Cacao Nibbles

Posted by Stephanie Gallagher Mar 9, 2007

You know why Americans are fat? Probably because we like to take high calorie treats, turn them into so-called health foods, and then eat them with abandon.

See? I figured that out and I don't even have a Ph.D in food marketing and nutrition, like Brian Wansink who wrote a whole book about it. (Which, by the way, is excellent and highly recommended.)

Anyway, at the risk of becoming a part of this self-destructive cycle, I'm going to recommend a healthy chocolate candy.

Yikes -- don't pelt me with cold french fries until you've heard me out, okay?

Although there have been studies linking dark chocolate to improved cardiovascular health, everyone knows that candy is high in calories and fat. So you can't just wolf down a huge chocolate bar and call it a health food.

But a new line of dark chocolate candy may actually offer some nutritional value and portion control, too.

They're called Cacao Nibbles, and you can buy them at Salvatierra Imports.

Combining the wonderful flavors of dark chocolate with dried fruit and quinoa -- my favorite, healthy protein -- Cacao Nibbles offer a little taste of sweet with some protein and fiber, too. They come in little chunks, too, for easier portion control.

And they're made with only natural, gluten-free ingredients, making them a nice snack food for certain food allergy-sufferers.

Cacao Nibbles come in four varieties: Mango Apple, Blueberry Lavender Plum, Apricot Cranberry and Date Coconut.

I adore the Date Coconut, which tastes like a more natural, less cloying, version of a traditional chocolate-covered coconut candy.

Cacao Nibbles are $6.50 a tub, or $25.49 for a 4-pack.