I often like to write reviews when I’m “in the moment”, so I’m sitting here nibbling on a snack I purchased during my last shopping trip to Trader Joe’s: roasted & salted pumpkin seeds – 1lb for $6.99.

I remember as a kid eating pumpkin seeds. They were harsh bricks of salt with a shell that often splintered in my mouth. So getting to eat pumpkin seeds this way is an improvement from all the time I spent picking those shell splinters out of my teeth.

While these pumpkin seeds taste great, though not quite as salty as I would like, I’m disappointed by the use of canola oil, which isn’t on my keto list of good fats. Some would argue that canola’s low level of saturated fat makes it one of the healthiest oils on the market, but I prefer to stay with avocado oil. Did you know avocado oil has been touted to lower blood pressure, among many other health benefits? It has a high heat point, too, so it’s hard to go wrong with avocado oil (just my opinion, of course).

Otherwise, pumpkin seeds are a great choice for a snack, with 2 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber (or 1 net carb) and 9 grams of protein per serving, this salty treat is a great way to curb your hunger throughout the day.

Now, if Trader Joe’s would just rethink the oil used in the processing of these seeds, that would take something good and make it great. The ball’s in your court now, Trader Joe’s!