I grew up going to Baldwin's Sweet Shop for shave ice. On my recent visit, however, we got some local treats instead since we had already eaten dessert.
Baldwin's has all sorts of crack seed, gummies, senbei, Japanese candies, and more.
When it comes to travel, I'm all about the snacks and omiyage. While at La Bufadora market, I saw Mini Market Anita, which was full of Mexican snacks.
There were all sorts of flavors of familiar snack brands that were new-to-me.
Definitely worth checking out if you love snacks as much as I do!
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I stopped at the Mililani Farmers Market for the first time in months, and was surprised to see Okonokai - it was the first day for the vendor! I've seen posts come through my social media about the crackers made with limu, so I was excited to try them.
I was already familiar with the limu lepe-o-Hina used in the crackers, since we use the limu at Na‘au.
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I bought all three flavors - Sea Salt, Spicy Gochujang, and Miso Cheezy.
My fave was the Sea Salt. The crackers were thin with a nice snap, and just enough salt and umami.
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Follow Okonokai on IG to find out where to get them, or you can also purchase online!
Protein is important (I have been trying to eat more protein myself), and my kids enjoy snacking on beef sticks from time to time. We've tried several brands and varieties over the past several months, and here are our faves:
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Chomps Grass-Fed and Finished Beef Jerky Snack Sticks - Original
My kids love these Chomps. I bought a box of 10 and they were all gone in just a few days. I don't eat much beef myself, but I don't shy away from beef jerky / chips.
These beef jerky sticks have 10g protein per stick, are tasty, and perfect for on-the-go! We can't wait to try other flavors!
Note: Also available at Costco!
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School has been back in session for a while now for us, which meant I'm back to prepping afterschool snacks when I can.
Here is a roundup of a few of my go-tos, which I make weekly on a rotating basis.
Energy Bites can be made with whatever you have on hand. I've made them in all sorts of varieties (S'mores, Nutella, cocoa, etc., and they are freezable too!
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Smoothies are another treat that I make with whatever fruits I have on hand. The topping possibilities are endless!
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I loved these CauliPuffs so much! It's hard for me to resist those cheesy puffed snacks, but I know even the more popular "natural" ones can be full of preservatives and additives. These CauliPuffs are a tasty substitute- crunchy, airy, with a great salt & pepper seasoning.
From the Ground Up - Cauliflower Stalks
The first time I tried the Sea Salt Cauiflower Stalks, I honestly wasn't expecting much, but I was blown away by the texture and taste. I was addicted! Made from cassava and cauliflower, they are light and airy, but with just enough crunch and flavor to keep you wanting more.
The Chickpea Chips are gluten free, have 6g of protein, and have a nice crunch! They come in 3 flavors - Pico de Gallo, Sea Salt, Mediterranean Herb (the Sea Salt and Mediterranean Herb were my faves).
Hippeas are another snack made from chickpeas. The puffs come in a variety of flavors (my fave is the Vegan White Cheddar), and have 4g of protein and 3g of fiber. It's another tasty, healthy alternative to those cheesy puff snacks.
PeaTos was a pandemic find for me. These pea-based snacks have a satisfying crunch, and I was pleasantly surprised with how tasty they were. They offer various flavors and varieties, and my fave is the Crunchy Onion Rings, which taste very similar to the more well-known crunchy onion ring snack, but the PeaTos version is plant-based and is made with better-for-you ingredients.
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Each cookie is diagonally dipped by hand by Big Island Candies' employees at their Flagship Store and Factory in Hilo on the Big Island. If you have not ever been to their Flagship Store, you need to go! They have an open kitchen area, and if you're lucky, you'll get to see the hand-dipping in action! It's amazing how consistent they are with the hand-dipping.
Ala Moana Store (1450 Ala Moana Blvd, near Center Court):
I love sweet and salty snacks so I was super excited to try Big Island Candies new Everything In It Except the Bagel savory products as part of a media preview. The first is a snack mix with your favorite crunchy snacks covered with a blend of savory seasonings: salt, garlic, onion, sesame seed, and more. The second is a new macadamia nut shortbread blended with the savory seasoning called Macadamia Nut Shortbread with Everything In It Except the Bagel!
I thought I was going to like the snack mix more, but I really love the cookie! You just can't beat the texture and flavor of a Big Island Candies shortbread cookie and I really like the sweet salty taste of the Macadamia Nut Shortbread with Everything In It Except the Bagel!
These two new products would make a great gift for parties, pot lucks or just for snacking! Also they are great to ship or bring on your travels as there are no worries of any chocolate melting. Available on Oahu at the Ala Moana location.
It's not often that I get to shop for omiyage while on the Big Island, since I'm often so busy with work for Na`au. However, on my most recent trip, I ended up at The Locavore Store (since we needed some ingredients for a private dinner), and I decided to get some omiyage.
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In addition to snacks, they have produce, ice cream, books, beauty products, and so much more!
What I also love about The Locavore Store is not only do they carry local produce and hand-crafted products, but they have the friendliest employees! Every time I've been there or called, the employees are always so welcoming.
Online shopping is available.
Crispy pork rinds are dusted with a shoyu butter flavor combo that is truly addicting.
I love that Banzai Pops offered this new item, and it's always fun to see what new Banzai Pops flavors and products will be introduced!
Follow Banzai Pops on Instagram to find out when order opens up.
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| Veggie Crisps |
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| Hummus Crisps |
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| Veggie Puffs |
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| Chickpea Veggie Crisps |
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Simply take Medjool dates, slice them open and take out the pits, then stuff them with peanut butter (I placed peanut butter in a plastic bag, snipped the end, and squeezed out the PB into the dates - it was much easier than trying to spoon the peanut butter in).
Eat them as is, or top them with whatever you have on hand. I sprinkled some with shredded coconut, others with ground flaxseed, and some with Lion's Mane Cacao Mix.
The dates give a slightly caramel flavor to the snack, and when combined with peanut butter, they really do satisfy your sweet tooth (one is plenty!).
The kids loved them!
Next up - I hope to finally make that dessert!
Simply cut a banana in half, stick a lollipop stick in the bottom, dip in chocolate (I used a mixture of 1 T PB + 1 cup chocolate melted on high for 90 seconds in the microwave for a nice pb / chocolate mixture), and top with granola (I used yukonola).
Freeze for at least an hour, and enjoy!
