We were invited by Blue Diamond to taste some new products: almonds (we love them) combined with chocolate. Need we say more?

We often eat 23 almonds a day, the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (see photo #5).

Why? We love the flavor, they’re a filling snack, and provide a big hit of protein and other good nutrition.

What happens when almonds meet up with cocoa and dark chocolate? Read on!

> The history of almonds.
 
 
BLUE DIAMOND OVEN ROASTED ALMONDS: DARK CHOCOLATE

What a treat: Crunchy nuts with deep-roasted almond flavor. The chocolate effect is created with a light coating of cocoa sweetened with evaporated cane juice.

For us, this satisfying chocolate-nut snack beats a candy bar and other less-nutritious forms of chocolate see nutrition information below).

So thank you, Blue Diamond, for this absolutely delicious snack and garnish.

It’s sold in a 14-ounce resealable pouch plus 100-calorie snack packs for portion control. (The portion control packs are highly recommended for anyone with low self control. Resistance is futile.)

A filling, satisfying 24-nut portion (one ounce) has 160 calories, 5g protein, and 6 net carbs. In addition to snacking from the bag, consider them:

 
These nuts are our Top Pick Of The Week for their nutritious snackability and happy chocolate fix.

The Blue Diamond website shows Blue Diamond snack nuts in two additional flavors:Cinnamon and Maple Flavored Almonds and Dark Chocolate and Chili Pepper Flavored Almonds.

They’re our next must-tries. We also found Toasted Coconut Oven Roasted Almonds on Amazon.

Find a store near you and or buy them on Amazon. Check the Blue Diamond website for a store locator.

Amazon also sells boxes of 100 Calorie Packs—great for portion control, since once we open a 14-ounce bag, anything goes.

The almonds are certified kosher by OK.
 
 
BLUE DIAMOND THIN DIPPED ALMONDS

We next tried the brand’s Thin Dipped Almonds:

 
The chocolate-covered almonds have half the sugar* of average chocolate-covered almonds (and 5g protein per serving of 19 pieces).

While we have no complaint with Thin Dipped, we far prefer the Oven Roasted.

Try both and decide for yourself.
 
 
ALMOND NUTRITION

Almonds are nutrient-dense. They’re loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. The majority of their fat is monounsaturated (good fat).

They can assist with blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (here’s more about it).

To snack on plain almonds, just remember 1-2-3: 1 ounce of almonds equals about 23 nuts, the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Instead of counting, you can also cover a 3″ x 3″ sticky note with nuts (photo #5).

One ounce of plain almonds provides about 165 calories, 6 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated), 6 grams of carbohydrate, and 3 grams of fiber.

[1] Dark Chocolate Oven Roasted Almonds (photos #1, #3, and #4 © Blue Diamond).

[2] The almonds, up-close (photo © Stephanie Barlow | The Kitchn).

[3] What we want to try next: the almonds with a hit of chili heat.

[4] Another new option: Thin Dipped almonds with a light coating of chocolate and half the sugar.

[5] If you don’t want to count out your daily portion of 23 almonds, just cover a 3″ x 3″ Post-It note (photo © Almond Board of California).

In fact, ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin.

To make daily snacking easier, California Board Of Almonds has created a snack tin that holds exactly 23 almonds.

If you’re planning an event and need a party favor, consider a healthy one. Check out the custom tins.

 
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*Per Blue Diamond, the average chocolate-covered almond serving has 14g of sugar, whereas Blue Diamond Thin Dipped has 6g of sugar.