Bear Naked Granola Bites, Peanut Butter & Honey
Peanut butter and honey go so well together and this is the right combo of crunchy, sweet and salty. The snack contains dark roasted peanut butter, whole grain oats, honey, pumpkin seeds and millet. I expected it to be dry, but to my surprise it was moist and chewy. It’s great on its own or mixed with yogurt.
True North Cashew Crunch
Similar to granola, these cubed treats are lightly sweetened nut clusters. The cashews and rice crisps give it a great crunch and the organic sugar glaze balances the sea salt.
SmashMallow Fun Size Variety Pack
These individually wrapped mini marshmallows come in cookie dough, chocolate mint, cinnamon churro and strawberries and cream. All of the flavors are delicious without being too sweet. And they have the fluffy, whipped texture of marshmallows. Their website says they can be used in recipes like regular marshmallows to make rice treats and you can even add the cinnamon churro to your hot cocoa. They are also free of soy, corn, and egg.
Mighty Sesame Co. Tahini Bar
Tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame. It is used in Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush (cooked eggplant mixed with tahini) and halva (sweet confections). A box contains 6 mini bars. I expected a protein or granola bar texture, but was pleasantly surprised at the wafer-like flakiness. The vanilla flavor is not too sugary and the pistachio flavor has a sweet glaze topping with sesame on top. Both are delicious. Who knew tahini could be used for treats and not just hummus.
In addition to sesame, both flavors may contain tree nuts (almond, pistachio, pecan, hazelnut, walnut, cashew and peanuts).
Made Good Vanilla Crispy Squares
The rice crispy squares are so soft and fresh, they tasted homemade. You would never guess they came out of a box. I’ve never heard of this brand, but am very impressed and will definitely buy this treat again. They are also free from nuts, and are organic and vegan.
SmashCrispy Marshmallow Rice Treat, Strawberries and Cream
These rice treats are from the makers of SmashMallow. Upon opening the wrapper, I was hit with the smell of fresh, sweet strawberries. They are made with real strawberries and are crispy and chewy. Although not as home-made tasting as Made Good, they have a great strawberry flavor. What I like about this brand is that they have elevated traditional snacks like marshmallows and rice bars and made them even tastier by adding fun flavors like cinnamon churro. They are also free from soy, corn, and eggs.
Rice Treats Not Reviewed
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats- contains milk
Annie’s Organic Crispy Snack Bars- contains milk
Cloud 10 Super Treat, Original – package says it may contain milk
YumEarth Gummy Bears, Snack Packs
The gummy bears come in individual pouches and contain a delicious mix of pomegranate, mango, peach and strawberry flavors. They are chewy and taste like real fruit because they contain fruit juice. Along with the great taste, there is so much to like about this brand: they are non-GMO, made with organic cane sugar, and colored with real fruit and vegetables. They are also free of soy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and artificial dyes. As if all this isn’t healthy enough, the gummy bears contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes.
Conclusion
These sweets are perfect as snacks, and the individually wrapped ones would make great Halloween treats. The bite sized portions are enough for a small sugar fix without making you feel guilty.
Fun Food Fact
Real marshmallows were made from the mallow plant. The leaf and root were used as herbal medicine for various ailments including coughs and digestive problems. The root extract is also a popular ingredient in hair conditioners for detangling and softening hair.
Did You Know
Sesame seeds are touted for their nutrition, containing many essential minerals. They are more than just hamburger bun toppings.