Nutritionists will tell you that the toughest thing for clients to give up is crunchy snacks—and they don’t mean celery! Many recommend converting trans-fat loaded potato chips and pretzels to better-for-you soy snacks. Taking a page from their play book, we searched the category to find the tastiest snacks for a healthier new year. We found them here: when was the last time a traditional crunchy snack delivered protein and isoflavones?
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Each full-bodied chip delivers a sturdy crunch that reminds us of the crispy fried noodles tossed in Asian salads—but these are actually baked and contain no trans or saturated fats. If it weren’t for the “70% LESS FAT THAN POTATO CHIPS & FEWER CARBS” label, we wouldn’t have known that these healthy chips are packed with at least 7 grams of soy protein per .9-ounce bag. Some flavors are peppery, some are garlicky, all are super-crunchy. The clever-cute packaging appeals to all age groups. In addition to snacking, you can sprinkle Baked Soy Chips over salads, chowders, or pastas.
Compared to peanuts, these flavorful soy nuts contain twice the amount of fiber, are 70 percent lower in fat, and have 42 percent fewer calories. Soy nuts offer a solid crunch, and the natural, slightly sweet flavor shines through the generously seasonings of Chili Lime, Hickory BBQ, Salted, and Onion Garlic (there’s also an Unsalted). They’re great from the bag or bowl, or sprinkled over yogurt, dips, soups, hors d’oeuvres, steamed vegetables, or whatever dish needs a crunchy kick.
Here’s the dry crunchy version of those heavenly steamed edamame in their shells served at Japanese restaurants. Edamame Crunchies are light and wispy nibbles: the shelled edamame are freeze-dried, leaving all nutrients and soy proteins intact. They’re as natural as can be: absolutely nothing is added so the inherently sweet bean flavor can be fully appreciated. They also make a beautiful garnish or plate decoration, as you can see from the photo at the right.
If you enjoy those about-to-burst kernels of corn at the bottom of the popcorn bag, you’ll love Grandpa Po’s Original Snacks. Crunchy half-popped golden nuggets made from organic popcorn are combined with organic dry roasted soybeans, which are then tossed in herbs and seasonings. The result is a unique munching experience— crispy, almost-popped, fluffy yet crunchy corn kernels meet the hearty crunch of roasted soy nuts, filling the mouth with an explosion of savory corn and nut flavors. Those with dietary restrictions can nibble with glee, because these snacks are vegan, peanut-, sugar, gluten-, wheat-, and preservative-free. Flavors include Slightly Unsalted, Slightly Spicy and Slightly Sweet to satisfy the slightest whim.
Grandpa Po’s Original Snacks
12-Pack
$28.90 to $36.50
If you think you don’t like soy nuts, try the dry-roasted ones from Dr. Soy Trail Mix. Now we love soy nuts and refuse to stop eating them, The same goes for the irresistible salty roasted soy nuts in original, barbeque, or ranch, but the best thing is that we don’t have to distress over how we need to stop munching. Bid farewell to overly salted nuts or greasy potato chips because you won’t be touching those again after you’ve tried these soy nut variations.
Soy Nuts
One 5-Ounce Package
$1.99
Six 5-Ounce Packages
$11.94
Dr. Soy’s heavenly roasted soy nuts combined with delicious dried fruits like papaya, dates, and pineapple are a real winner. This is one snack that you can’t just have one handful of!
Soy Trail Mix
One 5-Ounce Package
$1.99
Six 5-Ounce Packages
$11.94
Trade the candy box for something healthier: soy nuts covered in milk chocolate or a vanilla yogurt-based coating. They satisfy a sweet craving, and 15 sweet pieces of either contain only about 4 grams of fat. We alternate between handfuls of Revival’s savory soy chips (above) and the chocolate nuts throughout the day without feeling too guilty.
Sweet Treat 
