packed with equal parts favorite childhood memories and industrial additives. The nostalgia of these foods gives me cravings that are often far stronger than I can resist. Who hasn’t had a jonesing for a handful of cheesy Goldfish crackers or gotten just a little bit giddy at opening a package of chocolatey Ding Dongs? Sweet or savory, we all have our favorite snack foods. The guilt sets in when I turn that packaging over and read the laundry list of gums, “ides,” and “ates,” not to mention added artificial colors and flavorings. Natural food producers have created a whole industry to address this guilt, creating their own versions that are just as convenient, but slightly less processed, than the big-name brands. Unfortunately, these are usually far more expensive than their industrial originals, and, let’s face it, not as tasty. Carob is no substitute for chocolate, and lentils do not replace potatoes in a chip, even when the potato has been processed beyond recognition. It’s time to take back our snacks!
