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Striving to Live a Healthier, Happier Life
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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Recipe
Carolina BBQ Chip Nachos | Tim Clowers
Recipe by Tim Clowers. See it here.
Carolina BBQ Chip Nachos! This is what you should make for gameday so entice all your friends that your home is the place to be. BBQ Chip Nachos using @jacksonsnacks Carolina BBQ Potato Chips are a must have.
Ingredients:
1 - 5oz Bag of Jackson’s Carolina BBQ Chips
1.5 Cups of Chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
12 oz Canned Pinto Beans, drained
3/4 Cup BBQ Sauce
2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
1/4 Cup Onion (I used a sweet onion)
2 Medium Tomatoes
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Sour Cream for topping
Green Onion for topping
Cilantro for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to a broil.
Toss the shredded chicken in 1/2 Cup of BBQ Sauce. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, toss drained pinto beans with Cajun seasoning. Lightly mash the beans with a spoon. (Can also choose not to mash them at all)
In an oiled 10-inch skillet, layer chips evenly on the bottom. Then, layer in this order: BBQ Chicken, beans, 1/2 the tomatoes, onion, drizzle of remaining BBQ Sauce, and top with cheese.
Place in the oven for 5 minutes or until everything is warm and cheese is melted.
Top with green onion, cilantro and remaining tomatoes. Optional - Serve with sour cream and extra BBQ Sauce.
Want more Tim Clowers recipes?
Find more recipes by Tim Clowers here. Get more inspiration by following @cookwithtim on Instagram.
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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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Recipe
French Onion Dip | Tim Clowers
Recipe by Tim Clowers. Watch this recipe in action here.
It's a crowd favorite and so easy to make ahead of time. Better served cold, we make this ahead of events and then set in the fridge until guests arrive. We used to make huge batches of this for our catering business and people went crazy for it. In this recipe I'll show you how easily it's made, what to serve with your French Onion Dip along with some tips and frequently asked questions.
Ingredients:
Butter
Sour Cream
Red Onion
Garlic Powder
Jackson's Kettle Chips for serving
Instructions:
Dice onions
In a skillet on medium heat, melt the stick of butter. Then add in onions and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Caramelize onions by stirring occasionally in the skillet and cooking for 35-40 minutes. I stired about every 5-7 minutes to make sure nothing burderned.
Remo onions from heat and stir in sour cream and garlic powder. Place micture in a bowl, cover and refirgerate for at least 2 hours.
French Onion Dip made easy serving it up with some Jackson's Potato Chips for the perfect Tailgate or Holiday Gathering.
Want more Tim Clowers recipes?
Find more recipes by Tim Clowers here. Get more inspiration by following @cookwithtim on Instagram.
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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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Avocado Oil
Cozy Up, Snack Smart: Delicious Fall Snacks Without Seed Oils!
Cozy fall snacking without seed oils: Jackson’s curates tasty, wholesome picks—avocado-oil chips, savory sticks, granola, bars and more—so you can crunch smarter this season.
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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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Retailers
Seed Oil-Free Snack Run at Walgreens: 8 Finds
Walgreens snack run: 8 seed oil-free picks: from Jackson's avocado-oil chips (our top pick) to coconut-oil popcorn, pistachios, Siete chips, RXBARs and cookies. Shop smart.
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Recipe
Hedgehog Cheese Ball with Super Veggie Straws | Tim Clowers
Recipe by Tim Clowers, see it here.
Get ready to be the SUPER star of your next gathering with this adorable hedgehog cheese ball that's as fun to make as it is to devour! This creamy, dreamy cheese blend gets its spiky personality from Jackson's Super Veggie Straws™—the perfect dipping vessel that brings serious crunch factor to every bite. Made with heroic ingredients and cooked in real avocado oil, our Super Veggie Straws don't just look the part, they deliver that satisfyingly snappy texture that makes this hedgehog absolutely irresistible. Zero compromise on flavor, maximum points for cuteness!
Ingredients
1/2 Cup Blue Cheese, crumbled
8 Oz Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese
1 Cup Fuji Apple, peeled and diced
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Lemon Zest
1 Tbsp Shallot, diced
5 Dates, diced
1 Tbsp Buttermilk
Jackson's Super Veggie Straws™
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
Form into a cheese ball.
Roll up in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hr before serving.
Decor Tip: Make a hedgehog with veggie straws and dates for the eyes and nose.
This little guy proves that better-for-you snacking doesn't mean sacrificing the fun! Our Super Veggie Straws bring that impossibly light crunch and dip-worthy texture that transforms an ordinary cheese ball into something extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a party or just treating yourself to an elevated snack moment, this hedgehog delivers serious flavor satisfaction with every perfectly dippable bite. Time to hero your snacking game—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Want more Tim Clowers recipes?
Find more recipes by Tim Clowers here. Get more inspiration by following @cookitwithtim on Instagram.
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Avocado Oil
Go Dairy-Free (and Ditch the Seed Oils!) with These Cheezy Snacks
There’s something universally comforting about a cheesy snack. The savory, rich, umami flavor hits a certain spot that few other things can. But what if you’re dairy-free, lactose intolerant, or simply choosing to eat cleaner? For years, that meant giving up on that satisfying "cheezy" goodness.
Not anymore.
The world of dairy-free snacks has grown with incredible options that deliver that cheesy flavor you crave, without a drop of dairy. But here at Jackson’s, we believe going dairy-free is only part of the battle. To truly create a better-for-you snack, you also have to pay attention to the oils they’re cooked in.
That’s why we’re committed to using only real avocado oil—never inflammatory, highly-processed seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. We believe in the power of good fats to carry great flavor.
Ready to find your new favorite cheesy, dairy-free, seed-oil-free snack? We’ve rounded up the best of the best, from crunchy chips to impossibly light veggie straws.
The A-Team: Our Avocado Oil-Cooked Favorites
When it comes to the perfect crunch and clean ingredients, we’ve got you covered. We start with nutrient-dense ingredients and cook them in real avocado oil to create a snack that crushes both flavor goals and your better-for-you demands.
Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips - Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored
What’s better than a classic cheddar flavor? A classic cheddar flavor with a tangy sour cream finish. We take our non-GMO sweet potatoes, give them a thick, wavy cut (perfect for dipping!), and kettle-cook them in avocado oil. The result is a chip that’s unbelievably crunchy and satisfying. Our vegan Cheddar & Sour Cream seasoning is the perfect savory complement to the natural sweetness of the potatoes. It’s a flavor combo that’s both nostalgic and revolutionary.
Jackson's Super Veggie Straws™ - Cheddar Flavored
These aren't the veggie straws you grew up with. Ours are SUPER! We build them from a nutritious blend of real veggies—yellow peas, brown rice, cassava, and sweet potato. Then, we cook them in real avocado oil for an impossibly perfect crunch and a clean finish. The final touch? A rich, bold, dairy-free cheddar seasoning that delivers all that cheesy, finger-dusting goodness you've been missing. They’re Top 9 Allergen free, vegan, and a warning: may cause empty bag syndrome.
Read: Air fried vs Kettle Cook (Fried) Snacks
More Seed Oil-Free Cheezy Snack Options
While we’re partial to our avocado oil-cooked chips, we love celebrating other brands who are also committed to clean ingredients and ditching processed seed oils.
LesserEvil No Cheese Cheesiness Organic Popcorn
For the classic movie night vibe, LesserEvil delivers. They air-pop tender butterfly popcorn and tumble it in organic coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt, and a nutritional yeast-based seasoning. It’s light, fluffy, and perfectly cheesy without any dairy.
Siete Grain Free Queso Puff Snacks
Siete gets it. As a fellow avocado oil brand, they’ve created incredible grain-free queso puffs made from lentils. They have a light, airy texture and a bold queso flavor inspired by their Texas roots, all thanks to a dairy-free seasoning blend featuring nutritional yeast and spices.
Brad's Crunchy Kale: Cheeze It Up
Get your greens and your cheese fix in one go. Brad’s air-dries organic kale that’s been coated in a powerful blend of sunflower seeds, chickpea miso, and nutritional yeast for a "cheeze" flavor that’s packed with 8g of protein per bag. It’s a purposeful snack that leaves empty calories behind.
PumThins Smokey Chedda Cheeze Crackers
Made from a blend of pumpkin seeds and cassava flour, these crispy crackers are cooked in olive or avocado oil. The smoky paprika and cheesy nutritional yeast create a salty, crispy, and totally snack-worthy cracker that’s perfect for dipping or enjoying all on its own.
Note: Formulations can change—always check the allergen line for milk/whey/casein. “Lactic acid” and “natural flavors” can be vegan, but check brand if unsure.
Related: Salty Snacks without Seed Oils
Get Your DIY Cheeze On
Want to bring that dairy-free cheesy flavor into your own kitchen? The secret ingredient is Nutritional Yeast (affectionately known as "nooch"). This deactivated yeast is packed with B vitamins and has a naturally nutty, cheesy, and savory flavor.
Here are a few simple ways to use it:
"Cheezy" Roasted Chickpeas: Drain and dry a can of chickpeas. Toss them with a tablespoon of avocado oil, a generous shake of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until crispy.
The Ultimate Popcorn Topping: Drizzle your freshly popped popcorn with melted coconut oil or a high-quality avocado oil. Sprinkle generously with nutritional yeast and fine-grain sea salt and toss to coat.
5-Minute "Cheezy" Sauce: Whisk together 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 2 tablespoons of warm water, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and garlic powder. Drizzle it over steamed veggies, baked potatoes, or your favorite Jackson’s snack!
No Dairy, No Seed Oils, No Compromise
Living a dairy-free and seed-oil-free lifestyle doesn't mean living a flavor-free one. As you can see, the world is full of delicious, crunchy, and satisfyingly "cheezy" options.
So next time a cheese craving hits, check the ingredient label for good fats and clean ingredients. Or better yet, just grab a bag of Jackson’s snacks. We’ve already done the work for you
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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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