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Tag: Snacks

  • ‘This would kill someone’: Kentucky woman opens Ritz. Then she sees something that could pose a serious allergy risk—and it’s not disclosed anywhere

    One Kentucky woman thought she was getting regular, buttery Ritz Crackers. Then, she opened the package and smelled something suspicious. 

    Raven Brackens (@rae_rnb) expressed her concerns about a fairly peanut-y smelling package of Ritz, a product that does not list peanuts on its ingredients list. Concerned for those with severe nut allergies, she posted a warning video on TikTok that now has over 10,000 views. 

    “ So I just opened a fresh pack of Ritz, right,” Brackens shared while wearing white gloves. “And I was looking at these and I was like, is that peanut butter? And it is. It smells like peanut butter. And nowhere on the box does it say, ‘may contain nuts made in a factory with nuts.’” 

    To her, it seemed very clear that the Ritz may be a contamination hazard. In her video, at least three Ritz crackers had an unknown brown ‘gunk’ that looked suspiciously like peanut butter. 

    “Selling ‘plain’ crackers without clearly stating they’re made in a peanut facility is dangerous. Food allergies aren’t a suggestion,” Brackens stated in her video’s description. 

    Could Ritz Crackers be an allergy risk?

    The possibility of peanut contamination for Ritz crackers is not zero, as Mondelez International does make some of its crackers in factories with peanuts. But Mondelez International has not listed peanuts among the ingredients of Ritz crackers. 

    There are Ritz cracker peanut butter sandwiches available on the market, but only some Ritz cracker facilities make them. Ritz has multiple factories across the U.S., and while some packages have warnings that say the package was made in a facility with peanuts or that they may contain peanuts, others do not. 

    Ritz also hasn’t had many recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings issued that state that the original Ritz crackers contain peanuts. In 2025, did the FDA issue a warning against Ritz crackers, as their variety pack of cheese and peanut butter crackers contained incorrectly labeled snacks. The cheese-filled crackers had a “peanut butter” label on them. But that is the most recent example of an FDA warning against the company. 

    Are food protections getting worse?

    Many commenters claimed that issues with Ritz might be related to a much bigger issue in the United States: the FDA’s recent financial and structural changes.  

    So, is it true that food protections and general standards are getting worse? 

    The Trump administration proposed an astonishing 11 percent cut to the FDA, but the white House’s proposal was never approved. However, the overall budget did decrease going into 2026. In one of the FDA’s statements, the administration stated it would “continue to consolidate work to core functions and mission-critical activities.” 

    The FY 2026 budget, according to the administration’s summary fact sheet, was reduced by 271 million. Ultimately, though, there hasn’t been any significant reporting that indicates this reduction could lead to complete, critical failures from the FDA. There’s nothing that could indicate that the FDA is specifically “dropping the ball” when it comes to statements on recalls. 

    Viewers generally recommended reaching out to Mondelez International so that it can issue a voluntary recall and potentially pay Brackens for the inconvenience. This advice could inevitably help consumers, as there’s a chance Mondelez International is completely unaware of any contamination issues at facilities. 

    More directly, however, viewers recommended advocating for better food safety standards and more oversight over product expectations. The FDA has been described as having longstanding issues: In a previous article published by The Mary Sue, a consumer found small particles in a Great Value pure granulated sugar bag that looked like microplastics. Some viewers cite recent changes to food safety as an issue directly related to the current FDA and changes happening on an administrative level. 

    The FDA is changing at an incredibly fast rate due to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. There may be benefits from some (but definitely not all) of the public health secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s changes to the FDA. For instance, the elimination of the incredibly criticized GRAS system, which allows chemicals and substances to avoid FDA oversight, could be beneficial. But these changes are coming haphazardly and without technical oversight. That means that they’re often being implemented too quickly, leading to internal issues. 

    Ultimately, though, there isn’t necessarily a direct correlation between this event and FDA changes. It’s just possible that they’re related. It’s more likely that any peanut butter substance found on Ritz crackers is a direct result of a manufacturing defect, requiring an immediate recall. 

    @rae_rnb Selling ‘plain’ crackers without clearly stating they’re made in a peanut facility is dangerous. Food allergies aren’t a suggestion. @Ritzcrackrs @RitzCrackersID #foodallergy #crosscontamination #fypツ ♬ original sound – Raven_N_Brackens

    The Mary Sue reached out to Mondelez International and Brackens for comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Rachel Thomas

    Rachel Thomas

    Rachel Joy Thomas is a music journalist, freelance writer, and hopeful author who resides in Los Angeles, CA. You can email her at [email protected].

    Rachel Thomas

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  • Expert-Approved Bedtime Snacks That Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar

    Bedtime snacks often get a bad rap, but healthy options certainly do exist. The key is looking for one that won’t spike your blood sugar right before bed, inhibiting precious sleep in the process. (Of course you won’t want anything with caffeine, and alcohol isn’t the best idea either). Instead, sleep specialists recommend opting for food groups that will satisfy your hunger, keep blood sugar levels steady, and provide some relaxing benefits to boot.

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  • The Return of Nostalgic Snacks

    The return of nostalgic snacks is here as Millennials and Gen Z rediscover childhood favorites and retro food trends.

    In an era dominated by plant-based everything, functional foods, and minimalist packaging, something unexpected is happening in grocery aisles and on social feeds: the return of nostalgic snacks. Old-school treats are back in a big way. Younger Millennials and Gen Z—groups often associated with innovation and disruption—are enthusiastically embracing the very treats their parents (and grandparents) grew up with. From neon-colored chips to retro candies and even vintage drink rituals, the past is suddenly delicious again.

    RELATED: The Best Cocktails For Holiday Day Drinking

    So why now? Part of the answer lies in comfort. After years marked by global uncertainty, rising costs, and nonstop digital noise, familiar flavors offer emotional grounding. A cheese puff that tastes exactly like it did in elementary school or a candy bar unchanged since the 1970s delivers something modern snacks often can’t: predictability. For Gen Z especially, nostalgia isn’t just about personal childhood memories—it’s also about borrowing joy from earlier eras they know through pop culture, TikTok clips, and family stories.

    Social media has poured gasoline on the trend. Vintage snacks photograph well, spark instant recognition, and encourage storytelling. A single post featuring a classic fruit chew or foil-wrapped chocolate can ignite comment sections filled with “I forgot about these!” and “My grandma always had these.” Brands, noticing the engagement, have leaned in with throwback packaging, limited-edition reissues, and even revived recipes.

    Among the snacks currently back in vogue are classic potato chips with bold, unapologetic flavors, mall-era soft pretzels, toaster pastries, and old-school candies like wax bottles, chewy taffies, and powdered sweets. Snack cakes—once dismissed as outdated—are enjoying renewed popularity as ironic indulgences turned sincere favorites. Even lunchbox staples like pudding cups and peanut butter crackers are finding new life among twenty-somethings stocking home offices instead of lockers.

    Then there’s the revival of retro drink culture, including one of the quirkiest traditions of all: Hot Dr. Pepper. Long before cold soda was the unquestioned norm, Dr Pepper promoted the idea of gently heating the soda and pouring it over a slice of lemon. Originating in colder climates and popularized in the mid-20th century, the drink was marketed as a cozy winter warmer. Today, Hot Dr. Pepper is resurfacing online as a novelty experiment—and surprisingly, many young drinkers love it. Served warm, the soda’s 23 flavors become spicier and more aromatic, blurring the line between soft drink and comfort beverage. For a generation which embraces curiosity and remixing traditions, it’s the perfect rediscovery.

    RELATED: Upgrade Your Gift Game and Avoid the Lame

    What makes this snack renaissance especially interesting is it isn’t anti-modern. Gen Z and Millennials are pairing nostalgic treats with contemporary values—sharing them sustainably, remixing them into recipes, or enjoying them as occasional indulgences rather than everyday staples. It’s not about rejecting the future; it’s about reclaiming the joy of the past.

    In the end, nostalgic snacks are back because they make people feel something real. In a world constantly pushing what’s new, there’s comfort—and a lot of fun—in opening a package tasting exactly like a memory.

    Sarah Johns

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  • Founder of $100 million company never unplugs from work, but encourages her team to have work-life balance: ‘They didn’t sign up to be entrepreneurs’ | Fortune

    Founders can find it hard to step away from work when their company rests on their shoulders. The concept of having “work-life balance” has sparked fierce debate among entrepreneurs, who question if it’s even possible to have the best of both worlds: scaling a multimillion-dollar business, with enough downtime to recharge. Two-time founder Nicole Bernard Dawes is a strong advocate of unplugging from the job—but only for her employees. 

    “I think I probably am a little bit of a hypocrite, because I don’t unplug. I never do,” Dawes tells Fortune. “I never want to be the person that’s holding up a member of our team.”

    The serial entrepreneur encourages her staffers to totally disconnect from work once they’re off the clock, but doesn’t give herself the same breathing room. Having scaled two companies to success, she’s assumed the responsibility of always being on for decades. Dawes first founded organic, non-GMO tortilla chip brand Late July in 2003, which currently lines the aisles of Targets, Whole Foods, Krogers, and Walmarts across the country. Campbell’s acquired a majority stake of the business in 2014, eventually buying the rest of the $100 million company in 2017. In 2018, Dawes broke into another consumer packaged goods (CPG) market again, this time with zero-sugar, sustainably packaged soda line Nixie. The brand raised $27 million in new funding earlier this year, with its products being sold in over 11,000 major grocery stores. 

    With more than two decades of entrepreneurship under her belt at Late July, Dawes had pushed through economic downturns and many sleepless nights. But the hardships didn’t stop her from returning to the startup scene as Nixie’s founder—having grown up in the business world, Dawes is not so easily deterred. However, she doesn’t want work to overtake her staffers’ lives.

    “I signed up for this. I am the entrepreneur, I did this to myself—a self-inflicted situation. [My employees] didn’t sign up to be entrepreneurs,” Dawes says. “I am very comfortable taking downtime, but also making sure I’m available.”

    Dawes says never unplugging is “my life”—and she grew up in it

    Many leaders out there, like Google cofounder Sergey Brin, expect their staffers to clock in more than the typical nine-to-five job. But Dawes doesn’t hold her her employees to have the relentless work-ethic of entrepreneurs who pride themselves on having no personal lives. 

    “I think that where a lot of [leaders] differ, is extending that to their team. I feel very strongly that it should not extend to the team,” Dawes explains. “But I also feel like that is how I grew up. My father missed a lot of stuff because he felt like that was what you had to do. So I was determined I wasn’t gonna do that. I wanted to be present at things for my kids, and I wanted [it] to be okay for our team to be that way, too.”

    Dawes witnessed the pitfalls of entrepreneurship as a kid growing up in her parents’ food businesses. She spent her childhood years working the front counter of her mother’s health-food store, and roaming the floors of her late father’s $4.87 billion snack empire: Cape Cod Chips. As a kid in a family running two businesses, Dawes says it could be difficult for her parents to step away from the job. So when she decided to follow in their footsteps as a two-time founder of successful CPG brands, she knew exactly what to expect. 

    “When you decide to become an entrepreneur, there’s a lot of people [saying], ‘It’s stressful, it’s lonely, it’s all these things.’ And that’s true, but this is where I was really fortunate: I grew up in this business, so I entered eyes wide open,” Dawes says. “That’s why it’s really important to be passionate about your mission, passionate about your products. Because you do have to sacrifice a lot on the other side.”

    Dawes still makes time for the important things

    While Dawes admits she has difficulty stepping away from the grind, she still makes time for the things that keep her sane. 

    “You have to choose what’s the most important thing in that moment. I don’t think as an entrepreneur—at least for me—I’ve never really, truly, been able to shut off completely,” Dawes says. “But I also make time to have family dinner almost every night. There were things that were priorities to me, and I still make them priorities, like going out for a walk every day or exercising.”

    The entrepreneur also loves hitting the beach, reading, and cooking—and despite it feeling like a chore to many, Dawes really enjoys going to the grocery store. She calls it her “hobby”: observing what new products are stocked on shelves, and what items shoppers are gravitating towards. It’s gratifying to witness people pick up a bag of Late July or a case of Nixie drinks to bring home to their families, something she feels immensely grateful for. While getting her brands into those grocery aisles has been no easy feat, it’s all been worth it in the end. Dawes says passion is what eases the weight of her work-life balance. 

    “Sometimes when I wake up in the morning like, ‘I can’t even believe I’m this lucky that I get to do this job,’” Dawes says. “And because I feel that way, it doesn’t feel like working. I’m getting to do something fun all the time.”

    Emma Burleigh

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  • Influencer-fueled protein trends are reshaping everyday snacks and weight goals

    New diets come and go often, but every now and then, some stick around. The latest: protein. Everyone seems to be looking for more ways to add it to their diet.From coffee shops to grocery stores, you couldn’t miss the promotion of protein even if you tried. But how much do you need? Doctors and nutritionists say it’s less than what social media might lead consumers to believe. Prioritizing protein isn’t new, but the number of people doing so is.”Things tend to go to an extreme at first,” said Kim Flannery, director of nutrition at the Wisconsin Athletic Club. “And I think that’s kind of where we are right now.”It’s everywhere, from social media influencers and now in coffee shops.For the first time, Starbucks added protein to its menu of drinks, even allowing customers to add it to their cold foam on top of their coffee.The trend has continued at the grocery store, too.Emilie Williamson with Metro Market said she’s seen a substantial increase in protein-filled snacks. “A big goal of ours is to meet shoppers where they’re at,” Williamson said.Walking down the aisle of your local grocery store, you will quickly find protein in many everyday snacks, like muffins, cereal, pretzels, chips, and even protein pastries.Dr. Lisa Morselli, assistant professor in the division of endocrinology at Froedtert Hospital in Wisconsin, said this is where she gets worried about the quality of the product.”These are all foods that are pretty processed,” Morselli said. “The protein snack marketing probably gives people license to snack without really paying attention to what they put in their mouth.”Morselli believes the trend has been influenced by social media.Morselli said those on GLP-1 weight loss medications need more protein in their diet for muscle gain.Separately, those looking to lose weight can find success in protein, too, according to Dr. Morselli.”Protein is involved in the control of hunger,” Morselli said.Morselli explains that protein-rich foods can make you feel full longer.Protein can also be great for balancing blood sugar levels. But for muscle gain or weight loss, protein isn’t a magic pill, either.”It’s not that if you take a higher protein, or if you have a higher protein intake, it will magically protect your muscles; you still need to exercise them,” Morselli said.Flannery said when talking to nutrition clients, she hopes to emphasize that protein is just one piece of the pie. “People tend to focus so much on the protein that they tend to lose the balance,” Flannery said.Flannery worries the trend of sharing personal protein goals could be going too far.”One number does not by any means apply to everyone,” Flannery said.Flannery said personal protein goals are different for everyone, with age, sex and activity levels all taken into consideration.According to the recommended dietary allowance, when calculating protein goals, the person should take .36 grams of protein per pound of body weight.For example, if the person weighs 150 pounds, a modest protein goal would be around 54 grams of protein.Arguably more importantly than any goal is the quality of protein the person is consuming.”A lot of the health problems that we have are due to the, all the processed foods,” Flannery reminds.A New York Times investigation in October found many popular protein powders and shakes contain dangerous levels of lead.Flannery said this is what worries her about the rise in protein snacks.”We’re just adding protein to junk food,” Flannery said.Flannery recommends getting protein from real foods like beans, tofu, meat, fish, and in some cases, pasta that can be healthy, too.”My opinion is that it’s better to eat real food and get your protein from real food,” Morselli agreed.

    New diets come and go often, but every now and then, some stick around. The latest: protein. Everyone seems to be looking for more ways to add it to their diet.

    From coffee shops to grocery stores, you couldn’t miss the promotion of protein even if you tried. But how much do you need?

    Doctors and nutritionists say it’s less than what social media might lead consumers to believe.

    Prioritizing protein isn’t new, but the number of people doing so is.

    “Things tend to go to an extreme at first,” said Kim Flannery, director of nutrition at the Wisconsin Athletic Club. “And I think that’s kind of where we are right now.”

    It’s everywhere, from social media influencers and now in coffee shops.

    For the first time, Starbucks added protein to its menu of drinks, even allowing customers to add it to their cold foam on top of their coffee.

    The trend has continued at the grocery store, too.

    Emilie Williamson with Metro Market said she’s seen a substantial increase in protein-filled snacks.

    “A big goal of ours is to meet shoppers where they’re at,” Williamson said.

    Walking down the aisle of your local grocery store, you will quickly find protein in many everyday snacks, like muffins, cereal, pretzels, chips, and even protein pastries.

    Dr. Lisa Morselli, assistant professor in the division of endocrinology at Froedtert Hospital in Wisconsin, said this is where she gets worried about the quality of the product.

    “These are all foods that are pretty processed,” Morselli said. “The protein snack marketing probably gives people license to snack without really paying attention to what they put in their mouth.”

    Morselli believes the trend has been influenced by social media.

    Morselli said those on GLP-1 weight loss medications need more protein in their diet for muscle gain.

    Separately, those looking to lose weight can find success in protein, too, according to Dr. Morselli.

    “Protein is involved in the control of hunger,” Morselli said.

    Morselli explains that protein-rich foods can make you feel full longer.

    Protein can also be great for balancing blood sugar levels. But for muscle gain or weight loss, protein isn’t a magic pill, either.

    “It’s not that if you take a higher protein, or if you have a higher protein intake, it will magically protect your muscles; you still need to exercise them,” Morselli said.

    Flannery said when talking to nutrition clients, she hopes to emphasize that protein is just one piece of the pie.

    “People tend to focus so much on the protein that they tend to lose the balance,” Flannery said.

    Flannery worries the trend of sharing personal protein goals could be going too far.

    “One number does not by any means apply to everyone,” Flannery said.

    Flannery said personal protein goals are different for everyone, with age, sex and activity levels all taken into consideration.

    According to the recommended dietary allowance, when calculating protein goals, the person should take .36 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

    For example, if the person weighs 150 pounds, a modest protein goal would be around 54 grams of protein.

    Arguably more importantly than any goal is the quality of protein the person is consuming.

    “A lot of the health problems that we have are due to the, all the processed foods,” Flannery reminds.

    A New York Times investigation in October found many popular protein powders and shakes contain dangerous levels of lead.

    Flannery said this is what worries her about the rise in protein snacks.

    “We’re just adding protein to junk food,” Flannery said.

    Flannery recommends getting protein from real foods like beans, tofu, meat, fish, and in some cases, pasta that can be healthy, too.

    “My opinion is that it’s better to eat real food and get your protein from real food,” Morselli agreed.

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  • I Found This Forgotten Recipe on My Computer… and It’s Insane!

    This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.

    No-bake churro snack mix with Honeycomb cereal is a mouthwatering treat that’s both sweet and crunchy! Crisp honeycomb cereal coated in caramel and cinnamon-sugar tastes exactly like you’re eating a churro. The best part? No baking required!

    I saw this on Facebook a long time ago and copy and pasted the recipe. It’s been hanging out in the notes on my computer without a source or a title but I decided to try it anyway! And ooooooohhhhh buddy! This sweet cereal snack is irresistible! I cannot keep my hands out of it!

    We have yet to go wrong when it comes to cereal snack recipes. Whether it’s a sweet snack mix like our coconut sweet Chex mix or a savory snack mix like our smoked Chex mix, cereal just makes a delicious snack!

    Combine cereal with churro flavors, and you can forget about it! We are obsessed with churro flavors here at Oh Sweet Basil. Why is it so dang good?! If you haven’t tried our churro chex mix or our churro rice krispies treat, do yourself a favor and try them! This Honeycomb cereal churro snack mix now takes its place on our long list of churro recipes on the blog!

    a photo of a baking sheet covered in caramel and cinnamon sugar coated honeycomb cereal

    Ingredients for No Bake Churro Snack Mix

    All you need is a box of Honeycomb cereal, cinnamon sugar and a few ingredients to make a simple caramel. Here is everything you’ll need…

    • Honeycomb Cereal: subtle sweetness with loads of surface area for the cinnamon sugar to cling to
    • Light Brown Sugar: adds sweetness and caramel-y flavor
    • Unsalted Butter: combines with the brown sugar to make the caramel coating for the cereal
    • Light Corn Syrup: helps make the caramel smooth and glossy
    • Vanilla: adds flavor
    • Baking Soda: helps the caramel be soft and smooth
    • Cinnamon Sugar: adds that signature churro flavor and texture

    The measurements and details for each ingredient can be found in the recipe at the end of the post.

    a photo of all the ingredients for churro snack mix including honeycomb cereal, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and karo syrupa photo of all the ingredients for churro snack mix including honeycomb cereal, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and karo syrup

    How to Make Churro Honeycomb Snack Mix

    Snack recipes should be simple, and this churro snack mix couldn’t be easier! We will make a simple caramel and then toss everything together. Here are the steps…

    1. Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the cereal into a large bowl.
    2. Make the Caramel: Add the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup to a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then let it bowl for a full minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda.
    3. Combine: Pour the caramel over the cereal and toss to combine.
    4. Make the Cinnamon Sugar: Sift the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl then sprinkle it over the cereal and toss to coat.
    5. Cool: Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared baking sheet and allow it to cool completely. Break the pieces up until bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container.
      • OPTIONAL: If you want, you can throw the baking sheet into the oven preheated to 350 degrees F and bake for 4 minutes. Toss the cereal and then bake for another 4 minutes. It will make the caramel a little crispier. I made it this way the first few times I made this recipe and then accidentally forgot to bake it one time and actually preferred it a little softer. It’s totally up to you!

    The pictures below show the steps for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details.

    What is the Baking Soda For?

    Baking soda may seem like an odd ingredient in the caramel, but it helps the caramel be more aerated. It helps the sugar crystals not crystallize creating a softer and smoother caramel.

    When to Eat Churro Snack Mix

    I can think of a million appropriate times to eat this churro snack mix because it’s right at all times. If you need a few specific ideas, it makes a great snack for movie night with the fam or for a gathering of teenagers at your house. It’s perfect for the holiday season and gifting to neighbors and friends. My kids love it when I have a batch ready for them as an after school snack, and of course it’s always a hit at parties or game nights.

    a photo of cinnamon sugar and caramel coated honeycomb cereala photo of cinnamon sugar and caramel coated honeycomb cereal

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    No Bake: I love that I don’t have to turn the oven on, especially in the summer. It just feels so much easier if something doesn’t need to be baked.

    No Candy Thermometer: I know some people hear caramel and shy away because candy making can be so temperamental. You don’t need to worry about that for this simple recipe!

    Irresistible Flavors and Texture: Cinnamon sugar, caramel and that crunchy Honeycomb cereal is a combination you’ll love!

    Simple Ingredients: All the ingredients are likely items you’ll have at home already once you grab that box of Honeycomb

    Timeless: This snack recipe is perfect any time of year!

    a photo of a sheet pan filled with caramel coated honeycomb cereal covered in cinnamon sugara photo of a sheet pan filled with caramel coated honeycomb cereal covered in cinnamon sugar

    Variations and Substitutions

    If you aren’t a Honeycomb fan, you could use Chex cereal, Corn Pops, oyster crackers, pretzels or puffcorn.

    I know some people have strong feelings against corn syrup, so if you’d rather not use it, try honey or agave nectar instead, though the flavor will be different.

    Adding in chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, would be amazing and I’m dying to try this recipe with a drizzle of melted white chocolate all over the top.

    Storage Tips

    Store this snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.

    a photo of honeycomb cereal coated in caramel and cinnamon sugara photo of honeycomb cereal coated in caramel and cinnamon sugar

    Indulge in the flavors of a classic churro without having to turn on your oven with this delicious and easy no-bake churro snack mix recipe. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on the go!

    More Easy Snack Recipes:

    Watch How This Recipe is Made…

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour cereal into a large bowl and set aside.

      5 Cups Honeycomb Cereal

    • In a medium-sized saucepan, add brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup over medium heat stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil then continue cooking for 1 more minute.

      2/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar, 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, 1/3 Cup Light Corn Syrup

    • Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda. Mixture will bubble and expand.

      1 teaspoon Vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

    • Pour the mixture over the cereal and toss to evenly combine.

    • In a small bowl, sift together granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the cereal. Toss until evenly coated.

      1/2 Cup Sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons Cinnamon

    • Transfer cereal to the prepared baking sheet and and allow cereal to cool then break into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container.

    Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 264kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 108mg, Potassium: 41mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 535IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Sweet Basil

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  • A Bedtime Snack That’s Actually Good for You? Yes, It’s True

    For 12 weeks, participants ate about two ounces of pistachios as their bedtime snack, roughly two small handfuls. In another 12-week phase, the same participants swapped the pistachios for a typical carb-based snack, like crackers or toast (and yes, your beloved bedtime cookies fall into that category).

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  • Love easy recipes.. this one is so simple and a Christmas treat!

    Grab three simple ingredients and make these delicious Christmas Pretzels. Great for the holiday season.

    Christmas Pretzels

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

     Make these quick and easy little treats in no time for a sweet-and-salty snack your friends and family will love.  They look so good along with all your other Christmas goodies when you put them out.  You will only need three ingredients to make Christmas pretzels.  They keep well in an airtight container in a cool place.  Add these treats to your Christmas list of snacks and candies.

    SWAPS & ADDITIONS

    You can use any type of baking chips in this recipe—vanilla, butterscotch, peanut butter, etc. You can decorate with all kinds of sprinkles and get really creative. This is a super simple and super versatile recipe. Have fun with it!

    ⭐TIP

    Add the sprinkles before the chocolate dries; that way, they stick. If you wanted to add a drizzle of red or green icing, you would want to let the chocolate dry first.

    OTHER DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS RECIPES

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    Christmas Pretzels

    Anne Walkup

    These easy Christmas Pretzels are only 3 ingredients. They are a wonderful easy gift!

    Prep Time 10 minutes

    Cook Time 10 minutes

    Total Time 20 minutes

    Course candy

    Cuisine American, southern

    • Pretzels large, small or assorted
    • Chips You can use chocolate chips, vanilla, butterscotch, peanut butter or whatever you like
    • Christmas sprinkles green and red
    • Melt 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips or any other kind of chips in a microwave bowl for about 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and when stirred becomes smooth.

    • Put 2 or 3 pretzels in the melted chocolate at a time, turn with a wooden spoon and put on foil or parchment paper.  Sprinkle on decorations before chocolate hardens.

    • Put in a cool place for 15 to 20 minutes.  You can make as many or few as you like.

    Keyword Christmas pretzels

    Let us know by commenting below!

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    © The Southern Lady Cooks photos and text – All rights reserved. No copying, posting on other sites, or other uses allowed without written permission of the copyright holder.

    Anne Walkup

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  • ‘I’m sifting everything from now on’: California woman starts making Betty Crocker brownies. Then she sees something moving

    A California woman’s baking session turned from sweet to sickening when she discovered something alive in her brownie mix. Safe to say, she probably didn’t end up finishing the baking process.

    Woman Finds Maggot in Brownie Mix

    In a viral video with more than 65,000 views, content creator Jay (@justenejanik) captures the disturbing moment she realizes what was in her Betty Crocker brownie mix. The video shows what appears to be a maggot covered in brownie powder, clearly moving around in the sifter.

    “Bro, it’s like a maggot or something,” someone says in the video as they film the unwelcome discovery.

    “We decided to make some brownies today and after sifting why did we find THIS???? Be careful when using @Betty Crocker mix yall,” she said in the caption.

    The fact that she was sifting the mix (a step many home bakers skip) saved her from baking the contaminated ingredients into her brownies. Had she simply dumped the mix into a bowl as the package instructions suggest, the maggot likely would have ended up in the finished product.

    Why You Should Sift

    Jay’s experience serves as an unexpected argument for the extra step of sifting dry baking ingredients. Even when using pre-mixed products. While sifting is traditionally done to break up clumps and aerate flour for lighter baked goods, it apparently has the added benefit of catching unwanted protein sources before they end up in your dessert.

    Are Maggots Safe to Eat?

    Maggots are fly larvae that are often found around contaminated food. While most foods with maggots aren’t safe to eat, the bigger concern is what the larvae have been exposed to, Healthline reported.

    Healthline explains that houseflies commonly use animal and human feces as breeding sites. This is as well as garbage and rotting organic material. This means maggots can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella enteritidis and E. coli. If consumed, these bacteria can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and fatigue.

    The good news, according to Healthline, is that cooking typically kills both maggots and any bacteria they carry. However, the publication notes that eating maggot-infested food raw or discovering contamination after the fact can lead to bacterial poisoning or even myiasis, an infection where maggots infest living tissue in the gastrointestinal tract.

    For packaged dry goods like brownie mix, contamination typically occurs either during the manufacturing process. Or due to improper storage conditions that allow pests to access the product. Healthline recommends keeping food storage areas clean and dry, and inspecting packages for any signs of damage or pest activity before use.

    FDA Allows Insect Parts in Food—But Has Limits

    While Jay’s maggot discovery is understandably disturbing, it may be surprising to learn that some level of insect contamination is actually legally allowed in processed foods. According to CBS News, the FDA permits what it calls “food defects”—the unavoidable byproduct of growing and harvesting food.

    “It is economically impractical to grow, harvest, or process raw products that are totally free of non-hazardous, naturally occurring, unavoidable defects,” CBS News reports.

    For example, CBS News notes that chocolate can contain 30 or more insect parts per bar, coffee beans are allowed an average of 10 milligrams of animal excrement per pound, and tomato sauce can legally contain about two maggots per 16-ounce can. Canned mushrooms can have an average of 20 or more maggots per four-ounce can.

    Food safety specialist Ben Chapman told CBS News that manufacturers have quality assurance employees constantly testing samples to ensure they stay below FDA thresholds. When contamination levels are too high, the food can be sent to “rework” processes. For example, boiling cranberries to skim insect parts off the top before canning.

    Chapman emphasized to CBS News that while insect parts have a high “yuck factor,” they pose a low health risk. 

    “Insect parts are gross, but they don’t lead to foodborne illnesses,” he explained. 

    The real dangers are foodborne illnesses like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli, which contribute to more than 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually in the United States.

    @justenejanik we decided to make some brownies today and after sifting why did we find THIS???? Be careful when using @Betty Crocker mix yall #brownies #baking #bettycrocker ♬ original sound – jay

    Viewers are disgusted

    “Idk but i wouldn’t have even noticed would’ve baked that bug right up and ate it with a side of milk,” a top comment read.

    “You know whaaatttt, I’m sifting everything from now on lol,” a person said.

    “NO BECAUSE I WAS JUST ABOUT TO MAKE THIS EXACT BOX. okay now i have to sift, “another wrote.

    The Mary Sue reached out to Jay for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. We also reached out to Betty Crocker via email.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Stacy Fernandez

    Stacy Fernandez

    Stacy Fernández is a freelance writer, project manager, and communications specialist. She’s worked at the Texas Tribune, the Dallas Morning News, and run social for the Education Trust New York.

    Stacy Fernandez

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  • Easy Halloween Snack Board

    This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.

    You know we love a good snack board around here — especially one that brings the fun! This Halloween Snack Board is everything I want in a festive treat: easy to assemble, a little spooky, and full of sweet and savory bites that everyone will love.

    Whether you’re throwing a big party or just making a fun after-school snack for the kids, this board is guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few giggles).

    Why We Love a Halloween Snack Board

    The best thing about a snack board is that everyone can find at least one thing that they like! There are sweet and salty snacks, chewy and crunchy snacks, light healthy options and super indulgent options…everyone is happy!

    For this Halloween charcuterie board, we like to keep it fun with kid-friendly Halloween treats. We include fun shapes, colorful candies, and bite-sized foods like pretzels, grapes, and cheese puffs. The kids love it!

    The Best Ingredients for a Spooky Snack Board

    We have most of these on our snack board pictured here, but it’s really open for whatever your friends and family will love!

    Cheese: Wensleydale pumpkin spice cheese, string cheese “ghosts”

    Deli Meats: salami or pepperoni rolled up

    Salty Snacks: pretzels, crackers (I found some that are pumpkin shaped at Trader Joe’s), cheese puff balls or popcorn

    Halloween Candy: candy corn and candy corn pumpkins, M&M’s, Reese’s pumpkins

    Fresh Fruit: mandarin “pumpkins,” apple slices, green grapes

    Dips: hummus, caramel, ranch

    Olives: black olives or green olives

    Sweet Snacks: yogurt-covered pretzels or cookies

    Decorative Touches: googly eyes, candy bones and skulls, plastic spiders, festive sprinkles

    a white chocolate covered pretzel crisp with googly eyes stuck on it

    How to Arrange a Snack Board

    I’m sure professional charcuterie board masters will scoff at this, but I let the kids help me fill up our Halloween snack board and there’s no real rhyme or reason to it. I like to distribute the colors and textures around the board, but it honestly doesn’t matter. Once people start digging in, it all gets mixed anyway.

    One thing to keep in mind when arranging a snack board is that fresh ingredients like fruit will release moisture and make crispy ingredients soggy over time. Also, refrigerated ingredients shouldn’t sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

    Add pops of orange and black, fun Halloween props, and themed treats…the kids loved creating this spread! My favorite addition to this board of easy Halloween snacks was this Wensleydale pumpkin spice cheese. Holy moly, it was delicious!

    a chunk of pumpkin spice cheese sitting on a board with other halloween snacks with fake plastic spiders crawling on ita chunk of pumpkin spice cheese sitting on a board with other halloween snacks with fake plastic spiders crawling on it

    How to Make It Ahead or Store Leftovers

    Most of the snack ideas for this board don’t need any prep at all…just open a bag and scatter on the tray. The ingredients that do need some prep can be done a few hours in advance. Just cover and chill until ready to serve.

    Leftovers should be stored separately. I always keep the bags and containers that everything comes in so that I can put them back in their original containers.

    several halloween themed snacks scattered on a table including pumpkin tangerines, ghost cheese sticks, candy pumpkinsseveral halloween themed snacks scattered on a table including pumpkin tangerines, ghost cheese sticks, candy pumpkins

    Halloween should be all about fun — and this snack board makes it effortless! It’s colorful, creative, and perfect for bringing everyone together, whether you’re hosting a party or keeping it simple at home. Let the kids help arrange everything (they’ll love it!), then sit back and enjoy a little spooky snacking together.

    More Fun Halloween Treat Ideas:

    Watch to See How This Snack Board Comes Together…

    Sweet Basil

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  • The Best Office Snacks – Corporette.com

    This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    woman wearing business casual reclines in desk chair with some of the best office snacks

    It’s been ages since we talked about snack ideas for work — so let’s discuss! What are the best office snacks? What do you keep in your desk drawer, hidden somewhere else in your office like a filing cabinet, or in the office fridge (or your own mini fridge)?

    Snacks I’ve Always Loved To Keep at the Office

    During my legal eagle days I spent so much time at the office that snacking was par for the course — I used to keep a banker’s box on my window filled with random snacks.

    I also splurged on a teeny fridge so I could keep cold water, a Diet Coke, a string cheese or two, and possibly sandwich fixings or yogurt nearby. I tried to avoid the office fridge where possible (things tended to… disappear in there…) but I kept a few things in the freezer on our floor, also. (Our office microwave was on a different floor entirely, so I didn’t use it often at all!)

    These are some of the best snacks I’d recommend you look into keeping at the office, both to stay energized at work, as well as to keep you from wandering to the local fast food/fancy coffee spot (bad for your budget and your waistline).

    I’ve never been much for packing a lunch daily, but I would often bring several things in at the beginning of each week (yogurt, sliced cheese to add to bagels, etc).

    How about you, ladies — what are the best office snacks? What do you pack each day, each week — and what do you keep at the office? Do you pack a lunch regularly, or try to cut costs by bringing the “expensive” part of a lunch (e.g., meat, cheese, a more exotic ingredient like artichoke hearts or your favorite olives, to add to an affordable plain salad or bagel)? 

    The Best Office Snacks That Are Shelf-Stable

    Even if you have access to a fridge, sometimes it’s easiest just to keep a few things in your desk drawer.

    Peanut butter or powdered peanut butter like PB2 or PBfit – I’m a fan of the powdered peanut butter for portion/calorie/protein reasons (I add it to Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and sometimes just mix it with water to eat with apples) but it’s hard to beat a jar of peanut butter and some crackers in your office for an “I have no time to go get lunch today!” lunch.

    Shelf-Stable Milk or Protein Drinks — these can fill you up for those days where you really “can’t leave your desk” but need to drink something — I like to add a splash to coffee or tea for a teensy midday snack, but once opened do note that you have to refrigerate. My personal favorite is the Fairlife Chocolate shakes, although I do think they’re better a bit chilled… I’ve also drunk my share of Premier Protein drinks!

    Oatmeal – The caveat here is that you need a source of hot water — I’ve made it just with the hot water intended for tea, though. Oatmeal packets are the easiest to keep at work because they’re preportioned and often pre-sweetened, but I have a friend who keeps a cup of old-fashioned oats in a baggie in her purse and just asks for hot water when she needs a quick snack. I like to add powdered peanut butter to plain oatmeal, maybe with a splash of Premier Protein… you can also add dried or freeze-dried fruit, pureed fruit like applesauce or the kind found in shelf-stable pouches like GoGoSqueez, yogurt, or even go for a more savory snack such as with spinach, bacon, etc.

    Jerky – Jerky is a great snack, but there is an important caveat: once you open a jerky packet it has to be refrigerated. For portion control/no refrigeration requirements I’m a fan of the Archer or Chomp beef sticks; these are larger bags but I’m also a fan of the dried steak strips you get at big box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club. (This Wagyu beef jerky is also good!)

    Fruit – All uncut fruit is shelf stable in that you don’t HAVE to refrigerate it, and I’m a big fan of grabbing an apple or banana for a quick snack. Both are great to mix into oatmeal, or to eat with a bit of peanut butter. You can also keep dried fruit, applesauce packs, or even those Go-Go Squeez pouches (which, as noted above, are great additions to oatmeal!).

    Protein Bars – Yes, yes, everyone says they’re just fancy candy bars — if you’re still open to protein bars I think the best ones are Barebells and Built bars. In the past I’ve also bought RX Bars, Quest, Luna, KIND bars, and FitCrunch bars. A corollary here: fiber bars like these brownie bars from Wal-Mart.

    Tuna or other canned/pouched seafood – They make a lot of flavored tuna pouches now, but I’m a big fan of mixing tuna with wing sauce (also shelf stable) — it’s weird but it’s so good! You can add these to salads or sandwiches, or eat by themselves. A tip: be verrrrry careful if you’re opening a can; you don’t want it to spill on you or (gasp) the office carpet near your desk. Also be wise in finding a place to dispose of the can or pouch.

    Tea. I refuse to think of tea as a snack, although I suppose you could add enough milk to make it a snack — but I still like to stock desk drawers with tea packets I’ve purchased at home. I tend to like herbal and dessert-themed teas, so they’re a bit outside the usual black or green tea usually on offer.

    I wouldn’t call them healthy, but there are obviously a ton of other portion-controlled snacks to consider, from healthyish ones (nuts and things like dried edamame or beans) to unhealthy ones (Halloween candy is great for this!). If you prefer to make your own portion-controlled snacks or otherwise want reusable lunch containers, that’s a great idea too!

    Psst: hunting for stylish office lunch containers that are also eco-friendly? Some of our favorites (Sistema containers, Thermos or Mira food jars, and this classic bento) are pictured below — also check for cute lunch bags from Modern Picnic, Artelaris, Kate Spade, and Built NY! (If you’re working from home, we love glass containers from Snapware and Anchor Hocking.)

    The Best Office Snacks to Keep Refrigerated

    Whether you’ve got a mini-fridge at your desk or you just make good use of the office fridge, there are a lot more snack ideas for work once you can refrigerate. A lot of these can also be brought in with an ice pack for lunch — but then you have to generally eat them that day.

    • Yogurt – I eat a lot of yogurt, what can I say?
    • Cottage cheese
    • Cheese Slices, String Cheese, Babybel Cheese – years ago when I just started and was on a crazy budget, I used to buy a bagel at the deli for $.50 and add my own cheese or meat from home to make a really cheap sandwich.
    • Hummus or avocado — these both come in preportioned containers, and I could see being great snacks or something to add to an otherwise boring sandwich or salad
    • Overnight oats
    • Turkey pepperoni, rotisserie chicken, or other meats — add to salads, sandwiches
    • hardboiled eggs (but watch out for the smell factor if you store them in a public fridge, and plan to use a garbage can that is not in your office!)
    • egg frittatas/egg muffins you make at home – I love eggs but just can’t get into these, but if you can they’re great.
    • Salad fixings – If you feel comfortable leaving things in the office fridge for multiple days, this is a great way to save on salads and sandwiches for lunch — you can keep artichoke hearts, olives, pickles, pepperoncini, jalapeños, shredded cheese, salad dressings, and more. I’ve always been a fan of getting a very basic salad like grilled shrimp or chicken on spinach, then adding fun stuff to it back in the office.

    The Best Office Snacks If You Have a Freezer, Microwave, or Both

    If you have a freezer AND microwave, your options are basically endless — but even if you only have one or the other, you can keep additional snacks at the office.

    The Best Office Snacks If You Have a Freezer, But No Microwave

    Snacks that can defrost in the fridge or on your desk are great! Keep in mind that if you have access to hot water (or even just hot coffee) you might be able to get things to defrost slightly more quickly. Some ideas:

    • frozen fruit — you could freeze bananas to mix into oatmeal, or just munch on frozen grapes
    • frozen treats, whether purchased or made yourself – I have a Ninja Creami and often make a mix of protein powder and milk that (IMHO) tastes pretty good.
    • things that can defrost and be eaten cold or room temperature, like frozen muffins, oatmeal bakes, etc.

    The Best Office Snacks If You Have a Microwave, But No Freezer

    If you have a microwave but no freezer, you can still use the microwave for shelf-stable and refrigerated items — for example:

    • cans of soups and beans (or packets)
    • popcorn
    • tortillas — use with refrigerated cheese to make mini quesadillas! If you’re using a high-fiber tortilla this can be a good way to get your fiber in.
    • shelf-stable rice dishes

    If you have access to a microwave AND a freezer, then your lunch and snack options open up tremendously! The only thing I wouldn’t bring in this instance is a) things that are too smelly and might seem rude to coworkers, and b) things that are gross microwaved (like chicken breast, IMHO).

    {related: how to make your office smell nice}

    How about you guys — what are your best office snacks?

    Stock photo via Pexels / Karolina Grabowska.

    Kat G

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  • These “Gourmet” Chocolate Dates Taste Like Candy (I Absolutely Refuse to Share!)

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    What’s So Great About Gato’s Dark Chocolate-Covered Cashew Butter-Stuffed Dates?

    Founded in January 2024, Gato is a newcomer in the snack scene. The brand makes three varieties of dark chocolate-coated dates stuffed with different nut butters: pistachio butter, almond butter, and cashew butter and walnuts (my personal fave). All are finished off with a touch of sea salt for a delectable salty-sweet bite, plus they’re gluten-free, vegan, and certified kosher. 

    As much as I’d love to keep them in the beloved candy drawer, they’re meant to be stored in the fridge for up to six months or freezer for up to a year. If your sweet tooth is anything like mine, they probably won’t last that long. But, you know … just in case. 

    My Honest Review of Gato’s Dark Chocolate-Covered Cashew Butter-Stuffed Dates

    I opted for a tube of the cashew butter and walnut stuffed dates. Frankly, I would buy these for the packaging alone; it’s so cute! The cashew butter dates come in a light pink tube that reminds me of the way tea bags are sometimes packaged. It’s so dainty and sweet — the kind of thing you’d want to pull out at an afternoon tea. I can’t get enough.

    The dates themselves, though, are what keep me coming back. They’re caramel-y and chewy, but not in a super-sticky kind of way. The cashew butter is creamy, while the walnuts offer a little crunch. The dark chocolate is slightly bitter and very cocoa-forward with a bit of a floral note. And it’s all rounded out by the sprinkle of sea salt on top. I don’t say this lightly: It’s truly a perfect bite. 

    I’m someone who always wants a little dessert at the end of the day, and these are so nice to have in the fridge for when I want something decadent but not too heavy or filling. Just seeing the adorable pink tube in my fridge brings me joy! Next up, I’ll be trying the pistachio butter one.  

    Buy: Gato Dark Chocolate-Covered Cashew Butter-Stuffed Dates, $25 for one tube with six dates at Gato

    What is your favorite way to eat dates? Tell us about it in the comments below.

    Micki Wagner

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  • I Ate This “Coffee Crunch” Coffee Cake for Breakfast AND Dessert All Week (It’s the Best I’ve Ever Had)

    Andrea Rivera WawrzynAssociate Food Editor at The Kitchn

    I’ve worked in the food industry for 15 years as a chef, recipe developer, writer, and editor. Prior to joining the Kitchn team I was an associate editor at America’s Test Kitchen, a contributor to Serious Eats, and worked on cookbooks for Ten Speed Press, Rebel Girls, and Clarkson Potter.!

    Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn

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  • My Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe Is Way Better than Starbucks’

    Place 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée, 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil, and 3 large eggs in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and combined. Add 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and whisk to combine. Add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and fold it in with a rubber spatula until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds, then gently press them into the batter to ensure they stick.

    Grace Elkus

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  • Why Dates Can Cause Blood Sugar Spikes + How To Prevent It

    Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is key to supporting overall health, including your mood and energy. Although, keeping those levels balanced is no simple task: You may be familiar with some of the most common glucose-spiking foods—white bread, white potatoes, pasta, and more—but some sneakier ingredients can also unexpectedly have the same effect.

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  • Is A Bedtime Snack A Bad Idea

    Is A Bedtime Snack A Bad Idea

    It seems there is always trouble about being in bed, sleeping, oversleeping, intimacy issues and food in bed. Another big issue are screens. As the evening winds down, it can be tempting to reach for something as you stream, read, or roam around your place. Iturns out 93% of adults have an after-dinner snack at least once a week. But is a bedtime snack a bad idea?

    Although experts do not recommend large meals before bedtime, a light snack can have several benefits. Key word being something small.  A snack before bed could help prevent prevent low blood sugar. Certain snacks before bedtime can provide sleep benefits such as falling asleep faster.  If you take insulin or other diabetes medications, you may sometimes need to snack before bedtime to treat or prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during the night.

    But, late-night snacks can add extra calories, which can lead to weight gain.

    Photo by Jakob Owens via Unsplash.

    A key factor in determining weight gain is regular habits. While in theory, eating before bed shouldn’t cause weight gain, it’s a habit encouraging other bad habits. These snacks usually don’t count as a meal, meaning that they’re extra calories. They’re also occurring at the time of the day when people are the hungriest, meaning snacking can quickly transform into eating enough calories to throw off your daily caloric intake. The most popular night snacks among survey respondents were chips, crackers, and pretzels, with 53.1% choosing those foods as a go-to. They were No. 1 among men and women. Sugary snacks are also favored, with 43.4% choosing ice cream, 42.8% having cake or cookies, and 37.7% grabbing candy.  Healthier options include sugar-free frozen pop, one light cheese stick, a tablespoon of peanut butter (15 grams) with celery, a hard-boiled egg, rice baby carrots or 3/4 cup light popcorn.

    A key point is a snack and not a big feast. Experts generally recommend waiting at least a half hour after drinking fluids and at least 2–3 hours after having a full meal before lying down to go to sleep. This will help avoid indigestion to weight gain and even possible circadian rhythm disruptions.

    RELATED: 5 Simple Changes That’ll Help You Eat Better Right Now

    Some research says for people who get very hungry at night, one snack after dinner could help them control urges for eating more. With the majority of people doing it at least once a week, it isn’t should you but what do you have? This help determine your sleep and you waist line the following days.

    Sarah Johns

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