One of the things we love most about May is that it’s National Strawberry Month. Celebrating all things strawberry just seems right as spring emerges before our eyes. The fruit’s fresh, sweet flavor tantalizes our taste buds in a way that few other berries manage.

Strawberries are incredibly healthful, which is another great reason to indulge. They’re loaded with antoxidants and vitamin C, two immune-system boosters that we don’t like to skimp on as the weather grows warmer. In fact, according to the California Strawberry Commission, a serving of strawberries contains 93 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. The ruby-red berries also offer up healthy doses of folate and fiber.

Though we love the berries in their fresh form, we also satisfy our cravings with delicious dried and freeze-dried strawberry products from NutsOnline. Our dried strawberries, which are one of our top sellers, are moist, soft and delicious. They rival any processed fruit snack that you might buy the youngsters in your family, and they’re also an amazing addition to baked goods and salads.

Freeze-dried Simply Strawberries are crunchy and a bit tart, and contain no added sugar, salt or preservatives. (They’re also available in an organic version for those who prefer.) Our natural dried strawberries are infused with apple juice to make a sweet, good-for-you treat that has no sugar or corn syrup.

We also like to snack on berrytastic treats such as natural strawberry fruit leather, our berry mix and Simply Fruit Cocktail. Though they don’t rank as highly in terms of health benefits, we have to say that we also adore strawberry covered pretzels and gummy strawberries as special treats, especially this time of year!

Though all of these treats are fantastic on their own, one of our favorite ways to use dried strawberries is in chocolate chip cookies. Mix up a batch of the cookies according to your favorite recipe, but substitute about ½ cup of chopped dried strawberries for ½ cup of chocolate chips. When the chocolate and dried strawberries meld during baking, the result is a gooey, sweet dose of deliciousness that tastes an awful lot like a chocolate-covered strawberry. They’re an amazing way to mark National Strawberry Month (or just to get your berry fix at any point during the year)!

Our dark chocolate almonds are a smooth, rich treat that can soothe any craving for sweets. But did you know these tasty treasures offer all kinds of benefits, in addition to being delicious? It’s true!

Almonds are an amazing source of all kinds of essential nutrients. One ounce of roasted almonds offers about six grams of protein and about three grams of fiber. Though, like almost all nuts, almonds contain a fair amount of fat, about 64 percent of that fat is monounsaturated, which can help lower cholesterol levels. In fact, almonds are the leading source of monounsaturated fat among America’s most consumed nuts. This super nut is also a fabulous source of zinc, potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium, so munch away!

Luscious dark chocolate is more than just a special sweet. It contains powerful antioxidants that can lower mildly high blood pressure and battle your risk of heart disease. A little goes a long way, which is why our dark chocolate almonds are so fabulous. They give you just the dose you need, without going overboard.

These almonds are tasty enough to munch as a snack or serve at a special event, such as at a party or in wedding favors. They’re also downright delicious when mixed into trail mix or used to decorate cakes and cookies.

If you’d like to give this treat a whirl, but don’t want to buy a whole bag, never fear! They are available in a sweet little sample size for just $2.50. We also offer our dark chocolate almonds in several sampler packs, including the Premium Sampler Pack, the Indulgent Sampler Pack and the Heart Healthy Sampler Pack.

Let’s talk cacao butter! You may already be familiar with this light yellow, semi-solid fat, but do you know all the awesome things you can do with it in its organic raw form?

Cacao butter, also known as cocoa butter, is a pure vegetable fat that’s extracted from the cacao bean. When it’s mixed with cocoa, sugar and other additives, it makes the chocolate products that we’re all so fond of. It’s also the primary ingredient in smooth white chocolate. However, raw organic cacao butter has quite a few uses besides being an ingredient in beloved treats.

Cacao butter is entirely edible, which is great news for both health-conscious and indulgent snackers alike! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants that promote cardiovascular and immune-system health. Raw cacao butter is often used to make dessert-type dishes, as well as moisturizers and lip balms.

Raw organic cacao butter isn’t really meant to be eaten as-is, but it’s quite easy to whip up a fantastic dessert with it! You can make scrumptious raw chocolate treats by melting about 50 grams of the cacao butter over low heat, then mixing in about 3 tbsp. of raw organic cocoa powder and 1 tbsp. of organic agave syrup. Pour the liquid chocolate mixture into molds or small candy cups and let them set up in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. You can add a couple of spoonfuls of organic raw crunchy almond butter or some handfuls of crushed organic raw cashews to the chocolate mixture to give it a bit of crunch, if desired.

Don’t stop with edible treats! Make your own simple skin moisturizer. Cacao butter melts at just below body temperature, meaning that if you hold it in your hands for a few minutes it will soften enough to apply directly to the skin and lips. However, you can also heat one part cacao butter and three parts organic raw coconut oil over low heat until they’re combined, then rub the easy-to-spread mixture on your body. Cacao butter-based moisturizers have a delightful chocolaty scent and can improve skin elasticity. They’re especially helpful for pregnant women who are trying to avoid or minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

What’s your favorite way to use raw organic cacao butter? We’re firm believers in the awesome (and truly delicious) benefits that it can lend to so many different purposes!

We’re just nuts for goji berries. Sure, the sweet-and-sour, tangy treat is incredibly an incredibly flavorful addition to just about any dish. However, our love doesn’t stop at flavor alone. Goji berries are a super nutrient-rich dried fruit that can really perk up your diet.

Goji are rich in powerful antioxidants, which can boost immune system function. They also contain heaping servings of vitamin C, beta carotene, iron and B vitamins. A small helping of these berries will give you more vitamin C than an orange, more beta carotene than a serving of carrots and more iron than a standard cut of red meat. That’s some powerful stuff!

There are many different ways to enjoy goji berries. Here are our top five favorites!

1)  Tea: Goji berry tea is slightly tart, and very soothing (especially when you’re under the weather). To make it, place about 10 dried goji berries in the bottom of a mug and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for five to 10 minutes, then sip the tea. For an added benefit, chow down on the berries in the cup after you’ve finished your tea. They’ll be soft, plump and moist.

2) Smoothies: Though it’s nearly impossible to find fresh goji (they spoil too quickly to be shipped), you can still add their power to your smoothie. Soak 10 to 20 berries in a bowl of cool water for about 10 minutes, then fish them out and pop them in the blender with yogurt, ice, fresh or frozen fruit, milk and any other smoothie fixins that you enjoy. Blend the smoothie for several minutes and drink it down!

3)  Soup: Chinese chefs often include goji berries as a nutrient boost in simple chicken-based soups. Throw a handful of dried berries (roughly chopped, if desired) into a pot of simmering chicken stock. Cook the soup until the berries are soft and plump, 10 to 15 minutes. Many chefs accent the broth’s flavors with ginger, garlic, cilantro or ginseng.

4)  Mix-Ins: Goji berries are delicious when mixed into trail mix or granola. You can sprinkle them on top of cereal, stir them into oatmeal or add them to plain yogurt sweetened with honey. They lend a chewy punch to these dishes that can really elevate them to the sublime.

5)  As-Is: Who are we kidding? Our favorite way to nosh on dried goji berries is to munch them by the handful! A small helping goes a long way and will leave you feeling satisfied for an hour or two.

Chia seeds are a superfood of the highest order. Originally consumed by Aztec warriors as a survival ration during battles, these tiny seeds pack in a ridiculous amount of nutrients and full-body benefits.

Chia seeds can absorb 10 times their weight in water, which helps you feel fuller longer and promotes hydration. Chia seeds are also the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. This dietary necessity helps your body beat inflammation from diseases such as arthritis and promotes heart health. Chia seeds have been found to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and decrease blood sugar by slowing the conversion process of carbohydrates to simple sugars. Their unique combination of fiber and healthy oils helps remove toxins from the body.

Many people consume chia seeds by adding them to the beverage of their choice. When combined with water, chia seeds form a thick gel that mixes easily with drinks. The gel is tasteless and odorless, and imparts a bit of texture to the beverage.

To make chia gel, pour about 2/3 cup of seeds into a large container with a lid. Add 4 cups of water to the seeds and stir or shake to combine. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the gel to form. Chia gel will keep in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.

One of the simplest drinks to make with chia gel is a chia fresca. This refreshing beverage, which is popular in Mexico, combines the goodness of chia seeds with tart citrus. To make chia fresca, squeeze several teaspoons of lemon or lime juice into the bottom of a glass. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chia gel to the juice, then top the mixture with several ice cubes. Fill your cup with water and add natural sweetener, such as organic agave syrup, stevia powder or organic honey, to taste. Mix it thoroughly and sip it through a straw to draw up that chia goodness from the bottom of the glass.

You can also add a couple spoonfuls of chia gel to fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juice, lemonade, smoothies, herbal tea or nut milk. The gel combines easily with yogurt and oatmeal as well. The sky’s really the limit!

Do you already incorporate chia seeds into your day-to-day diet? What are some of your favorite ways to use chia gel in drinks? If you haven’t tried these super seeds, we urge you to give them a shot! It’s not every day that you find a great snack that offers such spectacular nutrition. Good for the body and the soul!

We sure do love a nutty holiday here at NutsOnline, and it turns out that we’re in luck today! April 14 is National Pecan Day. Excellent news! Pecans are a delicious and nutritious addition to just about any diet.

According to the National Pecan Shellers Association, a serving of this mighty nut provides about 10 percent of your Recommended Daily Value of zinc. They’re also a fantastic natural source of fiber, antioxidants and protein. That’s a lot of power packed into a tiny package!  The residents of Albany, Georgia, even host a festival honoring the pecan each year. The pecan capital of the U.S., Albany is home to more than 600,000 pecan trees. Festivities at the annual celebration include a pecan cooking contest and the crowning of the National Pecan Queen.

Pecans are a scrumptious snack, and they’re great to eat as-is. Whole paper shell pecans are easy to crack and have an incredibly fresh flavor. Raw, shelled Georgia pecans are tender and sweet. Roasted pecans (available in both salted and unsalted varieties) are crunchy and delicious. A heaping bucket of pecans makes a great gift for the nutty pecan fan in your life!

Of course, we also offer dressed-up pecans for special occasions or those with a sweet tooth. For a sugary sweet, crunchy treat, try indulgent favorites such as praline pecans, cinnamon pecans, and butter toffee pecans.

Of course, we can’t ignore one of our most popular pecan delicacies: Oh My! Pecan Pie. This out-of-this-world baked good, which is studded with mammoth pecans, is a gooey, amazing dessert that we cannot get enough of.

We’re also offering a new product that will help you get your pecan fix. Pecan meal, which is pecans that have been ground into a fine flour, can be used as a flour substitute in recipes or as a coating on chicken or fish. When baked or fried the meal comes out crisp, with a light, nutty flavor and texture. Simply mix the pecan meal with seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, parsley and seasoning salt. Dunk the meat in beaten egg, then dredge it in the pecan meal mixture and cook it as usual.

Pecans can be used in a variety of scrumptious ways to contribute to a healthy, well-rounded diet. Want to learn more about enjoying pecans in your day-to-day life? Hop on over to National Pecan Shellers Association’s recipes page for suggestions!

Everyone craves chocolate sometimes (or, if you’re like us, a little more frequently)! Why not go for the good stuff? Chocolate (particularly the dark varieties) is often considered a superfood because of its awesome antioxidant powers. All the more reason to give in to your sweet tooth!

We’ve recently rolled out a selection of gourmet bars that are sure to fulfill your cravings for the decadent taste of premium chocolate. These rich treats contain pure ingredients, exotic add-ins and complex flavor profiles to create a satisfying sweet for both discerning tongues and those who are looking for something a bit different.

We also offer several bars with a name you might recognize: Godiva. Our Godiva Milk Chocolate Bar is simple, sweet and delicious. The Godiva 72% Dark Chocolate Bar and Godiva 85% Dark Chocolate Bar are quite a bit richer, but still smooth and scrumptious. The Godiva Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds is packed with perfect nuts.

Chocolove makes some truly unique chocolate bars that we just can’t pass up! If fruit is your favorite, you simply must try the Chocolove Dark Chocolate with Raspberries Bar, which is full of crisp dried berries. The Chocolove Dark Chocolate Bar with Chilies and Cherries is simultaneously spicy and sweet. Crystallized ginger gives the Chocolove Dark Chocolate Bar with Ginger its sparkle. The Chocolove Dark Chocolate Bar with Sea Salt and Almonds is a fantastic treat for those who enjoy a sweet and savory combination.

These new chocolate bars really do give new meaning to the word “gourmet.” We’re proud to offer them as part of our product line and know you’ll just love them, whether for frequent cravings or special occasions.

April is National Soy Foods Month, and we know there’s plenty of cause for celebration. Soy products have myriad health benefits and are packed with essential nutrients. Sounds like good reason to snag some soy-based treats!

Soy items contain quite a bit of dietary protein, including all essential amino acids. This makes them quite helpful for rounding out vegetarian diets that derive most of their protein from plant-based sources.  Because soy contains no cholesterol, it’s also a heart-healthy alternative to animal-based proteins such as meat and dairy products. Cutting back on fattier proteins can decrease your heart-disease risk and lower cholesterol levels.

Soy also offers isoflavones, which some doctors believe have estrogen-like effects in the body. Consuming soy foods can be beneficial to women who are going through menopause for this reason. However, some people are more sensitive to soy foods than others, so it’s important to ask a doctor before incorporating soy into your diet as a treatment for symptoms of menopause.

These days, there are thousands of different soy products available! Soy milk, soy cheese, tofu and soy yogurt, as well as processed soy items like veggie burgers, are among the most common. However, it’s also simple to slide soy foods into your day as snacks in place of your usual chips, crackers or cookies.

Dried organic soy beans are delicious when they’re cooked and added to soups or salads. Salty roasted soy beans and dry roasted edamame are so satisfyingly crunchy that you’ll never miss fattier fried snacks.

If you like your munchies on the seasoned side, try hickory smoked soy beans or spicy BBQ soy beans.  The wasabi soynut explosion mix really attracts those who crave variety.

Soy snacks can also be sweet. Honey roasted soy beans are rolled in a sweet coating. Chocolate covered soy beans and dark chocolate covered soy beans are rich and delicious.

Soy foods are just waiting for you to give them a whirl, and what better time than during National Soy Foods Month? Whether you crave sweet or savory, we’ve got a treat for just about anyone!

March is almost over, but it’s not too late to celebrate National Peanut Month! National Peanut Month, which began as National Peanut Week in 1941 and expanded to a 31-day blowout in 1974, recognizes this mighty legume’s place in the American diet.

Peanuts are a great source of nutrition. A 1 oz. serving of roasted peanuts contains 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Peanuts, though high in fat, offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are naturally cholesterol-free and include vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium.

There are many different ways to work a dose of peanuts into your diet. Start simple with a helping of unsalted, roasted Virginia peanuts. Jumbo roasted peanuts in the shell work wonderfully as appetizer items at a barbecue or snacks at a ball game. Spanish peanuts, which are served with the skin on, are a rich, salty addition to salads, soups and stir-fry.

If the natural peanut flavor gets a bit boring, branch out. Honey roasted peanuts are wonderful for those with a sweet tooth. Wasabi peanuts have an incredibly hot kick that will shake up your taste buds. Sweet and spicy buffalo peanuts and tangy ranch peanuts are delicious on their own or mixed together.

Organic smooth peanut butter, which contains no added sugar or salt, really showcases the natural goodness of peanuts. However, if you have a food processor handy, you can just as easily make your own peanut butter!

Pour about 2 cups of unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts and 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut oil into a food processor. Process the nuts and oil continuously on high speed for a few minutes, until the mixture turns into a smooth paste. Add salt to taste, if desired, and store your homemade peanut butter in an airtight container in the fridge.

Peanuts are incredibly versatile, not to mention tasty! Make sure to mix up a peanut-based treat or indulge in some homemade peanut butter to celebrate National Peanut Month before the last few days whiz by!

Here at NutsOnline, we love to provide our customers with opportunities to get exactly the treats they need to fit their lifestyles. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new series of 10-item sampler packs specially aimed toward specific dietary needs and personal preferences. To celebrate the release of these packages, we’re hosting a competition to see who’s the nuttiest of all our specialty eaters!

Wanna get in on the fun? Hop on over to the Munch Madness page starting Friday to vote for your favorite package and enter to win a free specialty sampler pack!

Here’s how it works: We’ve pitted teams (representing the starter packs) against one another in a bracket-style competition. Browse the starter packs, choose your team, and register for a NutsOnline.com account to vote for them up to one time per day. The teams that receive the most votes advance to the next round. In the end, one lucky team will be named champion!

Of course, we want to reward you for your efforts by sending some goodies your way! After each round, we’ll draw names of voters who will receive a complimentary sampler pack for their team.

Not sure who to root for? There’s a sampler pack for everyone! Options for those with dietary restrictions include Team Gluten-Free, with snacks like veggie chips and chili-lime pistachios, and Team Raw Food, which includes Turkish figs and Acai Blueberry Superfood Cereal. For those who prefer a gourmet touch, we have Team Indulge, packed with yummy sweets like chocolate-covered pretzels, and Team Foodies, which offers premium products such as jumbo Medjool dates. Check out all eight options to find the team that deserves your support!

Munch Madness will run from March 19 through April 5, so don’t waste any time! Explore the sampler packs and choose your favorite today!