We’ve all heard it before: eat local. Most of the time, this advice is tied to fresh produce. Eating local goes beyond the health benefits of fresh food. When you buy local, you are supporting neighbors, strengthening community ties, and discovering flavors and products that make healthy living easier and more fun.
One of my favorite places to take advantage of this is at Dierbergs. They have built numerous partnerships with local businesses that give us, as customers, the opportunity to support our community while filling our carts with incredible foods. These partnerships enable us to try new things, choose foods that are more minimally processed, and feel good about where our dollars are going. It’s wellness and connection rolled into one.
Here are a few of my local must-haves that you can feel good about adding to your cart on your next shopping trip.
Cham Bakery
Bread has received a bad reputation over the years. I get it; so many processed breads are packed with ingredients we can’t even pronounce. But Cham Bakery flips the script. Baked right here in St. Louis, their pita bread is as fresh and simple as it gets: only five ingredients you can actually read and understand. That’s it. No fillers, no mystery additives—just wholesome pita bread that tastes amazing. At my house, Cham is a staple. It’s proof that when food is made simply and thoughtfully, it earns its place on your table.
Rootberry
I’ll be honest, I don’t eat a fully plant-based diet. However, I also know (and Rootberry agrees!) that there are significant benefits to incorporating more plants into our diets. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Rootberry excels at crafting products that are both enjoyable and flavorful. Their dishes make plant-based eating approachable without sacrificing taste. My personal recommendation? The Peanut Stir Fry. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, filling, and delicious with no side of guilt.
Amy’s Cake Pops
Confession: I have a sweet tooth. And if you’re like me, you know how easy it is to slide into “too much” territory. That’s why Amy’s Cake Pops feel like such a win. First, they’re adorable and almost too cute to eat (almost). But the real beauty is in the built-in portion control. You get to enjoy something sweet, fun, and delicious without overthinking it. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your cravings in a way that feels balanced and intentional.
Eating local isn’t about being “perfect” with your food; it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels both nourishing and connected. Every time you choose local, you’re saying yes to your health, yes to your taste buds, and yes to your community. And that’s a choice worth making again and again.
Next time you’re at Dierbergs, grab one (or all!) of these favorites. You’ll leave not just with groceries, but also with a little piece of St. Louis in your cart, and the knowledge that every bite is helping you live stronger by intention.
For healthy recipes using local ingredients, follow me on Instagram @KTELIZABETHWELLNESS.