Shopping bulk is perfect when it comes to taste testing new foods because you can weigh out as much as you need, and you don’t have to commit to an entire box of any one ingredient. For instance, I like to bag a little bit of the regular apple cinnamon granola, pictured above, and a lot of the low-fat strawberry variety.

For breakfast this week, I decided to make my own cereal creation out of these tart, dried cherries (pictured above), walnut pieces, granola clusters, sliced raw almonds, and organic raisins.

The total cost for all the ingredients comes to just $3.19, and I have enough cereal to last me an entire week. My favorite part about buying bulk is that it uses less energy and packaging. All you need is a reusable container and you are good to go!

When I’m craving a soda, I reach for this refreshing, lightly carbonated, delicious-tasting juice drink called MASH. Think fruit soda but without all the sugar and calories–only 100 calories for a 20-ounce bottle! Plus, there are four different flavor combinations, my favorite being pomegranate blueberry. Is it a smarter choice than soda? Well, I can’t really say– that all depends on whether the Splenda in the fruit juice drink turns out to be bad for you. In the meantime, everything MASH in moderation!

For this taste test, we chose a variety of whole-wheat, whole-grain breads and scored them on a 10-point scale (10 being the highest). We focused on nutritional value, taste and texture. All of the breads come from the Whole Foods Market, UWS, and are part of our test drive through 105 of their new food products.  Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Country Boule
9
Nutritional Info: The first ingredient is organic whole-wheat flour. Contains about 160 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of sugar for two slices (that’s two large slices).  The bread is more filling than most store-bought brands, so it’s an excellent bread to pack for lunch.
Verdict: This is a delicious, golden-brown whole-wheat bread that is baked in-house. Comes in a round loaf, but the market will slice it thinly for sandwiches. Incredibly fresh, with a chewy crust and soft inside. Crisps up nicely in the toaster and sandwich press.  This bread received the highest rating because it is good for you and tastes great.

Flax Quinoa Wheat Bread
8
Nutrition Info: This bread is also made predominantly with whole-wheat flour. This is exactly what you want because it is full of natural fiber. The bread is also made with quinoa (pronounced keen-wa), an excellent source of protein, and flax seeds, one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. All of the ingredients are organic. The bread has no sugar, no preservatives, and no sweeteners. All of the ingredients are clearly posted on the bag. If you want the nutritional info for the breads made in-house, all you have to do is ask the bakery staff. They have a book with all of the info you could possibly want to know.
Verdict: This hearth bread has a wonderful, whole-grain nutty flavor and a nice, substantial crust. The inside is moist and tastes great with PB&J. Great for vegetarians and those watching their weight.

Whole Wheat Naan
5
Nutrition Info: 260 calories and 7 grams of fat per flat bread. The good news is that the whole grain whole wheat flour is listed as the largest ingredient, but there’s still some wheat flour. Again, it sounds healthy, but doesn’t provide all of the health benefits of whole grain.
Verdict: Tasty and light. Not as flaky as freshly baked naan.  Also comes in plain and garlic.  The whole-wheat flavor is definitely your best bet in terms of nutrition. Try grilling the flat bread and then adding your favorite topping.

Oatmeal Bread
4
Nutrition Info: This bread is made with a combination of “wheat flour” and organic “whole-wheat flour”, which means that the bread isn’t entirely whole grain.  Ideally, the bread contains 100 % whole wheat flour.  When you see “wheat flour” on the ingredient list, you know the bread is made using some white flour and processed grains (don’t let the word “wheat” fool ya). 100 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of fiber (per slice).
Verdict: Tastes like white bread, and while the oats make the bread look wholesome and hearty, they don’t add much in the way of flavor or texture. Overall, this was a good, standard sandwich bread, but it wont tempt your taste buds after a slice.

Whole Wheat Pita
3
Nutrition Info: This is the healthiest of these choices in terms of ingredients and calories, but it tastes like health bread.  The first and only flour listed is organic 100 percent  stone ground whole -wheat. There are only 80 calories per pocket  and 0 grams of fat. Good choice with some humus for a healthy snack.
Verdict: If you are looking for a flavorful, fluffy pocket, then trying making your own homemade pita. On the other hand, if you are satisfied with a simple envelope for fillings, then this bread will do.  Flexible enough to open without cracking. Stores well in the refrigerator. Toasts well over low heat.

As an aside, our all-time favorite is called “Seduction Bread”– the best bread we’ve ever bought in a supermarket. As its name implies, it’s not so good for you, so we didn’t include it in the healthy bread taste test.

Every kid’s favorite lunch bread is Wonder white, but just in case you want a change from this juvenile staple, Creative Delites is holding a taste test over the next few weeks to pick out the top sandwich breads. Always looking to try out new ones, so let us know your favorites…

Whole Foods Brand Organic Oatmeal Bread
Verdict: 4

Appearance: Unfortunately, the bread looks better than it tastes.
Texture: The crust is soft (but not too soft). The firm inside makes it easy to spread. Two slices stand up nicely to extra chunky peanut butter and jelly.

Flavor: Tastes like white bread, and while the oats make the bread look wholesome and hearty, they don’t add much in the way of flavor or texture. You are better off with a bread that has a slight crunch from nuts or seeds. The touch of molasses gives the bread a slightly sweet flavor
Cost: $3. 79 for a loaf (about 20 slices). Not bad for an organic product.
Health: Made with a combination of “wheat flour” and organic “whole wheat flour”, means that the bread isn’t entirely made with whole grains. When you see “wheat flour” in the ingredient list, the bread is made with more processed grains (feels like you’re being tricked). 100 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of fiber (per slice).

Recommendation: Store the bread in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Toasted with eggs or some PB&J made it much better.
Resolution Stats: 24 new food stuffs tried, 81 more to go
Final Verdict: Overall, this was a good, standard sandwich bread, but it wont tempt your taste buds after a slice.

With dozens of different store-bought dips and spreads, I decided to give myself plenty of time to taste test for Super Bowl Sunday. I’ve tried five kinds of hummus, including zesty lemon and chipotle, black bean dip, babaganoush (eggplant dip), and guacamole. The Whole Foods Guac is definitely your best choice. The recipe– a creamy blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and a bit of salt– looks like it could be served tableside in their produce section. No garlic– so this version is safe for lots of cheering and yelling, game day! The rating goes 1 to 10 (10 being the best).

Whole Foods Brand Guacamole
Verdict: 9

Appearance: This guac maintains its iconic green color because it’s packaged in an air-tight plastic container. Make sure it stays that way. You don’t want to serve brackish brown guac to your guests!
Texture: Buttery and thick texture, with nice chunks of fresh tomato
Flavor: Rich, fresh flavor. Packs some heat, so be prepared with extra dippers and water.
Cost: $ 5.59 for a pound, at Whole Foods Market stores
Health: Great source of potassium and vitamins E, A and C. Guacamole is a tasty, healthy snack. It’s really the fried chips and sour cream that pack on the pounds. For a more healthful Super Bowl party, serve the dip alongside red bell pepper slices and whole-wheat pita chips.
Recommendation: For a snack or appetizer, try a guacamole tostada. Spread the guac over mini toasts with fresh salsa, sliced tomato and a sharp cheese. Also, an ideal match for the classic chips and salsa. Definitely buy the guacamole the day of the game, because even with the acidity of the lime juice, the dip will eventually turn.

Resolution Stats: 23 new food stuffs tried, 82 more to go
Final Verdict: Everybody loves guacamole, so just make sure you have enough in the dip bowl!

Jarlsberg is nothing new, but right now, I can’t get enough of this Norwegian skim-milk cheese. It tastes like a mild form of Swiss. Apparently, I’m not the only one. Jarlsberg has it’s own facebook fan page! Most low-fat, no-fat and reduced-fat cheeses lack flavor and have a plastic texture, but Jarlsberg, even the lite variety, melts beautifully in grilled cheese. Is the reduced-fat version flavorful enough for your palate? The rating goes 1 to 10 (10 being the best).

Jarlsberg Lite
Verdict: 7

Appearance: Sold in a plastic wrapped block at Whole Foods Market. This cheese has large holes similar to Swiss, but thankfully, it doesn’t have the same stinky cheese smell

Texture: Semi-firm and smooth. Melts smoothly without being greasy.
Flavor: The overall taste is mild.  Since Jarlsberg is a skim-milk cheese, it lacks the same intensity as Swiss but has the same nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Great paired with other ingredients.
Cost: $ 3.59/lb
Health: Jarlsberg Lite is the low-fat version of Jarlsberg. High in calcium, and only has 70 calories and 3.5 grams of fat, while regular Swiss has about 100 calories and 8 grams of fat per serving.
Recommendation: You can use Jarlsberg (regular or lite) in any recipe that calls for Swiss. Store in the fridge. If eating in a cheese course, best served at room temperature. Delicious in a grilled cheese sandwich with a pumpernickel raisin roll and a drizzle of honey, melted over a veggie burger with sliced tomato and spicy mustard (pictured below), or shaved over scrambled eggs.


Resolution Stats: 22 new food stuffs tried, 83 more to go
Final Verdict: Doesn’t taste as flavorful as full-fat cheese, but if you are seeking a healthy alternative, Jarlsberg is great option for your everyday cheese fix.

In the winter time, there is nothing like piping hot, flaky naan fresh from a tandoor oven. David and I are fortunate enough that we will be able to learn how to make naan and lots of other classic Indian vegetarian dishes– from an expert. My siblings bought us a two-hour private cooking class that we are taking January 30 (so stay tuned for our homemade naan). Until then, I’m trying out various store-bought brands to see which flavors and textures I like best. See the verdict. The rating goes 1 to 10 (10 being the best).

365 Everyday Value Whole Wheat Naan
Verdict: 5

Appearance: The bread is flat and shaped like an oval. The fluffy, well-browned bubbles give the bread a handmade appearance.  
Texture: Light but not as flaky as freshly baked restaurant naan.  The flatbread is thicker and more dense than it appears.

Flavor: A bit bland. There is just a faint sweetness. Also comes in original (plain) and garlic.  
Health: 260 calories and 7 grams of fat per flatbread. The whole wheat flavor is definitely your best bet in terms of nutrition. It’s tempting to eat more than one since the bread is so light. The challenge is eating just one serving.
Cost: $ 3.49 for the package of 4 flatbreads.
Recommendation: You can eat naan with any food, Indian or not. In fact, most of the time I like to use the naan to make pizzas on the grill.  
Resolution Stats: 21 new food stuffs tried, 84 more to go.
Final Verdict: If you are looking for authentic, flaky naan, try making your own or buying it from your favorite Indian restaurant. Sometimes you can buy pizza dough from a pizzeria, so see if you can also get naan dough. If you buy the store-bought stuff, I suggest getting the plain or whole wheat flavors, grilling it first, and then adding your own garlic or onion topping.

Cheez-It crackers have been a favorite of mine since childhood. Unfortunately, these cheese crackers are not made with real cheddar. Turns out the big wheel of cheese on the front of the box is a sham. Their delicious toasted cheese flavor comes from a cheese imposter.  I was looking forward to trying the Whole Foods Brand alternative called Quack’ n Bites, but they are not nearly as good when it comes to taste. See the final verdict. The rating goes 1 to 10 (10 being the best).  

Quack n’ Bites organic Cheese Crackers
Verdict:  3

Appearance: These crackers are shaped like teeny tiny ducks. The shape is cute, but the size is disappointing.

Texture: Crisp, baked crackers. Nice crunch.
Flavor: I felt like I had them before. They taste like Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers, but not as salty or cheesy. Again, disappointing.
Cost: $2.99 for a 5.5 ounce box.  
Health:  Just because these crackers are organic, doesn’t mean they’re actually healthful. You are much better off snacking on fresh fruit and veggies or making your own crackers. 68 of these ducklings have 140 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. Of course, I made sure to check the nutrition label, and they do have cheddar cheese!
Recommendation: Enjoy these crackers straight out of the box, in tomato soup, or crumbled over a salad. 
Resolution Stats: 20 new food stuffs tried, 85 more to go
Final Verdict: Reasonably healthy as far as crackers go. If you are looking for a packaged snack with lots of flavor, not your best choice.

Would love to find a cereal bar that has its nutrition, taste and cookie-like texture down. I browsed the shelves at WFM to see if they could raise up the cereal bar to breakfast status? The rating goes 1 to 10 (10 being the best).

365 Brand Mixed Berry Cereal Bars
Verdict: 7

Appearance: From the wrapper, looks just like a generic Nutri-Grain bar. The top of the bar has a dusting of whole grains and you can see the oats running throughout the bar.

Texture: When you bite into the bar you can feel the texture of the oats and the moist fruit filling. Loved the soft crust, similar texture to a soft-baked cookie.

Flavor: True to the mixed berry flavor, the filling tastes like a puree of different berries. The bars also come in apple and blueberry.
Cost: $ 2.49 for a box of 8 bars
Health: Good in the organic department, made with organic fruit and oats. Comes with some of the vitamins that dry cereals have, such as b12, b2, and folic acid. Minus a few points for the sugar (18g per bar) and for being short on fiber and protein, which are essential to a healthy breakfast. The calories are reasonable (140 calories), as is the amount of fat (2 grams).
Resolution Stats: 20 new food stuffs tried, 85 more to go
Final Recommendation: If you are looking for a quick afternoon snack at your desk, these bars are perfect. But if you are looking for a filling breakfast or are in need of an energy boost, you are better off going for a bowl of Wheaties with milk and fruit.