Summer is officially here and it’s gonna be a good one! No matter where you are, scarcely anyone can resist putting on a pair of flip-flops and heading out to the park or beach for a picnic. Here are some of our 5 can’t-miss snacks for a natural picnic:
Quinn Popcorn
A quick foray around the Quinn Popcorn website is enough to let you know that these guys are serious about reinventing microwave popcorn. After you’ve mustered the energy to visit their online store, you can get poppin’ with Parmesan & Rosemary, Vermont Maple, Butter & Sea Salt, Hickory Smoked Cheddar, Olive Oil & Herbs or Just Sea Salt flavors. Their organic popcorn is full of crunch and natural corn flavor. It’s a low-calorie, antioxidant rich superfood that comes in compostable bags. Featured on Oprah and in Women’s Health magazine, these farm-to-baggers have made it, priding themselves on transparency (they’ll let you know where each ingredient comes from per bag) and innovation. Start pouring and shaking here.
Zevia Soda
The zero-cal, sugar free zesty goodness comes in 15 variations, with Cream Soda, Ginger Ale, Ginger Root Beer and Cola leading the way. The key differences between Zevia and any other conventional soda out there is the absence of Phosphoric Acid, Brominated Vegetable Oil, Synthetic Caffeine and Artificial Coloring in their products. In the words of CEO Paddy Spence, “It is definitely kind of crazy starting a small beverage company to compete with Coke and Pepsi. But as a small player we are much more nimble and much more in touch with consumers.” More info here.
Roots Hummus
Roots has been making fine hummus in Asheville since 2006 and is the self-described “Microbrew of Hummus.” Their nine kinds of hummus are accessible all throughout the Southeastern and Southern Pacific United States in Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Ingles, and many other independent supermarkets. Choose from any of their delicious flavors, be it Original, Roasted Bell Pepper, Hot Chipotle, Black Bean, Spinach, Roasted Garlic, Thai Coconut Curry or Lima Bean. A well-designed website offers recipes (good ones) for your picnic inspiration.
Beanitos
Not too long ago, the “original bean snack” hit the market. Beanitos is a unique brand of chips produced using beans. Since its inception, people have been wonderfully shocked at their moderately sound nourishment profile. The nutrition, for an exquisite chip nibble, is great. For a 140 calories, you get 6 grams of fiber (compared to less than 1 gram for other potato chips). The sodium count is low as well – 55 mg (versus 90 mg for potato chips). Available online on their site and Amazon in White Bean, Pinto Bean and Black Bean variations from White Cheddar to Chipotle BBQ for a relatively inexpensive price under $3, these Texas snacks will be perfect for a picnic! Also, the ingredient list is short and sweet. You’ll be happy to read that all Beanitos ingredients are certified non-GMO and gluten-free.
Appleooz
This one’s for the kids, because who can resist some crunchy apple chips? Appleooz (ap-pul-oooz) chips are handcrafted using a variety of fresh apples, natural and organic fruit juices and cinnamon. Sold online and on location all throughout Boulder CO, these chips are making a name for themselves. Available in 4 sizes (small, medium, large and extra large), these handcrafted goodies contain nothing more than apples, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice and Vitamins C, A and E per 50cal serving. Take a look at their website for more information about Kidz who chooz Appleooz and much more.
