Bulk Dried Fruits and Nuts

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Stored properly, fresh nuts can be kept in great shape for a year. You don’t have to be afraid of buying a bunch at a time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge or put them in the freezer and they will keep for months. If they lose their crunchiness in the fridge, all you need to do is toast them for 10–15 minutes at 200°F and they are good-as-new. Raw almonds spilling out of small glass bowl

Almonds

Why We Love Them: A fresh almond is a revelation, a far different thing from the brown, often wizened nut that you find in bags on supermarket shelves. At its best, no more than a month off the tree, an almond is golden, plump and tender with a mellow, buttery flavor. Health Benefits: One ounce provides half your daily vitamin E—more than any other nut. It also supplies 8 percent of your daily calcium needs. 1/4 cup (about 23 nuts) contains 192 calories, 16 g. fat, 4 g. fiber Try This Recipe: Baked Pears with Blue Cheese              

WALNUTS

Why We Love Them:

The rich, robust, almost smoky taste of walnuts can turn everyday dishes into exciting signature creations. No other nut can match the distinctive pungent flavor that has elevated the walnut to the status of the “Ultimate Nut” for foodies who place rigorous demands on their recipes. Health Benefits: Walnuts deliver omega-3 fatty acids and contain antioxidants that support the immune system. Being low in saturated fats, high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and having no cholesterol makes it a tough nut to beat. 30 grams (about a small handful) contains 210 calories, 20 g. fat, 3 g. fiber Try This Recipe: Cabbage Walnut & Gorgonzola Salad

MEDJOOL DATES

Why We Love Them: Considered the diamond of dates, Medjools are prized for their large size, extraordinary sweetness and chewy texture. Bite into one, and your teeth sink into satisfyingly sticky flesh that tastes of rich caramel, hints of wild honey and a touch of cinnamon. Health Benefits: Dates are loaded with fiber and contain more potassium than bananas, yet they are virtually fat-, cholesterol- and sodium-free. Their naturally occurring sugars also make them energy boosters. 2 dates contain 120 calories, 0 g. fat, 3 g. fiber Try This Recipe: Spinach Salad with Carrots, Dates and Goat Cheese

PISTACHIOS

Why We Love Them: Pistachios have a wonderful sweet-nutty taste that adds to any fish, chicken, fruit or veggie dish. They can be chopped up as a crunchy topping, sprinkled whole on salads and ground into butter. You can bake them into muffins, grill them with fish and stir-fry them with asparagus—your imagination is the limit. Health Benefits: Nutritionally, fresh pistachios contain vitamins A, B and C along with calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. 1 ounce contains 170 calories, 13 g. fat, 3 g. fiber Try This Recipe: Pumpkin Crusted Salmon

DRIED CRANBERRIES

Why We Love Them: Cranberries aren’t just for Thanksgiving turkey. Dried cranberries add color and a tart burst of flavor to salads, baked goods and cereals and provide a tasty source of energy when you eat them on their own as a snack. Health Benefits: The recommended serving size for dried cranberries is 1 ounce, which counts as slightly less than one serving of fruit. They are low in calories and fat, and a good source of dietary fiber. 1 ounce contains 90 calories, 0 g. fat, 2 g. fiber Try This Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pears and Cranberries Why We Love Them: Peanuts originated in South America, but have become an important crop throughout the southern half of the United States. They are great for snacking on, and are extremely versatile in both sweet and savory recipes. Health Benefits: Peanuts are a good source of protein and help to include more of the “good fat” (unsaturated fat). They naturally have zero cholesterol. 1 ounce contains 160 calories, 11 g. fat, 4 g. fiber Try This Recipe: Homemade Peanut Butter  

Berry & Mint Infused Water for the Fourth of July

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sparkling water infused with berries and mint By Shanley Cox, Out To Eat When you’re on the hunt for hydration, sometimes plain old water doesn’t cut it. Try swapping your tired H20 with infused water for a boost of flavor and some added flair. Sprouts’ vast selection of fruit and herbs is a playground for infused water combinations. If you’re planning July 4th festivities, try Berry & Mint Infused Water. All you need is a few simple ingredients. The colors are perfect for Fourth of July celebrations and the flavor will keep you motivated to sip all summer and maintain that eight-glass-a-day routine. Simply combine one gallon of water with one cup of blackberries and strawberries and eight fresh mint sprigs. Stir everything together, then let the water chill in the fridge for at least one hour before drinking. (It’s best to drink within two days.) Still water can be substituted for sparkling water if you prefer. Visit Shanley’s full post and learn about other infused water combinations.            

Shanley CoxAbout Shanley Cox

Shanley Cox chronicles the culinary life of a hungry 20-nothing in Out To Eat. There she divulges the most delicious and unique dishes in Kansas City (and beyond). She’s on a mission to share the “good food news” and help others appreciate local restaurants, bars and businesses.  

A Holiday Gift Guide

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Every year you face the same dilemma: What should I get for my loved ones? What did I get them last year? And, of course, can I get away with a simple gift card? We recommend making something crafted with love by your very own hands. It’s easier than you think, and in the end, it really is the thought that counts. Even if you haven’t attempted a handmade gift since that stunning Crayola family portrait a few decades ago, there is hope this holiday season. Admittedly, some of it comes from the Internet, where anything is seemingly possible; but we’ve unearthed a few good handcrafted gift ideas that seem both charming and simple. Candles, almonds, and present underneath a pine tree

Herb-Infused Olive Oil

Add a little spice to plain old olive oil. Infused olive oils are perfect for sautéeing your favorite vegetables, as a dressing, or drizzled on freshly cooked hot pasta with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. They also look pretty snazzy just sitting there in the bottle, if you get some of the cool bottles from The Container Store. Here’s how: Stuff a handful of herbs in decorative, food-safe bottles, preferably with a rubber stopper, and add oil. Try chile peppers for a kick, or rosemary for a classic taste. Adorn the bottles with pretty ribbon and a label describing what’s inside. Please Note: If fresh herbs are used, then the oil must be stored in a cool dry place (in the refrigerator for garlic) and used within a week to avoid spoilage and possible illness. The safest bet is to use fresh herbs that have been washed and then completely dried in a food dehydrator until all moisture is gone. Make it even more special: Pair with a bottle of fine balsamic vinegar and a few of your favorite olive oil recipes.

Aztec Hot Chocolate

Nothing says comfort like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s night. Kick up the volume with this exotic twist on classic cocoa, guaranteed to toast your tootsies. Here’s how: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder, 3/4 cup superfine sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder (found in the Bulk spice area), 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Transfer mix into a small container or a cellophane bag and attach with a note to mix 2-3 tablespoons with 1 cup of hot water or milk. Make it even more special: Tuck the cocoa into a BPA-free travel mug with a few cinnamon sticks bundled with a bow.

Scented Bath Salts

In the little corner of the store we like to call “HBA” (Health and Body Care), you’ll find everything you need to give the gift of relaxation in a warm bath. Measure three cups of Epsom salt into a large plastic Ziploc storage bag. Add 10-15 drops of your choice of 100 percent pure essential oil. (Popular options include eucalyptus, which is clarifying, and lavender, which is calming; but Sprouts has many to choose from.) Shake, squeeze, and massage bag vigorously to mix the salts and oil. Package the scented salts in a pretty glass jar with a lid. Be sure to print up some labels to mark the scents. Make it even more special: Consider gifting the bath salts with an inflatable bath pillow and a few votive candles in a matching scent. If handmade gifts are not your speed, Sprouts still has you covered for inexpensive yet thoughtful items guaranteed to produce a smile. You might find books and CDs, organic cotton gifts, scented sachets, and always, always, lots of vino (remember, when you buy any six bottles, mix and match, you get a free wine carrier—a great excuse to play the “one for you and two for me” game!).  

Superfoods for a Super New Year

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If you look up the definition of a superfood, you’ll likely find something along the lines of “a nutrient-rich food considered especially beneficial for health and well-being.” This definition may sound vague. That’s because it is. There’s no official or regulated definition of a superfood. Even so, there are foods that rise to the top when it comes to the nutrients they offer. Superfoods can help you get the most nutrition bang per bite. They provide more fiber, vitamins, minerals and/or phytonutrients compared to other foods. Though you may initially think of exotic foods like açai, moringa, maca or goji berries, there are plenty of everyday superfoods in the produce section. Since it’s winter and the start of a brand new year, I thought I’d highlight a few of the season’s hottest superfoods Bowl of Cauliflower

Cauliflower

This cruciferous vegetable has grown in popularity over the past few years. It’s packed with cancer-fighting compounds and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Enjoy cauliflower raw, simply roasted, in a stir-fry or puréed into soup. Jump on the “cauliflower rice” trend with ease by picking up a package of Sprouts Cauliflower Crumbles in the produce section next time you shop.
Chicories

Chicories

Haven’t heard of this one? Chicories are those bitter winter greens like endive and escarole or purple radicchio. They are a good source of vitamin C and may also help boost heart health. Use endive to scoop and serve a bread-free tuna or chickpea salad. Grill or sauté radicchio for a warm winter salad or toss it into vegetable soup.  
Pomegranates

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are one of the few foods that aren’t always easy to find. That’s not the case in the winter. They thrive in cooler temperatures from October to January. Pomegranates are known for their antioxidants. A beautiful, sweet-tart addition to greens, smoothies and winter fruit salads, pomegranates are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K.
Winter Squash cut in half

Winter Squash

Though pumpkin gets all of the attention in the fall, it’s not the only gourd in the patch. Roast or purée an acorn, delicata, kabocha or butternut squash for some variety. Enjoy the different winter squashes prepared sweet, savory, curried or spicy. With a deep orange to yellow flesh, winter squash is bursting with vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Bonus: Roast or dry the seeds and enjoy a protein- and magnesium-rich snack or salad topper.
Cup of Matcha

Matcha

Though matcha is available anytime you want it, this green gold is a warm and comforting answer to cold temperatures. Regular green tea is a popular healthy brew. Matcha (a green tea powder) takes it to another level. Because you drink or eat the entire leaf, you get more. Chock full of polyphenols, matcha is lauded for its anti-aging properties. Importantly, it may help lower the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Also, if you’re trying to stay focused on your goals this year, sip on this. Matcha is known to boost mental alertness too without the jitters you might get from other caffeinated drinks. This list is not at all comprehensive. It’s just a sampling of the many superfoods available at this time of year. Put one or all in the rotation for a super new year.

About Marisa Moore

Helping People Eat Better One Morsel at a Time

Marisa Moore is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and owner of Marisa Moore Nutrition. Using a food first, mostly plant-based approach, Marisa helps people eat better one morsel at a time through group classes, writing and developing healthy recipes. She enjoys working as a consultant for small and large businesses including food and nutrition startups and being an ambassador for delicious food and a healthy lifestyle. A past spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Marisa is a trusted food and nutrition expert and has appeared in most major media outlets including the Today Show, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and has had regular appearances on CNN. Marisa is a contributing editor for Food & Nutrition Magazine and U.S. News & World Report blogger. Before launching her consultancy, Marisa worked as an outpatient dietitian, the corporate nutritionist for a national bakery café restaurant and she managed the employee worksite nutrition program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Always ready for new passport stamps, Marisa loves to explore new countries but in her spare time you might find her cooking, dancing salsa or on a walk with her dog Biscuit. Learn more at marisamoore.com.  

New Year Resolutions You Can Keep

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Eat a variety of colorful foods

If your plate’s looking pale, that means you’re probably not getting a lot of nutrition from your food. One surefire way to make sure you’re eating right is by keeping it colorful. Brightly colored foods such as carrots, beets and spinach are nutrient-rich and packed with powerful antioxidants. Challenge yourself to pile on the purple, red, green and orange fruits and veggies.

Swap your sweets

Packaged, processed and high-fructose corn syrup treats gratify for seconds, but leave us feeling sluggish and bloated. This year, swap one of your go-to packaged snacks for the natural sugars of fresh and dried fruits. Fresh fruits like apples and bananas are fiber- and vitamin-rich, and dried fruits like apricots and cherries are great for snacking on the go. Basket of healthy vegetables

Eat what’s in season

When produce is in season, the relative abundance of the crop usually makes it less expensive at Sprouts. It’s the basic law of supply and demand, and when crops are in season you’ll be rewarded financially by purchasing what’s growing now.

Buy your grains and pasta in bulk

Buying in bulk helps you save money, reduce waste and stay stocked up for a home-cooked meal. Bulk up on a few staple dry goods items such as beans, rice and pasta. But make sure you’re purchasing items you’ll definitely eat—a deal isn’t a deal, after all, if you end up throwing most of it away.

Cook at home at least three nights a week

Eating and cooking at home saves money and keeps you in control of what you’re putting in your mouth. And it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. By planning ahead, you can stretch one big dish into several days’ worth of meals. Not sure what to make? Check out our archive of recipes for more ideas.

Start a vegetable garden

Growing your own food is a great way to get hands-on with your health goals. Tomatoes are chock-full of antioxidant-rich lycopene and vitamin C. Plus, they taste great and can be used in everything from sauces to salads and sandwiches. Not a tomato fan? Our starter kits make crisp carrots or sweet peas that are easy to grow.

Swap a harsh cleanser for natural solutions

Sprouts offers a variety of natural and inexpensive cleaning solutions that are easy alternatives to harsh cleansers. Most natural products are versatile and can be used on everything from bathroom tiles to kitchen surfaces and wood floors.  

Happy and Healthy Travels

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Traveling can be stressful on both your mental and physical health. Whether you’re traveling by a plane, train or automobile, we’ve got some tips to stay your healthiest and happiest this season. Vitamin C, mints, hand sanitizer mints, herbal zap, chapstick
  1. Boost your immune system. Cold and flu season often get the best of you during the holiday season, but maintaining a healthy immune system can help. Be sure to get that extra dose of vitamin C and zinc to help boost and maintain a healthy immune system.
  2. Keep clean. Hand sanitizing wipes are convenient when soap and water aren’t available, which can happen quite often while traveling. Grab a small pack of wipes to keep in your backpack, carry-on or car to help prevent the spread of germs.
  3. Plan ahead. If you’re taking a road trip, make sure your car is in tip-top shape. If you’re flying, check the weather for unexpected delays. Making a list (and checking it twice) will help you stay prepared for anything this busy season may bring your way.
  4. Reduce stress. Catching flights, large crowds and exhausting errands create added stress to your daily routine. Take some time to relax with the help of essential oils and natural stress relief pastilles.
  5. Enjoy time with friends and family. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the stresses of traveling, but remember, this is the time to be grateful for loved ones and the joy that they bring. Take some time to take a deep breath and appreciate the little things this season has to offer.
 

Non-Toxic Cleaners You Can Make at Home

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Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to freshen up our winter-weathered homes. Unfortunately, the often-toxic ingredients found in most conventional cleaning products can be just as harmful as the dirt and germs they are meant to eliminate. The good news is that spring cleaning doesn’t have to be dirty work. You can avoid the toxins in most conventional cleaning products by making your own. White, distilled vinegar is great for disinfecting, degreasing and non-toxic cleaning. It’s also extremely economical and readily available. Note: The smell of vinegar does dissipate fairly quickly, but if the stench bothers you, try scenting it with fragrant essential oils.different cleaning bottles

What You’ll Need:

  • Aura Cacia Essential Oils (we recommend lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree)
  • Sprouts Baking Soda
  • Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
  • White distilled vinegar
  • Clean distilled water
  • Toilet brush
  • Spray bottles
  • Cotton cloths

Disinfecting Surface Cleaner

Wipe away grime with this gentle, yet effective surface cleaner. Mix equal parts vinegar and water to disinfect walls, doorknobs, crib rails, and so on. If desired, add 5–10 drops of essential oil, per 2 cups of mixture. Dampen a sponge mop or cloth with the mixture and get to work!

Mirrors and Windows

To give your windows and mirrors a smudge-free shine combine 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar and 2 cups of water. Add 12 drops of lemon essential oil for added fragrance. Pour the ingredients into a clean spray bottle and shake well. Spray on surface and wipe with a clean cloth.

Multipurpose Cleaner

From the stovetop to the countertop, keep your home clean, fresh and safe with this multipurpose “greener” cleaner. Take an empty spray bottle and combine 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap, 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar and 1 1/2 cups of water. We recommend lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus or lavender essential oils to create a sweet and wholesome scent. Put the cap on and shake well.

Toilet Cleaners

For regular toilet seat wipe downs, straight vinegar will do the trick. For tougher jobs, combine 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup distilled white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the bowl and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet. Then, scrub with a brush and flush.

Bath and Shower

The best way to prevent soap and scum from building up is to regularly spray the bath and shower walls with vinegar. For a deep cleaning, make your own soft soap cleaner with baking soda and Castile soap. Use the baking soda in place of scouring powder. Sprinkle it liberally on porcelain fixtures and rub with a wet rag. Add a little soap to the rag for more cleaning power.  

Mother’s Day Mason Jar Vases

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Nothing says “I love you” quite like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. This Mother’s Day, why not take it a little step further and create these beautiful, DIY hand-painted mason jar vases that you know she’ll love. Better yet, if you’ve got little ones of your own, get them involved too! Mix and match multiple colors or simply choose the ones that go wonderfully with her favorite flowers. Either way, these do-it-yourself vases are easy to make, plus, Mom will know that they were painted with love.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Mason jars
  • Chalk paint in your preferred colors
  • Sandpaper
  • White chalk
  • Clear acrylic spray
  • Paintbrush

1. Paint the outside of each mason jar with chalk paint and let dry for one hour before applying another coat.

2. After the jars have completely dried, use sand paper to take the paint off of the raised, designed areas of the jar.

3. Rub white chalk over jar to create a distressed look.

4. Seal jars by spraying thoroughly with clear acrylic spray and let dry for at least two hours.

5. Once dry, add your mom's favorite fresh flowers.

Ice Cream Float Bar

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Summer is in full swing and what better way to celebrate the season than with a DIY Ice Cream Float Bar? Kids will love the option of creating their own recipes and adults will enjoy the nostalgia of this diner delight. Keep cool with these tips on how to create the perfect ice cream float bar.ICE CREAM BAR FLOATWhile you can’t go wrong with traditional vanilla, mix things up by providing a variety of flavors like mint chocolate chip or strawberry. You can find a number of dairy-free ice creams that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Sneak in an extra serving of fruit by dicing up fruit popsicles as a colorful option. Save time by prepping your ice cream the night before, by pre-scooping and freezing on a cookie sheet. Keep your frozen treats cool by serving the containers on ice.

The Drinks

Along with good old root beer, be sure to offer a variety of sodas for guests to mix and match flavors. To keep things even more interesting, add cold brew coffee, flavored seltzer water, sparkling lemonade and even kombucha to the mix. Be sure to display some adorable patterned straws for an added touch of color.SODA, STRAE AND ICE CREAM

The Toppings

To make your ice cream float bar extra special, you’ll need more than just a cherry on top! Fresh fruit, crushed graham crackers or marshmallows are just a few of our favorite toppings. Stop by our Bulk Department to pick up just enough dried fruits, chocolate or gummi bears to make your guests’ floats even more unique.

CHERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, MARSHMELLOW, CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND COCONUT

The Pairings

Give guests inspiration by creating a chalkboard with different recipes for one-of-a-kind pairings. Don’t know where to start? Here are some recipes that we’re loving.
  • Mint Mocha – 2 scoops mint chocolate chip, cold brew, chocolate sauce drizzle
  • Strawberries & Cream – 2 scoops strawberry, 1 can cream soda, fresh strawberry garnish
  • S’mores – 2 scoops chocolate, 1 can root beer, whipped topping, graham cracker crumbs and mini chocolate chips
  • Strawberry Lemonade – 1 strawberry popsicle, sparkling lemonade, crushed mint leaves
  • Blueberry Kombucha – 2 scoops vanilla, 1 blueberry kombucha, fresh blueberries
POPSICLES, TALENTI ICE CREAM AND SPROUTS ICE CREAM

Homemade Gifts in a Jar

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Cookies in a mason jarSome hosts are so easy to shop for: bottle of wine or scented candle. But if you’re trying to stay within a holiday budget or think of a creative gift idea for the person who “has everything”, these gifts are the perfect solution. Gifts in a jar are festive, heartfelt, easy and delicious. Not to mention, cost effective for you! Simply layer the ingredients in a jar, add a ribbon and tag, and you have a simple but stylish gift.

Soup Mixes

For an easy shortcut to homemade jar gifts, simply visit our Bulk Department and find your favorite soup mix. Pour the mix into a jar and be sure to include cooking instructions on a gift tag.

Baking Mixes

Give the gift of baking by attractively assembling all of the dry ingredients needed for cookies, muffins or brownies in tall glass jars. Use pretty ribbons to tie on the recipe, along with a wooden spoon or whisk for an extra special touch. Friends will be encouraged to easily bake their own treats that come from the heart, not a box!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup White sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 tsp. Baking soda

Instructions:

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add 1 slightly beaten egg, 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until well mixed. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool, then enjoy!

Bulk Candy & Nuts

Our Bulk Department is a snack lover’s paradise. Fill a mason jar with an assortment of candy, dried fruit and/or nuts, tie it with some beautiful wired ribbon, and you’re on your way. For the avid hiker on my holiday list, I combined six of my favorite bulk ingredients to make a trail mix that’s full of energy, flavor and texture. You could certainly layer each ingredient separately for a more artistic presentation.

Ingredients:

  • Cashews
  • Almonds
  • Pistachios
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Dried cranberries
  • Dried cherries