In the world of healthy snacking, there are countless options, but very few can claim the title of "the best." However, there's one combination that, in our humble opinion, stands above the rest for its incredible blend of taste, nutrition, and sheer simplicity: dates filled with almond butter.
This isn't just a snack; it's a revelation. It’s a natural energy bar, a satisfying sweet treat, and a nutritional powerhouse all rolled into one. At 99th Monkey, we're all about celebrating simple ingredients that deliver big on flavour and goodness, and this dynamic duo is a perfect testament to that philosophy.
So, let's dive into why dates with 99th Monkey Almond Butter might just become your new go-to snack, how to make them, and all the delicious ways you can customise them to your liking.
A Match Made in Heaven: The Flavours at Play
The magic of this snack lies in the perfect marriage of two distinct, yet harmonious, flavours and textures.
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The Date: A chewy, naturally caramel-like fruit. Dates are incredibly sweet, but it's a natural, deep sweetness that feels wholesome and satisfying. The texture is soft, sticky, and gives you a substantial bite.
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The Almond Butter: A rich, creamy, and nutty spread. Our 99th Monkey Almond Butter brings a slightly earthy, savoury note that beautifully balances the intense sweetness of the date. The velvety smooth texture provides a luxurious contrast to the date's chewiness.
When combined, the nutty, creamy richness of the almond butter cuts through the sugary intensity of the date, creating a flavour profile that is perfectly balanced and deeply addictive. It's a symphony on your palate – sweet, savoury, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why This Snack Is So Good for You
Beyond the amazing taste, dates and almond butter are a nutritional dream team. Separately, they are both excellent sources of key nutrients. Together, they create a balanced snack that provides everything you need for sustained energy and good health.
Dates: Nature's Energy Bite
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Natural Energy: Dates are packed with natural sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), which provide a quick and easily digestible source of energy, making them an ideal pre-workout fuel or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
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Fibre Rich: A fantastic source of dietary fibre, dates aid in digestion, promote gut health, and help you feel full.
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Essential Minerals: Dates are a good source of potassium (important for blood pressure and muscle function), magnesium (vital for nerve function and energy production), and copper.
99th Monkey Almond Butter: The Protein & Healthy Fat Hero
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Healthy Fats: Our almond butter is a fantastic source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. These fats also contribute to the snack's satiating power.
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Plant-Based Protein: The protein in almond butter helps with muscle repair and growth, and works with the fibre to keep you feeling full for longer.
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Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), magnesium, and calcium.
When you combine them, you get a snack with a balanced mix of carbohydrates (from the date) for quick energy and healthy fats and protein (from the almond butter) for sustained energy. It's the perfect combination to fuel your body and keep you going strong.
The Beauty of Simplicity: Making Your Ultimate Snack
One of the best things about this snack is how incredibly easy it is to make. You don't need any fancy equipment or a long list of ingredients.
What You'll Need:
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A jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter (smooth or crunchy!)
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Pitted dates (Medjool dates are particularly soft and delicious)
How to Make Them:
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Take a pitted date and gently open it up to create a little pocket.
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Spoon a generous amount of 99th Monkey Almond Butter into the date's cavity.
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Press the date gently to close it, and you’re done!
That's it. It’s that simple.
Choose Your Texture: Want a silky-smooth experience? Use our classic Smooth Almond Butter. Want a delightful textural contrast? Go for our Crunchy Almond Butter for an extra layer of nutty crunch. It’s all about personal preference, and both options are absolutely delicious.
A Snack for Every Occasion: Storing and Enjoying
This is the perfect quick, easy, and simple grab-and-go snack. Make a batch in advance, store them, and you'll have a healthy option ready whenever hunger strikes.
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Store in the Fridge: Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the almond butter firm and the dates fresh, and you can simply grab one whenever you need a quick boost. They will last for at least a week (if they last that long!).
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Freeze for a Different Texture: Want a treat with a more "ice cream" feel? Pop your filled dates into the freezer. The almond butter will harden, giving the snack a firmer, colder texture that is incredibly refreshing, especially in warmer weather. It's like a healthy, chewy ice cream sandwich!
The Ultimate Indulgence: Dipped in Chocolate
For those moments when you're craving something truly decadent, you can take your almond butter-filled dates to the next level by dipping them in chocolate.
Simply melt your favourite dark chocolate (we recommend an 85% or higher for a more sophisticated flavour with less sugar) and dip the filled dates halfway or fully. Place them on a piece of parchment paper and chill in the fridge until the chocolate sets.
Many people say that a date filled with almond butter and dipped in chocolate tastes just like a high-end chocolate bar, but with a chewy, wholesome centre. It's the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth without reaching for a processed confection. It's an indulgence that's actually good for you!
Your Simple Solution for Smart Snacking
In a world full of complex recipes and overwhelming health advice, the simple brilliance of dates with 99th Monkey Almond Butter is a breath of fresh air. It's a reminder that the best snacks are often the ones that are closest to nature – wholesome, uncomplicated, and packed with real, delicious flavour.
So, next time you're looking for a quick and easy snack to fuel your day, satisfy a craving, or simply treat yourself, skip the long prep time. Grab that jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter, a handful of dates, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate snack.
What's your favourite way to enjoy this delicious combination? Let us know!
