Dietitian’s Pick: My Favorite Organic Snacks

Dietitian’s Pick: My Favorite Organic Snacks

Mar 29, 2022Ashley Danielson, RDN, LD

“My neighbor told me she only eats organic food.” So does organic mean natural? Maybe it means that she only eats whole or unprocessed foods.

There are many terms that can circle in our minds as consumers, with certain words on food packages that confuse us even more. Did you know that some of the packing terms used don’t even have an actual definition created by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture? Let’s chat more about the word organic, and what it really means.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is very specific criteria and legal verbiage around the term organic. Organic plant foods are produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation. Farming standards are ensured that they are met by an actual person in a certified role for the government visiting the farm. Even with organic farming, there are further standards created by the USDA for handling and processing. When it comes to animal products, anything with the term organic in front of it may include meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, etc. These organic products are not given antibiotics or growth hormones.

When we check out other products on WholeLotta Good or in the grocery stores, there are three different levels of organic claims you may see:

  • 100% Organic: Any products that qualify for this claim and show a USDA Organic seal have to be completely organic or made of only organic ingredients.
  • Organic: Any products that quality for this claim and show a USDA Organic seal have to have ingredients that are at least 95% organic.
  • Made with Organic Ingredients: Any products that qualify for this claim do not show a USDA organic seal, but would include verbiage stating that it is made with organic ingredients. These would have ingredients that are at least 70% organic.

Now that you have the breakdown, let’s dive more into the fun stuff with some of my favorite organic snacks:

Go Macro Protein Pleasure Bar: I got hooked on Go Macro right before I had my daughter; you can always find them in my pantry! With all organic ingredients, this peanut butter chocolate chip protein bar has a good amount of protein, keeping me full and on the go.

Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs: It’s kind of dreamy as a dietitian to be able to eat puffs that have fiber and protein in them. Hippeas are where it’s at!

Quinn Organic Sea Salt Popcorn: Popcorn is not only for movie time, but it’s a great snack option. Take advantage of this whole grain and add a bit of trail mix to kick it up a notch!

Fruit Bliss Organic Dried Figs: I love figs! They are different than your typical dried fruit due to their chewy texture and flavor. I love to pair them with some cheese for an afternoon snack or have a couple with dark chocolate after dinner.

Navitas Organic Power Snacks: I came across these a couple of years ago and love them for their slight sweetness but complete nutrient-dense power. I love that they contain nearly zero added sugar but get their sweetness from dates.

Full Circle Organic Creamy Peanut Butter: This is hands down one of my favorite peanut butters with only two ingredients: peanuts and salt. Sure, it takes a bit of stirring to mix up the oil, but it is totally worth it. An easy and filling snack includes this peanut butter paired with a sliced apple, or a post-workout smoothie with peanut butter added in.

Annie Chun’s Seaweed Snacks: If you need a little extra crunch with a boost of nutrients, let me introduce you to seaweed snacks! Seaweed snacks have an interesting taste but I love to add a couple in with my veggies and hummus. I’ll hand these over to my toddler and she has them devoured in no time.

Made Good Sweet and Salty Bars: The perfect allergy-friendly snack! A very portable way to enjoy sweet and salty at the same time. Did I mention they contain vegetable extracts like spinach, broccoli, beets and mushrooms? Sign me up!

Woodstock Organic Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds – aka pepitas – add in a powerful punch of antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and more. I love to snack on them by themselves, or add into a DIY trail mix. Dietitian tip: Although more meal-focused, add pumpkin seeds onto a salad in place of croutons for that crunch you may be craving.

Mamma Chia Vitality Snack: I feel like our entire dietitian team raves about chia seeds – because these little seeds really are nutrient powerhouses! Chia seeds not only provide fiber and protein to help you stay full, they also provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids to boost heart-health properties. These pouches are a great snack to add into your meal plan!

Here is a smoothie recipe to boost your morning that includes organic ingredients – perfect to throw in the blender and pour for two!

Strawberry-Almond Smoothie

Serves 2

All you need:

1½ cups hulled and halved organic strawberries

1 organic medium banana, peeled, sliced and frozen

1 cup Full Circle Market organic unsweetened original almond milk

¼ cup Hy-Vee plain Greek yogurt

3 tbsp Full Circle Market organic almond butter

2 tbsp Full Circle Market organic 100% orange juice

1 tbsp organic ground flaxseed

All you do:

  1. Place strawberries in a blender. Add banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, orange juice and flaxseed. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour into 2 (12-ounce) glasses. Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.

Connect with our Hy-Vee dietitians to learn more about their favorite organic snacks. With experience in the retail world and WholeLotta Good, we all have our favorites and love sharing them with others. Find a dietitian closest to you here.

 *The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

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