I'm a Dietitian, and These Are the Best New Healthy Groceries I Tried at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo

Every year, thousands of nutrition pros descend on a city for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference Expo, also known as “FNCE” (pronounced “FINN-Cee). Along with educational sessions, the food and fun of San Antonio, and a much-anticipated opening keynote from Dr. Jessica Knurnick, this meeting of the minds also includes an expo filled to the brim with the newest, hottest, better-for-you products. Read on to learn more about my top 10 products from this year's show.

Cleveland Kitchen Coleslaw

Fermented foods and their gut-health benefits were all the rage at this year’s FNCE, and no one does it better than Cleveland Kitchen. This brand has managed to make sauerkraut cool again, and their kimchi and array of pickles and pickled veggies are elite. The newest addition to their lineup is this perfectly tangy and mayo-free coleslaw.

Amylu Foods Chicken Sticks

Long days of travel and schlepping through a conference center get exhausting — the perfect time for a grab-and-go, high-protein snack. These savory chicken sticks are made with the simplest ingredients and contain 10 grams of protein and only 70 calories per serving. Pair with crackers, fruit or a piece of cheese.

Hero Bread Classic White Bread

Bread lovers who are looking for more nutrition will be pleasantly surprised by Hero Bread. Slathered with butter, peanut butter or any of your favorite sandwich toppers, this bread has the taste and texture you want, but with a huge boost of fiber and protein. Also available in seeded and “Everything” flavors, as well as bagels, rolls, tortillas and a new line of pasta.

Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt

Painterland Sisters might not only be the prettiest yogurt, but also the silkiest. Sourced from American farms, these purveyors of the creamiest skyr-style yogurt have simply gotten it right. Flavor offerings include vanilla, passion fruit, peach and an array of berry options, all with 16 grams of protein in a 5.3-ounce cup. The plain style is perfect for savory applications such as dips, sauces and marinades.

Good Good No Added Sugar Spreads

Pantry staples get a serious upgrade with spreads from Good Good. Jams, jellies, peanut butter and chocolate spreads flavored with fruit, nuts and other whole food ingredients contain zero added sugars, but deliver the flavors you crave for breakfast, snacks, dessert or a good old PB&J. Keeping these in your pantry will help make quick and easy lunchbox favorites just a little bit healthier.

Brazi Bites

Looking for some better-for-you savory snacks from the frozen food aisle? Brazi Bites makes Brazilian-inspired cheese bites and a newer line of sweet and savory waffles. They boast simple ingredients and a decent dose of hunger-fighting protein after just a few short minutes in the oven or air fryer. Brazi products are certified gluten-free and available nationwide at chain retailers including Whole Foods and Walmart.

Wonderful Pistachios x Chocolate

Did you know pistachios are higher in protein than any other nut? And yes, these are as good as they sound. Why not crush a chocolate craving with some pistachio-protein goodness? Chocolatey options include Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Toffee and Dubai Chocolate all centered around the health benefits of pistachios.

Ovation Foods Steak-N-Eggs

Ovation Foods has taken steak and eggs to a whole new stratosphere. This beef jerky is available in flavors like Teriyaki and Jalapeno Cheddar and gets an extra protein boost from whole egg, providing additional nutrients such as choline, a vital one that most Americans don’t get enough of. Jerky makes a great high-protein snack post-workout or to help crush a case of afternoon "hanger."

Goodles

The fast-cook macaroni brand that has exploded all over social media has descended on FNCE with all kinds of new and exciting flavors to enjoy. All pasta products are made with protein-boosted pasta plus vegetables, adding fiber and flavor to each box.

The brand offers several gluten-free and vegan options. Favorite flavors include classic Cheddy Mac, Alfredo Heights (made with white miso!) and perfectly spicy Down The Hatch, made with Hatch green chiles. Taking a nostalgic pasta favorite and making it a little healthier never upsets a room full of dietitians.

Lesser Evil Snacks

Who doesn’t love a snack that you can feel good about? And as a Connecticut girl, I have been a longtime fan of this local company. Lesser Evil has cornered the market on popcorn, but also makes plenty of other crunchy, cheesy and delicious snacks made with avocado and coconut oils. This constantly evolving brand offers a large menu of sweet, savory, spicy and cheesy products that are available in large bags and snack-size bags; you can even also find variety packs on Amazon.