Springtime kicks off a whole host of sports and activities. Whether you’re playing tennis, baseball, or lacrosse, going swimming or hiking, or taking a road trip during spring break, you need nutritious fuel to keep you going. If you’re packing snacks for your kids, you want them to eat something that’s good for them and tasty, too. Here are five healthy snacks on the go that are great for athletes and busy people.

1. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a favorite among folks of all ages. You’re sure to find a type that you like, whether it’s sweet dried kiwi, tangy goji berries full of antioxidants, or a berry mix. Our freeze-dried fruit contains no added sweeteners and deliciously melts in your mouth. And what kid (or kid at heart) doesn’t love fruit leather?

2. Energy Squares

Energy squares are a perfectly portable snack that give you a boost when you need it. They come in a variety of flavors, including honey vanilla and cranberry apricot. If you can’t decide on just one flavor, try our assorted energy squares!

3. Trail Mix

When you’re hungry on the go, trail mix sure hits the spot. Savor the classic Yogurt Trail Mix with nuts, dried fruit and yogurt chips; mix it up with the nutty, fruity Extreme Trail Mix with M&Ms; or get adventurous with our Thai Pineapple Sprouted Trail Mix that will tickle your palate with chile and lime! You can also put together your own custom trail mix to enjoy all of your favorite ingredients.

4. Active Lifestyle Sampler Pack

If you like to try a lot of different snacks, the Active Lifestyle Sampler Pack is for you. You’ll get 10 samples (around 2 oz. each) that include jumbo dried apricots, our antioxidant mix, and vanilla light and crunchy granola. This sampler pack will power you through the most high-energy days!

5. Beef Jerky

Packed with protein and flavor, our beef jerky is a great choice on a hike or car trip. This high quality jerky is fresh and chewy, and it will soothe a rumbling tummy. Try flavors like sweet & spicy, teriyaki, and BBQ jerky.

In our Health Nuts section, where we sort snacks by their health benefits, we have a category for energy boosting snacks. Take a look!

What are your favorite snacks on the go?

Ooey gooey, sweet and rich and buttery, caramel is an old-fashioned favorite. With National Caramel Day coming up on April 5, we’d like to highlight some of our favorite caramel candies and other caramel treats!

1.Mini Sea Salt Caramels

These miniature sized milk chocolates have a smooth and creamy caramel center that’s mixed with a touch of sea salt to deliver a burst of sweet and salt in each bite. Use Mini Sea Salt Caramels in baking in cookies or brownies, as toppings on frozen yogurt or ice cream, or just eat them on their own!

2. Caramel Puffs

These delicious Caramel Puffs have the airy texture of cheese puffs, but they’re sweet instead of savory. They’re coated with a light layer of caramel, resulting in a crispy, crunchy snack. They are so addictive, we could eat them all day!

3. Mini Milk Chocolate Caramel Cups

They look like tiny peanut butter cups, but these Mini Milk Chocolate Caramel Cups are filled with smooth caramel and coated with decadent milk chocolate. They’re great for baking in brownies or topping cakes and frozen yogurt, and all by themselves!

4. Old-Fashioned Caramels

Unwrapping one of these chewy caramels is like stepping back into your childhood. Sink your teeth into this chewy treat and savor its buttery goodness! Caramels are great for baking, as well as enjoying on their own.

5. Caramel Corn

Caramel Coated Popcorn is a classic for good reason! Fluffy popcorn is coated in smooth caramel for a satisfyingly crunchy, chewy snack. Try Chocolate Covered Caramel Popcorn for an extra-rich treat. We also carry Sugar-Free Caramel Corn.

See our complete selection of caramel candies and other caramel goodies, such as Caramel Vanilla Coffee. Which caramel treats are your favorites?

It’s that time of year where everyone seems to be coming down with something. We wrote earlier this week about how you can fight off spring colds by eating immunity-boosting foods such as blueberries, wheat germ and pumpkin seeds.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we still end up catching whatever is going around. If you’re feeling under the weather, give yourself a little extra TLC with these soothing cold remedies.

1. Menthol Throat Drops

Don’t let that cold hold you back. Our throat drops are available in three tasty flavors – honey lemon, cherry eucalyptus and menthol eucalyptus – to ease the pain of coughs and sore throats.

2. Chamomile Tea

Nothing is more comforting when you’re sick than a big mug of hot chamomile tea. Chamomile is known for encouraging sleepiness, so it will help your body get the rest it need to recover. Drink it with a bit of honey and lemon or mint, bundle up in bed with warm blankets and get some shut-eye.

3. Vitamin C

Studies have shown that vitamin C may help reduce the incidence, duration and severity of the common cold. If you are coming down with symptoms of a cold, try adding vitamin C powder to your morning tea or smoothie. Continue to take a small serving after you’ve recovered to keep your immune system strong.

4. Crystallized Ginger

Ginger has long been a home remedy to strengthen the immune system and to treat nausea, indigestion and colds. Eat a few small pieces of crystallized ginger and enjoy its sweet-and-spicy flavor, as well as its natural healing properties .

What are your favorite cold remedies? Share in the comments!

As the weather changes and your mood brightens with the sunshine, your nose may also start to run when you catch a spring cold.

“Many things change with weather changes,” says Dr. Tom Campbell, M.D., at the University of Rochester, in an article in Men’s Health. “When you have a hurricane, tropical storm, or even a significant thunderstorm, you can have a drop in atmospheric pressure… putting you at risk for developing [flu-like] symptoms.”

In addition to washing your hands frequently, you can help ward off spring colds by eating immunity-boosting foods. Here are a few to try:

1.Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants found in any fruit. Antioxidants help the body protect itself against diseases and cell damage. Blueberries are high in fiber and Vitamin C, and they have a number of health benefits, including improving vision, clearing arteries, strengthening blood vessels, enhancing memory, and managing weight. Use these slightly sweet dried blueberries in cereals, cakes, muffins, salads, or just eat them as a snack!

2. Matcha Green Tea

Matcha green tea contains more antioxidants than virtually any other food, including Acai berries and pomegranates. It also contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid which lowers stress levels but preserves alertness. Mix it with hot water to make green tea, or flavor yogurt or ice cream.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which inhibits viruses from replicating and can shorten the duration of colds and flu. They also contain tryptophan, the same substance found in turkey, which produces feel-good seratonin and eases anxiety. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds in your yogurt or salads, or pop a handful into your mouth. For an extra kick, try spicy or tamari pumpkin seeds.

4. Wheat Germ

The germ of the wheat seed is highly concentrated with nutrients, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and immune-boosting choline and zinc. It’s perfect for baking or toasting on your own to make a breakfast cereal. Sprinkle on breads, cereals, and in smoothies and try it raw or toasted.

5. Noni Powder

Organic noni powder is loaded with antioxidants, polysaccarhides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This superfood is pure noni, with no additives. Use organic noni powder to make noni juice, or mix 1 tbsp daily into smoothies, yogurt, juices, or nut milks.

Find more foods to fight your spring cold in this article from ABC News. Which immune-boosting foods work best for you?

This March marks the 40th anniversary of National Nutrition Month, giving us one more good reason to make smart eating choices. The theme for 2013 is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,” and encourages us all to find healthy diet and physical activity habits that work for our lifestyle.

Here are a few healthy eating tips for National Nutrition Month from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

Eat Breakfast

“There’s no better way to start your morning than with a healthy breakfast.”

Wake up right with a nutritious meal that will fill you up and give you energy and focus for the day ahead. Browse some of our favorite healthy breakfast foods.

Fix Healthy Snacks

“Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals.”

Satisfy your hunger with smart snacking choices, including these ideas recommended by the Academy:

• Popcorn topped with grated parmesan cheese
• Parfait with yogurt, fruit and granola
• Celery sticks topped with peanut butter and raisins

Cook Balanced Meals

“Cook more often at home, where you are in control of what’s in your food.”

Cooking your own meals allows you to be an active participant in what you eat, plus it’s a fun way to explore new flavors and foods. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends making half of your plate fruits and vegetables, varying protein choices to include seafood, nuts and beans and opting for 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice.

What are your personal tips for eating a healthy diet? Happy National Nutrition Month!

Explore a new cooking frontier with healthy cooking powders.  These superpowders boast nutritional superpowers, and we’ve got the scoop on them all!

1. Chlorella

Chlorella is an emerald green single-celled freshwater algae that grows naturally in lakes and ponds.  It’s full of cleansing chlorophyll and made up of at least 60% crude protein.  Chlorella’s nutrients include all nine essential amino acids, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and Vitamin E.  Whoa!  Who knew nature could pack so much into a single-celled algae!

Chlorella’s powerful nutrients make it a natural detoxifying agent, immunity-booster, hypertension reliever, and infection fighter.

Chlorella’s taste is similar to that of green tea and adds a subtle flavor to smoothies, salad dressings, sauces, juices, pesto, and guacamole.  You can also get more creative and whip up green eggs & ham!

2. Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that commonly grows in freshwater lakes and ponds.  It’s considered a complete protein because it contains an ideal balance of all 9 essential amino acids.  This superfood is also loaded with vitamins A through E, iron, potassium, and antioxidants.  It has 26 times as much calcium as milk and is a more potent antioxidant than blueberries.

Health benefits of this superpowder may include a boost in metabolism, blood pressure stabilization, and a decrease in LDL cholesterol.

Like chlorella, you can add spirulina to smoothies, juices, sauces, dressings, and guacamole.  Or, for the more adventurous cooks, try it in a spirulina pate or a chia spirulina fresca.

3. Maca Powder

Maca powder is made from maca, an adaptogenic root known for its dynamic natural effects, including boosts in energy, relief from stress, and increases in libido.  Adding maca to your daily diet can promote better endocrine system health and may even relieve ulcers, mild depression, and menopause symptoms.

Maca powder is high in protein, boasting 4 grams in just ½ ounce.  It also serves up a dose of calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, and seven essential amino acids.

Maca has a mild taste that blends well into baked goods, such as breads, pancakes, and muffins.  Just add maca to your baking flour and mix well!  You can also sprinkle maca over your food or stir it into juice, smoothies, or yogurt.

4. Moringa Powder

Moringa leaf powder is one of nature’s most nutritious foods, filled with nutrients and antioxidants.  The powder contains seven times the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the beta carotene of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times as much calcium as milk, three times the potassium of bananas and more fiber than oats.

This superpowder couldn’t be easier to use!  Just mix a teaspoon into juice, beverages, smoothies, or yogurt.

5. Acai Powder

Our organic acai powder is made from super-fruit acai berries, which have more antioxidants than almost any other fruit.  The powder also contains high levels of fatty acids, amino acids, and dietary fiber.

Acai powder is a feisty fighter of free radicals.  The nutritional benefits are preserved in the freeze-drying process of preparing our powder.

Mix the powder into smoothies, fruit juices, yogurt, and desserts for a slightly tart, tropical taste.

6. Wheatgrass Powder

This powder is made of all natural wheatgrass, a potent leafy green vegetable.  Our non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) wheatgrass powder is chock full of beta-carotene, calcium, chlorophyll, fiber, iron, and vitamin K.

Preliminary studies on wheatgrass powder suggest that wheatgrass may help to reduce total cholesterol.  Wheatgrass powder may also detoxify, increase metabolism, reduce highblood pressure, and act as a natural sleep aid.

Wheatgrass powder has a slightly grassy taste with a hint of sweetness.  Mix a tablespoon of wheatgrass powder with juice, smoothie, or water, or sprinkle the powder into a creamy salad dressing.

What can you make with Nuts.com products? What can’t you make?!

We love when customers photograph their tasty creations and share them with us on the Nuts.com Facebook page. We invite you to post yours, too!

Here are five photos of tasty customer creations to inspire you to make your own:

“I received my bags of pistachio flour the other day, and I immediately made the most scrumptious pistachio macaroons imaginable.” – Amy Shaffer

“A bag of your organic artisan flour, salt, dry active yeast, cool water = Best bread ever!” – Jenny Tardif

“We only use Nuts.com Almond Four in all our Macarons!!” - Le Pop Shop

“Order arrived. Chai Bubble Tea.” – Bianca Alicea

Find Black Tapioca Pearls (boba) and Bubble Tea Straws here, as well as other flavors of bubble tea!

“Thank you!!!
I love my lowcarb bread using your lowcarb bread mix.
European Style Bread
Ingredients:
2 cups vital wheat gluten flour
1 package dry yeast (Rapid Rise/Highly Active)
1 cup warm water (95-105°F)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg (room temperature), beaten
2 Tablespoons Splenda
2 Tablespoons butter, melted

I use my bread maker on plain/1loaf/light crust.
It comes out delicious every time.” – Kennda Varnum

What are the best things that you’ve made with our products? Share them in the comments!

Earlier this week, we shared the good news that eating a Mediterranean diet full of nuts, fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish and olive oil has powerful health benefits, lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease. The landmark new study, published on the New England Journal of Medicine’s website this week, even supports drinking a glass of wine with meals, so pour yourself a glass of your favorite red and try one of these delicious Mediterranean diet recipes. Your heart and your taste buds will approve!

1. Pasta with spinach, garbanzo beans and raisins

You can prepare this simple weeknight dinner almost entirely from ingredients you already have in your kitchen — pasta, garbanzo beans, golden raisins, fresh spinach, olive oil and parmesan cheese. Soak dried garbanzo beans overnight and use them in place of canned beans (they are inexpensive and tasty).

2. Lamb chops with pistachio gremolata

These flavorful lamb chops only take a few minutes of preparation and cooking time. Mix salt, cumin, coriander, ground cinnamon and black pepper together and sprinkle over the lamb chops. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios, parsley, cilantro, lemon rind, salt and garlic.

3. Goat Cheese, Cranberry and Walnut Canapes

These goat cheese canapes are an impressive appetizer or side dish that you can throw together in a few minutes. Coat baguette slices with olive oil and spread with goat cheese mixed with dried cranberries and thyme. Top with walnut halves seasoned with cinnamon and salt and pepper.

4. Quinoa Salad With Pears, Baby Spinach and Garbanzo Beans

This hearty quinoa salad is gluten-free and vegetarian and a snap to make. Cook quinoa on the stovetop; when it is finished, add baby spinach, sliced pears, chopped parsley and garbanzo beans. Finish with toasted pecans and a maple-balsamic vinaigrette.

What Mediterranean diet recipes do you love to cook at home? Share your favorites in the comments.

Yesterday was National Chocolate Mint Day! There’s a reason that Thin Mints are the bestselling flavor of Girl Scout cookies: people love chocolate mint. The refreshing peppermint perks up the rich, creamy chocolate and awakens the senses. Peppermint offers many health benefits, including aiding digestion and soothing the stomach, and improving respiratory function.

There are so many ways to enjoy mint chocolate! Here are five of our favorites.

1. Andes Mints

You don’t need to wait for housekeeping to put this on your hotel room pillow! They’re individually foil wrapped, so you can take them on the go, pack a treat in your child’s lunch bag, or store a few in your desk drawer at work. Each bite-sized bar features a layer of mint-green cream sandwiched between two layers of chocolate.

2. Mint Cookies Malted Milk Balls

Add mint to malted milk balls and you have yourself a crispy, minty treat. If you like Whoppers and are also a fan of mint, give these a try. For coffee lovers, Mint Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans have a similar creamy coating with a coffee kick.

3. Mint Chocolate Chip Astronaut Ice Cream

Devour this classic ice cream anytime, anyplace! No freezer is necessary, because it never melts — except in your mouth! If you’ve enjoyed astronaut ice cream before, you know that it’s freeze dried so that astronauts can eat it in space. The creamy, crunchy texture of mint chocolate chip ice cream cannot be beat.

4. Mint Lentils

Don’t let the name fool you – these are candies, not beans! Shaped like lentils, these mint chocolates have a colorful candy shell. You can even browse our candy by color and order these to match the colors of your wedding or special event.

5. Chocolate Mint Coffee

Flavored coffee lovers, rejoice! The scent of chocolatey mint coffee brewing is sure to perk you up  in the morning. The chocolate mint flavor mingles subtly with this smooth coffee to please your palate.

Browse our full selection of chocolate mint goodies!

It’s still the season for comfort food, when chilly temperatures make you crave hot and hearty stews, sauces and casseroles. Comfort food might bring to mind rich, meat-based dishes like beef stew and chicken pot pie, just like Mom used to make, but did you know that vegetarian meals can be just as filling and satisfying? Try incorporating more vegetarian recipes into your diet to explore new flavors and improve your overall health.

A recent study from scientists at Oxford University suggests that vegetarians are 32 percent less likely to be hospitalized or die of heart disease than their meat-eating counterparts.

According to the Dr. Oz Show blog:

Researchers followed a total of 44,561 men and women living in England and Scotland for 11.5 years on average; 34% of those persons were vegetarians. Throughout the study, the researchers assessed the participants’ diet, smoking habits, exercise habits, body-mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

After adjusting for potential compounding factors, like age, alcohol consumption and physical activity, they found that vegetarians had a 32% lower risk of being hospitalized or dying from heart disease. They even found that those who were vegetarians for at least 5 years during the study enjoyed similar heart-healthy benefits.

The blog also says if you are considering a vegetarian or vegan diet, you should be careful to get enough protein and vitamins in your diet: “make sure to include good sources of plant-based proteins in your diet from tofu, quinoa, tempeh, or white beans.” Here are a few delicious vegetarian recipes using some of those healthy ingredients.

Vegetarian Soup with Cannellini Beans and Kale

Cannellini beans, a staple in Italian cooking, are full of protein and iron and are melt-in-your-mouth good in soups and stews. This soup recipe combines the beans with fresh kale, fresh vegetables and herbs and a little bit of spice, and you can prepare it easily in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop.

Vegetarian Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a snap to make and a great way to feed a hungry crowd. Peppers are often filled with ground meat and rice, but this recipe offers a flavorful and vegetarian alternative: quinoa, carrots, onions, sunflower seeds, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, dried marjoram, dried thyme and cayenne pepper.

Vegan Slow-Cooker Navy Bean Soup

This soup recipe is perfect for a busy weekday because the slow cooker does all the work. Just soak dried navy beans in water overnight, rinse, then slow-cook with diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, broth and spices (including parsley, paprika and black pepper).

What are your favorite vegetarian recipes? Share them in the comments!