Smart Snacking & Savvy Buys: Week 3 of My Top Weight-Loss Friendly Product Reviews from Canada & the US

Welcome back for Week 3 of my ongoing product review series! Each week, I’ve committed to sharing a curated selection of five products that are staples in my pantry, often enjoyed on a regular basis. Given my frequent border crossings, these finds will continue to feature a blend of fantastic items available in both Canada and the U.S. Limiting it to five diverse items each week helps keep things focused and manageable, ensuring we explore a wide array of delicious and health-conscious options over time. My goal is to introduce you to products that not only taste great but also align with mindful eating goals, offering satisfaction without excessive points or calories.

I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely a “snacker” at heart. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a good crunchy treat, especially chip-type snacks. However, we all know that traditional potato chips can quickly accumulate those precious smart points or points plus, making them less ideal for everyday enjoyment when you’re mindful of your intake. This is precisely why crackers are a constant presence in my household. They offer a much more point-friendly alternative to chips, and thankfully, the market has evolved to offer several cracker varieties that deliver a surprisingly similar “chip-like” experience. Take, for instance, these delightful salt & vinegar potato thins. As a true enthusiast of anything salt & vinegar flavored, I can confidently say these crackers do not disappoint. They strike that perfect balance of tangy and savory, with a satisfying crunch that genuinely curbs those chip cravings, offering a guilt-free indulgence.

A generous serving of 15 crackers, which weighs approximately 20g (as pictured below), will cost you just 3 smart points or 2 points plus, depending on your specific program. With just under six satisfying servings per bag, these crackers offer excellent value and sustained enjoyment. On evenings when I have a few points left to spare, or when that irresistible urge for something crunchy hits, I’ll often find myself enjoying half a bag. This portion size easily and effectively satisfies my “crunchy” attack without derailing my daily goals. Beyond the classic and much-loved salt & vinegar, these crackers come in a fantastic range of other flavors, including ketchup, BBQ, dill pickle, and original, offering plenty of variety to suit any mood or craving. I regularly purchase these delicious potato thins in Canada at any of my local grocery stores. I’m actually unsure if they are widely available in the U.S. since I haven’t specifically looked for them there during my cross-border shopping trips. If any of my American readers have seen them on shelves, please do let me know in the comments below! Sharing these cross-border finds and insights is truly what this product review series is all about.

Moving on to something sweet yet still incredibly mindful, the very first thing I became widely known for, and indeed what ultimately inspired my blog name, “Drizzle Me Skinny,” was my unique and appealing chocolate drizzling technique. My love for rich, dark chocolate runs deep, and through much experimentation, I quickly discovered that a little truly goes an incredibly long way, especially when it’s carefully melted and artfully applied. I frequently receive a lot of questions about my chocolate habits – not only “how exactly do you drizzle it?” (for which you can easily watch this helpful video I created some time ago if you’d like a visual guide), but also, and just as importantly, what specific kind of chocolate I choose to buy. So, today, I’m thrilled to reveal my go-to secret weapon for satisfying those sweet cravings: Lindt 70% dark chocolate. Its deep, intense cocoa flavor is exceptionally satisfying, making it perfect for creating decadent-tasting treats with minimal impact on your daily smart points.

While I consistently purchase this particular Lindt 70% dark chocolate here in Canada, I am well aware of its widespread availability and popularity across the U.S. However, it’s absolutely crucial to note a potential difference that a vigilant follower once brought to my attention: their nutritional information might vary, with servings sometimes based on four squares rather than the three squares typically found on Canadian labels. This difference, even seemingly small, can naturally alter the associated smart points. Based on the label I use, one square is a mere 3 smart points or 1 points plus. What’s even better, quite often, especially for lighter treats like my celebrated banana s’mores (which I prominently featured in last week’s product review, complementing it with marshmallow fluff), I find that using just half a square is perfectly sufficient to achieve that rich, satisfying chocolatey taste. This demonstrates the incredible power of high-quality dark chocolate and the art of mindful portioning in enjoying treats responsibly.

For the absolutely delicious rice cake s’mores I crafted (as pictured below), I consciously used only half a square of the Lindt 70% dark chocolate to maintain a light and point-friendly dessert. My melting technique is straightforward yet incredibly effective for perfect drizzling: I break the chocolate into a small, microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short, 35-second intervals. After each interval, I stir thoroughly until the chocolate achieves a smooth, glossy, and pourable consistency, ensuring no scorching. Then, with a small spoon, I carefully drizzle it over my creations, allowing for precise control and an aesthetically pleasing presentation that elevates any simple treat. For a slightly more indulgent, yet still mindful, dessert like the delicate crepes pictured below, I might opt to use one full square of chocolate. Even then, the points remain relatively low for a truly satisfying and luxurious dessert experience. What I particularly adore about using this specific dark chocolate and employing my drizzling method is precisely what I mentioned earlier: a small amount goes an incredibly long way. I get my essential chocolate fix and the luxurious taste I crave without spending a significant number of points, making it a perfect component of my mindful eating strategy and a testament to the power of quality ingredients.

A recent and incredibly exciting discovery for me has been the fantastic range of Simple Girl sauces and dressings. What makes these products truly standout and incredibly valuable for anyone managing their intake is their remarkably low point value: the vast majority are 0 points, with only a select few being a mere 1 point. This makes them absolute game-changers for anyone following a structured eating plan or simply aiming to reduce unnecessary calories. I’m particularly fond of their sweet vinaigrette and citrus ginger dressings. While I wouldn’t describe myself as a huge salad enthusiast, I cleverly incorporate these flavorful dressings into my daily routine by using them in wraps instead of traditional, higher-point alternatives like mayo or butter. This adds a vibrant burst of flavor to my meals without the added guilt or points. However, if I had to pick an absolute favorite from their impressive line, it would undoubtedly be the Carolina sauce. I appreciate a good kick of spice, but I prefer it not to be overwhelmingly intense, and this sauce delivers the perfect, harmonious balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky heat. I’ve successfully used it to elevate homemade burgers, imparting a rich, authentic barbecue flavor, and it’s absolutely fantastic brushed onto chicken before barbecuing, creating a deliciously caramelized crust. A generous 2 tablespoons contains only 5 calories, and perhaps the best part for health-conscious consumers: it contains no artificial sweeteners! You can conveniently order their full range of unique and healthy products directly online here, making them accessible no matter where you are.

Returning to my enduring cracker addiction, I am perpetually on the lookout for exciting new options that not only taste great but also fit seamlessly into my healthy lifestyle. Recently, I stumbled upon these Wheat Thins Toasted Pita Crackers, and let me tell you, they are incredibly yummy! They boast a delightful crispness and a subtle, satisfying pita flavor that truly makes them stand out from other, more conventional crackers. Their texture is perfect, offering a hearty crunch without being overly dense. I purchased these at my local grocery store here in Canada, and while I’m not entirely certain of their availability in the U.S., I would imagine that such a popular and well-distributed brand like Wheat Thins would likely have them available across the border as well. They’ve quickly earned a spot as a regular in my snack rotation, proving to be perfect for pairing with a variety of dips, low-fat cheeses, or simply enjoying on their own when that craving for something savory, wholesome, and crunchy hits. They are a versatile and delicious addition to any snack spread.

From a point-tracking perspective, a generous serving of 11 of these delicious Wheat Thins Toasted Pita Crackers comes in at just 3 smart points or 2 points plus, depending on your individual program. This makes them another excellent and highly satisfying choice for a mindful snack, offering great flavor and crunch without a high point penalty. Their versatility and robust flavor profile ensure they’ll be a staple I definitely keep stocked in my pantry for those snack emergencies.

Finally, for those fortunate enough to live near a Trader Joe’s, you are truly in for a delightful treat with my next featured product. I sincerely apologize if you don’t have one nearby; believe me, I completely understand how frustrating that can be! I vividly remember scrolling through my Instagram feed, seeing all these amazing Trader Joe’s food products being endlessly raved about, and constantly thinking, “Oh man, I really want to get my hands on that!” For a long time, I was already crossing the border frequently to stock up on various unique goodies I couldn’t readily find in Canada. It wasn’t until later that I discovered a Trader Joe’s was conveniently located only another 25 minutes from my usual destination in the U.S. This revelation was an absolute game-changer! I made the dedicated trip out one day, and now, it has become an indispensable, permanent stop whenever I cross over. Trader Joe’s is celebrated for being an independent grocery store that consistently offers unique, high-quality products at excellent prices, and their selection is truly awesome and always inspiring. I honestly have far too many favorites to choose from across their entire store, making it a challenge to pick just one. However, when it comes to cookies, my absolute top pick by far has to be their Toasted Coconut Cookie Thins. These delicate, flavorful cookies are simply irresistible and exemplify everything I love about Trader Joe’s.

These Trader Joe’s Toasted Coconut Cookie Thins are simply perfect for a delightful afternoon indulgence or a sweet finish to any meal, especially when gracefully paired with a comforting cup of tea. According to the package, a serving of 8 cookies registers at 6 smart points or 4 points plus, which is quite reasonable for such a delicious treat. However, in my experience, a slightly smaller portion of about 4 cookies is usually more than enough to satisfy my sweet tooth and provide that pleasant, flavorful treat without overdoing it. They offer a delicate, crisp crunch and a wonderfully rich, authentic toasted coconut flavor that feels incredibly satisfying and indulgent without being heavy. These cookies truly exemplify the kind of unique, high-quality, and surprisingly point-friendly product that makes a trip to Trader Joe’s so exceptionally worthwhile and a highlight of my cross-border shopping excursions. They are a must-try for any coconut lover!

I genuinely hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed this week’s diverse selection of featured products and perhaps found a few new exciting items to add to your next grocery list! Discovering delicious, point-friendly options that bring both joy and satisfaction to your eating plan is always a win in my book, helping to make healthy living more enjoyable and sustainable. Whether you’re shopping in Canada or the U.S., I hope these insights help you make smarter, more satisfying choices that align with your wellness goals. Your feedback, personal discoveries, and recommendations are always welcome, so please feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and favorite finds in the comments below. I love hearing from you all! Be sure to check back next week for more exciting product reviews and personal favorites that keep my pantry stocked and my taste buds happy!