For Moms, Moms-to-be & Toddlers +
Finding healthier alternatives to conventional ingredients is a constant struggle that many of us moms (and people in general) face every day. We want the food we eat to be good for us, but we also want it to taste good. And sadly, in the end, taste usually wins out… But it doesn’t have to be that way! There are many nutritious products on the market that are not only good for you, but can make your every day meals taste even better.
Nutiva is one of these brands. From baking, to stir-frying, to salad additions and more, Nutiva’s wide array of organic superfoods makes it easy, and affordable, to sneak in and swap out nutritious and delicious ingredients
The Product: Since 1999, Nutiva has been a brand dedicated to not only bringing organic superfoods to the masses, but in doing so, nurturing the health and growth of our planet. Moreover, Nutiva takes pride in educating consumers about the health benefits that abound in the foods they sell, including Hemp, Coconut, and Chia products, all of which are known for their rich sources of Omega fats. With a line of Hemp products that initially inspired the brand, Nutiva now sells Shelled Hemp Seeds, Hemp Oil, Hemp Protein, and Hemp Shakes. They also have a full line of coconut-based products including Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Manna, Coconut Sugar, and Coconut Flour. Furthermore, Nutiva sells Red Palm Oil and Chia Seeds.
With numerous sizes, including cases, available, Nutiva has made it affordable to not only use, but saturate your diet with a wide assortment of healthy and delicious superfoods.
Nutrition-Wise: As a USDA Certified Organic superfood brand, Nutiva has made it their mission to bring the highest quality hemp, coconut, and chia foods to their consumers. With all of their products certified non-GMO as well, Nutiva ensures that you are getting the best tasting and most nutritious products on the market. As Nutiva’s founding product, hemp is easily grown without pesticides or herbicides. Rich in protein, Omega fatty acids, and fiber, hemp is a creamy, nutty, and versatile seed that can be used as an oil, as “protein powder” or simply eaten straight out of the bag.
Nutiva’s coconut oil is cold-pressed so that it retains its vital nutrients and delicate fats. It is never bleached, refined, or processed with chemicals, ensuring that it is as close to nature as you can get. Full of the rare, medium-chain fatty acid known as lauric acid (which is abundantly found in human breast milk), this fat supports healthy metabolism, and also has anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. (Read more about coconuts and their benefits, here.)
The latest product to the Nutiva line are Chia Seeds. Rich in fiber, protein, minerals, antioxidants, and Omega-3s, chia seeds are tiny but powerful nutritional agents and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Plumping up to 12x their original size in liquid in a matter of minutes, chia seeds add a great texture to whatever it is you crave.
Finally, Nutiva’s Red Palm Oil, grown on small organic family farms in NW Ecuador, is full of high levels of antioxidant vitamins A and E. With a rich, buttery flavor, Red Palm Oil is excellent used is soups, sauces, and medium heat sauteing.
Where to Buy: The entire Nutiva line can be bought via their Online Store, or you can find them at a retail location near you.
Final Thoughts: As a Chef whom specializes in Nutrition, I am always trying to find ways to “sneak in” good for you ingredients in my client’s meals. Now, as a Mom, I am doing the same thing for my son (and my husband!). But they can’t just be healthy, they need to taste as good, if not even better, than the products they are substituting.
That is why I have come to be such a huge fan of Nutiva and their entire line of superfoods. From Coconut and Hemp Oils to Shelled Hemp and Chia seeds, I can pretty much find an “excuse” to use at least one of their products in every meal I prepare.
Not only are their foods easy to use as replacements for what would be considered “conventional” ingredients, they are also extremely healthy and taste absolutely delicious! From added protein and fiber, to large amounts of hard-to-come-by Omega fats, Nutiva’s organic superfoods are a staple in my pantry and once you try them, are sure to be in yours as well.
For more information about Nutiva and their organic line of superfoods, please visit their website and check them out on Facebook and Pinterest.
