“Eat your veggies”: a statement many of us have heard for the majority of our lives. It’s been so ingrained in me that at one point, it was even my wifi password. In all seriousness, there have been public health campaigns aimed at getting people in the United States and around the globe to increase their produce consumption.
California’s 5 a day, a multi-year marketing program introduced by the state’s Department of Health Services in 1988, focused on getting people to eat five fruits and vegetables each day “for better health.” Six years later, 48 states in the U.S. were licensed to participate, and now it’s fairly common to hear someone reference “5 a day.”
We may be familiar with the concept; however, many of us actually consume far fewer than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. On average, most Americans consume 1 fruit or vegetable each day,with just 10% of the adult population eating the recommended amount of vegetables each day.
As a registered dietitian, I see this so often in my practice. Some of my patients say they are not compelled to eat fruits or vegetables because they don’t know how to prepare them. So they order in or purchase partially prepared foods.
A national online survey conducted by Researchscape International in March 2025 found that 90% of respondents reported that they don’t cook dinner from scratch, and of that group, more than half expressed that an easy dinner was one that could be made in less than 30 minutes. They’re relying on rotisserie chickens, ready-made sauces, and pre-chopped veggies to help get dinner on the table night after night.
In my practice, I have always worked from the idea that we need to meet people where they are — and if people are not interested in cooking everything from scratch (who among us, amiright?!), we need to seek out options that are nourishing, delicious, and easy to prepare to support their nutrition needs. With my patients, we talk about finding innovative chef’s helpers to bring plants to the center of the plate while not being boring.
Here are 3 options that I’ve tried and thought were delicious, easy-to-use ways to add extra vegetables to your day.
1. ¡Yo Quiero! Black Bean Dip
Probably best known for its guacamole, ¡Yo Quiero! also makes an incredible black bean dip. The chefs behind the brand have done an incredible job of creating a perfectly seasoned dip with warm spices that are not overpowering or bland, and is just the right texture.
It’s really versatile, and can be added to rice, animal proteins, cooked or raw veggies, flour tortillas, crunchy tostadas, and more. The dip contains seasoned black beans and a mix of spices, and has 7% of the daily value for fiber in one serving (2 tablespoons). I enjoy having at least 4 servings as a dressing on my greens, making it a good source of fiber.
Buy: ¡Yo Quiero! Black Bean Dip, $4.99 for 8 ounces at Instacart
2. Bolthouse Fresh Spicy Chili Lime Carrot Shakers
Tajin, the beloved Mexican seasoning blend that contains mild chile peppers, lime, and salt, has exploded in the U.S. market, and brands are all over it. Bolthouse Fresh caught on, and realized you could put this seasoning mix on produce and make it beyond craveable. Its Carrots Shakers contain small bags of baby carrots with a chile, salt, and lime seasoning packet that you tear open and shake over the vegetables to create the most crunchy, flavorful, and fresh bite.
There are two more flavors, dill pickle and zesty ranch, both of which are very fresh and delicious. The Carrot Shakers make a delicious snack or can become a side dish if you combine multiple packages.
Buy: Bolthouse Fresh Spicy Chili Lime Carrot Shakers, $7.99 for 5 (2.5-ounce) packs at Instacart
3. Organic Poultry Blend
Okay, stay with me here. You might be thinking: herb mixes, how is that innovative? Sure, they have been around for centuries, but many are still wild and all boast compounds called phytochemicals that are so beneficial for the cells in our bodies. Bonus: They don’t contain any added sugars, saturated or synthetic fats, or added salts.
They are an easy add to make animal proteins and vegetables taste amazing. This particular mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary, although named “poultry blend,” could be used on anything. Consider mixing it into grains, roasting with root vegetables or using it as a seasoning for tofu or beans. Together, these herbs add an earthy flavor with hints of mint.
Buy: Amazon Fresh Organic Poultry Blend, $1.49 for 0.5 ounces at Amazon
“Fad or Fact” is a monthly column where Maya Feller, MS, RD, breaks down the most important — and, let’s be honest, sometimes confusing — products and trends taking over grocery aisles. Do you have a grocery question or topic you want Maya to cover? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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