5 Unique Ways to Eat Apples

The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.

Full of cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber and the immune-strengthening antioxidant quercetin, apples are one of Mother Nature’s most precious gifts.

We’re in the middle of apple season, so now is the perfect time to expand your horizons with one of these simple, yet unique ways to incorporate apples into your meals and snacks.

Hot Cereal

Chop up a small apple and mix it into hot cereal. If you’re looking for an oatmeal alternative guaranteed to keep you satisfied until lunch, try this Superfood Flax Meal—an omega-3 fat-rich hot cereal full of fiber and protein. This is my go-to breakfast and the vehicle I use to incorporate apples into my daily diet.

Apple “Nachos”

You’ve heard of cheese nachos, but travel all the way to the opposite end of the flavor and nutrition spectrum and you’ll find apple nachos! On a small plate, layer a few slices each of red, yellow and green apples. Then, drizzle two tablespoons of Heinen’s almond or peanut butter over the slices and top with a sprinkle of Purely Elizabeth grain-free granola, Let’s Do Organic coconut flakes, Navitas cacao nibs, and Navitas goji berries.

For the best results, use the oily kind of nut butter (fresh ground doesn’t “drizzle”). To make these apple nachos nut-free, use a sesame seed butter called SoCo tahini.

Tuna Salad-Topped Apple “Crackers”

To make apple “crackers,” cut a medium-size apple crosswise into five slices. Next, use a paring knife to trim the leftover core from each slice. Top each cracker with tuna salad made by mixing a can of Wild Planet tuna with a tablespoon of Primal Kitchen mayo. If you’re in the mood, turn up the heat with a couple dashes of hot sauce!

Apple Chips

Bare apple chips are a nutritious alternative to potato chips with only one ingredient: apples! Enjoy them as a snack paired with a handful of almonds, mixed into a homemade trail mix or in place of croutons on leafy green salads.

Apple Smoothie

Apples are a great way to bump up the fiber and nutrition of your favorite smoothie recipe. Drink this satisfying Apple Celery Smoothie for a dose of fruit, vegetables and functional foods in the form of fresh ginger and probiotic-rich plant-based yogurt. It’s the perfect meal in a cup!

Key Takeaway

It’s always best to choose whole fruit over juice, especially if blood sugar control is your goal. Take it a step further and leave the skin on the apple when you eat it. You’ll get way more fiber, potassium and vitamins A, C and K!