cheese | Her Philly

I am a Whole Foods Market (929 South Street) addict. My addiction partially stems from the fact that I like to know where my food comes from & feel better about its production, but also because they really have very unique, specialty items. Each time I visit, I discover new things I absolutely love. And despite every human around me saying “wow, isn’t that store so expensive?,” I have found the prices are reasonable enough to propel my addiction further.

Here are five of my favorite gems I’ve found at Whole Foods lately.

5. Chia Pod® in Vanilla Bean

The Chia Pod from Whole Foods // Her Philly

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I’ll admit, I had no idea what this was when I picked it up. But I heard great things about Chia seeds (good for cholesterol, lots of fiber & Omega 3), so I gave the vanilla variety a try. The packaging is great (it has a spoon in the lid) for running out the door to work, and the flavor is amazing. The texture might throw you off at first, but trust me on this one.

4. SeaSnax

Sea Snax Dried Seaweed from Whole Foods // Her Philly

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Never did I ever think I would enjoy chomping on dried seaweed, but when looking for something crunchy to bring with my lunch, I gave SeaSnax a try. Each package has 16 calories and is made with seaweed, salt & olive oil. They are kind of . . . loud . . . to eat in the office, but they also keep you occupied for awhile.

3. Cypress Grove Chevre Midnight Moon

Cypress Grove Chevre Midnight Moon from Whole Foods // Her Philly

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One of the best things about Whole Foods is the cheese counter. After a quick sampling over a year ago, I fell in love with this goat’s milk cheese. It is creamy and delicious, and I normally ask for a small piece (under $5) to pair with some wine & crackers.

2. Peanut Butter Puffins

Barbaras Peanut Butter Puffins from Whole Foods

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I was never really a cereal person until I tried Puffins. The peanut butter flavor is my favorite, and they’re perfect for me because they take a long time to get soggy in soy milk. When I get distracted while getting ready for work, they’re still OK to eat when I come back to the bowl. (My life is a first world problem.)

1. Tofu Shirataki

Tofu Shirataki no carb noodles from Whole Foods // Her Philly

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These noodles became my BFF during my first low-carb kick. They literally have 3 grams of carbs and no cholesterol. They come in a refrigerated packet that you have to cut & drain and then WASH, thoroughly. They do not need to be cooked, but I have found they taste best if you put them in with the sauce & veggies overnight and let them sit to absorb the flavor. Let me be clear, these do not taste anywhere near as good as real, carb-containing pasta, but they are a great alternative.

What gems have you scored at Whole Foods lately?

Dining out in any big city is cool, but dining out in OUR city is pretty amazing. There are so many options on each and every block that I’m pretty sure if you wanted to, you would never have to go back to the same place twice (but once you find “the one,” you’re gonna wanna go back). Sometimes, at least for me, when I cook for myself at home, I find my mind wandering to some of these delicious delicacies and wishing I was eating them instead. So, as I sit here eating brown rice & veggies, here are five Philly things I wish I was eating right about now.

5. Turkey Reuben with String Bean Casserole and Macaroni & Cheese at Honey’s on South (2101 South Street)

4. Cheese plate at Moshulu (401 South Columbus Boulevard)

3. All’ Uovo pizza at Serafina (130 South 18th Street)

2. Chocolate dipped chocolate chip cookie at Famous 4th Street Cookie Company (Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street)

1. Chicken Brochetas at Tinto (114 South 20th Street)

Now that I’m sure your mouth is watering, please, enlighten me: what Philly food could land on your lap right now and you, say, wouldn’t be mad at it? xx