The Daily Chomp

Our Blog September 23, 2022

Chompcast Episode 5: CEO of A Dozen Cousins, Ibraheem Basir

In this week's episode of Chompcast, Pete and Rashid interview the CEO and Founder of A Dozen Cousins, Ibraheem Basir, about his natural food brand that centers around making beans, rice, sauces, and more that are inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean and Latin American dishes. READ MORE

Our Blog September 23, 2022

Chompcast Episode 4 with co-founders of SOUND, Salim Najjar and Tommy Kelly

In this week's episode of Chompcast, Pete and Rashid talk with the founders of Sound, Salim Najjar and Tommy Kelly, about their tea-infused sparkling water brand.  READ MORE

Our Blog September 23, 2022

Chompcast Episode 3 with Haley Clements, Manager of Sales Operations at Chomps

Every week on Chompcast, our co-founders Pete and Rashid interview industry leaders, aspiring and current business owners for 15-30 minute ‘fireside chats’. Together, they'll be sharing valuable insights, learnings, advice and anecdotes. Within each episode, you'll leave with key takeaways and valuable information from the people Pete and Rashid get the honor to speak with. In this week’s episode of Chompcast, Pete and Rashid sit down with one of their very own employees who just so happens to be the Manager of Sales Operations, Haley Clements. Haley opens up about how she got started with Chomps, why she’s passionate about working in an industry focused on better-for-you snacks and how growing up with a unique heart condition keeps her motivated her daily. Listen to the full episode on Spotify. To find us on social, head here. Chompcast List If you enjoyed this Chompcast, be sure to check out the others below. Chompcast Episode 1: Meet the Founders Chompcast Episode 2: Breezy Griffith, Founder and CEO of SkinnyDipped Chompcast Episode 4: co-founders of SOUND, Salim Najjar and Tommy Kelly Chompcast Episode 5: CEO of A Dozen Cousins, Ibraheem Basir Chompcast Episode 6: CEO and Founder of Wellfare, Cole Riley Chompcast Episode 7: Eli Weiss and Zoe Kahn on CX and Retention Chompcast Episode 8: Registered Dietitian, Christina Chu Chompcast Episode 9: Founder of The Honest Kitchen, Lucy Postins Chompcast Episode 10: Kaitlyn Kobida and Stacey Hartnett, Director and VP of E-Commerce Chompcast Episode 11: Co-founder and Co-CEO of Beckon Ice Cream, Gwen Burlingame Chompcast Episode 12: Co-Founder and COO of Verb Energy, Bennett Byerley READ MORE

Our Blog August 29, 2022

Bloody Mary Bar Brunch Ideas

Having fun, classic drinks to pair with your food is essential. When it comes to a tasty beverage, we love a fresh and full-loaded bloody Mary. READ MORE

Our Blog August 24, 2022

Chompcast Episode 2 with Breezy Griffith, Founder and CEO of SkinnyDipped

In this week's episode of Chompcast, Pete and Rashid interview the CEO of the chocolate covered nut and nut butter cup brand, SkinnyDipped. READ MORE

Our Blog July 14, 2022

What is Turkey Jerky?

What is turkey jerky? Learn all about how we make our healthy turkey jerky sticks and the secret sauce in our flavored turkey jerky recipes. READ MORE

Our Blog July 08, 2022

CPG Founders Launch ‘CHOMPCAST’ To Share Learnings and Advice With Small Business Owners

Founders of the best beef jerky brand is launching Chompcast series to share their learnings & advice with small business owners. READ MORE

Our Blog June 22, 2022

The Story Behind Chomps 

Chomps isn’t your average beef jerky company. As a family-owned healthy meat snack brand, Chomps is made from the highest-quality, sourced proteins. READ MORE

Our Blog May 06, 2022

Iron Boosting Recipes

Looking for iron rich recipes? These simple, delicious & nutritious high iron meals will make it easy to incorporate into everyday meals! READ MORE

Our Blog May 03, 2022

Beginner’s Guide to Intuitive Eating

In Chomps’ comprehensive guide to intuitive eating, you’ll learn all about intuitive eating benefits, its principles, healthy snack options and more! READ MORE

Our Blog May 03, 2022

Balancing a Low Sodium Diet

Low sodium diet menu aims to balance the sodium intake with high potassium foods without making the meals bland or flavorless. READ MORE

Our Blog April 27, 2022

Tips, Meal Plan, and Snacks for an Active Lifestyle

Whether you’re brand new to living an active lifestyle or just looking for healthy meal plans, here are our tips and recommended snacks you should try. READ MORE

Our Blog April 21, 2022

Healthy Cinco de Mayo Mexican Recipes

Cinco de Mayo celebrates all things Mexican culture and cuisine in the US. Let's dive into healthier Mexican recipes to honor the holiday and your health. READ MORE

Our Blog April 13, 2022

National Nutrition Month Ask Me Anything

Each March, Registered Dietitians celebrate National Nutrition Month,® a national campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the nation’s largest non-profit organization of food and nutrition professionals. National Nutrition Month®, or NNM, promotes the importance of making informed food choices while developing both sound eating and physical activity habits. Nutrition month started in 1973 as a one-week celebration and then evolved to be a month-long celebration with rotating themes every year. This year in 2022, the NNM theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” celebrating flavors and nutritious foods from cultures around the world. Also, annually on the second Wednesday in March is Registered Dietitian Day, which highlights Registered Dietitians as the most valuable and credible source of timely, science-based food and nutrition information. In honor of National Nutrition Month® and Registered Dietitian Day this year, we are going to be answering your burning nutrition questions in our “Ask a Nutritionist” segment below. Here are some of the most popular nutrition questions answered to get you started on your healthy eating journey. 5 Top Nutrition Questions for Dietitians 1. How much water should I drink daily? Water is essential for energy and optimal health. There are general guidelines for daily intake, but your individual needs may vary based on your overall health, activity level, and where you live. Most of us don’t get enough water, and the amount needed is often more than what we think. In general, the U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine determined that men need an average of 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) and women need an average of 11.5 (2.7 liters) per day. This total amount includes water that is in the form of plain water, other beverages, and food. Foods high in water content include fruits and vegetables and can account for up to 20% of average daily water intake. 2. What are good carbs? Not all carbs are the enemy, and some are better than others in terms of health and overall nutrition quality. Fruits, starchy vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are all good carbs that should be eaten in moderation. On the other hand, refined, processed carbs such as bagels, muffins, pastries, and sweets should be limited. 3. How much protein should I eat to build muscle? Protein is an essential nutrient that needs to be increased in the diet in order to build muscle. In general, at least 1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.5-0.8 grams per pound is needed to gain muscle mass. This protein amount can be met with a combination of high protein foods and snacks such as lean chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, Greek yogurt, beans, seeds, nuts, and Chomps meat snacks. 4. What are some examples of healthy snacks? Healthy snacks can help prevent between-meal cravings and help you fill in nutrient gaps you may be having from your meals. Here are a few healthy and nutritious snack ideas: Raw veggies and hummus Apple or banana with peanut butter Greek yogurt parfait Chomps Original beef sticks Grapes with a cheese stick Hard-boiled egg with berries 5. Are CHOMPS meat snacks healthy? Absolutely! CHOMPS meat snacks are nutritionist-approved, are free of the top eight allergens, and are healthy and tasty. They are packed with grass-fed protein and are convenient to boot! We hope you enjoyed our National Nutrition Month segment, and that it inspired you to celebrate your own world of flavorful, healthful foods. Shop our Chomps store today to complement your healthy eating plan. READ MORE

Our Blog April 13, 2022

Food Gifts for Dad on Father’s Day

With Father’s Day right around the corner, you may be asking yourself what to get that special man in your life. Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift can be tricky as many fathers tend to be better at giving than receiving. Asking your Dad what he wants may yield this popular response: “I really don’t need anything.” While this may be true, a dad day gift can go a long way in making your Dad feel appreciated on his special day. If the clique necktie or a new grill accessory just isn’t going to cut it this year, you may consider surprising your Dad with a Father’s Day food gift. For starters, who doesn’t like to eat? Furthermore, food is one of the most nurturing gifts you can give, particularly if that food is healthy. To help you find the perfect Father’s day gifts for dad, we’ve rounded up the best food gifts that will not only fill your Dad's appetite but will also keep him around for many years to come. 6 Father’s Day Food Gifts 1. Chomps Beef Jerky Sticks If your Dad is a meat-lover who snacks on highly processed meat sticks, you may want to give him a healthier, more delicious alternative. Chomps Original Beef Jerky Sticks are made from 100% grass-fed and finished beef and are free from the unhealthy preservatives and fillers found in other products. Give the gift of a Chomps subscription. Perfect for the Dad who’s always snacking. And if your Dad is watching his weight, research shows that protein-rich snacking can help him feel fuller for longer and may even help him shed a few pounds. [1] Chomps are an excellent, protein healthy snack that even the pickiest of dads are sure to enjoy. 2. Nuts With every deliciously crunchy bite, nuts can help your Dad’s joints, [2] enhance his heart health, [3] and may even help his brain health while warding off cognitive decline. [4] Along with some of these health benefits, nuts also provide healthy omega-3 fats and an array of important vitamins and minerals. Nuts are a wonderful Father’s Day food gift because these mouth-watering treats will keep your Dad feeling fuller for longer, give him plenty of energy, and may even help to prevent chronic diseases. 3. Hot sauce For the foodie, grill master, what could be more exciting than a variety of fiery hot sauces? Thanks to capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers, hot sauce is not only a fun condiment but also provides some surprising health benefits. One recent study found that people who eat hot peppers may have a significantly reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer, and may even live longer. [5] 4. Coffee Chances are your Dad is a coffee drinker and chances are he’s been brewing the same old coffee for years. Gifting your Dad with an exciting, gourmet coffee blend to shake up his morning routine is not only thoughtful but may also help lower his risk of heart disease, ward off depression, and reduce his risk of Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. [6] 5. Fruit basket While it may be tempting to send a sweet treat to your Dad, a fruit basket may be the perfect Father’s Day food gift to show your appreciation without compromising his health and sacrificing taste to do it. A delicious fruit basket is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which will keep your Dad energized and healthy for years to come. 6. Chomps Cranberry Habanero Beef Sticks Chomps Habanero Beef Sticks are the perfect Father’s day gift for the spice-loving dads out there. These healthy protein snacks contain habanero peppers which pack a powerful punch of capsaicin. Capsaicin not only provides a fiery flavor but has also been linked with a longer, healthier lifespan. [7] If you’re stumped when searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift for the hard-to-shop-for dad in your life, look no further than Chomps Meat Snacks. Chomps are chock-full of high-quality, grass-fed and finished beef and are free from sugar, common allergens, and harmful ingredients. They make the perfect Father’s Day gift as they come in a variety of flavors to satisfy every taste. There’s no better way to show dad how much you love and appreciate him than with a healthy and delicious father’s day food gift. Now that you've got some Father's Day gift ideas, let's turn our attention to Valentine's Day. We've curated a list of unique Valentine's gifts for men that will make him feel loved and appreciated. References [1] Navas-Carretero, Santiago, et al. “Chronologically Scheduled Snacking with High-Protein Products within the Habitual Diet in Type-2 Diabetes Patients Leads to a Fat Mass Loss: A Longitudinal Study.” Nutrition Journal, vol. 10, no. 1, 14 July 2011. View Study [2] Yu Z, Malik VS, Keum N, Hu FB, Giovannucci EL, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Fuchs CS, Bao Y. Associations between nut consumption and inflammatory biomarkers. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Sep;104(3):722-8. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.134205. Epub 2016 Jul 27. PMID: 27465378; PMCID: PMC4997300. [3] Guasch-Ferré M, Liu X, Malik VS, Sun Q, Willett WC, Manson JE, Rexrode KM, Li Y, Hu FB, Bhupathiraju SN. Nut Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017 Nov 14;70(20):2519-2532. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.09.035. PMID: 29145952; PMCID: PMC5762129. [4] Tan, Sze-Yen, et al. “Associations between Nut Intake, Cognitive Function and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Older Adults in the United States: NHANES 2011-14.” BMC Geriatrics, vol. 21, no. 1, 17 May 2021. View Study [5] “People Who Eat Chili Pepper May Live Longer?” ScienceDaily, 9 Nov. 2020. View Study [6] Poole, Robin, et al. “Coffee Consumption and Health: Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Multiple Health Outcomes.” BMJ, vol. 359, no. 8131, 22 Nov. 2017. View Study [7] Poole, Robin, et al. “Coffee Consumption and Health: Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Multiple Health Outcomes.” BMJ, vol. 359, no. 8131, 22 Nov. 2017. View Study READ MORE

Our Blog March 09, 2022

Wine and Beef Jerky Pairings

Beef jerky is great for a portable snack, for long hikes and camping, and for a lovely night with a glass of wine. Besides the simple pleasures of having a relaxing glass of wine with food, there’s actually a scientific reason why wine pairs so well with meat. An essential component to the flavor of a wine is its tannins (or the body) – the more tannins a wine has, the more bitter or astringent a wine will taste. These tannins have the ability to soften the fat in meat, which allows for the flavor to be more readily released on your taste buds. This combo of wine and meat even enhances the presence of subtler flavors in both the meat and wine. The sweetness of wine also makes a difference – sweeter wines can help balance bold flavors and prevent flavors from being overwhelming to the palate. If you’re looking to have a classy night with a glass of wine and your favorite Chomps meat sticks, here are some great pairings to try. Wine Pairings for Your Favorite Chomps Beef Sticks For these beef jerky and wine pairings, we list examples of which wines work and why so that you can get the best experience out of your pairing. Original Beef Wine to Try: Merlot, Shiraz Why Original Beef Works: Merlot and Shiraz wines are red wines that have a high concentration of tannins, as well as a rich, full-bodied flavor to complement the beef. Merlot typically has notes of chocolate and cherry in its flavor, while Shiraz wines feature notes of berries, pepper, tobacco, and smoked meat. Jalapeno Beef Wine to Try: Argentinean Malbec, German Riesling Why Jalapeno Beef Works: These wines were chosen because they complement spicy foods. Argentinean Malbecs and German Rieslings are low in tannins, have a full body, and have a sweet and fruity flavor that contrasts with the heat. Spicy foods typically increase the bitterness of wine, so you want to be careful. Italian Style Beef Wine to Try: Italian Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon Why Italian Style Beef Works: Italian Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon are two wines that work well in Italian foods. In particular, these wines pair well with foods that have red sauces or with pizza. Chomps’ Italian-Style Beef has flavors of oregano, basil, onion, and garlic to remind you of your favorite Italian foods. The rich and bold flavors of these wines are a perfect match. Cranberry Habanero Beef Wine to Try: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc Why it Works: These wine pairings are all about balance. Just as the sweet cranberry flavor balances out the habanero in Chomps Habanero Beef sticks, these white wines do the same thing. Pinot Gris, Rieslings, and Sauvignon Blanc are wines that are fruity, aromatic, dry (or off-dry) to complement the spiciness of the habanero. Sea Salt Beef Wine to Try: Pinot Grigio, Rosé Why Sea Salt Beef Works: These wines were chosen for what they don’t have, as much as for what they do have. Sommeliers and chefs know that wines that are too high in tannins and oaky flavors can exacerbate the saltiness of your food and completely clash with the flavor. Pinot Grigio and Rosé wines are typically more acidic, fruitier, lower in tannins, and sweeter to cut down on the saltiness of food. You can also try a nice sparkling wine for good balance. Some wines pair better than others for different types of meats and flavors based on the dryness, alcohol content, tannins, aging length, and underlying flavors of a wine. What we’ve provided here isn’t an extensive list, but these wines are a great place to start! READ MORE

Our Blog February 24, 2022

Beginner’s Guide to a Low Blood Sugar Diet

If you have high blood sugar or hyperglycemia, get low blood sugar diet tips, food lists and a sample meal plan on the Chomps blog. READ MORE

Our Blog February 24, 2022

Health Benefits of Spicy Food

Spicy chili, salsas, and sauces get their heat from fresh or dried chili peppers such as jalapenos, habaneros, and shishito peppers. Capsaicin is the compound found in chili peppers that causes the burning sensation you feel when you eat something spicy. Research credits capsaicin for the health benefits of spicy food. If you need a reason to experiment with more spice, here are 4 proven health benefits of eating spicy food. Supports Weight Loss Eating spicy food could help you shed unwanted pounds by: 1. Boosting metabolism. Capsaicin raises resting energy expenditure (REE), [1] or the baseline amount of calories your body burns before factoring in physical activity. Weight loss occurs when you burn more energy than you eat, so an increase in metabolic rate increases the likelihood of losing weight. Capsaicin actually stimulates your body to produce more heat. It does this by targeting brown adipose tissue, which is a type of fat responsible for producing heat to maintain your body’s core temperature and protect your organs from cold. This process uses energy, which may explain how spicy foods bump up metabolism. 2. Decreasing hunger. If you find yourself still hungry after a meal, adding spice can help counter your appetite. For starters, it’s hard to over indulge on spicy food since a little heat goes a long way. Besides the burning sensation your tastebuds experience, spicy foods can help you eat less by increasing satiety. [2] Researchers believe capsaicin may act on the hypothalamus, the part of your brain responsible for sending you hunger and fullness signals. 3. Triggering fat burn. There’s evidence that capsaicin reduces the creation of new fat cells and increases the breakdown of existing fat cells. Less fat being stored in your body equals a decrease in your overall weight. Supports Healthy Digestion It may seem counterintuitive that spicy foods benefit digestion, since many people associate heartburn with spicy food. However, research suggests that capsaicin improves the bacteria in your digestive system—aka your gut microbiome. [3] Having a healthy microbiome is linked to improved digestion, decreased inflammation, enhanced immunity, and weight loss. Supports Overall Health Capsaicin works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in the body, which means spicy foods may offer some protection against serious health concerns and chronic disease. Research has found individuals who regularly crave spicy food are less likely to develop or die from chronic illness, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. [4] Supports Mood Many heat-seekers say spicy food triggers an endorphin rush. The answer lies in the nervous system. The spicy burning sensation prompts a pain response and the brain releases feel-good compounds to counteract that pain, which may raise your spirits. How to Include More Spicy Foods If spicy food makes you think of buffalo wings and jalapeno poppers, you might be wondering: is spicy food healthy? Fried foods like these are high in fat and calories and best enjoyed in moderation. Cooking with a variety of fresh or dried chili peppers or spices like red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper can be a healthy way to up your spice intake. If you’re not used to eating or cooking with chili peppers, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Too much spice can overpower a dish, set your mouth on fire to the point of being uncomfortable, and cause digestive upset, like heartburn and diarrhea. Try adding a mild pepper, like poblano, jalapeno, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, to chili, soups, and stir frys. If you’re cooking for others who don’t like spice, snacks are a great opportunity to sneak in some extra spice. Chomps meat sticks are a high-quality protein snack made with simple, real ingredients. Each flavor has a 3-point spice rating so it’s easy to choose a meat stick with the right amount of spice for your tastes. For a subtle spicy snack that’s not too hot, try Chomps Jalapeno Beef or Nashville Hot Chicken meat sticks. These flavors are rated a 2 out of 3 and 3 out of 3 on the spice scale. Not everyone loves the heat of spicy food, but adding a bit of spice to your food can actually support your health. The health benefits of spicy foods are maximized when capsaicin-containing foods are routinely eaten. Don’t worry—you don’t have to start pouring copious amounts of hot sauce on your meals or ordering the 5-alarm chili. Try adding chili peppers to recipes made with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Chomps meat snacks made with chili peppers are another healthy way to spice up your life. They can be eaten by themselves or added to other dishes, like tacos and salads, for a touch of spice. Stock up on spicy meat at the Chomps store. References [1] Rigamonti, Antonello E et al. “Acute administration of capsaicin increases resting energy expenditure in young obese subjects without affecting energy intake, appetite, and circulating levels of orexigenic/anorexigenic peptides.” Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) vol. 52 (2018): 71-79. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2018.02.002 [2] Zheng, Jia et al. “Dietary capsaicin and its anti-obesity potency: from mechanism to clinical implications.” Bioscience reports vol. 37,3 BSR20170286. 11 May. 2017, doi:10.1042/BSR20170286 [3] Rosca, Adrian Eugen et al. “Capsaicin and Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 25,23 5681. 2 Dec. 2020, doi:10.3390/molecules25235681 [4] Lv, Jun, et al. “Consumption of Spicy Foods and Total and Cause Specific Mortality: Population Based Cohort Study.” BMJ, vol. 351, 4 Aug. 2015, p. h3942. READ MORE