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.
Who else loves shopping at Trader Joe’s?
I think most people assume that everything they sell there is super healthy. While most of it is very healthy 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 feel like I should repeat that just to make sure you guys all heard that.
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.
Ok, I have now said that three times. I feel so strongly about this. Most people only look at calories and fat on the nutrition labels and they don’t read the ingredients.
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
- 1/4 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!)
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?
Remember 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.
Remember 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.
Remember, 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.
What’s your favorite snack? These are definitely one of mine now 🙂
I thought I’d share some other healthy, delicious snacks with you guys!
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
I hope you love these almonds! Please come back and let me know if you make these or one of the other recipes I shared with you guys. I love to hear from you!
PLEASE don’t forget to start reading your ingredient labels too! Now that’s 4 times that I ma repeating myself. Sorry, but it’s very important!
Please come back again soon!
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!
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!
oh my these sound delicious Lauren! Smart to portion them out though… i could definitely see myself going overboard.
Oh trust me Holly, I could eat the whole batch in one sitting 😉