Granola

Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola Cereal in Pumpkin Fig

The judges cheered for this great-tasting standout in a sea of too-bland or too-sweet granolas, thanks to its dried figs and organic cinnamon. This low-sugar (only 6 grams) pick also scores for its fiber-rich puffed amaranth and quinoa flakes and fiber-and-omega-3-loaded chia seeds.

Cereal

Post Selects Great Grains Crunchy Pecans

We tried lots of cereals with the word "almond" or "pecan" in the name, but a search failed to turn up enough nuts to fill a thimble. This one had a surprisingly generous amount of pecans, plus whole-wheat flakes and rolled oat clusters, which serve up 35 grams of whole grains plus 5 grams of fiber (and just 8 grams of sugar) per serving.

Grab-and-go breakfast

Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs

It’s not rocket scienceto boil an egg, but if you’re like us, you rarely have the time in the a.m. to do it. This winner lets you get a protein hit in a hurry. And because Eggland’s hens are fed a vegetarian diet, these eggs are 25% lower in saturated fat and twice as high in omega-3 fats as regular ones.

Grab-and-go runner up

Cookiehead Snacks Grainy Brainy Banana Flaxseed Wakey Cakes

While they’re not available nationwide just yet, the yummy banana bread flavor and soft, chewy texture of these cakes landed them a spot on our list (and the cute name didn’t hurt

Frozen waffle

Kellogg’s Eggo FiberPlus Buttermilk Waffles

Waffles aren’t just for kids: We adore the light, fluffy texture of this toaster-ready breakfast, which indulges a morning sweet tooth while slipping in 9 grams of fiber and 35% of your calcium needs. And judge Jackie Newgent, RD, liked that these waist-friendly waffles are low in saturated fat and sugar (only 1.5 and 3 grams respectively).

Soup

Kettle Cuisine Thai Curry Chicken Soup

It’s rare to find a yummy store-bought soup that isn’t a sodium disaster. This one, at 560 milligrams per serving, has about half of what you’d find in most. Spicy curry, lemongrass, and coconut milk give this fabulous Thai flavor—and while the coconut does contribute saturated fat, "it’s fine in moderation," says Newgent.

Bread

Rudi’s Organic Bakery Organic Harvest Seeded Bread

"This is how bread is supposed to taste," Newgent raves. The certified organic loaf is slightly sweet and studded with poppy, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, which give each slice good-for-you fats. We highly recommend smearing a toasted slice with almond butter and a drizzle of honey

Grab-and-go

Sukhi’s Tandoori Chicken Naanwich

Found: a quick big-flavor meal with plenty of protein (23 grams) and not much fat (6 grams). This no-boredom sandwich sports exotic Indian spices (coriander, cilantro, ginger, and celery seeds) and heats up in just 90 seconds. Lunch is on.

Deli meat

Hormel Natural Choice Cracked Black Pepper Deli Turkey

Judge Robin Miller gave this deli meat high marks for being low in fat and free of nitrates and MSG. You’ll love the delicious smoky, peppery flavor, and the fact that three slices serves up 11 grams of protein in a super-skinny 60-calorie package.

Cheese

Weight Watchers Natural Reduced Fat Colby Jack Cheese Sticks

Low-fat cheese tends to be rubbery and less than satisfying, but this quick, light snack-stick looks, feels, and tastes like the real thing. And unlike most cheese, it’s low in sodium (105 milligrams) and saturated fat (3 grams).

Milk

Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3

Finally, chocolate milk that tastes creamy (not a bit chalky!). And its virtues go way beyond taste: We love that this bone-builder is organic, and fortified with DHA omega-3 fatty acids, so you’re boosting your mood and memory to boot.

 

Juice

Bolthouse Farms Bom Dia Açai +10 Superblend

Not all juices bearing "super-fruits" on their label offer healthy benefits, but this one made from açai and 10 other antioxidant-loaded fruits (including goji berries, yumberries, and sea buckthorn) does. Almost 300 milligrams of potassium makes it a good post-gym sip, and it has 50% of tough-to-find vitamin K (vital for blood clotting).

Low-cal drink

Honest Ade 0 Calorie Classic Lemonade

Sweet lemonade with zero calories and no artificial sweeteners ... what’s not to love? Miller is a fan of this sip, which is naturally sweetened with stevia: "I’m a lemonade-drinker and this stuff is great." Drink up during cold-season: It gives you a day’s worth of vitamin C.

Enhanced water

Bolthouse Farms Cucumber Rosemary Aura Botanical Water

Too many jazzed-up waters get their kick from tons of added sugar and artificial flavorings. But this standout—made with apple juice, lemon juice, cucumber, and rosemary—keeps it real and light (close your eyes and you can almost believe you’re at Canyon Ranch instead of your cubicle). One 90-calorie bottle knocks off one fruit serving, too. Nice.