In this digital age, New Yorkers rely on the Internet for ordering just about anything imaginable.
From clothes to books to movies and televisions to deliveries from our favorite restaurants, we (yes, this smartphone-addicted generation of ours) have literally everything right at our fingertips. (And no, we're not complaining about that!)
Well, you can also add groceries to that list. That's right. Fresh groceries.
You see, gone are the days of food deliveries simply consisting of Chinese takeouts (but by all means, keep those coming, because we all know they are damn delicious).
With FreshDirect, we can have your groceries delivered right to our door for a very reasonable price. (Um, have we mentioned how convenient this is?)
So if you're super busy-- which, face it, all New Yorkers are-- and can't find the time to hit up the nearest corner store, then FreshDirect can help.
But we all know a virtual grocery store can be a bit daunting at times, so you'll definitely need to keep this handy: the essential New York City guide to FreshDirect, which has 13 must-haves for super busy New Yorkers like yourself.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Ahhh, cool, refreshing fruits and vegetables. Wasn't your mom just hounding you a few weeks ago about eating more veggies while you're living on your own?
Good produce can sometimes be hard to find, and you definitely don't have the time to be combing through Trader Joe's produce bins in search of the best picks of the store's crop.
Stock up on fruits and vegetables from FreshDirect, and all your problems will be solved. How?
You'll have good snacks consistently on hand, and you'll always have the freshest, healthiest ingredients to use in your home cooking. Score!
Olio Novello
jenmen100 #Nofilter needed on this bottle! So unbelievably excited to have gotten my hands on a bottle (or 2) #olionovello #firstoftheseason #oliveoil #olives #italy #sourcedbyfd #freshdirect @freshdirect
This FreshDirect exclusive is pressed from a harvest of new olives (olio novello = new olives!) directly from Sicily, so it's creamy and fresh; bottom line, a spectacular addition to your dishes as a dressing, dip, or accessory to sauteed or roasted vegetables.
You can also watch an incredible YouTube video on how this amazing olive oil is sourced directly from Italy right here.
Guacamole
freshdirect Happy #NationalNachosDay! Tell us what your favorite toppings are for this delectable dish! #instafood #foodporn #nomnom
Guacamole is such a perfect snack or addition to your meals.
You can use it as a dip with pretzels, pita chips, crackers, or vegetables, or you could use it as a spread on a sandwich.
Obviously, variety is the spice of life, and guacamole promises to give you that because you can pair it with other foods.
Small Farmer's Eggs
These eggs are a FreshDirect exclusive, locally sourced from a farm in Pennsylvania.
They're so awesome that The New York Times and Slate have done features on them. It's probably because they're organic and laid by young, healthy chickens.
Doesn't it feel really good knowing that your food comes from a well-intentioned place?
Lumi Juices
freshdirect @lumijuices made the @selfmagazine round-up of gym bag essentials, and it's exclusively available at #FreshDirect! #FDTrySomethingNew
Juices are one of the biggest and best New York health trends, but honestly, who has the time or the money to be waiting on lines for fresh, organic, and overpriced ones?
Why not have Lumi Juices on hand in your refrigerator so that you can enjoy your favorite combinations of juices and fruits, any time you want?
Fresh cheeses
freshdirect In honor of #NationalPicnicDay we’re giving away a HUGE box full of picnic essentials worth almost $200! You’ll be dining al fresco on lemonade, watermelon, cookies, cheese, and of course, all the fixings for a perfect sandwich. In the comments, tag a friend you’d like to share this epic spread with for a chance to win. (Link to official rules in profile.)
FreshDirect's cheese shop is extensive and exclusive, as it boasts the best of both worlds in local and imported cheeses.
If you're looking to get the local taste with your cheese, check out Salvatore Brooklyn's whole milk ricotta cheese. Brewed in a small batch from BK, this cheese is rich, dense, and has an oh-so-subtle hint of heaven packed right inside.
KIND Snack Bars
freshdirect We want to send a little ❤️ your way. Tag a friend for the chance to win two cases of the new @kindsnacks Healthy Grains and a box of our best spring produce. Link to official rules in profile. #freshandkind
Let's face it: we all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but not many New Yorkers make the time for it.
And that's where these healthy snack bars come into play. And they're perfect for breakfast or simply just a snack-- trust me from experience on that one!
,Fresh flowers
freshdirect Because we can all use some pretty flowers in our lives. #repost #tulips #spring #flowers #colorful
Aww, how cute! There's nothing like getting flowers delivered to your apartment by the bae you never had!
While that's an awfully cynical way of looking at this, fresh flowers are a perfect way to brighten up your apartment both with colors and smells. Your place will be impeccably decorated and fabulous-- just in time for springtime in NYC.
Mini assorted cookies
Unless you dabble in baking or you have a friend who just so happens to be a baker, fresh cookies might not be in your future anytime soon. Luckily, FreshDirect would be happy to oblige you with some.
These mini cookies come in a pack that features a nice array of flavors, from double chocolate to chocolate chip to cinnamon oatmeal.
And there's something for everyone inside-- well, not really for everyone. Only for you... obviously.
Seafood
freshdirect A classic #summer dinner to end a beautiful summer Sunday. #fdlobsterparty #pinchyandfriends
If you're big on the tastes of the sea, FreshDirect is the perfect place to get your seafood from because it's fresh, oftentimes local, and just really good for you.
You can also have tuna steaks or crabcakes at any time, which is nice when you want to save some money and skip the swanky seafood outing. If you ask me, it seems like a win-win scenario.
Gelato
Mmmm, gelato, ice cream's sexier cousin. Sea salt caramel is sexy too, like Talenti's Sea Salt Caramel Gelato, and together, they are simply impeccable.
You can also find gelato that is locally produced in Manhattan's LES from Il Laboratorio del Gelato. This gelato is thick and creamy good, and the mint chip is unbeatable when it comes to the flavor selection.
And of course, since it's made here in New York, what better way to show pride for one of this city's best local staples?
Pacific Soups
cheers.elizabeth My soups came in at just the right time! I think I'm coming down with a case of the sickies with the weather change. It's ruining my plans for the week. I'm souping it up, sweating it out, and hoping to feel better in no time! Santa Fe Chicken for lunch!
I really can't stress to you how ingenious these soups are. They come in a stock box that you don't have to refrigerate until they're opened.
All you have to do when you want some soup is heat it up on the stove.
So seriously, stop devouring cans of Campbell's in one sitting in favor of Pacific's Creamy Butternut Squash or Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato. These soups are convenient, tasty, and a super easy meal for any and all times.
Nutella
If I had the metabolism of an Olympian swimmer, I'd also have an industrial-sized bucket of this stuff in my pantry at all times. Why? Because chocolate, that's why!
Nutella is prime for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and every snack sesh in between. Perfect on waffles, cookies, and fruit. Come on, admit it: you know you need this spread in your kitchen as if your life depended on it.
Sooooo... what are you waiting for? Start throwin' whatever your lil' tummy desires in that e-shopping bag of yours right here.
If you enjoyed this article, check out the 9 Essential Trader Joe's You Need to Survive NYC!
[Feature image courtesy of Coolhunting.com]