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Ninas: Pretty Popcorn That’s Pretty Good for You
Jan 24, 2017
One of the surprise treats in January's Gin of the Month box was a delicious bag of Ninas Cacao, Goji Berries and Pistachios Popcorn - trust us, it's very moreish!
January marks the beginning of a lot of health and fitness-oriented goals for many of us. Whether it’s opting for the stairs rather than the lift or building up muscle at the gym, there’s always something to strive for. So as you persevere through your goals for this year, check out how Nina's Popcorn can help!
Nina’s Popcorn came about from this same desire of health and fitness that many of us are striving for this year. Then still a teenager, Chirag Karia started Nina’s Popcorn as a way to overhaul his own unhealthy lifestyle and discover the benefits – and delicious flavours – that so-called superfoods can bring to the snacking table.
“After hours of experimenting in the kitchen and learning about the benefits of superfoods,” Chirag explains, “I had developed a range of healthy snacks that were both nutritious and delicious.”
After graduating from Durham University, last year Chirag took to London to build a team and launch his super-good superfood idea. Chirag and his team are excited about the future of Nina’s. Aiming to be more than just a delicious treat, Chirag says, “we hope that we can inspire positive change in the way people snack, think and live.”
Nina’s Top 5 Superfoods to Snack On
1. Seaweed
This superfood trend extends far beyond sushi. A great addition to soups and salads, seaweed is bursting with benefits for your body. Rich in protein and minerals, it’s an excellent snack for those looking to keep their skin supple or detoxify their body. Also high in iron and potassium, it helps regulate blood pressure and keep the heart healthy.
2. Goji Berries
These little red berries, a tasty part of Nina’s Popcorn, hail from the Himalayas, where they’ve long been used for medicinal purposes. Rich in vitamins and the eight essential amino acids, these powerful little nuggets make a great addition to both sweet and savoury dishes.
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado is a widely known superfood, but did you know that you can use avocado oil as a healthier substitute for olive oil? Slightly milder and nuttier in flavour than olive oil, because it’s higher in monounsaturated fats, it’s a great, heart-healthy choice for those looking to lower their cholesterol.
4. Teff Grains
The Nina’s team hails Ethiopian teff as the ‘next quinoa’. High in dietary fibre, it can help manage blood sugar levels and control weight. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be ground into a flour for a gluten-free, high-calcium alternative for baking, and also steamed in place of rice on the side of your favourite dish.
5. Matcha
From lattes to ice cream, this special, powdered form of green tea has surged in popularity for the high amount of antioxidants it contains. It’s excellent for boosting the metabolism and detoxifying the body and, since it’s powdered in form, it can easily be added to just about anything. New Year’s fitness goals, sorted!
Gorgeous Goji Popcorn Brownies
The Nina’s Popcorn in January's Gin of the Month box makes for a delightful snack all on its own - but throw some into these vegan brownies and you’re in for a real treat. Although they’re gluten, dairy AND wheat-free, they’re still unbelievably delicious. It’s the kind of sinful-tasting snack that will help you meet those New Year’s resolutions without even trying.
4 tbsp raw cacao powder
450g medjool dates, pitted
125g walnuts, chopped
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 bag Nina’s Cacao, Goji Berries and Pistachios Popcorn
Desiccated coconut
Method:
1. Add the cacao powder, dates, walnuts and coconut oil into a food processor. Blitz for a couple of minutes until ingredients form one large, sticky cluster.
2. Place the cluster onto a rectangular tray and scatter pieces of popcorn over it. Fold over mixture and add in a few more popcorn pieces. Smooth down mixture into an even layer and sprinkle over desiccated coconut for added texture.
3. Place tray into freezer to chill for at least two hours. When ready to serve, remove tray, slice brownies into square pieces and enjoy!
