Hi,
This is Najwa, dalci’s Founder & CEO. I’m writing this post to share some details about changes we’ve made to our recipe.
You may have noticed that our brownies started arriving in new packaging this spring. You may also have noticed that the brownie inside was a bit stickier in texture and leaned towards “extra fudgy” vs. the “fudgy-and-cakey” texture we’ve gained a reputation for.
This is because we recently moved over to a new manufacturing facility. As a result, we started a new production process and a change like that always demands some trial and error. Simply put, we’re baking A LOT more brownies at a time and getting a handle on how this change impacts the brownie itself was something we could only discover by, well, doing it. The process revealed we needed to make a few adjustments to our recipe instructions - bake time, bake temp, how to beat eggs (really!), and more. We expect future batches to be more cakey, like the old recipe. Thank you for sticking with us as we worked this out!
While I have you, I also want to take this opportunity to clear up a few points of confusion about the new recipe. I know it can be confusing to see us with a new look and feel inside and out!
Najwa
Erewhon is a super premium retailer in LA that blends the line between celeb juice cafe and high end grocery. I love going when I’m in town for the experience alone - the environment & product selection makes something as quotidien as grocery shopping feel like an event. Or rather, it makes me feel like a certain kind of person.
In many ways, the internet bursts into real life inside Erewhon, unflattening itself like spring loaded origami. Here’s Hailey Bieber’s viral skin smoothie. Here’s that brand I’ve seen everywhere on Instagram. It almost feels like a successful franchising of the Shoppy Shop - a term coined by Neil Shankar that I learned via Emily Sundberg in this fantastic article.
To be extremely clear: none of these things are bad. I am insanely grateful that Erewhon decided to take a chance on dalci and bring us in. Twice, no less! Fun fact: Erewhon was our first “big” retailer many years ago. And we unceremoniously flamed out and were pulled from shelves within months. Our packaging wasn’t physically optimized for retail, but more important, people simply didn’t know what we were. Hard lessons were learned and I’m thrilled to be back (with a veeeery re-optimized product) for a second go. I believe Erewhon is the right place for us and we can do well there.
But rolling out in Erewhon this week has me thinking about this catch-22 I often struggle to reconcile. I got into this business to make a certain kind of product more “accessible.” And yet, in bringing that product to life, my margins (thus my price point) constantly push me towards “premium.” It is a funny position to be in - trying to make something more accessible by selling it through premium channels. Which I’m not uncomfortable doing from an ethics perspective, or even from an “am I stoked to be here?” perspective. But just find so…counterintuitive. From where I sit it seems like the only path to the middle starts at the top. Isn’t that weird?
Because I am huge fucking dork, I often think about a quote from one of my favorite movies - Deep Blue Sea, staring Samuel L Jackson and LL Cool J, among others. The characters are trapped in a sinking underwater research facility where genetically modified genius sharks are closing in on them via increasingly creative & bloody strategies. lol. At one point the characters find themselves concocting a plan to go down a level in order to reach a submarine and the misunderstood hottie shark wrangler guy delivers this crisp one liner: “we go down to get up.” I don’t know why, but I say that to myself a lot.
We go up to go down. We go down to go up. We do things against the logic of our goals to accomplish them. My dream for dalci is to build a suite of treats that are competitively priced against Little Debbies…clean treats for all. But that’s just not where we are today. For reasons that go beyond even price point and unit economics. I guess it’s all part of the journey. So we start at the top and swim to the middle. We go up to go down.
]]>This recipe is FULL of clean dupes for classic treats - a clean caramel drizzle and a vegan cheesecake filling. Take what you need, or make the whole thing!
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Thick, crisp n' creamy. This iced lemon coconut crunch icebox cake is not messing around!
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Teenie tiny chocolate tarts that punch way above their weight in richness & flavor. Enjoy!
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Light & citrus-y but still sweet, this recipe is refined crowd pleaser. And it takes <10 min to throw together!
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Don’t be fooled by bold, misleading health claims. Today, many pre-packaged snacks are inaccurately labeled. According to a 2013 report, the carbohydrate content of commonly eaten snacks in the U.S. were found to be measurably higher than indicated by the label. If you’re determined to become a more mindful eater, this post was made for you.
Get ready to throw on your thinking hat and turn the label with dalci. In this post, we’ll be revealing our top label reading skills to help you add delicious pre-packaged snacks to your cart that are better for your gut, and made from real ingredients.
When reading the ingredients list, it’s important to be mindful of the order in which the ingredients are listed. The first few ingredients noted on the package tend to make up most of what you’re eating. The dalci team chooses to avoid snacking on foods where the first few ingredients listed are some type of sugar alcohol, hydrogenated oil, refined flour, or gum additive.
What gut-friendly ingredients should you keep an eye out for? Opt for snacks that replace refined flours with gluten-free options like almond flour, teff flour, or millet flour. Almond flour is our favorite substitute for gluten-free baking because it’s packed with minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium. As a low GI food, it’s slowly digested and absorbed, meaning it’s the perfect alternative flour for keeping your blood sugar in check.
We also choose to snack on foods that steer clear of inflammatory hydrogenated oils like margarine or vegetable oils like canola oil. We love to store our kitchen cupboards with gut-friendly snacks that use avocado oil instead. A healthy source of fat, avocado oil is a nutritious addition to your diet that when paired with veggies may help your body absorb key nutrients like vitamin A (beta-carotene).
It’s easy to make the mistake of assuming that the number of calories and nutrients listed on a package refers to the amount in a single serving. Unfortunately, some brands often attempt to trick consumers into thinking the snacks they’re eating contain fewer calories and grams of fat, cholesterol, sugar, and carbs.
In reality, one serving can look like half a cookie or one ounce of chips. If you’re like us, once you get your hands on an addictive salty or sweet snack, it’s easy to keep munching along. That’s why we recommend paying attention to the nutrition facts while keeping your portions in check by assessing the serving size before you start snacking.
When you come across a new packaged “healthy” snack that boasts about its endless nutritional benefits, it can be easy to overlook the label and fall for its misleading claims. Here is a list of a few of the most common food claims found on packaged snacks and what they mean:
Low-carb: Carbs are not the enemy. Eating gut-irritating carbs in excess like packaged foods made from refined flour may not be the best option, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid healthy carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes or whole fruits. Just because a processed snack like a protein bar contains fewer carbs than a banana, it does not mean it’s the healthier option.
The next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, salty, and convenient, we recommend turning the label before you mindlessly snack. Packaging can be easily used to mislead consumers into thinking they’re opting for the healthiest option available. Next time you’re scanning the grocery aisle, we encourage you to turn the label of a new “healthy” snack that catches your eye. Check out our previous blog post for a list of our favorite nutrient-dense, convenient packaged food options that were made for healthy snacking and sippin.
]]>Why is America’s royal family so obsessed with sneaking leafy greens into their daily diets? We have the answer: leafy greens (think kale, spinach, and arugula) are rich in vitamins and minerals, high in fiber, and great for your gut. Plus, leafy greens are a super versatile food staple that can be tossed into a morning smoothie, folded into an omelet, or used to bulk up and add some crunch to a midday salad.
Experts in the field of health and nutrition are even obsessed with dark leafy greens like spinach, kale or collard greens thanks to their versatility, taste and nutritional benefits. "I recommend collard greens to clients because they are delicious and pack a nutritional punch," explains April Panitz, MS, RDN, CDN. "They aid in bone, blood, skin, and eye health and provide immune support."
From colorful swiss chard to crunchy kale, keep scrolling for a list of some of our team’s favorite go-to greens for upgrading a sad salad into a delicious bowl that’s packed with nutrients, texture, and flavor.
Who doesn’t love a classic caesar salad? Tangy, creamy, and crunchy– it’s the ultimate salad for when you’re craving a simple, yet satisfying meal. If you’re trying to avoid dairy, we recommend swapping a classic caesar salad for this gut-friendly vegan variation that’s packed with healthy (and delicious) ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil and crispy chickpea croutons.
You may love romaine for its crunch, but this crowd favorite is packing some major health benefits. Low in calories but high in nutrients, romaine is a good source of:
All hail king kale, the trendy leafy green everyone (including your mom) is still obsessed with. Based on its many nutritional benefits, you can feel good about eating as many pounds of curly kale as physically possible. Just kidding, please don’t overdose on kale. But seriously, kale is the perfect green to munch on if you’re looking to up your intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body against inflammatory diseases triggered by oxidative stress. Kale is a great source of antioxidants, minerals, and flavonoids like:
Ever wonder why Popeye had a strange obsession with eating as much spinach as possible? Turns out he was onto something, with spinach playing a key role in keeping your bones healthy and strong. To increase your calcium intake, feel free to ditch the dairy and load up on spinach instead. Not only does spinach benefit your bone health, this superfood is also a great source of major micronutrients like:
We get it, everyone isn’t a fan of the distinctive peppery taste that sets arugula (also known as rocket) apart from other leafy greens that are milder in flavor. But, if you’re looking to add a kick and some nutrients to your salad, we recommend rocking with some rocket. Arugula is a great topping for spicing up avocado toast or perfect served as a simple side salad dressed in olive oil. This flavorful green is rich in a number of nutrients:
This tender green has a vibrant colored thick stem that isn’t just super pretty (and delicious), it’s also abundant in powerful plant compounds. Swiss chard is basically kale’s cooler cousin that’s pleasing to look at and won’t skimp on flavor. This low cal leafy green can be tossed into a stir fry, sautéed in garlic and olive oil, or even used as a replacement for a tortilla wrap. Increase your intake of important nutrients with a daily serving of swiss chard:
Don’t overlook the little guy. Watercress might be small, but this little leaf packs some major nutrients (and flavor). Similar to arugula, watercress has a unique peppery taste and bitter flavor that adds a spicy kick to any salad, smoothie, sauce, or soup you add it to. Liven up your favorite foods and add in a healthy kick of key nutrients:
Not a salad topper, but we’re still crazy about this cruciferous veggie. A type of Chinese cabbage, bok choy is a versatile green vegetable that adds some major crunch to a stir fry dish or creamy slaw. While you may love bok choy for its fresh crunch, it’s also a great source of many immune-boosting vitamins and minerals:
Cabbage is another cruciferous green veggie we had to throw onto our list of favorites. You might be thinking, “but cabbage is boring and bland.” Wrong, cabbage is far from boring, in fact, when fermented it’s the perfect food for a happier and healthier gut. A study conducted by Stanford found that a diet rich in fermented foods like sauerkraut “led to an increase in overall microbial diversity.” Increase the diversity of your gut microbes when you load up on nutrient-dense fermented cabbage. It contains the following nutrients:
Struggling with bloating, whether it's triggered by poor gut health, a hormone imbalance or an intolerance to certain foods like dairy or gluten is nothing short but frustrating. Luckily, leafy greens are abundant in potassium– a mineral that'll naturally help you beat the bloat. This magic mineral helps your body manage its sodium levels which helps you shed excess water weight, and in turn supports bloat management.
Get your glow on with a daily dose of greens. Bet you didn't know a serving of leafy greens is packed with just as much beta-carotene as orange hued veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes. Improve your skin health and protect your skin against sun damage when you load your plate up with beta-carotene packed kale. One 2012 review found that incorporating beta carotene and other carotenoid-rich foods into your diet can defend your skin against UV radiation and help your skin maintain a healthier appearance.
When stressed, it's easy to swap a salad for a convenient (but unhealthy) meal. While a slice of pizza might be tempting to reach for when stressed, we recommend calming your nerves with a bowl of greens instead. "Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain folate, which produces dopamine, a pleasure-inducing brain chemical, helping you keep calm," says Heather Mangieri, RDN.
If you're battling leaky gut (also known as intestinal permeability) you may want to rethink your diet. We recommend shifting your daily diet to include foods that are easy on the gut and void of common gut irritants like sugar, dairy, soy or gluten. Sautéed greens like spinach and kale are an easy-to-digest green option for improving your gut health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, leafy greens contain a sugar that support the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
]]>Add Probiotic Foods to Your Plate · 3. Manage Your Sweet Tooth · 4. Take Time to Decompress · 5. Get Moving · 6. Catch Some Z's · 7. Sneak in Some Dark Chocolate · 8. Rethink Your Cleaning Routine · 9. Pile Your Plate with Veggies
]]>Najwa discovered suitable swaps for savory snacks, like crunchy gluten-free crackers, and pantry staples like dairy-free coconut yogurt. Yet, she struggled to find an alternative soft-baked indulgent dessert that didn’t skimp on taste, texture, or flavor. Armed with a whisk and sweet tooth, she decided to bake up the impossible– a better-for-you, no-fuss brownie made from real, clean ingredients.
If you’re a dessert lover, you might be wondering why it’s worth trading your typical conventional brownie for dalci. Unlike processed soft-baked desserts, we’re the only snacking solution that is approved (and loved) by registered dieticians.
“dalci avoids many of the pro-inflammatory ingredients that can cause gut discomforts like refined grains, large amounts of saturated fats, and sugar alcohols that many commercial desserts are made of,” explains Shana Johnson, MPH, RD, and Chief Experience Officer at the digital modern care platform, SoulWell.
We’re also the preferred sweet treat for nutrition and wellness experts like Dr. Will Cole. “Unlike other brands, I don’t have to suffer through eating a “health bar” to satisfy my sweet tooth. Because let’s face it, most other health bars are not as healthy as they claim to be - nor as delicious,” says Dr. Will Cole when asked why dalci is his go-to snack for when sweet cravings strike.
In this post, we’ll discuss what gut health is and how the foods (and desserts) you choose to munch on could have a major impact on important areas of your life– think sleep quality, mood, and energy levels.
In the community of mindful eaters, the phrase “gut health” appears to be tossed around regularly. While you might consider a balanced gut the desired goal, you might feel lost on what it means to have a happier gut.
“A healthy gut means you have a stronger immune system, a better mood, effective digestion that’s free of discomfort and healthy brain and heart,” explains Sabine Hazan, M.D.
The numerous health benefits that are tied to a better gut are only possible if your digestive system is working smoothly, with a healthy gut breaking down carbs, fats, and proteins into key nutrients for the body.
The foods and beverages that you choose to pile onto your plate or into your cup on the daily play a major role in the bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that make up your gut microbiome. Diversifying the species of bacteria in your gut is key to avoiding and reducing uncomfortable symptoms triggered by common digestive disorders like bloating, stomach cramping, and gas.
Now that we’re familiar with what gut health actually means, let’s “gut” excited about discussing health tips and tricks for diversifying your microbiome. You’re just one scroll away from uncovering 9 ways to improve your gut health.
When the clock strikes happy hour it can be tempting to indulge in one too many cocktails. But, if you’re trying to heal your gut, we recommend swapping your manhattan for a mocktail. Numerous studies have found that alcohol consumption may result in dysbiosis and the overgrowth of bacteria.
Who knew you could recondition your gut with probiotic foods like kimchi and apple cider vinegar? To support a healthier gut we recommend piling your plate with naturally fermented foods. A study conducted by Stanford found that a diet rich in fermented foods like kefir and kombucha “led to an increase in overall microbial diversity.”
Refined sugars like high fructose corn syrup and sugar alcohols have earned a bad rep and for good reason. If you’re on a health kick we recommend steering clear from processed foods containing the highly addictive ingredient your taste buds love but your gut hates. “Sugar alcohols can be difficult for our bodies to fully digest and are frequently linked with IBS and overall gut discomfort,” says Shana Johnson, MPH, RD. Feel good about swapping your conventional cookie for a dalci brownie made with less than 10g of unrefined coconut sugar.
Ever get the gut feeling that you need to slow down, relax and decompress? Your mood and the abdominal discomforts you experience, like bloating and stomach cramping, are linked. Chronic inflammation and stress may even trigger dysbiosis and a leaky gut. For a balanced gut, take time at the end of a long day to meditate, move or wind down with your favorite book.
Take control of your gut health by engaging in your favorite workout, whether that’s a quick spin session or jog around the neighborhood. A diverse microbiome is just one good reason to lace up your sneakers and make room for a gym session. Compared to non-athletes, one 2014 study found that athletes who engaged in exercise had “a higher diversity of gut micro-organisms.”
If you’re battling an unbalanced gut you might be due for some major shut-eye. One 2014 animal study found that irregular sleeping patterns were linked to gut dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Get into the habit of switching off your devices and slipping into your coziest pajamas for a restful sleep that’s guaranteed to improve your mood and gut health.
A daily nibble or two of dark chocolate might be key to improving your gut health. Foods rich in polyphenols– think dark chocolate, green tea, and almonds, are linked to promoting better gut health with some studies showing how these plant compounds lead to the growth of probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus.
When it comes to cleaning, you might be tempted to reach for any random household cleaner or disinfectant. If you’re trying to heal your gut we recommend rethinking not only your diet but your weekly cleaning routine. Toxic household cleaners have been shown to have an adverse effect on the gut microbiome according to the results of one 2018 study. The study explored the connection between household cleaning products and childhood obesity and found that infants exposed to toxic cleaners had higher levels of a gut microbe linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Ditch the burger and find a way to fit more fiber-rich plants into your diet instead for a happier and healthier gut. A varied diet that’s low in animal products and rich in plants might just be key to reducing gut inflammation and boosting microbiome diversity. One 2013 study found that six overweight participants who followed a strict vegetarian diet experienced weight loss and reduced gut inflammation due to a changed gut microbiota.
]]>To avoid satisfying the bad bacteria in your gut, you should aim to stock your kitchen cupboard with nutrient dense, convenient food options that were made for late night snackin and sippin. Nutrition experts give you the go-ahead to partake in some late night snacking as long as you munch on something with a healthy dose of fats, complex carbs and protein.
Keep reading for a list of list of the top 10 satisfying snacks we recommend stocking your pantry with for when those late night cravings creep in.
We’ve all heard the false sleep myth that you should steer clear of late night snacking to avoid slowing down your metabolism. Luckily, experts in the health space are challenging this false belief and encouraging late night snackers to tune into their hunger cues. “Contrary to popular belief, metabolism does not shut down when we sleep. It ebbs and flows but overall remains consistent with our waking metabolism,” says Madeline McDonough MS, RDN.
No matter the time, filling a rumbling belly up with gut friendly snacks is key to ensuring a restful night's sleep. We recommend fueling up on nutrient dense prepackaged snacks that’ll satisfy your cravings and take out the hassle of whipping together a late night meal.
Before we jump into our list of snacking solutions, it's important to understand why these late night cravings are creeping in.
Studies have found that cravings strike at night due to poor sleeping habits. For others, the reason is as simple as boredom- crazy right? According to healthline, eating at night may also be linked to eating disorders such as night eating syndrome where food is used as means of curbing uncomfortable emotions such as sadness and anger. If you notice your cravings are having a negative impact on your mood or interrupting your sleep, we recommend consulting your doctor or dietitian.
Now that we have a better understanding of the the different reasons behind late night hunger, let's jump into a list of satisfying healthy snack options.
Siete’s lime infused tortilla chips are the perfect late night snack option for when you’re craving something crisp and salty. While we’re slightly obsessed with the zesty lime flavor, we’re even bigger fans of the gut loving ingredients. In every bag of Siete, you won’t find harmful gut irritants like GMO corn. One study even linked the use of the herbicide– glyphosate in genetically modified crops to gut dysbiosis and the growth of harmful gut bacteria. To support a happy gut, every Siete chip is made from cassava flour– a high in resistant starch, grain free baking alternative that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Who has time to make homemade guacamole at midnight? Luckily, we discovered the perfect dip to pair with a handful (or two) of your favorite gut loving tortilla chips. With Wholly Guacamole’s mini twist on their classic guac, it’s clear that good things (aka avocados) come in small packages. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that participants who consumed one avocado a day for 12 weeks saw a boost in their microbiome diversity.
Chick it out, chicken might just be the new protein packed cure to sleepless nights. If you’re craving a finger licking good snack when the clock strikes midnight, we recommend sinking your teeth into EPIC’s gluten and antibiotic free, tangy BBQ seasoned protein bar. A research study from Purdue University found that a lower calorie diet combined with higher protein intake led to improved sleep quality for middle-age adults.
Calling all late night snackers in need of a crispy, savory addictive snack to cure the late night munchies. This isn’t your average cracker. Made from upcycled dried carrots and spiced up with a blend of every New Yorker’s favorite seasoning, the Everything flavor is the sustainable cracker you’ll be dreaming of long after your last crunch.
Who would've thought that seaweed, a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of avocado oil combined would result in a dream worthy (and gut healthy) snack? We love satisfying our late night cravings with a plant based alternative that our taste buds and gut can enjoy. For all you plant based eaters, seaweed is a great prebiotic food to add to your diet. With a serving of avocado oil in every bite, sleep satisfied knowing that you're also treating your heart to a healthy late night snack.
We’re throwing it back to the younger years when mom’s remedy to a sleepless night was a warm glass of milk. We have some tea to spill. As adults, we’ve decided to ditch the dairy nightcap for a cozy cup of tea instead. Us Two offers a tempting polyphenol-rich jasmine tea made for winding down and sinking into a peaceful slumber.
To ease into a relaxing state when you’re craving some much needed shut-eye we recommend sipping on some warm lemon water. We love pairing our Lemon Coconut blondie with a mug of warm lemon water for an added dose of citrus. Baked with avocado oil and packed with unsweetened shredded coconut, our Lemon Coconut blondie is the perfect late night snack for when you’re craving a sweet (and tart) enough treat that’s filling.
If you catch yourself craving a crisp bowl of cereal closer to bedtime, we’ve got you covered. Instead of opting for a bowl of sugar coated flakes, we recommend munching on Sakara’s Superfood Granola instead. When you satisfy your kiddy craving for a nostalgic bowl of sugary cereal, you’re bound to spend the rest of the night tossing and turning. A study published in 2016 found that diets higher in sugar resulted in a lighter, less restorative sleep. Lucky for you, one serving of Sakara’s superfood packed granola contains just 7g of unrefined coconut sugar. With the addition of almonds and whole-grain oats, it’s the perfect pantry staple for keeping your blood sugar steady.
You can feel good about upping your intake of complex carbs closer to sleepy time. Go easy on your digestive system and trigger serotonin- the sleepy hormone, when you fill up on a bowl of oatmeal. MUSH’s ready to eat overnight oats take the hassle out of prepping a creamy bowl of goodness when you’re in desperate need of getting some shut eye.
When sleepiness and sweet cravings kick in it’s easy to satisfy your sweet tooth with the closest candy bar. To avoid a late night sugar binge, we recommend lining up your pantry with a trio of organic chocolate bites that’ll curb your sugar cravings without disrupting your sleep. Midnight Magic is our favorite of the Days Off trio to munch on when we’re in a late night mood for a sweet and salty treat.
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Probiotics are commonly associated with dairy products like cultured yogurt and kefir– a tangy fermented beverage made from cow’s or goat’s milk. Because a dairy inclusive diet is sometimes considered the key culprit to an inflamed stomach lining and associated conditions such as leaky gut, consuming commonly known probiotic rich dairy products and beverages is out of the question for many mindful eaters.
Additionally, conventional dairy products, like nonfat greek yogurt for instance, do more harm for your gut than good. Widely consumed processed dairy items are falsely marketed as gut healthy, yet they may contain harmful antibiotics that can disrupt your gut microbiome.
With this knowledge in mind, other gut-health conscious food brands are choosing to avoid milk derivatives and experimenting with dairy free probiotics instead. You might be wondering, what exactly is a dairy-free probiotic?
Keep scrolling for the full scoop on dairy-free probiotics, plus a roundup of 8 delicious non dairy, probiotic-rich snack options worth storing in your kitchen cabinet for when those snack cravings kick in.
Before we give you the lowdown on dairy-free probiotics, let’s get acquainted with the human microbiome which is home to a diverse collection of microbes. Microbes are a combination of bacteria, viruses and fungi, including yeasts. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a live microbe is considered a probiotic if it promotes good health when safely consumed, and can survive after ingestion even when some strains reach the small and large intestine.
Unlike dairy probiotics, dairy-free strains do not contain cow’s milk or milk from livestock and they are grown on an alternative medium to dairy such as a SCOBY for example, which is used to ferment kombucha. If you’re a newbie when it comes to shopping for dairy-free probiotic infused snacks, make sure to scope out the ingredients first before purchasing.
To ensure your probiotic doesn't include dairy, we recommend steering clear of the following ingredients: whey protein, rennet, casein, lactose, lactulose, lactic acid, and zinc caseinate. Paying attention to these ingredients is key if you have a serious milk allergy or adhere to a strict plant-based diet. Lucky for plant-based eaters, food scientists have discovered a way to sneak probiotics into non dairy packaged snacks.
Purely Elizabeth managed to give their gluten and refined sugar-free granola a major healthy glow-up with the addition of probiotic cultures like inulin (a dietary fiber) and the dairy-free, shelf stable strain Bacillus coagulans. For some added crunch and gut-loving goodness, we love topping our morning coconut yogurt bowls with the Chocolate Sea Salt variety. It’s the breakfast your gut will thank you for.
Get ready to sparkle from the inside out with wildwonder’s variety of gut-healing sparkling beverages. Bottled up with live vegan probiotics and flavored with functional herbs and luscious fruit juices like pink guava and juicy mangoes, wildwonder’s bevy of beverages are both delicious and gut friendly.
The secrets out, we’re coco for cocojune’s creamy and delicious plant-based yogurt alternative. We love how simple, clean and natural their blend of organic gut-healing ingredients are with coconuts as the main staple followed by spring water, cassava root and live vegan probiotic cultures.
If you’re looking for a vegan, drinkable replacement for kefir, Forager’s gut-boosting beverage is the perfect replacement. Made from a creamy base of nutty cashew milk and luscious coconut cream, this plant-based beverage is the best drinkable yogurt for the mindful foodie. Sip away with the knowledge that you're treating your gut to over 1 billion live active probiotic CFUs with every serving.
We love that Yumbutter managed to make eating healthy on-the-go super quick and easy with their squeezable and portable probiotic rich almond butter. Spiced with organic cinnamon and packed with the same dairy-free probiotic strain as Purely Elizabeth’s granola, it’s the perfect gut-loving topping for your daily oat or smoothie bowl.
Got (plant-based) milk? Gut happy about a good for digestion, crunchy cookie that is reminiscent of milk’s favorite cookie sans the nasty additives. UPLIFT’s RD approved, organic and Non-GMO cookies contain 1 billion CFU probiotics so you can feel less guilty about sneaking an extra cookie or two from the cookie jar.
Anita’s managed to whip up a non dairy probiotic rich yogurt that mimics the thick and creamy texture associated with traditional yogurt. Unlike other dairy-free alternatives on the market, Anita’s coconut milk yogurt manages to achieve a luscious consistency without the addition of thickeners or fillers. Best of all, each 6oz serving of this dreamy plant-based yogurt contains over 300 billion diverse species of probiotics.
With a big market filled with processed foods, finding healthy dessert and meal options are always a struggle. So when you come across a new packaged snack or food brand that boasts about their endless benefits you can’t help but question the claims.
]]>With a big market filled with processed foods, finding healthy dessert and meal options are always a struggle. So when you come across a new packaged snack or food brand that boasts about their endless benefits you can’t help but question the claims. We understand the frustration all too well, after all it’s what prompted the creation of our own gut-healthy brownies.
Keep reading to learn how the most common food claims seen in the packaged snack and meal industry can be misleading.
Disclaimer: Not all brands that use the following verbiage are misleading. Always research new foods to ensure brands are staying true to their claims.
“Reduced” is one of the most popular claims seen on almost every type of food including desserts, savory snacks, and even drinks. For a food product to be labeled as reduced, the product needs to be 25% lower in either sugar, fat or sodium than the standard product.
We’ve all seen those kid friendly marketed products that state they use “real fruit” or “real vegetables”. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that the product is nutritious. The fruit or vegetables in these products often comes from juices or pastes rather than the actual whole produce. Additionally, these “real fruits” and “real vegetables” are packed with a lot of sugar or sodium. Instead, look at the ingredients to see which part of the fruit or vegetable is being used and how much of it is actually in the packaged product.
You’re probably wondering what does “natural” even mean? In fact, there is no rule around how and when a food brand can use this verbiage! As a result, what’s natural for one brand may be a different kind of nature for another. Food brands that use this word without elaborating are hoping to give off the impression that the product is healthy when in reality the product may have a lot of fats, sugar, and sodium. If you see “natural” on a product make sure to find what exactly makes it natural.
It is really tempting to assume baked snacks are healthier than fried snacks. However, just because a product is baked doesn't mean there wasn't any usage of oil and salt. An easy way to see if the baked option is truly better is to compare it to its fried counterpart. Look carefully at saturated fat contents and see if the difference is really that big. It is also crucial to notice if there is a considerable increase in other areas such as sodium or sugar to make up for the lack of frying.
When shopping for healthy packaged food options, it is important to not blatantly believe the packaging. Packaging is there for marketing purposes and can easily be used to mislead the customer. It is good practice to flip the product and see if the nutrition label and ingredients back up the claims.
Not sure where to start? Check out our previous blog post to discover some of our favorite healthy packaged late night snacks!
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We know how overwhelming it can be to learn about a new topic so keep reading to get our top 4 reasons why you should consider switching to a gut-healthy lifestyle.
Do you frequently experience heartburn, gas or bloating? The culprit may be an unhealthy gut. Changes in stomach acid, gut immunity and gastrointestinal flora (the ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive system) can slow down your natural digestive cycle.
Switching to a gut-healthy lifestyle by incorporating gut-friendly foods, probiotics, managing stress, and getting more sleep can drastically help with these symptoms. A healthy gut allows good bacteria to thrive while keeping bad bacteria in check which in return aids in digestion.
Even if you eat nutritious meals everyday, there is a chance that your gut isn’t actually absorbing any of the nutrients! Without a balanced gut our body fails to take advantage of utilizing all the nutrients we digest.
A healthy gut has probiotic bacteria that helps break down our food and helps absorb certain nutrients like B12. By absorbing needed nutrients, we feel AND look our best.
Yup you heard us right! The state of your gut does impact your mental wellbeing. Since our gut is like our second brain the GI tract is made up of 200-600 million neurons embedded from our esophagus to our large intestine. As a result, an unhealthy gut can have a huge impact on our day to day mood and mindset.
The gut is also home to most of our body's serotonin which is known to have the ability to make us feel happier, calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally stable. This is where the concept of “gut-feeling” comes into play!
Having a strong immune system is more important now than ever before! Our immune system is not only made up of our body’s defense system but also related to our micro-biome. The micro-biome is made up of many healthy and beneficial microbes that live in our gut. As a result, an unhealthy gut leads to a poor micro-biome which leaves the body unable to fight certain diseases.
Majority of our immune system is located in the gut and a healthy gut has plenty of probiotics which help fight foreign invaders such as flu bugs.
Now that you know more about the benefits of a gut-healthy lifestyle, you must be wondering how can I start? Before you start, please consult your doctor to find the best way to integrate a gut-healthy lifestyle. We recommend that you start your journey by focusing on gut-healthy food.
- high in fiber
- unprocessed and non-GMO
- low in trans/saturated fats
- low in glucose/fructose
- gluten-free, & free of soy, refined sugar, processed grains and dairy
- high in antioxidants and oleic acid
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It is beginning to look a lot like springtime! After endless months of winter, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the warmth. What better way to celebrate this change in season than by throwing a brownie sundae party!
]]>It’s time to shine light on your favorite toppings, crack open all those ice cream cartons, and get ready to indulge with some EPIC brownie sundaes using our gut-healthy packaged brownies! Don’t forget to use a dairy free ice cream to ensure that your sundae is natural and gut-friendly!
Keep reading to see 4 creative brownie sundae combinations that will wow not only your guests but your taste buds as well.
For those who enjoy moderately sweet desserts, this one's for you! Our Lemon Coconut Blondie is not too tart, not too sweet. It's just right!
The slight acidity pairs perfectly with the classic flavor of vanilla bean ice cream! For the best experience, warm up the ready to go brownie in the microwave, add as many scoops of ice cream as you want, and top with a drizzle of lemon custard.
Gut Health Benefits:
Ice Cream Suggestion: NadaMoo! Organic Vanilla Bean Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert
Go ahead and indulge! Don’t be fooled by what seems to be a very simple pairing because before you know it you’ll be going in for seconds!
News flash, apple spice is a year round flavor! With our Apple Spice Blondie you can have a sundae as homey as apple pie.
The fruity element in the Apple Spice Blondie will go perfectly with a sweeter ice-cream flavor such as salted caramel (no matter how you pronounce it). Apples and caramel are a match made in heaven and this combination will remind you of caramel apples, but better! Spice things up (pun intended) by adding a dash of cinnamon to your sundae toppings.
Gut Health Benefits:
Ice Cream Suggestion: Nick’s Salted Caramel
This sundae combination is basically a big bowl of hugs and fond memories which makes it perfect for any friends and family gatherings.
The first thing you think of when it comes to brownie sundaes is most definitely chocolate brownies! If you're looking to try a different version of the classic brownie sundae- look no further.
Our original Dark Chocolate Brownie is rich and decadent which makes it a great match for mint ice cream! This combination will remind you of mint chocolate chip ice cream without being overly sweet.
Gut Health Benefits:
Ice Cream Suggestion: Van Leeuwen’s Vegan Mint Chip
Take this brownie sundae to the next level by warming up your brownie for a straight outta the oven experience! This sundae is very versatile so feel free to get creative with toppings - you can even turn it into a fun competition.
0 sugar, low net carbs, low calories oh my!! More and more packaged food companies are making these claims today, however, does this actually mean you are eating a healthy treat. Certain brands are able to make such claims by using additives and sugar alcohols to get nutrition labels to seem “healthy” without listing out the health concerns potentially associated with using such substitutes.
Many of these “healthy” packaged treats, candies, and snacks use additives to make your food sweet and dense. These additives may have adverse health impacts. Some are carcinogens, others are toxins, or simply chemicals that may cause severe digestive issues. Below you will find the most common additives used in everyday packaged treats.
TBHQ is a synthetic compound with potential side effects such as nausea, delirium, blindness, and collapse. Best case, potential common issues are allergies, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, and restlessness.
Both artificial and natural flavors used to make your treats taste better are linked to headaches, depression, liver damage, and cancer based on some studies.
Carrageenan is an emulsifier used to preserve food. More studies need to be done on this ingredient however early studies on animals indicate this emulsifier has cancer causing properties.
Soy Lecithin is an emulsifier that is known to cause gastrointestinal issues such as inflammation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in some individuals. Over time these issues potentially have greater negative health impacts.
Common packaged food labels today highlight the additives they use as benefits versus acknowledging the potential health risks they impose. Can you spot the potentially toxic ingredients in the label below for this "healthy cake"?
The brand that makes these cakes touts health benefits and focuses on marketing 0g of sugar and low carbs. However, this brand does not identify that the product is made with additives with potentially hazardous impacts to your health. On the minor end, many of these additives, such as sunflower lecithin and erythritol, may cause stomach issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and inflammation. Overtime, continual inflammation and exposure to these additives may lead to more adverse health effects such as IBS, skin irritations, or autoimmune flare ups.
Food transparency, especially with packaged treats, is missing in our current environment. We have been taught as consumers to only look at numbers, and ignore ingredients, ignore food composition, and the value in eating real food with zero additives and chemicals.
As a public health advocate, Najwa, our founder, has spent much of her early twenties understanding social determinants of health in order to promote meaningful changes within underserved communities both in America and abroad. Her passion for public health began at an early age and can be credited to a diverse upbringing. Najwa was born in Morocco, raised in Bangladesh, and moved to the United States when she was 5 years old.
In 2019, I found myself frustrated at the lack of real, clean, and ethically sourced ready-made desserts.
I only really had two viable healthy dessert options: either make something from scratch or buy a packaged "healthy" dessert made with preservatives to extend shelf-life, harsh chemically refined oils (canola, sunflower, etc), and artificial sugar substitutes. Neither of these options worked for my lifestyle, my sensitive gut, or my health goals.
dalci was founded on the belief that everyone deserves to indulge in a treat they can feel good about, from their taste buds to their gut.
It is hard to overstate how much your overall health is impacted by your gut health. It has been shown that developing and maintaining personal habits for nurturing your digestive system are important to improving mental, emotional, and physical health . As the research on the human microbiome—the complex collection of bacterial worlds in our body—becomes more well-known, the foods we eat and the eating habits we establish for ourselves have taken center stage.
The adverse effects of poor gut health go beyond an upset stomach. Problems such as digestion issues, bloating, and IBS are common signs of an imbalanced gut. Over time, these gut issues cause other adverse side effects—such as inflammation, unintentional weight gain, poor sleeping patterns, skin irritation, food intolerances, and even autoimmune conditions.
For those interested in fostering long-term gut health, the consensus has been to shift from diets heavily based on processed foods, refined carbs, refined sugar, and chemically refined oils, to one that emphasizes plants, unrefined oils, grass-fed and pasture raised meats, organic and non-GMO ingredients, and natural sugars.
The main benefit of this holistic lifestyle shift is that you receive the nutrients you need and give your gut a break from working to digest harsh ingredients. But therein lies the question: Without negatively affecting your gut health, is it possible to have your dessert and eat it too?
At dalci, we believe this is possible, which is why in 2020, I launched dalci and our first line of gut-healthy, ready-made brownies and blondies.
We are a different kind of food company. We are the health conscious customer that cares about food nutrition, ingredient transparency, and overall food education.
Our philosophy promotes holistic eating habits and enables a gut-healthy indulgence when the mood strikes: during an afternoon break at work; relaxing on the couch on the weekend; or after dinner when you need a sweet tooth fix.
Our promise is to always be transparent, only use non-GMO, preservative-free, and gut nourishing ingredients, and make delicious treats that help other health conscious individuals stay on a healthy path.
For starters, each baked good is gluten, grain, dairy, soy, and refined sugar-free to help with digestion. The use of avocado oil, coconut sugar, and almond flour has been carefully considered for their number of gut-health benefits and also rigorously taste-tested—because ultimately, these treats have to be delicious to work. With flavors like rich dark chocolate, sweet and savory almond butter dark chocolate, apple spice, and tart lemon coconut, it is fair to say the latter is also true.
We are operating nationwide through our online store and have partnered with specialty retailers such as Erewhon and Showfields. We officially launch winter of 2021 with plans to introduce a vegan brownie line along with other decadent gut-healthy dessert options.
To learn more about dalci contact us at info@dalci.com.
When sugar cravings or a bad case of the munchies hit you late in the afternoon or right before bed, it’s easy to opt for a “convenient” packaged treat. Unfortunately, a number of these so-called “convenient” snacks stocked up at your local grocer – think refined sugar filled cereal bars or potato chips crisped up in soybean oil, are not the smartest options for when you’re feeling a bit peckish. At Dalci, we recognized this gap in the market for a dessert and snack alternative with all natural, feel-good ingredients. On days when we’re not munching on our brownies and blondies, you can catch us opting for another healthy and quick alternative. Ditch the junk food and ease your cravings with 10 of our go-to brain and mood boosting snacks.
Author: Noelle Khan
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there’s no doubt you’re already dreaming up a dessert table stacked with your favorite holiday classics – think fresh out the oven apple pies and pumpkin rolls. Unfortunately, a day of indulging on one too many slices of refined sugar filled pies can leave you feeling fatigued, bloated, and as stuffed as a turkey. Does this mean dessert is totally out of the question?
Lucky for you, you can gobble up a delicious dessert on turkey day without suffering the ugly effects of a sugar binge. That’s because our no-bake pumpkin cheesecake is sweetened to taste with unrefined coconut sugar – a low GI alternative that won’t tamper with your energy levels or mood throughout the day. Unlike a traditional pumpkin cheesecake, our dairy, grain and refined sugar free “crust” and creamy filling is easy to assemble and loaded with healing spices like cinnamon, minerals and powerful carotenoids like beta-carotene.
You can thank pumpkin – a nutrient dense and low calorie winter squash, for transforming our no-bake cheesecake into a health boosting sweet treat. The carotenoids in pumpkin are responsible for its bright orange color and disease defending properties. For instance, a 2013 meta-analysis that took the results from numerous studies into account, found that an increased consumption in carotenoids like beta-carotene and alpha-carotene reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in study populations.
Not only does pumpkin have the power to reduce your risk of developing cancer, recent studies have found that incorporating the mighty squash into your daily diet (or dessert) may help manage high blood pressure levels. According to a 2019 study published by the American Heart Association, rats that consumed a diet rich in pumpkin seeds or pulp over the course of six weeks had 20% lower blood pressure levels than the control group who did not receive any pumpkin.
Based on the results from a 2017 study, you can thank the mineral potassium for decreasing high blood pressure levels in adults. With over 500 mg of potassium in a 1 cup serving of cooked pumpkin, you can bet that pumpkin has the power to keep your heart in tip-top shape. So, grab a fork and get ready to dig into a Thanksgiving inspired cheesecake you can feel thankful for. Full recipe details are just one scroll away.
Single Serve Dairy Free No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Makes 1 Serving
Ingredients
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Author: Noelle Khan
With the holidays just right around the corner, you can bet we’re dreaming of snowy winters, cozy knits and all of the indulgent treats that get whipped up during the winter months. While we love tucking into homemade desserts with our family and friends during the festive season, we don’t enjoy the splitting headaches, upset tummies or waves of nausea that come with consuming one-too-many sugar cookies.
If you don’t have the sugar tolerance of Santa, we recommend swapping your typical plate of Christmas cookies for our refined sugar-free hot cocoa. We use a dairy free milk alternative to curb bloating, antioxidant rich cacao powder, an all-natural lower glycemic sweetener and a dash of peppermint extract for an added holiday twist. Because we’re not skimping on the decadence factor, we love to finish our plant-based peppermint hot cocoa with a creamy coconut topping, crushed peppermint and a few shavings of dark chocolate.
Not only will our Christmas cocoa alternative ward off the nasty effects of sugar overload, it’ll satisfy your sweet cravings all while lowering your insulin levels and keeping your heart and brain in tip-top shape. Unlike your typical pre-packaged cocoa mix, raw cacao powder doesn’t contain any harmful additives or preservatives. On the other hand, this *major* superfood is rich in flavanols and dietary minerals, like magnesium, copper and potassium, that may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and improve cognitive function and insulin sensitivity.
Who would’ve guessed that sipping on velvety rich cacao could lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, eliminate brain fog and keep blood sugar levels at bay? Numerous studies assessing the health benefits of cacao found its high flavanol content to be effective in warding off toxins and chronic disease. Take a clinical study that evaluated the daily consumption of flavanol-rich chocolate in twenty-eight male soccer players. Those who were assigned to consume chocolate with a higher flavanol content over a period of two weeks, exhibited lower blood pressure levels and improved insulin sensitivity. In terms of mental sharpness, a 2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition saw improved cognitive function in elderly participants who regularly drank a high cocoa flavanol beverage over the course of eight weeks.
Go ahead and give the gift of good health this Christmas with our high-flavanol peppermint cocoa. It’s indulgent, guilt free, dairy free, refined sugar free and taste bud approved. Keep scrolling for the full recipe.
Creamy Peppermint Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Coconut Whipped Topping
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Hot Chocolate
Coconut Whipped Cream
Toppings (optional)
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We believe that an indulgent breakfast should wow your taste buds and offer a major boost of energy without spiking your blood sugar or taking up too much time to prep. If you’re on the hunt for a convenient, nutritious and sinfully sweet first meal of the day, we’ve got you covered. This easy to assemble breakfast is packed with fiber from the gluten-free rolled oats, healthy dietary fats from the creamy almond butter, and disease defending antioxidants from the dark chocolate chunks. Best of all, you can increase the quantities for this recipe and store portions of the overnight oats for up to three days in your refrigerator. The thick oats will soak up the milk and flavorings as it chills and softens in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply add the crumble topping and your fruit of choice before digging in. We hope you love this lush and creamy breakfast just as much as we do!
Makes 1 Serving
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If you’re like us, you might suffer from a slight – okay, major sweet tooth. When it comes to ending your last meal of the day on a “sweet” note, why not curb your cravings with a square (or two) of chocolate? We’re not referring to milk chocolate bars packed with nasty additives, artificial sweeteners, and inflammatory oils like vegetable oil. We love munching on the dark variety instead. In case you didn’t know, high-quality dark chocolate is fragrant, nutty, fruity and chock-full of important minerals – think iron and magnesium, and cell protecting antioxidants known as flavanols.
Not only will your taste buds thank you for splurging on a decadent bar of rich dark chocolate, your heart will to. For one, the minerals in dark chocolate may play an important role in reducing your risk of developing high blood pressure. One Swedish study even found that women who consumed moderate amounts of chocolate over the course of five years had a lower risk of developing heart failure when compared to women who did not “indulge” on a daily basis. While a daily nibble or two of dark chocolate promises a happier heart, according to Harvard Health, it may also reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You can thank the high flavanol content in dark chocolate for improving your insulin sensitivity.
Ready to stock your healthy snack shelf with some dark chocolate? If you’re a West Coast native, we recommend heading to Erewhon Market – a California based grocer that celebrates innovative and nutrient-rich products. Not only will you find our Dalci brownies and blondies at Erewhon, they also stock 5 of our favorite, go-to healthy chocolate brands.
Keep on scrolling if you’re ready to swap a high sugar, inflammatory bar for a heart-friendly chocolatey treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
If you’re a resident of the tri-state area and need a rest from online shopping, we have some exciting news for you. All of our baked-to-order brownies and blondies will be available throughout the month of October through Sunday, November 1st at Pop Up Grocer – a traveling grocery store stocked with hundreds of game-changing food, beverage and body care brands. To ride your cart wild through the aisles, make sure to arrive at the store with a mask in hand.
If you’ve haven’t heard the buzz around town and by “town” we mean Instagram, Pop Up Grocer aims at bridging the gap between cool new brands and curious consumers. Founded by Emily Schildt in 2019 and inspired by London’s beautiful grocery displays, this shop “on wheels” isn’t your ordinary retailer. For one, Schildt uses social media to scout innovative brands like us and showcase them for a month at a time across U.S. cities – hence, the name “pop up.” So far, Pop Up Grocer has made its debut across cities like Manhattan, Austin and Los Angeles with Williamsburg, Brooklyn next in line for business.
We’re super excited that our Dalci desserts are finally hitting the aisle in the Northeast area, even for just one month. If you haven't already added a box of our dalci treats to your virtual cart, why not stop by the fridge aisle at Pop Up Grocer where our gut-healthy brownies and blondies are up for grabs. Best of all, the curated shelves at Pop Up Grocer are packed with other awesome goodies – think healthy breakfast balls and bites, artisanal crackers, or herb infused beverages (yum!), for you to toss into your cart. Keep scrolling for a sneak peek of the great products you can expect to see stacked on shelves this month only.
When the air turns crisp you can find us swapping our summer tanks for knit sweaters, trading in iced cold brews for warm frothy lattes and stocking our cupboards with, you guessed it – pumpkin puree. Not only is canned organic pumpkin puree inexpensive, versatile and easy-to-store, it’s jam-packed with skin enhancing and disease defending compounds like vitamin A and vitamin K, with 1 cup fulfilling 44% of the daily recommended vitamin K intake for adult women. Bet you didn’t know that the beta-Carotene pigment that lends your favorite fall veggie its bright orange hue is converted by the liver into vitamin A.
If clear skin is on your agenda, then vitamin A, also known as retinol, is an important nutrient to load onto your daily plate. “[Retinol] smooths and refines skin’s texture, enhances skin radiance and treats aging,” explained licensed esthetician Amanda von dem Hagen in an interview with TODAY. A 2016 study published in the journal of Lipids in Health and Disease even found that wound-induced rats topically treated with pumpkin oil exhibited healed wounds unlike the groups treated with saline solution or a topical drug.
If that doesn’t impress you, an earlier comparative study found that diets rich in beta-Carotene can protect cells from damage and delay the onset of premature skin aging and skin cancer. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, guarding your healthy cells from damage triggered by free radicals may help in lowering your risk for inflammatory diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancers linked to oxidative stress. When it comes to keeping diseases at a distance, the vitamin K in canned pumpkin is just as powerful as retinol with results from one study correlating diets high in vitamin K intake to a diminished risk of contracting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
We’re *major* glow getters always on the hunt for natural, nutrient-dense foods guaranteed to give our skin a radiant boost, while defending our cells against damage. With all the evidence-based research backing up pumpkin as a disease preventing and skin enhancing superfood, there’s no doubt that we’ll be sipping on our healthy, glowing skin smoothie this fall. Spiced with cinnamon, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and thickened with good-for-your-gut coconut yogurt, this fall inspired recipe does not skimp on flavor. Grab your favorite metal straw and get ready to drink yourself to a glowing, blemish free and smoother complexion with our pumpkin packed smoothie!
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A dash of brilliant yellow turmeric to a pot of curry. A sprinkle of oregano kneaded into a homemade focaccia. A serving of rich cacao powder mixed into a mug of warm milk. You know how the herbs and spices stacked along your spice rack can add some major flavor and depth to your favorite dishes and beverages. But, they’re not just ideal for livening up food. We rounded up a list of 5 of our go-to healthy herbs and spices, plus a few delicious ways to sneak them into mealtime.
Author: Noelle Khan
When it comes to baking a delicious grain-free dessert like our Dalci brownies or whipping up a quick stir fry, what oil comes to mind? As health-conscious individuals we all know that hydrogenated oils like margarine or vegetable oils like canola can trigger inflammation in the body, and for that reason are best avoided when baking, sautéing and even frying up some of our favorite foods. Despite this little-known fact, deciding on what types of cooking oils to store in your cupboard can still feel tricky given the different smoking points, nutritional benefits, and countless options available. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the top 7 nutritious oils to consider adding to your weekly meals. With this simple guide, consider a total culinary mishap in the kitchen avoided.
Tropical Protein Breakfast Parfait
On a busy weekday morning it’s easy to knock aside the first meal of the day when your to-do list is already jam-packed with meetings, gym sessions or happy hours. With an overloaded schedule you might be tempted to skip out on the first meal of the day completely or even worse – opt for a processed protein bar or a bowl of breakfast cereal loaded with cheap ingredients. Do your brain, gut and energy levels a major favor by assembling yourself a quickly and easy protein packed breakfast. With a serving of healthy fats, creamy Greek yogurt, and carbs, this tropical parfait is guaranteed to keep you full, satisfied and energized until lunch. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to assemble!
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At Dalci we consider cinnamon – a traditional cooking spice with powerful healing properties, a pantry staple. You can find us dashing it into a warming bowl of morning oatmeal, sneaking it into a mid-day smoothie, or using it to elevate the flavors of a savory Moroccan tagine. We love this versatile and gut-friendly spice so much that we decided to bake it into our Apple Spice Blondie, and even pay tribute to it in our company name. Fun fact, Dalci is a play on the Hindi word for spice– Dalchini.
Cinnamon, down to its essential oils, is celebrated in the natural Indian medicine practice known as Ayurveda. Ayurvedic medicine is a centuries-old holistic approach towards health that promotes the use of natural therapies, such as yoga and diet for example, to heal an imbalanced body. Cinnamon has been used in this native practice of medicine to remedy both digestive and respiratory problems.
With its strong hold in traditional medicine, it’s no surprise then that cinnamon has piqued the interest of countless researchers who continue to observe the remedial properties of this medicinal plant. But, before we uncover the additional health benefits of this fragrant spice, let’s discuss its origin.
What is Cinnamon?
Your favorite spice is collected from the inner bark of evergreen trees originating from the genus Cinnamomum before it’s broken down into a fine dried powder or curled into sticks. While over 250 species of trees and shrubs belong to the genus Cinnamomum, the spice is mainly harvested from the Cinnamomum Zeylanicum and Cinnamon Cassia varieties. The latter variety is commonly known as Ceylon cinnamon or “true” cinnamon while the former is called Chinese cinnamon.
Although widely considered inferior to the Ceylon variety, you’re more likely to encounter Chinese cinnamon while scanning the aisle of your local supermarket or munching on store bought cinnamon rolls. A significant portion of cinnamon imported to North America from Indonesia – about 75%, is Chinese Cinnamon. In the USA, the sweet and spicy flavor of the Cassia variety is used to enhance classic all-American desserts like apple pie and coffee cake.
If you’re not dishing out extra dollars on Ceylon cinnamon, should you be concerned with consuming the much more readily available option? Unlike Ceylon – the pricier and milder tasting choice, Cassia contains higher levels of coumarin. Regular consumption of this plant compound over a long period of time may result in adverse health problems like liver damage. For reference, the European Food Safety Authority does not recommend exceeding your daily consumption of Chinese cinnamon to more than one teaspoon, with the spice containing between 5.18-12.1 mg of the harmful compound.
From a health perspective, “true” cinnamon might be the preferred option for spice lovers over the long-run due to its much lower levels of coumarin. With numerous studies supporting the impressive health benefits of Ceylon, it might be worth trekking down to your local health food grocer when your favorite recipe or daily breakfast calls for a pinch of cinnamon.
What is Cinnamon Good For?
We all know the importance of consuming antioxidant rich foods– think berries, green tea, lemons and even dark chocolate (yum!), to fight against free radicals. Your cells are in for some serious harm if there are too many free radicals in your body and not enough antioxidants to combat against them. This imbalance in the body can result in oxidative stress– a major contributor to inflammation and disease. Lucky for you, cinnamon is jam-packed with antioxidants, with just one teaspoon of the good stuff containing just as much as a half cup of blueberries. In a comparative study, cinnamon was the clear winner when pitted against twenty-six other spices like clove and oregano, showing the highest antioxidant content.
The onset of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease can arise when oxidative stress occurs within the body. Through imaging tests, researches have linked abnormally shaped tau proteins, which are abundant within nerve cells, with the onset of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found the extract derived from the inner bark of Ceylon cinnamon – Cinnamaldehyde, to be effective in preventing the formation of tau tangles in the brain.
For those looking to manage elevated blood sugar levels with a healthy and whole-foods diet, cinnamon could be the answer. With Type 2 diabetes the pancreas – an organ responsible for regulating blood sugar, fails to produce enough of the hormone insulin. A study inclusive of eighteen Type 2 diabetic patients found a greater decrease in blood sugar levels in the experimental group, providing the subjects with 1,000mg of cinnamon. Although both the experimental and control groups followed the same dietary guidelines, the results found the addition of the spice to be much more impactful than adhering to a strict diet alone.
Similar to inflammatory and neurological diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s, researchers have discovered oxidative stress in the body to be one of the root causes of cardiovascular disease, along with obesity. A USDA study involving twenty-two obese patients found cinnamon extract to be successful in protecting the body from oxidated damage. Although the recipients of the cinnamon extract followed their usual diet, they had a higher number of antioxidant variables measured in their blood samples than the subjects who received the placebo. An increase in dietary antioxidants like cinnamon in the body can prevent changes in proteins or DNA that may trigger the onset of heart disease.
If you’ve heard the term insulin resistance floating around you might be curious to learn how it relates to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although the symptoms for the condition among women can vary, one of the most common symptoms experienced by those diagnosed with PCOS is unexpected weight gain. Difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise alone can be attributed to higher levels of insulin and lower blood sugar levels in the body which may trigger intense cravings for carbs and sweets. A recent study using mice found that the commonly used spice was successful in improving insulin sensitivity after measuring the blood glucose levels of the mice.
Even if you don’t suffer from diabetes or a hormonal disorder like PCOS, you may want to include cinnamon into your daily diet to reap some of the benefits the spice has in treating high cholesterol. According to Mayo Clinic, the buildup of “bad” cholesterol or LDL in your body may lead to a heart attack or stroke if not managed properly by a healthy diet, reduced stress levels and daily exercise. In addition to lowering glucose levels, a recent study found the consumption of 500mg of cinnamon extract to be successful in decreasing LDL cholesterol.
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Author: Noelle Khan
At dalci, lemons and water are our main “squeeze” or morning staples for keeping our hunger at bay, naturally improving our digestive health and giving our skin a radiant glow from the inside out. Because lemon is a major power fruit chock full of antioxidants we couldn’t help but sneak it into our Lemon Coconut Blondie. Whether they’re peeled, squeezed or zested, we’re all about wedging the mighty lemon into our morning cups of H20.
If you’re like us, you might have scrolled through a few posts across your Instagram feed promoting the numerous benefits of lemon water – a popular remedy promised to promote healthy digestion, enhance a dull complexion, or curb hunger. The long list of nutritional benefits for this simple, yet affordable morning elixir of choice for health enthusiasts and bloggers alike does not stop there.
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider swapping your morning coffee for a refreshing glass of lemon water.
Although we all know the importance of keeping hydrated, plain water just doesn’t do it for our taste buds when we’re craving a refreshing, yet healthy beverage with some added flavor. While you might be tempted to skip your daily intake of water, you shouldn’t risk dehydration and the negative role it can have on your digestive tract, mental clarity or performance at the gym. In a 2015 study that looked at the hydration status of athletes, it was concluded that a lack of fluids had an adverse effect on physical activity that exceeded more than thirty seconds. According to Harvard Health, healthy adults need to drink a minimum of four-to-six cups of water per day. To ensure you meet your daily intake without sacrificing flavor or your health, we recommend replacing inflammatory sugar laden or caffeinated beverages with a glass of lemon water.
You might be tempted to stock up on oranges or chug a few glasses of OJ to meet your daily vitamin C intake, but don’t be fooled! According to Healthline, lemons are a great source of vitamin C – containing around 77 mg of the powerful antioxidant per 100 grams with one medium sized lemon packing in approximately 92% of the current daily requirement for adults. If keeping your eyesight, cardiovascular health and immune system in check is important to you, we recommend stocking your cupboard with this impressive citrus fruit. Based on findings from a recent study published in Seminars in Preventive and Alternative Medicine, vitamin C may “be beneficial to those whose immune systems may be weakened due to stress.” Antioxidants like vitamin C are key to shielding our bodies from free radicals – cell damaging compounds that stem from oxidative stress which may expose the body to numerous unwanted chronic illnesses.
Why dish out a hefty amount of cash for pricey serums and moisturizers packed with vitamin C when you can transform your skin from within for less. While pollutants, stress and prolonged sun exposure can wreak havoc on our complexions, resulting in premature ageing, we can remedy cell damage and firm our skin with vitamin C packed lemons. The vitamin C in lemons has the power to increase the production of collagen while preventing the formation of new wrinkles over time, helping you maintain a luminous and smooth complexion as you mature. Based on the results from a 2016 study that used a citrus based concoction with lemon as a key component, citrus juice has the power to mitigate the development of wrinkles in hairless mice.
A sedentary lifestyle or diet lacking in fiber rich foods like bananas, nuts, or oats for example, may result in irregular bowel movements and uncomfortable bouts of constipation. Lucky for you, the natural components within lemons – citric acid and vitamin C take on the role of a natural laxative, giving your digestive system some serious relief. In an interview with PopSugar certified clinical nutritionist Autumn Bates explained, “lemon juice can stimulate digestive enzymes that assist with elimination,” thus alleviating some of the discomfort associated with a blocked up system.
Author: Najwa Khan
We are all aware of the gluten-free food trend but do we actually know the impacts gluten has on our body and why it is worth trying gluten-free flour alternatives in our diet.
The truth is gluten alone is not bad unless you have an allergy or other health issues adversely impacted by it. However, when gluten is eaten consistently on a non-balanced diet, it can cause minor adverse gut reactions, which over time, can lead to larger negative health outcomes. We aren’t advocating cutting out all gluten and grains but rather being mindful of how much gluten and grains are consumed in a given timeframe.
In people with the autoimmune disease, celiac, gluten triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine. Even trace amounts of gluten can cause significant damage. With repeated attacks, the small intestine loses its ability to absorb vital nutrients, such as calcium and iron.
For individuals that don’t have a major gluten intolerance, a diet regularly containing gluten may still cause adverse side effects in the small intestine. Over time these side effects may contribute to brain fog, bloating, leaky gut, digestive issues, and lethargy.
To aid in limiting the amount of gluten in your overall diet, try substituting flour for these three alternatives, that are gluten-free, unique, and nutritious: 1) Teff Flour, 2) Millet Flour, and 3) Almond Flour.
Teff is an African grain that grows widely in Eritrea and Ethiopia. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants for food use in the world. In addition to being gluten-free, teff is high in fiber, calcium, iron and protein. It is naturally gluten free and highly nutritious.
Tuft is commonly used for cooking and baking so it's a great substitute for whole grain flour. You can use teff flour for pancakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread, as well as gluten-free egg noodles.
Teff is also rich in B vitamins and a variety of minerals including calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, and zinc.
You can purchase directly from Bob’s Redmill for less than $8
Whole Foods carries the brand Maskal Teff for less than $6
Millet is a cereal grain that belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family.
Millet has gained popularity in the West because it’s gluten-free and boasts high protein, fiber, and antioxidant contents.
Millet provides more essential amino acids than most other cereals. These compounds are the building blocks of protein.
Millet grains can be used in a variety of ways. From rice to flour to cereal. As a flour, it can be used in baked goods to increase the overall nutritional composition of the final product.
You can purchase Anthony’s Organic Millet Flour directly from Amazon for less than $12
Almond flour is a popular alternative to traditional wheat flour. It's low in carbs, packed with nutrients and has a slightly sweeter taste. It may also provide more health benefits than traditional wheat flour, such as reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance.
Almond flour can be substituted for many different dishes that call for flour. It is light in texture and allows you to get a chewy or cakey consistency when baking.
You can purchase almond flour directly from King Arthur for less than $11
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Author: Najwa Khan
It seems like everyone is going CO-CO-NUTS for coconut these days. It is tooted as a healthy alternative substitute for milk, flour, soy, and even sugar.
As a result of the public understanding of the harmful effects of sugar, many are turning to sugar alternatives and substitutes. One of the popular types of sugar substitutes today is coconut sugar. But the real question is, is the hype real and is coconut sugar actually better than sugar, or are we all being fed a big fat lie?
What is Coconut Sugar?
Coconut sugar is a natural sugar made from coconut palm sap (the fluid of the coconut plant). To produce the end result we’re familiar with, the coconut sap is dried under heat until the sap turns into granulated brown bits (similar to brown sugar).
What is Coconut Sugar’s Nutritional Value?
Regular table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup don't contain any vital nutrients, making it “empty” calories. However, coconut sugar does retain quite a bit of the nutrients found in the coconut palm.
Most notable nutrients found in coconut sugar are:
Additionally, coconut sugar contains the fiber, inulin, which slows glucose absorption and accounts for why coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than sugar. Also, coconut sugar contains fatty acids and is rich in antioxidants.
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels. Coconut sugars GI is around 54, whereas glucose has a GI of 100.
Nutritional breakdown:
Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
One teaspoon of coconut sugar has 15 calories and 4 grams of sugar, the same nutrition facts as one teaspoon of cane or white refined sugar.
Does Coconut Sugar have Gut Health Benefits:
Unlike table sugar, coconut sugar is able to be digested at a slower rate (lower GI than sugar) and due to its inulin fiber, is able to promote a healthy gut.
What can we Conclude About Coconut Sugar?
At the end of the day coconut sugar is not a miracle sweetener and is not a food item that should be eaten sparingly. Everything in moderation is our motto. Additionally, compared to other sugar alternatives that are processed or chemically made, coconut sugar is natural.
However, if you are someone that has a sweet tooth AND cares about their overall gut health and body’s health, having coconut sugar instead of glucose or table sugar, is a healthier alternative.
At dalci, we use small amounts of coconut sugar instead of sugar, glucose, and sugar alternatives that are chemically processed, so that you can enjoy our desserts without worrying about the negative impact to your gut and health.
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