We all love to treat ourselves to a salty, crunchy snack from time to time. The only problem is that so many of our favorite snacks are very unhealthy. They can be full of fat and salt, and no matter how tasty they are, your body will not be thankful.
If you don’t want to give up the salty flavors and crunchy texture of your favorite snacks but want something healthier, you can try seaweed snacks. These are tasty and, best of all, are good for you!
Seaweed snacks are not a new phenomenon. They have actually been around for thousands of years in parts of Asia but have recently grown in popularity worldwide. Today, you can even find them in your local grocery store. The only problem is knowing what snacks to buy.
We’re here to help!
If you want to know more about various seaweed snacks to boost the healthiness of your diet, then you’re in the right place. In today’s post, we are going to guide you through the best seaweed snacks currently on the market.
Get ready for some seriously tasty yet healthy snacks!
Seaweed Snacks: Good Or Bad For You?
You may have heard about the various health benefits associated with seaweed. The good news is that seaweed snacks are also good for you.
Most seaweed snacks come in the form of 10 sheets per package. In a whole package, the seaweed only contains around 15 to 20 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates.
That is why these snacks are a favorite of people who are looking to lose weight or trying to stick to a low-carb diet. A good deal of seaweed snack brands are also gluten-free, keto-friendly, and whole30-approved.
You may think that thin chip snacks are just as good for you. After all, they’re not big or wide enough to be fattening, surely! Unfortunately, even some thin crispy snacks are fattening and wholly unhealthy.
Seaweed snacks, on the other hand, offer a whole host of vitamins, such as vitamin B and K, as well as antioxidants, iodine, and iron.
Seaweed also promotes good bacteria found in the digestive tract and helps to improve the general health of your gut. Not only that (yes, there’s more), but seaweed can also help boost your metabolism, helping you lose weight and keep it off.
All types of seaweed tend to contain minerals that the body finds easy to break down. By adding seaweed to your diet, you can improve your digestive health, thyroid function, and aid your weight loss journey.
Types Of Seaweed
There are several types of seaweed, with each one holding beneficial minerals and nutrients. Some types include:
- Nori
- Kelp
- Dulse
- Wakame
- Kombu
- Blue-green algae (chlorella and spirulina)
Because there is quite a wide variety of seaweed in the wild, it is pretty easy for people to incorporate it into recipes and foods. But, too much can cause issues, with some people needing to avoid seaweed altogether.
Although seaweed has many health benefits, there are some potential risks and side effects.
Seaweed Drawbacks
Yes, seaweed and seaweed snacks come with an ocean of healthy nutrients and vitamins, but there are several factors you should be aware of before adding it to your diet.
Here are some factors to consider before you start to eat seaweed and its associated snacks regularly.
Contains Heavy Metals
Seaweed tends to absorb nutrients and minerals from the sea. Therefore, certain levels of toxic metals, including lead, cadmium, and aluminum can be found in seaweed. But, before you start to worry yourself, these levels are typically very low.
Various studies have found that various metals that are potentially dangerous can be found in seaweed but at low levels.
Although these levels tend to be very low, toxic metals can build up in someone who eats seaweed daily over a period of time. It’s important to note, though, that the risks are very low. However, we suggest you use organic seaweed that is from a high-quality, reliable source.
Contains Iodine
The majority of seaweed species contain very high levels of iodine. So, if you eat a lot of seaweed regularly over a long time, you may end up consuming too much iodine.
Again, the risks associated with this are low. Most people can withstand high levels of iodine, but some are more vulnerable to how it can affect the body. One side effect can be hyperthyroidism, which can cause fluctuations in weight, as well as tightness and swelling around the neck.
So, if you eat seaweed frequently and have started to experience these symptoms, you should stop consuming it and consult medical help.
If you eat seaweed snacks now and again, or even daily, the chances of experiencing any severe side effects remain low. But, you should only eat seaweed snacks in moderation, to be on the safe side.
The Very Best Seaweed Snacks
Let’s delve into the delicious world of seaweed snacks. Below is our selection of our favorite salty snacks for you to try today.
Jayone Roasted & Lightly Salted Seaweed
If you’re a fan of the nutty, rich flavor of roasted sesame oil, then Jayone Roasted & Lightly Salted Seaweed snacks are a must-try!
These are low in calories, boasting only 30 calories in every packet. They are also high in minerals, vitamins, and iodine.
Best of all, they are delicious and the perfect snack to appease your salty snack urges. Moreover, Jayone’s seaweed is perfectly roasted with a little salt to give them that extra bite. A staple of Korean cuisine, Jayone seaweed has quickly spread across the world and is now a healthy alternative to traditional chips.
This seaweed is 100% natural and comes in a very convenient package so you can carry and access it easily. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and provides a great deal of iodine.
With no preservatives, cholesterol, or sugar in this seaweed snack, you can rest assured that they are very healthy and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty snack but keep the pounds off.
GimMe – Sea Salt – 20 Count – Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets
GimMe seaweed snacks are organic, roasted, and free of any artificial flavorings, GMOs, and preservatives.
If you’re sticking to a keto diet, these are suitable for you to enjoy. They are also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Moreover, with only 25 calories in every package, you can snack away on these roasted seaweed sheets without having to worry about your diet going south.
These GimMe seaweed sheets are actually best sellers in the world of seaweed snacks. They are made from premium seaweed that is roasted until they reach a perfect crispy texture. They are then seasoned with one of six tasty flavors:
- Sea salt
- Toasted sesame
- Wasabi
- Extra Virgin olive oil
- Teriyaki
- Sea Salt & Avocado oil (NEW)
GimMe cultivates and harvest their seaweed snacks in South Korea and the result is one of the most nutrient dense snacks the world has today.
Annie Chun’s Organic Seaweed
Seasoned to absolute perfection, Annie Chun’s Organic Seaweed snacks take the guilt out of snacking!
These roasted, crispy bites satisfy all of your snack cravings, and, although these sheets are light and airy, their light seasoning gives them a perfect savory crunch. This snack is also dairy-free, vegan, and free of any gluten, so you can rejoice!
We love eating Annie Chun’s seaweed snacks on their own, but they go just as well with most dishes. You can even use the snack as a wrap.
This organic seaweed is considered to be one of the tastiest seaweed snacks on the market today. Each package only contains 20 calories and they are, as the name suggests, totally organic and non-GMO. Therefore, they’re a healthy snack for just about anyone!
You have a choice of a few flavors, such as:
- Sea salt
- Wasabi
- Sea salt & vinegar
- Sesame
A brand you have to try!
Daechun(Choi’s1) Seaweed Snacks
If you’re finding it hard to find snacks for your plant-based diet, look no further. Choi’s 1 seaweed snacks are gluten-free, Halal, and vegan-friendly, as well as being high in protein, fiber, and iodine.
These packages come with 20 individual packs that are ideal for snacking and on-the-go meals. Each pack is easy and light to carry, so you can put them in your jacket pocket to take out and enjoy when you have five minutes from your busy schedule.
No artificial preservatives are used in the making of these snacks and they can be enjoyed by practically anyone!
Each pack contains only 25 calories, making them a healthier alternative to so many other snacks, especially regular chips. Moreover, Daechun harvest their seaweed from the Clean West Sea of Korea, so you can only expect the freshest and highest quality products.
SeaSnax Organic Roasted Seaweed Snack
Kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan friendly, and cholesterol-free – it doesn’t get more healthy than SeaSnax Organic Roasted seaweed snacks! Not only that but the brand also uses sustainable practices to source and harvest their seaweed. Therefore, you can rest easy knowing your snack is not only healthy but no harm came to the environment in any way.
As well as the original roasted seaweed flavor, you can enjoy wasabi, onion, chipotle, lime, Jalapeño, and delicious BBQ flavors too.
Made from Kim seaweed sheets sourced in Korea (Nori sheets in Japan), SeaSnax are nutritious and delicious. They are rich in minerals including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. They also contain no artificial preservatives, are sugar free, cholesterol free, and very low in fat.
Crunchy like your favorite pretzels, this seaweed snack is tasty on its own, but we love to crumble it over a salad. How you enjoy it is up to you! All we know is that SeaSnax seaweed snacks are some of the highest quality examples on the market and the fact that the company contributes 10% of their annual net profit to non-profit organizations just makes them even more appealing.
Antioxidants In Seaweed
If you fancy snacking on dried seaweed, you can enjoy the health benefits of the antioxidants within it. It has been found that dried seaweed typically provides more antioxidants than its heat-treated counterpart.
So, why are antioxidants important? Well, they help to protect all of your body’s cells from damage caused by environmental stress and free radicals. So, yeah, quite important!
Iodine In Seaweed
As we discussed earlier, seaweed tends to be very high in iodine. Just one serving of dried seaweed can contain a whopping 6,700 percent of your daily recommended intake of iodine.
Although our bodies require iodine to help our thyroid function properly and healthily, too much of it can be detrimental to our health. If you eat seaweed occasionally, you won’t need to worry about any side effects or the impact on your health.
But, if you consume too much, thyroid conditions could start to develop. If you have a pre-existing thyroid condition, excess seaweed may exacerbate the problem.
So, if you or someone you know has a thyroid condition, consult your doctor’s help to understand the correct amount of iodine you should be having.
Sodium In Seaweed
As soon as you bite down on dried seaweed, you will experience a great deal of saltiness. This is because one serving of dried seaweed tends to contain around 312 mg of sodium.
A healthy individual should be able to consume around 2,300 mg of sodium per day. That may sound like a lot but when you consider one serving of dried seaweed represents 13.5 percent of the recommended daily intake of sodium a day, it works out to be a lot.
For those with heart disease or hypertension, no more than 1,500 mg of sodium should be consumed a day. Therefore, it is not advised to eat dried seaweed if you suffer from these conditions or something similar, as your sodium intake can soon get out of control.
Seaweed Snacks As Part Of Your Diet
It doesn’t take many seaweed snacks to start repairing their health benefits. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark discovered that adding seaweed to processed foods, like hot dogs and pizzas can actually reduce the risk of heart disease.
During the University’s study, researchers found that seaweed acts as a great substitute for traditional sodium salt, and it can even lower blood pressure. Also, dried granulated seaweed can be used as an alternative to flour when making bread, snack bars, and dry pasta.
Seaweed is very good for you, simply because its mineral profile is practically full. It contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, and iodine. When consumed together, these can all have a beneficial impact on your overall health.
Some studies have found links between the consumption of seaweed and a reduction in the risk of breast cancer. These studies have also discovered that it can decrease inflammation in individuals, improve fertility, and prevent obesity. These are just a few findings!
Experts, such as Ole G. Mouretsen, PhD, states that just 10 grams of dried seaweed a day (that’s less than a tablespoon) can improve your health.
You can eat several types of seaweed, but the nutritional makeup of all is very similar. Whether you eat dried seaweed, like kelp and nori, or powdered versions, such as spirulina, all can be beneficial to your health when eaten in a balanced diet.
It may sound odd but using seaweed instead of salt is pretty common in parts of Asia, particularly Japan. That is why it’s not unusual to find a salt shaker filled with dried nori, the most common type of seaweed used in food.
By using dried seaweed instead of traditional table salt, you can increase your intake of minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, whilst simultaneously reducing your sodium intake. Too much sodium can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
You can prepare and enjoy seaweed at home, too. Simply roast it, chop it up, and use in salads. If you’re looking for a magical, healthy alternative to traditional chips, seaweed snacks are the way to go!
You just have to be careful what seaweed snacks you buy, as many contain artificial flavorings, additives, and unhealthy fats. But, our selection above includes some of the tastiest and healthiest currently on the market.
Just remember that you need to watch how much seaweed you eat. If you need to track your intake of iodine, iron, fiber, and potassium salts, then you should only eat small quantities of seaweed.
Overall, though, experts around the world urge people to increase their seaweed intake. Whether that be in the form of seaweed snacks or something else, it doesn’t matter. It’s healthy, tasty, very nutritional, and acts as a great substitute in many meals.
In Summary
Seaweed snacks are nutritious, delicious, healthy snacks. Check out our selection above and try them for yourself. We’re pretty sure you’ll love every single bite!
