These snacks aren’t just like butta, they are butta! When I get hungry between breakfast and lunch, I usually need protein so I’m always on the lookout for easy-to-carry, protein-filled, gluten-free snacks.
You may immediately think of protein bars, and of course there are some gluten-free protein bars. My favorite are the KIND Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew flavor, but let’s face it, they contain 14g of sugar, 22g of carbs and only 4g of protein so they aren’t ideal for frequent consumption. I have to treat them more like candy bars.
James likes to point me toward beef jerky, but I’m not a big fan. I find it tiring to chew. Rolled up slices of sandwich meat and cheese require refrigeration, so I can’t just throw them in my purse or car. I do sometimes carry a container of raw almonds and golden raisins with me, but they require a bulky container that I don’t always have room for.
While wandering through the store the other day, I finally studied the nut and seed butter squeeze packs standing upright in a variety of boxes near the powdered peanut butter. I’ve seen them before, but have never taken time to really investigate. After studying the packets, it became clear that these are a great option for me.
These single serving squeeze packs can be eaten right out of the pack or smeared on some gluten-free crackers, apple slices, or celery sticks. They don’t require refrigeration. They’re small enough to fit in my purse. And the butters come in an amazing array of flavors – almond, cashew, pecan, hazelnut with chocolate, and sunflower to name a few.
There are many brands available. Some contain only 1g of sugar or less. Once Again Organic Cashew Butter contains no sugars, 5g of protein, and no sodium. I would prefer a little salt added for flavor, but a salty cracker is sufficient enhancement for this light flavored nut butter. Once Again Organic Sunflower Seed Butter has 95mg of sodium, 3g of sugars, and 5g of protein. The flavor leans toward the sweet rather than salty.
Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter reflects a well-known flavor combination. It contains 4g of protein and 7g of sugars in a 32g serving. You may be more familiar with this flavor profile in the form of Nutella which has 2g of protein and 21g of sugars per 37g (2 tbsp) serving. Justin’s has a more defined flavor of hazelnut and the hint of bitter you’d expect from dark chocolate. It does not taste like dessert, but it is pleasing on the palette and nutritious enough to put on your child’s toast in the morning.
I have a couple of favorites already that I’ve thrown in a plastic bag in my purse. (Having witnessed an exploding foil packet of mayonnaise shoot 8ft across a restaurant, I wouldn’t recommend carrying these without the added protection of a plastic bag unless you want a nut butter mess in your purse or briefcase.) Before I tear them open, I’ll knead the packets to distribute the oil evenly.
It feels comforting to know that without having to plan ahead, I have a high-protein, low-carb, gluten-free snack on hand when I need it.
Problem solved…like butta!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
https://www.onceagainnutbutter.com/consumer-product-list
http://shop.justins.com/Chocolate-Hazelnut-Butter/p/JNB-000490&c=
http://www.artisanaorganics.com/squeeze-packs/
https://www.caloriecount.com/calories-kind-dark-chocolate-cherry-cashew-i290171
http://www.calorieking.com/foods/calories-in-nut-spreads-hazelnut-spread_f-ZmlkPTg4NTYw.html