Summer’s almost here – beach days, pool parties and BBQs. Here are ten must-try items for this summer, scouted at your local stores. Go ahead and put them on your list!
1. Good Pop Ice Pops
We love this summer treat scouted by local mom, Shelley. These are USDA certified organic ice pops in flavors including Orange N’ Cream, Hibiscus Mint, Coconut Lime and Cherry & Lemonade. They’re made with real fruit juice and no added sugar. They also have 24 ct organic freezer pops that are top 8 allergen free in Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemonade and Concord Grape. It’s a great company too — certified B-corp based on their rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Scouted at Whole Foods Market.
2. Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Another great find –this summer salad, scouted by Darien mom, Marina at Trader Joe’s. It contains farfalle pasta, spinach, green peas, zucchini, basil lemon vinaigrette, asiago cheese, spices and a lemon wedge. So fresh and perfect for summer. Pick up a few and bring it along as a side for a BBQ.
3. Spindrift Sparkling Water
This carbonated drink is a favorite amongst many of our local scouts and great to keep on hand in your cooler. It’s squeezed with only real fruit in flavors like Grapefruit, Blackberry, Cucumber and Raspberry Lime. Scouted at most of our local grocery stores including Fairway Market, Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market, and Stop & Shop.
4. Urban Roots Veggie Kits
This veggie kit, scouted by Rowayton mom Kelly, is a delicious side dish for 2 that could also be a meal for 1. It takes minutes to prepare- light chop or no chop at all, in options like Chili Cilantro or Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Rice. Perfect nutrient dense salad or side with dinner. Scouted at jet.com
5. The Real Coconut Coconut Flour Tortilla Chips by Daniella Hunter
From the owners of the actual “The Real Coconut” in Sanara Tulum, Mexico, these gluten, grain and dairy- free tortilla chips make you feel like you’re on a tropical island, even when you’re just hanging out on the LI sound. Available in Original, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Himalayan Pink Salt, Beach Barbecue and Golden Curry. Scouted by Greenwich mom Allie at Whole Foods Market.
6. Aphrodite Halloumi
There’s nothing hotter than Mediterranean right now and we love this product scouted by Darien mom Rachel. Halloumi is a grilling cheese, which means it holds its shape on the grill making it perfect for summer BBQs. It’s delicious, paired with chicken, tomato and basil, or even on its own. Also, a great option to have on hand for vegetarians at barbecues. Aphrodite Halloumi was scouted at Whole Foods Market, but you can find other halloumi options at Trader Joe’s and Fairway Market.
7. Guacamole and Mango Jicama Salsa
Scouted by local mom Tiffani, these items found in the produce aisle at Whole Foods Market are delicious on their own or in fish tacos. For fish tacos, all you need is white fish, lime, tortillas and some shredded cheese. Squeeze lime and salt on the fish and bake at 375 until flakey. Put everything in tortillas. About 15 minutes total – the easiest Scouted weeknight meal for the summer!
8. Island Way Sorbet
We love this refreshing summer sorbet which comes packaged in real fruit shells –think coconut, lemon, orange and grapefruit. A great summer treat for kids, but also impressive for a dinner party dessert, as one of our scouts suggested. Scouted by Stamford mom Jenn at Costco Wholesale in a pack of 12.
9. Handmade Sirloin Burgers
Another great find for the summer are these handmade sirloin burgers in options like Gorgonzola, Sweet Onion and Bacon & Cheddar, scouted at Palmer’s Market in Darien, CT. Fresh, tasty, and no mess – easy to just throw on the grill. We also love that it comes in packs of 2, so you can customize the different varieties for family members and guests. You can find these handmade gourmet burgers at speciality stores nationwide.
10. Kombrewcha
Okay, we love this one. Everyone’s favorite healthy beverage kombucha—now in a brew! A nice light drink for a summer night. Scouted by Nicole at Trader Joe’s in Larchmont.
Go out and get these fun items now and Happy Summer Everyone! Follow @scoutedfood on Facebook and Instagram for more grocery product recommendations and easy weeknight meals, scouted by other moms!
Shilpa Rosenberry is a local Darien mom and CEO of Scouted, an online platform launching this year to take the monotony out of food shopping and help consumers discover grocery products recommended by people they know and trust.
Do you find grocery shopping daunting? Be part of the conversation and discover new products on your grocery store shelves that are tasty, practical and recommended by moms like you. Follow @scoutedfood on Instagram and Scouted Food on Facebook.
Shilpa Rosenberry is a local CT mom and CEO of Scouted, a website and app launching this year to take the monotony out of food shopping and help consumers discover grocery products recommended by people they know and trust.