Snacktrition Facts

I am very excited to report that Bobby and I have signed up for a 5k race this weekend! It’s the fall race for one of my favorite organizations, Special Olympics. It’s a group that’s very near and dear to me because my brother is mildly autistic. What could be better than creating a community of amazing individuals dedicated to fitness, sports, and overall well being? We are running the race on our anniversary – thanks to everyone for your sweet comments yesterday on that topic 🙂 For those who asked, we do go to the same school. In fact, this 5k is being put on by our school’s Special O group.

This will be my second 5k, and I’m trying to determine a goal to set for it. I’m not a consistent runner so I don’t really have an idea of what my mile pace is. I know that it’s possible for me to run an average of 8:30 per mile for a distance that’s roughly equivalent to a 5k if I am feeling my physical best, which would put me at about 25:30. So I’m going to set my goal time at 26:00. Once this race is completed, I will have a base to start with for future events. For all you runners out there – does this goal make sense or should I be going about it in a different way?

‘Tis the season!

After buying those seasonal Clif bars last weekend, I was eager to try them out to review for the blog. But one thing I know is that I usually don’t reach for a bar of that size unless it’s absolutely necessary, so it would likely be a long time before any of them would get eaten. To solve the problem, I decided to have one for breakfast yesterday 🙂 It was a total food-like substance and I was initially nervous that it wouldn’t hold me over, but as it turns out, it served me well.

cimg7175

I chose the Pear Apple Strudel after many of you raved about it in the comment section of my initial post. I also thought there was a good chance it would be my favorite of the flavors too.

cimg7181

At first glance, this bar looks and smells like the real deal. It filled me whole kitchen with the smells of freshly baked streudel 😉 Ok, that’s an exaggeration. But it did smell good when I pulled it out of the package!

cimg7186

So did it deliver on taste? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” According to the packaging, this bar is made with real apples and pears. I could definitely see and taste the fruit chunks throughout. It also had a great texture – not too sticky, not too moist, not too hard. I actually heated it up in the microwave for about 15 seconds after taking this picture, which made the bar even more melt-in-your-mouth good. If you’re looking for a healthy, on-the-go substitute for one of the holiday’s best desserts, Clif has the answer!

Snacktrition Facts

And now for a review of another kind – one that’s long overdue, since I received these samples over a month ago! Lauren from Snacktrition was kind enough to send me a wide array of yummy “snacks.”

Here is some background information about the company:

Snacktrition is a new line of great-tasting nut and dried fruit snacks with added calcium and fiber, that was created to help provide you with a simple, nutrient-rich cure for the common snack.  Snacktrition offers a tasty way to get you on the right nutritional track for daily fiber and calcium intake.  Depending on the Snacktrition item, you will get 12 percent of your recommended daily fiber needs and approximately 10 percent of your daily calcium needs.  Compare that to the stash in your cupboard right now and you will find that they provide approximately two times more calcium and three times more fiber per serving.  Snacktrition dried fruit and nut snacks are Health Baked through a proprietary oven roasting process that adds valuable nutrients such as fiber and calcium, and they come in five delicious varieties:

  • Sea Salt Cashews with Fiber
  • Sea Salt Almonds with Calcium
  • Salt & Pepper Cashews with Fiber
  • Smoked Almonds with Calcium
  • Fruit & Nut Mix with Fiber and Calcium

I was very impressed that they were able to add so much fiber and calcium to their snacks! I couldn’t wait to give each a try – and here now is my official review!

Snacktrition

Please Note: All quotes are courtesy of the Snacktrition site – thanks!

cimg6100

Sea Salt Cashews with Fiber

cimg6360

Description:

We are amazed by just how much nutrition this small half moon of a nut packs in: iron, protein, zinc – naturally we decided cashews deserve their own snack and so we created Health Baked Sea Salt Cashews with Fiber. What is Health Baked you ask? It’s simple. We take a cashew, sprinkle it with fiber, oven-roast it and flavor it with sea salt. That’s it. Our cashews are baked with all the nutrients and goodness you need, nothing else and we’re pretty proud of the results—a tasty, crunchy snack you can feel good about eating. We think Mother Nature would be proud too.

cimg6372

Review:

These are not your average cashew! The hint of sea salt satisfies any savory craving and the fiber combined with the healthy fats from the nuts made for a great snack that really held me over well in the lingering hours between lunch and dinner.

Nutrition Information (per 1/4 cup serving):

  • 160 calories
  • 12g fat
  • 9g carbohydrates
  • 3g fiber
  • 3g protein

Sea Salt Almonds with Calcium

cimg6551

Description:

We’d like to personally thank the almond. One teeny ounce of almonds is loaded with fiber, protein, vitamin E and important health-boosting compounds called phytochemicals. A natural health helper, almonds are the reason we made Health Baked Sea Salt Almonds with Calcium. What is Health Baked you ask? It’s simple. We take an almond, sprinkle it with calcium, oven-roast it and flavor it with sea salt. That’s it. Our almonds are baked with all the nutrients and wholesomeness you need, nothing else and the result is pretty amazing—a healthy, tasty snack that builds on what is already a pretty perfect food to begin with. Thanks Mother Nature for making our job easier.

cimg6555

Review:

Just like the cashews, these had a subtle sea salt taste that gave them the savory kick and made them that much better than raw almonds. It’s also pretty amazing that there is CALCIUM in an almond. We could all use more calcium, right? These were by far my favorite from the almond bunch.

Nutrition Information (per 1/4 cup serving):

  • 140 calories
  • 11g fat
  • 5g carbohydrates
  • 3g fiber
  • 5g protein
  • 15% D.V. Calcium!

Salt & Pepper Cashews with Fiber

cimg7041

Description:

Is the cashew nature’s vitamin pill? We think so. Cashews pack more than a dozen different vitamins and minerals like iron and protein and are naturally free of trans-fats and cholesterol. We made Health Baked Sea Salt & Pepper Cashews with Fiber because we wanted to share the love. What is Health Baked you ask? It’s simple. We take a cashew, dust it with fiber, oven-roast it, and season it with sea salt and pepper. That’s it.  Our cashews are baked with all the nutrients and goodness you need, nothing else. Mother Nature did all the work and we’re just happy to do our part by bringing people a better, healthier way to snack.

cimg7044

Review:

These cashews had such a kick to them! I am a big fan of spicy food, so of course I was a big fan of these. It must be the pepper – and combined with the salt, it’s truly a flavor haven. Of course, you can’t ignore the fact that there is the added benefit of fiber here again. A delicious and filling component!

Nutrition Information (per 1/4 cup serving):

  • 170 calories
  • 13g fat
  • 9g carbohydrates
  • 3g fiber
  • 4g protein

Smoked Almonds with Calcium

cimg7046

Description:

We are infatuated with almonds. Who knew those gentle curves were such a powerhouse of fiber, protein, vitamin E and so many other important health boosting compounds? A naturally healthy treat, almonds are the reason we made Health Baked Smoked Almonds with Calcium. What is Health Baked you ask? It’s simple. We take an almond, sprinkle it with calcium, and oven roast it with natural smoke flavor and sea salt. That’s it.  Our almonds are baked with all the nutrients and wholesomeness you need, nothing else and we know you’ll love the result—a nutritious, tasty snack that only tastes better the more you eat it. Here is a love that was meant to last.

cimg7048

Review:

I am “infatuated” with almonds, too (like the description says), but I was not a big fan of these guys. I usually like a “smoked” flavor, but the taste of these was very reminiscent of beef jerky. And beef jerky can be fine on occasion, but I wasn’t expecting it with almonds! I would recommend these to someone who is into a very intense, hearty and perhaps even downright meaty flavor. That being said, they were still filling and again, good call on the added calcium! I think that’s what makes this brand so special.

Nutrition Information (per 1/4 cup serving):

  • 150 calories
  • 12g fat
  • 7g carbohydrates
  • 3g fiber
  • 5g protein
  • 10% D.V. Calcium!

Fruit & Nut Mix with Fiber and Calcium

cimg6634

Description:

People say we put fruits and nuts on a pedestal. Maybe so. After centuries of selfless service, we think it’s time fruits and nuts get the recognition they deserve. Fruits and nuts are one of the best sources of good nutrition, but few people eat enough of them. That’s why we created health-baked Calcium and Fiber Fruit & Nut Mix. It’s simple. Mother Nature gives us the fruits and nuts, we add an extra nutritional boost to round out your meals where needed. That’s it. Our mix is baked and melded with all the nutrients and goodness you need, nothing else.  How’s that for teamwork?

cimg6640

Review:

This trail mix leaves me pretty much speechless. I don’t know how to describe it because it is just TOO good to be true! And this is coming from someone who has tried her fair shair of trail mixes in her life! The combination of cashews, almonds, dried cranberries, dried blueberries and, my ULTIMATE favorite, white chocolate chips (!!) was so amazingly delicious that the bag was gone in ONE day! I put it on everything I could: oatmeal, cereal, my hand, a spoon…you get the idea 😉 If nothing else, you MUST try this trail mix! Erin, I’m looking at you!!

Nutrition Information (per 1/4 cup serving):

  • 150 calories
  • 7g fat
  • 20g carbohydrates
  • 3g fiber
  • 2g protein
  • 10% D.V. Calcium!

Of course, you’re going to have to x3 for the whole bag 😉 It’s worth it!

And there you have it! Thanks again to Lauren for the amazing samples. If you’re looking for a great site to find a variety of nuts and a kick butt trail mix, click here!

Ciao for now! If any runners have tips for the 5k, I’d appreciate them :mrgreen:

45 Comments

  1. great reviews! the s&p cashews sounds delish. I think your goals for the 5k are definitely realistic and I cant wait to hear how it goes!

  2. […] What could be better than creating a community of amazing individuals dedicated to fitness , sports, and overall well being? We are running the race on our anniversary – thanks to everyone for your sweet comments yesterday on that topic … Original post […]

  3. Those Snacktrition snacks look most excellent – especially the cashews and the trail mix (I agree, you really can’t go wrong with some white chocolate in a trail mix). I love reading all the reviews on the food blogs about all these new products. If only they all made their way up north as well.

    And good luck on your 5K – always nice to participate in something for a cause near and dear to your heart.

  4. What a fun way to celebrate your anniversary! I’ve only run one, so I don’t have much advice. I guess, just don’t start off too fast.

    Yummy snacks!

  5. hey! i’m running a 5k on saturday too 😀 i’ll be thinking about you! i usually average an 8:30 mile also, and i finished my last 5k at 26:15.. so i think your goal is great! you’ll probably be able to beat it, too D
    what a tough life trying all of those delicious samples 😀 good to know you loved the trail mix! i’ll have to get me some!
    hope you have a wonderful day!

  6. Thanks for the Clif Bar & Snacktrition review. The fruit & nut mix looks delish! I’m gonna check their site and see if they’re available in Canada! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

  7. So cool that you signed up for the race together 🙂 Good luck beating your goal – I know you can do it!

    Thanks for the major review here – great stuff!

  8. Cool products!

    Good luck in the race 🙂 I’d love to get my Bobby to run a 5k with me. He used to run track and xc but he’s out of practice now.

  9. wow, that trail mix does sound unbelievable!

    that is the one flavor of the seasonal clif bars that i haven’t tried yet—now I’m SO EXCITED for it!!

    that’s awesome about the 5k–good luck!!

  10. Awesome choice for a 5k! I think your goal sounds perfect … at the very least this will give you a good base for your next race! Good luck! What a way to celebrate your anniversary! 🙂

    Great reviews – thanks!

  11. Mmmmm, that clif bar looks GOOOD! I had the pumpkin spice one last night. I had an internal debate on which to get, but I settled for pumpkin spice. I have to admit, I wasn’t too impressed. Looks like I should have gotten that one!

  12. Great review I will have to check them out:) Yeah for the 5k, goals are good but just remember ITS YOUR RACE! Don’t get caught in anyone elses footsteps, listent to YOUR body, you will do great!!!!

  13. I just was reading your posts that I missed and read your 7 facts. I thought it was cool that the date, year, and time when you were born were similar because I was born 9/9/93 at 9:03 pm!

  14. Oh lord – as if I need another reason to eat trail mix! Well, I’ll take it Jenn! 🙂
    I love your rtsp with the Bobster.

  15. Yayyy for the 5k! Good for you two! Good luck 😉

    Thanks for the clif review- I am totally buying one of those as soon as I see it!

  16. Goodluck with the race-i not only work with kids with autism but i also have a cousin with autism-i think running a 5K for the special olympics is pretty special-do u need sponsors i would love to make a donation

  17. I am very intrigued by the snacktrition nuts. They look and sound so good. I love all the holiday Clif bars!

    I am so excited for your run. Special Olympics has always been near and dear to my heart as well as autism.

  18. I tried that Clif bar today for the first time! I thought it resembled fresh baked apple bars, so I’m going to try heating mine next time too. Thanks for the idea! 🙂

  19. I wish we had a wide variety of Clif bars in Canada… You guys are super lucky with the festive celebrations with Clif! -lol-

  20. Maybe I should try this flavor of Clif bar? The one and only Clif bar I ever tried was completely disgusting and totally turned me off the whole line, but I can’t remember what flavor it was! It certainly did not look like this though. Great idea with microwaving it!

    Good luck on your 5K, I think your goal is really realistic and achievable. I run similar stats and that’s the time I’ve been running.

  21. I really want to try that Snacktrition Trail Mix- I haven’t seen it before, but it looks lovely and with the extra fiber – totally gives me a reason to eat more trail mix.

    Good luck this weekend for your 5K. I love running races when I really support the cause. It’s a good feeling! I’ve run a few and I think your goal is perfect. I recommend wearing a watch to make sure you are pacing yourself correctly for your goal time. Good luck to Bobby as well!

  22. Very happy to hear that the Pear Apple Strudel Clif bar is yummy!

    The Snacktrition products are quite intriguing..

  23. How exciting that you are going to run your second 5k. I think your time is a great goal! Those Snacktritions look pretty appealing…must try some now 😉

  24. Sounds like you have an AMAZING weekend planned! I’ve been pondering about trying a 5k for so LONG but I am not a consistent runner either, so it makes me a little nervous. I’m sure you are going to do awesome Jenn, I can’t wait to hear about it!!

    Those seasonal Clifs are everywhere, thanks for a great review!

    And yay for more samples, you are the review queen, girl! Have a fabulous day!!

  25. Oh, good luck on your 5K run!! I’m still trying to convince myself to sign up for one… I was going to do one a while back but I chickened out…. 🙁 I wish I had a running buddy up here in Minnesota! BTW those Clif bars look yummy!

  26. The clif bar looks soooo amazing~and it smells like streusel?! I’m sold!

    I remember when my dad ran a 10K for the first time he did it in intervals..like…every 2K he’d take a 30 second break if he needed one…and I find that it helps if you focus on matching your breathing with movement? Maybe it’s just me, but I find that if I focus on breathing, I can run for a really long time!
    Good luck on the run! 😀

  27. Have fun with the 5k! I really need to sign up for one someday. I’m no hardcore race runner (considering I’ve never run any race other than those mandatory ones in grade school where I couldn’t run anyway…) but I think a 5k would be a lot of fun to do.

    I’m totally with you on only grabbing bars when completely necessary. Which is why I still have a fair little stash sitting in my room of different bars I’ve bought during various trips that I have yet to try. It takes me forever to get around to eating them. Maybe someday I’ll try them on a rushed breakfast morning… I really wish they had seasonal Clifs around here!

    Love all the Snacktrition goodies. All of the nuts look really fresh!

    And PS Congrats on the 5 year anniversary! WOW. 🙂

  28. Thank you so much to everyone for your comments! I received some great advice about the 5k and now I’m even more pumped 🙂 I also appreciate those of you who are also impacted by Special O and autism in some way – it’s always so nice to hear from others who share similar experiences!

    I highly recommend the Clif bars to all who were intrigued!!

    Anon ~ So cool that you share a similar time/date scenario!!

  29. I love your reviews and I think it’s great you and your boyfriend are doing the race!

    I added you to my blogroll, I hope you don’t mind 🙂

Comments are closed.