A Sweet Treat With Benefits: Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nuts

Ever since my Hawaiian vacation (which was almost two years ago — can you believe it? Because I sure can’t), I have been a little obsessed with macadamia nuts. I can’t find the macadamia nut Kauai coffee I loved so very, very much here on the mainland, and the macadamia nut butter I enjoyed on Oahu is a little too pricy to order and have shipped to me in Florida, but I do occasionally come across a legitimately tasty mac nut cookie or candy and it always leaves me dreaming about tropical flowers and those sweet Hawaiian breezes.

Lately, I had a chance to check out a brand new (will be in stores soon!) macadamia nut candy that I’m more than a little obsessed with: Royal Hawaiian Orchards Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nuts. They’re sweet and chocolatey without tasting like they’re laden with sugar, and the fruit flavor is just enough to make them unusual, but not so pronounced as to distract from the deliciousness that is high quality dark chocolate paired with macadamia nuts.
In addition to the flavor, there’s some good scoop to know on mac nuts themselves. According to Royal Hawaiian (and, well, it seems like they would know, right?), studies have shown that macadamia nuts might help support heart health, cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as weight and diabetes management. So, while it’s still certainly something I’d consider a treat, it’s one I can feel pretty good about indulging in and sharing with my loved ones.
Three gluten-free flavors are just about to hit the market: Dark Chocolate Blueberry Acai, Dark Chocolate Blackberry Goji and Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Mango. I’d love to tell you which one to pick up first, but I’m having a hard time picking a favorite. Maybe I need to go give it another taste test … right now.
Is there a flavor that reminds you of a favorite vacation? What is it? —Kristen