6 Midwest-Made Products to Support Your Health

The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.

As Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, there are many reasons why I love working for this fourth generation family-owned grocer, but at the top of my list is their ongoing commitment to sourcing local products.

Even better is the number of locally made Fx-approved items throughout our stores. It’s difficult to narrow it down, but here are six of my favorites.

1. Heinen’s Organic Pasture Raised Eggs
Did you know that Heinen’s Organic Pasture Raised Eggs come from local Ohio farms? With access to fresh pasture year-round and absolutely no antibiotics or added hormones, these hens produce eggs with a nutritional edge including less saturated fat and more vitamin A, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids compared to commercial eggs. Try them in these Baked Avocados.

2. Path of Life Frozen Quinoa
If you’re in need of a quick and nutritious side dish to serve with dinner, look no further than Naperville, Illinois-born Path of Life frozen quinoa. Commonly served as a grain, quinoa is actually a protein-rich seed containing all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein. On the table in less than 10 minutes, you’ll love the simple and delicious ingredients that go into each variety. We recommend trying the Quinoa and Kale, made with garlic, olive oil and sea salt.

3. Erie Bone Broth
Erie Bone Broth isn’t just manufactured in Cleveland, it’s made with 100% grass fed/finished beef bones and pasture raised chicken and turkey bones from farms located within 70 miles of their kitchen. From gut and joint health to immune system support, sipping on a daily cup of Erie Bone Broth is one simple step you can take to improve your overall health.

4. Witzi’s Granola
Created by a Cleveland mother on a quest to find foods that would meet her son’s strict dietary needs, Witzi’s 100% plant-based granola is made with organic raw nuts and lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup. Free from gluten, grain, dairy, corn, soy, sugar alcohols and added oils, this low-and-slow-baked granola is the perfect addition to homemade trail mixes, salads, oatmeal and yogurt.

5. smartBARK! Organic
With 20+ years of experience making gourmet chocolate in Lakewood, Ohio, Ines Rehner developed smartBARK! to provide a healthier snacking option for dark chocolate lovers. If organic, vegan, non-GMO and gluten and soy-free are important to you, smartBARK! will become your new favorite treat. They combine 70% dark chocolate with premium ingredients like nuts, seeds and crispy quinoa. It’s the ultimate cure for your sweet tooth!

6. Forage Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage made from sweetened tea that’s been cultured with friendly bacteria to help support digestive and immune health. Crafted in Madison, Wisconsin, Forage organic kombucha is naturally caffeinated with green or white tea to give you a gentle boost of energy when you need it most. Choose from these crisp and refreshing flavors found in the Wellness cooler: Peach, Raspberry, Blackberry Grape, and Tropical.

Key Takeaway

Who doesn’t love knowing their hard-earned dollars are going towards supporting the livelihood of folks in their own backyard? To discover more local products at Heinen’s look for the “local” buttons on our shelves, or ask your Heinen’s Wellness Consultant.