For MOMS & MOMS-TO-BE and Toddlers 2 years+
Like many, I was a bit skeptical when hearing about quinoa for the first time. But after trying it, I was hooked. And while it used to be pretty hard to come by, it seems like every where you turn these days there is some kind of quinoa-inspired product or menu item.
As one of the only plant-based proteins that contains all 9-essential amino acids, quinoa truly is a star in its field. Great as a savory dish or to eat in a bar or “burger”, it’d be nice if you could enjoy it in a more convenient manner – perhaps on the sweeter side…
Well thanks to i heart keenwah and their line of brittle-like treats, now you can!
THE PRODUCT: I heart keenwah has taken the South American superfood known as quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), and turned it into a healthy, sweet tasting snack. Filled with toasted quinoa, nuts, dried fruit, and/or chocolate, i heart keenwah tastes more like old-fashioned brittle, and less like a “healthy snack” than you could imagine!
Made with 100% organic quinoa, organic dark chocolate, and other all-natural ingredients, i heart keenwah snacks are both tasty and nutritious, two things that are definitely not synonymous.
Available in Almond, Chocolate Sea Salt, Ginger Peanut, Cranberry Cashew, and Peanut Butter Cacao, these crunchy little treats are not just for dessert, but can truly be enjoyed any time of day.
NUTRITION-WISE: Known as the “mother of all grains”, quinoa is actually not a grain at all, but a seed. Containing all 9 essential amino acids as well as being gluten-free, low-glycemic, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization says it is so nutritious it can even be substituted for mother’s milk (which may be a stretch, but is definitely worth noting!).
I heart keenwah obviously took up a special love for this product and has based their entire product line off of this superfood. Using three types of quinoa – quinoa grain, quinoa puffs, and quinoa flakes, i heart keenwah uses tapioca syrup as its main binder, along with some honey and raw sugar for texture. Each flavor also has nuts, and either dried fruit or chocolate, depending on the variety.
Gluten-free tested and certified, the line is also dairy-free (although the chocolate is manufactured on equipment that uses milk).
Hand made in small batches, a 1oz serving (7 or 8 pieces) of i heart keenwah contains around 120-130 calories, which is around 15-20 calories per piece. There is also around 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber, and 7 grams of sugar per serving.
*Due to the facts that the quinoa is roasted and these products contain nuts, I would advise waiting to give them to your little ones until they have a full set of molars and can chew quite easily. Also, it should be noted that if not eaten within a week’s time (once opened), they will get pretty hard and may even be difficult for you to eat.
Besides that, they really don’t contain a whole lot of sugar and do contain some healthy fats and protein, so as a sweet treat, are fine for both you and your little ones.
WHERE TO BUY: I heart keenwah can be purchased directly through their website, or to find the retail location nearest you, please visit their Store Locator.
FINAL THOUGHTS: When I first tried i heart keenwah snacks I was blown away by how rich and decadent they taste. Filled with quinoa (obviously!), and packed with nuts, they really do taste like an old-fashioned brittle you would find at your local county fair, only much healthier! Roasted and crunchy, sweet and yet still somewhat savory, i heart keenwah snacks are one of my new go-to snacks when I am looking for just a little something to help tide me over [or to quiet my late night sweet tooth].
Try any or all of i heart keenwah products today and see for yourself how amazingly delicious quinoa-filled snacks can be.
To learn more about i heart keenwah and to try them out for yourself, please visit their website and check them out on Facebook.
And remember, Contact Healthy.Fit.Fab…Moms today to create a personalized plan so you and your family can live a healthy, fit, and fabulous life!
