7 Reasons to Love the Holidays at Foodland

During the holidays, Foodland is one of my favorite places to shop. Not just because it has all the gourmet ingredients I need to bake my Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole or decadent extra-chocolate-y brownies, but also because the local supermarket is always cooking up fun new ways to make the most wonderful time of the year the least stressful as well—something I and many others can get behind. Here are seven reasons to head to your nearest Foodland this holiday.

Maika‘i Gift Boxes

The Aloha Kakahiaka box, filled with early-morning goodies. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Wrapped and ready to give, the new Maika‘i Gift Boxes are gifting made easy. Choose from three boxes: the Aloha Kakahiaka box, filled with breakfast treats such as Lion coffee, buttermilk pancake mix and coconut syrup; the Charcuterie Starter box, with everything you need to create a gourmet grazing plate; or the Maika‘i Kine Hurricane Popcorn box for the lover of local snacks. The best part? Each box fits in a flat rate box, perfect for mailing to loved ones overseas!

Gift Cards

For the easiest, most versatile gift ever, get a gift card. Foodland’s new Mele Kalikimaka gift card design and e-gift cards are here just in time for the holidays, and you can now also purchase gift cards for its sister brands: R. Field Wine Company, Redfish Poke Bar, HI Steaks, Mahi‘ai Table and et al.

Plus, from Nov. 10 through 26, buy a Foodland gift card and you’ll be rewarded with a gift for yourself:

• Free $5 gift card when you buy $75 or more in gift cards
• Free $10 gift card when you buy $125 or more in gift cards
• Free $20 gift card when you buy $250 or more in gift cards

Mochi Take & Bake Kit

Available starting Nov. 10

Photo: Courtesy of Foodland

Allow me to introduce to you the simplest, most delicious way to make fresh mochi. The Chichi Dango Mochi Take & Bake Kit comes with strawberry, coconut and melon mixes that need only two added ingredients: water and coconut milk. Bake, let cool, sprinkle with cornstarch and cut, and you’ve got your next potluck treat ready to go. Or, gift it to the mochi lovers in your life!

Foodland 5 Recipes

Maybe you’re a new cook learning your way in the kitchen. Or maybe you’re just looking for a no-fuss recipe to make this year. Either way, the Foodland 5—an ever-growing collection of chef-created recipes that only use five ingredients—is the culinary Christmas miracle you’re looking for.

Wine Finds

Photo: Courtesy of Foodland

Handpicked by Foodland’s own advanced sommelier, Marvin Chang, the holiday Wine Finds feature quality wines for the season, all at amazing prices. From a zinfandel that pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving flavors to a sparkling rosé that’s ready to celebrate, these bougie-on-a-budget picks will impress hosts, guests and oenophiles alike.

Community Giving: Share a Holiday Feast

If you’re looking to spread joy and pay it forward this holiday season, I encourage you to donate to Foodland’s community program, Share a Holiday Feast. Donating cash or My Rewards or rounding up at checkout is quick and easy, and your contributions will help feed Hawai‘i’s families in need through Foodland’s partnership with The Salvation Army.

Stocking Stuffers

Photo: Courtesy of Foodland

As an avid snacker, I can’t say enough about the Maika‘i brand of snacks. Sold exclusively at Foodland locations, you’ll find something for everyone: decadent peanut butter and caramel truffle cups, coconut and banana chips, honey-roasted peanuts, chips, kaki mochi and much, much more. These also make convenient (and tasty) stocking stuffers for the holidays—if you can keep your hands off them!

For more information, visit foodland.com.