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America's Healthiest Buys

America's Healthiest Buys

June 30, 2013

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With a team of top experts, we put nearly 1,100 products to the test. The result: The 48 buys we know you'll love.

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America’s Healthiest Buys 2010

Credit: Fernando Milani

Welcome to Health’s ultimate healthy-living shopping guide. We’ve cut through the clutter to deliver the absolute best in beauty, food, and home products—from the most effective moisturizer and the tastiest snacks to the hardest-working eco-cleaners. With a team of top experts, we put nearly 1,100 products to the test. The result: 48 buys we know you’ll love.

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Best Beauty Buys

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It is almost impossible to find a beauty product that works and is a great value. With a little help from top dermatologists, we found 16 fabulous multitaskers that deliver on their promises, giving you the most bang for your buck.

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Exfoliator: Neutrogena 5 Minute Facial from Ageless Restoratives

Credit: Todd Huffman

The secret to this speedy skin treatment: “It contains both microexfoliants and cellular enzymes that chemically dissolve dead cells,” judge Lisa M. Donofrio, MD, explains. ($24.99; Drugstore.com)

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Body Wash: Aveeno Positively Nourishing Hydrating Body Wash

Credit: Todd Huffman

The fig and other fruit oils in this shower gel do more than add a subtle juicy scent; they “help lock in moisture so skin stays soft even after the shower,” judge Lisa M. Donofrio, MD, says. Plus, glycerin and shea butter make the formula more hydrating than most. ($6.99; mass merchandisers)

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Mascara: Korres Natural Products Abyssinia Oil Volumizing Mascara

Credit: Todd Huffman

This no-flake formula lengthens and darkens lashes and features lash-bolstering ingredients. “Abyssinia oil strengthens; provitamin B5 increases moisture, preventing breakage,” judge Lisa M. Donofrio, MD, says. ($20; Sephora)

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Foundation: Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation

Credit: Todd Huffman

No other foundation offers this much sun protection while still looking natural. “It can even double as your daily sun protection,” judge Grace H. Pak, MD, says. ($14.95; drugstores)

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Body Moisturizer: St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Cream

Credit: Todd Huffman

With natural moisturizers such as olive-leaf extract and cranberry-seed oil, this formula is “free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance, so it’s a great choice if you’re prone to allergies or have a skin condition like eczema,” judge Grace H. Pak, MD, notes. ($5.99; drugstores)

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Hand/Nail/Foot Product: Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless Skin Smoothing Hand Cream

Credit: Todd Huffman

With softening lactic acid, plus a high concentration of shea butter (one of the lightest emollients you can put in a beauty product), hands never feel sticky or greasy. ($12.99; Burt's Bees)

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Eye Cream: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

Credit: Todd Huffman

This refreshing cream de-puffs and revitalizes skin thanks to ginseng, an antioxidant-rich herb. Bonus: Tiny particles of mica reflect light, adding brightness and disguising under-eye shadows. ($29.50; Origins)

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Styling Product: Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray

Credit: Todd Huffman

Our judges’ top choice for women who use a blow-dryer, curling iron, or straightener on a regular basis? This protective styler that leaves hair soft—not crunchy—with added volume that lasts throughout the day. ($19.95; Sebastian Professional)

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Conditioner: Ojon Revitalizing 2-Minute Hair Mask

Credit: Todd Huffman

Frizzy strands are a thing of the past with this intense weekly treatment. It packs jojoba, sesame, and avocado oils, which “contain similar lipids to those that occur naturally in hair so they absorb in less time,” judge Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, says. ($34; Ulta)

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Concealer: Dior Diorskin Nude Concealer

Credit: Todd Huffman

Just a dab covers under-eye circles, pimples, and other unsightly flaws and dries to a natural skin-like, satiny finish. Plus, it has the potent combo of vitamins C and E, “which work to protect skin from sun damage and environmental pollutants,” according to judge Lisa M. Donofrio, MD. ($28; Dior Beauty counters)

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Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

Credit: Todd Huffman

This super-sheer, quick-absorbing sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection plus antioxidants to ward off potential damage from free radicals. And the lightweight texture is perfect for daily use—even under makeup. ($27.90; CVS)

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Face Cleanser: Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser

Credit: Todd Huffman

Uniformly shaped microbeads in this creamy wash roll over the skin’s surface, gently removing the dull stuff. “There are no extra ingredients that can cause sensitivity, just cleansing agents and hydrating glycerin,” judge Grace H. Pak, MD, says. ($18.99; drugstores)

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Lip Product: Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

Credit: Todd Huffman

A universally flattering sheer cherry-red shade, this balm shields lips and soothes with moisturizing meadowfoam-seed oil, while the “sugar and fruit acids help exfoliate dryness,” judge Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, says. ($22.50; Fresh)

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Shampoo: Matrix Biolage Delicate Care Shampoo

Credit: Todd Huffman

Shine-enhancing açaí and ultramoisturizing argan oil leave strands smooth and shiny after just one use. And it foams up as well as formulas that contain higher levels of surfactants, which can be drying, according to judge Grace H. Pak, MD. ($18; Biolage)

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Self-Tanner: Nature’s Gate Sunless Tanner

Credit: Todd Huffman

Green tea and red raspberry extracts create a natural, refreshing scent. Judge Grace H. Pak, MD, also loves that “it’s formulated without parabens and phthalates and has a moisturizing base of olive oil that leaves skin soft.” ($8.99; Natures-Gate)

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Antiager/Moisturizer: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Face Advanced Anti-Aging Serum

Credit: Todd Huffman

This do-it-all wrinkle annihilator is packed with the powerhouse antioxidant idebenone, which “attaches to free radicals before they cause cell damage and also helps the skin repair itself, reducing existing signs of aging,” judge Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, says. ($155; Elizabeth Arden)

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Best Beauty Buys: The Judges

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Grace H. Pak, MD

, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in New York City, is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
Lisa M. Donofrio, MD, is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine with private practices in New York City, New Orleans, and New Haven, Conn.
Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, is a New York City-based dermatologist and the medical director of Ingleton Dermatology.

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Best Food Buys

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What’s healthiest—and tastiest—when it comes to packaged foods? We tested more than 500 of the newest crop to find the standouts. These top picks are not only healthy and delicious but well-priced, too. Here, our 25 award-winners for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Enjoy!

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Crackers: Kashi Heart to Heart Roasted Garlic

Credit: Todd Huffman

Most low-fat crackers are wimpy in the flavor department and don’t have much fiber. Kashi hits the mark with these bold crackers, which are sturdy enough to spread goat cheese on. Snack on 7 for a slim 120 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. ($3.19; grocery stores)

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Yogurt: Stonyfield Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt, 0% Fat, Strawberry fruit on the bottom

Credit: Todd Huffman

We’ve been touting the benefits of Greek yogurt for a while, and Oikos provides all the stuff we love about it—extra-high protein and a rich texture—plus, it’s made with organic milk. ($1.99; natural-foods stores)

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Cookie: Country Choice Organics Sandwich Cremes Ginger Lemon

Credit: Todd Huffman

You won't find any junk in these cookies. Made with mostly certified-organic ingredients, they’re sweetened with sugar (no high fructose corn syrup) and molasses. Two gingery cookies are just 130 calories and 5 grams of fat—and kids will love ’em, too! ($3.99; natural-foods stores)

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Snack Bar: Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars Chocolate Peanut Butter

Credit: Todd Huffman

We're seriously not sure where the heck they put the fiber in these bars, because all we could taste was the fabulous peanut buttery- ness. But they’re packed with 5 grams of fiber in just 90 tasty calories. ($3.59 for a box of 5; grocery stores)

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Frozen Vegetarian Entrée: Healthy Choice Café Steamers Grilled Vegetables Mediterranean

Credit: Todd Huffman

This light dish is loaded with vegetables and whole grains. The special tray heats the sauce and steams the vegetables and grains. Dig in for 220 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 7 grams of fiber. ($3.29; grocery stores)

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Chips: Kettle Brand Baked Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips

Credit: Todd Huffman

From the hit of vinegar when you open the bag to the sea-salty crunch, everything about these chips screams “naughty.” But they’re just 120 calories with 3 grams of fat (170 milligrams sodium) per serving, which is a robust 20 chips. Stick to the portion so you don’t go overboard. ($3.75; grocery stores)

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Cereal: Yogi Cherry Almond Crunch cereal

Credit: Todd Huffman

Tasty and heart-healthy oats, barley, spelt, amaranth, and quinoa top the refreshingly short ingredient list and provide 5 grams of fiber (and 65% of your whole-grain quota) for 230 calories and 6 grams of fat. ($4.49; natural-foods stores)

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Ice Cream: Blue Bunny All Natural Frozen Yogurt Caramel Praline Crunch

Credit: Todd Huffman

Frozen yogurts often fall flat in taste and texture. But this 120-calorie fro-yo not only delivers a creamy, caramel- y flavor but has the same healthy-tummy benefits as regular yogurt. Sweet! ($0.99; grocery stores)

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Hot Cereal: Better Oats Raw Pure & Simple Chai Spiced

Credit: Todd Huffman

Judge Kate Geagan, RD, rated this oatmeal off the charts: “I loved how it filled me up all morning, and I liked the eco-friendly packaging.” Most of the ingredients—including rolled oats and flaxseed—are organic and provide 4 grams each of fiber and protein. ($1.99; grocery stores)

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Cheese: Weight Watchers Original Swiss-Flavored Gourmet Cheese Wedges

Credit: Todd Huffman

Spreadably creamy, these individually packaged wedges go great on crackers or apple slices for an afternoon snack and provide almost 8% of your daily calcium for just 30 calories a pop. ($3.99; grocery stores)

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Soup: Kettle Cuisine 3 Bean Chili

Credit: Todd Huffman

This gluten-free, on-the-go soup is ready in minutes. It’s zesty (not overly spicy) and full of homemade appeal, judge Jackie Newgent, RD, says. Plus, you get a hefty 13 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein for 220 calories, 3.5 grams fat, and 450 milligrams sodium (less than most chilies). ($3.49; Kettle Cuisine)

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Bread: La Tortilla Factory Hand Made Style Corn Tortillas—Chipotle

Credit: Todd Huffman

These 90-calorie tortillas have a truly authentic flavor and just the right amount of heat. Wrap them around grilled chicken and veggies for a supereasy—and protein-rich (each tortilla has 5 grams)—lunch. ($2.49 for 8; grocery stores)

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100-Calorie Pack: Special K Blueberry Fruit Crisps

Credit: Todd Huffman

What a nonguilty pleasure: These crispy bars taste just like Pop Tarts—really!—but only cost you 100 calories and 2 grams of fat. ($3.09 for a box of 10; grocery stores)

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America's Healthiest Buys

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America’s Healthiest Buys 2010

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Best Beauty Buys

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Exfoliator: Neutrogena 5 Minute Facial from Ageless Restoratives

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Body Wash: Aveeno Positively Nourishing Hydrating Body Wash

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Mascara: Korres Natural Products Abyssinia Oil Volumizing Mascara

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Foundation: Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation

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Body Moisturizer: St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Cream

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Hand/Nail/Foot Product: Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless Skin Smoothing Hand Cream

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Eye Cream: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

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Styling Product: Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray

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Conditioner: Ojon Revitalizing 2-Minute Hair Mask

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Concealer: Dior Diorskin Nude Concealer

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Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

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Face Cleanser: Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser

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Lip Product: Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

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Shampoo: Matrix Biolage Delicate Care Shampoo

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Self-Tanner: Nature’s Gate Sunless Tanner

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Antiager/Moisturizer: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Face Advanced Anti-Aging Serum

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Best Beauty Buys: The Judges

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Best Food Buys

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Crackers: Kashi Heart to Heart Roasted Garlic

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Yogurt: Stonyfield Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt, 0% Fat, Strawberry fruit on the bottom

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Cookie: Country Choice Organics Sandwich Cremes Ginger Lemon

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Snack Bar: Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars Chocolate Peanut Butter

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Frozen Vegetarian Entrée: Healthy Choice Café Steamers Grilled Vegetables Mediterranean

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Chips: Kettle Brand Baked Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips