Top Four Raw Foods Snacks for Vegans

You're giving this raw foods thing a try, and right now, you're craving a snack. You're not in the mood for fresh fruit of veggies; in fact, you're not in the mood for anything that requires even the slightest amount of preparation. You find yourself thinking nostalgically about the days when you could just grab a Snickers bar and get your fix.

Well, snap out of it! The fact that you're a raw foodist doesn't mean that you can't enjoy packaged treats. The raw-foods industry is growing by leaps and bounds. You can get a host of packaged raw foods in health food stores (like Erewhon here in Southern California) across the nation, and they're even available in some Whole Foods locations.

But which snacks are the best? Here are four guaranteed to make your mouth water:

Lydia's Organics Luna Nori Crackers

These crackers are amazing. They're made with sprouted almonds, carrots, scallions, celery, sprouted flax seeds, dulse, lemon and Himalayan crystal salt, but they've got all the crunch and flavor of "real" crackers. Friends of mine who aren't raw foodists and couldn't care less about their nutritional value love them, and they're perpetually sold out when I try to get them at local stores - a testament to their immense popularity. I like them best with avocados or tomatoes.

Lydia's Organics Luna Nori Crackers - http://www.lydiasorganics.com/product_list.html

Sun-Dried Goji Berries

Goji berries are so healthful, they're almost magical. They're considered the most nutrient-dense food on earth. Why? They've got eight essential amino acids and 21 trace minerals, and are loaded with antioxidants. In Eastern cultures, they're traditionally regarded as a boon to longevity, strength and sexual vigor. Goji berries play a large part in the diet of the natives of China's Ningxia Province, a people known for their high incidence of healthy centenarians. Best of all, they're delicious, with a wonderful flavor that's rich and not too sweet. Try them and see.

Nature's First Law Certified Organic Goji Berries - http://www.rawfood.com/cgi-bin/order/index.cgi?d=single&item_id=0572

Glaser Organic Sesame Nori Crackers

These crackers taste great on their own, or as part of a salad. Ingredients include sprouted almonds, sprouted sunflower seeds, garlic, lemon juice, and of course, sesame, so they're a decent source of protein too.

Glaser Organic Sesame Nori Crackers - http://www.glaserorganicfarms.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=cogrfs

Rawsheed's Raw Ice Cream

Yes, you read it right - ice cream. And believe it or not, this raw vegan specialty tastes just as tempting as traditional ice cream, but without, of course, the cholesterol and threat of weight gain. Ingredients include cashews and agave. My favorite flavors are vanilla and blueberry.

Rawsheed's Raw Ice Cream - http://flyservers.registerfly.com/members5/rawsheed.com/AboutRawsheeds.html