Cinnamon Almonds: A Keto-Friendly Snack?

Almonds are highly nutritious and can be enjoyed as a snack or used in cooking and baking. But are they keto-friendly? The short answer is yes. Almonds are suitable for the keto diet and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a low-carb diet. They are a good source of healthy fats and have a low-carb count, with one serving of almonds (approximately 1/4 cup or 23 almonds) containing just 2.5 grams of net carbs.

Cinnamon almond health benefits

Cinnamon almonds are a tasty treat, but they also offer a range of health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its medicinal properties, and almonds are nutrient-dense nuts. Together, they can provide a range of positive effects on the body. Here are some of the key health benefits of cinnamon almonds:

Rich in Antioxidants

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols, which protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Almonds, too, are a fantastic source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The antioxidants in cinnamon give it anti-inflammatory properties, which may help lower the risk of chronic diseases. Almonds also contribute to this benefit, as vitamin E, found in high quantities in almonds, helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

Heart Health

Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. It can help lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Almonds, too, are heart-healthy. They can help maintain or increase HDL ("good") cholesterol while lowering LDL levels, and they also help to reduce blood pressure.

Blood Sugar Control

Cinnamon is well-known for its blood sugar-lowering properties, and almonds also assist with blood sugar control. Nuts are low in carbs but high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a perfect choice for people with diabetes. Additionally, the magnesium in almonds is involved in blood sugar management, and adequate magnesium intake has been associated with improved blood sugar control.

Weight Management

Almonds are an excellent nut to consume for weight management. They have been shown to improve body mass index, waist circumference, and the reduction of fat buildup around the midsection and organs. Cinnamon can also help with weight management, as it interferes with digestive enzymes, slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.

In conclusion, cinnamon almonds offer a range of health benefits, from improved heart health and blood sugar control to weight management and reduced inflammation. They are a tasty and nutritious snack option.

Cinnamon almond keto recipes

Cinnamon almonds are a great keto-friendly snack option. Here are some recipes you can try:

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

This recipe is sugar-free and only requires a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cold water
• 3 cups whole raw almonds (16 oz. bag)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a large rimmed baking pan (sheet pan) with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy.
• Add the almonds and stir to coat them with the egg white mixture.
• Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Stir well to combine.
• Spread the almonds on the prepared baking pan in a single layer.
• Bake for one hour, stirring the almonds every 15-20 minutes to ensure even roasting.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

This recipe is low-carb, ketogenic, and sugar-free. You can use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or a stevia/erythritol blend.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sweetener of choice (erythritol, stevia/erythritol blend, or regular sugar)
• 3 cups raw almonds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• In a bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy.
• Add the vanilla extract and mix gently.
• Toss in the almonds and coat them evenly with the egg white mixture.
• In a separate bowl, mix the sweetener and cinnamon together.
• Spoon the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the almonds and mix until they are evenly coated.
• Spread the coated almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they start to brown.
• Allow the almonds to cool for about 15 minutes before handling, as they will be very hot.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Stovetop Cinnamon Candied Almonds

This recipe uses a stovetop method to make candied almonds with a vanilla cinnamon coating.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter
• Water
• Erythritol
• Cinnamon

Instructions:

• Combine butter, water, erythritol, vanilla, and cinnamon in a non-stick pan and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the almonds and continue stirring until the sugars begin to crystallize.
• Remove from the heat and spread the almonds on a tray lined with parchment paper.
• Let them cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

Cinnamon almond nutrition facts

Cinnamon almonds are a tasty and nutritious snack. They are also keto-friendly, as almonds are lower in carbs than other nuts. A serving size of about 1 ounce of almonds, or approximately 23 nuts, contains 2.5 to 3 net grams of carbs, depending on the type of sweetener used.

The process of making cinnamon almonds involves coating almonds in a mixture of cinnamon, sweetener, and sometimes egg whites, before baking or roasting them. The nutritional value of cinnamon almonds can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used in the recipe.

For example, a recipe for low-carb cinnamon almonds from Remake My Plate includes 2 cups of dry-roasted almonds, 1/3 cup of a sugar substitute, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 egg white. The nutritional facts for this recipe per serving are as follows:

• Calories: 323kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 24g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 13g

Another recipe for candied cinnamon almonds from The Big Man's World has the following nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 193kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 13g
• Sodium: 4mg
• Potassium: 201mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 11g
• Vitamin A: 1IU
• Vitamin C: 0.01mg
• Calcium: 74mg
• Iron: 1mg
• Net Carbs: 12g

It's worth noting that the sugar content in cinnamon almonds can be relatively high, so it's important to enjoy them in moderation. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is known for its health benefits, including its natural anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on the skin.

Cinnamon almond serving sizes

Cinnamon almonds are a tasty treat, and they can be part of a keto diet. But what is the right serving size?

Firstly, it's important to know that almonds are calorie-dense, so a little goes a long way. One serving of almonds is typically one ounce, or about 23 almonds, and this provides around 165 calories. This serving size also contains 6 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fibre.

When it comes to cinnamon almonds, the serving size may vary depending on the recipe and your personal preferences. For example, one recipe suggests a serving size of 16 cinnamon-roasted almonds, while another recommends a serving of about 1 ounce of cinnamon almonds, which is approximately 23 nuts.

If you're making your own cinnamon almonds, you can adjust the serving size to your liking. A basic recipe involves coating almonds in a mixture of cinnamon and a sweetener of your choice, then baking them. You can make a larger batch and store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month or in the fridge for two months.

So, when it comes to cinnamon almond serving sizes, a good guideline is around 1 ounce or 23 almonds, but you can adjust this amount to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Cinnamon almond keto alternatives

Cinnamon almonds are a tasty snack, but if you're looking for some alternatives that are still keto-friendly, there are a few options you can try. Here are some ideas for cinnamon almond keto alternatives:

Cinnamon Candied Almonds:

Like regular cinnamon almonds, but with a sweet twist. To make them, simply follow a traditional cinnamon almond recipe, but add a sweetener of your choice. Some popular keto-friendly sweeteners include erythritol, Swerve, stevia, or monk fruit. These candied almonds can be a great snack or even a holiday treat.

Savory Cinnamon Almonds:

If you're not a fan of sweet snacks, you can try a savory twist on cinnamon almonds. Instead of adding a sweetener, mix your almonds with cinnamon and pink salt. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil or ghee for some extra flavor and fat. This savory combination is a perfect keto-friendly snack that will satisfy your cravings.

Cinnamon Almonds with Chocolate:

Chocolate and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. To make this treat, prepare your cinnamon almonds as usual, but add some keto-friendly chocolate to the mix. You can either dip your cinnamon almonds in melted chocolate or add chocolate chips to the almond mixture before baking. This combination will give you a delicious sweet treat that's still keto-approved.

Cinnamon Almonds with Nuts:

Why stop at almonds? You can create a delicious cinnamon nut mix by adding other types of nuts to your cinnamon almond recipe. Try mixing in some pecans, walnuts, cashews, or macadamia nuts. This variety will add some extra flavor and texture to your keto snack.

Cinnamon Almond Trail Mix:

Take your cinnamon almonds to the next level by turning them into a trail mix. Simply mix your cinnamon almonds with other keto-friendly ingredients like plain walnuts, macadamia nuts, or even some dried berries. You can also add some coconut flakes or a sprinkle of sea salt to take your trail mix to the next level. This trail mix is perfect for on-the-go snacking and will keep you fueled during your adventures.

So, if you're looking for some variety in your keto snacking, give these cinnamon almond alternatives a try. They're a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your cravings without compromising your keto diet. Happy snacking!

Frequently asked questions