We all know fruits and veggies are essential for our health. Among all the colors of the rainbow, green fruits and vegetables are particularly vital. Loaded with special compounds called phytochemicals, they offer protection against chronic diseases. Among greens, seaweed stands out as one of the most nutrient-dense veggies on the planet, making it a must-add to your meals. (Source)
Green fruits and veggies are not only delicious but also offer a multitude of health benefits. Here are the main reasons why these green foods are so good for you:
Adding more green foods to your diet is an easy way to improve your health. From essential nutrients to disease-fighting properties, these foods offer numerous benefits. Seaweed snacks offer a convenient way to boost your green intake with fewer calories, providing a healthier snacking alternative for the whole family. Load up on greens for a healthier, happier you!
About the Author
Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and a writer specializing in plant-based nutrition. Carolina has followed a vegan diet for almost a decade and is passionate about helping others incorporate more plants into their diet. Carolina is the founder of Hungry for Plants, a company dedicated to offering nutrition consulting services to health and wellness brands, primarily in the plant-based food and beverage space.
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Lunar New Year (Seollal) is special here at Gimme. For our Founder, Annie, it is not only a time to celebrate happiness and good health for the new year, but also a time to honor family.
“When I was young living in Korea, Seollal was a special day of visiting family and honoring our ancestors to show love and respect. We would spend time together enjoying delicious foods, sharing gifts and playing games. One very special part of our celebration is bowing to elder family members dressed in traditional Koran clothes (Hanbok).”
To honor these traditions, we are thrilled to celebrate this Lunar New Year (The Year of the Dragon) in collaboration with DC-based artist and muralist Julia Chon (better known by her artist name Kimchi Juice). Her pieces - specially-created for Gimme -highlight the beauty of Korea, the importance of tradition, and convey a sense of harmony that helps set the tone for this important year.
We had the chance to catch up with Julia to talk art, the role of family and celebrating Lunar New Year.
Julia – celebrating Lunar New Year at the White House
How did you begin your career as an artist?
I’d always been creative as a child, but I started taking art seriously when I was 14. My parents were getting divorced, and I turned to painting as an outlet for my emotions. Through painting every day, I realized that I wanted to pursue art as a career. In 8th grade I asked my mom if I could be homeschooled, so that I would have time to practice painting and drawing. Although my mom said homeschooling was a no, she told me if I found an alternative program, she would be open to the idea. After doing research and coming up with a proposal, my parents both allowed me to do online high school so I could focus on art. I started exhibiting my work when I was 16 and painted my first mural when I was 17. By the time I was 18 I decided to be a full-time artist and haven’t looked back since.
Who or what inspired you early in your career?
Coming from a large Korean American family, my heritage was my first source of inspiration. Growing up very close to my grandparents, their stories of Korea and the traditions they passed down helped inform my identity. When I paint, I want to capture the love that my grandparents shared and still share with me to this day.
You have said you endeavor to portray strong, powerful Asian women like the ones you have grown up with. Tell us more!
Growing up in a large matriarchy, seeing strong Korean American women are part of my daily life. My grandmother has been my muse since I started painting. My earliest works were portraits of her I referenced from old family photographs. I think it’s important as a young Asian American woman artist to paint my experiences. When I paint, I want my portraits to reflect the admiration, complexity, and beauty that I see in my loved ones and in the every day.
What inspired the beautiful pieces you created for Gimme?
For my collaboration with Gimme, we wanted to celebrate the Lunar New Year and ring in the Year of the Dragon. Highlighting the beauty of Korea, I incorporated a traditional Korean dancer paired with a blue dragon. I wanted the happy energy of the dancer to come through with the playful strength of the dragon. Together, the dancer and dragon create harmony, yin and yang, with each other, both dancing together to create good luck and bring in an auspicious year.
Thank you Julia! For more inspiration, follow: Julia Chon @kimchi.juice
Learn more about How to Celebrate Lunar New Year or try the following recipe: Easy Kimchi Mandu (Kimchi Dumplings) with Seaweed. And, Gimme Roasted Seaweed Snacks are always the perfect gift.
새해 복 많이 받으세요 (saehae bog manh-i bad-euseyo) = 'Please receive a lot of luck in the new year’!
Yet, when asked, there is a bigger theme at play……the culture. We also show up because of the people we are fortunate to work with. As we reflect on the year, we’ve asked four team members to share a bit about why they love Gimme and you’ll note some consistency in their words: grateful, people, team, kind humans! Oh, and across the board, a love for all of the yummy Gimme flavors!
FAVORITE GIMME FLAVOR + WHY?
I love the White Cheddar Roasted Seaweed Snack. It provides me with my “cheese’ fix, without the guilt of extra carbs/fat that comes from a chip or cracker. I grew up eating only seaweed flavored with salt and teriyaki. Who knew seaweed could be even more tasty?! – Lianne
My favorite flavor is Chili Lime as it is the perfect snack to get a flavor kick of spiciness and seaweed goodness. - Varun
I love the Wasabi roasted seaweed snacks – the level of spiciness is easy on pallet. I eat it often as a handroll, with bitesize pieces of seared Ahi or Salmon. - Rich
My favorite flavor is Chili Lime. It’s a pleasing 1 2 3 punch with a little zip from the chili, a little tang from the lime and all sorts of umami goodness from the seaweed. Matt
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT GIMME?
I feel so fortunate to be working with a team of talented, dedicated people, who together are focused on providing a healthy “good for you” snack and helping our environment in the process. We work hard, but we also have fun! – Lianne
The Operations team at Gimme is one of the most united and driven but cool and levelheaded group of people I have worked with. They make it a joy to work at Gimme every day – Varun
The best thing about Gimme is the people who work here. The group is fun, energetic, interesting, collaborative, and encouraging. – Rich
Super cliché I know, but the best thing really is the kind human beings that make up the Gimme team. – Matt
GRATITUDE
I am most grateful for the ability to live, love and laugh with the special people around me. Life is so busy and hectic; it’s easy to forget how we got here - every past experience has shaped who I am today. – Lianne
The opportunity to be a part of Gimme. It’s a fast-paced environment with constant innovation projects going on a weekly basis. The company has really allowed me to grow both as a person and a professional. - Varun
I am most grateful for the health and happiness of family and friends. I am also extremely grateful to work at a company with great people and supplying a great tasting, healthy product that is good for the environment. – Rich
Right now, I am 100% grateful that my family is healthy 😊 – Matt
So there you have it, a peek inside what (and who) powers Gimme - a pretty cool group of people to be around – maybe it’s all that seaweed we’re eating!
FUN FACT:
Did you know that if you pair Gimme’s White Cheddar + Chili Lime Seaweed Snacks together, it tastes like a spicy tortilla chip?
]]>Fright Night
What could be better than being a kid on Halloween? Creative costumes, spooky decorations, school parades and late bedtimes. Plus, people handing out candy, seemingly by the pound. Over 160 million Americans buy candy for Halloween, according to a 2019 seasonal trends report by the National Retail Federation. But the sugar high doesn’t just last one night: Halloween celebrations have been starting earlier each year with many families decorating before October. This translates into more opportunities for kids to collect candy for longer periods of time. And while no one’s suggesting that you forbid your children (or yourself) from enjoying Halloween treats, it might be a good idea to come up with some healthy alternatives. Whether you’re planning a Halloween-themed party or a family move night, we’ve got some tips and tricks on how to curb the sweets without taking away all of the fun.
Sugar Highs and Lows
Let’s face it: Halloween is synonymous with sugar. Between all the bags of candy you purchase for anyone coming to your door and all the goodies your kids bring home on October 31, the holiday tends to revolve around sweets. In a typical haul, the average American child collects between 3,500 and 7,000 calories worth of candy, according to public health experts. And while most kids don’t eat their entire haul in one sitting, they eat a lot of it. According to 2013 data collected by Coupon Follow, the average kid consumes about 3 cups of sugar on Halloween (almost 16 times the maximum daily recommendation of 25 grams suggested by the American Heart Association).
Seaweed Swap
Before you ban Halloween altogether, remember that if your child binges on sugar for one day, it’s not the end of the world. Instead, focus on reducing their sugar consumption on a daily basis by offering healthy and delicious alternatives–like seaweed, for starters! Our low carb yet nutrient-dense seaweed snacks are individually wrapped so they’re perfect for trick-or-treating. Plus, they’re an excellent source of protein, vitamins A and B12, calcium and iodine. (Not to mention, each pack is the equivalent of 1 serving of vegetables). If you spend $35 or more, you’ll enjoy free shipping so don’t forget to stock up for the big night.
Movie Night Snack Box Hack
Seaweed also comes in handy for Halloween-themed celebrations all month long. If you’re planning a spooky movie night and looking for a snack option that’s the perfect mix of salty and sweet, check out our DIY snack box. Festive and easy to assemble, it comes together in minutes. All you need is your choice of seaweed snack packs, popcorn, candy and your favorite drink. (Don’t forget your favorite horror flick).
Halloween Sushi with Crispy Rice
If you’re invited to a Halloween party, chances are a healthy seaweed-based option like our spooky sushi snacks will be much appreciated. Scary good and easy to make, this delicious appetizer will please even the pickiest guests.
Ingredients:
Sushi rice
Toppings
More Tips and Tricks
Bring on the heat! You crave a good time and bring the party wherever you go. Creativity is your superpower, and your playful energy is contagious. With just the right balance of spice, you’re a slice of sweet heat with a bright, refreshing look on life.
The bolder the better. Your uniqueness is one of your best qualities. There’s nothing wrong with seeking some attention and your headstrong determination is something no one can ignore. Your sweet disposition is inviting, but beyond the surface, there is a deeper layer of smoky mystery…
You experience your feelings on a deeper level than most other signs. Sometimes, it feels good to sit in the dark and sulk in your brooding emotions. Your fierceness and intuition drive you daily and you’re not afraid of a little intensity. A kick of extreme flavor excites you!
There’s no fooling you – you always keep it 100% real. You know when you got something good… so why mess it up? Everyone can rely on you, but can still adapt to your circumstances if needed. You set high standards and know what you deserve while always staying true to yourself.
Aquarius and Taurus: Olive Oil
You avoid unnecessary drama in your day to day with ease. Anyone can admire that you bring a lightness to life and can go with the flow… until someone crosses you. You don’t shy away from a challenge, and you will fiercely stand your ground. You understand that there is nothing wrong with being extra sometimes!
Sagittarius and Libra: White Cheddar
There’s just something about you that keeps a crowd interested. Your curiosity leads you to thinking outside the box. Even the most stubborn person will be caught off guard by your great personality and charm. You wear quirky like a badge of honor. You’re engaging and attractive… people can’t help but say “cheese” when they’re with you!
]]>Picture this: The kids walk in the house, toss their backpacks on the floor and head straight for the pantry where they stuff themselves with salty chips for the rest of the afternoon and end up too full for dinner. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. Balancing healthy snack options that fuel the body without ruining dinner is a tall order. But not to worry. We’ve compiled this after-school snacking guide to help you come up with delicious, nutritious snacks that require minimal preparation and will keep your kiddos satisfied until dinnertime.
WHY YOUR KIDS NEED TO SNACK
Kids of all ages experience huge amounts of physical growth and development, and their bodies need extra nourishment after a long day of school. And they need specific amounts of different nutrients depending upon their age: Your kids may be going through a growth spurt that leaves them ravenous all day long or they may have small tummies that need to be re-filled constantly. Either way, a good snack can help them focus on homework better, provide extra energy for all those after-school activities and fill in food groups and nutrients that may have been missed earlier in the day.
6 RULES OF AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKING
For active kids juggling after-school clubs, sports and homework, re-fueling with a wholesome, nutritious snack before dinner is a necessity. But coming up with healthy snack options can become a real chore, especially paired with the daily challenge of planning and preparing school lunches and weeknight meals. It’s tempting to just let your children raid the pantry and binge on pre-packaged cookies and chips. Instead, check out these tips and tricks for planning after-school snacks that will take the edge off hunger without ruining their appetites.
Treat snacks like a mini meal.
Combination snacks that include more than one food group help kids get the nutrients they need to make it through the rest of the day. Include options from at least two food groups or use dinner leftovers to create an easy snack. Most importantly, don’t stress if they don’t eat everything. The goal is to encourage–not force–balanced eating habits.
Prioritize protein.
A macronutrient that is vital for growth and development, protein helps the body build and repair tissues so it’s particularly important for growing children and teenagers. It also satisfies the appetite for longer periods of time so kids will be less likely to beg for a new snack every hour. Lean meat (like turkey slices), eggs, nuts, nut butters and cheese sticks wrapped with seaweed are smart and easy choices.
Leave it front and center.
Children are more likely to eat healthy snacks if they’re easily accessible, so keep fruit on the counter and position cut-up veggies and hummus in the front of the fridge where they can’t be missed.
Mix & match.
Pick a protein source and pair it with a fiber to create a nutritious snack combo that will tide your kids over to the next meal. Think yogurt and fruit, hummus and veggies, cheese and crackers, toast and avocado or a granola bar and milk.
Make it nutrient dense.
When it comes to snacking, make every bite count. Rapidly developing brains and bodies require healthy fats and complex carbs to help regulate moods and energy levels, so instead of filling up on unsubstantial foods like goldfish crackers and veggie straws, offer nutrient dense options like hard-boiled eggs, yogurt and you guessed it–seaweed snacks!
Keep it simple.
It’s easy to fall back on highly processed snacks if things get over-complicated, so don’t overthink it. Stick to snacks that require little to no cooking and only a few ingredients like a cheese quesadilla, a slice of whole-grain bread with nut butter and bananas or sliced apples and a handful of nuts.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES
The following recipes are a small sample of our favorite snack ideas. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, these snacks will keep them satisfied and nourished, just in time for dinner.
Sweet but not too sugary, this deliciously addictive popcorn is sprinkled with buttery bits of seaweed. It’s quick and easy to make, and it can be prepared ahead of time and packed into individual snack packs to eat on the go.
Simple but irresistible, this savory snack comes together in five minutes and features just four ingredients. It’s comfort food that kids of all ages will love.
A fun twist on a classic cheese quesadilla, this snack is delicious, nutritious and easy to make. Seaweed, our favorite superfood, adds extra nutrients, an extra serving of veggies and tons of flavor.
Use leftover rice to whip up this satisfying after-school snack. It’s easy to eat on the go and a yummy way to sneak in extra veggies.
]]>A FRESH START
The beginning of a new school year is always new and exciting, but figuring out what to feed the kids on a busy weeknight can quickly become a chore. Getting back into a routine after months of low-key grilling and laid-back pizza nights is tough, but with a little advanced preparation, you’ll start the year off right (and stay there). The kid-friendly, parent-approved dinners in this meal plan can take the stress out of the start of a new year or at least, make it more manageable. All of the featured recipes are easy, delicious and ready to go in 25 minutes or less. They’re also healthy and packed with nutrients because they showcase our favorite superfood: seaweed!
THE BENEFITS OF MEAL PLANNING
Meal planning and meal prep can help you stay one step ahead of dinner which is essential on busy weeknights when school is back in sesh. By laying the groundwork ahead of time, you can prepare meals that are convenient, healthy and appealing to even the pickiest of eaters. Meal planning also helps to reduce impulsive food choices which usually translates into bowls of simple carbohydrates. (Think of all the times you’ve grabbed a box of mac and cheese as a last-minute resort). It’s also budget-friendly because you’re only buying what you need which means you’ll spend less in the long run and cut down on food waste. The best part? It’s one less thing to think about. Once you buy all of the ingredients and prep ahead of time, you can execute your plan without making any more decisions or extra trips to the market during the week. By creating a meal plan, you’ll save money, time and stress while ensuring that your family eats healthier, more balanced meals.
MEAL PLAN LIKE A PRO
Start slow
If you’re just getting started, take it slow. Plan a few meals a week or just on your busiest days. Once you get the hang of it, you can add more meals to your weekly plan.
Make a list
Once you’ve planned the week’s meals, create a shopping list and stick to it. Include everything you’ll need to make your planned meals as well as healthy school snacks like string cheese, fresh fruit and Gimme Seaweed Snacks, of course.
Prep and shop on the weekend
Trust us, an hour or two on Sunday will make the rest of your week way easier. Prep sauces and dressings, clean and cut up veggies, cook up a pot of grains. Stack up containers of prepped ingredients in the fridge for easy weekday access.
Batch cook
Batch cooking is the secret to weeknight sanity if you’re busy juggling work and shuttling kids to after-school activities. Prepare a large quantity of a specific food all at once, so you can use it in a variety of different ways during the week. For example, cook up a big batch of rice for burritos and grain bowls; roast a chicken to use in a salad or a soup; roast a tray of veggies to use in salads or stir-fries. Cooking in batches lets you prepare for multiple meals at the same time.
THIS WEEK’S PLAN
Monday: Chicken Meatballs
Start the week off on a healthy note with these yummy meatballs. Made from chicken instead of beef, they’re delicious right out of the oven. Serve over rice with a side of veggies or toss them with noodles. Save time by prepping a big batch and freezing the leftovers for next week.
Tuesday: Taco Bites
This meal is perfect when you’re trying to wrap up deadlines, help with homework and still get everyone off to bed on time. An easy take on poke, these tasty taco bites can be varied to accommodate picky eaters: add avocado slices, thin strips of cucumber or sriracha mayo to spice things up.
Wednesday: Shredded Chicken Rice Bowl
Hearty, nutritious and easy, this meal is yummy enough that your kids will ask for seconds. Prep it ahead of time by cooking the chicken in the pressure cooker (or if you batch cooked during the weekend, all you have to do is shred the chicken before serving). Everything comes together in minutes.
Thursday: Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
It doesn’t get much easier than these umami-packed salmon sushi cups. All you need is 20 minutes and 5 ingredients to make a fun and delicious meal your kiddos will adore. It’s the perfect dinner for those busy nights that you’re juggling piano lessons and soccer practice.
Friday: Gluten-Free Pizza
TGIF. You made it! Treat yourself to take-out pizza or make this delicious gluten-free pizza with your kids. Let them choose their favorite toppings and spend the time catching up and hearing all about their first week back.
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]]>Stress less with Gimme
Now that summer’s almost over, it’s time to address the elephant in the room: packing the school lunch. With so much recent research linking nutrition with academic performance, it’s no surprise that making school lunches and snacks can put normally sane parents over the edge. Not only is there pressure to put together a balanced meal before 7am every morning, kids want their lunches to be the talk of the cafeteria, too. Before you decide to hand over some cash to your toddler and let your kids fend for themselves, find out why Gimme Seaweed might be the healthy and delicious snack you’ve been searching for to take the stress out of lunch packing.
The pressures of packing
A healthy lunch is more important than ever: Roughly one in three kids is overweight or obese and some children get close to half their daily calories at school. But it’s common knowledge that many schools struggle to provide tasty, nutritious meals that kids will actually eat. So, if the thought of packing school lunches is keeping you up at night, you’re not alone. A recent survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children found that packing lunches is one of the leading causes of back-to-school stress. In fact, nearly three in five (59%) parents reported feeling stressed just thinking about prepping and packing lunch. And you probably don’t need a survey to tell you how frustrating it is when the fruits and vegetables that 83% of parents diligently place in the lunchbox return home untouched.
Don’t let lunchbox envy ruin your life
Lunchtime trading and snack swapping might be less common post-Covid, but it’s still a highlight of the school day for many kids. 36% of parents surveyed admitted struggling with lunchbox envy–or what to do when their kid asks for food inspired by a classmate’s lunch. The days of packing a sandwich and fruit cup are long gone. Parents today feel pressure to create Instagram-worthy school lunches. To get an idea of what you’re up against, just scroll through Instagram and you’ll be flooded with images of avocados shaped like Jabba the Hutt, fried katsu versions of Kid Cosmic and Hello Kitty rice balls. As if that wasn’t enough, kids also have strong opinions about what they want for lunch. They insist on variety, more ethnic options, and the ability to choose what’s healthy versus being told to just “eat an apple.” Luckily, Gimme Seaweed Snacks meets all of the criteria.
Gimme is the solution to your lunchbox packing problems.
Packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, seaweed is seriously a wonder snack. It’s a great source of plant proteins, iodine, and polyunsaturated fats (aka “healthy” fats). But the best part–and the reason why your kid and your kids’ friends will love it–is that seaweed is deliciously addictive. Not to mention our snacks come pre-packaged in convenient, travel-ready packs that are practically designed for lunchtime trading. Salty, crunchy and packed with umami, Gimme Seaweed Snacks are a healthy, nutritious alternative to refined tortilla chips and ultra-processed snack bars. Just throw a pack (or two) into your child’s lunchbox and rest easy knowing that you’ve added a secret serving of veggies to their meal.
More tips for a stress-free lunchbox
A SMART SWAP
Tortilla wraps are usually considered a healthier, low-carb, low-calorie alternative to a standard sandwich. But chances are your wrap is rolled up in a giant circle made of refined white flour or other flours that are still high in carbohydrates. A 12-inch flour tortilla can add about 300 calories to your meal (and more carbs than three slices of bread). Even 100% whole wheat tortillas can be highly processed, with a long ingredient list of preservatives, gums and shortening. But not to worry–you don’t have to give up your favorite wrap for good. Just swap the tortilla with nori seaweed sheets to give your wrap a low-carb, nutritious makeover.
WHAT’S SEAWEED GOT THAT TORTILLAS DON’T?
GIMME MORE
When you’re making seaweed swaps, any old seaweed won’t do. The first brand to bring organic, non-GMO seaweed to the US market, Gimme’s seaweed is grown sustainably in agriculturally protected regions off the coast of South Korea. Harvested carefully to get the best possible taste and texture, our seaweed delivers umami-packed flavor with a pleasing al-dente texture that melts in your mouth.
Keto, paleo, plant-based or low carb? No problem. Our Nori and Big Sheets have just 1 carb per serving, plus they’re gluten-free and vegan so they work with just about any diet that you’re following. Both are roasted to light and crispy perfection–you just get more of a good thing with our Big Sheets.
NEED INSPO?
Here are a few of our favorite recipes to get you started. For best results, keep your nori sheets separate from the filling until it’s time to eat the wrap.
Turkey Wrap. A tasty new twist on a classic combo, this recipe showcases the versatility of nori and transforms turkey slices into something special.
Chicken Caesar Wrap. When you can’t decide between a salad or a wrap, this recipe is the way to go. It’s the perfect choice for busy days or nights.
Hummus Veggie Wrap. Seaweed adds flavor and texture to this vegan option that’s as yummy as it is nutritious.
Tuna Salad Seaweed Hand Roll. All tuna salads are not created equal. This sushi-inspired wrap is a new take on a lunch classic.
Sushi Burrito. Japanese or Mexican? Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds with our “sushiritto.”
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For some of us seaweed might be a relatively new addition to our diets but it’s actually one of the oldest human foods on earth. In fact, it’s had a long and distinguished history as a food source in many cultures. Seaweed grows in every ocean and sea around the world so it’s no surprise that it’s made a substantial impact on human lives. Recent research indicates that the macroalgae has been used for food and medicinal purposes throughout Asia, Europe and South America for tens of thousands of years. For example, the remains of cooked and partially-eaten seaweed were found at a 14,000 year old site in Southern Chile, indicating that nine species of marine algae were included in the diets of ancient human settlements in the Americas.
WHAT ROLE DID SEAWEED PLAY IN ASIA?
Seaweed has long been a staple in the Asian diet. The use of seaweed as a food source has been traced back to the fourth century in Japan and the sixth century in China, where it was served as a rare delicacy to honored guests and emperors. In Japan, seaweed was used for tax payments and given as gifts to the imperial court. It was also presented as a food offering in Shintō religious rituals. Today, it’s still used to make konbumaki, a traditional Japanese dish served on special occasions and during New Years for good luck. In Korea, seaweed soup has traditionally been eaten as a birthday breakfast and served to women after childbirth to help with recovery and milk production. This tradition of consuming seaweed soup or “birthday soup” is believed to date back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) when people first noticed whales eating seaweed after giving birth. While it’s often eaten on birthdays to honor mothers, it’s also eaten the rest of the year as a common side dish served with rice.
SEAWEED WAS A BIG DEAL IN EUROPE, TOO.
In Europe, seaweed was viewed more as a necessity than a delicacy, and it played a particularly important role in times of economic hardship. During Ireland’s Great Famine (1845-1852), people supplemented their diets with a type of wild reddish-purple algae known as dulse or dillisk. Many inland residents migrated to the coasts to forage for seaweed, surviving by boiling the algae into a porridge-like pulp or drying it in the sun and eating it like a chip. To this day, it remains a well-known snack food in Ireland and Iceland, where it’s enjoying a renaissance of sorts. Recently, Irish chefs and artisans have been incorporating dulse into their cuisine, adding it to pasta, butter, bread and even ice cream. In Britain and Wales, another type of seaweed known as purple laver has been consumed as early as the 1600s. Commonly prepared as “laverbread,” laver is boiled for hours, then pureed or minced into a pudding. It’s still eaten today as part of a traditional Welsh breakfast, spread onto hot buttered toast or mixed with rolled oats to form flat patties known as “lavercakes.”
SEAWEED IS HAVING A MOMENT.
While seaweed’s storied past is impressive on its own, its future is looking bright too. From sequestering carbon to helping restore ecosystems to de-acidifying oceans, the climate benefits of seaweed are making scientists and entrepreneurs sit up and take notice. Its nutritional benefits are undeniable as well. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, it’s a feel-good superfoodthat’s so delicious and nutritious that TikTok influencers like @emilymariko can’t help but spread the word. Her salmon rice bowl recipe went viral, racking up over 45 million views. (Check out our take on the recipe here.) While China, Japan and South Korea are still the largest consumers of seaweed by far, the global seaweed market is growing exponentially. In the US alone, seaweed farming is the fastest-growing sector of American aquaculture with dozens of aquatic farms taking off in New England, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, where it’s helping to diversify a mariculture industry that was once exclusively focused on oyster farming. In 2022, food forecasters even predicted that farmed seaweed would start making its way into everyday foods like pasta and salsa.
MAKE YOUR OWN TRADITIONS.
Most of these farms are largely focused on kelp, which is very different than red porphyra, the softer, higher-quality type of seaweed that Gimme cultivates. Grown in a protected region off the coasts of South Korea, our seaweed is USDA-certified organic. Enjoy our seaweed snacks as is or use them as a low-carb alternative to tortillas and tacos. Check out our recipes page for delicious and nutritious ways to incorporate more seaweed into your diet, and start making your own traditions today.
]]>Packed with calcium, potassium, magnesium, iodine and vitamin C, seaweed (or marine macroalgae) is a superfood that’s low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has even attributed his weight loss to seaweed, calling it the “most nutritious vegetable in the world.” Sure, seaweed is delicious and good for you but did you know that it’s good for the planet, too? Environmentalists have long praised this marine plant as a potential climate change solution, and the rest of the world is finally starting to take notice. Over the past decade, seaweed cultivation projects and start-ups have popped up around the world with researchers, farmers and business entrepreneurs celebrating marine plants and seagrasses for their role in carbon sequestration, ocean de-acidification and as a zero-input food source.
WHAT’S SEAWEED GOT TO DO WITH CARBON CAPTURE?
Seaweed has been touted as a promising way to slow climate change because of its impressive ability to absorb carbon dioxide—the primary greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. By capturing or “sequestering” CO2 during photosynthesis and storing it in its plant tissues, seaweed forests have the potential to play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (and you can too, by eating more seaweed, for example). According to a study published in Nature Geoscience, seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide more efficiently than trees, and it’s estimated that it stores about 175 million tons of carbon around the world each year or about 10% of the world’s car emisssions. And that’s not all. Seaweed also improves the marine environment by extracting pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the sea, mitigating coastal erosion and enhancing marine biodiversity.
SEAWEED + THE SEA
As we pump more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, more of the gas dissolves into the world’s oceans, increasing the acid content of seawater and threatening shellfish and coral reefs. But seagrasses can help by absorbing CO2 from the ocean during photosynthesis, raising the pH to higher (less acidic) levels. Scientists have theorized that the removal of carbon dioxide by underwater vegetation can help support healthy reef ecosystems and recent studies provide compelling evidence to substantiate that theory.
SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
Unlike land-based crops, seaweed is known as a “zero-input food” because it requires no additional fertilizer, pesticides, fresh water, feed or land to flourish. All it needs is the sun and the sea to grow up to 30x faster than land-based vegetables. It’s also a regenerative food source, contributing to the food web and providing a habitat for various marine species. These are just a few of the reasons seaweed farming has grown exponentially over recent decades, with more US farmers growing seagrasses than ever before.
HOW TO ADD SEAWEED TO YOUR DIET
The moral of the story? Eat more seaweed. We can all make choices that help tackle the climate crisis and they can be as simple (and easy) as incorporating more sustainable food choices into our daily diet. Start with healthy swaps: reach for seaweed snacks instead of chips or make seaweed the main attraction. Instead of carb-heavy tortillas, use nutrient-dense seaweed sheets and nori sheets to make delicious gluten-free turkey wraps or salmon rice bowls. You’ll be helping to combat climate change one salty, crunchy, delicious bite at a time.
Contrary to popular belief, a whole food, plant-based diet is not necessarily vegan. (It doesn’t have to be vegetarian, either.) A plant-based diet is low in animal products and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
The best part? Nothing is off limits. You can still eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy—including the occasional ice cream cone and slice of pizza. You just have to prioritize plant foods while minimizing animal products, sweets and highly processed foods. (Most adults can benefit from a plant-based diet but always consult your doctor before making any drastic changes.)
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
@benjhicks
Better for the environment.
Cutting back on animal products reduces your carbon footprint. According to the United Nations, the conventional meat and dairy industry is responsible for an estimated 14.5 percent of global greenhouse emissions, and scientists have found that going meat and dairy free is one of the most significant ways to reduce your environmental impact.
May help you lose weight.
A plant-based diet can help with weight loss and maintenance because it focuses on whole foods which are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Fiber-rich foods like veggies, soy, legumes and whole grains fill you up faster and help you to feel full longer. Animal products are also higher in fat so reducing the amount of meat and dairy can also reduce your caloric intake.
Improves heart health.
Whole plant-based foods are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. According to a 2018 study, following a vegetarian diet is associated with a 40 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease while following a vegan diet can actually help reverse CHD. The review also cited a 34 percent reduced risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Protects your brain.
Eating green does a body good, but now there’s evidence that it’s good for your brain too. Thanks to the antioxidants and phytochemicals found in plants, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Whether you go all in or take it one step at a time, check out our top tips to make the transition.
Fill up on vegetables.
Make a meal out of a salad or eat veggies for breakfast (add frozen kale to your smoothie or spinach to your eggs). Don’t forget that seaweed counts too.
Start swapping.
Making plant-based substitutions is a great way to get started. For example, swap mayo for hummus. Or try soy, almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Make your favorite tacos with crumbled tofu instead of ground beef.
Try Meatless Mondays.
Cutting back on animal products for just one day a week or even one meal a day can have an impact on your health and the environment.
Change the way you think about meat.
Use it as a garnish instead of a main course or eat regeneratively farmed meat and dairy products that embrace sustainable farming methods.
Eat fruit for dessert.
Desserts are typically made with lots of dairy or eggs (or both). Satisfy your sweet tooth with ripe strawberries, a crisp apple or a juicy peach instead.
Prep your pantry.
Stock up on grains, nuts, canned beans and frozen fruits and veggies so it’s easy to incorporate plants throughout the day.
WHAT’S SEAWEED GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Getting enough of certain nutrients like iron, iodine, Vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium can be more challenging on a plant-based diet, especially a strict vegan one. A serious superfood, seaweed can be an easy way to get more of what your body needs. Make veggie sushi rolls or crumble seaweed sheets over grain bowls and salads for a tasty hit of umami. Once you get started, you’ll discover how quick, painless and delicious plant-based eating can be.
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Creating traditions is one of the best parts of parenting. Family rituals foster connection, bring a sense of stability and meaning into our lives and generate positive memories that can last a lifetime. This year, celebrate Valentine’s Day with a new tradition that doesn’t revolve around sugary treats: making heart-shaped sushi with your kids. It’s a fun-filled (and delicious) activity your whole family will love. (For more Valentine’s Day traditions, click here).
WHAT’S SUSHI?
The term “sushi” refers to the vinegary, seasoned rice that is traditionally used in the dish. Maki sushi rolls are basically just rice and fillings wrapped in sheets of nori seaweed. (Think of it as a thin seaweed burrito that’s sliced into smaller pieces.)
WILL MY KIDS EAT IT?
Contrary to popular belief, sushi doesn’t have to contain raw fish. In fact, it doesn’t have to contain seafood at all. From avocado to cucumber to carrots, there are plenty of fish-free fillings that are healthy, delicious and kid-friendly. You might even discover that your kids are more willing to eat veggies and fish when they’re rolled up in seaweed and dipped in soy sauce.
SUSHI-MAKING STAPLES
KID-FRIENDLY FILLINGS:
GET READY TO ROLL
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WHAT IS LUNAR NEW YEAR?
At Gimme, we’re always searching for ways to build community and make connections—and throw a good party. To us, there’s no better time to celebrate and share with family, friends and neighbors than during the Lunar New Year.
Also known as the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian countries like China, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam. A time for new beginnings and family gatherings, Lunar New Year kicks off Sunday, January 22 with 15 days of colorful celebrations and food-centered festivities.
WHAT DOES THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT SYMBOLIZE?
Lunar New Year is often associated with the Chinese Zodiac, which runs through a 12-year cycle. Each year is represented by a specific animal and its reputed attributes. 2023 is the year of the Rabbit, which symbolizes longevity, peace and prosperity. Predicted to be a year of hope, the next 12 months could offer more opportunities for contemplation, rest and self-care (and it’s about time!)
HOW TO CELEBRATE
Decorate with red.
The color red is associated with luck, fortune, prosperity and abundance. To start off the year on a positive note, incorporate red clothes and accessories into your wardrobe and decorate your home with red lanterns, paper cut-outs and linens. It’s an easy way to set the mood and ward off negative vibes.
Hand out red envelopes.
One of our favorite traditions is exchanging red envelopes known as “lucky money.” Typically filled with cash, the colorful envelopes are decorated with ornate calligraphy and symbols. They’re given to children on special occasions as a way to send good wishes to the lucky recipient. Cash is king but we also like to fill them with chocolate coins or Gimme Seaweed snack packs.
Celebrate with a family feast.
The New Year’s Eve meal or “reunion dinner” is traditionally celebrated with parents, siblings and relatives. Delicacies vary by region but dishes that represent prosperity such as fish, long noodles, dumplings and oranges are always popular. Seaweed, especially black moss seaweed, signifies wealth and good fortune and it’s often included in soups and vegetarian dishes. If you can’t find black moss seaweed, try crumbling our Big Sheets into a soup or over rice instead. (They also come in handy if you’re catching up with family and need a late night snack).
Clear out the clutter.
One of the most important (and practical) traditions is a thorough spring cleaning. Dusting the furniture, sweeping the floors and scrubbing the windows is all part of a symbolic ritual that paves the way for a fresh start, bringing in positive vibes and clearing away any bad luck from the previous year. And it’s not just the house that gets a makeover. A new outfit is also part of the celebrations.
Cue the fireworks.
Many traditions date back to an ancient legend about a terrible man-eating monster named Nian (“Year”) that would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The beast was afraid of the color red, bright lights and loud noises, so villagers would bang drums, cymbals and gongs, setting off firecrackers and wearing red in attempts to chase Nian away. Today, many cities host Lunar New Year parades with lion dances and firework displays so mark your calendars, break out your bright red outfit and get ready to make some noise.
Learn more.
We hope these traditions set you up for a healthy and happy Lunar New Year surrounded by family and friends with lots of yummy things to eat. To learn more about Gimme and our deliciously nutritious seaweed snacks, check out our story here.
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One way to avoid this negative cycle is to set small, realistic goals that you know you can achieve. This helps you build confidence and feel motivated to continue to build upon your goals, and realistically achieve your resolution. And what better way to slowly work on your nutrition goals than to improve your daily snacks? As a dietitian, I am the biggest advocate for healthy snacking – it is an excellent way to bridge the gap between meals, helping you get more nutrients into your day, regulate blood sugar levels, and better portion your meals.
Unfortunately, most snacks are not supportive of good health. But not to worry – I’m here with five healthy snack swaps you can incorporate for the new year.
Who doesn’t love a crunchy and salty snack? Snacks such as tortilla chips are tasty, but are unfortunately mostly refined flour that has been fried in oil with lots of added salt. Their high-calorie content and lack of nutrition make them what we refer to as ‘empty calories.’ A much healthier alternative is seaweed snacks – they are also salty and crispy, but give you a lot more bang for your buck when it comes to nutrition. Seaweed snacks are a powerhouse of nutrients such as protein, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and calcium, while providing very few calories. Seaweed snacks can be enjoyed on their own or with a dip such as guacamole, making it the perfect healthy replacement to tortilla chips this new year.
2. Cheesy Snacks → Non-Dairy White Cheddar Seaweed Snacks
If you’re used to having to lick your cheesy, powdery fingers after eating snacks such as cheddar-flavored potato chips and cheese puffs, we’ve got something better for you. These non-dairy white cheddar seaweed snacks give you the “crispy” and the “cheesy” minus the dairy, artificial flavors, food colorings, unhealthy oils, and excessive salt. This nutritious plant-based snack is also low-calorie, organic, and suitable for those with dietary restrictions — it is gluten-free, vegan, keto, and paleo. Pack these into your kid’s lunch box, keep a stash at work, or enjoy them during movie night for a healthier cheesy snack alternative.
We’ve covered why you should steer clear from most chips – they provide no nutritional value and contribute added oils, salt, and saturated (unhealthy) fats to your diet. A better alternative is whole grain crackers, especially the ones full of seeds, which provide fiber, and healthy fats, and can also contribute many vitamins and minerals, especially if they include ingredients such as flax, sesame, and chia seeds, quinoa, brown rice, and amaranth. As for dips, most options out there such as ranch, onion dips, and sour cream lack nutrients while contributing many of those ‘empty calories,’ saturated fats, and loads of salt. Instead, try dipping whole grain crackers or fresh veggies in nutrient-dense dips, such as this seaweed edamame hummus! This unique recipe is a great source of dietary fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, B vitamins, and copper.
Given that most candy and sweets out there consist of mostly added sugars, oils, and artificial ingredients, you may feel at a loss when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth. But there is hope! A sweet yet nutritious alternative is dark chocolate (70% or higher; the darker, the better.) Dark chocolate is made from cacao beans, which are highly nutritious as they provide essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, and disease-fighting antioxidants. Swap milk chocolate bars and milk chocolate chips for their dark chocolate counterparts.
You may be thinking… “but aren’t fruit roll-ups made from fruits, and aren’t fruits healthy?” Although it is true that fruits are extremely healthy, unfortunately, fruits are almost nonexistent in fruit roll-up snacks, which are predominantly made from corn syrup and other sugars, artificial flavors, and food colorings. In fact, the most “fruit” you will get in roll-ups are fruit concentrates, and even then, it’s a very small amount. A healthier swap is to consume fresh fruits or dried fruits without any sugar added. If buying packaged dried fruit, make sure to check the ingredients – it should only say the fruit and in some cases citric acid (for food preservation).
As snack lovers, we are always on a mission to make snacking time a more nutritious part of your family’s day-to-day. Seaweed snacks are not only delicious and better for your health, but they are also more sustainable for the planet. If building healthier eating habits is on your new year’s resolution list, you can start by making these simple healthy swaps, so you can still enjoy your mid-day snack while supporting your health and the health of the planet.
About the Author
Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and a writer specializing in plant-based nutrition. Carolina has followed a vegan diet for almost a decade and is passionate about helping others incorporate more plants into their diet. Carolina is the founder of Hungry for Plants, a company dedicated to offering nutrition consulting services to health and wellness brands, primarily in the plant-based food and beverage space.
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An easy lunch you can make in seconds. Just swap ramen noodles for your regular macaroni pasta and add a healthy twist with gimme's newest flavor - Non Dairy White Cheddar Seaweed Snacks sprinkled in. Delicious, filling and ready in seconds.
Ramen macaroni and cheese is an interesting twist on the classic American comfort food. It combines two popular dishes, ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese, to create a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for lunch. This fusion dish originated in Japan but has gained popularity all over the world thanks to its unique blend of flavors and ease of preparation.
To make your own ramen macaroni and cheese, you will need a package of instant ramen noodles, some seaweed snacks, and of course, cheese. You can use any type of shredded cheese that you prefer - cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of different cheeses for added flavor. The key to making this dish stand out is the addition of seaweed snacks, which not only add a subtle umami flavor but also provide a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals.
To start, cook your instant ramen noodles according to package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce by melting shredded cheese in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or
cream to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Once the noodles are cooked and drained, incorporate them into the cheese sauce and mix well to ensure every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness. The final step is adding the chopped seaweed snacks.
These can be mixed in with the cheesy noodles or sprinkled on top as a garnish. The slight saltiness and crisp texture of the seaweed snacks perfectly complement the creamy and soft ramen macaroni and cheese, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious.
There you have it! Your very own ramen macaroni and cheese, a quick yet mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a staple in your lunch rotation.
]]>For one, seaweed is packed with antioxidants. These are compounds that neutralize free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage our DNA and cells. Cell damage can increase the risk for disease and illness, and speed up the aging process. Considering that the body is made up of (literally) trillions of cells, it’s pretty important to keep these cells healthy, and antioxidants do just that.
Seaweed is an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats (aka ‘healthy’ fats), including omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fat are greatly beneficial for human health as they support brain cells and cognitive function, and have been suggested to lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for disease prevention as many chronic conditions are associated with high inflammation levels.
Seaweed also contains many micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that the body requires in smaller amounts but are essential for good health. Vitamins and minerals are needed for many processes in the body throughout all life stages, and intake through food must be adequate to prevent nutrient deficiencies. For children, micronutrients play a role during growth and development and in the proper formation of organs, bone strength, and cognitive function. Micronutrients are also essential for energy production and immune function.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient – meaning it is better absorbed in the presence of fat. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that supports many bodily functions such as vision, skin health, cell growth, immune function, and fetal development. It exists in two forms: Preformed vitamin A, which occurs naturally in animal products, and provitamin A, which is abundant in plant foods, including seaweed. Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, a pro tip is to consume vitamin A-rich foods with healthy fats (for example, seaweed with avocado).
Vitamin B12 helps with the production of DNA and red blood cells, which deliver oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, vitamin B12 plays a key role in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord, which later affects a child’s cognitive function and nervous system. Although animal foods are the primary source of vitamin B12, seaweed is one of the only sources of this vitamin in plant foods. Nevertheless, those following a vegan diet should supplement vitamin B12.
Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones, which control growth and metabolism. In children, these hormones play a pivotal role in cognitive development. Because the body does not produce iodine on its own, it is essential we get it from the diet. It turns out that seaweed is one of the best food sources of iodine, having the highest iodine content in plant foods.
Seaweed is a great source of calcium, which is the major component of bones. Calcium helps the body build and maintain strong bones and teeth, making it an essential nutrient for the growth and development of children and adolescents.
With all of this nutritional goodness it is clear to see why Seaweed should become a staple in your family’s diet. Fortunately, seaweed snacks are an easy and delicious way to add more of this superfood into every eating occasion. And, they are extremely versatile – enjoy seaweed snacks as-is, add them to noodles, salads, and rice bowls, or roll them up with fish and your favorite veggies for sushi night!
About the Author
Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and a writer specializing in plant-based nutrition. Carolina has followed a vegan diet for almost a decade and is passionate about helping others incorporate more plants into their diet. Carolina is the founder of Hungry for Plants, a company dedicated to offering nutrition consulting services to health and wellness brands, primarily in the plant-based food and beverage space.
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Everyone knows kids love to munch and crunch, but did you know that snacks play a vital role in child development? Growing and active kids need nutrients - but tiny stomachs can get full quickly, so providing extra nutrition between meals is key. Tasty, healthy snacks do a wealth of good: boosting energy, loading up developing bodies with essential vitamins and minerals - and keeping away the hangries!
But finding snacks that are easy, yummy AND wholesome can be a challenge. Happily, superfood seaweed hits that trifecta! Terrific as a stand-alone snack, nutrient-dense and versatile, seaweed is also a super-simple swap to upgrade your classic snack favorites. Here’s just a few ideas to get you started, all of them 3 ingredients or less and ready in seconds!
Cheese, please! Our Roasted Seaweed Squares make a great (green) cracker. Try them with:
Cheddar is a classic choice – or go with swiss, gouda, or even cream cheese. Mix and match your favorite gimme variety to create novel new flavor combos, like wasabi squares with turkey, or teriyaki with pepper jack…mmm!
Bring on the Veggies! Load up on fresh greens and fun extras. Layer on fresh hummus or hard-boiled egg slices if you’re looking for a hit of protein. Here’s our favorite combos, so far:
Sandwich Swaps. The easiest way of all to add nutrition, salty crunch and flavor in one move? Grab some seaweed instead of lettuce. Or use both for extra crispiness!
We’ll bet that once you get started, you’ll find plenty more ways to gimme up your after school treats, and keep you and your kids snacking happy. Turns out, it is easy to be green!
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Seaweed is a superfood: It is packed with plant protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work synergistically to keep your body functioning at its best. Seaweed is an excellent source of many nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iodine, which, although needed in small amounts, are absolutely essential for keeping you and your family healthy.
Sometimes, incorporating new foods into your family’s diet can be difficult. While some healthy foods require cooking skills, others are so exotic you may not even know what to do with them. Luckily, when it comes to seaweed snacks, it is quite simple. Because they are shelf-stable and ready-to-eat, seaweed snacks don’t need to be prepped, cooked, or refrigerated. They are very versatile and can be consumed as-is as a snack, used as a low-carb alternative for taco shells, or added into recipes such as soups, pasta, or baked goods (we love this Seaweed Granola) and even into dips. If you want to get creative, make sure to check out our recipes page. Plus, seaweed snacks are gluten-free and come in single-serve packs, making them a great option for the school lunch box.
Building healthy habits starts at home. Establishing a nutritious eating pattern from early childhood is very important as children tend to carry those habits throughout adult life.
Children who grow up eating calorie-dense foods such as chips, sweets, processed meats, and sugary cereals, are more likely to consume these foods during adulthood, putting them at a higher risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. And, as it is well documented, the over-consumption of highly processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages is a key driver of childhood obesity, affecting 1 in 5 children in the U.S. Introducing nutritious foods and snacks from an early age can help children promote healthier eating habits and better overall health. Seaweed snacks are a great alternative to traditional salty snacks as they offer an array of nutrients while being low in calories, low sodium, and free of cholesterol.
As parents, it can be challenging to find a snack that is both tasty and good for your kiddos (and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice health for flavor). Enter seaweed: A superfood that has been made into a crispy, salty and satisfying snack, giving you an easy way to maximize your family’s nutrition, every day. Plus, it’s dietitian-approved! Because healthy eating should not be difficult.
About the Author
Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and a writer specializing in plant-based nutrition. Carolina has followed a vegan diet for almost a decade and is passionate about helping others incorporate more plants into their diet. Carolina is the founder of Hungry for Plants, a company dedicated to offering nutrition consulting services to health and wellness brands, primarily in the plant-based food and beverage space.
]]>In fact, humans actually eat less when it’s hot, which means getting the nutrients we need can be a challenge. We want quick, clean meals and snacks that also provide enough fuel to get us through whatever daily adventures come our way.
Enter seaweed! As the most nutrient-dense food on the planet, these amazing greens pack a huge nutritional punch: calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins A & C, plus bioactive compounds, like carotenoids (antioxidants with powerful anti-inflammatory capacities). Did we mention seaweed is also naturally low-sodium, low-sugar and gluten-free? And it won’t weigh you down: all that goodness is still only about 25 - 100 calories per serving.
We love how easy it is to add to our favorite dishes – extra greens with a bonus umami flavor boost, yes please! Here’s our top 10 fabulous ways to sprinkle seaweed into summertime fun.
May your day be sweet, sunny, and full of fresh healthy foods that inspire you to enjoy this season to the last drop!
]]>This year's Earth Day theme is “Invest In Our Planet,” which is what we at Gimme do every day. Our mission is to bring delicious, nutritious seaweed into the snacking spotlight not only because it makes a great snack, but also because it’s the most environmentally-sustainable vegetable in the world.
In terms of earth-friendliness, seaweed is somewhat of a miracle. It helps capture greenhouse gases: the world’s seaweed absorbs 2x more CO2 than the entire Amazon rainforest! It helps de-acidify oceans, which supports the healthy growth of coral reefs. And unlike land agriculture, seaweed requires no fresh water, land, or chemicals to grow.
Our focus this Earth Day is on one of its amazing ocean inhabitants: sea turtles. They can live to 100 years, hold their breath for 5 hours underwater and have been around 110 million years! They eat mostly seagrass – and jellyfish from time to time. And while they can be found in waters all over the world, almost every species of sea turtle is classified as endangered.
But sea turtles are really important: they are a “keystone species” – meaning they perform a key role in ocean ecosystem health, and their absence would significantly impact other wildlife and fauna.
We are proud of our ongoing partnership with Sea Turtle Conservancy and thrilled to support their incredible work of ensuring the survival of sea turtles through research, education, training, advocacy and protection of their natural habitats. We’re also excited to feature the photographer Ben Hick’s gorgeous shots of sea turtles on social media and our website.
Here’s how you can join us in supporting this cause and saving the sea turtles:
We wish you a very happy Earth Day! And remember, every time you eat some seaweed, it’s a little bit of love for our wonderful planet – maybe that’s one more reason it tastes so good!
]]>Annie was born and raised in central Seoul, where her culinarily-gifted mother often served the family fish and seaweed dishes. As a young adult, Annie came to California, where she worked in her family’s top-rated Korean restaurant in San Francisco.
In 1991, Annie started making homemade sauces, selling them at local farmer’s markets. Soon her husband, Steve Broad, joined her to help with their fast-growing business. Annie’s focus was on bringing a unique culinary style to Asian food in America, while Steve had the idea to make the products natural. Together they grew one of the leading natural/organic Asian brands in the USA, eventually selling the Annie Chun’s brand to CJ Corp of Korea in 2009.
But what next? In 2011, Steve encouraged Annie to lay out her vision of bringing Korean food to mainstream America, starting with seaweed. Wanting to do something new, and having had created seaweed products for Annie Chun’s, Annie had the idea to produce certifiably-USDA organic Korean seaweed. Through many challenges, Annie persevered, and gimMe became the first USDA Organic Certified, Non-GMO verified seaweed in the world. Today the national U.S. market is led by organic seaweed, a huge tribute to Annie’s pioneering work.
Annie is also very grateful that children, from toddlers to college age, all love seaweed! Her focus on quality and bringing mainstream flavors to the seaweed category have made Gimme the leading brand in the U.S. And the fact that seaweed is not only the most nutrition dense vegetable on the planet, but also one of the most sustainable foods makes seaweed a perfect superfood for our future.
Please take some time to enjoy celebrating all the wonderful women in your life!
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We’ll admit it: we love the snacks as much (or dare we say more?) than the game. Here are some healthier options that will still score a taste bud touchdown.
Secret Ingredient Popcorn – Instant delish! Start with plain popcorn, then add a drizzle of avocado oil, sea salt and crumbled Teriyaki Roasted Seaweed Snacks. Oh-so-good! Throw in a handful of wasabi peas if you’ve got heat-lovin’ guests.
Better Charcuterie – Cheese boards and charcuterie plates are perennial crowd-pleasers. We like to balance out those heavier bites by mixing in crudités on the lighter side: apple and cucumber slices make great “crackers,” or add grapes and berries for sweetness. Get your green crunch on with edamame, snow peas, broccoli, and of course our Roasted Seaweed Snacks!
Pizza with a Twist – Level up your pizza game with our Gluten-Free Seaweed Pizza Crust – it’s easier than you might think. Just a few simple ingredients (eggs, GF flour, zucchini & seasonings) come together to create a light, crispy crust that can handle hearty toppings, though we like the simplicity of fresh mozzarella and chopped roasted veggies.
Savories with Your Sweetie
Even though Valentine’s Day is associated with romantic love, we like to think of it as a day to celebrate love in all its forms, not for lovers only but for family, friends (Galentine’s Day, anyone?) or anyone who holds a place in your heart.
Why not invite that Special Someone – or Someone’s - over for a fun dinner you can make together? Our easy & delicious California-inspired sushi rolls with savory crab, creamy avocado and crunchy veggies is a suitably swoon-worthy dish. Plus the fun of first-time rolling is bound to get everyone laughing together! (Don’t worry – it gets easier the more you do it).
Ingredients
Instructions: gather all ingredients, grab your sushi mat and get rolling!
No matter whether you spend the weekend cheering wildly or snuggling up with someone you love – or both! – we hope your celebrations are full of yummy goodness and happy moments.
]]>Snacks act as a bridge between meals, preventing overeating and helping maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day. They also allow you to include a wider variety of nutrient-rich keto-friendly foods, enhancing its overall nutritional profile.
Planning your keto snacks ahead of time is equally important. It prevents you from succumbing to non-keto-friendly foods when hunger strikes unexpectedly. A stash of pre-prepared or easy-to-assemble snacks like the ones in this article ensures that you always have a quick and tasty snack for your ketogenic diet.
Organizing your snacks this way helps you balance your macronutrients better, ensuring that your diet includes healthy fats, moderate proteins, and minimal carbs, which is crucial for maintaining ketosis.
So let's dive into these nine fantastic snack options for keto dieters that can effortlessly fit into your keto lifestyle.
These nine keto-friendly snacks offer a variety of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits to enhance your ketogenic lifestyle. From the crunchy and light roasted seaweed snacks and nutrient-rich nuts to the creaminess of cheese and avocado, these snacks are designed to satiate your hunger while keeping you in ketosis.
There are sweet options also, like high cocoa-content dark chocolate, almond butter and Greek yogurt paired with berries. Celery sticks and peanut butter are a great option for a mix of crunchy and creamy.
Let's delve deeper into the various health benefits of the first keto snack ideas on our list, seaweed. Seaweed, specifically roasted seaweed snacks, is a powerhouse of nutrition that perfectly aligns with the keto diet.
The simple answer is yes, and today we'll explore why and the numerous health benefits of dried seaweed.
The full ketogenic or keto diet emphasizes high-fat, moderate protein, and very low-carb foods. To get into a state of ketosis where your body burns fat for fuel, you must limit your carb intake to about 20-50 net grams daily.
Seaweed slots perfectly into this dietary approach and is an easy snack. A 10g serving of Roasted Seaweed Snacks contains only 30 calories and zero net carbs. This makes seaweed an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle and has other benefits, like potentially lower blood pressure.
Beyond being keto-friendly, seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse. It's rich in essential vitamins and minerals like iodine, which support thyroid health. Vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting, and iron, which helps transport oxygen in the body. Plus, it's a source of omega-3 fatty acids that benefit heart health.
One of the many advantages of seaweed is its versatility. From salads and soups to keto sushi rolls, seaweed can be incorporated into various dishes. And let's not forget seaweed chips - a crunchy, delicious alternative to traditional chips as a low-carb snack.
While seaweed is low in carbs, it's important to note that not all seaweed dishes are created equal. Take seaweed salad, for example. While it's a tasty dish, it often contains added sugars and thus has a higher carb count. A 100g serving of seaweed salad contains about 4.95g of net carbs, so portion control is key if you enjoy this dish on a keto diet.
So yes, seaweed is keto-friendly.
It's low in carbs, packed with nutrients, and versatile in the kitchen. Remember to check the nutritional information if you're eating prepared seaweed dishes to ensure they fit into your keto lifestyle. Incorporating seaweed into your diet is a great way to add variety and boost your nutrient intake while staying true to your keto goals.
Incorporating seaweed into your keto diet can bolster your nutrient intake while keeping your carb count low. From sushi to salads, its versatility allows you to experiment with different dishes and keep your meals exciting and varied. Remember to opt for seaweed in its purest forms to avoid additional sugars or unwanted ingredients.
Seaweed stands out among the nine keto-friendly snacks we've discussed due to its low caloric content, zero net carbs, and wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. So the next time you're looking for a keto-friendly snack that's light, nutritious, and satisfying, consider seaweed.
Remember, the key to maintaining a keto lifestyle is variety and balance. Explore different snacks, like the ones we've discussed, and find what suits your taste best. Here's to a healthier, keto-friendly life, one snack at a time!
Remember, the key to easy snacks and a successful keto diet is variety and creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with these delicious keto snacks and find your favorite combinations!
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]]>December is all about celebration: epic feasts, festive gatherings, fun traditions – and of course, giving and receiving gifts. Always looking for fresh, modern gifts to tickle the fancy of family and friends, this year we opted to go a more sustainable route, with consumable presents that foodies will love. Here’s a little inspiration to help you navigate the season.
Christmas abounds with candy and confections of all kinds. gimme’s Roasted Seaweed Snacks are small enough to tuck into a stocking, balancing out the sweet stuff with some healthy snacks – perfect for both adults and kids.
A few minutes in the kitchen with our gimme Seaweed Snacks or gimme Sushi Nori is all it takes to create tasty holiday-worthy treats. Easy to make, these homemade goodies add a personal, thoughtful touch to your gifts.
*TIP: Package up your kitchen creations in earth-friendly reusable Mason or Ball jars, wrap with a big bow and you’re done!
The most foodie time of the year is here: the holidays! We get pretty excited about the hearty dishes and bounty of produce that fall and winter brings, from traditional Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin everything to in-season delights like fresh crab and cold-weather fruits, like apples, pears, pomegranates and all sorts of citrus.
Even when not tempted by Christmas cookies and double-crust pies, humans tend to naturally eat more in the winter. Chilly temps signal our body to load up on calories, which is what gives us the extra energy needed to get and stay warm. So it makes sense to seek out hot, filling meals – except filling isn’t much fun without delicious. That’s where umami comes in!
Known as the fifth taste – along with sweet, sour, bitter and salty – umami is what gives foods their savory, satisfying feeling. Adding umami to your holiday cooking not only amps up the flavor, it also makes you feel more full, making overeating less likely. Turkey coma be gone!
5 Easy Holiday Sides with Seaweed:
1. We like to make Seaweed Creamed Greens instead of the traditional creamed spinach, which can be a soggy mess that’s more cream than green. Our version is super rich and still creamy, but packed with a variety of healthy greens like kale, chard and seaweed. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
6. BONUS RECIPE - You can also make nori simple syrup: first, steep some nori in water - how long depends on your taste. Strain out any solids, and then use the nori-water to make a regular simple syrup (combine with equal parts cane sugar over heat until fully dissolved). Refrigerate and use with your imagination!
We wish you a tasty, happy, marvelous holiday season. May it be full of good times – and satisfyingly good food! – enjoy with the folks you love.
]]>We like to get the kids involved with plenty of home-made Halloween treats, where their creative cooking spirits can run wild. “Don’t play with your food!” might be the mantra of parents everywhere but not in our house, where making faces, monsters, ghosts and other creatures with food is a time-honored tradition.
Rice Ball Monsters
Simple rice balls (sushi rice + seaweed crumbles) or Jumeok Bap form the basis for these not-too-scary savory treats. Prepare as directed but instead of traditional balls, hand-mold into shapes that suit your spooky creations. Keep a couple sheets of nori on hand to cut into shapes for the details – or use craft specialty hole punches, which actually work great with seaweed!
Add Seaweed to Treats
Did you know that seaweed and chocolate go great together? Try adapting your favorite brownie, cookie or shortbread recipe to add in a bit of umami. What about Seaweed Nice Cream?
And of course, bags of popcorn in pumpkin-shaped treat bags remains a popular to-go party favor – why not mix it up with some Sweet & Salty Seaweed Popcorn for an unexpected flavor surprise?
And don’t forget dinner - pizza is a Halloween classic. Whip up a couple batches of our Gluten Free Seaweed Pizza Crust ahead of time, and you’ll be ready to “decorate” a few ‘zas too!
So whether your Halloween is spooky or sophisticated, don’t forget the gimMe - your shortcut to magical tasty good times!
]]>gimMe is here to help you find ways to save time in the kitchen as you establish your new normal. Whether you’re looking for something new to feed the kids or want a shortcut to savory, tasty dishes for quick family night dinners, here are some ideas to get you back in the swing:
Savory oatmeal? Yes! Sometimes the traditional oatmeal add-ons like honey, maple or fruit can feel too sweet for the morning, but oatmeal lends itself well to a savory treatment. Try adding nori crumbles, diced baked sweet potatoes and a drizzle of sesame oil, soy oil or sriracha. It will wake up your taste buds for the day! Pile on a soft-boiled or fried egg for a heartier version. Seriously good-tasting and packed with vitamins, not sugar.
Speaking of eggs…
Eggs and seaweed are surprising natural pals. Traditional breakfasts – eggs, toast, cereals, potatoes – have the advantage of being fast and easy, but they’re also typically greens-free and carb-heavy, which can weigh you down for the whole day. Adding some gimMe instantly adds nutrients (and welcome fiber) to your morning. We like these time-saving hacks:
Spice up the usual suspects
One of the beautiful things about having gimMe in your pantry is the ability to add crunch, seasoning and umami all at once. It’s complex yet craveable flavors make it a smart addition, creating fuss-free excellent meals that don’t take much time at all.
One thing we learned from the last couple years: sometimes it’s good to get out of a rut, and sometimes it’s good to get back into one. May you easily and smoothly find your way back to your own comforting routines - with a little extra touch of tasty, healthy happiness along the way.
]]>And one of the most perennial food challenges is how to increase your daily veggies. With so many adults even struggling to incorporate more plant-strong foods in their diet, it’s no surprise that kids have a hard time eating nutrient-dense foods. Teenagers just don’t want salads. But there are ways of creatively upping the green quotient at the dinner table or in the lunchbox.
Mix up the BBQ Fixings
Chances are your kids already like to eat what you’re grilling. But barbeques are traditionally pretty slim on veggies, unless you count tomato slices and iceberg lettuce. Adding a little seaweed bumps up the nutrition, but since it also boosts the umami of other flavors – like cheese and ketchup – even fussy eaters won’t even notice how good it is for them!
Stick with What They Already Love
What do your kids already know and like to eat? Sneak in some seaweed wherever you can. Try adding crumbles to:
Plant-forward “Slim Jims”
Start with a familiar snack. Totally meatless, these nori treats look a bit like those classic convenience store pepperoni sticks, as long as you roll them…well, slim! On one edge, spread a bit of nut butter – we like almond. Pile on extra nuts and seeds if you want, like sunflower, pumpkin or sesame. Then wrap tightly, and snack easy.
Kid-Friendly Peanut Slaw
This one is super simple. Use store-bought peanut sauce and pre-cut slaw mix if you’re in a hurry, or if you have the time, make your own slaw with the kids so they learn to eat the rainbow: purple cabbage slices, orange grated carrot, red and yellow bell pepper sticks, and green cucumber dice. Drizzle on some peanut sauce – that’s the key flavor for a salad your kids will like to eat. Add nori flakes and some whole peanuts for crunch. It’s a fresh, filling, family-friendly side dish – a solid alternative to fries for burger night, or a healthy go-to option for college-age kids – so easy to assembled in a dorm room.
Of course, we don’t recommend suddenly putting giMme in everything all at once, or your kids might start to wonder! But start with a little here and there, and build on your successes. After all, when it comes to nutrition, every little bit counts!
]]>We might not think about it very often, but literally every single thing we eat comes from a plant, consumed either directly—as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and so on—or indirectly, via animals that, like us, eat plants. Even with all our technology, without plants, we cannot produce or manufacture even one bite of food that will keep us alive and healthy.
In a sense, rain (water) and sunlight are the two main ingredients in our food. What we eat is intimately connected with the weather, a fact increasingly apparent as we witness the impact of climate change. This summer, record temps combined with severe drought forced many farmers to reduce their crops. In California, where 80% of the world’s almonds are grown, many groves were razed for lack of water.
THINK OUT OF THE BOX
We face a global challenge of growing enough nutrient-dense food to feed us all. The good news is there are still untapped alternatives available, some new and innovative—like cricket flour—and some more traditional, like seaweed, a staple in Asian cuisines for centuries.
Globally, seaweed consumption is on the rise. It’s easy to farm and grows fast, too. Plus seaweed efficiently intakes carbon dioxide—which it needs to grow—thereby actually removing greenhouse gases from the water, helping combat ocean acidification. Its multi-purpose functions make it “the hemp of the sea.”
WHY IS SEAWEED A SUPERFOOD?
But nutrition is where it really shines. Seaweed, as a single food, offers the broadest range of minerals of any food on the planet, containing 10-20 times the mineral concentration of land plants. Naturally low-sodium, low-sugar and gluten-free, it’s loaded with calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese, plus bioactive compounds, including phycocyanins and carotenoids (antioxidants with powerful anti-inflammatory capacities).
In fact, a single serving is full of nutrients but only 25-100 calories. How does seaweed pack all of those vitamins and minerals into such a tiny unit of food? Like most plants, seaweed is photosynthetic—it needs sunlight to grow, and the sunlight gets converted into nutrients.
It also gets nutrients from the surrounding water. Seaweed lacks the internal conducting systems that land plants have; instead of pulling nutrients from soils, seaweed absorbs what it needs directly from the water. Seaweed must always be touching water to grow, and the water has to move, so it can bring in fresh pockets of gasses and nutrients. And all that good stuff is absorbed by the plant, which in turn benefits us whenever we eat seaweed.
WHAT MAKES IT NUTRIENT-DENSE?
Also, since the most common form of edible seaweed is dried and pressed, all that nutrition gets packed into a very dense but light square of food. There’s a lot that goes into the making of our roasted snacks: salty ocean waves, beaming sunshine, even essential gasses. (Did you know that it’s estimated about 50% of the earth’s oxygen is produced by the algae and phytoplankton in the ocean?)
So the next time you take a bite of Gimme, enjoy eating one of the world’s most efficient—and delicious—life-giving foods!
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