As a food blogger I am sometimes sent new and innovative products to try out here in the comfort of my own home. Today I'm reviewing something in the UK "healthy snacks" market, one that is truly a first: popped lotus seeds! Who knew such a thing even existed? I've heard of lotus seeds and roots befor, but popped seeds is something I didn't think possible. Turns out that it is and in all truth they make for a tasty, light popcorn-like snack!
According to the pack Lotus seeds come from the Euroyale fox flower which is a type of water lily. They contain protein as well as fiber and iron. They make a nice substitute for popcorn if you're grain sensitive or looking for something a bit lighter.
Lotus seed 'snacks' originated in India, and the seeds are considered as vegetable in some cultures. In China and Japan they sell the leaves, seeds, roots, and stems as traditional ingredients dishes.
Lotus seeds are also known as convenient snack that contains protein with calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron and potassium.
They come in four flavours.
Caramel - Being somewhat of a fan of sweet things I tried the Caramel variety first. The flavor here is achieved simply through sugar and vanilla coating the popped lotus seeds. They tasted rather nice, with a subtle sweetness that isn't overpowering and works well with the texture of the seeds. They're nice and crunchy and super moreish, and somehow feel pretty substantial.
Himalayan Pink Salt - These had a slightly paler color when I poured the bag onto a plate.There were little specks visible on them which I presume is part of the lotus seed kernal. They tasted very nice, again they were light and puffy like the Caramel version, but also crunchy and rather moreish. They're very easy to eat!
Peri Peri - These had a mild but not unpleasant heat. Again, light and puffy, and moreishly crunchy. I liked!
Wasabi - Intense, just what you would expect from wasabi. Light, puffy. Crunchy. Not a huge fan of extreme spice these were my least favorite.
Overall, for a healthier snack Karma Bites are a great alternative for anyone avoiding grains like corn or gluten, or if you're vegan or dairy free. At first bite there was a bit of an odd taste to them that was different than anything I have ever eaten, which . . . while a bit strange, was not unpleasant and I quickly got used to it. I would definitely buy a bag of these again if I see them in shops as it is always nice to have alternatives to snack on that are a bit healthier than the regular.
For more information on Karma Bites and to buy online, check out their website: https://www.karmabites.co.uk/
