As a team of true foodies, the Food24 editorial team can be found enjoying every bite of their favourite dishes, trying new things in the kitchen, or spending their free time baking a sweet treat.
We love visiting local stores to pick up ingredients, a favourite snack, essential food item or to try a new product (because, let’s face it, we love to eat).
The team shares their current shopping basket obsessions and favourites and why they’re are a must-have.
Sweet treats and onion marmalade
Food24’s commissioning editor, Lauren Goldman, can’t get enough of Woolworths’ Fantastical Egg range (we totally understand why).
“I’ve always loved speckled eggs and when I saw Woolies had launched a range of different (giant-sized!) eggs, I had to try them. I still love the classic speckled eggs, but this raspberry one was a good mix between size and jelly centre.”
Lauren also loves Woolworths’ onion marmalade. It retails for R44.99, and is made with mustard seeds. Lauren explains that it adds a depth of flavour to any dish.
“I love Woolies’ onion marmalade on burgers and with cheese and crackers as a snack. I also buy Leo’s Little Jars of onion-and-rosemary jam when I can get my hands on it. Recently, I also added home-made onion marmalade to a quiche – I highly recommend it!”
Woolworths Onion Marmalade, 200g: R44.99
Woolworths Fantastical Phoenix Eggs, 150g: R39.99
Lemons and onion sprinkles
Food24’s head of content, Tessa Purdon, has to have lemons and Woolworths’ crispy onion sprinkle in her basket.
Lemons are essential for Tessa as they promote positive energy. She also uses them in a delicious, refreshing morning tonic.
“I always have to have lemons in the house for two reasons: I’ve heard that they promote abundance, and I use them in my daily lemon tonic that I drink first thing in the morning. I add the juice of half a lemon, a teaspoon of Himalayan salt, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey to a cup of hot water and sip it slowly.”
Tessa says that Woolworths’ crispy onion sprinkle adds the perfect crunchy flavour to any dish.
“I always pop these into my trolley. They’re great on salads, as a topping for soups, or even as a snack eaten straight out of the bag while no one is watching!”
Pick n Pay lemons: R22.99
Woolworths Crispy Onion Sprinkle: R23.99
Futurelife and whipped cream
Bianca Jones, Food24 content producer, loves strawberry Futurelife cereal and whipped cream in a can.
“Strawberry Futurelife is my emergency go-to breakfast, but I mostly love eating it as an afternoon snack, especially out of a mug! I also love whipped cream in a can – adding it to hot chocolate is a game-changer. Or I could eat it straight out of the can! I love it!”
Futurelife Zero Smart Food 500g, Pick n Pay: R47.99
Clover UHT Whipped Cream 250g, Checkers: R69.99
Snickers and muffins
Food24 managing editor Lauren Josephs’ shopping basket must always include a Snickers chocolate bar and a freshly baked caramel muffin from Pick n Pay.
“Both of these items need NO introduction. Snickers is the best thing that’s ever happened to my taste buds and probably the worst thing that’s happened to dentists around the world. It has the most perfect caramel to peanut to nougat ratio. They should grow on trees!” says Lauren.
Lauren shares some insightful advice for those wanting to try the caramel muffins from Pick n Pay.
“PnP’s caramel muffins are perfect with a cup of your favourite coffee – do not, I repeat, do not – have them with tea. They’re moist but not too dense, and slightly caramelised and sticky on the outside.”
Snickers Bar Double, Pick n Pay: R16
Snickers Bar Single, Pick n Pay: R12
Pick n Pay caramel muffins: R18
Fresh berries, chocolate and almond milk
Ishani Chetty, Food24’s social media manager, has to have fresh berries, Hershey’s cookies-and-creme slab and Buttanut almond milk.
“I have to have berries all-year round, depending on what is in season. They’re a must-have in my shopping basket. I love snacking on fruit throughout the day and, if I have to be honest, I also love melting chocolate and dipping fruit into it for a sneaky midnight snack.”
Plant-based milk products are all the rage in local stores at the moment but Ishani says it’s more than just a trend for her.
“As a vegetarian, I like to opt for dairy alternatives where I can, and I absolutely love the Buttanut milk range. I still eat chocolate, and Hershey’s cookies-and-creme slab is my go-to treat and something I could never give up.”
Woolworths raspberries 160g: R41.99
Hershey’s Cookies n Creme, Pick n Pay: R33.99
ButtaNutt Almond Milk, Pick n Pay: R34.99
Did you spot any of your favourite shopping basket must-haves? If so, tell us on social media! Share your shopping basket essentials in a social media post and tag #Food24shoppingbasket for a chance to be featured on our social channels!
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Prices indicated are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change