Things I Love: Salty Snacks

I love salty snacks (I also love ice cream, dark chocolate and gummy, fruity candy, but that’s a story for another day). Salty snacks are where it’s at but they can be tasty and healthy at the same time (novel concept, I know). [Aside: I craved – and ate – salt and pepper Kettle chips so often when I was pregnant with Jack that I ended up with a very sad gallbladder and had to have it removed when Jack was 6 months old. Salty snacks can be very bad, though still delicious and on the upside, now that I don’t have a gallbladder, I don’t have a gallbladder attack when I eat those chips – whoot!]

Here are my favorites to nip a salt craving in the bud without requiring a pesky surgery after too much indulgence:

1. Popchips | Have you had these? If not, you need to find them now – I’ve seen them at Costco, Meijer and Target. They come a multitude of flavors (I’ve had the BBQ and Salt & Pepper varieties) and are delicious and like nothing else I’ve ever snacked on. I served the BBQ ones at Jack’s birthday party and the very large Costco bag was all gone when everyone went home, though I still had plenty of tortilla chips and crackers left. Plus a serving size is 22 chips – can’t say that about traditional potato chips, can you?
   
2. Smokehouse Almonds | Another favorite of mine – there is something about the saltiness mixed with the smokiness that is addictive. Liam also loves these and likes me to make him a snack mix with the almonds, raisins, marshmallows and Craisins. Do yourself a favor, try them very soon (like today).
3. Whole grain tortilla chips with tomatillo salsa | Really, the tortilla chips are just a means to an end here, I love the Meijer Gold Roasted Tomatillo Salsa – I could just eat it plain, but that would be weird so instead, I throw in some tortilla chips and call it good. Goodness, my mouth is watering.
4. Bagel thin toasted w/ margarine and sprinkled with garlic salt | When it comes to savory foods there isn’t much I don’t like garlic salt on but it can’t be a snack by itself, enter: bagel thins, a perfect little delivery system for the garlic salt, all warm and buttery. If you prefer something cold, cucumber wedges are also great with garlic salt.
5. Butter braid or pumpernickel pretzels with hummus | Snyders makes the best pretzels and they have some fun varieties that add a little spunk to the normal pretzel. And pair them with some garlicy hummus and you have the perfect combination.

Now what are you waiting for, go grab a snack!