My first Naturebox

**Please note, I was not compensated in any way for writing this review**

When my friend sent me a promo code to try NatureBox for free, I will admit that I was skeptical.  I made the assumption that the snacks NatureBox offered were identical to snacks that I could find in the grocery store or make myself.  However, for $1.95 (I only had to pay for shipping) I decided to check out the website and give it a shot.

The idea behind NatureBox is making snacking part of a well-balanced lifestyle.  Each snack contains deliciously wholesome ingredients – with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. (quoted from their website)

Here’s how it works: depending on your preferences, you get between 5-20 healthy snacks included in your monthly box.  You can choose your snacks or elect for surprise snacks.  I decided to try the 5-snack box.  You’ll notice that there are only four snacks pictured…I ate two of the bags before I could take a photo!

I want to try a few more NatureBox’s before I give a review of the service, but here is a review of the snacks I received in this month’s box:

1. Praline Pumpkin Seeds (not pictured)
2. Cinnamon Spiced Almonds (not pictured)
3. Roasted Sea Salt Chickpeas
4. South Pacific Plantains <—bonus snack!
5. Coffee Kettle Popcorn
6. Umami Roasted Nuts

FAVORITE SNACK THIS MONTH: Cinnamon Spiced Almonds

I tend to favor sweet over salty, so any snack that can satisfy my sugar addiction, while still remaining healthy, gets an A+ in my book.  I was most concerned with the sugar content in my snacks, but for 1 serving (1/4 cup), there are 6g of protein and 4g of sugar.  Not great, but not awful.

LEAST FAVORITE SNACK THIS MONTH: Umami Roasted Nuts

Although this was probably the healthiest snack in my box, (1 serving has 6g of protein and 1g of sugar) I didn’t feel like it was unique enough to warrant including in my order.  I could have easily made my own mix with the nuts I currently have stocked in my pantry.

SUGAR ALERT SNACKS: Praline Pumpkin Seeds and Coffee Kettle Popcorn

Naturally, I found myself gravitating towards these two snacks (notice how the Praline Pumpkin Seeds are not pictured…)  However, when I checked the ingredient lists, I knew why. In 1 serving of the Praline Pumpkin Seeds (1/3 cup), there are 4g of protein and 13g of sugar.  If we convert that: (4g of sugar = 1tsp of sugar) there are over 3 tsps of sugar in a tiny cup of these.  Yuck!  Looking at the Coffee Kettle Popcorn, there are 15g of sugar in 1 serving (3/4 cup.)  I would not consider either of these snacks healthy.

RUNNER UP SNACKS THIS MONTH: Roasted Sea Salt Chickpeas and South Pacific Plantains

The Roasted Sea Salt Chickpeas are something I could include in every box.  The flavor is neutral enough that it’s not something I would get sick of, and they are healthy.  In 1 serving (1/3 cup) there are 5g of protein and 1g of sugar.  Winner!  And lastly, the South Pacific Plantains were an added bonus that NatureBox threw in my box.  They contain 1g of protein and 2g of sugar per serving (25 chips.)  Although tasty, I prefer a nut-based snack with more protein for satiety.

If you’re interested in trying NatureBox, you can use this link to sign up and receive $10 off.  If you’ve tried NatureBox before, what are your favorite snacks?

Happy Thursday (almost Friday!) all!