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Jackson's Co-Founder Scott Reamer Talks About The History of Fats and Oils!
To shed some light on WHY we only use real oils, Jackson's Co-Founder Scott Reamer Talks About The History of Fats and Oils.
Scott Reamer co-founded Jackson's in 2012 with his wife, Megan Reamer. It all started when their son, Jackson Reamer, was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disorder and the Reamer's discovered that a high-fat, low-carb diet—with an emphasis on coconut oil and other premium fats—greatly improved both his health and quality of life.
If you want to read more about The Reamer's story, CLICK HERE.
Jackson's Chips are Super Snacks you can feel good about eating. We source non-GMO sweet potatoes directly from the farmer and cook them low and slow in real oils. The result? Chips that are deliciously light and crunchy. If you want to see for yourself by ordering our chips directly to your door, CLICK HERE.
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Educational
The Fiery Flavor of Habanero Peppers: A Balance of Heat and Taste
Habanero peppers are a type of chili pepper that pack a serious punch. Known for their intense heat and fruity flavor, these peppers have become increasingly popular in recent years, both as an ingredient in spicy dishes and as a hot sauce or condiment.
Despite their small size, habaneros are among the hottest peppers in the world, with a Scoville heat unit rating that can reach up to 350,000, making them nearly 100 times hotter than a jalapeño. But habaneros aren't just a way to add some heat to your meals - they also have several health benefits. In this article, we'll explore the world of habanero peppers, including their history, uses, and health benefits.
What are habanero peppers?
Habanero peppers are a type of chili pepper that originates from the Amazon region of South America but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Mexico, Belize, and the Caribbean. The name "habanero" comes from the Spanish word for Havana, as the peppers were historically traded in Havana, Cuba.
Habaneros are small, lantern-shaped peppers that typically measure between 1-2 inches in length and are often orange or red in color when mature. They have a distinctive fruity flavor, which makes them popular in spicy sauces and salsas, as well as in marinades for meats and vegetables. The heat of habaneros can be intense and is often described as a "slow burn" that builds over time.
How hot is the habanero pepper?
One of the distinctive characteristics of habanero peppers is their Scoville heat unit rating. The Scoville scale is a measurement of the pungency or spiciness of chili peppers, with a higher rating indicating greater heat. Habaneros are among the hottest peppers in the world, with a Scoville rating that can range from 100,000 to 350,000 units. To put that into perspective, a jalapeño typically ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville units, making habaneros nearly 50 times hotter on the low end of the scale and nearly 100 times hotter on the high end.
History of the Habanero Pepper
The habanero pepper has a long and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The pepper's origins can be traced to the Amazon region of South America, where it was cultivated by indigenous peoples as early as 6,500 BC. From there, it spread northward to Mexico and other parts of Central America, where it became an integral part of the local cuisine.
Habanero peppers were first introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. At the time, they were mainly used for medicinal purposes, as they were believed to have a number of healing properties. Over time, however, they became more widely used in cooking, particularly in Spain and Portugal. In the 19th century, habanero peppers began to be traded in Havana, Cuba, which is where they got their name. Today, habanero peppers are grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, and have become a staple ingredient in spicy dishes and hot sauces around the globe.
Types of habanero peppers
There are numerous varieties of habanero peppers, each with its own unique flavor, heat level, and appearance. Here are six types of habanero peppers:
Red Savina
This is one of the hottest varieties of habanero peppers, measuring between 350,000 to 580,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It has a fruity and slightly smoky flavor.
Chocolate Habanero
As the name suggests, this variety has a dark chocolate color and a rich, smoky flavor. It has a slightly lower heat level than other habanero peppers, ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 SHU.
Orange Habanero
This variety has a bright orange color and a fruity, citrusy flavor. It has a medium heat level, ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU.
White Habanero
This variety has a creamy white color and a slightly milder heat level than other habanero peppers, ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU. It has a sweet and citrusy flavor.
Peruvian White Habanero
This is a rare variety of habanero pepper that is small and has a creamy white color. It has a fruity, citrusy flavor and a heat level ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU.
Lemon Habanero
This variety has a bright yellow color and a slightly milder heat level than other habanero peppers, ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 SHU. It has a fruity and tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness.
How are habanero peppers used?
Habanero peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and preparations. Here are some common ways habanero peppers are used:
Sauces
Habanero peppers are a popular ingredient in hot sauces and salsas. The peppers are often blended with other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and vinegar to create a flavorful and spicy sauce.
Marinades
The fruity flavor of habanero peppers makes them a great addition to marinades for meats and vegetables. The heat of the peppers can help to tenderize meat and add a spicy kick to vegetables.
Rubs
Habanero peppers can be ground into a fine powder and used as a spice rub for meats, fish, and poultry. The heat of the peppers adds a kick to the dish, while the fruity flavor provides a unique twist.
Dried
Habanero peppers can be dried and ground into a fine powder, which can be used as a spice in a variety of dishes. Dried habaneros are often used in soups, stews, and chili recipes.
Fresh
Fresh habanero peppers can be chopped and added to dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and stir-fries for a spicy kick. However, it's important to handle fresh habaneros with care, as they can cause skin and eye irritation.
Desserts and Cocktails
In recent years, the use of habanero peppers has extended beyond savory dishes and has found its way into unconventional culinary contexts, including desserts and cocktails.
Habanero peppers can add a unique and spicy kick to sweet treats like chocolate truffles, cakes, and fruit sorbets. The combination of habanero-infused caramel sauce or apple pie can create a delicious balance of sweetness and heat. In cocktails, habanero peppers can add an unexpected punch to classic drinks like margaritas and bloody marys. However, chefs and mixologists must be cautious when using habanero peppers in unconventional culinary contexts to ensure that the heat level is not overpowering for those who are not accustomed to spicy food. Precise measurement of the amount of habanero pepper used in each dish or cocktail is necessary to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and heat.
Habanero Peppers: Benefits Beyond Their Flavor
Habanero peppers not only add a spicy kick to dishes but also offer various health benefits. They are low in calories and high in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals that cause damage to cells, while vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune function. Additionally, potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function.
Studies have shown that habanero peppers may also have potential health benefits in reducing inflammation and improving digestion. The active compound in habanero peppers, capsaicin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body. Furthermore, capsaicin may help improve digestion by increasing the production of digestive enzymes and promoting healthy gut bacteria. These benefits make habanero peppers a great addition to a balanced diet for those seeking to maintain good overall health. However, it is important to note that consuming habanero peppers in excess can cause irritation to the digestive system, so moderation is key.
Key Takeaways:
Habanero peppers are a spicy and versatile ingredient that has found its way into various traditional and unconventional dishes.
Habanero Peppers have a Scoville rating that can range from 100,000 to 350,000 units making them a 100 times hotter than a jalapeño.
The pepper originated from the Amazon region of South America, where it was cultivated by indigenous peoples as early as 6,500 BC.
Consuming habanero peppers in moderation can offer health benefits such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is important to keep in mind that they can cause irritation to the digestive system when consumed in excess.
In search of a wholesome snack that delivers a fiery kick? Try Jackson's Habanero Nacho Sweet Potato Chips cooked in Avocado Oil! We meticulously cook these chips using only the finest ingredients, such as premium avocado oil and real sweet potatoes, resulting in a distinctive and delicious snacking adventure. Plus, they're suitable for those following gluten-free, vegan, and paleo diets, ensuring guilt-free enjoyment for everyone. Whether you're in need of a quick, on-the-go nibble or a delectable treat to share with friends, opt for Jackson's Habanero Nacho Sweet Potato Chips with Avocado Oil; they're the ultimate choice.
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Educational
Spice Up Your Mealtime with These Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Inflammation is your body’s defense against foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, pollen, and even certain chemicals. It’s natural and totally necessary to keep your internal systems safe. However, sometimes inflammatory symptoms occur even when there are no invaders to fight. This needless battle is called chronic inflammation, and it has been connected to serious health conditions, including arthritis, depression, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
From regular exercise to stress management techniques, there are tons of ways to reduce inflammation inside your body. However, one of the simplest solutions is to add as many anti-inflammatory foods to your regular diet as you can. Good examples include fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries as well as vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. Don’t fret if these don’t exactly rank among your favorite foods, though. You can make things even easier by cooking with anti-inflammatory spices.
For more creative ways to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, check out our articles on Anti-Inflammatory Snacks and Anti-Inflammatory Breakfasts. But now, without further ado, let’s dive into 3 delicious anti-inflammatory spices that you can start adding to your favorite dishes.
Turmeric
If you’ve heard anything about anti-inflammatory spices before, then you probably already know a little bit about turmeric. This spice has been used for its flavor, its color, and its anti-inflammatory properties for nearly 4,000 years. This long history dates back to its appearance in both Indian and South Asian cuisines as well as traditional medical systems.
The source of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties is actually an antioxidant known as curcumin. Studies have found that curcumin inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators (the messengers that promote an inflammatory response in your cells) and provides effective relief for the symptoms of diseases related to inflammation, including IBD, arthritis, psoriasis, depression, and more.
Turmeric is perhaps most often added to curry both for its flavor and unique color. However, there are also other ways to incorporate this potent spice into your recipes. It makes a powerful addition to rice, eggs, pasta, vegetable dips, and even taco fillings. Or, if you’d rather drink your turmeric, you can blend it into a smoothie or sprinkle some in your coffee.
Ginger
Closely related to turmeric, ginger is another potent and popular spice that is well known for its vast range of health benefits. It has an invigorating aroma and a spicy kick that provides an almost comforting sensation of warmth. Like turmeric, ginger also has its roots in medicinal practices, with a particular link to traditional Chinese medicine that dates back over 5,000 years.
Ginger contains numerous anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce the symptoms of inflammatory conditions. In fact, some studies have shown that not only does ginger improve certain disorders related to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, but it may also have the potential to help prevent cancer and decrease muscle pain after exercise.
And this healthy spice is just as versatile in the kitchen as it is in your body! Ginger is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes like Ginger Chicken, a classic of the Hunan culinary school. Ground ginger can also be added to various baked goods, like gingerbread or gingersnaps, as well as soups, stir fries, and even salad dressings.
Red Chili Powder
If ginger isn’t spicy enough for you, maybe you’d like to up the temperature with red chili powder? Though it has not been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties as closely until recent years, the fiery peppers this spice comes from have had their place in both cuisine and medicine for much longer, with domesticated chili peppers appearing in Mexico as early as 5,000 BC.
Chili peppers contain the active ingredient capsaicin, which gives them their signature spice. However, spice isn’t all that this unique chemical brings to the table. According to nutritional studies, it also appears to have natural anti-inflammatory effects. This may be due to its ability to arrest the production of cytokine, a pro-inflammatory substance used for communication among cells.
Red chili powder can be added to practically any dish to give it a pleasant kick of heat, but it’s particularly common in Mexican and other Latin cuisines. Use it to add some fire to your salsa, spice up your chili and soups, or even season your popcorn.
Possible Side Effects of Consuming Anti-Inflammatory Spices
For the most part, cooking with anti-inflammatory spices is a safe and natural means of alleviating the symptoms of chronic inflammation. However, some spices may be linked to potential side effects. Here is a brief list of the side effects you could experience when consuming the spices we just covered:
Turmeric: Nausea, indigestion, acid reflux, dizziness, lower blood sugar.
Ginger: Heartburn, irritation of the mouth or throat, stomach discomfort.
Red chili powder: Mouth or stomach ulcers, digestive troubles, skin irritation.
Keep in mind that it is always important to talk with your doctor before making significant changes to your regular diet, especially if you suffer from chronic inflammation or other health conditions.
Why Cook With Anti-Inflammatory Spices?
For anyone who is looking for easy ways to start eating an anti-inflammatory diet, cooking with anti-inflammatory spices might be one of the best solutions. Spices exist to enhance flavors, so you don’t need to build your entire meal around them. Instead, you can simply throw them in where you can, even if it’s just in your morning smoothie, to give your body an extra anti-inflammatory boost.
But aside from all the health benefits of these spices, cooking with new ingredients is fun! If you’ve never dabbled with turmeric, ginger, red chili powder, or any of the other various anti-inflammatory spices out there, it might be interesting to quite literally spice up your regular dishes by finding ways to incorporate them. Not to mention, it could also be a great opportunity to try new recipes or new types of cuisine from other cultures. Don’t be afraid to get creative. You never know when you might find your new favorite dish!
Other anti-inflammatory spices to try:
Black pepper.
Ashwagandha.
Cinnamon.
Cayenne.
Cloves.
Calendula.
Cumin.
Cardamom.
Rosemary.
Peppermint.
Key Takeaways
Cooking with anti-inflammatory spices is an effective and simple way to give your body an extra anti-inflammatory boost – not to mention, it’s fun!
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties come from the antioxidant curcumin and may provide relief for the symptoms of inflammatory diseases.
Ginger contains numerous anti-inflammatory compounds that improve disorders related to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.
The active ingredient capsaicin, found in red chili powder, has natural anti-inflammatory effects.
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Educational
The Origins of Ranch Dressing
From backyard barbecues to your favorite restaurant, ranch dressing has become a ubiquitous staple in American. But this creamy, tangy sauce didn’t always enjoy such widespread acclaim. To truly appreciate ranch’s place on our tables today, it’s worth taking a step back to explore its fascinating origins, the ingenious mind behind its creation, and how a simple blend of herbs and buttermilk evolved into one of the nation’s most beloved condiments.
Join us as we dip deep into the history of ranch dressing, from its creation in the 1950s to its outstanding popularity now. Read on to learn about who invented ranch, how it became a household staple, the different ways it can be used, and even some fun facts about this beloved condiment.
The Origins of Ranch Dressing
Ranch has come a long way since its initial invention. Let’s explore a brief history of how this iconic sauce earned its place among the best condiments.
Who Invented Ranch?
Around 1950, Steve Henson unknowingly made history when he whipped up a unique mixture of dry herbs and buttermilk. Originally a plumber, Steve came up with the concoction while working briefly in Anchorage as a construction worker and part-time cook for his crew.
After purchasing land in Santa Barbara, CA with his wife in 1954, Steve opened up a guest ranch called Hidden Valley. He started serving up the dressing with the dishes he prepared for his guests, including everything from steak and potatoes to vegetables. The dressing quickly became a favorite for locals, who took it home with them in jars.
As demand for his dressing grew, Steve Henson began packaging the dry ingredients into envelopes that could be mailed to customers. Sensing the success of the product, the Henson family eventually relocated to Albuquerque, NM to start their own catering business, eventually selling their recipe to the Clorox Company in the 1970s.
Related: Our Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
How Did Ranch Dressing Become Popular?
According to a 2017 study, ranch dressing has officially taken over as America’s favorite salad dressing, with 40% of participants naming it as their favorite. The runner up was Italian dressing with a measly 10% in comparison. But how did a simple mixture of herbs and buttermilk achieve such a cult following?
The turning point for ranch from a simple salad dressing to a nationwide phenomenon occurred in 1986 with the invention of Cool Ranch Doritos. The addition of ranch seasoning on a crunchy chip had Americans hooked, and the dressing quickly found its way to condiment status as a partner for french fries, chicken wings, and more. Domino’s is typically credited with the invention of the legendary pizza and ranch combo, as the chain began serving ranch dressing along with its chicken wings in 1994.
What Does Ranch Dressing Taste Like?
Anyone who’s ever tasted ranch dressing can recognize its unique flavor profile anywhere. This creamy condiment’s delicious mix of herbs and buttermilk gives it a distinctly tangy but fresh taste that brings life to salad, french fries, pizza, chicken wings, and anything else you can think of to dunk in it!=
But ranch dressing has also evolved to be uniquely customizable! In fact, there are tons of variations you can try depending on the flavors you like, including:
Spicy Ranch. Add cayenne or other spices for an extra kick.
Bacon Ranch. Add bacon bits for a smokey flavor.
Herb Ranch. Add extra herbs like basil, dill, and parsley for a more intense flavor.
Avocado Ranch. Add avocado to make the dressing creamier.
Buttermilk Ranch. Replace regular milk with buttermilk for extra tang and a thinner texture.
Buffalo Ranch. Add buffalo sauce for a spicy kick with a bit of tang.
Chipotle Ranch. Bring in both smoke and heat by adding chipotle peppers.
Ranch dressing can be modified to fit various dietary restrictions as well:
Gluten-Free Ranch. Avoid any wheat-based products that could be found in the mayo or sour cream, such as rye starch, wheat starch, or barley starch.Dairy-Free Ranch. Substitute in vegan mayo and dairy-free milk alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.Vegan Ranch. Just like the above examples, try using dairy-free milk and vegan mayo.
Ranch Goes with Everything!
People have tried dunking just about everything but their kitchen sink in ranch dressing. Here are some of the best combinations to try out for yourself.
Veggies. For all the crunch without the extra calories, try dipping your favorite raw vegetables in this creamy sauce. Popular favorites include celery, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, and more.
Chicken. From wings to tenders and nuggets, ranch dressing makes the perfect complement to any chicken dish, especially one smothered in barbecue or buffalo sauce.
Salad. Although ranch was originally intended to be a dressing for green salads, it can also work well on pasta salad, potato salad, or chickpea salad.
Fries, chips, and crackers. Ranch dressing is the perfect partner for any salty, crunchy snack. Try dipping your chips in both salsa and ranch for a fun flavor fiesta. Or better, pick up our Farmhouse Ranch Sweet Potato Chips.
Wraps and sandwiches. Spread a little ranch dressing on your sandwiches and wraps for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Dry rubs and marinades. Infuse even more of that ranch-y goodness directly into your favorite meats by using the dry herbs as a seasoning for chicken wings, burgers, and more.
Recipe: Our Deviled Eggs Recipe made with Jackson's Farmhouse Ranch Chips
Ridiculous Ranch Facts
To wrap up our exploration of this beloved condiment’s history, we’ll leave you with some ranch-related facts you can use to wow your friends and family at the next pizza or wing night.
Twisted Ranch, located in St. Louis, MO, is a restaurant entirely dedicated to the esteemed sauce, with every item on the menu somehow incorporating one of their 31 house-made ranch dressings.
Yes, they really do make ranch-flavored everything. Lester’s Fixins’ collection of Food Sodas features not only a ranch dressing flavored soda, but also other interesting additions like bacon, buffalo wing, and sweet corn.
The cowboys might have started it all. Although Steve Hansen is generally credited as the inventor of ranch dressing, some earlier buttermilk dressing recipes have been discovered as early as 1937 in Texas.
Key Takeaways
Steve Hansen invented ranch dressing in the 1950s.
Ranch dressing has taken over as one of the most beloved condiments in America, with 40% of Americans naming it as their favorite salad dressing.
Various dietary and flavor profile modifications can be made to ranch dressing by using vegan ingredients or incorporating additional spices.
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Educational
Flavoring Your Fiestas: A Guide to Spicy Mexican Food
Many Mexican dishes are known for their extensive range of mild to intense heat. While this prevalence of spice may be due to the easy access to hot chile peppers, it may also provide a way to increase sweat production, thus cooling down the body in an otherwise tropical climate.
But where does that essential spice come from? In this article, we will explore the types of peppers that bring the heat in spicy Mexican food as well as the other unique spices and herbs that characterize the distinct flavor profile of traditional Mexican cuisine.
What Makes Mexican Food Spicy?
Like in some other types of cuisine (including Chinese and Thai dishes), many Mexican dishes pull their signature heat from the inclusion of various hot peppers. Not all peppers are created equal though, with each one bringing its own unique flavor and intensity to the food.
Jalapeños
Jalapeños are probably the first pepper that comes to mind when you think of spicy Mexican food. These peppers contain the active ingredient capsaicin, which gives them their fiery flavor and may also have some anti-inflammatory properties. You will find the majority of a pepper’s capsaicin in its seeds and pith rather than the actual flesh. This is why many authentic Mexican recipes leave the seeds in the jalapeños rather than removing them. For premium sweet potato chips with a spicy kick, try Jackson's Spicy Jalapeño flavor.
Chile Poblano
Hailing from Puebla, Mexico, poblano peppers are a slightly more mild pepper compared to jalapeños. However, the intensity of their heat does depend on different factors, including their ripeness. Green, unripe peppers (which is how they normally appear in most dishes) are typically less spicy than their red, ripened counterparts.
Chile Habanero
The habanero pepper is one of the hottest among the chile peppers, with more than 100 times the heat of a jalapeño. On top of that heat, though, rests a plethora of other flavors, including a distinct freshness along with floral and even fruity tastes that make it a perfect base for sauces and salsas alike. If you are a snacker who can’t get enough heat, try our new Habanero Nacho sweet potato chips.
Chile de Árbol
Though not as fiery as the habanero, árbol peppers do exceed their poblano and jalapeño brethren in the spice race. Notably slender and small with a deep, red hue, these peppers bring both a smokiness and a sweetness to any dish. Be careful not to burn them though, as this can quickly turn their unique, pleasant flavor toward the bitter side.
Other Unique Mexican Flavors
But heat is not the only defining flavor in traditional Mexican dishes. Mexican cuisine has a unique flavor profile characterized by the use of various herbs and spices as well.
Achiote
The name “achiote” actually refers to the seeds of the annatto tree, native to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and, of course, Mexico. Often, the seeds are ground up into achiote paste, which is then used to provide a vibrant reddish-brown color to various dishes including stews and sauces. The paste has a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with citrus.
Cumin
Another spice with a distinctly earthy though bitter flavor, cumin is the seed of a Mediterranean plant. It gets along well with the various chiles you often find in many Mexican dishes. This spice, however, does not show up as frequently in traditional Mexican cuisine as it does in the Tex-Mex varieties.
Garlic
The flavor profile for a number of Mexican dishes relies heavily on the use of garlic, whether fresh or in powder form. You might find it working in tandem with onion powder in salsas, taco seasoning, rice, and even soups or stews.
Epazote
Epazote is an herb that grows in Mexico as well as Central and South America. Its flavor profile is pungent, featuring an aromatic mix of anise, citrus, mint, and oregano. Though it may sometimes be utilized in sauces, epazote is most commonly incorporated as a seasoning for black and pinto beans due to its gas-relieving qualities.
Mexican Oregano
Though it is easy to confuse the two, Mexican Oregano is very different from Mediterranean Oregano. The Mexican variety of this spice has a much more citrus-y flavor alongside the usual grassy, earthy taste. It makes a great addition to taco seasonings, stews, and chilis.
Mexican Bay Leaves
This herb comes from an evergreen shrub native to Mexico. Though they are known for their herbal and floral flavors, the leaves are also slightly bitter in a similar way to Mexican Oregano. You may find them mainly in soups, stews, and broths.
Cilantro
Thanks to its aromatic qualities, cilantro naturally pairs with and highlights the flavors present in many Mexican dishes. It has found its way into becoming a traditional taco topping as well as an addition to the seasoning used on various types of both meat and seafood.
Popular Examples of Spicy Mexican Food
If you’re feeling brave enough to take your tastebuds on a fiery adventure, check out this short list of some of the best and spiciest dishes Mexican cuisine has to offer!
Chiles Rellenos
Chiles rellenos is a delicious dish consisting of poblano peppers stuffed with either meat, cheese, or both. Some may be breaded and deep fried while others are served with a tomato and onion sauce. Though poblano peppers are notoriously on the mild side, on occasion you can run into one with rather intense heat. So, every time you eat chiles rellenos, remember that you’re essentially playing a game of pepper roulette and might end up with a burning tongue!
Chilaquiles
If you need a dose of spice to wake you up in the morning, look to one of Mexico’s most famous breakfast foods: chilaquiles. This dish contains fried or toasted strips of corn tortilla (also known as totopos), smothered in either a red or green salsa, and sometimes served up with eggs, cheese, or shredded chicken. Depending on the peppers used in the salsa, chilaquiles can be whipped up as either a mild or a spicy dish according to your own taste preferences.
Mole
Mole refers to a family of sauces that are extremely common in Mexican cuisine. The sauce is most often used as a dressing for different meats. Just like other Mexican staples, mole can be either spicy or mild depending on the heat of the chile peppers used to make it. You can utilize the various types of mole to bring a smoky, spicy flavor to rice, chicken, enchiladas, and much more!
If you are into epic flavors, check out Jackson's Epic Flavor Variety Pack which features both Spicy Jalapeño and Habanero Nacho Sweet Potato chips!
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Educational
Starting Your Day Off Strong: How to Whip Up Simple Anti Inflammatory Breakfasts
You know the saying: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. As cliche as it might sound, there is still a good deal of truth in that statement. Breakfast is your body’s opportunity to refuel after a night of rest, replenishing your energy levels and providing your cells with the glucose they need to be able to properly power through the morning. It kick-starts your metabolism too, helping you burn calories more efficiently during the day.
But not all breakfasts are created equal. For those living with chronic inflammation, selecting the right breakfast foods is an essential part of fighting back against the negative effects of inflammation. Not to mention, beginning your day with good choices may make you more likely to continue making good choices for the rest of the day. If you’re new to an anti-inflammatory diet and unsure where to begin, read on for some ways to start turning your usual breakfasts into anti-inflammatory breakfasts.
Why Choose Anti Inflammatory Breakfasts?
Your diet plays a massive role in your overall health, perhaps more than you might realize. The food you eat not only provides energy, but it can also affect or even aggravate pre-existing health conditions, especially those linked with inflammation.
Inflammation is part of your body’s defense mechanism for fighting off intruders like viruses, bacteria, pollen, and more. When these invaders are present, inflammation is a necessary reaction to keep your body safe. However, if inflammation persists even without the presence of potentially harmful substances, it can cause unwanted stress. This is a condition known as chronic inflammation, and it has links to various other health conditions, such as arthritis, depression, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
If you suffer from chronic inflammation, your doctor may instruct you to make these lifestyle changes: cutting out inflammatory foods and adding in anti-inflammatory foods. Examples of inflammatory foods include red meat, dairy products, artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and more. When eaten regularly, these foods can increase inflammatory symptoms by producing extra free radicals in the body, thus leading to oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory foods, on the other hand, are often rich in antioxidants and work to combat oxidative stress by balancing out the ratio of free radicals.
For more information about how anti-inflammatory foods can help revolutionize your diet, check out our article on Anti-Inflammatory Snacks.
Eggs
Many people can’t think of breakfast without eggs springing to mind. Luckily, eggs are an excellent food for low inflammation thanks to their high levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays many different and equally important parts throughout the body. One of these jobs is to increase your body’s production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory protein secreted by cells. Thus, supplying your body with an extra boost of vitamin D via your favorite easy egg recipes in the morning may help reduce inflammation throughout the day. Plus, eggs are also a great source of protein.
If you're tired of the same old egg scramble, we suggest trying your hand at whipping up a nutritious and delicious open-faced egg sandwich for your anti-inflammatory breakfasts. To keep it gluten free and avoid any refined carbohydrates, be sure to serve it up on your choice of whole grain toast, waffles, or English muffins. And don’t forget to top it off with some extra additions, like salsa and avocado!
Avocado
Speaking of avocados, these super foods reign supreme as one of the standout champions among healthy foods. But does that mean they’re good for anti-inflammatory breakfasts as well? Of course! And here’s why.
Not only are avocados a known source of antioxidants, which help fight back against the oxidative stress linked with inflammation that we mentioned earlier, but they also provide monounsaturated fats. Visceral fat is a substance that surrounds some of your internal organs. Having too much visceral fat may cause your cells to create inflammatory substances. According to recent studies, however, monounsaturated fats, like those present in avocados, may be able to lower the amount of visceral fat in your body, thus reducing inflammation as well.
For a unique twist on the traditional avocado toast for breakfast, try adding some hummus and sprouts alongside your avocado spread. You may even be able to find some sprouted bread, which contains whole grains that have begun to sprout, at your local supermarket.
Turmeric and Ginger Smoothie Bowl
Turmeric and ginger are both renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects, while ginger contains gingerol, another compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Combine these ingredients in a smoothie bowl with fruits like pineapple, mango, and banana for sweetness, and add a dash of black pepper to enhance the absorption of curcumin. Top with nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Fruit
To pump up your antioxidants vegan style, fruit is the way to go! Many different types of fruits have anti-inflammatory benefits, including berries, apples, grapes, pomegranates, and citrus fruits. Not to mention, if you prefer a sweet breakfast to the usual savory options, there are tons of recipes you can make with your favorite kinds of fruits.
A yummy fruit smoothie makes a super quick and convenient on-the-go breakfast for those days when you need to get out the door ASAP or when you’re planning on a heavier lunch. A berry smoothie, mixing together strawberries, blueberries, and the like with your choice of non-dairy milk or yogurt can maximize your anti-inflammatory foods. Or, if you typically eat cereal or oatmeal in the morning, try cutting up some fresh fruit to throw in and add a burst of natural sweetness to help you get energized for the day.
Chia Seed Pudding with Walnuts and Berries
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to their anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare a chia seed pudding by soaking chia seeds in your choice of non-dairy milk overnight. In the morning, top the pudding with a handful of walnuts, which are also high in omega-3s, and a generous serving of antioxidant-rich berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. This breakfast is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to support overall health and reduce inflammation.
Fish
You might not always think about fish first in the morning. However, some types of fish, like salmon, can be added into your usual breakfast favorites to quickly morph them into anti-inflammatory breakfasts and give you some extra ammunition against your chronic inflammation. Fatty fish contain omega 3 fatty acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties thanks to their ability to inhibit the production of certain hormones that lead to inflammation. Examples of fatty fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod, and sardines.
Salmon, smoked or not, is a popular choice to add to egg scrambles and omelets. You can also top your avocado toast with a bit of salmon or even add it to a whole grain bagel. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipe ideas and try new things. You never know what might end up as your new go-to breakfast dish.
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Spinach and Almonds
Quinoa is a gluten-free whole grain that is high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It also contains antioxidants that help combat inflammation. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and then combine it with sautéed spinach for an extra dose of antioxidants and fiber. Top the bowl with sliced almonds, which are rich in vitamin E and other nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor and health benefits. This hearty breakfast will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the morning while supporting your body's fight against inflammation.
Key Takeaways
Beginning your day with a nutritious, anti-inflammatory breakfast may help you make better choices throughout the day and lower the effects of chronic inflammation.
Vitamin D, found in eggs, increases your body’s production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory protein secreted by cells.
Monounsaturated fats, like those present in avocados, may be able to lower the amount of visceral fat in your body, thus reducing inflammation.
Fruits are a sweet yet powerful source of antioxidants.
Fatty fish like salmon contain omega 3 fatty acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties thanks to their ability to inhibit the production of certain hormones that lead to inflammation.
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Amplifying Your Diet with Anti-Inflammatory Snacks
Has your doctor suggested cutting out inflammatory foods? If so, you’re not alone. Nearly 20% of the American population suffers from chronic inflammation. Or maybe you simply heard the buzz surrounding anti-inflammatory diets and came to see what all the fuss is about? Either way, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of inflammation and how you can replace pro-inflammatory foods in your diet with delicious anti-inflammatory snacks instead.
How Can Food Be Anti-Inflammatory?
First of all, what exactly is inflammation? And what causes it? Inflammation occurs in the body when your immune system senses and subsequently attempts to fight off a foreign invader. These invaders can be anything from viruses and bacteria to chemicals or pollen. When an invader is actually present in your body, inflammation is a good thing. But sometimes inflammation persists even when there’s nothing to fight. This is known as chronic inflammation, and it has been linked to numerous health conditions such as arthritis, depression, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
So where does food come into play in all this? Well, research has pointed out that some foods may increase inflammation while others decrease it. This is partially due to the fact that pro-inflammatory foods (like those cooked in repeate dly used vegetable oil) lead to the production of free radicals while anti-inflammatory foods contain antioxidants. A healthy body needs a balance of free radicals and antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals and often contributes to chronic inflammation. The antioxidants present in anti-inflammatory snacks help fight back against this free radical damage.
Below, we’ve listed some examples of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods.
Pro-Inflammatory Foods:
Anything high in refined carbohydrates or saturated fats.
Red meat.
Artificial sweeteners.
Dairy products.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Omega 3 fatty acids (often found in fatty fish).
Nuts and seeds.
Green leafy vegetables.
Fruits (especially berries).
Coffee.
Why Reach for Anti-Inflammatory Snacks?
Aside from worsening existing inflammation, pro-inflammatory foods might also contribute to the development of serious diseases when consumed frequently and in large quantities. In fact, one study conducted in 2020 found that those who consistently ate pro-inflammatory foods were at a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and had a worse cholesterol profile compared to those who had a less inflammatory diet.
So, even if you don’t experience chronic inflammation, sticking to anti-inflammatory snacks could help lower your risk of developing health conditions associated with inflammation. In addition to cardiovascular disease, these conditions might include diabetes, cancer, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.
Choosing the Best of the Best
The best anti-inflammatory diet shouldn’t just avoid pro-inflammatory foods though. It should also make an effort to incorporate anti-inflammatory snacks as much as possible. When purchasing anti-inflammatory snacks, it’s important to keep an eye on the ingredients to make sure what you’re getting is truly made without any inflammatory agents. You may want to avoid foods containing artificial sweeteners, saturated fats, and excessive amounts of margarine or shortening. Snacks cooked in vegetable oil may also be pro-inflammatory.
Anti-Inflammatory Snacks for Every Type of Diet
Contrary to popular belief, making the switch to anti-inflammatory snacks is pretty easy. There are plenty of delicious anti-inflammatory foods out there that can fit in with just about any dietary restrictions. Let’s run through a quick list of a few examples.
Vegan Snacks
Fruits and veggies are perhaps the best examples of anti-inflammatory snacks that are also vegan. Green leafy vegetables (like spinach and kale) and berries (like strawberries and blackberries) are packed with antioxidants, helping your body combat oxidative stress caused by an imbalance of free radicals.
If you’re looking to spice up your boring fruit and veggie routine though, consider dipping your raw veggies in hummus for an added boost of anti-inflammatory properties. Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are also packed full of antioxidants. And, for our fruit lovers, try blending up a fruit smoothie or channeling your inner child with some applesauce. Applesauce is particularly high in fiber, making it another great addition to an anti-inflammatory diet.
Gluten Free Snacks
Found in various types of fatty fish, omega 3 fatty acids are a fabulous gluten free source of antioxidants. Examples of fatty fish include salmon, mackerel, herring, oysters, and anchovies. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the taste of fish, there are ways to make this snack more palatable. Consider trying out smoked dishes like smoked salmon and utilizing anti-inflammatory herbs and spices such as garlic, cloves, rosemary, or cilantro.
Nuts and seeds (like flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts) are another source of omega 3 fatty acids. Flax seeds and chia seeds can be easily incorporated into your usual breakfast routine, especially in oatmeal. Nuts like almonds and walnuts can be enjoyed on their own or with a very light sprinkling of sea salt.
Your One-Stop Snack: Jackson’s Chips
Looking for a snack that meets all the requirements we’ve talked about today? Look no further than Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips! Our delicious chips are vegan, gluten free, and made only with premium oils, never vegetable oil. In fact, some of our snacks utilize avocado oil, with avocados being a great source of antioxidants like vitamin E. Not to mention, sweet potatoes on their own have been classed as an anti-inflammatory food, making these chips a better-for-you alternative to the traditional potato chip, which is often drowned in saturated fats. Pick up a bag of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips online or in your local grocery store to start snacking super today!
Key Takeaways
Inflammation occurs when your body attempts to fight off an invading substance.
Inflammatory foods contain free radicals, which cause oxidative stress, while anti-inflammatory foods are high in antioxidants to combat free radical damage.
Replacing an inflammatory diet with anti-inflammatory snacks not only reduces chronic inflammation, but it could also lower your risk of developing certain health conditions related to inflammation, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.
Beware of snacks cooked in vegetable oil or that contain high amounts of artificial sweeteners and saturated fats.
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Healthy and Simple Paleo Snacks to Fuel Your Body
The paleo diet, short for the “paleolithic diet,” is one that emphasizes on the ingestion of whole, unprocessed foods. It’s meant to mimic the eating habits of human ancestors thousands of years ago. While it’s possible that the paleo diet contributes to overall better health, it can limit your snacking choices. Here’s a guide to selecting quick, paleo friendly snacks that are healthy and delicious!
What is the Paleo Diet?
Although it’s impossible to determine what exactly humans ate thousands of years ago, many researchers believe that it consisted of specific whole foods. The paleo diet is designed to resemble what human ancestors ate while incorporating modern meals. The idea follows the theory that a whole-based food diet with a physically active lifestyle contributes to better health.
Granted, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to approach the paleo diet. Since paleolithic humans had to rely on the resources around them, there are variations people can take with their meal planning. Some people focus more on low-carb nutrition rich in animal foods while others take the opposite approach with a high-carb, plant-based diet.
Benefits of the Paleo Diet
Studies conducted on the paleo diet suggest that it could contribute to weight loss and overall improvement in health. Many people also find the paleo diet a bit easier to accomplish than others since it focuses more on ingesting whole foods. The paleo diet is also unique in its emphasis on physical activity alongside meal planning, providing a comprehensive experience.
Although more research has to be conducted, it could have the potential to be a diet for type 2 diabetes treatment. Also, depending on what foods you select with the paleo diet, it may lead to better heart health. Some other potential benefits of the paleo diet include reduced blood pressure, improved gut health, and better cholesterol.
Read: Paleo vs Keto Diet
How to Select Paleo-Friendly Snacks
The great news about the paleo diet is that it’s relatively easy to find snacks to eat, even on store shelves! It’s also one that can be adapted and personalized to your specific needs and food interests. Generally speaking, the paleo diet consists of an everyday intake of meats, fresh produce, nuts, herbs, fats, and oils.
With that said, what should you try to avoid when selecting paleo-friendly snacks? One of the first to decline is dairy, sugar, or anything containing high-fructose corn syrup. This is because the paleo diet is designed to help you stay away from processed foods. You may also want to avoid some specific legumes, grains, and vegetable oils. When in doubt, always check the nutrition labels!
Delicious Paleo Snacks
Whole Fruit
Any whole fruit will make perfect paleo-friendly snacks. This is because whole fruits are rich with protein and plant compounds that contribute to decreased inflammation risks for chronic disease. Some examples of nutritious fruits to add to your paleo diet include apples, bananas, oranges, avocados, and pears. Fruit can also help you maintain a healthy body weight while being paired with other nutritious snacks like nuts, seeds, and nut butter. Make sure to purchase fresh fruit from the produce section when shopping for snacks.
Fresh Veggie Sticks With Dairy-Free Dip
You can never go wrong with fresh veggies! Along with their extremely nutritious properties, vegetables make for very flexible snacks that can be mixed and matched with other foods. Slice a variety of fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and celery for convenient snacks to eat on the go! These particular vegetables are low in calories while being high in vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants that make for a very healthy snack. If you need a little bit of extra flavor, pair your veggies with dairy-free dips.
Paleo Oatmeal
Although traditional oatmeal doesn’t fall under the paleo diet, it can be adjusted to meet your nutritional needs. Using grain-free oatmeal, mix together 1 cup (237 ml) of coconut milk with ¼ cup (28 grams) of almond flour. From there, sprinkle in ¼ cup of unsweetened coconut with 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed, 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon in a pot. Bring the oatmeal to a simmer until it reaches your preferred consistency. Finish it off with a paleo-friendly topping of your choice!
Paleo Friendly Sweet Potato Chips
If you’re in the mood for a crunchy, chip-like snack, certain brands of sweet potato chips (like Jackson's) fall under the paleo-friendly category! Even so, always make sure to check nutritional labels prior to purchasing sweet potato chips.
Are you currently looking for snacks that coincide with the paleo diet? Jackson’s is proud to deliver paleo-friendly sweet potato chips to fulfill your snacking needs! Browse through our online shop to order a packet of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips today!
Read next: Comparing Paleo vs Whole30
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Fiery Flavors: Hunan vs Szechuan
Chinese cuisine is often broken down into eight distinct schools based on region: Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Szechuan, and Zhejiang. Two of these regions that have gained the most recognition both in China and worldwide are the Hunan and Szechuan culinary schools. Although both schools utilize hot peppers, setting their dishes apart as distinctly spicy, the flavors are unique from one another due to their varying ingredients.
In this article, we will explore the origins of these schools as well as the similarities and differences between their flavor profiles. At the end, you can decide for yourself who comes out on top in the great battle of fiery flavors: Hunan vs Szechuan.
The Story of Szechuan
One of the most popular among the eight major schools of Chinese culinary arts is Szechuan cuisine. Szechuan cuisine (also known as Sichuan or Chuan Cai) comes from the Sichuan province located in southwestern China. Today, many people recognize Szechuan dishes as notably spicy, often utilizing hot peppers among the main ingredients. However, this heat was not always present in Szechuan cooking, instead evolving over time as the Sichuan region began experimenting with resources from other parts of the world.
Szechuan cuisine has been famous for more than 800 years, with restaurants dedicated to the unique style of cooking opening up in the capital during the Southern Song Dynasty. Originally, these dishes relied on animals that were plentiful in the region, including oxen, poultry, and freshwater fish. By the end of the 17th century, the hot pepper (eventually known as Sichuan peppercorns) had made its way over to the region from South America. To counteract the humidity in Sichuan province, locals began adding hot peppers to most dishes, eventually developing the unique flavor we know and love.
What Do Szechuan Dishes Taste Like?
If you’ve had Szechuan cuisine before, then you’re no doubt aware of its characteristically spicy flavor. But where does that flavor come from? What types of spices and ingredients are commonly found in these dishes that make them so unique?
Though the main flavor profile of Szechuan dishes involves heat and spice, other flavors like sweet and sour may also come through. The distinguishing ingredient of this Szechuan school, however, is the Sichuan peppercorn. But the Sichuan pepper isn’t just spicy. It also creates a distinct tingling or numbing sensation in the mouth. Alongside this unique pepper, you will often find chili, ginger, garlic, black pepper, and shallots.
The History of Hunan
Hunan cuisine also ranks among the eight major schools of Chinese culinary arts. This style of cooking, also referred to as Xiang cuisine, comes from the Hunan region located in southeastern China. Hunan cuisine also includes 3 distinct internal styles that correspond to regions within the area: Xiang River style, Dongting Lake style and western Hunan style.
Hunan cooking has been developing in China for more than 2,100 years, growing and changing as new ingredients were slowly introduced via trade. From the start, these dishes featured a wide variety of resources from the abundantly flourishing region, such as fish, crab, and even turtle as well as other types of game. Over time, it has expanded into over 4,000 unique dishes, many of which remain popular today.
What Do Hunan Dishes Taste Like?
Like Szechuan cuisine, Hunan dishes are well known for their spice. However, food from this region also features a distinct sourness and saltiness in its flavor profile. So where does this unique combination of flavors come from?
Many Hunan dishes include a chili sauce that uses vinegar alongside the chopped peppers. Not only does the vinegar bring a notable sour flavor to the dish, but it also is believed to provide cooling sensations for the body, creating a pleasant complexity of both flavors and sensations. Some Hunan cuisine also makes use of fermented chilis to bring about more sour and spicy flavors as well as fermented soybeans for a little bit of bitterness.
Distinguishing the Unique Szechuan and Hunan Flavors
Due to the humidity in both the Sichuan and Hunan regions, the cuisines hailing from these places heavily feature hot peppers as a way to help the local people eliminate dampness. However, the types of heat in these two schools of culinary art are very different. Szechuan cuisine utilizes the Sichuan peppercorn, which creates a numbing sensation in the mouth and requires the use of heavy amounts of oil. Hunan dishes, on the other hand, feature a dry spice that comes from various types of chili peppers. Due to this difference in spice, dishes from both regions have the potential to “out-spice” one another.
So spice alone isn’t enough to decide a winner between these culinary arts? Luckily, each cuisine also features an array of subtle flavors to accompany the characteristic heat. As we mentioned, Hunan dishes are often sour thanks to the use of vinegar and fermented ingredients in preparation. Szechuan cuisine, on the other hand, may be sour at times, but can also have a degree of sweetness or smokiness.
Hunan vs Szechuan: Who Wins?
So in this battle of flavors (Hunan vs Szechuan), which culinary school comes out on top? Is it the dry but subtly sour spice of the Hunan region or the numbing heat of the Sichuan region? The answer comes down to unique preferences. Those who prefer a more intense heat may enjoy Hunan dishes more while those who look for a unique type of spice may look to Szechuan dishes instead. We invite you to try both flavors and form your own ideas about which one reigns supreme.
If you’re a fan of these flavors, you may also want to try them in snack form! Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips has recently it's developing a Szechuan flavored chip of our own that aims to capture the authentic taste of Szechuan cuisine using real oils and high quality ingredients. To get your hands on a bag, you can visit our online store or your local grocery store.
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Uniting for Healthier Fats: Why We Joined The Clean Oil Crew
If you aren’t paying attention to what you eat, you likely consume industrial seed oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower oil without even realizing it. What you also might not realize is that consuming these oils regularly can have detrimental health effects. That’s why more brands are joining the Clean Oil Crew, a collaborative group dedicated to promoting more sustainable cooking oils. These are alternatives to harmful and environmentally-unfriendly options like vegetable oil.
What Is The Clean Oil Crew?
The Clean Oil Crew is an organization created by multiple businesses dedicated to promoting cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable alternatives to commonly used inflammatory oils. Five companies founded the Clean Oil Crew in March 2022 and the group is consistently growing.
Why Are Clean Oils So Important?
There are several reasons why all of the organizations in the Clean Oil Crew are so dedicated to eliminating inflammatory industrial oils and promoting alernatives like coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil and ghee.
Trans fats: Some industrial oils are high in trans fats. Consumed in excess, these can contribute to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other health concerns. Margarine and non-hydrogenated vegetable oil frequently contain trans fats. Margarine and non-hydrogenated vegetable oil can be found in some ice cream and cookies.
Omega-6 vs Omega-3 imbalance: Human bodies need both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to function, and we can only get these from our diet. We need to get a proper ratio of these fatty acids, about 1:1, to thrive.
Even so, the Western diet encourages people to eat significantly more omega-6 than omega-3. This causes imbalances that can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other severe problems. Oils like soybean, corn, and other seed oils contain omega-6 and can contribute to nutrition imbalances, meaning you should not consume them in excess.
One of the founders of the Clean Oil Crew explained the importance of clean oils when making food: “Vegetable and seed oils are becoming more and more common in our natural food world, which is why we called upon A Dozen Cousins, Cappello’s, Primal Kitchen, and RIND Snacks to help us educate consumers about the processing of clean oils and the benefits of these oils to human health.”
Charles Coristine, CEO of LesserEvil, explained in a press release, “we want everyone to join us and redefine what it means to be a clean brand and conscious consumer.”
Which Brands Are A Part Of The Clean Oil Crew?
Five businesses founded the Clean Oil Crew. They all share the organization’s mission to encourage consumers and other brands to make a change when it comes to the clean unrefined oils they ingest. Since the organization’s start in early 2022, multiple other companies have joined the cause, including Jackson’s.
A Dozen Cousins
A Dozen Cousins creates healthy and sustainable ready-to-eat products inspired by Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American recipes. A Dozen Cousins uses alternatives like avocado oil rather than more common yet unhealthy options.
Cappello’s
Cappello’s sells grain-free pasta, frozen pizza, and vegan cookie dough. Using healthy, sustainable options like coconut oil and olive oil, Cappello’s can reinvent fan-favorite dishes while keeping the flavors you love the most.
LesserEvil
LesserEvil creates various lines of trendy, healthy alternatives to your favorite foods in the snack aisle. Options include Organic Popcorn, Grain-Free Organic Puffs, Grain-Free Egg White Curls, Keto Certified Mini Cookies, and Veggie Sticks.
Primal Kitchen
Primal Kitchen is your one-stop shop for healthy condiments, sauces, cooking oils, pantry staples, and more. You won’t find unhealthy choices on your digital grocery trip to Primal Kitchen. Instead, you’ll discover nutrient-dense oils like avocado oil.
RIND
RIND Snacks makes dried fruit products that include the peel, minimizing waste and using only the most natural of ingredients.
Jackson’s Joins Clean Oil Crew
Jackson’s joined the Clean Oil Crew family in late September 2020 along with other businesses including Brad's Plant Based, which produces veggie chips. Daily Crunch makes nut products while Dalci's makes healthy brownies and blondies. Elavi offers superfood nut butter and various other products.
The team at Jackson’s understands the importance of using clean oils in products. Jackson’s was founded thanks to a family’s need for healthier options after finding that they were rarely available on the shelves at local grocery stores.
“When our son Jackson was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder, our top priority was to find ways to ease his symptoms,” said Megan and Scott Reamer, founders of Jackson’s. “After much trial and error, we discovered that a high-fat, low-carb diet—with an emphasis on coconut oil and other premium fats—greatly improved both his health and quality of life.”
“We set out to make our own [snack foods],” they further explained. “We began cooking locally-grown, thinly-sliced sweet potatoes low and slow in coconut oil on our stovetop. The results were delicious!”
How To Join The Clean Oil Crew
The Clean Oil Crew is always looking for more brands that understand the importance of raising awareness about how vegetable and seed oils affect our health and environment.
If you are a brand interested in joining the Clean Oil Crew or you are a consumer who wants to nominate a brand to join the Clean Oil Crew, fill out the form on the coalition’s official site. In the meantime, check out our delicious selection of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips made with clean oils!
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Kettle Chips vs. Regular Chips: Snack Showdown
Few snacks are as iconic as the mighty potato chip. Today, you have lots of options: ridged chips, regular chips, kettle chips, potato crisps, and more. Of these options, kettle chips are actually the oldest and most traditional. These chips are beloved for their crunch, but how do they compare to today’s regular potato chips? In the battle of kettle vs regular chips, there’s a lot to consider when making your choice.
Kettle vs Regular Chips
Kettle chips are made the same way that the very first potato chips were. They are made from sliced potatoes (thicker than normal) fried in a kettle or vat of hot oil. This submersion process does several things for the flavor of the chip. Each time a new batch of potatoes are added, the temperature of the oil drops and the potatoes take slightly longer to cook. This means that the starch is able to absorb more moisture and dissolve, resulting in a thick, crunchy chip with a richer flavor.
Regular chips are made with a process called continuous fry. This process involves the potatoes being fried on a conveyor belt which continuously moves through hot oil kept at a steady temperature. These chips take less time to cook, making them lighter and crispier than kettle chips.
Jackson’s chips come in many varieties including Classic Kettle and Sweet Potato Chips. Both are kettle-cooked in avocado oil!
Read: Why Avocado Oil Kettle Chips are Taking Over
Are Kettle Chips Healthier?
Not always - kettle chips and regular chips are both made of potatoes fried in oil. Any nutritional difference comes from the type of oil used and flavorings added to the chip. However, some chips are better for you than others. Chips made with quality, real-food ingredients are going to have fewer negatives. Look for chips that avoid cheap, poor-quality ingredients. You can also look for chips made with nutritious, nutrient-dense oils like avocado oil.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional value of potato chips varies based on what is added to the chips during the cooking process. Some chips are ultra processed with colors, flavorings, and preservatives. Others are produced with real ingredients, which lets the natural taste of the potato come through. This keeps saturated fat and sodium levels as low as possible.
Are Kettle Chips Gluten Free?
Potatoes don’t have any gluten in them. Thus, by nature, kettle chips are gluten-free. However, there’s always a chance of cross-contamination in any chip production facility. Additionally, some flavorings may have gluten in them. These include malt vinegar and anything containing wheat starch.
Flavoring Variety
Kettle chips come in many varieties and flavors. If you have a favorite regular potato chip flavor, it’s likely that you’ll be able to find that same flavor in a kettle chip. Due to their longer cooking process, kettle chips usually have a more intense flavor than regular chips.
Jackson’s chips come in many varieties including Sea Salt, Carolina BBQ, and Farmhouse Ranch. Each of these flavors is fresh and delicious, but more importantly, they’re safe for families with gluten sensitivities. Compared to some mass-market options, everything we use in our chips is gluten-free.
Acrylamide and Potato Chips
One additional health concern that people have about potato chips is exposure to acrylamide. Acrylamide can form when starchy foods like potatoes are baked, roasted, or fried at high temperatures. Acrylamide is a carcinogen, but not when you eat it.
There is no link between cancer and dietary acrylamide. The risk of acrylamide comes when you are exposed to it for years during heavy industrial processes. In other words, you don’t need to worry about it and you can continue to enjoy potato chips!
The Benefits of Avocado and Coconut Oil
The type of oil a chip is fried in makes a huge health difference. Most commercially produced chips are fried in seed oils such as corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil. These oils are cheap and easy to produce. They don't have a heavy flavor and are favorites for big industrial batches of chips.
However, seed oil-free oils like avocado and coconut, make a world of difference. Avocado oil is beneficial for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, inflammation, and digestion. It contains antioxidants and can enhance the absorption of important nutrients. Coconut oil can improve your HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels and is also an important source of antioxidants. It’s a good source of energy for your brain, too!
About Sweet Potato (and Classic) Chips
Another important chip consideration isn’t just kettle vs regular chips, but potato vs sweet potato chips. At Jackson’s Chips, we only use classic white and premium sweet potatoes for our chips. Sweet potatoes are lower on the glycemic index than regular potatoes and are packed with nutrients.
When you compare sweet potatoes to regular potatoes, you’ll notice that sweet potatoes have more fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. They’re an amazing source of vitamin A as well as beta-carotene.
Read: Sweet Potatoes vs Regular Potatoes
Jackson’s Cooking Process
At Jackson’s, we want to make the tastiest and best chips possible. For us, this means sourcing potatoes and frying them in clean, nutritious avocado oil. We kettle cook all of our chips at low heat, which allows our clean oils to maintain their nutritional value. Lower heat also cooks the potatoes through to give them a uniform crunch without leaving them full of oil. Our cooking process means that you are able to get the full benefits of sweet potatoes and oil without losing nutrients to heat or overprocessing.
We believe that our small-batch chips are the most amazing snacks you can eat. Our chips can be found online or in many national retailers. This includes Costco, Sam’s Club, and many more. Look for our products in a store near you and see for yourself where you stand in the battle of kettle vs. regular chips.
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10 Amazing Vegan Snacks
While being on a vegan diet is rewarding, it can also be difficult to find foods that don’t contain animal products. Plus, if you don’t have the time or appetite to make a full meal, you need to eat something to temporarily sustain your body. Thankfully, there are a variety of vegan-friendly snacks to choose from!
Healthy Vegan Snacks
As difficult as it may appear, many vegan-friendly snack options are very easy to make. There are several foods that require little to no preparation and are easily found in grocery stores or online. You might even be surprised to learn that snacks like Oreos and Sour Patch Kids are completely vegan! Even so, if you’re looking for healthier snack alternatives, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some examples of vegetarian and vegan snacks that are delicious, nutritious, and convenient!
1. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a classic snack that can contain a wide variety of nutritious ingredients. It’s a completely plant-based food that can be a great source of protein, fiber, and fats. Vegan-based trail mix is mixed with foods such as seeds, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, coconut, whole grains, and chocolate. When buying trail mix from the store, pay close attention to its nutrition information to make sure they’re completely vegan. You can also make your own trail mix at home with your favorite ingredients.
2. Fruits With Nut Butter
Fruits paired with your favorite choice of nut butter are always going to be flavorful and nutritious. Fruits are an important part of the vegan diet since they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Meanwhile, nut butter is both low carb and rich in protein to help you feel energized. You can choose specific nut butter without additional sugars, salts, and oil if you’d like to increase your snack’s nutritional value. Some popular combinations include bananas and apples with peanut, cashew, or almond butter.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are circular, yellow legumes that are packed with nutritional value. Just one cup of chickpeas provides up to 14 grams of protein along with 71% of the daily value (DV) for folate. Chickpeas are particularly delicious when baked and roasted! Using your preferred choice of seasonings and oil (we recommend avocado oil), you can bake chickpeas to create a crunchy snack! Place them on a baking sheet and place them in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until they reach your desired texture.
4. Edamame With Sea Salt
If you’ve never heard of edamame, you’ve likely seen them without even realizing it. This is just a fancy word for an immature pod of soybeans. Even so, when boiled or steamed, these little plants become a highly nutritious snack! One cup of edamame contains up to 17 grams of protein in less than 200 calories. Once they’ve been prepared by means of boiling or steaming, add a little sea salt before chewing on the edamame, enjoying the beans inside.
5. Guacamole With Crackers
Guacamole is the quintessential vegan dip. Made from avocado, lime juice, garlic, and onion, it perfectly complements a variety of other vegan-friendly snacks! Guacamole can be made at home or purchased without additional ingredients like sugar and salt. Since it’s made from avocado, it’s a very nutritious dip full of monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber. Paired with 100% whole grain crackers, guacamole is a very nutritious snack!
6. Fruit Leather
Looking for alternative fruity snacks? Look no further than fruit leather! These delicious and healthy snacks are made from thinly flattened fruit puree. These are dried and sliced before being made as vegan-friendly snacks. These include similarly nutritious ingredients as their fruit counterparts. Fruit leather can also be rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Even so, if you purchase pre-packaged fruit leather, make sure to read the labels carefully to avoid added sugars or colors.
7. Smoothies
A snacking staple, smoothies are incredibly adaptable and capable of being made of fruits or veggies. They’re great for busy people as they can be packaged and consumed on the go. Many people pair fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals to get their necessary nutrients. Smoothie bases can consist of plant-based milk or water with foods such as bananas, spinach, berries, or kale.
8. Nut and Fruit Bars
Need a quick snack to get you through the day? A fruit or nut bar will be able to energize you until your next meal! It should be mentioned that certain brands are more vegan-friendly than others, so it’s always important to read nutrition labels carefully. Some well-known vegan brands include LaraBars, KIND bars, and GoMacro bars. You can also make your own fruit and nut bars so you know exactly what you’re consuming and which nutrients your body needs.
9. Dark Chocolate
Contrary to popular belief, certain types of chocolate can be somewhat healthy in moderation. Many people need to satisfy their sweet tooth somehow, but that can feel difficult when on a vegan diet. If you need a sweeter snack to satisfy your taste buds, eat a few bars of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is also very versatile, capable of pairing up with many of the previously mentioned snacks. Try to look for dark chocolate bars with at least 65% cacao to get some nutritional benefits from its plant compounds.
10. Veggie Chips
On the flip side, if you’re in need of something a little more crunchy and salty, veggie chips are a fantastic vegan snack. If you’d like to make them yourself at home, check out our homemade sweet potato chips recipe. Of course, you can visit our online store to purchase a bag of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips today!
Depending on the type of vegetable you choose, veggie chips can be very nutritious. For example, sweet potato chips are an excellent low calorie source of vitamin A.
If you’re on a vegan diet and searching for the perfect snack to invigorate your day, look no further than Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips! Our delicious munchables are completely vegan, gluten free, and paleo-friendly, making them a great addition to any healthy vegan snack list.
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