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Anyone with a sweet tooth will tell you that they have a very complicated relationship with chocolate. We've all seen the nutritional facts: Most chocolates are pumped with sugar, artificial flavoring, and preservatives that are doing your overall wellness zero favors. Even though we know better, it still feels virtually impossible to resist that sweet chocolatey goodness. (I mean, we're human.) But what if it didn't have to be that way? What if it was possible to have chocolate snacks that were actually good for you?
That's exactly what Ashley Nickelsen wondered as she cared for her parents, both of whom were diagnosed with rare cancers. "We ate out of hospital vending machines and cafeteria food for over three years," she said. "My nutrition began to suffer. I was disgusted by the so-called better-for-you options, high in sugar with ingredients I could barely pronounce. I craved a snack with a clean, transparent ingredient profile that was also low in sugar." So she founded B.T.R. Nation, a brand that uses good ingredients to create chocolatey superfood bars and truffle cups.
Shop B.T.R. Nation's Healthy Chocolate
B.T.R. Nation Dark Chocolate Superfood Truffle Cups: Cherry
B.T.R. Nation Dark Chocolate Superfood Truffle Cups: Brownie Batter
B.T.R. Nation Dark Chocolate Superfood Truffle Cups: Snickerdoodle
I love a good sugary moment as much as the next foodie, but I'm understandably skeptical about "good for you" desserts. A snack can be yummy or healthy, but it can't be both, right? Curious to see what all of the hype was about, I grabbed the sample pack of B.T.R.'s truffle cups—and was amazed. I'm no chocolatier, but they tasted no different than the chocolate already lurking in my pantry.
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Laced with a touch of cinnamon, the Snickerdoodle reminds me of Mexican hot chocolate that has just the right amount of kick. Meanwhile, Brownie Batter has that fudgey goodness that chocoholics crave. (I'm keep these far away from my fiancé, who would definitely hog 'em.)
My personal favorite was the Cherry flavor, which uses coconut and tart cherries to create a luxe-yet-light treat. I also love how each truffle cup is individually packaged so I can treat myself to a post-dinner snack without accidentally eating an entire bag. (I mean, it'd be easy.)
Then I read the label and was blown away. How could something so good have 90 percent less sugar than the average chocolate cup?! It's because Nickelsen uses dates as well as ethically and sustainably sourced cocoa. Plus, each of the flavors were made with zero added sugars, alcohol sugars, gums, soy, and "natural flavors." (I know, whoa.) And at 90 calories a pop, you can have zero guilt as you get your confectionary fix.
Desserts are subjective—most people have strong preferences on their preferred bites and brands. But if you're looking to feel a little better when you reach for a piece of chocolate, I couldn't recommend B.T.R. Nation more.
(Psst...you can also take advantage of the brand's Easter promotion and add a few cups to your basket. Trust me, this last-minute addition will be a holiday miracle.)
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
