7 Organic Grocery Items You Didn't Know You Could Buy At Walmart

This post is sponsored by Horizon but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Being a modern consumer can be complicated.

When I was a child the only time my mother bought groceries at a store other than the one closest to our house was if there was an amazing sale that matched up with a coupon in her wallet. Shopping for a family was much simpler a generation ago simply because consumers did not have easy access to the buyer's education and resources we have today. There was no internet for concerned mothers to network on, no pages of searches demanding transparency from brands, or subcultures of foodies sharing their passion for greener eating.

As a result I've been quite overwhelmed with trying to juggle my modern family's budget, and my millennial schedule, with shopping fro ethical and wholesome ingredients. For a while I was building multiple grocery lists, by store, for a single week at a time!

If you know the stress I am referring to all to well then you might be thrilled to learn about a little life hack I've recently picked up on my regular shopping trips to Walmart. We have both a Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market in my hometown, so I am constantly grabbing grocery needs while picking up prescriptions, a new jacket for the upcoming rain, or the latest video game accessory.

I am at Walmart at least twice, if not three times a week on average, but I never realized just how many of my organic grocery needs I could buy there as well. Finding my organic "treasures" while on my everyday Walmart shopping trip not only saves me money, but precious time as well. Just take at look at some of these everyday Organic grocery finds we found on our most recent trip:

1. Organic Pre-Packaged Vegetables and Fruit

Generally speaking shopping organic will always be at a slightly higher 'premium' cost than shopping 'non organic' equivalent, when it comes to fresh produce. Two ways to help offset this potential budget increase is by shopping at Walmart, and choosing pre-packaged, or 'ready-to'eat' options when available. This helps save you valuable prep time, and everyone knows time is money.

2. Ready-To-Eat Snacks And Salads

Our local Walmarts have a great selection of Organic single serving snacks and entree salads in the fresh produce department. Salads such as this Chicken Cesar are certified organic and ready to eat on the go so you can feel good about your eating choices any time of the day.

3. Organic Pressed Juices, Kombucha, And More!

A lot of the time I am way too busy through the late morning and mid-day to stop to eat a full meal, but often I find my stomach rumbling an my energy crashing around 1PM. Having a delicious, fortified, and well balanced organic fruit or vegetable juice based drink on hand can really stop me from getting cranky and sluggish. You'll find a variety or Organic bottled beverages in the cold case directly next to the packaged salads and fruits at your local Walmart. There are even some options with probiotics and protein for unique dietary needs!

4. Fresh Fruit And Vegetables

This is probably the first grocery category that comes to your mind when I mention Organic groceries. I'll be honest, fresh Organic fruits and vegetables were some of the first things I started adding to my grocery list when I began buying Organic for our family. You'll find shelf talkers, liners, loud labels, and signs calling out fresh organic finds like these raspberries in the produce department at Walmart. I love feeling good about eating these delicious treats right out of the package or straight from my shopping bag upon unpacking at home.

5. Organic Milk.

Milk has been a staple at my dinner table since I was a little girl, and continues to be a weekly buy for my fridge. During the average week I use Organic milk for smoothies, creamy sauce recipes, cereal, homemade ice cream, and so much more. My preferred brand of Organic milk is Horizon, and my local Walmart has an entire cold case dedicated to the many varieties of it. Just look for the red cartons!

Horizon cows are certified organic grassfed and spend time in lush pastures where they can graze free- yes even the cows eat organic, and as a result their milk is always GMO free. They're a brand I've been following for years now as they have been advocating, along with others, for clear and tough organic standards that go beyond what is currently required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For me, Horizon is a brand I can feel good about buying for my family.

You'll find Horizon's Organic Grassfed Milk in whole and 2% Half Gallons with an impressive expiration date for Organic milk and a clean taste we swear we notice. Horizon Organic Grassfed milk is definitely my preferred 'drinking' milk, and what I use in all my dairy based recipes for wholesome flavor I can feel good about.

6. Shelf Stable Staples.

A lot of new-to-Organic shoppers may feel they can only find shelf stable Organics at specialty grocers, or in small designated aisle spaces in big box superstores. At Walmart you'll find many Organic companion choices right next to your everyday staples. Many times I'll even find an Organic option in my favorite brand- other times I'll choose the Walmart Great Value Organic equivalent and save myself quite a bit off  big brand Organic pricing. Some of my favorite everyday Organic shelf stable staples include peanut butter, honey, salsa, and more!

7. Baked Goods.

When I recently discovered Select Seeds Great Value Organic Bread while hunting for some ingredients for a classic PB&J, I was thrilled to complete my sandwich needs with all Organic ingredients! Who knew you could buy Organic bread right at Walmart?

Shopping Walmart for Organic groceries is always an exciting treasure hunt as more and more Organic items are being added every week. When I come across an Organic option in my favorite brands I get excited to slash another thing off my shopping list. When I discover something new I hadn't previously been able to buy Organic outside of a pricey specialty store I do a little dance right there in aisle. It has never been easier to shop Organic and feel good about wholesome grocery choices thanks to Walmart. If you've been thinking about buying Organic, or are a seasoned and dedicated Organic pro, check out your local Walmart today for amazing grocery options like Horizon Grassfed Organic.

Help Raise Money For TX + FL Hurricane Victims When You Spot #SealsForGood

If there's one thing people who know me know I love, it's cheese.

I don't need any extra incentives to eat delicious dairy products, so you can imagine how tickled I was to learn my favorite Real California Milk products were joining together to merge another of my passions, philanthropy, with calcium rich, nourishing, dairy items our family eats every day. I mean the satisfying feeling of giving back could only be made better when paired with the prospect of giving back over delicious dairy products, right? Don't worry, my lactose intolerant friends, thanks to this unique #SealsForGood initiative ANYBODY in California can give back simply by snapping a photo of a product with the Real California Milk Seal- no purchase necessary.

So, if you're one of those rare people I still don't quite believe exist, who don't love dairy, you can still turn your next shopping trip into a fun photo-scavenger hunt and help a great cause right from the store's aisle on your phone's social media apps.

Want to know more?

It's easy, really.

First, go to your nearest fridge, or supermarket cold case, and find a product with the Real California Milk Silk. You might be surprised how many products have the RCM seal- It's definitely NOT limited to just milk and cheese. I found the seal on cottage cheese, butter, sour cream, ice cream (even mochi!), yogurt, smoothies, and much more!

The Real California Milk Seal itself is a stamp of sorts found on packaging (printed or in the form of a sticker) which tells consumers that the product is made with wholesome, locally sourced, California dairy milk. These are products that aren't overly processed, and contain minimal ingredients, sourced by real family farms right in the state. It's not only a great way to help shop quality products for your family, it's a great way to support the local economy.

Once you've 'spotted the seal' you're going to need to snap a photo of it as proof.  Feel free to get creative and snap a photo of the product with your favorite recipe, or just get down and dirty right there in the store on the shelf. As long as your photo clearly shows the Real California Milk Seal you're on your way to helping spread some much needed aide to families recovering from the resent TX and FL hurricanes.

Lastly, take your photo and pull it into a new social share on your network of choice- it doesn't matter where the photo is shared but- you MUST include the appropriate tags and handles:

• If you are using Facebook, tag @RealCaliforniaMilk AND use the hashtag #SealsForGood. 
• If you are using Instagram, tag @RealCalifMilk AND use the hashtag #SealsForGood
• For all other platforms upload your photo with the #SealsForGood hashtag.

You have until 12/31/17 to get those Real California Milk seal photos shared, so no excuses, okay? For every submission Real California Milk will donate $5 to the Great American Milk Drive (up to $20,000) to help families affected by hurricane Harvey and Irma in Texas and Florida. No purchase necessary.

The Great American Milk Drive is a wonderful charity designed to help provide the basic staple of milk to families who may be suffering in the aftermath of the recent Harvey and Irma hurricanes. Donations will be made in $5 (per share/photo) increments up to $20k OR the 12/31/17 deadline, whichever comes first. The Great American Milk Drive, in partnership with Feeding America, has delivered more than 1 million gallons of milk to food banks across the country since 2014 to help families get the nutrients they need.

I know a lot of my fellow Californians have been lamenting over how they can help the Texas and Florida hurricane victims, while so far away. My own town ran several commercial trucks full of collected supplies several borders over during the Texas hurricane- but so many of my fellow Californians still want to do more. This is the best kind of charity; nourish your family with your favorite Real California Milk seal products and share a simple photo that gives back. Easy-Cheesy.

After School Good Milk Gone: Grilled Peanut Butter And Jelly

This post was sponsored by a2 Milk® as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

Momma Told Me: Some things just go  together like peanut butter and jelly.

I have a confession- As a young girl I absolutely despised the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Almost every school day Momma would pack me a sack lunch and I'd open up my pail to see a messy ziploc, with sharpie notes scribbled along the side from my father, and a smashed peanut butter sandwich inside. I didn't care if it looked a horrid mess. In fact I'd even smash it further until it almost resembled something a steamroller had gone over, then roll it up and eat it like a burrito. Yup, I was one of those kids. But the only thing crying out for a nice tall, cold, glass of milk more than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a peanut butter (only) sandwich. I couldn't guzzle my juice box fast enough, and it simply wasn't the same. There is no substitute for milk.

I know, I know- soy this and coconut that. As the better half of a lactose intolerant individual we keep plenty of milk alternatives in our home, and I use them often- but what about me? You may recall that I have self diagnosed post dairy digestive discomfort that is not attributed to lactose, but can put a little bit of a damper on my milk love, just the same. A few months ago I discovered a2 Milk®, milk
sourced from specially selected cows proven to produce milk missing the troublesome A1 protein, often associated with post dairy digestive discomfort. This milk only comes from specially sourced cows in the U.S.A. It tastes exactly like 'regular' cows milk, and is available in varieties such as whole, and 2% reduced fat, and is found next to the specialty milks and milk alternatives in your local dairy case.

a2 Milk® is not only a great option for me, but a wonderful after school snack pairing for the upcoming back to school season. a2 Milk® contains approximately 6x the amount of calcium as soy beverages, approximately 8x the protein of almond beverages and approximately 6x the potassium levels of rice beverages. 
Obviously nutrition is just as important as being delicious and convenient, when considering after school snacks. As someone who often cares for multiple children after school, whether my nieces and nephews, or at the daycare, a2 Milk® is a great option to fuel kids. I love that it tastes just like real milk, because it is real milk, while offering the traditional nutritional benefits of milk.

Not entirely convinced you want to give up your milk alternatives? Some things, like my Grilled PB&J simply aren't the same with a glass of almond milk- this delicious warm, gooey, slightly crisp after school snack can only be paired with a tall glass of delicious white thunder. I might have spent several school yard lunch breaks dreaming of downing my peanut butter sandwich but a2 Milk® has finally made up for all those years at last!

Now, I know you're not sitting there telling me, "Jenna, I've never had a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich," because that would be a horrible revelation. It doesn't matter whether you're a grape jelly, or strawberry jelly kinda person, heck- even a few banana slices will work! Simply heat up a skillet with a little bit of butter and slather some peanut butter all over the thickest bread you can find and grill. When the edges of those slices start to brown and you hear the sizzle of the filling gurgling down the side you know you're on track to the best after school snack ever. Just don't forget the milk!

I'll admit, the school year isn't quite hear yet, and I've already get myself hooked on this after school comfort routine. Some things just make you feel completely content inside, and this pairing is comfort food at it's best! I've been enjoying a2 Milk® without any post dairy digestive troubles for the past several months and I quite like being reunited with my long lost friend. If you and milk have parted ways keep an eye out for a2 Milk® in the dairy case near you, and be sure to stock up before back to school time!

What Daughter Says: For my 'famous' grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, real milk is the only pairing!

An Insider Tip- Win A Milk Rebate Or Trip To Australia!

This post was sponsored by a2 Milk® as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

Momma Told Me: The best things in life are free.

You may recall, a few months back, I announced that I was an a2 Milk® Ambassador. While the title didn't come with an awesome cow costumer (bummer, right?) it did come with some pretty sweet insider information. So hold onto your pajama pants and keep reading to learn how you can score a chance at a trip to Australia and get in on a FREE milk receipt redemption offer, courtesy of a2 Milk®.

But first, let's go through a little refresher as to what makes a2 Milk so special, and why my tummy troubles have hit the highway since switching over. Remember an independent study revealed 1 in 4 Americans experience discomfort after drinking milk; yet only 5-7% of the population is clinically diagnosed with Lactose Intolerance. I am NOT lactose intolerant. I DO traditionally encounter minor stomach discomfort a few hours after consuming traditional dairy based milk. As it turns out there is a protein in ALL conventional and organic milks called the A1 protein, which is known to trigger 'Post Dairy Digestive Discomfort,' the symptom that has plagued me much of my adult life.

a2 Milk® is sourced from specially selected cows proven to produce milk missing the troublesome A1 protein. a2 Milk® also contains approximately 6x the amount of calcium as soy beverages, 8x the protein of almond beverages, and approximately 6x the potassium of rice beverages, and is now available at select retailers in California (I buy mine at Ralphs). It's also worthwhile to point out that a2 Milk® is entirely natural and contains none of the post production alterations 'other' dairy based milks typically endure.

I've made a2 Milk® my dairy based milk of choice now for almost 3 months, and I couldn't be happier about the results. Not only am I enjoying real milk in my cereal again, I made my first 'real' milkshake the other day, and didn't find myself regretting it hours later. a2 Milk® is not a lactose free milk, so Jay often looks on in longing, but I don't mind having this milk all to myself for treats and mornings. If you or someone your know experiences minor 'Post Diary Digestive Discomfort' it's certainly worth checking the dairy aisle for a2 Milk® today! I know many of my SoCal friends and family have already switched over!

If the prospect of kissing milk tummy troubles goodbye with a delicious, natural, A1 free dairy sourced milk wasn't exciting enough, the a2 Milk Company™ invites you to enter a trip to Australia! All you have to do is log over to the a2 Milk® website and click the "Win A Trip To Australia" link. Fill out the simple form and you could be sitting pretty like a Kiwi enjoying pineapple on the barbie. While you're there you'll want to try and claim one of the 1000 receipt redemption rebates available. The chance to score a receipt rebate for a2 Milk® is right on the Australian Getaway entry form, just click it! Hurry though, the contest ends July 31, 2016, and winners are expected to be notified on or around August 11, 2016.

Don't wait until August 11th to try a2 Milk®- that's 2 months you could be enjoying less tummy discomfort after drinking delicious a2 Milk®! As for me, I'm still converting people at every potluck and event; I am sure Summer will be full of picnics and cookouts. After all, my famous chocolate chunk cookies are meant to be eaten with milk! Okay, now that I've given you the heads up on this awesome giveaway and sweepstakes- you promise to make me your +1 if you win that trip Down Under, right?

What Daughter Says: Free milk- free of the A1 protein, or a free trip to Australia, what's not to love?

Is It Time To Cry Over Spilled Milk? Cookie Dough Stuffed Cookie Recipe

This post was sponsored by a2 Milk® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. Nothing contained below should be considered medical advice.

Momma Told Me: Don't cry over spilled milk.

When I was a young girl every single meal was accompanied by a glass of chilled milk. Sometimes it had chocolate syrup in it, or a fancy colored spiral straw, other times I was simply told to drink it or I would get no dessert. Day in and out, Momma would place a glass of milk in front of me until I came to expect it. More than expect it, look forward to it. After all, I wanted to grow up big and strong, just like my father, and years of watching him chug a tall glass each night was more than enough to inspire visions of milk turning me into some form of young girl super hero.

And then my cousin, 3 years younger than me, at a T.G.I Fridays, or some other similar fast casual sit down restaurant, taught me one of the worst childish habits I've carried with me since. There's a reason they put kid's beverages in cups with lids. But on this magical day the restaurant had been out, I clearly recall because my Aunt was raising quite the havoc with the manager on duty when it happened. Blurp. Blurp. Blurp. Whoosh. Blowing into her straw she'd created a volcano of milk bubbles- bubbling the contents of her glass right over the edge. As we both erupted in giggles I resolved milk would never be so boring again.

Of course I love dairy- and what's not to love? Oh, that mild discomfort hours down the line? That little grumble of tummy troubles that causes me to shift in my seat? I've always known it wasn't lactose trouble- Jay has lactose trouble, and that doesn't compare to my tussles. No, I like to think of my dairy interactions as playful roughing between old friends. Sure it might be a little inconvenient after the fact but I'm still going to bring up the good old days and slug my buddy on the shoulder as I down another glass. That was until I began buying milk alternatives for Jay.

I kind of became complacent. I forgot my long lost friend, and all of those memories we'd shared. The milk stains on the table, the half of a cookie soggy at the bottom of my glass, the taste, the texture. I reached for whatever was on hand because it was convenient, and because I knew I wouldn't have any arguments from my stomach later. So I was shocked to learn that 1 in 4 Americans experience discomfort after drinking milk; yet only 3-4% of the population is clinically diagnosed with Lactose Intolerance. What about the other 20%? Did they give up on milk over some playful gas or tummy grumbles? Do they continue to drink their beloved white gold while ignoring the results?

As it turns out there is a protein in ALL conventional and organic milks called the A1 protein, which is known to trigger 'Post Dairy Digestive Discomfort.' It is entirely unrelated to lactose and in no way associated with that which ails those who are lactose intolerant. (If you have a diagnosed lactose intolerance this will not help you.) However, the removal of this protein, through heirloom a2 cows results in a naturally A1 free milk without any genetic or post milk production altering. You could say that a2 Milk® is milk the way mother nature intended it- and it could be the most authentic dairy solution to everyday self diagnosed dairy discomfort.

a2 Milk® is also a great way for people who previously avoided real milk due to possible minor post-dairy digestive discomfort to begin getting their servings of important vitamins and nutrients again. a2 Milk® contains approximately 6x the amount of calcium as soy beverages, 8x the protein of almond beverages, and approximately 6x the potassium of rice beverages. And it's now available at select retailers in California. That's all the excuse I needed to get out my best milk bubble blowing straw, and whip up a delicious cookie recipe!

While a2 Milk® won't help those clinically diagnosed with Lactose Intolerance, because it contains the same amount of lactose as regular milk, it may be a good solution for that 20% of the population with self diagnosed post-milk tummy discomfort. So I'll be trying a2 Milk® out in all 3 varieties, Reduced Fat, Whole, and Fat-Free over the next few months to see if I can reconnect with my old childhood friend again. a2 Milk® tastes just like 'ordinary' milk and is chocked full of all the natural milk nutrition I've been missing out on- so I can find an excuse for another cookie or two.

In fact, I devised a whole new way to enjoy cookies all together; cookie dough stuffed cookies- or 'cookie dough cookie sandwiches' if you want to get technical. Go ahead and make my egg free cookie dough recipe just for snacking with a spoon, or whip up one of our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes to slather it on and wedge between them. You simply can't go wrong- as long as you have a tall glass of ice cold milk by your side. And that's exactly what I'll have by my side the next few months as an official a2 Milk® Ambassador. You can expect plenty of delicious milk-worthy recipes in your future as you follow me here on my journey!

Of course you better believe the first thing I did after tasting a2 Milk® was grab a nice thick straw and blow bubbles to my heart's content. a2 Milk® certainly does have me feeling like a kid again- I might even go make myself a tall glass of freshly stirred chocolate milk right now....It's after midnight and my favorite milk glass is calling me.... Now, tell me, do you tend to avoid milk due to minor post-dairy digestive discomfort? What's your favorite way to drink milk? Go ahead, tell me, did you ever enjoy blowing bubbles?

What Daughter Says: a2 Milk® isn't my mother's milk. You can't get it from just any cow (sorry, Daisy.) So some tears might just be shed if I discover my carton's empty.

Cookie Dough Stuffed Cookies (Egg Free Cookie Dough)

Click here for the printable Cookie Dough Stuffed Cookies recipe