Locally made healthy treats have the sweet tastes that hit the spot
By Alison Brownrigg
NWsource shopping columnist
Raul Campoverde
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RSS for Daily FindFinding snacks that satisfy the craving for sweets but that also have some redeeming nutritional value is a constant struggle in the battle of the bulge. Here are three local companies who have created delicious healthy snacks.
Former molecular biologist Sally Virgin launched Simbree Energy Foods in 2004 after making granola bars from scratch for her kids. Her Energy Bites ($4.99 for 6 ounces) are soft little morsels of goodness that provide sustained energy and are perfect for snacking on the go.
"I was looking for an energy bar that tasted like real food," Virgin says, "and it had to be a healthy snack food, not junk." With that goal in mind, Virgin created three flavors: Maple Walnut, Cashew Coconut and bestselling Almond Pistachio.
Each flavor contains organic grains and brown sugar and is soy-, wheat- and dairy-free.
Purchase Simbree bars at PCC, Montlake Bicycle Shop and at www.simbree.com.
None of the four varieties of Caveman Bar -- Peanut Sea Salt, Almond Coconut, Pecan Cinnamon and Seed & Seeds ($2.50 each) -- has more than five ingredients, all of which are recognizable and pronounceable. (I swear that the Almond Coconut is just like an Almond Joy without the chocolate coating.)
Made in small batches in Poulsbo by former personal trainer Steve Lunde, Caveman Bars are not baked, but rather pressed, rolled and formed. They don't contain flour and are sweetened by brown rice syrup, which is also responsible for keeping the bars chewy and moist.
"Freshness is important to us," says Lunde. "We only make enough bars each week to fill our orders and use local ingredients like freshly roasted peanuts from Kingston."
Caveman Bars are available at the West Seattle Thriftway, Town and Country Markets and online at www.cavemanbar.com.
There's no reason to lament having to take your fish oil with Dr. Dave's Mega-O chocolate truffles ($12 for seven pieces), which offer a daily dose of oil in each serving.
Dr. David Kiefer, the man behind Dr. Dave's Mega-O, explored the benefits of natural remedies such as healthy oils at Dr. Andrew Weil's Integrative Medicine program at the University of Arizona.
"Research shows that fish and algae oils benefit joint and brain function and help to balance cholesterol levels," explains Kiefer.
At only 80 calories each, the truffles are flavored with orange, mint, mocha and ginger, and have no trace of a fishy taste.
Dr. Dave's Mega-O chocolates are available at Whole Foods and online at www.o3foods.com.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
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Comments
Post a commentEverybody loves Simbree!! What a great product. It's a shame that there aren't more companies around with snacks like these. They are so healthy and delicious. I would give this product 5 stars if we were rating it. Nothing compares. Highly recommended.
I just discovered these bites after I snitched some from a friend - they are awesome. I like to keep a stash of food in my car, in my bike's bag & at work for the times I forget to bring lunch or have to work late. Ilove these because they satisfy me w/out making me feel like I had a pile of sugar. They've got real ingrediants - you can see the stuff, & they taste excellent.
I love Simbree!! These bites are the best in town. I love to pack a few when I go biking on the the Orting bike trail.
Simbree is my favorite snack to munch on between meals! It keeps me energized and I don't have to worry because it's so nutritious!
Almost lost my lunch on a Rainier Climb eating a cardboard-tasting energy bar made by a major brand manufacturer. Dry. Inedible. Then I was introduced to Simbree. Moist. Tasty. Produce the get up and go equal to powder-milk biscuits. Yum!
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