The Food Gurus

The is probably one of the best candy alternatives out there. Give me a choice between a Snickers and Awesome Almonds and I would probably choose these 9 times out of 10. Of course these had an in to begin with as I am a big fan of most nuts and, especially, almonds. The addition of the orange vanilla, though, flavor makes this just about the best snack or treat foods out there. Of course Awesome Almonds are very addicting so it is impossible to keep them around the house very long with my family of 6. Plus, it would be easy to suck down a few too many calories just munching away.

5 out of 5 stars in the snack food and treat categories.
 

Flavored almonds can be a health disaster and a sure-fire diet buster, but these cardiologist-developed almonds are suitable for both the health "nut" and the dieter alike. The ingredients are all natural--the vanilla orange flavor includes almonds, beet sugar, water, orange juice, pure vanilla extract, orange extract, and natural vitamin E--and there's no added oils or salt. A one ounce serving contains 170 calories, 11 grams of fat (1 saturated), 2 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein and, for a 2,000 calorie diet, provides daily values of 6% calcium, 25% vitamin E, 4% iron, and 15% magnesium. Pretty "awesome" for such a tasty treat.

For you dieters, almonds and other nuts can help promote weight loss if eaten in moderation. These flavored almonds can help satisfy a craving for something sweet and crunchy for far fewer calories than candies or cookies, as long as you watch the portions. The almonds are packaged in both 4 oz cones and 2 oz pouches, and it is ridiculously easy to plow through either one. Remember that nuts are nutrient- and calorie-dense, and a few will go a long way in quelling hunger pangs. Pace yourself and savor each nut--a serving size is a mere one ounce, so if you're in the mood for some "mindless munching," you'd be better off grabbing a snack from Sensible Foods.