Highlighting sugar-free snacks for this festive season

 

It’s the Christmas season and many of us are focused on celebrations, particularly in preparing main spreads for the dinner table. In the midst of all this preparation, we often overlook an important part in making our guests feel as welcomed as possible - snacks. This may result in us rushing to prepare something last-minute, disregarding the importance of keeping snacks healthy and sugar-free, which are both key components in avoiding the consumption of empty calories. For that reason, we present to you 4 sugar-free snack ideas that are not just healthy, but are sure to explode flavours on your palate!

 

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Orange being the new black may be questionable, but “Chickpeas is the New Corn” is a statement that we can definitely get behind. Not only are chickpeas rich in fibre, which aids with digestion, they are also packed with protein, which helps in keeping you satiated for longer. Premixed in a handful of spice powders which include cumin, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder, as well as sea salt and pepper, this low-calorie treat makes for an ideal kids snack as well. Apart from being suitable for vegans, it is also dairy and sugar-free. Say hello to guilt-free munchies!

 

Chocolate Oat Cookies

A sugar-free treat that uses only 3 basic ingredients which include bananas, oatmeal (gluten-free oatmeal can be used as a substitute should you have a wheat allergy) and unsweetened cacao, this dessert packs a health boost alongside an explosion of flavour.

Bananas provide a substantial source of vitamin C, potassium and manganese, apart from aiding in digestion and providing a good source of energy. Oatmeal, on the other hand, are rich in antioxidants, beta-glucan fibre and capable of lowering low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and blood sugar levels. But the real star of this dessert is the unsweetened cacao, a ‘superfood’ which boasts 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries in its raw state. It’s rich in plant-based iron, calcium, magnesium, and also works as an antidepressant. For an added kick, a variety of ingredients can be added into the mix such as unsweetened chocolate chips, raisins, coconut flakes, flax seeds or dried cranberries. Nibble away, compadres!

 

English Toffee

English Toffees are a Christmas classic. No matter where you turn, especially during a Christmas shopping excursion, it is bound to appear out of nowhere, tucked neatly in a tin container or box wrapped with a coloured bow. A combination of butter, chocolate and caramel goodness, this treat is one that is not to be taken lightly, especially its sugar-free form. If not careful, chances are you might even finish these tasty, low-calorie treats even before the Christmas season is over. The struggle is real!

 

Granola Yogurt Popsicles

Super versatile and able to meet most dietary preferences, this vegan, gluten-free popsicle is made using 4 simple ingredients - yoghurt, coconut milk, granola, as well as agave and fruits of your choice, which provide the natural flavours in this cool treat.

Kiwi slices or blueberries work best with this pre-freeze smoothie concoction as they provide a contrasting taste to the palate as compared to the natural sweetness of the agave. Now this is one dessert you can have for breakfast, lunch AND dinner!

 

Figuring out how to make actual low-calorie snacks without the added sugar can be an extremely difficult task. Worry no more, for these sugar-free dessert options are the epitome of “having it all”. Now go out there and spread the Christmas cheer, minus the processed sweetness of course (winks).