The Hershey Bar has long stood as the quintessential chocolate bar. It’s simple with no frills – just delicious chocolate.
In 1908, the Hershey Company added the Hershey Bar with Almonds to its offerings. In 1925, Hershey introduced the Mr. Goodbar – a chocolate bar with peanuts. However, it is the Hershey Bar with Almonds that appeals to those with a more refined palate.
In an article on the Food Business News website, Lu Ann Williams, director of innovation at Innova Market Insights, states that any product containing whole almonds is accepted as being a “premium experience.”
Candies like the Hershey Bar with Almonds and the ever-so-tasty Almond Roca are a mainstay in popular American culture. For that matter, many foods made with almonds are beloved by people around the county and even around the world.
According to Statista, the 2020/21 worldwide domestic consumption of almonds was over 1.56 million metric tons. In fact, almonds are the most commonly consumed nut in the entire world.
Americans eat the most almonds per year, hovering around 316,000 metric tons. This is not surprising considering that the US is also the world’s largest producer of almonds. California growers account for 99% of all almonds produced in the US. Approximately 70% of those California almonds are exported overseas.
India ranks second in worldwide domestic almond consumption. Unlike the US, every single almond eaten in India is imported. The country produces no almonds themselves.
The top five almond consuming countries are:
- United States
- India
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
A CLASSY NUT
In addition to having a regal flavor associated with people living the good life, almonds are incredibly healthy. In fact, they are considered an important superfood that people should think about adding to their regular diet.
As far as nuts go, the almond is the nut with the highest amount of calcium. One serving of these scrumptious nuts provides 23 milligrams of calcium. They are also an excellent source of protein.
Nutritionally speaking, the almond is a wonderful natural source of vitamin E. According to Healthline, one 28-gram serving of almonds translates to 37% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). This qualifies the almond as being one of the best sources of vitamin E among any foods worldwide.
The overall nutrient profile of almonds includes:
- 3.5 grams of fiber
- 6 grams of protein
- 9 grams of monounsaturated fat
- 37% of RDI for vitamin E
- 32% of the RDI for manganese
- 20% of the RDI for magnesium
Almonds are also an excellent source of antioxidants. These building blocks protect cells from oxidative damage. Per Healthline, oxidative damage is a significant player in aging and disease. So, in a way, a healthy diet that includes almonds may keep you looking and feeling younger.
Multiple studies have proven that almonds can actually lower cholesterol levels. Eating just two handfuls of almonds per day can lead to reductions in bad LDL cholesterol. This, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease.
Hitting home on the idea that almonds are a more elegant nut than some other common favorites are statistics from World Atlas. According to these statistics, almonds account for 39% of the nut consumption by high-income economies. By contrast almonds are only 19% of the nuts consumed in middle-income economies.
WEIGHT LOSS
According to VeryWellFit.com, despite being relatively high in calories, almonds are actually a great dietary option for those looking to lose weight. Regarding the calories associated with almonds, it’s important to realize that 10-15% of the calories from this particular nut are not absorbed by the human body.
Another important fact to know about infusing your diet with almonds for the purpose of pursuing weight loss is that evidence suggest that almonds can help boost metabolism. Because they are low in carbs, studies have shown that a diet rich in almonds saw 62% more weight loss compared to a diet filled with complex carbohydrates.
Another key reason that almonds can help with weight loss is that they are a natural appetite suppressant. According to National Public Radio (NPR), snacking on calorie-dense almonds will give you the feeling of being full, thus reducing hunger and cravings for less healthy foods.
DELICIOUS DISHES
While candy containing almonds, such as Hershey’s, can be absolutely delicious, candy is by far not the only way to enjoy almonds.
First, there is nothing wrong with enjoying raw or roasted almonds. They are a wonderfully healthy, impeccably tasting snack option that also offers a plethora of health benefits.
Other recipes that make use of the delectable and nutritious almond are many.
- Almonds are often used in salads, giving a little protein kick mixed in with all the veggies. It’s a great option for vegans looking to up their protein.
- Shaved almonds can be a tasty topping on homemade cookies or sweet rolls. Often, they can be paired with a chocolate drizzle.
- Also in the dessert realm, pulverized almonds can be used to make an almond pie crust – perfect for bakers everywhere.
- Chopped almonds can be combined with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy coating for fish or chicken.
- Almonds can also be a thrilling base for soup once they are slow-cooked and pureed.
FULFILL YOUR CRAVING
Roasted and salted almonds are a great snack. Much of the nutritional value is in the almond’s brown outer skin. So, if you’re looking to absorb as much nutritional value as possible, make sure you are ordering almonds that still have their distinctive brown skin.
BULK is a premier seller of almonds, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios. You can buy these super healthy nuts in 1-pound, 3-pound, or 6-pound quantities. Almonds, in particular, are a healthy treat that are good to always have around the house.
Almonds offer a lot of health benefits, and they have a flavor one would associate with royalty. You can eat them raw or use them in recipes. The only limitation on the uses for this superfood is your imagination.
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