Shh, Don't Tell the Kids That the French Fries They Love Contain Vegetables #VeggieFries #IC #ad

Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Veggie Fries. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions and reviews are my own.

Growing up I was the one in the family with the selective taste -- aka: picky eater.  It used to drive my mom nuts trying to find foods that I would eat, besides the hot dog or chicken nuggets and fries, chicken noodle soup and cereal that I would always ask for.  On a good day, she could get me to eat salad or even a plate of potatoes.  Usually it would have  be like a restaurant kitchen, where she would make something for the rest of the family and then something separate for me, so that we could all eat together.  Growing up, I didn't think it was a problem or knew how stressful it made mealtimes for my mom.  But, now that I have children of my own, both of whom are picky eaters (just like their mom used to be), I can see how frustrating trying to find food outside their limited menu options I can serve them and that they can, while also making sure they are getting the vitamins and minerals they need to grow big and strong.  

If I would let them, Savannah could live off of pepperoni and cheese sticks or mac and cheese, while Bella is on a cereal and pizza kick right now.  Luckily, though, like most kids, they love chicken nuggets or hot dogs and fries.  So, this is served up a couple times a week.  While it is good to get them to eat a meal without with them to sit and eat it, I also don't want to fill them with fatty and starchy foods all the time.  If only there was a better and more healthier alternative to the oven bakes frozen french fries I serve the girls...now there is!!!

If you have been food shopping later and browsed the frozen food section, have you come across Veggie Fries? 

 

I saw them a few weeks prior to being asked to review them for my blog, and took a quick look at them.  I saw that they contained vegetables and then thought of my two picky eaters, who don't like to try new food.  Not thinking they would try it, I passed on picking up a bag.  But, after being sent two FREE product coupons, I picked up two bags last week while doing our weekly food shopping at Stop & Shop.  I ended up picking up the Broccoli and Carrot flavors, two of the four Veggie Fries flavors that are available at Stop & Shop stores -- you can find their other two flavors, Tuscan Bean and Herb and Chickpea and Red Pepper at other grocery stores, including Big Y.

How did Veggie Fries come about?...

"Founders Dave and Cristina Peters were inspired by their family’s love of french fries, and were determined to create a homemade, healthier option that still offered the crispy crunch and delicious taste of the classic favorite they enjoyed while bringing more vegetable nutrition to U.S. households."

I still wasn't sure if my girls would try the fries, but thought that they might, seeing that they love french fries.  So, earlier this week I served up the two Veggie Fries flavors -- Broccoli and Carrot -- alongside their chicken fingers. 

Savannah was quick to notice that they weren't the same fries we always give them, and that they were different colors.  The broccoli flavored fries were green, while the carrot ones were orange.  She took a sniff and quickly put down the fries, as they said they didn't smell good.  

But, like my mom used to do when I was a child, I asked her to try one.  While I don't like to bribe my kids to try something, when it comes to food, I can usually get them to try something new if I offer up a sticker or two.  This ended up being the case with these french fries.  

How are Veggie Fries diffrent from other frozen french fries found in the frozen food section?...

"First-to-market vegetable-based french fry, Veggie Fries are crafted with a sophisticated blend of select farm-grown vegetables, legumes, herbs and spices and real potatoes sourced within the U.S.  

A surprise to both the girls and myself, after the first bite, they took another and then another, until all the Veggie Fries were gone from their plate.  I asked then what they thought of the fries and if they could tell me what they tasted like.  

Neither one of them could pick up on the broccoli and carrot flavors, even though my husband and I could while sampling them.  Instead, they just thought I used food coloring to change up the french fries, so that they would look green and orange.  "Nice trick," Savannah said, before asking me for more french fries. :-)  And, like that, we now how a new food to offer the girls, and one that I will not mind serving them, or even giving a second helping of.

I was tempted to tell the girls that they were eating vegetables...but, I don't want to ruin a good thing. :-)  I know that they are getting their much needed veggie intake when enjoying these fries, while they think I am dipping the fries in food coloring to get them to look that color.  If they only knew?! :-)  Down the road I will tell them that they were eating vegetables and show them just how versatile vegetables can be and how they didn't even know they were eating them. 

My husband and I both agreed with the girls that these fries were tasty.  I personally loved the crisp outside and fluffy inside.  

Compared to other bags of frozen french fries we have cooked up for the girls, they actually taste like french fries and not a starchy or chewy fry that is not that appealing to look at or eat.  I will definitely be stocking up on more of the Broccoli and Carrot flavored Veggie Fries, and can't wait to try the other day flavors -- Tuscan Bean and Herb and Chickpea and Red Pepper, which I found the other day at Big Y.  And, at only $3.99 a bag here in CT, you can't get go wrong for the price -- read on to learn how you can save $0.50 of your next Veggies Fries purchase at your local Stop & Shop (now through June 11th).

Why choose Veggie Fries over other frozen french fry products?...

All Veggie Fries products are made with all natural, non-GMO ingredients and are gluten-free. Veggie Fries are Vegan and free of soy, dairy, tree nuts, peanuts and eggs. With two servings of vegetables per serving, Veggie Fries provide a Good Source of Fiber, an Excellent Source of Vitamin A or C, are Very Low in Sodium, provide 3+ grams of Protein per serving."

If you have a picky eater in your house, or have been looking for a healthier alternative to those starchy questionable frozen french fries you have been serving your, especially when you are rushed to get a meal on the table during a hectic week, why not give Veggie Fries a try.  It is up to you if you want to share with your child that they are eating vegetables or not.  Some kids may be surprised when they find this out after they tell you just how yummy these new french fries are.  These french fries cook up just like other frozen french fries -- but, you will see the difference in crunch and taste, when you bite into one for the first time.  

I, for one, am thankful I don't have to mince or finely chop vegetables in hopes to sneak into my girls' foods, only to have them find a spec of color that is not supposed to be -- before finding me out, and pushing the dish away.  Instead, I can cook these french fries up and serve them with a hot dog or chicken tenders, with ketchup for dipping, and they will clear their plates.  I love this, as it makes for a more enjoyable meal time, and not having to have restaurant kitchen going on.  

So, what are you waiting for?  Next time you to head to your favorite local Stop & Shop, make a point to pick up a bag or two of Veggie Fries to share with your family.  Once you try these healthier french fries, you, too, will be hooked, and want to stock up.  And, with many families having cookouts where french fries are served up with hot dogs and burgers, why not feel good serving this healthier version, with vegetables, to family and friends.  You'll have fun watching them try to figure out why the french fry is certain color and what it is made with.  It will be up to you if you tell them they are eating vegetables. :-)

-- Save $$$ on Your Next Veggie Fries Purchase --

From now through June 11th, visit your local Stop & Shop and pick up a bag of Broccoli or Carrot flavored Veggie Fries to enjoy with your family.  Each shopper will receive $0.50 off their Veggie Fries purchases.  Not only will you get to try out Veggie Fries with your family, but you will save at checkout, too! It is a win-win for all. :-)

You will find the other two varieties of Veggie Fries at the following retailers: Wegmans, select Whole Foods, Shaws/Star Markets, Roche Brothers/Sudbury Farms, Big Y, King Kullen, Dierberg’s, Schnucks, Lunds/Byerly’s,  Earth Fare, Earth Origins, Fairway Markets, Mrs. Green’s, Andronico’s, Nugget Markets, Mollie Stones, Lunardi’s, Olivers, Lucky’s, Alfalfa’s, Harriss Teeter, The Fresh Market and other leading supermarkets and natural food stores.

Stay up to date on new flavor additions, special offers and discounts and more by following Veggie Fries (*Hashtag: #VeggieFries) on their social media pages below...

• Veggie Fries on Facebook
• Veggie Fries on Twitter
• Veggie Fries on Instagram
• Veggie Fries on Pinterest

Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Veggie Fries. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions and reviews are my own.