Snacks

Small but mighty, bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fibre and protein, Chia Seeds are hard to beat! Try adding them to your granola bars with this recipe.

Prep time: 50 MinsCook time: 10-15 MinsServes: 2 Ingredients 6 Eggs180g Wholefood Earth Organic Cane Sugar150g Unsalted Butter250g Wholefood Earth Rice Flour 100g Dark Chocolate100g White ChocolateStrawberry Essence For Decoration Fresh strawberriesStrawberry JamWholefood Earth CranberriesWholefood Earth Crystalised GingerWholefood Earth Cacao Nibs Fondants are wonderfully indulgent and meant to be shared, so why not share two! It’s best to start by weighing out and portioning your ingredients, you’ll need 6 eggs, 180g of sugar, 75g of diced butter x2, 125g of flour x2, 100g of dark chocolate and 100g of white chocolate. If you have a stand mixer, an electric whisk or a hand whisk you’ll do just fine, just bear in mind that you’ll need a little more effort with a hand whisk. In a large mixing bowl add three eggs and 180g of sugar. Over a smaller bowl separate your yolks from the remaining three eggs by gently cracking each egg and using your hand to let the whites fall away into the smaller bowl. Add each yolk to your large bowl with the eggs and sugar. (You don’t need to keep the whites for this recipe but you may want to keep them for something else) You might want to wash your hands before the next step. Vigorously whisk the egg and sugar mixture until it starts to thicken and bubble, the longer the better, in a standing mixer you can let it whisk on high speed while you perform the next step. To melt each chocolate use a glass or metal bowl over a pan of steaming water, stir frequently and add 75g of butter, 100g of dark chocolate and let them melt together. Continue whisking the egg and sugar mixture as much as you can then separate half into a second bowl, one for each fondant batter, you can finish one at a time so don’t feel like you need to rush. Once your chocolate and butter have melted use a dry tea towel to pick up the glass bowl as it may be hot and be careful of the steam, use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to transfer the melted chocolate to one of the egg bowls. (Rinse the chocolate bowl with hot water and dry it if you wish to add it straight back to the pan to melt the white chocolate whilst you mix the first batter). Gently combine the chocolate and eggs with a spatula or spoon, folding gently so as not to knock out any air. Add half a teaspoon of strawberry essence or flavouring and fold in 125g of flour (plain flour works best but we’ve used rice flour to keep this gluten free!) until well combined. Preheat your oven to 190 degrees and repeat the process with the white chocolate and remaining 75g of butter, except without adding any strawberry essence. You should have two beautiful, contrasting fondant mixes ready for baking! Line a small, silicone or metal mould with butter and sugar or cocoa powder to help free the fondants once baked, you can use a muffin or cupcake tray if you don’t have any moulds but they can be cumbersome when turning the fondants out. When filling the dark chocolate mould you can add a spoonful of strawberry jam halfway for an extra surprise in the centre. Place the filled moulds in the middle of your preheated oven and bake for between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of your moulds. Check them after 10 minutes, if they have plenty of resistance when pressed but still feel soft in the middle then they are ready, if they are still fragile and darkening too much, reduce the heat to 180 and let them bake a few minutes more, checking regularly. Using a dry tea towel or oven glove, hold the fondant in one hand and run a small knife around the mould if necessary, place a small, up-turned plate on top, gently turn them both together and wiggle the mould until the fondant is free. Finish the dark chocolate fondant with a decorative strawberry and finish the white fondant with cranberries and chopped crystallised ginger. With a little extra time and effort take the opportunity to show someone how much you love them with a truly indulgent homemade treat, and while you’re at it treat yourself as well! Optional: Chocolate Shards with Cacao Nibs If you have some extra chocolate left over you can melt it and pour onto a sheet of baking paper, spread thinly with a spatula or pallet knife and sprinkle with cacao nibs for a delightful crunch, you can let them cool in the fridge or even the freezer, once firmed break them into shards. If you’re feeling extra creative you can use both white and dark chocolate to make some beautiful patterns and decorate your fondants even more!

In the hours we spend awake in the day, sometimes it can be hard to stick to the basic routine of three meals a day. Whether it’s because you’re off schedule, too busy for routine, simply forget, or just aren’t in the mood, snacking can be seen as a quick and easy solution. That is, if it is done correctly. I’m sure we would all love to snack on the sweet and savoury snacks we know and love, all day every day. Who doesn’t love the taste of a chocolate biscuit? Or a sneaky packet of crisps? The cravings are natural, and it is good to treat yourself. And… in all honesty, sometimes you just need the serotonin boost to prop yourself up on a bad day. On the other hand, snacking on your favourite things can lead to more bad than good. Yes, you get a great serotonin boost, but the come down can make you feel worse than before you even ate. Snacking on sugary and salty foods can causes lots of problems with your hormones, weight, sleep pattern, blood sugar levels, and nutrient/mineral intake. It all comes down to the ultra-processing ingredients and emulsifiers that are hiding in the products. Can Snacks Be Good for You? Now, we are not saying snacking is out of the question. Snacking is not bad for you. There are plenty of sweet and savoury healthy snacks out there, and they have plenty of benefits. Healthy snacks can increase your nutrient intake, sustain and replenish your energy and hunger levels, and even help with muscle recovery. You just have to pick your food wisely. Avoiding foods that has been processed (food that has been altered from its natural state) through additives like preservatives, emulsifiers, and sugar is a good starting point. What Are Healthy Snacks? When doing your research on what ingredients you should be including in your health friendly snacks, you should look out for fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and foods with natural sugars. These foods will provide you with plenty of energy, a fulfilling and hopefully satisfying sense that will curve your cravings, and prevent a sugar crash. But how? What Are Nutrition-Dense Snacks? Foods that are high in nutrients and surprisingly low in calories. That is what nutrient-dense is defined as. Foods that are high in fibre, protein, and minerals; foods that work with your body rather than against it. Adding foods such as boiled eggs, cottage cheese, vegetables + hummus, smoothies, yoghurt bowls, granola, fruits + peanut butter, chia pudding, cheese + crackers, protein balls, mixed nuts/caramelised nuts, popcorn can have a great effect on your diet and lifestyle. These natural ingredients provide lots of essential minerals that help keep your body running as it should. Why Roasted, And Not Fried? Frying your food creates crispy textures and tasty flavours that ultimately adds an exciting layer to your cooking. It adds an element of creativity that is almost always a hit in the kitchen, but it comes with its issues. We fry our food in a range of oils, (nut, vegetable, sunflower, olive, coconut, avocado) and in the moment we do not think about what they contain. Most oils contain trans fats and Linoleic acids, of which our bodies can’t really break down, or digest. This leads to unwanted weight gain and inflammation. Oils that are used for frying also react with foods, in a way that reduces the amount of natural water and nutrients found in them, essentially removing the healthy element of the healthy snack. A more restored option for achieving that crispy texture and tasty flavouring can be through roasting your snacks. Drying your food in an oven is an easy and simple way of roasting. Nut snacks are a perfect test subject: Roasted Almonds, Roasted Honey coated nuts, Roasted Chilli nuts, Baked Smoky Almonds, Baked Peanuts, and Caramelised Cashews are just a few to name. Nuts are a versatile snack that don’t just have to be roasted. You can find all sorts of nuts in whole food shops and supermarkets. For example: seasoned almonds, salted nuts, and spicy nuts.

Popcorn Homemade snack classic! Popcorn is one of the most popular and healthiest snacks you can eat. It is packed with essential nutrients that offer a variety of health benefits. But how healthy it is, it depends on how you prepare it. It is very important to make your popcorn the right way. Try to avoid sugar, caramel coatings, sweet dressings too much salt or oil. Hummus Healthy and protein-packed chickpeas turned into a delicious paste. Hummus is one of the healthiest spreads you can prepare. Made with cooked and blended chickpea, sesame tahini, olive oil, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper and lemon juice it contains several important nutrients, including plenty of dietary fibre. Roasted Almonds Nuts are the healthiest snacks you can eat. Although raw nuts are always healthier than roasted or toasted versions, if you pick roasted once in a while won't do any harm. Roasted almonds are still rich in healthy fats, protein, and fibre while low in carbohydrates. They also contain calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. The roasted nuts crunchiness pairs better with beer and other drinks. Olives Olives come in many varieties, and are preserved in many ways in brine, marinated, in oil, there can be even fermented olives. These small fruits are a great source of healthy fats and fibre which is great for your digestive system and makes you feel full after snacking. They will also provide you with a great dose of antioxidants and vitamin E. The best thing about olives as snack is that they are a low calorie snack and low in carbohydrates so you can eat plenty! Pickles Pickles are veggies! And everybody knows veggies are very healthy. If the pickles were fermented this means only salt, water, and naturally occurring bacteria were used for pickling and that makes the pickles a probiotic food which is great for your digestive and immune system. Roasted Pistachios Roasted pistachios are a very nutritious snack. They are a great source of unsaturated fatty acids and potassium. They also contain antioxidants that help you fight anti-inflammatory. Easting pistachios is also helpful to maintain a healthy heart, gut, and reduce belly fat. However, it's better for your health if you opt for the unsalted version. Dried Fruits Dried fruits are highly nutritious snacks. One dose of dried fruit contain about the same amount of nutrients as the fresh fruit. However, the nutrients condensed in a much smaller package. If you compare it by weight, dried fruits contain approximately 3.5 times more the fibre, vitamins and minerals than the fresh fruits. The best dried fruits for snacking are: dried whole apricots, dried peach halves, dried pears, dried mango diced, dried papaya diced, banana chips. Wasabi Peanuts This Asian snack has an exceptional taste! Delicious peanuts coated in wasabi paste are for all those who love spicy flavour. Wasabi peanuts are low in calories and they are a reasonably healthy snack. They provide you with fibre, some protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. Bombay Mix Bombay Mix is made with legumes and pulses so it's relatively a good snack. Legumes are rich in protein and minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium, so it makes Bombay Mix a healthier snack option when compared to ultra-processed snacks like crisps, biscuits or pretzels. However, Bombay Mix is still high in fat and salt so you should eat it in moderation. Rice Crackers Rice crackers come in different flavours. Wether you choose Chilli Rice Crackers or Curry Rice Crackers, you will find a light and crispy texture of small rice cakes which are bursting with flavour. These snacks are for those who love spiciness and depth of taste.

Replace refined foods with whole foods Forget about pre-made foods, ready meals, white bread, supermarket cakes, biscuits, and crips that are ultra-processed and contain chemicals and additives that are harmful to your body. Instead, replace all this trashy food with whole foods like legumes, pulses, healthy oils, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Swap the white bread for bread made with wholemeal flour. Replace the white flour biscuits with whole grain biscuits. Ditch sweetened processed cereal and choose oats, muesli and breakfast cereal which does not contain added sugar. Cook more often and get creative Cooking at home isn't really that complicated when you have your pantry stocked with the right products. Get some nice organic herbs and spices to make your meals full of flavour. You can easily find quick recipes that will take you only 30 minutes to prepare. There are so many combinations of ingredients and flavours that you can enjoy something new every day. Fill up your pantry with healthy snacks Healthy snacks include unprocessed, healthy whole foods like nuts, seeds, dried fruits and lightly processed natural foods. Healthy snacks do not contain sugar, excess salt and fats. Instead, they offer you nutrients just as nature made them for us. They contain minerals and vitamins and good calories that help you stay healthy and full of energy. Eat more vegetables and fruits Sadly, we don't eat enough vegetables and fruits in our modern diets. Veggies and fruits are the best, purest, unprocessed food you can eat. They are packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you and your immunity system healthy. Drink more water Water is the best drink you can have. It makes you feel better and fuller. It also has cleansing properties and removes toxins from your body. Drinking more water will also help you with digestion. If you have constipation problems, try speciality waters, like Magnesium Water. Change your eating routine Try to plan regular hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner and stick to it. When you eat a balanced, healthy, whole-food meal, your body will feel satisfied for longer, and you won't crave snacks before the next meal. Result: you won't be thinking about ordering a food delivery or passing by the nearest takeaway. Make a shopping list Look through your pantry and fridge to see what you still have there. Write down all the ingredients and packaged food on a shopping list. Focus on the things you really need. Take the list with you when you go to the supermarket. This way, you will focus on the necessary product, and you will not get tempted by aggressive advertisements for snacks, processed foods and ready meals in the aisles.

What is Bombay mix? Bombay Mix is a classic Indian snack. If you're looking for a healthy snack on-the-go or want to add some spice to your day, the super tasty Bombay mix will help you through it. I will also make a perfect snack to share at parties or to enjoy with beer. It is what almost everyone loves: spicy and crunchy. Just be aware: it's very moreish! What is Bombay Mix made with? The Bombay Mix ingredients can be different, but a typical Bombay mix is usually a selection of fried noodles, legumes and nuts. A traditional Bombay Mix includes fried chickpea flour noodles, roasted or fried chickpeas, dried peas, fried lentils, fried crispy onion, puffed rice and nuts. What spices are used in Bombay Mix? Bombay mix is seasoned with salt and spice blend, often made from turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander and chilli powder. Is Bombay mix healthy? Bombay Mix is made with legumes and legumes which are rich in protein, zinc, iron and magnesium, so it makes it a healthier snack option compared to ultra-processed snacks or sweets. However, Bombay Mix is high-fat and salt so it should be eaten in moderation.

It's time our kids go back to school! If you are looking for healthy snacks that are perfect for taking to school or after school, then this short list is for you. Eating healthy snacks can benefit your children in many ways. These healthy snacks will help your kids grow, develop and learn. To make your life easier, you can buy healthy snacks online and fill up your pantry with nuts, dried fruits, seeds, popcorn and dark chocolate. This way, you will always have some healthy snacks at hand. Popcorn Popcorn is a whole grain that is low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates, making it a perfect snack for kids (if you don't add butter and salt). Corn has excellent health benefits for children. It contains a lot of dietary fibre, essential vitamins and minerals. High fibre improves digestion, helps avoid constipation, and stimulates digestive juices' secretion, keeping the bowels healthy. Popcorn also contains a good quantity of iron and calcium, manganese and phosphorous, which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and the functioning of cells. Additionally, corn is loaded with B vitamins, including vitamins B3, B6, pantothenic and folate acid, which are great for the brain and mood. Popcorn contains carotenoid antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein that help protect eye health. Nuts A handful of organic nuts or a serving of as little as 30g daily can benefit your kids in many ways. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews, pistachios, macadamias and Brazil nuts are loaded with nutrients, protein and fibre to help children thrive and are an excellent fuel for the brain. In general, all kinds of nuts offer amazing health benefits, but every kind of nuts can also offer something special including preventing depression and anxiety. Walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, which help fight inflammation. They contain twice as many antioxidants as other nuts, which improve cognitive functioning. Hazelnuts, almonds, pecans and macadamia nuts are heart-healthy. Almonds help improve your kid's memory. Pistachios are rich in oils that help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation. Macadamias also help in normal brain functioning. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate is a very healthy snack when consumed in moderation. It contains powerful antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids improve blood flow to the brain, which can significantly improve memory and brain functioning. Veggies and Fruits Fresh vegetables are an obvious healthy snack. Packed with vitamins, they contain everything your children need to grow and develop in the right way. Dried fruits can be an excellent replacement for fresh fruits due to their longer shelf life. They contain all the nutrients of fruits but can last longer in your pantry. Your kids will love dried fruits like cranberries, dried apricots, cranberries, dates and figs.

The world's leading nutrition experts and researchers attended NUTS 2022 conference last week to discuss the health research on nuts and dried fruits. The conference summarised the latest evidence on health benefits of nuts and dried fruits, and the opportunities in research for the future. Health benefits of nuts and dried fruits The effects of nut and dried fruit consumption have gained traction over the last years, and supported by growing scientific evidence they have been associated with many health benefits, from cardiovascular health to insulin resistance and diabetes, weight management, lipoproteins and dyslipidemia, inflammation and oxidation, gut health, aging and cognition, and some forms of cancer. More recently, other lines of research have included fertility and nuts and dried fruits as part of sustainable diets. While some areas of research have been put into focus more than others, there is irrefutable evidence that they are nutrient-dense foods with an interesting nutritional composition. Importance of nuts and dried fruits in healthy diet The NUTS 2022 participants highlighted how a joint effort must be made to help bring awareness to the importance of including nuts and dried fruits as part of a healthy diet. The benefits of nuts are wide-ranging and include a variety of nutrients, mono- and polyunsaturated fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and antioxidants, all which have a beneficial effect on health, and dried fruits contain essential nutrients and health-promoting bioactive compounds such as antioxidants. Nuts and dried fruits in prevention of diabetes Among the future lines of research discussed in the meeting, experts highlighted the potential role of nuts and dried fruits in the prevention of diabetes, which is of particular relevance in today's world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are currently 537 million people worldwide with diabetes, and this number is projected to reach 700 million people by 2045. Prevalence is increasing worldwide, leading to over 4 million deaths every year, and in countries such as China and India, the number of deaths attributable to diabetes are extremely high: 1.4 million and 648,000 people, respectively. Lifestyle measures and a healthy diet have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes, which is the most common type of diabetes. NUTS 2022 took place from 20 till 21 October and gathered the brightest minds in the field of nutrition research on nuts and dried fruits, including twenty-five researchers and professors from universities in Europe, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Iran, Turkey, the USA and the UK. Chaired by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Distinguished Professor at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, the meeting included highly-esteemed researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Loma Linda University, and Penn State University, among others.

Raisins. Those small but tasty fruits that are full of sweet and juicy flavour, in fact, one could describe them as nature’s very own candy! They are featured in many traditional British baking recipes, but can also be used in savoury dishes, along with being a quick and healthy snack. But what even are they and are raisins any good for you? And what’s the difference between raisins and sultanas? Well, we have the answers for you right here in this very article. Read on raisin fans! How Are Raisins Made? Raisins are in fact dried grapes. The grapes can be dried either by the sun or by a mechanical process, which results in what we call, raisins. These dried fruits are produced and eaten all over the world. The drying process affects the shape, sizes, colours, and flavours. You may wonder why it is then that raisins don’t actually taste like grapes, considering most dried fruits still taste like their fresh counterparts. This is possibly because the drying process concentrates the sugar content in the fruit. As grapes ripen there is also a flavour progression. Raisins probably came to exist entirely by accident. It is said they were likely discovered in prehistoric times when some grapes were accidentally left out and dried in the sun. Some curious growers decided to try the wrinkled fruit and enjoyed the sweetness of them - What a tasty mishap! Guess everything happens for a raisin 😉 Different Types of Raisins There are many different varieties of raisins out there, but here are some of the most popular and well known types, and the differences between them - Raisins The most famous guys on this list are the standard raisin. They are a type of grape that has been dried for around three weeks. As the grapes dry the begin to darken in colour, which is what gives raisins their dark brown colour. Raisins are generally made from the Thompson Seedless variety. However, in Australia, raisins are made exclusively from larger grape varieties including Muscat, Lexia, and Waltham Cross. Standard raisins are typically larger than sultanas and currants, they are dark in colour, have a soft texture, a sweet flavour. Sultanas Sultanas are made from green seedless grapes, usually the Thompson Seedless variety. Unlike raisins, sultanas are usually coated in an oil-based solution prior to drying to speed up the process. For this reason, they are often lighter in colour than raisins and currants. Sultanas are typically smaller than raisins and are sweeter, juicer and lighter in colour than both raisins and currants. Currants Currants, also referred to as “Zante currants,” are tiny, dried grapes. Despite their name, currants are actually made by drying a variety of small, seedless grapes called Black Corinth and Carina. Currants, much like raisins, are dried for up to three weeks. Because of their small size, they have a sweet, tangy, and intense flavour and add texture and sweetness to both sweet and savoury dishes. Health Benefits of Raisins So now we know what they are, are raisins actually good for you? Well good news for the raisin lovers, there are actually many health benefits to be had by including them in your diet. Firstly, raisins contain higher levels of antioxidants in comparison to other dried fruits. The process in which they are dried also helps to preserves these antioxidants, more so than in fresh grapes. Raisins contain iron, which may aid in cardiovascular health. They’re also a good source of potassium, copper, manganese, and vitamin b6. Raisins have a good amount of calcium, which benefits bone health, and they contain the mineral, boron. Boron helps in maintaining good bone and joint health, can improve wound healing, and may improve cognitive performance. Raisins are also a rich source of soluble fibre, which helps the digestive system and can reduces stomach problems. They also contain tartaric acid. which may have anti-inflammatory properties, can improve intestinal function, and aid in regulating the balance of bacteria in your gut.

Dietary Fibre is an essential component of your diet. It helps keep your digestive system healthy, increases the good bacteria in your gut, and can even reduce the risk of certain diseases. The recommended daily fibre intake for adults is approximately 25 grams for women, and 38 grams for men, per day. For a more in depth look at the reasons you need to be getting enough fibre in your diet, why not take a gander at our previous article Why is Fibre Important? To make life easier, and make sure you’re hitting your RDA for fibre, we’ve compiled a handy list of some high fibre foods. They’re not just great sources of fibre, but also healthy, tasty, and satisfying – so without further ado, let’s get on with the list! Nuts First up on the list, is the small but mighty nut! Not only are nuts nutritional powerhouses, they’re an excellent supply of fibre too. Pine nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and pecans are all great choices when it comes to upping your daily fibre. However, almonds are the clear winner when it comes to the highest fibre content. Fibre content: Almonds – Approx. 13.3 grams per 100 grams Popcorn If you’re looking to increase your fibre intake, then popcorn just might be one of the best snacks you can choose to munch on. Plain, air-popped popcorn is extremely high in fibre, calorie for calorie. Just remember, if you add a lot of sugar, or fat, such as oil, to your popcorn, the fibre-to-calorie ratio will be considerably lower. Fibre content: Approx. 14 grams per 100 grams Chia Seeds If you haven’t heard about chia seeds yet – let us introduce you! Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that are becoming increasingly popular and may just be one of the best fibre sources on the planet. They are often referred to as a superfood due to their exceptionally high nutritional value, containing high amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Head over to our recipe page to find a wide range of Chia seed recipes from Blueberry Jam to Banana Muffins – delicious! Fibre content: Approx. 34.4 grams per 100 grams Beans Not only are beans a great source of plant protein, making them a great meat alternative, they are also an excellent way to get more fibre in your diet. Black beans, pinto beans, mung beans and aduki beans are all great choices for upping your fibre intake. However, haricot beans take the crown as the highest fibre bean in town. Fibre content: Haricot Beans - Approx. 8 grams per 100 grams Apples You’ve probably heard the saying ‘An apple a day, keeps the doctor away’. Turns out, there could be a lot of truth to that. Many fruits are filled with fibre, but apples, especially with the skin on, are the perfect pick for increasing your fibre intake. Plus, they count as one of your five a day! Fibre content: Approx. 2.4 grams per 100 grams, or 4.4 grams in a medium-sized apple. Lentils Looking for a cheap, simple, and nutritious food source? Well, look no further than lentils! Along with being high in fibre, they’re also as high in protein and loaded with many important nutrients. Lentils are an easy addition to your diet, add them to soups, stews, curries, salads and even desserts! Fibre content: 13.1 grams per cup of cooked lentils, or 7.3 grams per 100 grams Sweet Potatoes Are you a sweet potato lover? If so, we have good news for you! Sweet potatoes are bountiful in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and of course, fibre. Not to mention, they provide a wide range of health benefits and are a simple, and delicious, addition to your diet. Fibre content: Approx. 2.5 grams per 100 grams or 3.8 grams for a medium-sized boiled sweet Chickpeas Another type of legume that’s loaded with not just healthy fibre, but also vitamins, minerals, and plant protein is chickpeas. Easily included in your diet, they can be used in many different recipes. Chickpeas are also the main ingredient of hummus, which is a simple spread you can make yourself. Fibre content: 12.5 grams per cup of cooked chickpeas, or 7.6 per 100 grams Berries Berries get a lot of attention for their antioxidants, but they’re filled with healthy fibre too. Raspberries are a particularly rich source, but blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries are also a great choice for increasing your fibre intake. Another one of the biggest benefits of eating berries is that they’re also naturally low in calories. Sounds like a win-win to us! Fibre content: Raspberries - Approx. 7 grams per 100 grams Quinoa Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal that is an excellent source of plant protein, along with being high in fibre. It has many other health benefits and is packed full of other nutrients including, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. Fibre content: Approx. 3 grams per 100 grams

As we saw during the onset of the pandemic, having a stocked pantry is not just something of a convenience, it can become quite essential at the drop of a hat. But of course, there are other advantages to food storage. The most enticing? The best pantry items last, on average, four months to a year without spoiling — meaning 1) you always have the building blocks of a health-conscious home-cooked meal and 2) you can say goodbye to impulsively ordering take-out because there’s nothing on-hand. If that sounds like something you’re into, here are the must-have items for a healthy, useful pantry that lasts. Pantry Essentials Nuts & Seeds Satisfying, wholesome and super for snacking, you don’t have to be a health nut (sorry — couldn’t resist) to enjoy this pantry staple. Eating more nuts has been linked to lower risk of obesity, according to a long-term study conducted by the online journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Nuts and seeds (think: chia, flax and sunflower) are good sources of fibre and essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For sweet and savoury mixes, top a green salad with walnuts and raisins (or cranberries, if raisins make you sour) or add sliced almonds and hazelnuts to a chilled cup of yoghurt or chia seed pudding. Naturally gluten- and grain-free, they’re convenient snacks for those with common food allergies (sans nut allergies, of course). Keep unopened packages for six months past their best-by dates. Dried Fruits Unlike their more finicky counterparts, the vegetable, fruits can be processed in a way that savours their flavour for months at a time. Although fruits are typically high in a wonderful assortment of vitamins and nutrients, water is removed during the drying process — meaning the natural sugars in the fruit are concentrated. So keep your eyes peeled when munching on these delicious snacks, it’s easy to overconsume them! Add them sparingly to morning oats, midday salads or nighttime parfaits. Store them in a dry place for up to one year. Ready to stock up on nuts, seeds and fruit? Head here to browse our plentiful blends. Grains Grains truly make the basis of most meals. You have your grains of rice — Arborio rice for a Risotto, Basmati rice for coconut curry — and your “wild card” grains such as Couscous for a hearty Morrocan meal. Next, you have your grain legumes: beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts. These are true vegan stars, creating the bulk of many amazing recipes from soup to vegan burger patties. And the best part? When choosing whole grains such as these, they are hefty plant-based protein sources. For example, black beans contain more than seven grams of protein per half a cup! So rest assured you’ll have protein stock that lasts for months without spoiling. Simply keep your grains in airtight containers. Check out our full guide to storing grains here. Flours No kitchen is complete without proper baking supplies. And while you may not be ready to recreate grandmother’s classic recipes, you’ll do well with a few types of flour on-hand. The trick is knowing which ones. While all-purpose white flour is good for, well, all purposes, wheat flour can replace it for a healthier option in many recipes such as pizza dough, homemade roux, zucchini bread, muffins and much more. For sweet treats such as cookies, cakes and pancakes, head for the naturally sweet, almost Marzipan-Esque, almond flour. Gluten-free and low-carb, it’s a must-have pantry addition for those moments you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. For bread making, turn to buckwheat, chickpea or organic white cassava flour. Many people prefer the latter for grain-free baking. Also try vegan-friendly, low-fat and delicious polenta. Made from dried maize, it’s a good source of fibre, protein and iron and is the perfect side for any protein or savoury veggie dish (such as mushrooms). When stored in a cool, dry place, flour will keep for at least one year. Sound good? Browse our selection of flours here. Cereals Oats are an awesome way to get energy-loving carbohydrates in the morning to keep you going all day long. Opt for the larger oats for slower absorption in the bloodstream, meaning no sugar crash later on. Turn to the finer-milled variety for porridge and smoothie additions. For those days you don’t feel like cooking, pre-packaged cereal and Muesli are great options. As they are typically mixes of oats, wheat-based items, dried fruit and seeds, everything inside is non-perishable. An even better idea? Combining dried and puffed cereals with honey toasted oats, rye flakes, nuts and your favourite sweet additions to create homemade muesli or granola bars! These items are good up to one year in a pantry, presuming they’re stored in an air-tight container; otherwise, you’re looking at stale cereal which, to be frank, is a poor way to start the morning. Dive into the Wholefood Earth cereal & flake options here! Minerals & Salts Every recipe calls for a pinch of salt. In addition to everyday table salt, you’ll want to stock up on cousin, Himalayan pink salt, which boasts less sodium and more minerals. For true salt lovers? Try coarse sea salt for sweet treats that pack a punch. Now, salt isn’t just for making recipes come alive. It’s also for setting your self-care routine off just right. Turn to ultra-relaxing Epsom salt to ease sore muscles and Israeli Dead Sea salt to nourish and help heal itchy, dry skin in the bath. Ready to stock up? Check out the salt & mineral collection here. Tinned Foods Maybe there’ve been one too many post-apocalyptic movies, but no pantry looks complete without tins abound. From hearty soups to baked beans to canned veggies and fish, they certainly are convenient and last, well, indefinitely! The problem with tinned items? “Foods are sealed and preserved by pressure cooking them at a very high temperature,” according to BBC News online. “Like regular cooking, this destroys some of the nutrients,” they add. Not to mention — salt, sugar and fat are sometimes added to make them taste better. When possible, opt for fresh veg and meats you can store in the fridge. Extra Pantry Essentials Extra Essentials Coconut Milk: Unlike dairy milk, coconut milk often comes in a non-perishable tin can. Use it for curry, full-fat soups and even Paleo-friendly frostings on delicious homemade sweets. Vinegar: The tart liquid, such as distilled white or apple cider, lasts indefinitely. Use them for dressings, marinades, and cooking meats. Pickled Items: For an added bite, try kimchi, pickled beets, or sauerkraut. They keep indefinitely until opened, at which point you’ll want to store in the fridge. Peanut Butter: A universal favourite in the spread and a commonly seen item amongst healthy pantry staples. Sauce: Don't forget your condiments. Soy sauce is a go-to for extra flavour in healthy dishes. Oils: Coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and, for the millennials out there, avocado oil, are a great addition to a pantry. Apple Cider Vinegar: While it may not come up high on many ingredients lists, Apple Cider Vinegar has an extraordinary range of uses from baking fluffy cakes to relieving headaches. Now that you have a stocked pantry, you can create an assortment of affordable, healthy meals any day of the week — not to mention you’re prepared for the next time the supermarkets decide to clear out of real food for healthy eating! And may we add: bon appetit knowing you’re eating sustainably sourced, whole foods and none of the pre-packaged, frozen dinners. With a packed pantry like this, you’ll see how nutritious cooking can be convenient too. Did you hear the news? Wholefood Earth is launching a recipe blog filled with useful ideas for your perfectly stocked pantry. Get it straight to your inbox by signing up for our mailing list today!

While exercise is important, in order to maintain a healthy body watching what you eat is also imperative. One of the best ways to make sure you are eating the best food is to have healthy snack options in your home. Here are a few things that you can eat in place of your usual snacks, so you can maintain your health journey. Nuts Instead of Crackers While there are lots of different crackers that can actually be rather healthy such as wheat thins, consuming too many carbs can have a negative impact on your weight loss journey. However, by eating nuts such as almonds, sunflower seeds, et cetera, you can satisfy your craving while gaining extra vitamins and nutrients without the carbs. Eating nuts can keep your teeth healthy and strong. Almonds contain vitamin E as well as have empty calories which makes them great for your overall health in general. Blueberries Instead of a Cereal Bar Although cereal bars are considered healthy eating, many of them contain lots of calories and sugar. On the other hand, blueberries can be a great alternative as they do more than just help you lose weight. Blueberries contain potassium, vitamin C, and fibre which can help with lowering cholesterol which can help to prevent heart disease. Natural Fruit Juice Instead of Diet Soda Diet soda has been around for years and is one of the go-tos for many people who are looking to lose weight. However, unlike the name suggests, diet soda can actually be bad for your health as drinking soda can increase your risks of getting prostate cancer. Furthermore, not only can drinking soda, even diet soda, increase the possibility of you having a stroke and getting high blood pressure or heart disease, it can cause you to gain weight as well. One of the best ways to maintain your health while quenching your thirst is to make your own juice from fresh or frozen fruits. Certain fruits such as oranges are naturally sweet while providing much needed vitamins and antioxidants, plus help keep you hydrated. Snacking between meals is a great way to keep your metabolism active while helping you to avoid overeating at mealtime. However, it is important that you choose healthy snacks such as popcorn or nuts that are virtually calorie-free but are packed with plenty of nutrients. Ready to stock up on tasty and healthy snacks? Click here to browse organic nuts, seeds, and fruit!

Native to North America, blueberries have long been popular for their sweet, delicious taste and now they are even more popular because of the nutrients they bring in a small package. Specifically, people have discovered that blueberries are packed with antioxidants, those chemicals that mitigate the damage done to the cells by free radical molecules. About Blueberries Blueberries are found on acid-loving bushes that can grow to several feet in height. During the spring, the bush bears many white or pink bell-shaped flowers that turn into berries later on in the summer. In the fall, the oval leaves of the blueberry bush turn bright red-orange. To produce fruit, most blueberry bushes need to cross-pollinate with different varieties. Varieties include highbush blueberries, which can be grown throughout the United States; lowbush blueberries, which are found in New England and rabbit-eye blueberries, which are only grown in the south and the west of the United States. Lowbush blueberries tend to be wild, while highbush blueberries are cultivated. The skin of the blueberry ranges from blue to deep purple-black depending on the cultivar. They also have a lovely, whitish "bloom." This bloom is not only pretty but protects the berry’s skin from pathogens. The skin is thin and encloses flesh that holds seeds so tiny that they're barely noticeable when the fruit is eaten. Blueberries are given their distinctive color by nutrients called anthocyanin flavonoids, which are antioxidants. One hundred grams of wild blueberries contain 558 milligrams of anthocyanin. Blueberries are related to and sometimes mistaken for huckleberries, though huckleberries have hard seeds. Blueberries are actually more closely related to cranberries and also have relatives in bilberries and lingonberries. Nutrition The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries come from substances called stilbenoids, specifically pterostilbene and resveratrol. Resveratrol is famous as the antioxidant found in red wine. It is found in blueberries in much smaller amounts. But pterostilbene acts very much like its fellow stilbenoid. It is both an anti-inflammatory nutrient and an antioxidant. Researchers have also found that it guards against diabetes and supports the health of the heart and the nerves. It also has anti-cancer properties and is more available to the body than resveratrol. For one thing, pterostilbene lasts a long time in the body until it is broken down. Besides being rich in antioxidants, blueberries are low on the glycemic index. The glycemic index, or GI, measures how carbohydrates in a food affects blood sugar. The GI of blueberries is between 40 and 53. They also provide dietary fiber. About a cup of blueberries contains 3.5 grams of fiber. This healthy amount of fiber plus the low GI score suggest that blueberries are good for regulating blood glucose. This is good news for people with Type 2 diabetes. Because blueberries have also been shown to protect the nerves, eating blueberries is important in supporting cognitive functioning in older people. People who had a cup of blueberry juice every day scored higher on cognitive function and memory tests. A cup of fresh blueberries has 84 calories. It also has 32 percent of the daily value (DV) of vitamin K; 22 percent of the DV of manganese; 19 percent DV of vitamin C; 13 percent DV of dietary fiber and 9 percent DV of copper. It has 2 percent of the DV of protein; 10 percent of the DV of carbohydrates and 1 percent of the DV of fat. As for minerals, blueberries are rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium as well as manganese. They have a surprising amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which are famous for being found in cold water fish and flaxseed oil. A cup of blueberries provides 4 percent of the DV of omega-3 fatty acids. It also has some linoleic acid, folic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. Where to Buy Blueberries Blueberries are easily found year-round in supermarkets, though they’re most abundant in mid-spring to mid-fall. They can also be found in summer farmer’s markets, and if a person is lucky, they can head to a blueberry farm and pick their own. The berries should be firm and bright with a bloom. One tip is to shake the container or the bag, even if the berries are frozen. If fresh blueberries don’t move around, they may be overripe and starting to go moldy. Frozen berries that don’t move freely may have been thawed out then frozen again. Blueberries need to be dry and stay that way until just before they are eaten. Once picked and brought home, blueberries need to be refrigerated in a covered container to protect them from spoiling. Go through the blueberries and discard ones that are moldy or squashed. Blueberries freeze wonderfully and usually don’t lose much of their nutritional value from being frozen for up to six months. A good way to freeze blueberries is to lay them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, and let them freeze solid. Then, store them in a plastic freezer bag. Blueberries can be canned and even pickled. Properly canned blueberries can last up to two years. Growing Blueberries Many people grow blueberry bushes in their yard. They are easy to grow in well-drained, acidic soil but have a shallow root system. They need to be mulched with low pH mulch such as sphagnum moss. Mulch keeps the roots from drying out and discourages competing weeds. Blueberry bushes need full sun and a place where they won’t be disturbed, so they shouldn’t be placed near walkways, driveways or play areas. All blueberries need a period where the temperature dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to bear fruit. Highbush and lowbush blueberries need 650 to 800 hours of these temperatures, while rabbit-eyes need only 200. The bushes shouldn’t be pruned until the third year after they are planted, for they bear fruit near the tips of branches that are two years old or older. It’s best if the gardener just thin out damaged or diseased branches, and cut back very old canes to the main stem. The berries mature about two months after the flowers are pollinated and should be left on the bush for five to 10 days after they turn blue. They’re ready when they are a bit soft and slide off the bush easily. Blueberries are delicious and nutritious, whether they are eaten in pies, slushies, cobblers, ice-cream or out of hand. They're easy to find and even easy to grow. If you're not eating them regularly, you should! References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthocyanin https://www.almanac.com/plant/blueberries https://www.kyaniteamgenesis.com/kyani-sunrise/ http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8 https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic-index-and-glycemic-load-for-100-foods