100 Healthiest Foods of 2018
Does walking into a grocery store ever make you feel like you're on an episode of Man vs. Wild? Except, in this scenario, you're Bear Grylls and instead of the wild, you're just trying to navigate the jungle of nutrition fact panels: How much sodium is too much sodium? Does this have enough protein? Are these red berries safe to eat?
We want to make it easier for you to work towards your healthy eating goals. And the first step is by buying the proper survival gear—er—food that sets you up for success.
That's why our researchers at Eat This, Not That! compiled a list of some of our favorite healthy groceries that earned a place in our fridges and pantries in 2018. These essentials—most new, some classics—will help you meal prep better, snack smarter, and stick to your healthy eating plan all throughout the year. Still need help on what to stock in your pantry and fridge? Start by steering clear of the 100 Unhealthiest Foods of 2018!
Medlie Kale Avocado
Take your gazpacho addiction to the next level with this kale- and avocado-infused soup. The collagen brings this soup up to 10 grams of belly-filling protein and (bonus!) it helps keep your skin youthful.
Pete & Gerry's Organic Hard Boiled Eggs
If you find yourself struggling to boil eggs to perfection—they're always either too runny or too dense—you'll find solace in this grab-and-go snack. Besides the fact that they're a protein-dense snack that will replace that nutrient-devoid bag of chips, here are another 20 Ways Eggs Help You Lose Weight.
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Fishpeople Meyer Lemon & Herb Panko Wild Alaskan Salmon Kit
Get more omega-3s in your diet with Fishpeople's ready-to-bake Alaskan salmon kit. It comes with a crunchy lemon and herb topping that pairs perfectly with any veggie-packed side.
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Bob's Red Mill Cassava Flour
Crafted from the cassava plant's root, this subtly flavored flour serves as the perfect swap for caloric wheat flour. Snickerdoodle cookies, anyone?
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
With a whopping 15 grams of plant-based protein and 8 grams of filling fiber, this shake base is guaranteed to keep you full and craving-free.
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Ezekiel 4:9 Low Sodium Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
Swap your usual whole wheat loaf for this whole grain alternative. It's made with sprouted grains, which are easier on your digestive system and allow for better nutrient absorption. Avo toast, anyone?
Blue Diamond Thai Sweet Chili Almonds
Instead of reaching for that salty bag of potato chips, grab a handful of these Thai-spice-dusted almonds. Not only will you get your savory and crunchy fix, but you'll also gain 17 grams of healthy fats.
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Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon
Unlike the traditional stuff you find in your local supermarket, you can feel good about adding this zero-sugar bacon to your breakfast sandwich.
Rojo's Organic Traditional Salsa, Medium
Give your TV binge session an upgrade with this subtly spicy salsa. Whether you're dipping nachos into it or topping your corn tortillas with the stuff, the fresh flavor won't disappoint.
Bolthouse Farms Plant Protein Milk, Unsweetened
Build a better breakfast with Bolthouse Farms' plant-protein-packed milk. The subtle flavor is versatile enough to be snuck into your a.m. java, cereal bowl, and even sipped on its own alongside a batch of whole-grain pancakes.
EPIC Uncured Bacon and Maple Bar
There's no doubt that bacon and maple make a mean combo, and this portable meat bar doesn't disappoint when it comes to delivering on protein.
Dannon Oikos Triple Zero Greek Nonfat Yogurt, Vanilla
Pair this protein-packed tub with some fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast.
PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
Not only will this peanut butter add decadent creaminess to your smoothies, but it'll also lend them 2 grams of plant-based fiber and 5 grams of metabolism-revving protein.
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Halo Top Vanilla Bean
Instead of spooning into a 250-calorie ice cream serving, crush your sweet tooth cravings with Halo Top's creamy pick that packs in only 60 calories. Talk about a guilt-free dessert!
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Green Giant Vegetable Meal Bowl, Buddha Bowl
This Buddha bowl is jam-packed with veggies including sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts and drenched in a creamy tahini dressing for a filling yet satisfying lunch.
Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Creamy
Not only is this pick made with just peanuts and salt (and zero hydrogenated oils or added sugars!), you'll also find that our favorite peanut butter is also very affordable.
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Modern Table Lentil Penne
Pasta nights may pose a threat to your weight loss goals, but not when you've got Modern Table's lentil rotini in your pantry. Pair the noodles with a robust red sauce, roasted mushrooms, and shaved parmesan for a wholesome dinner that's beyond delish.
Spindrift Cranberry Raspberry
We all love low-sugar sparkling water, but if you're like us, you hate the fake taste of "natural flavors." That's why we love Spindrift. The brand flavors its sparkling water with only real fruit. In this case, it's raspberry, cranberry, and lemon juice.
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Banza Chickpea Shells
Banza takes pasta to the next level with its chickpea-crafted alternative to the wheat stuff. Stir-fry some veggies and toss it with marinated grilled chicken for a quick and easy supper.
Aloha Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bar
Loaded with 11 grams of satiating fiber and 14 grams of muscle-building protein, you'll want to bite into this brownie bar after a HIIT session.
Ancient Harvest POW Pasta Green Lentil Penne
Talk about powerful! This lentil penne has more fiber and protein per serving than many other plant-based pastas on the market.
Skinny Dipped Almonds Dark Chocolate Raspberry
A subtly sweet yet tart snack, these cocoa-dusted almonds are a way better alternative to the chocolate-coated stuff you find in the dessert aisle.
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Wholly Guacamole SIMPLY AVOCADO Sea Salt
Not in the mood to mash some avos yourself? Wholly Guacamole is the next best thing to the homemade stuff, as it's made with zero preservatives.
Alive and Well Green Rovies Olives
These probiotic-rich olives contain live and active cultures to help heal your gut. Pair with your favorite sandwich or snack on them on their own!
Modern Table Meals Creamy Garlic & Herb Lentil Pasta Meal Kit
For a meal you can get on the table in under a half hour, try Modern Table's creamy garlic and herb meal kit. It comes packed with 18 grams of complete protein, which means you get all nine essential amino acids in this vegetarian-friendly dish.
Chobani Smooth, Low-Fat Classic Yogurt, Strawberry
Miss the taste of the yogurts you ate while growing up because you're fearful of consuming too much sugar and too little protein? Chobani Smooth revolutionizes classic yogurts by having 4 to 8 fewer grams of sugar and 5 to 6 extra grams of protein.
KIND Kids Bars, Chewy Chocolate Chip
Unlike those chewy bars you craved as a kid, this better-for-you snack packs in real ingredients and just five grams of sugar. We can't think of a better lunchbox addition!
Caulipower Pizza Crust
Build a better pizza by starting with a cauliflower-based crust. You'll get the added benefit of the veggie's vitamins and nutrients while picking your own savory toppings. (We like veggie sausage and roasted tomatoes!)
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Hope Foods Black Garlic Hummus
With a robust garlic flavor and insanely creamy texture, Hope Foods' hummus gives us a reason to break out the crudites!
GT's Kombucha, Gingerade
Get more probiotics into your diet—and effortlessly—with GT's Gingerade kombucha. Ginger is known to alleviate digestive issues while the gut-friendly bugs work to balance your microbiome. A win-win!
MaraNatha No Stir Natural Peanut Butter Creamy or Crunchy
Upgrade your PB&J with MaraNatha's nut butter. Their old-school blending methods lend this peanut butter a rich and decadent flavor and texture that's hard to resist.
Applegate Organics Turkey Bacon
Swap Oscar Mayer turkey bacon for this organic brand and you'll save 5 calories and gain 3 extra grams of protein per slice!
Eggland's Best Snacks, Chocolate Covered Almonds, Sharp Cheddar, and EB Hard-Cooked Egg
Forget Starbucks's bistro box. Eggland's Best is lower in sugar and higher in protein.
SafeCatch Elite Tuna Pouch
Because bringing a can opener to the office when you're trying to eat more omega-3s is taboo. That's why Safe Catch puts your low-mercury tuna in a pack!
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Applegate Naturals American-Style Colby Cheese
Unlike Kraft American Singles, which are made of "pasteurized cheese product," Applegate Naturals' line of the classic sandwich topping is made of real cheese for a taste that can't be beat.
Chobani Savor Low-Fat Plain
A healthy spin on sour cream (it's lower in fat and calories), you'll want to squeeze this creamy Greek yogurt atop everything from cheesy enchiladas to beefy tacos and hearty chili.
Nuts 'n More Toffee Crunch
Instead of spreading jelly or jam onto your sandwich, why not try this toffee spread? Unlike the sugary stuff, this peanut buttery pick is sweetened with xylitol. Unfortunately, it's not safe for Fido.
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Chobani Gimmies, Cherry Set Go! Yogurt Tubes
Chobani's newest addition to its Greek yogurt lineup features real fruit blended with low-fat yogurt and packed into a kid-friendly tube for a perfect lunchtime snack.
RUNA Zero Clean Energy Drink, Watermelon
Unlike other "unsweetened" or "zero" beverage lines, RUNA doesn't add any kind of sweetener to this caffeinated energy drink. A welcome reprieve from other energy drinks on shelves, like Red Bull, which fits 27 grams of sugar into a smaller 8.4-ounce can.
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Dannon Oikos Greek Nonfat Yogurt Plain
A high-protein treat from Dannon. Use it to make a creamy cilantro lime dressing or to top your baked potato.
Koia Fruit Infusions, Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Koia makes a mean plant-based protein shake that you can grab and go with. It starts with a blend of almond and coconut milks for serious creaminess and tosses in banana puree and cocoa powder for a dessert-like flavor.
Green Giant Frozen Veggie Spirals, Carrot
Whether you want a taste of the veggie noodle trend without investing in a spiralizer or you just want to keep a bag of frozen veggies on hand for emergency dinners, these spiralized carrots are a low-calorie, low-carb alternative to your favorite pasta. Plus: they add an extra serving of veggies to every meal!
Halo Top Dairy-Free Chocolate-Covered Banana
If you're lactose intolerant, ice cream probably tops the list of foods you miss. Luckily, Halo Top's dairy-free dessert is just as good as the traditional stuff—all while packing in way less sugar and a solid dose of protein and fiber.
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Dave's Killer Bread White Bread Done Right Thin-Sliced
Ditch the Wonderbread and pop a piece of Dave's Killer Bread into the toaster. You'll get the same great nostalgic taste of white bread, but you'll also get some fiber to keep you full.
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GoodPop Cookies N' Cream
If you're lactose intolerant or vegan and crave that cookies and cream flavor that everyone loves, now you can grab a lower-sugar option from GoodPop that's made with organic coconut cream, real vanilla, and an organic, gluten-free, vegan chocolate cookie.
Fage Total 2% Greek Yogurt
Fage serves up some of the creamiest yogurts on supermarket shelves, and this pick is no exception. It retains two percent milkfat, which makes for a much more decadent snack that will also curb midday cravings.
Hip Chick Farms Organic Chicken Fingers
If you're making more deliberate choices about what you buy, you'll feel confident knowing you made the right call with these tenders. Hip Chick Farms' chicken is humanely raised and organic—which is better for you and the animals!
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Wallaby Organic Greek Plain Low-fat Yogurt
Layer a morning parfait with Wallaby Organic Greek yogurt, raspberries, low-sugar granola, coconut chips, and chia seeds to stay full way past lunchtime.
Organic Girl Herb Goddess Dressing
Now we're not normally fans of bottled dressings since they're commonly loaded with salt and sugar, but this one is different. The refrigerated dressing from Organic Girl is made with fresh ingredients, is free of preservatives, unnecessary thickeners, gums, and stabilizers, and it tastes like it just came out of a blender, not a bottle. For more of our top picks (and what to avoid), don't miss 20 Best & Worst Store-Bought Salad Dressings.
Theo Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
You're looking at a soy and palm oil-free cup of 85 percent dark chocolatey and peanut buttery goodness.
Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake, French Vanilla
When you're on the go and in need of a quick breakfast, Vega's got you covered. This all-in-one shake is flavored with real vanilla and packs in a respectable amount of both protein and fiber. Plus, it's got only 4 net carbs, deeming this pick keto-friendly.
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WTRMLN WTR + Cayenne
Boost your workout with this potassium-rich beverage that has zero added sugars and no artificial flavors or colors.
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Daily Harvest Chocolate + Hazelnut Protein Smoothie
Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to drink Nutella? Wonder no more after you order this protein smoothie from Daily Harvest. Bonus: there's no palm oil or added sugars here. Just bananas, hazelnuts, cacao, kale, avocado, pea protein, and coconut oil.
Simple Mills Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies
For all you thin and crispy haters, there's now a soft-baked cookie that's low in sugar and made with whole food ingredients. And did we mention it's gluten-free?
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REBBL Banana Nut protein shake
"This drink has a good ratio of carbs to protein for assisting in muscle repair after a workout," says Jim White, RDN, ACSM EX-P, Owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. He adds, "The drink is also void of refined sugars, is low in sodium, and is a good source of fiber."
Garden Lites' Frittata Muffins, Spinach Egg White Frittata
The new frittata comes packed with spinach, tomatoes, onions, and red bell peppers, and it clocks in at just 70 calories per serving. Start your day by popping them into the microwave for 45 seconds or in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Healthy Choice Cauliflower Curry Power Bowl
This vegetarian bowl packs a powerful protein punch without drowning the entree in sodium, as is traditionally custom with other frozen meals.
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Sweet PotaTOASTS
Vegolutionary Foods (the parent brand of our favorite cauliflower crust, CAULIPOWER) released Sweet PotaTOASTS: a gluten-free option that's made with one simple ingredient, roasted sweet potatoes. These toasts are a great source vitamins A and C. Plus, they clock in at only 80 calories per serving, which means you can eat three slices of delicious sweet potato for fewer calories than a single slice of bread.
GoMacro Macrobar Protein Paradise: Cashew Caramel
GoMacro melds creamy cashews with scrumptious caramel for a low-sugar bar that's bound to please any palate.
Simply Light Lemonade With Raspberry
Thanks to the addition of stevia, Simply cut 75 percent of the sugar out of their refreshing line of raspberry lemonade, so you can enjoy a glass not worry about your blood sugar spiking.
Blue Moose of Boulder Organic Lemon Turmeric On the Go Hummus With Carrot Sticks
Forget dipping refined-grain pretzels in your hummus. Blue Moose of Boulder now offers healthy dehydrated carrot sticks to dip in their organic lemon turmeric hummus.
Simply Popsicle, Strawberry & Raspberry
Let your kids cool off with a frosty, fruity pop made with real cane sugar (their original line uses HFCS, Corn Syrup, Sugar, and artificial colors and flavors).
ThinkThin Protein Nut Bar, Chocolate Coconut Almond
Before your next workout, don't leave the house before tossing this protein bar in your gym bag. Psst, did we mention it tastes just like cake?
RXBar RX Nut Butter, Peanut Butter
These slightly-sweet, protein-spiked, portable peanut butter packs are the perfect snack to eat after a workout on your way home to a dinner.
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Siggi's Icelandic Style Strained Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt
Icelandic skyr packs in a creamy texture and higher protein content than other yogurts thanks to its thorough straining process. Reap the nutritional benefits with this subtly sweet snack that's simply perfect on its own.
Health Warrior Superfood Protein Bar, Mint Chocolate
If you're craving a thin mint but would rather not undo your weight loss progress, bite into Health Warrior's minty bar. It sneaks in superfoods such as chia, oats, and quinoa.
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Ancient Harvest Heat-and-Eat Organic Quinoa with Chickpeas & Garlic
Do you need quinoa and need it now? Ancient Harvest has you covered with their blend of whole grain quinoa and protein-packed legumes. It's the perfect pair for your lunch salad.
Mighty Bar Grass-fed Organic Beef, Cranberry & Sunflower Seed
Grass-fed organic beef (which is high in fat-frying CLA) meets tart cranberries and crunchy sunflower seeds for a wholesome portable snack.
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Yasso Pistachio Brittle Greek Yogurt Bar
Gut-healthy probiotics and low-sugar dessert (with only 9 grams of added sugar) in one bite? It sounds too good to be true, but Yasso made it happen.
Epic Lamb Currant Mint Bar
Don't want to get your hands messy with a meaty gyro? This lamb bar, spiked with juicy currant and refreshing mint, is the next best thing.
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Paleovalley Beef Sticks, Original
If you're sticking to a Paleo diet, you'll want to stock up on these tasty beef sticks.
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Justin's Classic Almond Butter Squeeze Pack
For an on-the-go protein punch, toss Justin's almond butter squeeze packs into your purse. Cravings, begone!
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Tribali Foods Mini Chicken & Apple Sliders
This Whole30-approved, Paleo-friendly sausage alternative is made of organic, free-range chicken with tart, tangy apples, sage, thyme, and a bit of nutmeg for a lean way to get 13 grams of protein into your first meal of the day (without a load of sugar or fat).
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Clio Greek Yogurt Bar, Strawberry
With a short list of natural ingredients like whey protein, skim milk, whole milk Greek yogurt, and loads of gut-healthy probiotics, we're ready to dig in daily.
SeaSnax Chipotle Roasted Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed is a wonderful source of iron, which helps fight fatigue and keeps your energy levels steady. Get your daily fix—and coveted crunch—with SeaSnax.
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Simple Mills Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers
Whether you're using these as a vessel for cheese slices, hummus, or turkey, Simple Mills will satisfy.
Fairlife Smart Snacks, Rich Chocolate
Say "hello" to a healthier chocolate milk. Made with ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, Fairlife's new Smart Snack drinks are high in protein and low in sugar: the perfect post-workout sip.
Alter Eco Dark Salted Almonds Organic Chocolate, 70% Cocoa
Want to satisfy your sweet tooth without downing a pint of sugar? Look no further than this dark chocolate bar that's sprinkled with fiber-rich almonds. At 70 percent cocoa, it's decadent but not diet-derailing.
Siggi's Swedish-Style Drinkable Yogurt, Plain
Yogurt that doesn't require a spoon? Sign us up!
Oloves Basil & Garlic
Love olives but can't seem to get enough? These portable pouches come in irresistible flavors such as basil and garlic to crush those salt cravings.
Arla Skyr Cream Cheese
Arla takes basic cream cheese and introduces Icelandic-style yogurt called skyr to increase its protein content and lessen the amount of fat.
Wholly Guacamole Classic Minis 100 Calorie Cups
For when you really want to top your homemade burrito bowl with some avocado but don't want it to brown before you dig in.
YQ Strawberry by Yoplait
This first-of-its-kind product is made with ultra-filtered milk, meaning it's not only lower in sugar and higher in protein than most fruit-flavored yogurts, but it's also 99 percent lactose free.
Barney Butter Powdered Almond Butter
Want to bulk up your smoothies with a protein boost without the calories and fat? Barney Butter debuted the first powdered almond butter on the market with 93 percent less fat than smooth almond butters.
The GFB Fruit, Nuts, and Seeds Oatmeal Cups
The GFB's flat pack makes it super easy to throw this high-fiber, high-protein breakfast in your bag without fear of it being crushed.
Barnana Organic Coconut Chewy Banana Bites
Made with zero artificial flavors or colors, you can count on this nutritious snack to placate your naggy sweet tooth. Plus, it's got the added benefit of potassium, which can help you debloat and squeeze into your skinny jeans a bit more easily.
Purely Elizabeth Coconut Cashew Grain-Free Granola
Remember that a.m. parfait we recommended making earlier on? Well, Purely Elizabeth's coconut- and cashew-spiked granola contains just 5 grams of sugar, so it definitely fits our breakfast bill.
Go Raw Zesty Pizza Sprouted Flax Snax
Flax seeds are a great source of omega-3 fats, which help boost brain power, slim you down, and keep your skin supple and youthful. And this snack has plenty!
Dang Unsweetened Toasted Coconut Chips Lightly Salted
These unadulterated coconut chips make for a tasty snack on their own thanks to the subtly sweet coconut that's complemented by a sprinkle of sea salt. However, they also work well in parfaits, cereal, smoothies, and stir-fries.
Maple Hill Creamery Greek Yogurt
Another low-sugar Greek yogurt that makes our list, Maple Hill sources 100-percent grass-fed organic dairy only—and the difference is in the taste!
Pacific Foods Organic Bone Broth, Chicken Original
Bone broth is jam-packed with collagen, an essential protein found in your skin, which also helps your skin stay wrinkle-free.
Ore-Ida Just Crack an Egg, Denver Scramble Kit
Add a fresh egg to this cup and you'll whip up a nutritionally-balanced, high protein omelet right in your office microwave.
Go Raw Choco Crunch Sprouted Cookies
For a better-for-you dessert that won't show up on your waistline if you indulge in one more bite, try these crunchy chocolate cookies by Go Raw.
Talenti Crafted with Less Sugar Mint Cookie Crunch Gelato
Less sugar for the same taste you love—seriously.
Siggi's Simple Sides Muesli & Currants
The makers of the first no-sugar-added fruit yogurt do it again with their launch of a no-sugar-added yogurt and crunchy topping pairing.
Navitas Organic Cacao Nibs
Add crunch to your smoothie bowls and energy bites with Navitas' organic cacao nibs. They've got zero sugar and a whole lot of antioxidants.
Naked Casein Protein Powder
Casein protein takes longer to digest than whey, so it'll keep you fuller for longer. Drink this before bedtime to maximize those gains. Speaking of protein powders, check out our definitive guide: The Best and Worst Protein Powders.
Halo Top Red Velvet
Red velvet cake minus the calories and sugar. Your wishes are clearly Halo Top's command.
Breyers Delights Cookies & Cream
This pint packs in all the cookies 'n cream flavor you love with a scaled-down calorie and sugar count. Where's our spoon?
Enlightened Frozen Hot Cocoa
Regardless of the season, we'd dig into this hot cocoa-flavored pint all year long. Find out where this low-cal cream ranks on our report of 37 Best and Worst Diet Ice Creams—Ranked!
