Discover Hidden Treasures in Our Unique Artisanal Grocery Selections This April!
Craving a taste of adventure? Look no further than Cal Mart’s Specialty Foods department!
We’re your passport to a world of flavors, offering both globally sourced favorites and gourmet delights crafted right here in Napa Valley.
Explore hand-selected treats from Europe alongside unique, locally produced cheeses, artisan breads, and farm-fresh ingredients. Whether you’re seeking gluten-free options, vegan delights, or decadent desserts, our diverse selection caters to every palate. Let Cal Mart elevate your next meal and ignite your culinary curiosity!
American Food Choices and Trends: Not Your Grandmother’s Diet Anymore
According to dieticians, food researchers, and longtime “foodies”, the dietary habits and trends of the average American have changed significantly. For example, here are some major shifts in American dietary trends over the last decade:
- Meat: Americans eat more chicken and less beef.
- Dairy: Americans drink less milk, especially whole milk, and eat less ice cream, but consume more cheese.
- Sugar: Americans eat less sugar but more corn-derived sweeteners.
- Fats: Americans consume more vegetable oils, such as soybean, corn, and canola.
- Milk alternatives: Milk alternatives such as oat milk, soy milk, and various nut milk have spiked in popularity.
- Whole fruit: Whole fruit consumption has increased by more than 25 percent.
- Whole-grains: Whole-grain consumption increased by 77 percent.
- Plant-based diets: Plant-based diets increased in popularity due to concerns over climate change and sustainability.
- Gluten-free: A fixation on gluten-free has replaced a fixation on fat-free over the last 10 years or so.
Of course, some food fads “come and go” like any other fashionable trend in life. According to one cooking school blog article, for example,
“Swicy” food is a combination of sweet and spicy and it’s all the rage in the culinary world right now. One ingredient that is excellent for helping satisfy the “swicy” palate is honey. Depending on the source of its nectar, the taste of honey can vary from floral and fruity to nutty and earthy–so different types of honey can be used to complement various spicy dishes.
Phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties paired with a unique flavor make honey perfect to combine with a selection of spices to achieve a “swicy” and incredibly healthy dish. Recipes like hot honey sauce and “swicy” honey-roasted carrots are great opportunities to try out this new trend.
However, other trends seem to be more established though not commonplace in the typical American dining room or TV tray. One example is what the food industry has dubbed “eco-conscious dining”. Another blog article at UpMenu.com explains it this way,
Eco-Conscious Dining, emphasizing sustainable practices, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility, is not just a passing fad but a reflection of a global paradigm shift. Sustainably source food, reduce food waste, and emphasize on reducing carbon footprints are more than just buzzwords.
The same article goes on to point out that,
The shift toward plant-based diets continues, with restaurants innovating beyond basic veggie burgers to gourmet plant-based dishes and alternative proteins like tempeh, seitan, and jackfruit. Plant-Based Delicacies are more than just a culinary trend; they reflect a significant societal shift in the way people perceive and prioritize food, health, and sustainability.
So, what about the types of ingredients being used that haven’t always been part of the typical menu?
The rise of dietary preferences, health considerations, and environmental concerns has fueled a surge in the popularity of alternative flour and sugars. Restaurants are at the forefront of this trend, experimenting with exciting options like almond, coconut, and chickpea flours, alongside natural sweeteners such as monk fruit and stevia.
In addition, the Revival of Indigenous Cuisines is a delicious journey back to the roots. It’s a movement celebrating ancestral culinary traditions, emphasizing the unique flavors of local ingredients, and rediscovering time-tested cooking methods.
There’s a growing interest in indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of food within indigenous communities. This is reflected in cookbooks, restaurants, documentaries, and social media content. This trend encompasses diverse cultures and cuisines from all over the world.
Other trends include unique savory dishes, exotic flavors, and global cuisines. Which leads us to one of the treasures of Cal Mart: our Specialty Foods department.
Cal Mart’s Specialty Foods: A Cornucopia of Culinary Delights
Cal Mart offers a global selection of specialty foods, including dairy-free, vegan, organic, and all-natural options. We source these hand-selected items from around the world, featuring favorites from England, Germany, Italy, and France.
We also champion local producers!
Being located in the Napa “Wine Country” gives us a distinct advantage! And we proudly source a wide variety of specialty foods and wines produced right here locally. Not only can you purchase these unique and delicious products individually, but we can also create beautiful and customized gift baskets featuring them.
Cal Mart carries a wide variety of specialty foods from Napa and Sonoma Counties. We’ve always been committed to supporting our local purveyors and their high-quality offerings.
Beyond Napa Valley’s world-renowned wineries, discover a bounty of local farms and artisans. They offer a delightful array of fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, and house made specialties.
Explore a world of flavor crafted by passionate local producers. Find everything from savory hummus and artisan cheeses to seasonal jams, oils, and vinegars. We also boast a tempting selection of breads, pastries, and sweet treats, including gluten-free and vegan options, alongside decadent cookies, cakes, and pies.
Specialty Foods from a Special Place on the Planet (And In Our Hearts!)
We’re more than just a store; we’re your community hub. And so much of our diverse selection of specialty foods reflects our commitment to Napa Valley. We bring the world to your table, while also showcasing the incredible flavors produced right here in our own backyard.
By supporting local farmers, bakers, and artisans, we enrich the lives of our neighbors and enhance the Napa Valley experience for everyone.
Transform Your Home Dining with Our Artisan Specialty Foods Delights
One of the keys to a superb culinary experience at home are the ingredients.
And at Cal Mart, we have always made it our mission to provide our customers with the finest fresh ingredients. In addition to the hidden gems you’ll discover in our Specialty Grocery department, we offer premium meats, gourmet cheeses, fresh and local produce, along with other culinary staples such as fine wines and craft beers.
All of this is why you can make Cal Mart your “go-to” local grocery store in Napa Valley.
Our long-standing commitment to customer service and our love for what we do is testified to by the quality of all that we offer – including our specialty foods selections. And these are just some of the reasons why we have been long considered “Napa Valley’s Finest Grocery.”
So, are you looking for some special ingredients to create a pleasingly surprising grilling extravaganza? Or perhaps you want to serve up something unexpected and delightful for your dinner guests?
Then make it a point to come to Cal Mart in Calistoga and explore all that we have to offer! You can find us at 1491 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515.
And while you’re here, take a moment to treat yourself to a smoothie or perhaps a cup of gourmet coffee or tea from our Coffee Bar. You’ll find the selection tantalizing and the ambiance inviting.
Cal Mart has been a family-owned and independent grocery store for over five decades and we’ve been providing a unique and enjoyable shopping experience for customers for more than 50 years.
At Cal Mart, we are proud to be a long-standing part of our community here in Napa Valley. If you’re ready to explore all we have but need some guidance, reach out right here and we will be with you shortly.