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PROTINIS: The Science of Snacking

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Sure, you could just lob a few cookies in your mouth, but you’d be doing it all wrong. Because there’s a science to snacking, you know. And today, I’m here to school you.

First, let’s go over the basics. According to a Harris Decima survey, more than half (52 per cent) of Canadians snack at least twice a day. Of those serial snackers, 71 per cent are seeking healthier snacking options, and 85 per cent of Canadians prefer a snack that leaves them feeling fuller, longer.

Perspective: In 2013, Canadians reached for a snack 10.3 billion times.

So, if you’re going to be noshing between meals, you may as well do it right. Are you aware that eating protein can help keep you fuller longer, and is a good source of energy? It’s true! But not all protein is created equally –

According to Sue Mah, registered dietitian and nutrition expert, “Complete protein contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs and cannot produce on its own,” Some examples of foods with complete protein are milk, eggs, fish, meat and poultry, like the oven-roasted chicken bites in PROTINIS. This type of protein helps slow down the digestion of food, keeping you feeling fuller, longer, and protein snacking can support physical activity and weight management goals by building and repairing muscles and tissues.”

Maple Leaf Natural Selections PROTINIS are the completely packed protein snack. That’s why they’re the Official Snack of Everything. With mouthwatering bites of chicken or combinations of chicken and dried fruit, they’re an excellent source of complete protein ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

Longtime readers will agree that I have a thing for snacking. Okay, it’s more than a thing; it’s actually part of my daily routine. My body often knows when it’s 3:00pm before I do! That’s right… bring on the predicted tummy growl. (Insert hunger pangs here.) 

Therefore, I’m loving PROTINIS – or as I like to call them, tiny bowls of satisfaction. The snacks are available in eight flavours including Oven Roasted Chicken, Sweet Thai Chili Chicken, Mild Salsa Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken, Oven Roasted Chicken and Cranberry, Oven Roasted Chicken and Superfruit, Oven Roasted Chicken and Mango, and Oven Roasted Chicken and Apple. Since I’m a sweet and savoury kind of gal, I’m partial to the chicken and fruit combinations.

I also love the flexibility of PROTINIS! They’re perfect for tossing in a backpack or briefcase, and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack or part of a healthy lunch. And when my hunger goes into overdrive, I eagerly pair them with low-fat cheese and fruit for a balanced, satisfying-yet-light meal.

Want to try them out? Grab a $2.00 off coupon here, and experience the Official Snack of Everything!

For more delicious snacking ideas, visit Maple Leaf Foods on Facebook or Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    These sound interesting, will have to keep an eye out for them when I am shopping and pick up a couple to try.

  3. Elizabeth D.

    I’ve seen these in the store but hadn’t really heard anything about them yet. Thanks for the info.

  5. Anne Taylor

    I’m going to see if I can find these next time I go shopping! They sound like excellent snacks!

  6. Darlene Schuller

    I’m going to have to keep an eye out for these, I’ve never seen them. I love snacking!!

  7. Amy Brown

    I saw these at Longos yesterday, my friend and I both though they were poutine! But we discovered they weren’t… these look much healthier!

  8. Flora M

    That is an interesting concept. Would be good for kids lunches too (I’m pretty sure there isn’t a chicken restriction yet LOL). I’ll mention this to my daughter ;)

  9. sarah sar

    I have not seen these in the stores yet, but will be sure to check. Really want to try the mango! Mmmmmm chicken and mangoes are my two favourite things.

  11. Susan T.

    I don’t like cooking meat but have a hard time getting enough protein so this sounds great. Perfect for on salads and in wraps!

  12. Sandra K VanHoey

    Never heard of these but I sure like the sounds of them. I have to go grab the coupon, thank you for sharing

  13. Florence C

    I love the idea of the chicken and dried fruit to add to a salad. Would make a salad more delicious.
    I have not seen them around but will look when in the supermarket again.

  14. Lynda Cook

    perfect for snacking and to put into a wrap also, now only to find them in the stores around my area, but then they are probably going to be costly too

    • Lena

      They’re actually not too bad (especially with the coupon) – less than $2 per container, Better option than I vending machine snack!

  15. jaimeem

    those look somewhat good. I try not to eat prepackaged food, but if I was cut on time I guess Id grab one and eat it.

    • Lena

      I agree. They’re not a substitute for fresh, but a better option than potato chips!

  16. Teresa Claire

    Thank you for the coupon, Lena. I am going to give these a try! The flavours that they come in are my favourites!

  17. AC

    Thanks for the science behind snacking and the coupon Professor Lena. I like to snack too and you’re right about including protein for the reasons mentioned. Will definitely get one to sample.

  20. kathy downey

    These are so handy and so good i love there are so many flavors,my favorite is salsa

  22. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    my oldest needs these for work she never gets around to making herself anything for work and then ends up eating out of the machines.

  24. Melinda L.

    Trying to increase my protein and fiber intake. Will have to check this out. Eying the mild salsa one

  25. beth

    Ive seen these at my grocery store- Im intrigued after reading your article to give these a try. Healthy, quick and easy snack or even meal

  28. Elaine Buonsante

    I’m looking forward to trying these Protinis to get me a good punch of protein when I need it.

  30. kathy downey

    I love these and always have a few in the fridge,i love adding them to spinach for a fast salad!!