Whipped feta stuffed dates with walnuts and honey.
March 4 is National Snack Day. Why do we need a day for this? I was wondering the same. So I did a little research and found out that, in short, it’s because we’re a snack-obsessed culture. Snacking is an all-American pastime.
FACT: The average American consumes 17 pounds of snacks a year and spends an average of $479.44 annually on snack foods alone!
Yikes! That’s a lot. The good news? 55% of snackers prioritize healthy snacking and prefer snack items that boost energy. The bad news? Many “healthy” packaged foods, while convenient, are heavily processed, lack nutritional value, increase cravings and have been linked to health risks such as cancer.
I acknowledge that cravings and snack attacks are REAL. So if you can’t stand to look at another carrot stick but you’re not into dipping Cheetos into mayonnaise or washing down Fruit Loops with a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream then try dates. They’re caramel sweet, chewy and have 8 Proven Health Benefits including being high in fiber and loaded with vitamins.
Here are my favorite insanely delicious and ridiculously quick and easy date snack recipes that squelch the cravings in just one bite! Any dried, pitted dates will do. But Medjool dates get a gold star in my book.
Stuffed Dates
Fill pitted dates with your favorite all natural nut butter (e.g. cashew, almond or peanut butter) or with goat cheese, blue cheese or whipped feta. Top with chopped nuts.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
This one’s more indulgent so go easy. Simply cut a slice of raw, minimally processed bacon into thirds. Wrap 1/3 around a pitted date. Place seam side down on a baking sheet lined with foil and roast in a 375 degree oven 10-15 minutes or until bacon is crispy. Cool slightly before eating!
Date Paste
The paste itself isn’t a snack (but I won’t judge if you grab a spoonful now and then). it’s a great sugar alternative for snack recipes like banana bread, muffins and cookies and it’s so easy to make.
As you celebrate National Snack Day this March 4th, why not join me in exploring the world of date-based snacks? Try out the recipes shared in this post or get creative with your own variations. Share your experiences and favorite recipes with friends and family, and together, let's embrace the joy of snacking mindfully. Don't forget to tag #NationalSnackDay and #HealthySnacking to spread the word about the delicious and nutritious alternatives to traditional snack foods. Happy snacking!