Snacks

SURVIVAL OF THE MOST DELICIOUS

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The other day, I was driving to teach at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office after hosting another live author interview at a senior community or library or Rotary Club meeting or maybe all of those and I realized I had not had lunch.

Reaching into my teaching bag, I was fortunate enough to find a packet from Nutrient Survival.

While I admit that true starvation was nowhere to be felt and that I probably could have made it through the class, as I wanted to give my students my best, I was glad and grateful to have such great sustenance on hand!

Created by a former Army Ranger, Nutrient Survival is very much like the meals ready-to-eat (MREs) that our brave men and women in uniform carry with them into battle, where the next meal and the next day may not be guaranteed. And while they have the same nutrition and energy that MREs offer, Nutrient Survival’s offerings are far more diverse in terms of menu options and far more delicious!

From essentials like powdered milk and vitamin eggs to hearty lasagna and a variety of granolas and cereals that come in cannon-proof cans or emergency-ready bug-out bags, Nutrient Survival has everything you need to stock your bunker or just to have handy snacks on the go that do not need refrigeration or much fuss to prepare. And with foods that fit every diet from gluten-free to vegetarian, pretty much everyone can make it through the day with their help.

Not sure military-grade food is for you (it is!)? Nutrient Survival offers a one-time trial purchase where you can get samples of their basics, breakfasts, entrees, or drinks for a super low price that acts like basic training before you jump from the boring food plane and find your true mission.

EXPANDING THE MARKET

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Whenever I am at a loss for food friends to celebrate (as if!), I can always turn to our friends at Boston Public Market for good food news.

I recently mentioned how Q’s Nuts has recently released a redesign of their popular packages and I never miss an opportunity to grab a Beantown Pastrami sandwich or a half-dozen Bagel Guild bagels when I am in the area. As the weather gets warmer, nothing bears Crescent Ridge ice cream or a healthy drink from Mother Juice. The main issue is that there are just too many great places to eat and shop under one roof to fully appreciate them all- at least not in one visit!

Adding to this happy problem is the arrival of two new vendors – Mr. Tamole and The Happy Cactus.

Mr. Tamole is a mother-son culinary venture that specializes in traditional Mexican fare. Launched (as so many successful BPM ventures are) in farmers markets, Andrés and Margarita Carreto were members of the  Market’s 2024 Entrepreneurship Forum and will be bringing their famed Puebla-style tamales, tacos, tortas, mole poblano, and green pipián, among other authentic tastes.

The Happy Cactus is a plant and gift shop that began in a college dorm room. In addition to curated plants, the Happy Cactus also offers crystals, and other naturally-inspired gifts that reflect founder Tucker Gaccione’s love for plants, creativity, and community.

By the way, the Market is celebrating 10 years this year and will host a special music festival that will feature RLETTO from The Voice on June 8. As our listeners know, their events are always great, so be sure to check it out!     

A NEW WAVELENGTH

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As I love to teach people about food and also love to teach people about fitness (especially boxing), I’m always on the hunt for products that satisfy both desires.

My latest di-fecta is Wavelength superfood protein powders.

As each delicious, satisfying serving contains 20 grams of protein, a complete amino acid profile, as well as adaptogens for my brain and honest-to-goodness organic ingredients like energy-boosting acai, anxiety- and inflammation-calming ashwaganda, stress-reducing astragalus, and blood pressure-lowering cacao powder, Wavelength is my new go-to for morning smoothies, post-workout shakes, and even snacks and dessert drinks that help me sleep and keep an eye on my sugar intake.

Speaking of sugar, Wavelength products have none added and are also free of fillers and additives, so you can enjoy them with your entire family. In fact, they even offer a complete line of what they call Little Ripples for kids that are sugar-free and also free of dairy, gluten, soy, and other things that seem to give so many kids troubles these days.

Despite the lack of sugar or fake flavors, Wavelength’s powders are delicious. And as the company is run by a savvy mom and sources their ingredients domestically, it is a win for everyone!
As Matt’s Meals fans know, protein delivery is a big part of my meal plan, so I cannot rave enough about Wavelength!

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IF ONLY IT WERE THIS EASY (AND DELICIOUS)!

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With the way of the world today, people are looking for options that can bring them peace of mind and maybe a little more peace on earth.

And if there could be a little sweetness too- all the better!

That is why I’m such a fan of Sweet Diplomacy – the gluten-free and special diet-friendly treats and gift boxes that feature authentic flavors from all over the world.

With a menu that offers items that are not only appropriate for such special diets as nut-free, sugar-free, paleo, and vegan but that are good enough to convince people to try out these diets and improve their health, Sweet Diplomacy’s most popular offering is the monthly bread campaign that includes such artisanal flavors as everything bagel, chocolate babka, and parmesan thyme.

For those who want to explore other culinary cultures, the Diplomatic Box set that features an ever-expanding menu of favorites that can be shipped to nearly any nation as a token of peace, friendship, and wishes for good health and happiness. From a Japanese-sourced set of cherry blossom cookies and matcha marble cakes to the Parisian collection of chocolate-covered strawberry cookies and decadent lava cakes to an internationally-inspired (and I mean “inspired”!) collection of cookies, cakes, and cocoa mix that will mix well at any party or event and give the most sensitive eater plenty to chew on and enjoy.

If more people shared these delicious treats, the world would surely be a better place, so do your part and establish some Sweet Diplomacy in your community.   

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Q’S NEWS

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It has been said that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Well- when the “book” is a product as fresh and delicious as Q’s Nuts, the cover does not really matter.

Q’s Nuts has been around for 25 years and is constantly adding new flavors to their delicious menu of sweet and savory snacks.

 In an effort to keep up with the latest trends Q’s will soon be appearing in new packaging. But rest assured it’s what’s inside that counts and that every package of Q’s Nuts will still include the freshest, most creatively-flavored nuts and snacks around!

With fabulous flavors like rosemary sea salt, cayenne mango, maple bourbon, and Mexican chocolate (as well as their recently-released cacao nibs), Q’s has flavors for every taste and are perfect for lunchbox treats, traffic jam meltdown diffusers, housewarming gifts, or just to nibble on for a punch of flavor, protein, and energy any time of day.

A regular at Boston Public Market for years, Q’s can also be found at farmers markets and other special locations and has long been a sponsor of my nationally-syndicated author interview series, “The Writer’s Block,” where they are quickly gobbled up by literary and snack fans of all ages. They are available for wholesale purchase and their website offers a wide range of giftable packages that are perfect for every occasion, so whenever you want to treat yourself or someone else, make sure you start your quest with “Q.”

https://qsnuts.com
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A “SPECIAL” BREW

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As I recently hosted an episode of  “Belmont Business Report“ that was produced by Belmont Media Center about Art’s Specialties, I figured it would be appropriate to revisit them for Matt’s Meals as well!

In addition to opening his latest store in Cambridge with more on the way, Art has also been brewing his own coffee in his Maynard location and is making hand-distilled cold brew that is now available at all of is stores.

As is the based with so much of what Art does, he started selling other canned cold brew brands but figured that he could do it better!

Using the family coffee traditions of his Armenian roots, Arts cold brew is rich and refreshing and comes in handy 12-ounce glass bottles that can be enjoyed or their own or used to make your favorite coffee drinks and treats. They go especially well with ice cream from Art’s Creamery as a lower-caffeine and low-acid Affogato or to wash down any of the special culinary treats you pick up at his main stores.

While at Art’s, be sure to peruse his collection of over 100 local and international beers, as well as his shelves of non-alcoholic drinks, international snacks and prepared foods, and, of course, the wide selection of curated olive oils and vinegars and teas and cheeses that first made him famous. 

I find something new and delicious every time I visit and Art is always happy to honor special requests for new products, so even if he does not have exactly what I am looking for, he surely will soon!

Art already has locations in Belmont, Sherburne, Maynard, and Carlisle and is opening Cambridge and Everett, so a visit to Art’s Specialties (and Art’s Creamery) is more convenient from more places and more worth the trip from anywhere else.

See you there and see you on Belmont Media!

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GOLDEN SNACKS

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In addition to offering protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, flaxseed may help lower the risk of cancer, help maintain weight, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

While some take issue with its gritty texture and bland taste, those excuses are going by the wayside, thanks to a bakery called Flax 4 Life.

For nearly 25 years, this family-owned business has been helping people of all ages enjoy this nutritious seed through its ever-expanding line of dairy-, gluten-, and nut-free baked goods. In fact, as so many great food companies have been, Flax 4 Life was created to help a family member who had a gluten sensitivity and grew from there.Whether you want to start the day with sweet and crunchy apple cinnamon granola or a hearty blueberry muffin, snack on a chocolate chip cookie, or finish a favorite family meal with dark cherry brownies (my personal favorite!) or a no sugar added chocolate brownie, you can be sure that you are enjoying nutritious, clean food that is made with familial love and delivered in renewable recyclable packaging.Speaking of packaging, if you can’t decide on just one tasty treat or if you want to ensure that your friends and colleagues enjoy great flavor and great health, Flax 4 Life has an amazing gift box that includes a bag of granola, single-served muffins and brownies, a pen and pad to keep track of your fitness journey, and a t-shirt that can be worn at the gym or just relaxing while you enjoy another bite.No matter what you choose, you are sure to get all the benefits of flax seed without the slightest hint of complaint and know that you are helping keep others happier and healthier as well!

A VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT FROM THE WOMEN

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In the olden days, Valentine’s Day was traditionally a time for men to make amends for past infractions of the love code by plying their paramours with roadside flowers and drug store candy.

Fortunately, times have changed!

These days, the gifts can come and go both ways and the range of quality options that are available has expanded as well.

If you really want to make women feel especially good this year, why not try a gift from the mother-and-daughter team behind Bonnie & Pop?

With their great selection of hand-crafted candies, nuts, and other treats (including an entire selection of fruit and nut snacks that are at least relatively healthier), it is no wonder they are one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing businesses!

From the Sweet & Salty showstopper set that features chocolate-covered pretzels and handmade peppermint patty’s that will surely give you a happy sensation to the appropriately-named Better than Birthday Cake collection that is loaded with cashew clusters, chocolate pecan patties, and other sweet surprises, Bonnie & Pop have treats of every occasion-including Valentine’s Day!

They even have a selection on their website that features gifts under $50!

Speaking of gifts, Bonnie and Pop are also all set up for corporate orders and large events.

And no matter what you order the beautiful boxes are great for keepsakes, photos, or whatever else you want to store while you wait for your next package of treats to arrive.

Best of all, if you use the code PRBONNIE, you can get $5 off!

https://www.bonnieandpop.com

UMBO- FLAP THOSE WOOD EARS!

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As we have seen from Forij granola, Four Sigmatic, Pivot Coldbrew, Pan’s Jerky, and Tamim Teas, mushrooms seem to be the new superfood!

In addition to being low-calorie sources of fiber, protein, selenium, and adaptogens and antioxidants, they have been shown to mitigate stress and the risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. 

That is why I was so glad to find Umbo!

Created by three athletes and named for the geometric term used to describe both the raised center of a mushroom cap and the similarly protrusive and power-packing center of a shield, Umbo offers a range of recipes that can support sleep, recovery, energy, and focus and that come in easy-to-travel and take capsules, tinctures, and delicious bars that hide the active ingredients in chewy pillows of honey, California walnuts, Macadamia nuts, pecans, and sunflower kernels, each of which has been shown to add its own set of supportive nutrients. There is even a dairy-free version if that works best for you! And to wash it all down, Umbo even makes his own hydration drink called pause that is sure to refresh you!

While their organic lion’s mane, cordyceps militaris, reiki, turkey tail, and shiitake mushrooms are non-psychedelic, Umbo puts part of the proceeds towards the ever-more-popular and productive study of those that are in an effort to find even more ways to put these foraged fungi to future function.

To get started, you can download their functional mushroom playbook at www.getumbo.com and see all the many ways mushrooms can be beneficial and enjoyable.

The ART of Great Food (and Ice Cream)

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In my constant search to find great places to find great food made by great people from our great community (and beyond), I recently came upon a place – actually a series of places – that not only sells some of my favorite brands that I’ve talked about before (some MANY times!), but also a huge selection of soon-to-be-favorites!

Run by the husband-and-wife team of Art and Jen Negaryan, Art’s Specialties has everything from chocolate, coffee, and cookies to cheese and crackers to oils and spices to international foods that are hard to find ‘round here, as well as a wide array of local and international beverages that ranges from beer and wine to cider and sake. They even have an entire set of flavored olive oils and vinegars that are delicious to taste and perfect for any recipe or gift package.

Speaking of gift packages, Art and his talented team are more than happy to help you pick out the perfect presents for any friend or colleague.

And while many suppliers have been raising their prices, Art and Jen do all they can to make it easy and affordable to try new things so you too can find new favorites.

When you want to reward your great taste, head across the street from the Belmont store to Art’s Creamery or to the Sherborn store or soon to a new location near the Cambridge/Arlington line, where flash-frozen flavors from New City Microcreamery, Nightingale Ice Cream, and Van Leeuwen and their own Ice Cream Bike Sandwiches, all of which have proven so popular that they are staying open all year!

With locations in Belmont, Carlisle, Maynard, and Sherborn, there is probably a store near you. And if not, go to www.artsspecialties.com and www.artscreamery.com to see what is new and what you will be enjoying next.