14 Foods Nutritionists Always Buy on Amazon
Updated: Mar. 10, 2020
Top registered dietitians, wellness experts, and nutritionists share their picks for the best healthy snacks and foods available on Amazon.
Nutritionists’ picks for healthy buys on Amazon
If you’re like a lot of people, you may be looking to satisfy your hunger with food that is nutritious, convenient, and budget-friendly. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything in between, there are ways to maximize the nutrition you get in the food you eat, even if it’s packaged food. Luckily, with just a quick tap on your smartphone, your can order and get food delivered from Amazon.
Registered dietitians and other health and wellness experts not only use this platform for easy and convenient shopping, but also as a way to stock up on healthier snacks and other foods.
So, what foods do they actually buy on Amazon? Read on for their top nutritious picks.
Sunflower Seed Bites
Registered dietitians who have to feed their kids in addition to themselves are frequently seeking out healthy snacks their kids will eat. Jessica Levinson, RDN, CDN, New York-based registered dietitian nutritionist and culinary nutrition expert and author of 52-Week Meal Planner, says one of her favourites is Somersaults Sunflower Seed Bites.
“I haven’t been able to find these in many places, and they are a great school snack for my kids because they are nut-free yet a good source of fibre and protein,” she says. “My twin 6 1/2-year-old girls really like the cinnamon flavour.”
Somersaults Sunflower Seed Bites, $10.71, amazon.ca
Gluten-Free Flour
Meyer-Jax is a registered dietitian who specializes in working with people who have food allergies or an intolerance. For her and her clients, it can sometimes be easier to use online shopping to find foods that are compliant with particular diets. (Note: These are the most recognizable signs of a gluten intolerance.)
“I love being able to guide my clients to Amazon to find all their specialized diet needs,” she says. “For those who like to bake, it’s great to have a wide selection of gluten-free flour and bake mix to choose from. There often isn’t a one-size-fits-all flour for every recipe.”
King Arthur Flour, $39.29, amazon.ca
Bone Broth
Bone broth is en vogue, as paleo, keto, and gut-health eaters seek out comforting soups and drinks. But instead of keeping cartons of the beverage around, Meyer-Jax seeks out another form: “I am a big fan of powder-based bone broths,” says Levinson. “They are a great source of gut-friendly protein and are more convenient in a non-refrigerated form.”
The single-serve packs are perfect for throwing in my purse or workout bag. I can mix savoury flavours with hot water for a soup, or add unflavoured varieties into my smoothies, she says.
Beef Bone Broth, $20, amazon.ca
Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Grocery store shelves are chock-full of extra-virgin olive oil, but biochemist Mike Roussell, PhD, co-founder of Neutein, favours Colavita Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A contestant on the television show Master Chef recommended it to him, he says. “I’ve been using it ever since. I get it via Amazon’s Subscribe & Save,” he says. “The ease of repeat purchasing and wide product selection makes Amazon a strong ally in your quest for healthy eating.” But healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you learn these nutrition secrets.
Colavita Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $18.79, amazon.ca
Dry Roasted Edamame
For Charlie Seltzer, MD, DABOM, CEP, a weight-loss, lifestyle, and fitness specialist, snacks have to serve up a pretty hefty dose of nutrition. Empty-calorie snacks need not apply. The Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame fits the bill because they contain “per 1.58-ounce sleeve, it has 200 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fibre,” he says.
Dr. Seltzer chooses to buy these snack packs online because “getting the 200-calorie packs makes life easier.” Edamame is also a great addition in a salad for a boost of protein.
Seapoint Farms Dry Roaster Edamame in Spicy Wasabi, $47.68 (case of 12), amazon.ca
Cheese
It’s a clever name and a great snack, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Nutrition Starring You and author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club.
“Moon Cheese has the crunch of a chip and the flavour and nutrition of real cheese because it’s actually 100 percent cheese,” she says. “It’s available in three delicious varieties: Gouda, Pepper Jack, and Cheddar, and is low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and a good source of calcium.”
Moon Cheese (pack of 3), $15.95, amazon.ca
Bean Crisps
“These are an amazing protein- and fibre-packed snack that’s vegan and gluten-free,” says Harris-Pincus. “The crisps come in savoury and sweet options like sriracha, wasabi, sea salt, onion and garlic, BBQ, sweet cinnamon, and cocoa dusted.” At the grocery store, she was only able to find two or three flavours, which is why she turned to Amazon.
Harris-Pincus takes these crisps beyond the snack realm, however, buy adding them to some of her recipes. “They are amazing add-ins to salads, soups, trail mix, or chili. You can crush them and use them for breading chicken,” she says. “The sweeter flavours are fabulous with Greek yogurt and fruit for a protein- and fibre-rich breakfast, snack, or dessert.”
Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans, $24, amazon.ca
Collagen Protein Powder
“I love adding this protein powder to my breakfast or post-workout snacks,” Harris-Pincus says. “It’s unflavoured and dissolves easily in anything from coffee to overnight oats and smoothies.”
She recommends using Amazon’s Subscribe & Save—”It’s so convenient and even more economical.”
Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate, $39.95, amazon.ca
Dried Prunes Fruit Packs
Like most registered dietitians and nutritionists, Erin Palinski-Wade, author of Belly Fat for Dummies and Swisse Wellness consultant, wants her snacks to count a bit extra toward her daily healthy-eating goals. “I am always looking to increase my daily fibre intake, so I rely on bringing high-fibre, filling snacks with me on the go,” she says. “That’s why I can’t get enough of the prunes fruit packs. They are so portable and easy to carry with me no matter where the day takes me.”
Palinski-Wade adds the individual packs of dried fruit have only 60 calories but pack two grams of fibre per serving. “It’s a great way to curb my sweet tooth while filling up with fibre as well,” she says.
Sunsweet Dried Prunes Fruit Packs, $10.00, amazon.ca
Spindrift Sparkling Water
You might think you can only order snacks and pantry basics on Amazon but they also deliver beverages.
“I love Spindrift because it has the extra little squeeze of fresh-fruit flavour, which really makes it so refreshing and a treat beyond the standard sparkling waters, which are everywhere right now,” says Maryann Walsh, MFN, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian in Jupiter, Florida. “I buy it by the case on Amazon. It’s usually slightly cheaper per can, and I never have to worry about running out of it.” (Not a fan of sparkling water? Check out these flavoured water recipes that are beyond refreshing.)
Spindrift Sparking Water, $75.13 (24 cans), amazon.ca
Cacao Nibs
These aren’t just Instagram stars; they’re nutrition powerhouses and a mainstay on many healthy-eating grocery lists. “I am loving Cacao Nibs right now,” says Walsh, “and use them in my smoothies and in Greek yogurt or for baking.”
Navitas Organics Cacao Sweet Nibs, $10, amazon.ca
Energy Bars
“Larabars are the perfect snack when you are on-the-go or the perfect breakfast when paired with a piece of fruit if you’re running out the door,” says Samantha Bartholomew, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and manager of nutrition communications at FRESH Communications. The grocery store nearby may have them, but “Amazon has a variety of flavours, so I know I can always find one I like,” she says.
Larabar, $15.90, amazon.ca
Whole Food Protein Bars
Registered dietitian and nutrition expert, Toby Amidor, MS, RD, is a best-selling cookbook author—and a mom, so her plate is very full. She’s always looking for quality food that doesn’t take hours to make or require special preparation when she’s not at home.
“I pick up these RXBARs for the few ingredients listed on the label,” she says. “They provide 200 calories, 4 grams of fibre, and 12 grams of protein.” On Amazon, says Amidor, she can buy a variety and keep them coming.
RXBAR, $36.97 (pack of 12), amazon.ca
Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are promoted in many healthy-eating circles because of their benefits to bones, skin, and other building blocks of the body. “Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides, which are digested and absorbed by the body quickly,” says chef Julie Harrington, RD, a registered dietitian and culinary nutrition consultant. “They dissolve instantly into liquids, making them easy to incorporate into anything.”
Harrington says she puts Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in her coffee every morning, which easily adds 18 grams of high-quality protein to her first cup of joe.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, $55, amazon.ca
Next, learn which foods nutritionists never eat.
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