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Striving to Live a Healthier, Happier Life
Avocado Oil
Grapeseed Oil: What It Is, How It’s Made, and Why We Skip It
Grapeseed oil looks “clean” but it’s often highly processed, ultra‑high in omega‑6 and oxidation‑prone. Jackson’s explains why we choose more stable, minimally processed avocado oil instead.
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Educational
The Ultimate Guide to Grain-Free Snacking: Feel Good, Snack Better
Discover grain-free snacking made joyful—clean ingredient swaps, label tips, plus crunchy, sweet and protein-packed picks cooked in avocado oil for better energy and less inflammat
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Educational
Lunchbox Ideas for Picky Eaters
This blog was written by Lauren Mahesri, pediatric dietitian and the founder of The Pediatric Dietitian.
Finding lunchbox ideas for picky eaters that are easy, nutritious, and something your kiddo will actually eat can feel like an impossible job. It’s easy to worry if they’re getting enough nutrition, especially during the busy school day.
But the good news is that school lunches don't have to be complicated! With some simple strategies, you can help your kids meet their nutritional needs while avoiding an untouched lunchbox.
So let's review an easy structure for packing lunches, tips for picky eaters, and practical lunchbox examples to get you started.
How to Build a Better Lunchbox
Packing lunch becomes much easier when you follow the same simple structure and rotate through different foods. It helps save you time while making sure you're packing foods that meet your kid's nutritional needs.
As a pediatric dietitian, here's the lunchbox structure I recommend (Aim for 1–2 foods from each category):
Protein: meat, dairy, eggs, or plant-based options like nuts or beans. This gives your kids steady energy and helps them feel full throughout the afternoon.
Fiber: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, or seeds. Although 95% of kids don't eat enough fiber, it's an important part of regulating their digestion and keeping them full. Snacks like Jackson’s Super Veggie Straws are a great way to help kids meet their fiber goals with 2 grams of fiber per serving through natural sources like yellow peas, sweet potato, and brown rice.
fat: avocado, nuts, nut butter, full-fat dairy, or packaged snacks made with real oils (like avocado oil or olive oil). Because fats are needed for energy and brain development, it's important to look at the oils used in your kid's food. Jackson's chips and veggie straws are made with avocado oil which is a nutrition powerhouse that not only keeps kids full, but is also nutritious and anti-inflammatory. Because ingredients matter, the type of oil can make all the difference in your kiddo's school lunch.
Something fun: a favorite food, a new snack, or even something simple cut into a fun shape. This keeps kids interested and engaged with their lunch.
Tips for Packing Lunch for Picky Eaters
Make fruits and veggies fun. Offering fruits and vegetables in different shapes, textures, or formats can help get your picky eater interested. Cut fruit into “fries” with a crinkle cutter, swap in freeze-dried fruit for crunch, or use kid-friendly veggie options like Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips.
Use food chaining. Start with a food your kiddo already likes and make small changes to slowly expand their palette. For example, if they love crunchy crackers, Jackson’s Super Veggie Straws can be a bridge toward more complex flavors of vegetables.
Always include a "safe" or "preferred" food. Pack at least one favorite item so your child feels comfortable and is more likely to eat the rest of the meal.
Choose "easy to eat" foods. The lunch room can be busy and distracting. Pre-cut foods, peel fruit ahead of time, and use containers that are simple to open.
5 Better-for-You Lunchbox Ideas
Now that we have a simple structure and tips to keep kids interested, here are 5 nutritious lunchbox ideas for picky eaters.
Lunchbox 1: Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups with Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips
Turkey + cheese roll-ups (wrap deli turkey and cheese in a tortilla, cut into pinwheels)
Pre-cut strawberries
Baby carrots with ranch
Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips
Lunchbox 2: Mini Pita Pizzas with Jackson's Super Veggie Straws
Mini Pita Pizzas (whole grain pita, marinara sauce, cheese, baked until melted)
Apple slices with sunflower butter
Raisins and nuts trail mix
Jackson's Super Veggie Straws
Lunchbox 3: Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla with Jackson’s Kettle Chips
Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla (whole grain tortilla, shredded chicken, cheese)
Steamed edamame
Cheese stick
Orange slices
Jackson’s Kettle Chips
Lunchbox 4: SunButter & Jelly Sandwich with Fruit Kabobs and Jackson's Super Veggie Straws
SunButter & jelly sandwich on whole grain bread
Fruit kabobs (grapes, melon, strawberries)
Yogurt cup
Jackson's Super Veggie Straws
Lunchbox 5: Snacky Lunchbox Sampler
Cheese cubes
Pepperoni or salami slices
Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips
Cucumber slices with hummus
Chocolate chip granola bar
FAQ
What should I do if their lunchbox comes back uneaten?
This is common with picky eaters, but it’s a chance to get feedback and work together. Many kids struggle to describe their food experiences and simply label foods as “good” or “bad.” Ask specific, descriptive questions like: Was it too soft? Too mushy? Too spicy? Did it smell funny? This helps them communicate what they do and don’t like.
What are allergy-safe options to pack in a lunchbox?
There are plenty of safe choices that avoid the top 9 allergens (milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame). Some ideas include:
Protein: chicken, turkey, beef, beans, quinoa
Fiber: apples, carrots, blueberries, green beans, sweet potatoes
fat: avocado, sunflower seed butter, olive or avocado oil
Kid favorites: rice cakes, popcorn, fruit cups, veggie chips
Should I avoid seed oils in my kid’s lunch?
While seed oils can be controversial, there’s no solid research showing they’re harmful to children’s overall health. They often get a bad reputation because they’re commonly found in highly processed foods that lack nutrients, but seed oils can play a role in promoting normal, healthy inflammation (the kind that helps the body respond to illness and heal). Since seed oils are already common in our food system, look for unsaturated fats like avocado oil and olive oil as a great way to balance overall fat intake.
How do I prevent snacks from replacing the main meal?
Picky eaters often prefer snacks because they’re easy to eat and familiar. Use this to your advantage! Lunch can still be balanced and nutritious if you follow the structure of protein + fiber + fat + favorite food. Treat snacks as part of the meal, not a replacement.
About Lauren Mahesri
Lauren Mahesri is a pediatric dietitian and the founder of The Pediatric Dietitian, a private practice specializing in picky eating, sports nutrition, and ADHD nutrition. With a background in child development and nutrition, she became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist through the University of Houston and has since combined her love for food and working with kids into a career she’s deeply passionate about.
Before starting her private practice, Lauren spent years teaching culinary school for kids and working in clinical gastroenterology. These experiences showed her just how powerful food can be in shaping a child’s health and how overwhelming it can be for parents trying to navigate it all. She launched her practice to support families with real-life, evidence-based nutrition strategies that make a lasting impact.
Lauren works with children from birth through age 18 on a wide range of nutrition concerns, including picky eating, weight gain or loss, metabolic conditions, teen athlete performance, and starting solids with confidence.
Connect with Lauren on Instagram.
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Educational
Your Friendly Guide to the Top 9 Allergens: Decoding the Label
Decode the Top 9 allergens and snack worry-free: Jackson’s guide exposes hidden sources, shares label tips, and offers Top 9 allergen-free snacks made with real ingredients
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Educational
Simplicity is Sweet: Delicious, Seed Oil-Free Snacks with Few Ingredients
Discover simple, seed oil-free snacks: Jackson's avocado-oil chips and veggie straws plus clean, few-ingredient picks like Poptime, Rise, Safe Catch, and Wonderful Pistachios.
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Educational
Kosher Snacks Without Seed Oils: Crunch, Nosh, and Feel Good About It
Discover kosher, seed-oil-free snacks: from avocado-oil kettle chips and protein bars to tuna pouches and dark-chocolate bark, clean ingredients, big flavor, snack guilt-free.
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Educational
Non-GMO Snacks Without Seed Oils You Can Feel Good About
Discover tasty non-GMO, seed-oil-free snacks - from Jackson's avocado-oil chips to fruit bars, nuts and oat bites - plus quick tips for spotting cleaner, real-ingredient treats.
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Avocado Oil
Is Safflower Oil a Seed Oil? Your Guide to Avoiding Inflammatory Fats
Safflower oil is a seed oil - often highly processed and high in omega-6s that can drive inflammation. Choose avocado oil: minimally processed, monounsaturated and heat-stable.
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Educational
Chicken and Sweet Potato Chip Casserole Recipe | Tim Clowers
Recipe by Tim Clowers, see the full recipe here.
This chicken and sweet potato chip casserole is a comfort dish with a guilt free healthy side! The chicken is crusted in potato chips placed over rice to deliver all the textures and the ease you crave for a busy weeknight meal.
My nephew had a brilliant idea to make a 'healthier' casserole with some sweet potato chips we had on hand. We then took it a step further to make it Gluten Free by swapping out the Cream of Chicken for Heavy Cream. Both casseroles turned out amazing! Our kids typically ask for the Cheeseburger Casserole or Southern Chicken Casserole, but we may have found a new favorite with this one!
What is Dredging
Dredging is the process that gives your meat a crisp well-adhered crust. It's a standard breading procedure. To get your breading to stick to your meat, it's important you follow the steps in order.
PAT MEAT DRY. You want to make sure your raw chicken is patted dry with a paper towel before coating it in the flour.
SEASONING FLOUR. Before dunking the chicken in the flour, mix seasonings in to further flavor your chicken. Think of the flour as the "glue" for the egg wash.
EGG WASH. Dunk floured chicken into the egg but don't let it sit and soak in the bowl. Just coat it and remove it.
FINAL COATING. Lastly, place the chicken in a bowl of your crust topping. Here, we just crushed up sweet potato chips from Jackson's. Press the coating onto the chicken to make sure it's completely coated.
Ingredients
1 Lb Chicken Breasts sliced thin
5 Oz Bag of Sweet Potato Chips
1¼ Cup Rice Flour
5 Eggs
4 Cups Cooked Rice
10 Oz Birds Eye Mixed Vegetables
10.5 Oz Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup or heavy cream for gluten free
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
1½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
Prepping and Dredging Chicken
Mix together seasonings. Mix half the seasoning into a bowl of 1 ¼ Cup of Rice Flour.
Scramble eggs in a second bowl. Finely crush up potato chips in a ziplock bag and then place into a third bowl.
Pat chicken dry and then coat with rice flour.
Dunk floured chicken into egg bowl and coat completely. Don't let the chicken breasts sit in the egg wash.
Coat chicken in the crushed potato chips. Firmly press the crumbs onto the chicken.
Air fry the chicken breasts for 12 minutes on 350°F. Flip half way. Preheat oven to 350°F for baking later.
Building the Casserole
Season the cooked rice with the remaining seasoning. Mix in the bag of vegetables and cream of chicken into the rice.
Start the build the casserole by placing the rice mixture on the bottom of a baking dish and pressing it down with a spatula. Top the rice with ½ of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Once chicken is cooked, slice it and place onto the cheese layer in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Want more Tim Clowers recipes?
Find more recipes by Tim Clowers here. Get more inspiration by following @cookitwithtim on Instagram.
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Educational
What Is Canola Oil, Anyway? The Truth About This Seed Oil
At Jackson’s, we’re obsessed with real, wholesome ingredients and incredible snacks. That’s why we craft our snacks with the finest ingredients, like our beloved real avocado oil. We believe in transparency and empowering you, our snack-loving community, to make informed choices about what you put into your body.
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on an ingredient that’s become a household staple, often marketed as a “healthy” choice: canola oil.
You’ll find it in countless processed foods, restaurant fryers, and even on grocery store shelves positioned right next to olive oil. But is canola oil truly the health hero it claims to be, or is there more to the story? Let’s dive in.
What Is Canola Oil, Anyway?
Canola oil comes from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, a member of the mustard family. While rapeseed oil has been around for centuries, its traditional form contained high levels of erucic acid, which was deemed undesirable for human consumption.
In the 1970s, Canadian plant breeders developed a new variety of rapeseed with significantly lower erucic acid content. They cleverly renamed it "canola" – a portmanteau of "Canada" and "ola" (for oil low acid) – to give it a more appealing image and distance it from its less-desirable predecessor. And just like that, a new industrial oil was born.
Read: Is Canola a Seed Oil?
The Marketing Machine: Why Canola Oil Became So Popular
Canola oil quickly gained traction due to several factors:
"nutritious" Claims: It was promoted as a low-saturated fat alternative, rich in monounsaturated fats (like olive oil) and omega-3s (specifically ALA). This aligned perfectly with the low-fat craze of the late 20th century.
Cost-Effectiveness: It's cheap to produce on a massive scale, making it attractive to food manufacturers and restaurants looking to cut costs.
Neutral Flavor & High Smoke Point: Its mild taste and ability to withstand high temperatures make it versatile for cooking and frying.
Sounds good on the surface but let’s look beyond the marketing.
The Hidden Concerns: What They Don't Always Tell You
While canola oil is often touted for its omega-3 content, there are some significant points of contention for those of us who prioritize whole, minimally processed foods:
Industrial Processing: Creating canola oil is far from a simple press. It involves a highly industrial process:
High Heat & Chemical Solvents: Rapeseeds are often heated to extract the oil efficiently. Then, chemical solvents (most commonly hexane) are used to extract the remaining oil.
Degumming, Bleaching, & Deodorizing: The crude oil undergoes further refining steps, including degumming (to remove impurities), bleaching (to improve color), and deodorizing (to remove strong odors and flavors). These processes involve high heat and can alter the chemical structure of the fatty acids, potentially leading to the formation of trans fats and oxidized byproducts.
Omega-3 vs. Omega-6 Imbalance: While canola oil contains ALA (an omega-3 fatty acid), it's also high in omega-6 fatty acids. The key isn't just the presence of omega-3s, but the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. Modern diets are already heavily skewed towards omega-6s, which, in excess and out of balance with omega-3s, can contribute to inflammation in the body.
Oxidation & Rancidity: Highly polyunsaturated oils like canola oil are inherently less stable than monounsaturated or saturated fats when exposed to heat, light, and air. This means they are more prone to oxidation, especially during the refining process or when used for high-heat cooking. Oxidized fats are known to create free radicals, which can damage cells in the body.
GMO Status: A significant portion of canola crops are genetically modified to be resistant to herbicides, allowing for widespread spraying of these chemicals. For those concerned about GMOs and pesticide residues in their food, this is a major consideration.
Read: Canola Oil Substitutes
Our Stance: Why We Choose Avocado Oil Over Canola Oil
At Jackson’s, our mission is to create snacks that taste incredible and make you feel good. That’s why we made the deliberate choice to never use canola oil or other industrial seed oils in our products.
Instead, we champion avocado oil, and here’s why:
Minimally Processed: High-quality avocado oil is typically expeller-pressed from the fruit's pulp, without harsh chemicals or extreme heat. It’s a true fruit oil, much like olive oil.
Rich in Monounsaturated Fats: Avocado oil is predominantly made up of oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fat, similar to the fat found in olives.
High Smoke Point & Stability: Its high smoke point makes it incredibly stable for cooking and frying, meaning it's less likely to oxidize and create harmful compounds.
Neutral Flavor: Like canola, it has a mild, neutral flavor that allows the natural taste of our ingredients to shine through.
Nutrient-Rich: Avocado oil contains antioxidants and beneficial compounds naturally found in avocados.
Empower Your Plate: Read Your Labels
The good news is, you have the power to make informed choices. Start by reading ingredient labels diligently. You might be surprised where canola oil pops up – from salad dressings and mayonnaise to crackers and baked goods.
At Jackson’s, we're proud to offer you snacks made with the quality ingredients you deserve. When you reach for a bag of Jackson’s snacks, you can trust that you're choosing a snack free from industrial seed oils and full of flavor, made with the goodness of avocado oil.
Read next: All About Seed Oil-Free Mayonnaise
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Educational
The New Party Snacks Playbook: Tasty Treats Without Seed Oils
Are you throwing a party but don’t want to invite seed oils? Well, you're in for a treat because we're about to lay out a spread of party snacks for you without seed oils. Whether a halloween, thanksgiving, holiday, birthday, or other kind of party– you can have your cake (or in this case, your snacks) and eat it too!
Why no Seed Oils?
First things first, let's talk about why we're avoiding seed oils. These sneaky cheap oils have been making their way into our snacks for years, but more and more wellness-conscious people are saying "no thanks" to ultra processed foods and oils. Why? Well, they're often highly refined and can contribute to inflammation. Yikes! But don't worry, we've got plenty of delicious alternatives to keep the party going with no seed oils. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free snacks included below.
Seed Oil-Free Snacks That'll Rock Your Party
1. Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips: The Hero of the Snack Table
Let's kick things off with the star of the show – Jackson's chips! These crispy, crunchy kettle-cooked delights are the perfect alternative to traditional chips. Made with pure premium avocado oil, they're a seed oil-free way to satisfy your savory snack cravings. Plus, they are vegan, gluten free, and non-GMO so your guests will keep reaching for more. Pro tip: Set out a few bowls of various epic flavors along with new Super Veggie Straws around your party space for easy munching!
2. DIY Trail Mix: A Nutty Adventure
Who doesn't love a good trail mix? Create your own by combining your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Throw in some dark chocolate chunks (make sure no seed oils) for a sweet surprise. It's customizable, easy to make in bulk, and perfect for guests to grab by the handful.
3. Fried Pickles: A Tangy Twist
Believe it or not, you can make delicious fried pickles without seed oils! Use coconut oil or avocado oil for frying, and coat your pickle slices in a mixture of flour and spices. They're crispy, tangy, and totally addictive! Here’s a Fried Pickles recipe from our blog.
4. Veggie Platter with Homemade Dip: A Colorful Crowd-Pleaser
Let's hear it for the veggies! Arrange a rainbow of crunchy carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes on a platter. Pair them with a homemade dip for the win. It's fresh, it's healthy, and it's sure to brighten up your snack table.
5. Hummus: The Middle Eastern MVP
Homemade hummus is a party must-have! Blend up some chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a creamy, dreamy dip. Serve it with veggie sticks or seed oil-free crackers for a snack that'll have everyone coming back for more. Or skip the hassle and grab a tub of store-bought seed oil-free hummus.
Read: Cheetos Alternatives and Fritos Substitutes for Your Next Seed oil-Free Event
6. Edamame: The Green Machine
Steamed edamame pods are not only fun to eat but also packed with protein. Sprinkle them with a bit of sea salt, and watch as your guests get hooked on popping these little green soybeans out of their pods.
7. Dates and Nut Butter: Nature's Candy
For a sweet treat that won't send you into a sugar coma, try stuffing dates with almond or peanut butter. They're nature's version of a candy bar, and they're absolutely delicious!
8. Popcorn: The Classic Reinvented
Who says you need seed oils for perfect popcorn? Pop your kernels in coconut oil or use an air popper, then sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It's a great gluten-free option that's always a hit!
9. Zucchini Fries: The Veggie that Thinks It's a Fry
Move over, potato fries! Zucchini fries are here to steal the show. Coat zucchini sticks in chips and spices, then bake until crispy. They're a lower-carb alternative that's just as satisfying as the real deal. Here’s our fave Zucchini Fries recipe.
10. Cheese Crisps: For the Cheese Lovers
Here's a super easy one: sprinkle small piles of shredded cheese on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. These cheese crisps are crunchy, savory, and perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet. For a seed oil-free brand alternative, try Whips or Moon Cheese.
11. Energy Balls: Bite-Sized Energy Boosters
For a sweet and healthy treat, whip up some energy balls using dates, nuts, and cocoa powder. They're easy to make ahead of time and provide a quick energy boost for partygoers.
12. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Spice Things Up!
Got an air fryer? Put it to good use with some buffalo cauliflower bites! They're crispy, spicy, and a great vegetarian alternative to chicken wings. Serve with a side of celery sticks and dairy-free ranch for dipping.
13. Charcuterie Board: The Ultimate Party Pleaser
No party is complete without a charcuterie board! Load it up with seed oil-free cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and olives. It's customizable, looks impressive, and caters to a variety of dietary needs.
14. Mango Guacamole: A Tropical Twist
Give your guacamole a fruity makeover by adding diced mango. The sweetness of the mango pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and zesty lime in this recipe. Serve with veggie sticks or seed oil-free tortilla chips for a snack that screams "fiesta"!
Conclusion: Party On, Seed Oil-Free!
Hope you are inspired now with party snack ideas that ditch the seed oils but keep all the fun and flavor! From the crispy deliciousness of Jackson's chips to the spicy kick of buffalo cauliflower, these snacks prove that healthy eating can be downright delicious.
Remember, throwing a party isn't just about the food – it's about bringing people together and creating memories. But with these seed oil-free options, you can feel good about nourishing your guests with snacks that are as good for the body as they are for the taste buds.
So go ahead, plan that party, invite your friends, and get ready to snack happy! With these seed oil-free options, your gathering is sure to be a hit.
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Educational
Craving That Crunch? 7 Better Swaps for Fritos That Satisfy
We all know the feeling. It's mid-afternoon, you need a little pick-me-up, and the craving for a salty, crunchy snack hits hard. For many of us, that brings to mind classic corn chips like Fritos—a snack known for its signature crunch and savory flavor.
But what if you’re looking to clean up your pantry and fuel your body with better ingredients? Many conventional snacks are made with highly processed grains and fried in industrial seed oils (like corn, canola, or sunflower oil).
The great news is you don’t have to give up the satisfying crunch you love. You just need to make a few smart swaps. Upgrading your snack game is about choosing options made with real-food ingredients and high-quality, stable oils. Here are seven healthier, better-for-you alternatives to Fritos that will crush your craving without the compromise.
1. The Superior Chip: Jackson’s Kettle Chips in Avocado Oil
Let's start with the most direct swap. If you want a chip, choose a better chip. Instead of processed corn and seed oils, reach for a snack made with nutrient-dense vegetables and a real oil that can stand up to heat.
Our Pick: Jackson's Kettle Chips
There’s a reason we’re so proud of our kettle chips. We start with non-GMO potatoes, slice them, cook in 100% premium avocado oil, then perfectly season them. This gives you that irresistible crunch and savory flavor you crave, but from a source you can feel great about. They are a great gluten-free, top 9 allergen-free vessel for your favorite guacamole or seven-layer dip.
2. The Tropical Twist: Plantain Chips
Looking for a sturdy, scoopable chip with a unique and delicious flavor? Plantain chips are a fantastic grain-free option. Made from thinly sliced green plantains, they offer a hearty crunch that holds up to even the thickest dips.
A Great Choice: Barnana Organic Plantain ChipsBarnana is a brand that gets it right. Their plantain chips are cooked in 100% coconut oil and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The result is a slightly sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying chip that is both Paleo-friendly and delicious.
3. The Veggie Powerhouse, Reimagined
When you reach for a veggie straw, you should be getting actual veggies, right?
Our New Fave: Jackson’s Super Veggie Straws™
That’s why we created a snack that puts the “super” in Super Veggie Straws. Forget the empty potato starch fillers found in other brands. We packed ours with a powerhouse blend of real vegetables and grains, including yellow peas, brown rice, cassava, and sweet potato.
Of course, they're always made with 100% real avocado oil (never seed oils!) for that perfect, satisfying crunch. Whether you’re craving classic Sea Salt, zesty Ranch, or savory Cheddar, there’s a super dippable flavor for everyone. Best of all, our Super Veggie Straws check all the right boxes, making them vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and free from the Top 9 allergens. These aren't your ordinary veggie straws—they're SUPER.
Read: Are Veggie Straws a Better-for-You Snack? The Truth Behind Popular Brands
4. The Savory Grain-Free Curl
Sometimes you want a crunch that’s a little lighter and airier than a chip. That’s where curls come in, and there are some amazing better-for-you options on the market.
LesserEvil has created a cult following for a reason. LesserEvil Power Curls are made from nutrient-dense, grain-free ingredients like cassava, sweet potato, and pumpkin. They are tumbled in high-quality avocado oil or coconut oil and seasoned to perfection. The Himalayan Pink Salt flavor is a fantastic Fritos swap.
5. The Protein-Packed Crunch: Pork Rinds
If you’re a meat eater and are looking for a savory, salty crunch that’s also high in protein and naturally free of carbs, look no further than pork rinds (or chicharrones).
When made well, they are a fantastic snack. The key is to find a quality brand like Uncle Ray's. Not all pork rinds are created equal! Look for brands that use high-quality pork and fry the rinds in their own rendered fat—no added seed oils. The result is a light, airy, and incredibly crunchy snack that will keep you full and satisfied.
6. The Cheesy Crisp: Baked Cheese Bites
For the dairy lovers out there, this is a game-changer. Snacks like Whisps or Moon Cheese are made from one simple ingredient: cheese. It's baked into a crunchy, savory, bite-sized crisp that’s packed with protein and fat. They’re naturally seed oil-free and have a rich flavor that stands up well on its own or as part of a snack plate.
7. The DIY Champion: Baked Polenta Crisps
Want to get hands-on in the kitchen? Making your own crisps is the ultimate way to control every ingredient. For a texture surprisingly similar to a corn chip, try baked polenta.
To make these crispy polenta slices, start by selecting a tube of pre-cooked polenta and slicing it as thinly as you can. Gently toss the slices with a bit of melted avocado oil, ghee, or tallow, then sprinkle them generously with sea salt. Arrange the slices in a single layer and bake them until the edges turn golden brown and crisp, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Upgrade Your Snack, Don’t Sacrifice It
Living a wellness-focused lifestyle doesn’t mean your food has to be boring. As you can see, there are plenty of incredible, delicious, and satisfying snacks that can take the place of old, processed favorites. The key is to read labels and look for simple, real-food ingredients and healthy fats like the avocado oil we use in all of our snacks. Also, always check labels to confirm products meet your dietary needs before eating.
Ready to upgrade your pantry? Explore our full line of snacks and discover just how good a better-for-you snack can be.
Read next: Game Night Snacks
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