This year I’ve been working at eating healthier while trying to lose weight. In the past I’ve relied on highly processed foods to do so, but now I’m trying to eat a more “natural” diet and include heart healthy foods like berries, nuts, oats, and so on. I’m also trying to be more earth-friendly by buying locally made, grown and raised food products.

A fantastic (People’s Republic of) Boulder, Colorado product I must recommend comes from Piccolo Foods, a new brand of artisanal, preservative-free dips, pestos, spreads and tapenades, recently introduced in specialty foods markets and grocery stores throughout New York City, New Jersey, Colorado and New Mexico. The dips would be great to serve at a New Year’s or Super Bowl party.

Many to choose from

I was sent the Spinach Feta Dip, Artichoke Pesto, Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, Green Olive and Almond Pesto, Santa Fe Pimento Cheese, and Green Chili Smoked Gouda Spread to try. One word: delicious! Even the kids loved the spreads on crackers, while we grownups kept the pestos to ourselves for pasta.

Besides taste, other pluses were that Piccolo’s gluten free products were marked as such. Also, the dips and pestos are made from sustainably produced ingredients and come in biodegradable plastic containers. Piccolo Foods also has a company-wide recycling program. I love products that taste good and also make me feel good about that buying them.