Stop And Shop: A Keto Paradise?

Stop and Shop is a grocery store that offers a variety of keto-friendly food options. From low-carb bread and hamburger buns to keto-friendly pizzas and wraps, the store caters to those following a ketogenic diet. The availability of keto options at Stop and Shop is a convenient option for those looking to maintain their ketogenic lifestyle without compromising on taste and variety. The store also offers recipes for keto-friendly meals, providing customers with ideas to create delicious and compliant dishes.

Keto-friendly bread

Pre-made Keto Bread Options

If you're looking for a convenient option, you may be able to find pre-made keto bread at your local grocery store or warehouse club. One option that is available in some areas is Franz Keto Bread, which is sold at Costco and other stores. This bread has received positive reviews from keto dieters, who appreciate its taste and texture. It is also available at a reasonable price, making it a more affordable option compared to some other keto bread brands.

Making Your Own Keto Bread

For those who want to try their hand at making keto bread from scratch, there are several recipes available online that use simple ingredients and require minimal prep time. One popular recipe uses almond flour, baking soda, salt, eggs, olive oil, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar to create a light and fluffy bread with only 2 grams of net carbs per serving. Another recipe uses a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, butter, and egg whites to create a soft, airy bread with just 1 net carb per slice.

Tips for Making Keto Bread

When making keto bread at home, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it's important to use the right type of flour. Almond flour is a popular choice for keto bread as it creates a light and fluffy texture. Coconut flour can also be used, but it's important to use a fine variety to avoid a gritty texture. Secondly, don't skimp on the leavening agents. Baking soda or baking powder is essential for giving the bread rise and fluffiness. Thirdly, be mindful of the egg taste. While eggs are necessary for structure and binding, too many yolks can give the bread an eggy flavour. Finally, be sure to follow the storage instructions for your keto bread. These breads are typically more fragile and perishable than traditional bread, so they should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.

Low-carb pizzas

Pizza is a food that is often missed when starting a keto diet, but there are ways to adapt it to fit within the diet's requirements. The key is to make a low-carb base and add keto-approved toppings. Here are some ideas and recipes for low-carb pizzas.

Low-carb pizza crust

A simple low-carb pizza crust can be made with just four ingredients: almond flour, eggs, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese. This combination is known as "fathead dough" and is a popular option for those on keto or low-carb diets. The dough is easy to make and can be baked in just 15 minutes. Simply combine the ingredients, form the dough into a ball, roll it out between two pieces of parchment paper, and bake on a tray or in a pan. You can then add your choice of keto-approved toppings and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Keto pizza recipe

For a full keto pizza recipe, try the following:

• Preheat your oven to 200C/400F and lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet.
• Add 2 and 1/2 cups of almond flour to a large bowl.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 cups of low-moisture mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of cream cheese. Microwave in 20-second intervals until melted, then whisk together and add to the bowl of almond flour.
• Add two eggs and mix until a sticky dough forms.
• Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll out to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Remove the top piece of parchment paper and shape the dough into a pizza shape.
• Place the dough on the pizza pan and bake for 12 minutes.
• Remove the crust from the oven and add your choice of keto-approved toppings, such as pizza sauce, cheese, and vegetables.
• Lightly brush the sides of the pizza with olive oil and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden.

Tips and variations

• It is important to use blanched almond flour, not almond meal, as the latter will result in a grittier and more easily burnt crust.
• Low-moisture mozzarella cheese is recommended to keep the crust chewy and fluffy.
• Use block cream cheese instead of spreadable cream cheese to avoid a soggy crust.
• You can add seasonings to the dough, such as garlic powder or dried oregano, for extra flavor.
• Don't skip pre-baking the crust, as this will result in a raw and undercooked base.
• If you don't want to make a dough base, you can also use a chicken crust or a cauliflower base.

Keto-friendly tortillas

Tortillas are a staple in many cuisines and can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and enchiladas. For those following a keto diet, traditional corn or flour tortillas are off the table as they are high in carbs and low in fibre. However, there are several keto-friendly options available, both store-bought and homemade.

Store-Bought Keto Tortillas

Mr. Tortilla offers a range of keto-friendly tortillas, including:

• 1 Net Carb Multigrain Tortillas
• 1 Net Carb Hard Shells
• 1 Net Carb, 15 Calorie Tortillas
• 2 Net Carb Tortillas
• BIG BIG Burrito Tortillas
• Mr. Tortilla's Healthier Burrito
• 4 Net Carb Wraps

Homemade Keto Tortillas

If you prefer to make your own tortillas, there are several recipes available online that use alternative ingredients to create low-carb, keto-friendly tortillas. One popular recipe uses almond flour, psyllium husk, salt, olive oil, and warm water to create soft, pliable tortillas with only 2 grams of net carbs per serving. Another recipe uses almond flour, xanthan gum, and baking powder to create tortillas with just over 1 net carb each.

Tips for Making Keto Tortillas

When making keto tortillas, it is important to use blanched almond flour, as almond meal can make the tortillas dense. Psyllium husk adds fibre and sturdiness to the dough, while xanthan gum acts as a binding agent and gives the tortillas a flexible texture. It is also important to knead the dough and let it rest before forming the tortillas, as this activates the xanthan gum and improves the texture and bendability of the tortillas.

Keto tortillas are a versatile and delicious option for those following a low-carb diet. Whether you purchase them from a store like Mr. Tortilla or make them at home, keto tortillas are a great way to enjoy your favourite Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes without sacrificing taste or texture.

Keto-friendly noodles

Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki noodles are thin, translucent, and jelly-like noodles made from the root of the konjac plant, which is common in Japan, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia. They are a popular keto-friendly noodle option because they are zero-carb, low-calorie, and high in fibre. The name "shirataki" means "white waterfall" in Japanese, reflecting the noodle's delicate appearance.

Shirataki noodles have a rubbery texture and a chemical smell, which can be off-putting to some. However, when prepared correctly, by rinsing them with cold water and cooking off excess moisture, they can be flavourless and take on the flavour of the sauce they are paired with. They are also a good option for ramen as they remain firm and chewy and do not disintegrate in broth.

Immi Ramen Noodles

Immi ramen noodles are a low-carb, high-protein, keto-friendly, and fully plant-based noodle option. Each serving contains 5-6 grams of net carbs and is packed with plant-based protein, keeping you full for longer. These noodles have a familiar chew and taste of a regular noodle, without getting soggy in broth. They can be prepared in just 7 minutes and paired with your favourite toppings.

Kelp Noodles

Kelp noodles, or seaweed noodles, are made from brown kelp and water. They are a low-calorie keto noodle option that also contains calcium, iodine, and iron. There are two types of kelp noodles: green and clear. The green variety has a seaweed flavour and an al dente texture, while the clear noodles are harder, crispier, and have less flavour. To retain the al dente texture of the green noodles, add a tablespoon of lime or lemon juice while cooking, or cook them in an acidic noodle soup broth.

Low-Carb Egg Noodles

Regular egg noodles are typically made with egg yolks and flour, making them high in carbs. However, you can make keto-friendly egg noodles by swapping out a few ingredients. To make low-carb egg noodles, blend cream cheese with egg yolks, and add wheat gluten if you want to improve the texture. These noodles can be used in pasta dishes, casseroles, and other keto recipes.

Heart of Palm Noodles

Heart of palm noodles are made from the core of certain palm trees, such as the acai palm and coconut palm. They have a firm texture similar to linguine noodles and a flavour profile comparable to artichokes. Heart of palm noodles can be paired with pine nuts, lemon juice, alfredo sauce, and artichoke hearts for a zesty pasta dish.

Cucumber Noodles

Cucumber noodles are a raw, crisp, and mellow-flavoured noodle option that can be made by using a spiralizer to cut thin pieces of cucumber. They require minimal preparation and no cooking, making them a quick and easy keto-friendly noodle. Sprinkle them with seasoning and serve with your favourite pasta sauce. If the noodles are too wet, you can add a touch of salt to draw out some of the moisture before adding the sauce.

Keto-friendly pizza crusts

Pizza is a staple food for many, and it can be challenging to give it up when adopting a keto diet. However, with a few simple substitutions, it is possible to enjoy a delicious, keto-friendly pizza that satisfies your cravings. Here are some tips and recipes to help you create the perfect keto pizza crust:

Almond Flour Crust

This crust uses almond flour as a low-carb alternative to traditional flour. It is simple to make and can be customised to your preferred texture, whether you like it crunchy, chewy, or somewhere in between. Here's what you'll need:

• Almond flour
• Eggs
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Cream cheese
• Baking powder (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

To make the crust, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the almond flour and eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese, and microwave until melted. Add the melted cheese mixture to the flour mixture and knead until a uniform dough forms.

Next, place a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface and transfer the dough onto it. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness (for a crispier crust, roll it out thinner). Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and shape the dough into a pizza shape. Poke holes in the crust with a toothpick or fork to prevent bubbling.

Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and add your favourite keto-friendly toppings. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Coconut Flour Crust

If you prefer, or if you have an allergy to almonds, you can also make a keto pizza crust using coconut flour. This option provides a similar texture and flavour to the almond flour crust, but with a slightly higher carb count. Here's what you'll need:

• Coconut flour
• Eggs
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Cream cheese
• Baking powder (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

The process for making the coconut flour crust is very similar to the almond flour version. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper. Mix the coconut flour and eggs in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese, and microwave until melted. Add the cheese mixture to the flour mixture and knead until a uniform dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper and place another sheet on top. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness, then remove the top sheet and shape it into a pizza base. Don't forget to poke holes in the crust to prevent bubbling.

Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then add your favourite keto-friendly toppings. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Success:

• Use blanched almond flour or fine coconut flour for the best texture.
• Pre-shredded mozzarella cheese is convenient, but you can shred your own if preferred.
• Avoid using fresh mozzarella, as it has a higher moisture content.
• Light cream cheese works fine, but regular cream cheese is also suitable.
• Dairy-free alternatives can be used, but be aware that they may have higher carb counts.
• For a chewier texture, add xanthan gum to the dough before mixing in the cheeses.
• A food processor can be helpful for mixing the dough, but it's not required.
• If the dough is sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Use a pizza stone for the best texture and crispiness.
• The baking time will depend on the thickness of your crust, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Frequently asked questions