I’m always in search for new snack-time options for the family. But when I think of snack-time, I don’t usually turn to the latest wasabi and soy sauce flavored chips and crackers, or the Oreo Creme filled Chips Ahoy cookies — no, I’m talking healthy snacks, tasty snacks, energy-filled snacks, and basically good-for-you snacks.
That’s not to say we don’t indulge in the overindulgent snack from time to time, but when the family is hungry between meals, and we need some energy to get us through swim practice or homework time, I’m in search of something that will make the kids happy, and not make me feel guilty about serving it to them.
My recent Favorite Find is Bonga Foods’ new line of baobab products.
The baobab (BEY-of-bab) fruit is a sub-saharan African superfood, and is from a tree that has long been a pillar of African existence. Often called the ‘Tree of Life,’ the baobab tree produces a super fruit that is exceptionally high in soluble fiber and vitamin C; rich in minerals and electrolytes; is bursting with antioxidants; and is one of the few plant sources of calcium.
The new Bonga Foods line includes Baobab Superfood Chews, which are delicious little treats that we love to simply plop in our mouths. The kids love the flavor (they come in Mango, Pomegranate, Raspberry and Strawberry), and I love the fact that they are filled with goodness. Based onUSDA and Brunswick Labs data, the Superfood Chews provide better antioxidant support for your body than the top 10 fruits consumed in the U.S. The chews contain 28 percent of the daily value for dietary fiber; 60 percent Vitamin C; and an antioxidant ORAC value of 10,000 – more than dried goji berries (6,400), cherries (2,720) or blueberries (1,162).
Also newly available is the Superfood Powder, which consists of over 50% fiber by weight, the majority of which is soluble fiber. That is over 10 times the antioxidant power of blueberries, pomegranate, goji berries, and even acai. Gram for gram, it has even more calcium than milk.
Both the chews and the powder can be used in a variety of ways:
The powder has a light, tangy flavor that is the perfect addition to smoothies, baked goods, and oatmeal. Simply mix with water, juice, or yogurt, or stir into cookie batter, pancakes, and muffins.
The Chews are great for snacking right out of the bag, but also in homemade granola, trail mix, and even as a substitute for jam or jelly in a PB and Chew sandwich. Naturally sweet with no sugar added, it’s a delicious healthy alternative to high-sugar preserves, (If you’ve a nut allergy, try Yum Butter’s Superfood Organic Sunflower Spread).
Visit the company website for more delicious recipes and to order.
Bonga means gratitude in Zulu, which is the mantra behind California-based Bonga Foods. In addition to bringing a good-for-you snack to market, the company believes in the power of sustainable harvesting and giving back. That is why 10% of all Bonga profits go to the foundation they have set up to further this cause. The mission of the Bonga Foundation is to empower women and children throughout the world, while supporting local harvesters, and encouraging the sustainability of the baobab tree in sub-Saharan Africa through the fair and ethical trade of baobab fruit.
Learn more about the Bonga Foundation.
