March 2026 Veggies

Continuing the 2026 food trend toward protein- and fiber-rich, more plant-based eating, Melissa’s offers a wide variety of options you may or may not have tried before. We are all about bringing more produce to every table, whether that table is your kitchen, your car, a backpack, or a gathering with people you love. If you are curious but a little hesitant to try something new, ease into it one bite at a time by starting with a familiar item. Often, new produce can be compared to flavors or textures you already recognize. Stay positive about the experience, and if something is not your favorite, simply move on. There is always something new waiting to be discovered and shared. Questions on preparation? Visit our recipe section or call our Customer Service line at 800-588-0151. We are here to help.

PLANT-BASED SNACKING
Snacking has evolved into more than just something to hold you over until the next meal. For many, snacks have become mini meals. A snack can be anything that curbs hunger, but when nutrition and calories matter, produce is always a smart choice. Chances are, it will benefit you in the long run. Many vegetables provide alternative sources of protein or can be paired with complementary ingredients to create a complete protein, essential for bones, hormones, blood, enzymes, muscle, and overall health.

Fiber often gets a bad reputation as “old people's food,” but today’s produce aisle offers exciting, flavorful, and fun sources of fiber far beyond carrots and apples. Be adventurous, one edamame bean at a time. By the end of the year, you may wonder how you ever enjoyed food without some of these vegetables.

EDAMAME IN-SHELL OR SHELLED
Soybeans have long been used to fortify processed foods, act as emulsifiers in chocolate and sauces, and serve as the foundation for fermented products like soy sauce and miso. Long before modern food production, soybeans were a staple in vegan and vegetarian cooking, prized for their protein, fiber, and minerals, including calcium, potassium, and iron.

The Japanese word “edamame” translates to “stem bean,” referencing the way the pods grow in clusters along a stem. While the stem is tough and the pods slightly fuzzy, inside are tender, spring-green beans with a buttery texture and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor.

In-shell edamame makes a fun, interactive appetizer or side dish. Simply open the package, toss the pods with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic, and finish with Melissa’s Everything Spice Grinder or toasted sesame seeds. It is a great way to encourage kids of all ages to try something new.

Shelled edamame is equally versatile. Toss it into cooked grains for added nutrition, mix with leftover vegetables for volume and texture, mash with avocado for a richer “guacamame,” sauté with seasonal vegetables, or make a succotash with corn, squash, edamame, and a few shakes of Hatch Pepper seasoning. For a quick salad, combine shelled edamame with julienned Melissa’s Fire Roasted Sweet Red Bell Peppers, onion or celery, and your favorite vinaigrette. Add a grain for a complete plant-based meal.

Melissa’s Edamame, shelled or in-shell, is available USDA Certified Organic or conventionally grown.

SPICY EDAMAME
The ultimate protein-packed spicy snack. Edamame in the pod is packed in a convenient disposable container with a spice packet. Perfect for picnics, soccer games, or portable snacking. Simply open the container, add the seasoning, toss, and enjoy. Use caution and avoid touching your eyes or skin after handling the seasoning, as it contains chili pepper and soy sauce.

All Melissa’s fresh edamame items are available year-round and are non-GMO. Product of China.

ORGANIC POLENTA
Italy’s classic ground corn staple is not just for the dinner table. This pre-cooked favorite can be turned into snacks like air-fryer fries or sliced rounds topped with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Polenta also makes a hearty side like mashed potatoes when sliced or cubed and pan-fried or rehydrated with vegetable stock and topped with freshly grated pecorino, crumbled feta, or blue cheese.

For something unexpected, drizzle with Melissa’s Jalapeño Hot Honey or Hot Habanero and enjoy as a morning hot cereal. Choose from organic, gluten-free by ingredient flavors including Original, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Italian Herb. When available, do not miss limited-production Hatch Pepper Polenta during Hatch season. Available year-round. Product of USA.

ORGANIC PEELED AND STEAMED CHESTNUTS
Chestnuts are not just for the holidays. These certified organic, roasted, and steamed chestnuts are perfect year-round. Add them to salads, serve with steamed sweet potatoes, or purée with a little stock or cream to create a spread for crackers or crostini. Finish with micro herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Enhance their natural sweetness with a splash of brandy or rum, or dip whole chestnuts in Melissa’s Melting Chocolate for a protein-rich, fiber-filled antioxidant treat. Available year-round. Product of France.

ORGANIC SNAX™
A wide variety of wholesome USDA Certified Organic snacks featuring dried fruits, nuts, and mixes, with or without chocolate. Options include dried mango, sulfite-free apricots, red chile banana chips, and organic fruit-and-nut blends. A Melissa’s team favorite is Organic Snax™ Endurance Trail Mix Blend. Look for them wherever you see Clean Snax® on display. Available year-round. Product of USA.

ORGANIC JALAPEÑOS
All peppers, sweet or spicy, are excellent sources of vitamin C, essential for immunity and anti-inflammatory support. Jalapeños are among the most familiar hot peppers and are perfect for snacking with dips, pickling, garnishing, or stuffing.

To control heat, wear gloves and remove the veins and seeds. Roasting adds smokiness and softens the pepper for easier eating. Try homemade pickled jalapeños as a side for burgers or enjoy them with beer and peanuts.

Select peppers that are firm with glossy skins and no wrinkles or soft spots. Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. Cooked jalapeños may be frozen, though the texture will soften. Available through August. Product of Mexico. Conventional is available year-round.

MICROWAVEABLE SWEET POTATOES
Looking for a nutritious, comforting snack in minutes? Melissa’s Microwaveable Sweet Potatoes are shelf-stable and ready when you are. Each potato is individually wrapped and ready to heat. Simply microwave, open carefully, and top with Melissa’s Everything Spice, Himalayan salt, Clean Snax pumpkin seeds, or pomegranate arils for extra flavor and crunch.

Choose from three varieties: Murasaki, dense and perfect for snacking or smashing; Jersey, a nutty, white-fleshed potato ideal for air fries or chips; and Jewel, moist and mildly sweet, perfect for classic toppings. Available year-round. Grown in the USA.

NEW SEASON! ORGANIC DARKLOOM TOMATOES
Tomatoes may not seem like a snack, but Organic Darkloom Tomatoes will change your mind. With deep purple skin and rich red flesh, these tomatoes are meaty, sweet, and delicious with just a sprinkle of Himalayan pink salt. Bite in and enjoy.

Slice thick for a tomato-and-mayo sandwich, quarter and drizzle with balsamic and feta, or use in frittatas, stuffed preparations, or salads. Available now through April. Grown in Mexico.