There’s no better cure for a case of the mid-semester blahs than killing a few hours at Wegmans, better known as the grocery playground. Seniors in particular will appreciate this collection of Wegmans’ best private label products, especially since this may be their last encounter with the store for a while. Pull yourself out of your pathetic pool of tears and go buy some food.
Best Bread/Bakery Items
Ancient Grain Bread with Cranberries — Made with whole grains and free of artificial ingredients, this bread is completely awesome. It makes great toast and an even better tuna salad sandwich — the combination of savory and sweet from the cranberries is on point. Price: $2.50
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies — These are available in the pay-per-pound cookies section of the bakery, but let’s be real: You’re going to eat them while walking around the store. Who can resist a chocolate-dipped chocolate chip cookie? Literally no one. Price: $10.99/lb.
Pumpkin Pie — Wegmans makes a mean pumpkin pie, and it’s available all year-round. They sometimes even have a personal-sized pie available for those of you who hate sharing. While a little pricey, this pie is a must for any pumpkin addict. Price: $6.00/regular, $4.00/mini
Best Refrigerated Items
Pumpkin & Spice Cream Cheese — I refuse to check into pumpkin rehab due to gems such as this. Slather it on a Wegmans ancient grain bagel for maximum enjoyment. Less food-dyed than the Einsteins version and available year-round. Price: $1.29
Food You Feel Good About Yogurt, Super, Lowfat, Organic, Blended, Raspberry (32 oz.) — Stonyfield fans should give the Wegmans version a shot — it’s comparable in ingredients and taste and comes in way more flavors. This variety is sweet enough to satisfy but not overbearingly so. Price: $3.49
Food You Feel Good About Brussels Sprouts, Family Pack — It’s probably been a while since you’ve had a vegetable, so consider popping a bag of these in the oven, tossed with some EVOO, salt and pepper. The power of a good batch of roasted brussels sprouts may surprise you. Price: $3.99
Best Pantry Items
Food You Feel Good About Jammin’ Organic Fruit Spread, Red Raspberry — This jam is fabulous on toast, in a PB&J sandwich or inside the home-baked hamantaschen that you couldn’t be bothered to make this past Purim. Price: $3.49
Food You Feel Good About Pasta Sauce, Tomato Basil — At 99 cents, there’s no reason to pass this up, especially alongside its BFF, Wegmans-brand pasta (also 99 cents). Enjoy the taste of homemade sauce without the effort.
Food You Feel Good About Garbanzo Beans, Organic — Toss with some pre-washed salad, add a few baby carrots and you’ve got instant lunch. Chickpeas are a vital ingredient in the poor college student’s diet. Price: 99 cents
Best Candy
Wegmans Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Toffee Bar — Ghirardelli pales in comparison to this chocolate wonder. The combination of salty and sweet is the perfect reward for finishing that dumb paper. Price: $1.99
Agave Gummi Bears — Available over in the Nature’s Marketplace bulk foods, these bears taste deliciously fruity and have the texture of Gushers without the weird liquid inside. Price: See in store.
Raspberry Yogurt Covered Pretzels — Available in the normal bulk foods (read: unhealthy), these things are basically crack. Tangy and sweet and suspiciously lavender-colored, they blow Flipz out of the water. Price: See in store.
The next time you’re bummed that Wegmans seems to have a meager selection of your favorite peanut butter or popcorn, consider trying their version. Most of their house-label items are comparable in taste and price, and you may find yourself falling in love with an unexpected flavor. Enjoy!