Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
National Gluten Free Day is an annual awareness day for those who must follow a gluten free lifestyle. Launched in 2014, it is intended to raise awareness of the need for a significant number of children and adults to avoid gluten in foods to maintain their best health. Recent statistics include:
– The U.S. gluten free market size reached $6.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to nearly double by 2030.1
-While approximately 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease, survey data indicates anywhere from 0.5-15% of the population has non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).2,3 Individuals with NCGS tend to have more non-gastrointestinal symptoms, like headache, brain fog, and joint pain.3
-6% of U.S. consumers follow a gluten free eating plan, according to IFIC’s 2023 Food and Health Survey.4 That’s more than 20 million Americans.
There are many adjustments to make if gluten is a concern for you or a loved one. The first is to ensure an accurate diagnosis for the individual, especially children, as they are growing and have critical nutrient needs that are often supplied by foods that contain gluten, including grain products made from wheat, barley or rye. Be sure you are working with a health care provider, and ideally with a registered dietitian-nutritionist that can help you enjoy eating well and offer a personalized roadmap to navigate sustaining a gluten-free lifestyle, whatever your budget, cooking style, health and family needs may be.
The good news is many foods like fresh produce, meat, and seafood are naturally gluten free. Ancient grains like quinoa, and new products like chickpea-based pasta are convenient and packed with nutrients adults and children needs to stay well. Food labeling meets strict standards to ensure products are gluten free, including PICS and Market 32 items in stores (on package and on the shelf tag), and on the “Ways to Shop” resource on the Price Chopper “Shop Now” website link. Always check labels in case items are not on the right section of the shelf. Keep it fresh and fun with a wealth of gluten free recipes and resources:
Learn more about the ins and outs of eating gluten-free at https://celiac.org/.
Sources:
- Gluten Free Products Market, Vantage Market Research, accessed here on 12/27/2023.
- Caio G, Volta U, Sapone A, Leffler DA, De Giorgio R, Catassi C, Fasano A. Celiac disease: a comprehensive current review. BMC Med. 2019 Jul 23;17(1):142.
- Cárdenas-Torres FI, Cabrera-Chávez F, Figueroa-Salcido OG, Ontiveros N. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: An Update. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 May 24;57(6):526.
- 2023 Food and Health Survey, International Food Information Council, accessed here on 12/27/2023.
The beginning of the year is a time that a lot of people like to rest their fitness and financial goals. Fear not, there is no need to sacrifice your healthy lifestyle to save money. Making smart choices is easier than you may realize!
We would like to highlight BODYARMOR today. Not only is this drink good for you, but it is also good for your wallet. We love BODYARMOR because it offers best in sport hydration, specifically BODYARMOR LYTE and BODYARMOR SportWater. Let’s take a deeper dive into these drinks.
BODYARMOR LYTE is a great way to commit to your fitness journey this year while focusing on hydration, which is important before, during, or after any sweat session. This is a low calorie, ZERO sugar added sports drink made with coconut water. Even better, BODYARMOR LYTE has no artificial flavors or dyes and has potassium packed electrolytes.
Like BODYARMOR LYTE, BODYARMOR SportWater is a great option for hydration. This drink is high in alkaline and electrolytes, which makes it a great drink for your workout.
As for making sure you are making smart choices with your money, BODYARMOR 1-liter bottles are on sale for the month of January, so be sure to clip the eCoupon!
Another year has just begun, and you may already be feeling the weight of cooking multiple nights a week. Fear not…navigating meal time just got a whole lot easier! This week’s flyer has many sale items that can provide quick, easy, and cost effective meals over the course of the week. We took the work of going through the ad and built three meals around our Value pack of Market 32 Boneless Chicken Breast. Let’s take a look at three meal options below, with all ingredients right in the flyer!
The three meal options below were created with the idea of being able to feed four people per meal. In this case, each meal would feed all four people for under $4 a person. For a quicker look at the items we chose, check them out below!
-Chicken (about 5lb package), quantity of 1
-Ben’s rice, quantity of 4
-Nature Sweet Cherubs, quantity of 2
-Dole Salad Blends (12 oz bag), quantity of 1
-Ken’s Salad Dressing, quantity of 1
-Market 32 Yellow Potatoes, 5lb bag, quantity of 1
-Market 32 Baby Carrots 1lb, quantity of 1
Option 1:
- Market 32 Boneless Chicken
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice
- Cherubs or Cherry Tomatoes
Our Market 32 Chicken Breast can provide more than just one meal. Try cooking one or two large chicken breasts in a pan with the tomatoes, and they will melt right in your mouth! This will also provide added flavor to your chicken. Cook three to four packets of Ben’s Original Ready Rice for 90 seconds each, and your meal is complete!
Option 2:
- Market 32 Boneless Chicken
- Dole Salad Blends
- Ken’s Salad Dressing
Salads can be a delicious, filling meal on their own, and Dole Salad Blends have a wide variety of options. Many Dole Blends are loaded with veggies for added nutrients. Even better, you will still have the salad dressing for another meal later on in the week, or for a marinade on the chicken.
Option 3:
- Market 32 Boneless Chicken
- Market 32 Yellow Potatoes
- Market 32 Baby Carrots
This meal can be made in a variety of ways. Try cooking one to two chicken breasts either on the grill, in the oven, or in the air fryer. Additionally, two or three potatoes can be baked or mashed with glazed or steamed carrots.
Shop these Meal Items
Haleigh Eustis
Intern, Digital Marketing
Happy New Year! Did you know that January 1st isn’t the only day that is referred to as “The New Year?” Around the world, there are various New Years that are celebrated on different days. That being said, what is a better gift for the new year than flowers! The New Year symbolizes new beginnings and is commonly associated with a flower or plant. Celebrate the New Year while learning the flowers that are associated with different New Year’s celebrations globally!
Nowruz, The Persian New Year (March 21st): Celebrated in the spring, Nowruz is a 13-day celebration that symbolizes the end of winter. Because this holiday symbolizes rebirth and renewal, the Hyacinth flower is normally associated with Nowruz. This flower refers to renewal as well, which is perfect for the New Year celebration!
Russian Old New Year (January 14th): Celebrated across the world (but mainly in Russia), the Old New Year was first documented on the Julian Calendar. The Russian Old New Year is a holiday filled with winter festivals that embody Russian culture. Food, activities and family are all a large component of the New Year. Though it’s not a flower, the fir tree is the plant associated with the holiday. It’s a symbol of life, rebirth and value which makes it the perfect plant for the Russian Old New Year!
Diwali, Hindu New Year (November 12th): This Hindu New Year is a celebration of lights as it is filled with lanterns, fireworks, prayer and sweets. The rangoli flower is a symbol for Diwali. Though it’s not a physical flower that can be planted, mum flowers are used when creating this beautiful floral symbol. The mum represents death and rebirth at the same time which is a wonderful flower for the New Year as one is saying goodbye to the past and hello to a new beginning!
Chinese New Year (February 10th): Chinese New Year is a celebration that involves offerings to ancestors, fireworks, good food and beautiful decorations. A flower commonly associated with Chinese New Year is the orchid. It’s a beautifully classic flower that symbolizes fertility and wealth. These flowers are usually sold during Chinese New Year as they are used to decorate.
Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Years (September 15th): Celebrated in two nights, Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year which is observed after someone has blown the shofar. Considered a high Holy Day, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with prayer, symbolic foods such as apples and honey and family. White lilies are usually associated with this New Year’s celebration as they represent peace and purity.
Though this list is small compared to the various New Year’s celebrations across the world, it’s a fun insight into the correlation that flowers have with holidays! While flowers are beautiful, they are much more than a decoration. Their symbolism runs deeper than many people would imagine! Shop all your floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Happy National Bacon Day to all our bacon-lovers out there! At Price Chopper and Market 32, we carry a large variety of bacon, including turkey bacon and plant-based bacon. We have an option for everyone. Whether you enjoy your scrambled eggs with a side of bacon or include it on your sandwiches, you can never go wrong with bacon’s delicious taste to add to any meal.
Fun facts about bacon!
- Bacon has its own Day – December 30th!
- Bacon is cut from a pig’s side or belly.
- More than two billion pounds of bacon is produced each year in the United States!
- The average American consumes 18 pounds of bacon a year!
- The country of Denmark consumes the most bacon each year.
- Turkey bacon is made by grinding up turkey meat, adding seasonings, and forming into bacon strips.
Want to try some new recipes that contain bacon? Check out the section below!
Spiced-Maple Bacon: Four-ingredient maple bacon? We think YES! Be careful though – this may become a serious fan-favorite in your household!
Penne with Vodka Sauce & Turkey Bacon: Pasta, red sauce, parmesan cheese, basil, and bacon – what a fantastic combo!
Jalapeño Popper Pizza: Looking to add some pop to your pizza night? Try this delicious homemade Jalapeño Popper Pizza with cut-up bacon!
Ricotta Toast Bowl: Give yourself a fresh start to the day with this hearty Ricotta Toast Bowl!
Happy National Bacon Day!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
December 24th is National Eggnog Day, which is very fitting for this time of year. Eggnog can be purchased in the Dairy Section at any of our Price Chopper and Market 32 locations. If you want to try and make your own eggnog this holiday season, then this is the article for you! We have all of the fresh, delicious ingredients for this festive drink. Be sure to browse through our Price Chopper Website and our Price Chopper Ready for more holiday recipes.
What is eggnog? For those of you who may have never tried this drink, eggnog is a creamy, sweet mixture of milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Often, people may mix rum, bourbon, or brandy in eggnog as well. There is always an option for everyone, and there are many ways to make your eggnog dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients needed:
3 cups PICS whole
1 cups PICS heavy cream
2 PICS large eggs
½ cup PICS granulated sugar
1 teaspoon PICS vanilla extract
½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
½ cup Dark Rum (optional)
6 Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Step 1: Heat milk and cream on medium heat until steaming. Whisk occasionally.
Step 2: Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl. Carefully add in ⅓ of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk combination to temper the eggs. Be sure to keep mixing.
Step 3: Transfer the milk & yolk mixture into the pot on the stove, and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes, or until mixture reaches 165°). Whisk continuously. At this point, you can add in alcohol for a spiked eggnog drink, OR wait until the very last step to beat in alcohol.
Step 4: Strain eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer and whisk in vanilla and nutmeg. Refrigerate eggnog for at least two hours.
Step 5: If you did not add in alcohol in step 3, you can beat it now on medium speed. Otherwise, pour into glasses, add some PICS whipped cream, and enjoy!
Dairy-Free Eggnog:
There are many different add-ins and recipes for dairy-free eggnog, but there are some key factors that stay the same throughout all dairy-free eggnog recipes: Omit the regular milk and cream and use almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk. People often use 2-4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey in dairy-free eggnog.
Check out the full recipe here!
Vegan Eggnog:
Vegan eggnog calls for plant-based milk as well as the option to add in 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil for a creamer drink. All of the spices stay the same.
Check out the full recipe here!
We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
The Christmas holiday is a beautiful time of year. For many people, ornaments are continuously collected from their children while in grade school, family trips, and other memories throughout the years. No matter your age, you are never too old to create an ornament to hang on the tree. Let’s take a look at making meaningful ornaments with food that you can purchase right at your local Price Chopper and Market 32 store. This is a great family activity that will bring laughs and beautiful memories.
Salt Dough Gingerbread Men
As the name suggests, these gingerbread men are going to be salty, so not ideal for eating! They are, however, ideal for ornament-making. The salt helps preserve the ornaments. After all, these gingerbread men are made for hanging on the tree – not for eating!
What you will need:
1/4 cup ground ginger
1/4 cup ground cloves
1 cup salt
3 cups flour
1 1/2 – 2 cups water
Parchment Paper
Baking Pan
Twine/ribbon/string
1 straw
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together & slowly add the water. Roll the dough so that it is about 1/4 inch thick and create your desired shape. Use a straw to poke a hole in the top for the string later on. Bake at 250°F for 1-2 hours and let cool. Once dried, decorate and hang!
Melted Peppermints
This craft is simple, yet intriguing! You can use red or green peppermints here, or even a mix of both!
What you will need:
Peppermint Candies
Cookie Cutter
Parchment Paper
Toothpick/straw
Twine/ribbon/string
Directions:
Line a cookie sheet with cookie cutters of choice, and spray the inside of each cutter. Line the peppermints inside the cookie cutters and bake at 350°F for 3-9 minutes, but please pay attention to how quickly they are melting. Once the candies have melted together, remove from the oven. Gently use a toothpick or straw to poke a hole in the top of the ornament and let them completely harden. Remove the cutter from melted mints and hang!
We wish you a safe & happy holiday season!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
Not getting adequate sleep can greatly interfere with everyday life. It is so important, improving sleep habits and quality have been added to the Life’s Essential 8 lifestyle factor list by the American Heart Association, a roadmap to protecting heart health. Sleep is fundamental to overall capacity to function properly, and depending on your age, the amount of sleep you need may differ. According to the CDC, adults ages 18-60 need 7+ of sleep a night. On the other hand, adults 61-64 need 7-9 hours a night and adults 65+ should be getting 7-8 hours.
The quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity. Waking up multiple times a night will affect how you feel the next day. Data shows that lack of sleep can undermine mood, alertness, short-term memory, and focus. Long-term chronic sleep issues can negatively impact heart health, metabolism, and weight.
Luckily, there are many ways we can prepare for a better night’s sleep throughout our days. Ensure that you are staying physically active but be cautious of the timing of your exercise. Physical activity gives us energy, so if you work out close to bedtime, you may have more of a challenge falling asleep. Other factors that can undermine sleep health include blue light exposure from smart phones and computers, and shift work. Try limiting screen time before getting ready for bed. Not only does blue light stimulate your brain, but it also slows the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
While there are many ways to try and develop healthy sleep habits, we sometimes need extra assistance. If you or someone you know is struggling to obtain a steady sleep schedule, see your healthcare provider to have an evaluation for conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia. These require treatment as well. All medications and supplements should be evaluated by a healthcare provider and/or pharmacist for interactions. Melatonin or any sleep aids should be cleared with pediatricians, so children should never be given supplements without prior consultation.
We carry several sleep aids that may meet your needs, and some other items that can contribute to relaxation and sleep hygiene, such as chamomile and other teas, aromatic lotions, and bath salts. Look at our Sleep Aids Collection by clicking on the “Shop Sleep Aids” green tab below. We wish you sweet dreams!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
‘Tis the season to sip and savor! As the holidays approach, there’s no better time to elevate your festive gatherings with festive drink recipes. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together, a spirited office party, or simply looking to add a touch of merriment to your evenings by the fire, Price Chopper and Market 32 have you covered! From hot chocolate to cocktails and everything in between, we have everything you need to craft the perfect drink. Cheers to making this holiday season the most spirited one yet!
Warm Drink Recipes (non-alcoholic):
Curl up by the fireplace with a delicious warm beverage in hand! Try one of these delicious drinks below.
Cold Drink Recipes (non-alcoholic):
Price Chopper and Market 32 offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages on our website! Be sure to check them out.
Spiced Pomegranate Mulled Cider with Cinnamon-Ginger Stirring Spoons
Cold Drink Recipes (alcoholic):
Enjoy all the holidays have to offer with these delicious alcholic drinks!
Getting the party started early? Check out these mimosa recipes!
The Salvation Army Bell Ringer
When 72-year-old Ed Evans read in a newspaper article that his local Salvation Army wasn’t going to be able to put out all their Red Kettles for the annual fundraiser because of a shortage of Bell Ringers, he knew what he had to do.
“I had previously volunteered in a Salvation Army shelter helping to serve lunch and I really enjoyed my experience there,” Evans said. “With no golf matches, garden or lawn work to do in the winters of upstate New York, I knew I had the time to volunteer my services as a Bell Ringer.”
The Red Kettle fundraiser helps The Salvation Army provide local families and individuals in need with food, clothing, and other resources throughout the year, as well as presents under the Christmas tree for local children. And, as the need for Salvation Army assistance has continued to increase due to current economic hardships, so has the need for volunteers.
Whether it’s ringing bells at a Red Kettle for a couple of hours, sorting donations of toys and clothing, or helping parents pick out that perfect Christmas present for their child at a Salvation Army toy shop, volunteers are the backbone of The Salvation Army.
During his multiple shifts as a Bell Ringer, Evans said he was heartened by the many shoppers who not only donated to the Red Kettle, but who also thanked him for volunteering.
“When kids asked about the Bell and Kettle, parents would explain about helping the less fortunate and would give them a dollar to put in the Kettle,” Evans said. “It felt great to be a part of this enlightening experience and to see the immediate reaction of a child’s contribution.”
Evans added that he had a lot of fun and met many interesting people during his multiple shifts as a volunteer Bell Ringer.
“A dollar here, five dollars there…one man put in a twenty,” Evans said. “A few even wrote checks or ran out to their cars to be able to contribute. At the end of each of my volunteer shifts I felt as if I had given $1,000 myself. I knew that the money I had help to raise would go on to help those in need in my community.”
To enquire about Salvation Army volunteer opportunities, call your local Salvation Army, or text “TSAVolunteer” to 31333