I was recently contacted by a fellow SweatPink member asking me if I had heard of Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals. I had not, so I purchased a box to learn more so I could share with you, so I'll start off with what I learned from their website:
"Nektar Honey Crystals has a "beenominal" story - they come from bumble, sorry, I mean humble beginnings. As a serious tea guy, I was tired of the sticky honey bottles and jars that we have all become accustomed to. After a particularly bad honey-spill, I knew there had to be a better way to carry and use honey. With a little research, entrepreneurial spirit, and honey all over my hands, Nektar Honey Crystals were born. I've been proud to watch us grow from packing our first boxes by hand at home, to seeing our product on store shelves. Today, you can find Nektar Honey Crystals at many fine grocery stores, online retailers, and in resorts and spas. We're growing each and every day and couldn't be happier to see the positive buzz from across the foodie blog-o-sphere. We hope you love our Nektar Honey Crystals just as much as we do."
The problem with honey is that it's always so sticky and messy. The bottle itself gets goopy and if it drips off the spoon then it's all sticky on the counter. Really I prefer not to be bothered with all that mess so we keep the honey put up and only bring it out if a houseguest asks for it.
I try to watch how much sugar I'm eating on a regular basis. There are some situations where I've found a healthy alternative to sugar by way of taste and it's been okay, but sometimes the alternatives just taste so phony to me. I always feel like they taste like soap for some reason.
So now there's Nektar Naturals to solve two issues - no mess, and no sugar, and a healthier alternative to refined or artificial sweeteners. In fact, Nektar Naturals has taken the goodness of honey and provided us with a more convenient product that we can carry around and enjoy without making a big honey mess wherever we go. The convenience of stocking these individual packets in my desk at work, in my purse or my glove box in the car is really nice and easy. Plus, the individual packets make portion control easy peasy.
I've learned that no chemicals are used in the process of making these crystals. Nektar Naturals is not certified organic, and do not claim to be "organic" because of that, so if you are looking for something organic, you'll have to stick with raw honey for now.
Since I'm not a big tea drinker, I asked my mother to give me her opinion on this product as she enjoyed a cup of tea this evening. My mom said she believes that if she gave someone one cup of tea with these honey crystals added and another cup of tea using regular honey, the only way the person could tell the difference is by the sticky mess that might be on the rim! She loved the way the crystals dissolved instantly when she put them in the hot water. There weren't any crystals laying around the bottom of the cup - they all dissolved.
When I get back from my out of town half marathon this weekend, I may use these crystals to make the Honey Berry Smoothie listed on the Nektars Naturals website under "recipes". They have a bunch of fun recipes I can't wait to try!
Nektar Naturals' Mission Statement is: "We aim to make Mother Nature's gifts more accessible and easier to use by fostering a wholesome culture, employing genuine people, and being true to our customers, partners, and ourselves. Our company's foundation stands firmly on six pillars of distinction."
You can find a store near you that carries this product by using the "store locator" on their website. Also, be sure to catch them Facebook, and Instagram!
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