These Thai Chili Lime Almonds are a healthy, delicious copycat of the famous Trader Joe's snack. Simple to make, low carb, paleo, gluten free and so yummy!
I was at Trader Joe's recently and spotted these Thai Chili Lime Almonds. They sounded delicious and I knew I had to make something similar.
I think most people assume that everything they sell there is super healthy. While most of it is very nutritious and balanced, you still have to be vigilant and read all of your ingredient labels.
Ingredients DO matter. It's not just about the calories and macros, everyone.
I like to have healthy snacks on hand to prevent overeating a bunch of garbage. If you are looking for more recipes for nutritious snacks, you will love this Roasted Chickpea Trail Mix, Candied Pecans, Coconut Almond Butter Bites and these Chocolate Truffles!
Why You Should Make These Chili Lime Almonds
As delicious as the Trader Joe's ones look, there were a lot of ingredients in there I didn't recognize. Check it out:
INGREDIENTS: Almonds, Tom Yum Powder (Maltodextrin, Salt, Sugar, Chili, Lemon Extract, Paprika, Lemongrass, Garlic Powder, White Pepper, Yeast Extract, Citric Acid), Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Rice Bran Oil, Salt.
I left out a bunch of the additives and chose to make my roasted almonds with good old, quality ingredients. And I could not stop eating them.
Who needs all of the extra nonsense anyway? Not me.
And especially speaking of maltodextrin, I am definitely avoiding that additive. Maltodextrin is high on the glycemic index (GI), meaning that it can cause a spike in your blood sugar. No thank you, I am not looking to unnecessarily spike my blood sugar.
Those who are diabetic and even pre-diabetic should be very careful of products with added maltodextrin. This is why you should always read the entire ingredient labels. It's very important.
I like spicy foods and these almonds have a nice little kick. Only one of my kids liked the spiciness of these (he's the one that likes hot sauce too!) but I have faith the others will convert when they are a little older. The lime juice added with the maple syrup (or low carb, sugar free sweetener) gives them the perfect sweet balance.
And who doesn't love sweet and spicy?
Recipe Tips
Just because they are healthier than other spiced nuts in the grocery stores, it doesn't mean they are low calorie. Nuts are naturally high in fat, but they are filled with the good, heart-healthy fat. They are also high in calories so watch your portions.
If I were you, I'd divide these babies up into individual portions. They are THAT good.
That's what I do with all types of nuts or granola or anything that is made in a big batch with lots of portions. It really does make life easier and helps to prevent overeating. And trust me, you can definitely overeat these.
I think nuts are one of those snacks that it's almost impossible NOT to overeat. The portion size is very small and you can easily overeat. Extra calories and extra fat definitely add up.
As much as I don't recommend that people count calories, you still have to be aware and conscious of how much you are eating. It's definitely something that takes time to get used to, but you get used to it once you become more familiar with the macros in your favorite foods.
You can control the level of spiciness in these almonds. Go ahead and use what you're comfortable with. You can easily alter the amount of chili powder you use.
Related Recipes
Keto Granola Clusters from All Day I dream About Food
Healthy Pistachio Snack Mix from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Low Carb Chocolate Fudge Protein Bars from Sugar Free Mom
Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Low Carb Spicy Ranch Crackers from That Low Carb Life
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Chili Lime Roasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw unsalted almonds
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- zest from one lime optional
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon 100% pure maple syrup or sugar free sweetener for low carb
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
- Place parchment paper on a baking tray.
- Place almond mixture on parchment paper in an even layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool on baking tray before removing.
- Serve immediately. Store in airtight container for up to 7 days (if it lasts that long!)
Kristyn
I could snack on these all day long!! Love the little kick in spice. The flavors go so well together!
Lauren Kelly
Yay! So happy you liked them too!
Joanna
The sweet and savory combination is perfect. Easy to make, and they disappear fast. Highly recommended!
Lauren Kelly
Thanks so much, Joanna!
Kara
I've made my own sugared almonds for years but this is the first time I've tried a savory recipe. Oh my goodness, they are so yummy! I used maple syrup, but I want to try them with honey next time.
Lauren Kelly
Thanks so much!
Olivia
Thanks for this tasty recipe! I now have a new favorite snack to make!
Jessica
So so happy we found this recipe! its absolutely delicious!
Kristyn
These are addicting!! Could not stop eating them! We had a road trip this last week & they are the perfect snack to bring along!
Taylor
Made these over the weekend and I CAN NOT stop snacking on them! A great balance of sweet and spicy, with some brightness from the fresh lime. These will be my go-to snack from now on!
wilhelmina
I made a batch of these to snack on and they are amazing! Will be making them again soon, they sure didn't last long!
Andrea Thueson
I love spicy flavored almonds. I always buy them but never thought of making them at home. They were simple to make and delicious!
Beth
I made these for a little mini road trip and we devoured them before we got to our destination. Thanks for the great recipe.
Jennifer
I'm not a big fan of almonds usually, but THESE almonds?! SO SO good. The only way I'll eat them!
Trang
I love spicy food too so I loved the kick! This was great for snacking but also to have on my charcuterie board.
Brian Dougan
Hello Lauren:
I tried the recipe; but the almonds are soggy. Two limes gave me about five tablespoons of juice; but I only used four Tbs. Also melted two tablespoons of coconut oil, and mixed all the ingredients. I baked them at 350 degrees, and set my oven timer for fifteen minutes. Unfortunately; an important telephone call came through, and I can't "multi-task." So....I couldn't check on them until the timer buzzed. I've oven roasted almonds many times, and always stir them arounf every six minutes. Some of the spice coating burned; so not a good first attempt.
Shall I reduce the volume of lime juice; or increase the almond count?
Yours look quite tasty. Are they supposed to be crunchy; or soft?
Thank you!
lauren.kelly
Hi Brian!I would probably increase the amount of almonds. Mine usually come out crunchy, maybe take them out a little earlier? It's hard to say what the problem is since all oven temperatures vary a bit. Good luck and let me know how they come out!
Holly Waterfall
oh my these sound delicious Lauren! Smart to portion them out though... i could definitely see myself going overboard.
lauren
Oh trust me Holly, I could eat the whole batch in one sitting 😉