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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, November 5, 2009

Guacamole, salsa cups make great snacks


By Charles Stuart Platkin

You can find out about some of the latest Calorie Bargains online at http://www.DietDetective .com. Here's one available at local grocery stores:

Wholly Salsa and Wholly Guacamole Snack Packs (www.fresherizedfoods.com)

The why: Wholly Salsa and Wholly Guacamole Snack Packs are portable, low-calorie, individual portion-controlled cups that are not only great tasting but also nutritious. In an age when many of us are considering a 100-calorie pack of cookies healthy, it's refreshing to see 100-calorie (and 50-calorie) packs that are full of powerful nutrients. Salsa is made from tomatoes, which contain the antioxidant lycopene, shown to reduce the risk for certain cancers. Avocados, the main ingredient in guacamole, are nutrient-dense and packed with antioxidants, vitamins B6, C and E, as well as folate and potassium (60 percent more potassium per ounce than bananas). They're also a great source of monounsaturated fat, which studies have shown reduces serum cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated fats.

The health bonus: They're all-natural, with no chemicals or preservatives.

What we liked best: Great-tasting salsa and guacamole in portion-controlled containers.

What we liked least: We couldn't buy them online.

What it replaces: Big jars of salsa and unhealthy dips.

The price: Salsa Snack Pack (two salsas) $3 - $3.50, Guacamole Snack Pack (three-pack) $2.19-$2.49 and (six-pack) $4.29-$4.69.

Other offerings: For the salsa: a "Classic" variety mild, medium and hot and a sweeter "Garden Fresca" version. For the guacamole: Classic, Pico, Organic, Simply Avo and Spicy.

Where to buy: Supermarkets nationwide, see www.whollyguac.com /guac-locator.

Nutrition: Salsa Fresca, serving size 1 cup: 40 calories, 0 g fat, 9 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.

Wholly Guacamole, serving size one pouch: 100 calories, 8 g fat, 5 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 1 g protein.