Top 40+ Best Hy-Vee Finds

If you live in the Midwest, chances are good that Hy-Vee is your go-to grocery store. And good news, Hy-Vee carries a growing number of additive-free and health-conscious brands. Whether you're shopping in-store or doing a pickup order, you’ve got some great options to build a cleaner grocery cart. Check out 4 of our picks below, and get our full shopping list of 40+ best finds at Hy-Vee:

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40+ Healthiest Items at HyVee

Stock up on 40 wholesome Hy-Vee essentials, hand picked to support your health and wellness

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Key Takeaways

Hy-Vee offers a solid variety of clean-label foods, including additive-free snacks, pantry staples, and frozen options.

Many items are part of Hy-Vee’s “HealthMarket” and “One Step” lines, but always double-check the label.

Watch out for preservatives like TBHQ, BHA, and sodium benzoate, which still sneak into some “healthy” brands.

The Trash Panda app can help you scan and skip products with artificial dyes, emulsifiers, and other red-flag ingredients.

1. Pantry Staple

Hy-Vee 100% Whole Wheat Pasta – Free from synthetic preservatives and made with just whole wheat flour.

2. Snack

Lesser Evil Popcorn – Popped in coconut oil, with no TBHQ or artificial flavors.

3. Frozen Favorite

Hy-Vee Frozen Fruit – Great for smoothies or snacks with no added sugar or preservatives.

4. Beverages

Spindrift Sparkling Water – Just fruit and bubbles. No "natural flavors" mystery here.

🚩 Ingredients to Watch Out For (Even at Hy-Vee)

Just because something’s sold in the “Health Market” section doesn’t mean it’s actually healthy. Watch out for:

TBHQ – A preservative used in snacks, frozen foods, and even some granola bars.

Propyl Gallate – Found in some processed meats and oils.

Sodium Benzoate – Especially common in bottled drinks and pickles.

Artificial dyes – Like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 (often found in cereals, candy, and even yogurt marketed to kids).

The Bottom Line

Hy-Vee has stepped up its game when it comes to clean-label groceries, but it’s still up to you to read between the lines. From pantry basics to frozen favorites, there are plenty of Trash Panda-approved options if you know where (and how) to look. With a little label reading and help from the Trash Panda app, you can make every grocery trip a step toward cleaner, healthier eating.

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