Watching what to eat daily is not an easy task for both the young and old generation. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart condition etc. are on the rise today, that we are being advised on what to eat, to curb the increase of the infirmities.
I am a champion of healthy and local produce made in Nigeria. It infuriates me when I see lots of imported goods in our supermarkets when we have alternatives in our country. Besides, these products are expensive and sometimes not in top condition when arriving in the country. We need to start embracing our locally made products instead of relying heavily on importation. Producing our goods and patronizing them will make us self reliant, increase employment, economic growth and a wealthy country.
I love the fact that we have lots of fresh food in Nigeria, for example, pepper, tomatoes, assorted vegetables, yam, beans, fruits etc. But I did struggle with buying the right groceries because they were either imported, ladened with sugar, salt, carbohydrate or fat and I have to be selective with the groceries I choose due to my health, budget and ethical reasons.
Please find below some of the groceries that I classify as healthy, affordable and produced locally:
Dano Slim skimmed milk is manufactured by Arla Foods and packaged in Nigeria. It means staff are employed locally to do the packaging, which is encouraging. Apart from this, it offers value for money, healthy and causes no reaction in the body compared to some milk products tried before.
The second one is Habib yoghurt (unsweetened) – They have their outlets all over the country. The yoghurt is not too runny and produced with and without sugar. It is enjoyed with oats when having breakfast. And it is made in Nigeria.
Top Tea – is manufactured by Promasidor Nigeria. It can be enjoyed strong or weak and with or without milk. It is value for money.
Chivita Orange Juice (No Sugar) – Made in Nigeria and it is not sweet compared to other juice products I have tried. I dilute my orange juice when having it though.
Loshes’ Natural Cocoa Powder – Loshes is a Nigerian company based in Lekki. Once you open the packaging, it is the smell that captivates you. The cocoa powder is rich, silky and has a lovely aroma. They source their cocoa beans from Ile Oluji in Ondo State. Worth a try.
Loshes’ Dark Chocolate is made by the same company mentioned above. This chocolate is not sweet at all. As you may have heard, dark chocolate is nutritious. So you do not have to count your sins if you eat in moderation.
Kemps Cream Crackers – Manufactured by New Bisco in Nigeria. This cream cracker can serve as a healthy snack. Also, it quenches hunger pangs and can serve as an accompaniment for tea or a cold drink. Value for money as well.
Schweppes Bitter Lemon – Manufactured by the Nigeria Bottling Company. This drink is not too sweet, compared to some brands that I have tried. I take it diluted. It is very smooth, best taken cold.
Schweppes Tonic Water. This drink has a small amount of sugar and reduces bloating. Also, it can be added to freshly squeezed lemon, turning it to lemonade.
You do not need to break the bank buying these products neither do you have to buy imported goods to satisfy your cravings for quality. There are lots of made in Nigeria groceries that are out there that are worth a try.
Wow good read so true, is it possible to get the word out internationally as this is so true 👍 and informative.
It nice would be nice if we could by them here. Thanks for the information.
Thanks Shade, will try and see what can be done to make sure relevant companies can start thinking of exporting goods such as these abroad.
Hi Toro, great to support the local business. I wish more people would do that. By the way I am specially interested in the dark chocolate😀. Take care and God bless. Yvonne
Hi Yvonne, will see what I can do when I travel over. Check the website to see the varieties they have:
https://losheschocolate.com/