Corn nuts are an ideal treat for those trying to monitor their sugar intake. Plus, their wide array of flavors allows you to find something perfect.
To maximize the enjoyment of corn nuts, practice effective portion control by creating single-serve packs in resealable bags or containers and adhering to portion guidelines. This will help maintain a healthy weight by avoiding overeating.
1. Topping for Salads
Corn nuts add an irresistibly crunchy and nutty texture to salads, pairing perfectly with many dressings.
Put them to good use by adding them to a southwestern salad featuring black beans, avocado and zesty lime dressing for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Enhancing them even further by seasoning with spices such as chili powder, garlic powder or smoked paprika is also a fantastic way to enhance their flavor profile.
As added ingredients in your salad can help with portion control, because they have lower caloric intake than many fried snacks like potato chips, eating them slowly can help you recognize when you are full and prevent overeating.
2. Yogurt Parfaits
Display your favorite fruits alongside crunchy granola and non-fat yogurt to make gorgeous parfaits that are both visually and deliciously stunning. Sweeten things up further with honey, maple syrup or agave as needed and garnish your creations with chia seeds, nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor!
Use clear cups for these delicious breakfasts, which show off the beautifully layered mixtures of fresh blueberries, creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola. They’re also ideal for meal prep as you can make this ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to eat!
3. As a Crunchy Ingredient in Homemade Granola
Just look around any granola aisle and you’re bound to encounter Corn Nuts among peanuts, pistachios and trail mix! While their name might make them unappetizing at first glance, these crunchy snacks have an interesting history and many ways they can be utilized deliciously in different forms of cuisine.
Corn Nuts were first created in 1936 after Prohibition by an entrepreneur from the Bay area to give out as snacks at bars, quickly becoming a hit with customers. Today, these crunchy snacks remain popular worldwide as an anytime snack option and also make great additions to homemade granola recipes.
4. As a Snack on the Go
Visit any grocery store’s “nut aisle,” and you may come across corn nuts tucked among peanuts, pistachios, and trail mix. These crunchy little kernels offer surprising health benefits with less than 4 grams of fat per serving!
No matter the preparation method (frying or roasting), corn kernels can be high in calories. But they provide an excellent source of fiber. Plus, they make for a fun road trip snack for both kids and adults! Whether dipping or crunching them makes these delicious kernels the perfect treat!
5. As a Snack at the Office
Corn nuts we know today were first invented in 1936 after Prohibition ended by an Oakland entrepreneur named Olin Huntington. Huntington intended to distribute them at bars, but his plans fell through after California passed legislation prohibiting drinking holes from giving away free food.
Once his product was rebranded as Corn Nuts and began national distribution, they quickly gained in popularity. Today they come in several flavors including barbecue sauce, ranch dip and jalapeno cheddar. While originally its kernels were enormously large, today they’re considerably smaller.
6. As a Healthy Alternative to Chips
Corn nuts offer a healthier alternative to chips without compromising taste. Be wary when baking them as some kernels may explode!
If you are on a ketogenic diet, try low-carb alternatives such as crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, celery or jicama; nuts such as almonds or pumpkin seeds to satisfy any crunchy cravings; just remember to limit salt intake!
Enjoy popcorn snacks during movie night or as a quick bite between meals on your next hike, whether as part of DIY trail mix or standalone snacks!
7. As a Snack for Kids
Corn kernels can pose a choking hazard to infants and young toddlers; however, roasted corn nuts are safe for them to consume and are an ideal snack to munch on during movie night!
Olin Huntington of Oakland created Brown Jug, which became a hit after Prohibition had ended. Albert Holloway then rebranded Olin’s company into Corn Nuts using domestic corn until hearing about Peru’s white Cusco corn, known for producing larger kernels than usual, encouraged Olin to switch suppliers; creating an even more marketable version of parched corn snacks.
8. As a Snack for Adults
Corn Nuts were first created by Albert Holloway of Chicago in 1936 for serving alongside drinks in bars and taverns. With their satisfying crunchiness and generous dose of finger-licking saltiness, these delicious snacks became staples across American bars and taverns.
Corn nuts are an easy, portable snack that are perfect for outings. Packed with protein and carbohydrates but lower in calories than salty snacks such as chips, these corn nuts provide some much-needed energy boost and contain dietary fiber which may help prevent digestive problems like constipation.
9. As a Healthy Snack for Dogs
Corn is generally safe for dogs, though too much could upset their digestive tract or excessive salt could increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease.
Never feed raw corn kernels to your pup; eating them may lead to intestinal blockage and other serious health complications. Instead, offer cooked ground or extruded corn instead for increased digestibility and nutritional value for your dog. Always check food label safety information; start small to see how your pup reacts when introduced to new foods.
10. As a Healthy Snack for Cats
Corn nuts are a delicious treat for humans and felines alike! Just remember to cook or cut them up into small pieces prior to giving them as treats to your feline pal.
Albert Holloway invented the original Corn Nuts brand in the 1960s when he patented his recipe for parched corn snacking. Holloway utilized an oversized Peruvian variety known as choclo, which features starchier and nuttier grains than domestic sweet corn varieties to craft crunchy salty snacks that were both nutritious and delectable.
