JANUARY GROCERY HAUL: FIRST TIME PURCHASES & REVIEWS

I decided I wanted to share with you all the products I try for the first time each month and how I like them. I love trying different products and I am always open to suggestions! Since I have been grocery shopping a lot using the website Milk And Eggs I have been discovering some products I have never seen before from the store as well as from local farmer's markets. If you want to check out the service and receive $20 off your first grocery haul and free shipping on orders $35 + click here . In the meantime, let's check out all the goods I tried in January!

PARMELA CREAMERY AGED SHARP CHEDDAR NUT CHEESE

I really love to try meat and dairy alternatives! I came across this dairy-free cheese, made from cashew milk and honestly thought it was pretty similar to the vegan cheese Daiya. Some people say they can't tolerate vegan cheese and think it tastes gross but honestly, I have gotten so used to it, the taste doesn't really bother me. I always prefer it melted that is for sure! But this was for sure a little more flavorful than Daiya and I will be purchasing it again. This brand also has mozzarella, pepper jack, and cheddar shreds available so I can't wait to try those out! Available on Milk And Eggs.

FORAGER PROJECT BANANA & DATE VEGAN PROBIOTIC SMOOTHIE

Forager Project Banana & Date Probiotic Smoothie

I heard from a friend and nutritionist that the Forager Unsweetened Plain Yogurt was a no-go and not too good so I passed on that and gave this probiotic smoothie a shot. Again dairy-free, made from nut milk, and super convenient for just grabbing and going especially on the way to work. This kept me energized between breakfast and lunch AND was super tasty! I honestly wouldn't even be able to tell that it is dairy-free. I tried the Strawberry Banana one too and liked it as well. I have not tried any of the drinkable yogurts but maybe in the future. Available at Milk & Eggs, Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, and Sprouts.

APPLEGATE OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST VS. TOFURKY HICKORY SMOKED DELI SLICES

I initially did a grocery haul post on my Instagram featuring this Applegate Turkey and a follower reached out to me saying I should try the Tofurky slices and that they are pretty good. Other than being a little higher in sodium & sugar than the real meat the Tofurky wasn't bad. I was a little skeptical at first because the meat itself appears to be sort of a brown color which I normally am not used to seeing lunch meat look that way. But flavorful for sure and I would buy either brands again! The Applegate I purchased at Milk And Eggs but can also be purchased at Target, Bristol Farms, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Pavilions. The Tofurky I got at Trader Joes and have seen it in Ralphs and Whole Foods too.

THE ABBOT'S BUTCHER VEGAN SPANISH CHORIZO

I sampled this Spanish Chorizo in a taco at an event in Downtown LA and could not believe how good it was! Like wait it's not real meat? This plant-based meat is so tasty and perfect for tacos, to throw in a bowl, on nachos, stuff in a bell pepper, the list goes on! This brand also makes beef burgers, ground beef, and ground chicken, of course all vegan and plant-based. I ordered this straight from Milk And Eggs and it can be found in Mother's Market & Kitchen in Orange County, Grow DTLA, Follow Your Heart Market in Canoga Park, and Mission Square Market in San Diego.

CRANBERRY CRUNCH PERFECT BAR

I have been eating Perfect Bars for a few years now. I typically have them as meal replacements since they are a little higher in calories than most bars or I will eat half before a workout and finish the rest later. This particular flavor I had never tried for some reason and when I saw it on Milk & Eggs I thought why not give it a try! I was pleasantly surprised because it tasted much lighter than their bars that are peanut butter or almond butter based. This bar didn't make me feel too full and it was delicious! Perfect Bars can be found in Sprouts, Target, Whole Foods, and a few select flavors are now available in Trader Joes.

ANGELIC BAKEHOUSE BREAD

Sampled this delicious bread at TheFitExpo LA and have been pretty much obsessed ever since. It is low in calories, delicious, light, and I like it because it holds up and lasts long in the fridge and the freezer, which some breads mold super quick.... I think Ezekiel does personally. This brand comes in pizza crusts, buns, sliced bread, and wraps and is healthier than most breads because the ingredients are pure, fresh, and it is made from sprouted grains. Can be found at Sprouts, Lassen's Health Foods, or online.