I’ve helped a lot of people over the years to leverage the nutrient density and enjoyability of foods to make for a truly optimal dietary pattern and no matter how many more people I help, I’m fully aware that the afternoon snack slot will forever be one where more options are never a bad thing.

That’s where Canadian company Nagi’s Makaroons come in.

I’m sure most of you appreciate by now that my two primary criteria for judging whether or not to work with a brand are;

• The utility of the product to my clients
• Whether or not they are locally-based

I’m thrilled to say that Nagi, which was started by fellow Torontonian and former health care practitioner Justyna Kozlowska, checks both boxes in astounding fashion.

Let’s take a closer look at their Makaroon product line to understand why.

There are two flavours;

Vanilla Almond – Which is brought to life using organic vanilla extract

Chocolate Almond – Which is brought to life using organic cacao and raw cacao nibs.

The products are otherwise very similar nutritionally and ingredient-wise, which as you will come to understand shortly is NOT a bad thing at all!

Nagi’s Makaroons – Nutritional Profile

I want to briefly mention for those that may not be aware of the fact ingredients listed on a product, as per Health Canada regulations, are done so in order of weight.

This means the ingredient contained in largest amounts are listed first.

Why is this relevant?

Well, Nagi’s Makaroons first four ingredients are: almonds, sunflower seeds, coconut and golden flax seed.

As someone who has quite literally looked through hundreds of similar convenience products, you won’t find a profile like this on too many competitors.

My clients will know that I consider nuts and seeds to be among the most important foods both from their nutrient contribution and satiety contribution perspective, but I often face the challenge that not everyone is inclined to eat them straight up raw.

And certainly there is a group of people in that category who are also time strapped and further not inclined to put together a recipe utilizing nuts/seeds.

As far as I’m concerned – this product is an exceptional fit for those individuals.

Let’s talk numbers, nutritionally a package of Nagi’s Makaroons more or less identically resemble what you’d get from a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts.

You’re looking at, per package, about 6 grams of fibre and 10 grams of protein and a product that is a source (~5% DV) of key nutrients including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc – all for a very meager 50 mg of sodium.

The flaxseed included will also provide omega-3 fatty acids, while the almonds offer up heart healthy monounsaturated fats.

This product, for the specific role it fulfils, pretty much sells itself and it certainly doesn’t hurt that just about every scientific study you look at regarding nut/seed consumption indicates positive health outcomes across every measurable category.

If you’ve spoken to me personally or read my content in the past, you will know exactly what I mean.

At this point all I can do is reiterate that if you have been slacking on your nut/seed consumption because you can’t find an easy and fun way to make it happen, Nagi’s Makaroons are for you.

In fact, I’m going to do even better – use discount code Andy10 at checkout.

Until next time,

Andy De Santis RD MPH