Cross-Border Grocery Haul: Discover My Latest Healthy & Weight Watchers Friendly Finds!

Welcome back to another edition of my favorite weekly (or sometimes bi-weekly!) finds from both sides of the border. Living so close to the Canada-U.S. border offers a unique advantage for grocery shopping, allowing me to explore a wider range of products and bring you the best of both worlds. Whether you’re focused on Weight Watchers Smart Points or PointsPlus, or simply looking for delicious and health-conscious additions to your pantry, this post is packed with insights and recommendations. From hearty breakfast options to satisfying snacks and versatile cooking ingredients, I’m excited to share what’s recently made it into my shopping cart and why these items have become personal staples. Get ready to uncover some fantastic grocery gems that could soon become your new favorites!

First on this week’s list are the exciting new flavors from Kodiak Cakes, a brand I absolutely adore for their commitment to whole grains and protein-packed products. I was particularly eager to try their latest offerings: Crunchy Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate. While both were undoubtedly delicious, the Dark Chocolate flavor truly stole the show for me. Its rich, deep cocoa notes make for a remarkably indulgent breakfast or treat, without derailing your health goals. For an even more intense chocolate experience, I highly recommend whisking in a small amount of extra cocoa powder to the mix – it deepens the flavor wonderfully. These mixes are readily available at Target in the U.S., making them accessible for many. When it comes to tracking, a half-cup serving of the mix, which yields one full, fluffy waffle, comes in at 6 Smart Points or 5 PointsPlus, offering a satisfying and substantial meal that keeps you full and energized throughout your morning. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, warm breakfast that feels like a treat but is genuinely good for you.

To elevate my Kodiak Cakes waffle experience, I crafted a truly delicious masterpiece, topping it with a vibrant medley of fresh berries, a dollop of light cream, and a decadent drizzle of melted dark chocolate. This combination transforms a simple waffle into a gourmet breakfast or dessert that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. The tartness of the berries beautifully complements the richness of the chocolate waffle and the creamy topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This indulgent creation tallied up to 8 Smart Points or 6 PointsPlus, a perfectly reasonable allocation for such a fulfilling and enjoyable meal. It’s a testament to how you can create wholesome, point-friendly meals that still feel like a luxurious treat, making your wellness journey all the more enjoyable. This is a breakfast that truly makes you feel like you’re starting your day on a high note, or a fantastic way to satisfy a sweet craving responsibly.

Next up, let’s talk about these incredible apple chips! I consistently pick these up at Costco here in Canada, and while I haven’t specifically purchased them in the U.S. recently, I’m quite confident I’ve spotted similar varieties there too, perhaps under different brands or in other major retailers. These apple chips are a staple in my pantry because they embody simplicity and natural goodness. The only ingredient, as clearly stated, is “apple.” This brings us to a topic that often sparks a healthy debate within the Weight Watchers community: how to count points for dried fruit. Technically, WW rules would instruct you to count points for them due to the concentrated sugars. However, my personal approach differs slightly, and I always advocate for doing what feels right and sustainable for your own journey. Since the sole ingredient is truly just apple, with no added sugars or oils, and I consume them in moderation – typically 1 to 2 servings at a time – I personally choose not to count them. For me, they serve as a perfect, guilt-free crunch for my yogurt, a quick on-the-go snack, or even a wholesome substitute for traditional potato chips. Of course, if I were to consume a significant portion of the bag in one sitting, which I honestly doubt I ever would, I would absolutely factor some points into my daily tracker. But for mindful, moderate snacking, they remain a fantastic, natural choice. They offer that satisfying crisp texture and sweet apple flavor, making them an excellent alternative to processed snacks and a brilliant way to incorporate more fruit into your diet, even when fresh fruit isn’t readily available or you crave something with a bit more bite.

My love for savory treats brings us to these absolutely delightful garlic knots! I have exclusively discovered these at Walmart in the U.S., and they’ve quickly become a cherished find for their incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The packaging offers instructions for cooking them directly in the bag, either on the grill or in the oven, which is a convenient option for busy days. However, I’ve developed a personal method that I find yields perfectly crispy and golden-brown results every time: I remove them from their bag and bake them in the oven at 350°F (approximately 175°C) for about 10 minutes. This ensures they cook evenly, developing that irresistible garlicky aroma and a lovely texture. They emerge from the oven incredibly yummy, brimming with a rich, savory garlic flavor that’s utterly comforting. These garlic knots are a fantastic accompaniment to a pasta dish, a soup, or simply enjoyed on their own as a flavorful snack. Each knot is a manageable 3 Smart Points or 3 PointsPlus, making them an excellent choice when you’re craving something savory and satisfying without overdoing it on your daily points. Their versatility and robust flavor make them a standout product, and I always make sure to stock up when I’m across the border. They’re a simple pleasure that brings a gourmet touch to any meal.

Coconut is one of those ingredients I absolutely adore for its tropical flavor and incredible versatility, whether I’m baking, adding texture to my morning yogurt, or simply topping sliced bananas. When it comes to quality, Bob’s Red Mill coconut flakes are consistently my top choice. I typically source these from health-focused grocery stores like Goodness Me or Whole Foods, known for their premium and natural product selections. These flakes are unsweetened and perfectly toasted, offering a delightful crunch and pure coconut flavor that enhances countless dishes. A quarter cup serving of these flakes accounts for 3 PointsPlus or 6 Smart Points. Given their concentrated nature, it’s wise to be mindful of portion sizes. However, for my usual applications, such as a light sprinkle over yogurt or fresh fruit, I find myself using a much smaller amount – perhaps equivalent to about half a tablespoon. In the context of PointsPlus, which I primarily follow, such a small quantity is often negligible enough that I don’t feel the need to track it. For those adhering to Smart Points, however, even a small sprinkle might warrant adding a point to your daily tally, depending on your personal strategy and daily allowance. Beyond just yogurt and fruit, these coconut flakes are fantastic in homemade granola, energy bites, baked goods, or even as a garnish for Asian-inspired dishes. They add a wonderful texture and exotic aroma that can truly transform a simple meal or snack into something special, making them an essential ingredient in my kitchen for both savory and sweet creations.

Rounding out this week’s finds is a fantastic President’s Choice product: their delectable chocolate granola. For those unfamiliar, President’s Choice is a highly regarded Canadian company known for its quality and innovative grocery items. I routinely pick this up at my local Fortino’s grocery store, but you can find it at any supermarket across Canada that carries PC products, such as Loblaws, Zehrs, No Frills, and others within the Loblaws network. This granola is a real winner because it perfectly balances a satisfying crunch with rich chocolate flavor, making it an ideal topping for a variety of dishes. My primary use for it is enhancing my morning yogurt or building a delightful yogurt parfait. The clusters provide a wonderful textural contrast to creamy yogurt, and the chocolate notes offer a touch of indulgence without being overly sweet. It’s also a great addition to a smoothie bowl for extra crunch, or even just a small handful as a quick, satisfying snack. A 1/3 cup serving of this delicious granola comes in at 4 Smart Points or 3 PointsPlus. This makes it a very reasonable option for adding flavor, fiber, and a touch of sweetness to your meals while staying well within your daily Weight Watchers targets. It’s a versatile, pantry-friendly item that brings joy to breakfast and snack times, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. I highly recommend trying it if you’re in Canada and looking for a flavorful, point-friendly granola option.

Well, there you have it – five more fantastic products that you might want to consider adding to your next grocery list! I hope these cross-border finds and Weight Watchers friendly tips inspire you to try something new and exciting. Sharing these discoveries is always a pleasure, and I aim to make your journey towards healthier eating both enjoyable and delicious. I’m always on the lookout for innovative and point-friendly options, so you can expect more of these curated hauls soon. If I don’t manage to post some new finds next week, rest assured that a fresh batch of recommendations will definitely be making its way to you the week after. Until then, happy shopping, and don’t hesitate to share your own favorite healthy finds in the comments below – I’m always eager to hear what you’re loving!