Diet

While turkey has traditionally been the holiday’s center stage, a vegan Thanksgiving can be just as delicious (if not more!). There is still an entire world of flavor to enjoy without meat, dairy, and other animal products. And plant based foods are becoming more and more popular. That means there are so many new products and ideas to help make your vegan Thanksgiving hearty and tasty! Read on for some vegan inspiration and recipe ideas for the holidays.

Vegan Thanksgiving

Creating a vegan Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to be complicated or overloaded with vegetables. The idea that vegans eat a lot of vegetables isn’t wrong, but can sometimes be misunderstood: Your vegan Thanksgiving spread doesn’t have to be all salads and roasted squash! In fact, most Thanksgiving staples like bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and even gravy can easily be vegan. This can be a fun chance to get creative and experiment with new ideas for your holiday meal.

As far as vegan Thanksgiving entrees go, there’s a lot of things to cook for center stage! Tacoma Boys’ recipe for Mini Vegetarian Pot Pies can easily be made vegan (and even gluten free with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Flour and Schar Gluten Free Puff Pastry Dough). Or, try these vegan mains for Thanksgiving:

• Lentil Shepherd’s Pie by Rainbow Plant Life.
• Vegan Stuffed Pumpkin by Vancouver with Love.
• Caramelized Shiitake Mushroom Risotto by Minimalist Baker.

Holiday Side Dishes

Your spread of vegan holiday side dishes can be full of a variety of different delicious flavors and textures. It can also be nice and nutritious as you’re bound to cook up some vegetables! If you’re interested in holiday side dishes that are vegan, you can simply make some swaps with your favorite foods. Tacoma Boys has long offered a variety of vegan staples and alternative food products: This includes nut milks and dairy free butter, sour cream, cheese, and more. If you’re still not sure what to cook this year, consider some of these vegan holiday side dishes.

1. Vegan sausage stuffing: Simply swap out classic stuffing ingredients with animal products for vegan alternatives. Try Earth Balance Dairy Free Butter, Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Broth Base, and even Field Roast Italian Garlic & Fennel Plant Based Sausages. 

2. Mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy: Opt again for vegan butter as well as Almond Breeze Almond Milk and Forager Organic Dairy Free Sour Cream for your creamy mashed potatoes. Then, whip up this recipe for onion mushroom gravy that is just as savory as turkey gravy. You can also go for instant mashed potatoes with Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes to make things just a bit more quick and easy.

3. Vegan green bean casserole: There are several recipes for vegan green bean casserole all across the web! You can use cashew cream and alternative milks for the same creamy consistency. Also try it with a sprinkle of Seed Ranch Cheddar Cravings Vegan Cheese or Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast for an added cheesy flavor.

4. Jalapeno cornbread muffins: Slightly spicy and crumbly, jalapeno cornbread muffins are easy to make, too. Try this recipe for a vegan version with fresh jalapenos or for a quick version, with Bob’s Red Mill Cornbread & Muffin Mix.

5. Autumn harvest salad: Place sliced apples, chopped pecans, and Follow Your Heart Dairy Free Feta Crumbles on a bed of spring mix. To add even more depth to the salad, throw in some roasted butternut squash! Then finish with a drizzle of Fody Maple Dijon Dressing for a filling side salad.

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

In addition to those top five vegan thanksgiving recipes, there are so many others to try! Eating plant-based may encourage some people to broaden their scope of what they cook and eat. Different seasonings, aromatics, nuts and seeds, and of course fruit and vegetables can come together into a tasty meal so nicely. To round out your menu of vegan Thanksgiving recipes, you could also try some of these vegan favorites at Tacoma Boys:

• Karine and Jeff Mushroom Soup or Green Lentil and Carrot Soup
• Immaculate Organic Flaky Biscuits
• Deliciou Plant Based Beef
• Coconut Cloud Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Soyatoo Soy Whip
• Wholly Wholesome Organic Traditional Pie Dough
• Key Lime or Chocolate Hazelnut Divine Pie

Shop at Tacoma Boys for Vegan Staples

Here at Tacoma Boys, you’ll always find a variety of vegan products and specialty food items. Check out our favorite vegan staples here and then come on by to shop for your favorites! Tacoma Boys has all the food and drink you need for any type of Thanksgiving or holiday celebration in general. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

The world of non-alcoholic craft beer has exploded in the last few years. For varying reasons people are seeking a flavorful, non-alcoholic alternative to their favorite brews and craft breweries around the world have thoroughly risen to the occasion. If you’re craving the malty, hoppy goodness of beer, but don’t want the alcohol that comes with it, try something from Tacoma Boys’ line-up of non-alcoholic craft beer.

Run Wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Co.

Athletic Brewing Co. is a dedicated non-alcoholic brewery with a full lineup of award winning brews. They have a brew for everyone’s particular taste. Run Wild, their classic IPA, easily stands up against alcoholic varieties from other craft breweries. Doubters of non-alcoholic beer will be hard pressed to find fault in the flavor profile of this beer. Bonus: because it’s packaged in cans, it’s a great beer choice for hiking and camping trips!

Serve alongside: Margherita Pizza or Salmon Tacos With Cabbage Slaw

Weihenstephaner Malt Beverage

Weihenstephaner Brewery

Brewed in Bavaria, Germany by a brewery that has been in operation for almost 1000 years, you know this beer has tradition on its side. Weihenstephaner has produced a full-flavored, wheat beer with an inviting yeast aroma and hints of honey. 

Serve alongside: Fresh Tomato and Arugula Pasta

Just the Haze IPA

Samuel Adams

Don’t let the hazy appearance of this beer put you off. It is precisely the reason to reach for it. Less filtering of this beer means a stronger, fruit-forward citrus flavor. This is a great non-alcoholic beer in Tacoma Boys lineup of non-alcoholic beer. Just like Athletic’s Run Wild IPA, this beer is packaged in cans, so toss in your cooler for camping!

Serve alongside: Blue Cheese and Cured Meat Charcuterie 

Lagunitas IPNA

Lagunitas Brewing Co.

It is no surprise that this award-winning brewery has made several, excellent, non-alcoholic beverages. For those who prefer the malt and hops of beer, Lagunitas IPNA is where it’s at. This full-bodied, hop-forward beer also boasts a low calorie count, so it is perfect for people who are abstaining from beer for health reasons.

Serve alongside: Creamy Chorizo Queso Dip

Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher

Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Though it is only slightly reminiscent of beer, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is another option for a hot summer day,. Akin to flavored seltzer water, the Hoppy Refresher is flavored with Citra, Equinox, and Centennial Hops from Yakima Valley and just a touch of yeast to create a refreshing, sparkling beverage that has zero calories or alcohol. 

Serve alongside: Anything and Everything

Find Your Beer for All Occasions…

Whether you’re thirsting for a post workout refresher, trying to limit your alcohol intake for health reasons, or missing the taste of beer but don’t like the effect of alcohol on your body, the Tacoma Boys’ lineup of non-alcoholic craft beer has the beer to quench your thirst. When you’re picking up beverages for your next picnic or BBQ grab a six pack of non-alcoholic beer to toss in the mix. 

Eating naturally fermented foods has long been beneficial to one’s overall health, but your gut especially reaps the benefits. Fermentation is the result of sugars and starches in a food naturally broken down by bacteria and yeast. This changes the structure of the food and allows it to be preserved longer. What results is “good bacteria” that takes care of your stomach and helps with digestion. Fermented foods are fun to eat and popular for their distinctively acidic taste and health benefits.

Fermented Foods

Consuming fermented foods is beneficial because they contain live cultures that live in your gut and help support your immune system. One thing to note about fermentation is the difference between such and pickling. While some traditional pickles are naturally fermented, many are not. Therefore they’re not considered fermented foods (rather, they are simply cucumbers pickled in vinegar). For more information on the difference between the fermenting and pickling, check out this guide by WildBrine.

Yogurt and Kefir

One of the most popular fermented foods is yogurt because it is simply fermented milk! It’s known for containing probiotics that are helpful to your gut and digestion. If you’re unfamiliar with kefir, it’s a dairy product similar to yogurt. Kefir is a great addition to smoothies and granola! One of Tacoma Boys’ favorites is Grace Harbor Farms Plain Kefir. This drinkable yogurt is known for assisting digestion and even improving bone health, making it a great addition to your daily routine!

Kombucha

Kombucha has become quite popular in recent years, but do you know what this fermented tea actually is? Scoby, a colony of yeast and bacteria, is what makes the tea fermented. Depending on the brand and flavor, kombucha may taste slightly sweet and sometimes vinegary. But not in a bad way! Kombucha is flavored with herbs and fruits that are added during the fermentation process. If you’re a first-timer looking for a good option, Bellingham-based Kombucha Town Blueberry White Kombucha is one of the many kombucha brands offered at Tacoma Boys.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean blend of salted and fermented vegetables. Cabbage and radish typically makes up the base of kimchi, followed by many seasonings and spices! If you’re looking for a tasty way to get more probiotics and vegetables into your diet, kimchi is the perfect option! Try Britt’s Kimchi made by local Britt’s Fermented Foods.

Sauerkraut 

Sauerkraut is familiar to many for its presence on various sausages and its crunchy, sour bite. This comes from the fermentation process when the sugars in the cabbage break down into lactic acid. Flavoring and seasonings like garlic, ginger, peppers, and other vegetables are often present. OlyKraut and WildBrine Sauerkraut are available in many flavors at Tacoma Boys.

Sourdough

This may come as a surprise to many, but sourdough is actually a fermented food! This means it contains those good bacterias that help support your gut. Naturally occurring yeast and lactic acid bacteria make up a sourdough starter. While making bread, the starter ferments the sugars in the dough. This is what yields such a nice sour taste, such as in Seattle Sourdough Baking Company Bread.

What are the Benefits of Probiotics?

Fermented foods contain live cultures called probiotics, which live in your body, too! What’s amazing about probiotics is that they’re constantly fighting the “bad bacteria.” And to top it off, this all leads back to your overall health and taking good care of your body and immune system. There are different strains of probiotics that are beneficial for different reasons. Some fermented foods contain dozens of different helpful probiotics that contribute to the “good bacteria.” Moreover, for people who prefer to take supplements over fermented foods, there are options like this spore probiotic that contains many unique bacillus spores providing broad-spectrum support for the gut and thus helping to maintain a healthy bacterial ecosystem.

Realizing that fermented foods contain several live microorganisms may gross some people out. But there’s no need to worry! You have hundreds of millions of live bacteria living in your gut right now. Probiotic microbes simply add to the good bacteria in your gut that fight disease and infection. Many people even take probiotic supplements to improve their gut health. For more information about probiotics, check out this webpage by the Cleveland Clinic. 

Cooking With Fermented Foods

Cooking with fermented foods can be as simple as snacking on kimchi or yogurt! But there are a few things you can do to make cooking with fermented foods part of your everyday diet. When you add fermented foods to your diet, you’re making an effort to maintain your gut health and immune system. You can simply use the fermented foods as you would with its non fermented counterpart: 

• Throw kimchi (cabbage and radish) in a stir fry or pile some sauerkraut (cabbage) high on your sandwich.
• Try kombucha (sweet tea) as an afternoon refreshment.
• Swap plain white bread with sourdough on your next homemade sandwich.
• Toss some kefir (cultured milk) into a smoothie.
• Build a charcuterie board with raw cheese, kimchi, sourdough bread, and salami. 

The options are endless! Get creative with cooking with fermented foods to make it a regular part of your diet. 

Shop Local at Tacoma Boys

Tacoma Boys selection of speciality foods and ingredients makes it easy to find the fermented foods you love. Just stop on by to browse a wide array of sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurts, and more! And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Who doesn’t love oranges? The juicy citrus fruit is refreshing, easy to eat, and often in season, not to mention tremendously tasty. Few other fruits can boast such benefits, like how it’s already pre sliced on the inside and grows in compostable packaging for your convenience! Oranges have a strong aroma that makes them good for adding flavor to foods and desserts using orange essence, zest, juice, or chunks of the succulent fruit for even more texture. 

Fan-Favorite Winter Oranges

Winter oranges  are often enjoyed raw and fresh, as well as juiced or even dried for a sweet snack. Everyone knows they are chock full of vitamins— Oranges are the poster child for a solid serving of vitamin C. But did you know that the most popular citrus fruit in the world also contains needed fiber and potassium? Eating oranges is a great way to get a quick, filling bite and a burst of nutrients.

Cara Cara Navel Oranges

Tacoma Boys offers a selection of a few different varieties of navel oranges. Cara Cara Navel Oranges are unique to the orange family because of its surprising inner flesh. Cut a Cara Cara in half and you’ll see bright pink fruit. It’s known for its nice sweet taste, thanks to a low level of acidity, and ease to peel because of a small amount of pith (that’s the white stringy membrane between the peel and the fruit).

Heirloom Navel Oranges

The humble Heirloom Orange is a type of navel orange that was bred over several years and decades to produce prime fruit for cultivation that didn’t compromise on the classic navel orange taste. The word heirloom means original: It still has the same authentic taste as those original navel oranges that were first introduced to America in the 1800s. Heirloom oranges are simple but flavorful in taste, balancing between not-too-sweet nor sour or bitter. After mandarins, heirlooms are the easiest orange to peel.  

Daisy Mandarins

Daisy Mandarins are the result of a cross between two other mandarin orange varieties. Super sweet and seedless, daisy mandarin oranges are one of the best snacking oranges. They have a dark, smooth, shiny peel that is thin enough to easily pierce and peel. Enjoy a daisy mandarin with a few cubes of White Cheddar Cheese and Northwest Delight Almonds for a quick and surprisingly filling bite to eat. 

Sumo Mandarins

This oversize Japanese mandarin, also known as Dekopon, is super easy to peel: You’ll see a plump top knot (where it’s been picked from the tree) that looks like the peel is already separating from the fruit. Sumo Mandarins come from orange parents pomelo, navel, and mandarin and taste sweeter than all three. And doesn’t that distinctive top knot look familiar? It should resemble the same topknot sported by sumo wrestlers, hence the label.

Blood Oranges

Antioxidants called anthocyanin are responsible for the name and appearance of Blood Oranges, giving the fruit its namesake deep crimson color on the inside. This yields a different pigmentation than the comparable Cara Cara navel oranges with a similarly sweet taste. When juiced, the sweeter liquid will ferment quicker than regular orange juice, meaning it should be enjoyed the same day.

Recipes with Oranges

There are several recipes with oranges to make at any time of day for many different dishes, snacks, desserts, and drinks. These are just a few of Tacoma Boys favorite ways to enjoy the winter citrus fruit.

Breakfast

It’s easy to squeeze oranges for their juice and enjoy it as part of your breakfast. Same goes for blending up a Beet Smoothie with two whole oranges.

Lunch

Sweet and savory pairs together perfectly with the use of Daisy Mandarins in this Mandarin Orange Salad with an orange poppyseed dressing by Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

Dinner

Recreate a popular classic Chinese takeout meal with this Easy Orange Chicken recipe by the Modern Proper, using both juice and zest from a fresh orange. 

Dessert 

Create an easy sweet treat with just two ingredients. Melt your favorite milk or dark chocolate and place slices of Sumo Mandarins right onto the plate. Drizzle desired melted chocolate over the top of the oranges, then leave the plate in the freezer for about 15 minutes. These chocolate covered orange slices are just as addicting as they sound. Enjoy immediately! 

Stock Up On Winter Fruits

A wide variety of winter fruits are available alongside several types of oranges at Tacoma Boys. Some of our favorites include pomegranate, pears, and other citrus fruits like grapefruit. These winter fruits can be snacks all on their own or incorporated into something bigger, like this Fruit Tart to Make Now (Winter) recipe by She Who Eats using pomegranate, pear, grapefruit, apple, and cranberry. 

Come on by to see our selection of fresh winter fruits and oranges. If you need any help, our guides are happy to lead you to whatever else you need for a healthy and satisfying meal. Then, stay up to date on insider deals and specials when you sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list! 

Anyone who follows a vegan diet knows how important it is to have those go-to vegan staples stocked in the kitchen. Here at Tacoma Boys, we recognize various dietary needs and the importance of vegan staples. From fresh produce to dairy free milks, nuts and seeds, legumes, grains, and other necessities and specialities such as tofu. For those who don’t know, a vegan diet refrains from consumption of animal products. This includes meat, dairy, eggs, and any foods containing these ingredients.

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Vegan Staples

Tacoma Boys has a wide variety of essentials to a vegan diet, but a few stick out as go-to favorites. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes or grains, you’ll find what you need for a well-rounded vegan diet. Even those that do not follow a vegan diet will be tempted to mix up their shopping list with a spread of these plant-based foods!

Fruits And Vegetables

Though necessary for any diet, the vegan diet relies heavily on fruits and vegetables for fiber and protein, which generally make up the bulk of a day’s eating. Vegetables like broccoli and spinach contain more protein than most people realize! Also, mushrooms tend to be included more in plant-based diets because of their rich, umami, almost “meaty” taste and texture. Mushrooms are great meat substitutes for meals that typically use beef! 

Mushrooms

• Ponderosa Dried Mushrooms including Chanterelle, Morel, Oyster, Portabella, and a few more varieties.
• White Mushrooms, Brown Crimini Mushrooms, and Shiitake Mushrooms

Other Go To Produce

• Squash
• Leafy Greens like Kale
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Bananas
• Apples

When possible, buy locally grown produce.

Dairy Free Milks

Tacoma Boys is proud to offer a vast selection of dairy free “milks” made from nuts but also from many other foods like coconut and oats.

Find a couple different kinds in the refrigerated section, like Califia Farms Oatmilk and Mooala Plant-Based Creamer for coffee. A few more are shelf-stable like Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk, So Delicious Coconut Milk, Milkadamia Macadamia Milk, Pacific Foods Hemp, Hazelnut, Almond, Soy, and Coconut Milk, and much more to choose from.

Nuts And Seeds

Nuts and seeds are another essential vegan staple and source of protein and fiber.

Along with Northwest Delights Roasted Cashews and Almonds, vegans can enjoy dozens of nut and seed butters, from the traditional Field Day Organic Natural Peanut Butter, to SunButter Sunflower Butter, or Justin’s Almond Butter.

Legumes And Grains

The duo is often a backbone of a vegan diet because of the complete proteins. Whole grains with legumes deliver necessary amino acids that come together to create “complete protein,” which the body then uses for energy. In a vegan diet, this is important because complete proteins are mainly found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. Read up more on plant-based and complete proteins here.

• Bob’s Red Mill is a popular brand among vegans because of its wide variety of whole grains and legumes, including Rolled Oats, Quinoa, Lentils, Cannellini Beans, Cracked Freekeh, and much more
• Farmer Direct Organics Black Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas or Split Green Peas

Other Vegan Staples

Everyone has a few go-to ingredients they like to use in their day-to-day cooking, vegans included! Here are some of our favorite specialty ingredients made from plants:

• Mori-Nu Silken and Extra Firm Tofu
• Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt Tzatziki Dip
• Follow Your Heart has a long line of vegan salad dressings and dips in variations like Caesar, Vegan Mayonnaise, and Thousand Island
• Good Planet Foods Plant-Based Cheese comes in flavors like Garlic & Herb, Cheddar, and Smoked Provolone

Vegan Recipes

All you need is a few vegan staples and a bit of creativity to create delicious vegan recipes and meals. These vegan recipe ideas can get you started.

• This list of vegan recipes utilizing mushrooms is far from comprehensive, but a good look at how versatile the “meaty” vegetable is
• Blend So Delicious Coconut Milk with Frozen Berries found in the freezer section for a refreshing smoothie.
• Northwest Delights Cashews can be incorporated into several vegan recipes because they are super smooth and creamy when blended. You can easily make sweet or savory cream, use them in an alfredo sauce, or thicken up soups with blended cashews. The Vegan Alfredo Sauce by Nora Cooks is a delicious example on how you can transform cashews. 
• This Lentil Rice Soup by Veggie Inspired is a great way to enjoy legumes and grains.
• Pan-fry pressed firm tofu with spices for a crispy source of protein.

Shopping for Plant Based Alternatives

It doesn’t have to be difficult to find vegan staples and plant based alternatives to common foods at Tacoma Boys. You can even get a hold of pre made Vegan Desserts, many of which are locally produced! If you need help finding your favorite vegan staple or plant based alternatives, just ask and we will be happy to point you in the right direction. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list! 

As we reach the peak of sick season, it’s important to be fueling your body with immune boosting foods – especially this year! Consuming a well-rounded diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other immune boosting foods is a great way to help your body fight off the flu or any other infections. The Tacoma Boys list of favorite immune boosting foods is the perfect place to start when incorporating more of these foods into your daily diet.

Immune Boosting Foods & Why They’re Important

Before we tap into immune boosting foods, let’s cover our immune system, what it is, and how it works for us. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, our immune system is “a network of intricate stages and pathways in the body, that protects us against these harmful microbes as well as certain diseases. It recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes immediate action.” 

There are many different factors that play a role in a healthy immune system; sleep, stress, age, chronic illness, diet, and more. Although diet is only one component of a healthy immune system, it is an important one. A diet lacking certain micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals can lead to chronic inflammation and a weak immune system. This is why immune boosting foods are important – they have naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help prepare your body to fight off any free radicals or unforeseen illness such as a common cold.

Fresh Local Produce

It should be no surprise that fresh local produce is on the list of immune boosting foods. All fresh and local produce have a wide variety of health benefits, and you can find a large selection of produce at your local Tacoma Boys.

Fruits

Citrus

Citrus is a common go-to food when people get sick due to its high Vitamin C content. According to Healthline, Vitamin C is known to increase white blood cells which are crucial for fighting infections. Some of the most common citrus fruits are:

• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Lime

Berries

Berries are among some of the highest antioxidant-rich foods. From blueberries to strawberries, raspberries, and even blackberries, incorporating these into your diet is a great way to give your immune system a boost. 

Vegetables

There’s no denying that a diet rich in vegetables is beneficial all-around. Adding an abundance of various greens and other vegetables will aid in your vitamin and mineral intake. Try adding spinach to soup, spaghetti sauce, or a huge handful of mixed greens to a smoothie. There are many ways to incorporate these phytonutrient rich vegetables into your daily lifestyle. 

• Kale – high in fiber and a great source of Vitamin C, A, K, B6, and more
• Spinach – great source of iron, Vitamin C, K, A, magnesium, and more
• Mixed Greens – high in Vitamin A, C, beta-carotene, fiber, and more
• Red Bell Peppers – source of Vitamin C, A, and beta-carotene – according to Healthline, red bell peppers contain 3x more Vitamin C than a Florida Orange
• Broccoli – another high source of Vitamin C, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals

Aromatics

Aromatics are vegetables that add a depth of flavor to any dish. This can be spices, onions, garlic, and more. A lot of aromatics are packed full of nutrients which is why adding them to dishes is a great way to boost your food with additional vitamins and minerals.

Garlic

• Garlic is one of the most commonly used aromatics in the kitchen. But did you know that it packs a punch when it comes to nutrients? Garlic contains trace amounts of various vitamins and minerals and is loaded with Vitamin C, B6, manganese, fiber, and selenium. Adding extra garlic to soups when feeling unwell may have the ability to help your body heal faster.

Onions

• Similar to garlic, onions are found in many dishes and recipes. Onions are high in Vitamin C and flavonoids which are known to be similar to antioxidants. These help your body naturally fight off any unwanted sickness. 

Ginger & Turmeric

• Ginger and turmeric are both aromatics that have been used in alternative medicine healing for years. Both are known to help decrease inflammation and aid in immune health. Ginger and turmeric can be found in its whole root form, or you can buy it dried and ground in the spice section. Pair these aromatics with tea, smoothies, soups, and more. 

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and more have been shown to aid in a healthy immune system. When foods are fermented they gain a load of healthy bacteria commonly known and probiotics. Fermented foods are great for gut health, and a healthy gut positively affects your immune system by boosting the ability to fight off infections and viruses.

Be Kind to Your Immune System

As we are in unprecedented times, it’s even more important to be kind to our immune systems and give them a little extra boost! When you pop into your local Tacoma Boys, take a look around at the fresh fruits, vegetables, fermented foods, aromatics, local honey, bone broth, and more. There are endless ways to add a variety of these foods into your already existing diet. If you have any questions while shopping or are looking for a specific immune-boosting item, don’t hesitate to ask one of Tacoma Boys’ workers – we’re here to help! 

It can be a common misconception that dairy products are bad for you – but when it comes to fresh and local dairy, these products pack a punch when we’re talking about nutrients. From bone health to immune health, fresh and local dairy contains various vitamins and minerals that aid in overall good health. There are countless ways to incorporate some of Tacoma Boys’ favorite fresh and local dairy products into yours and your family’s lifestyle. 

The Benefits of Fresh and Local Dairy

Including fresh and local dairy products on your shopping list is a great way to add a good source of calcium and protein to daily meals. Local and organic dairy has proven to be more nutritious than traditional dairy products sold on the market. Choosing to buy local and organic dairy is a healthier option so you’re able to avoid any unwanted chemicals, added hormones, or unnecessary pesticides.

It’s important to note that dairy may not be for everyone. If you or someone you know has an allergy or an intolerance to dairy, Tacoma Boys carries a great selection of non-dairy milks and creamers that are bound to give you the same satisfaction! This is a great alternative for dairy-lovers who are unable to consume dairy because they are unable to digest the lactose found in dairy products. These non-dairy products also work great for those who choose not to include dairy in their diets due to other external factors. 

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Local Dairy Products

Smith Brothers Farms

Smith Brothers Farms has been around since 1920 and has provided 100 years of fresh and local dairy to the Pacific Northwest. They are family owned and operated and provide truly some of the best dairy products around. 

Our Favorite Smith Brothers Products

• Organic Whole & 2% Milk
• Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk – yum
• Half & Half
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Eggnog
• Cultured Buttermilk
• Cottage Cheese
• Sour Cream

Grace Harbor Farms

Grace Harbor Farms is another family owned and operated farm since 1999. All of the products are made without gums and artificial flavors, and come from organic-style farming where the animals have pasture access. This allows for healthier animals resulting in healthier dairy products!

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Grace Harbor Farms Products

• Plain Kefir
• Vanilla Kefir

Kefir is a fermented drink that contains high levels of probiotics. These probiotics are beneficial to gut health which in return helps with a healthy immune system. Kefir contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, as with many dairy products, kefir can aid in overall bone health, making it a great product for kids as they grow!

Cooking With Dairy

Consuming a meal with nutrient-dense local dairy is a great way to start your day! From homemade pancakes to overnight oats followed by a soup lunch and pasta dinner, dairy is here and ready for it all!

Breakfast

• Customizable Overnight Oats by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
• Soft & Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes by Recipesby Carina 
• Caramelized Onion Frittata by The Modern Proper

Lunch & Dinner

• Creamy Potato Soup by Spend With Pennies
• Lemon Chicken Scallopini by Cafe Delites
• Creamy Vodka Tomato Sauce Pasta by Julia’s Album

Dessert – Because we all need a treat sometimes!

• The Best Homemade Whipped Cream by Joy Food Sunshine
• Death by Chocolate Ice Cream by Delish
• Homemade Cheesecake with SourCream Topping by Classy Clutter

Tacoma Boys’ Iced Vanilla Mocha

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso – cooled
• 6 oz Smith Brothers Chocolate Milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Ice
• Homemade whipped cream – optional

Directions

1. Fill your serving glass up with ice.
2. In a separate cup, quickly whisk together the chocolate milk and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the cooled espresso into your serving glass over ice, and follow with the chocolate milk mixture.
4. Give it a good stir and garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Tacoma Boys’ Blueberry Kefir Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild frozen blueberries
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla kefir
• 1/4 cup pure pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup water or coconut water

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients into a high speed blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Serve & enjoy!

Swing On In!

Swing by your local Tacoma Boys to check out the dairy selection to whip up one of these delicious meals or treats. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our helpers and we will guide you in the right direction!