunday Dinner, Arrabbiata, Brooklyn Italian Marinara, and Holiday Dinner. Delizioso!
 
SHOP
RECIPES

Acme Smoked Fish 
Products: Smoked salmon and fish, herring, and more
 
Smoked salmon with a fresh, rich flavor that’s all-natural, with no artificial preservatives, is gluten-free, and a great protein source. We love the Acme new/Nova smoked salmon and the Everything Bagel smoked salmon!
 
SHOP
RECIPES

Truff
Products: Truffle-infused hot sauces, pasta sauces, mayonnaises, truffle oil, and more
 
This is the ultimate pantry staple—made with black and white truffles and red chili peppers—that ups your dining experience to a level of luxury.
 
SHOP
RECIPES

SNACKS & TREATS
 
Açaí Roots
Products: Superfood protein bars, frozen puree, freeze-dried powder, sorbet, juices, kombuchas, and more
 
A flavorful lifestyle brand of organic açaí berry products, sustainably sourced in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest. High antioxidant count (500% more than blueberries), omega-3 -6 -9 fatty acids, dietary fiber, protein, calcium, vitamins A, E, B6. Products are non-GMO, dairy free, gluten free, 100% vegan.
 
Our favorites:
Açaí + Goji Berry Superfood Bar
Açaí + Dark Chocolate Superfood Bar
*organic plant-based protein (5g)
*freeze-dried organic açaí
*pumpkin-seed protein
*soy, grain, dairy free
*antioxidant 500 ORACs
 
SHOP
RECIPES

Zestos Seasoned Tortilla Chips
Product: Sweet Salty Spice Tortilla Chips
 
If there’s one good thing to come out of the pandemic, it’s this irresistible tortilla chip that is reminiscent of Doritos but without the fake cheese powder taste (these are dairy free, BTW). In 2020, Koeze, the 100-plus-year-old company that developed Zestos, took the original 1970’s Michigan pub-style tortilla chip and gave it a seasoned makeover. The result is a chip that tastes like loaded nachos, without the, um, load (they’re non-GMO, dairy free, gluten free, Kosher, no artificial anything)! Koeze is also well known for their all-natural peanut butters.

SHOP

Vegan Rob’s
Products: Plant-based chips and puffs
 
You don’t need to be a vegan to love these plant-based snacks. It’s easy to get addicted to the flavor-packed crisps and puffs that are nutritious, with zero trans fats, are gluten-free, and kosher.
 
Our favorites:
Chips: Cauli Crisps, Dragon Crisps (Potato & Sorghum)
Puffs: Beet Puffs, Sorghum (baked puffs, crunchy, good source of thiamin and riboflavin)
 
SHOP (also available online and in select stores)

The Saucy Ladies
Products: Gourmet-flavored kettle chips
 
Specialty old-fashioned kettle chips that come in unique flavors (arrabiata, five-cheese, marinara, sweet & salty, tomato-basil, truffle, as well as old-fashioned). For truffle lovers, try the Truffle chips—crisp and delicious made with white truffles and sea salt.

SHOP

SWEET FINISH!
 
Cotton Blues Cheesecake Company 
Products: Southern cheesecake in four flavors (original, strawberry swirl, blueberry swirl, sea-salted caramel swirl)
 
Ready to be cheesecake spoiled? This creamy-velvety obsession has zero fillers and lusciousness in every bite. All the cheesecakes are handcrafted in small batches, packaged with love, and shipped out to various grocery stores throughout the U.S. The cheesecakes can also be shipped nationwide through Goldbelly.
 
SHOP
 
 
You can order most of the these products from the company websites or contact them for shopping info in your area.
 
Enjoy these new and trending edibles! If you missed the last three Greek-trending installments, here are the links: Trending Edibles: Meze, Trending Edibles: Pantry Staples, and Trending Edibles: Sip & Sweet.
 
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 and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

Copyright © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / Flippin’ Greek!™ / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

This classic Indian dish comes from Nidhi Raghav, the very gifted and divine foodie maven of Platter Joy, who loves the cuisine of every culture and course. The motive of her recipe blog at platterjoy.com “is to help you make the kitchen the most beautiful corner of your home, where happiness is made and served.” When happiness is on Nidhi’s menu, everyone takes a seat at her table.

Chef’s Table by Michael Mandato

Kukla’s first love affair was with Greek food but she was also a huge fan of non-Greek culinary styles—as long as they met her delectable standards. She enjoyed watching the Food Network with Joanne’s stepson Danny when he was little, and her favorite TV chef was Lidia Bastianich on PBS—both Kukla and Lidia had a free hand with food…no cups or spoons needed! Their eyes did the measuring.

In Kouzina EXTRA! we’ll report on our food adventures and news—sometimes Greek, sometimes not…but always delicious!

Our focus today is on the new Chef’s Table at REIN at The Garden City Hotel (Garden City, NY). One evening a month, chef Michael Mandato and his staff prepare a stellar 5-course dinner served in the hotel’s main “kouzina” (kitchen). 

Chef Mandato highlights seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh summertime tomatoes and herbs from the hotel’s garden, as well as cheeses and produce from east-end Long Island farms like Catapano and Goodale. For vegetarians, vegans and those with food allergies, the chef is happy to creatively, and deliciously, customize each course to diners' needs.

Up close and personal (in the kitchen) is the perfect way to watch the action while experiencing the smells and tastes of each dish as it develops and makes its way from the stovetop and oven to your table. A wine pairing for each course complements the presentation, making this an event to be savored in all its stages.

Following a generous hors d’oeuvres (coconut shrimp in green gazpacho, tuna tartar, duck dumplings) and champagne (Veuve Clicquot-Brut NV) introduction, we were seated and watched the elaborate menu unfold. 

Here’s a view from the Chef’s Table:

Ready to have your own deliciously intimate dining experience? 

Details for the next Chef’s Table menu on May 28 can be found on gardencityhotel.com. Call REIN at The Garden City Hotel at 516-877-9385 to make a reservation. Seating is limited so claiming your place at the Table should be done sooner rather than later.

Subscribe on our Contact Us page and we'll put you on our email list for Kukla's Kouzina updates. Did you enjoy our EXTRA blog? Please send us your comments below! 

Thanks for following us. Keep checking back to see when our next Kouzina EXTRA pops up!

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly

Copyright © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / Kouzina EXTRA / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!