My name is Tanya Beers, and I'm a snack fiend and chocoholic. When my two identities collide, it's cosmic, and when I find a snack I can't stop eating, I want to share with the world. Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Edamame are my snack du jour, with their smooth, rich chocolate coating and nutty inside with just a hint of salt. Don't be fooled by the name: These are not cooked edamame, rather raw soy nuts, so don't be freaked out when you bite one open and you see green! Mmm, I buy this sweet, dark, chocolatey snack only a few times a year. My lack of self-control around them makes it impossible to buy them more frequently. But, I somehow don't feel so bad munching on these smooth-on-the-outside, crunchy-on-the-inside treats since each serving (1/4 cup = ~30 beans or a palmful) packs a whopping 7 g of soy protein and 5 g of dietary fiber. Don't get me wrong, the 11 g of fat (including 6 g saturated) in each serving doesn't necessarily make my day, but it still beats a candy bar!
Scientists say soy can slightly improve LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, and can help ladies' arteries and bones stay strong after menopause. Dark chocolate is choc full 'o antioxidants, known to protect the body from free radicals and keep you living longer (could my beloved snack be one step closer to the Fountain of Youth?). (Non-scientific) Studies have shown that one's sanity after a dark chocolate session is unbelievably improved, and that you can even turn into a nicer person to be around. Ok for real, some science shows that the increase in blood pressure and blood sugar after a dose of the dark stuff might give you a temporary euphoria.
From a late night treat to an afternoon pick-me-up, I highly recommend these sweet, nutty little beans. You won't regret it...they're just soy good.
Trader Joe's - $3.29 per 10 oz container
