British TikTok star reviews American snacks for millions - TODAY - TODAY

What started out as a way to lift her own spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic has made a 21-year-old British woman an international social media sensation for her opinions on a topic that transcends borders: American snacks.

Like so many around the world, former York, England, preschool teacher Dawn Farmer found herself feeling sad and isolated during lockdown last September, when she decided to join social media app TikTok.

"I never really had a goal," she told TODAY Food. "I started it because I was unemployed at the time and looking for something to focus on, something that could potentially bring me a little happiness. It really evolved quite quickly."

Within days, a commenter asked Farmer for her opinion on the best British chocolates, and she was happy to explain the wonders of Cadbury's Boost and Milk Bars and Terry's Chocolate Oranges, among others.

She began to gain a small following for her pretty handwriting, distinctive Yorkshire accent and affinity for eating — and waxing rhapsodically about — fast food and snacks. But though she frequently answered questions about differences between life as a Brit and an American, it wasn't until a commenter challenged her to try some American snacks in mid-December that Farmer found her calling … and now, over 1.8 million followers and counting.

She began by sampling American favorites Twizzlers ("Disgusting, horrible") and Gobstoppers ("Nice, really good") from a local British grocery store. Then, at the suggestion of her followers, she moved on to Hershey bars ("Not too bad"), Nerds ("Nice!") and Sour Patch Kids ("Ooh yeah, they're nice. I could literally eat these all day"). Since then, she's discovered the wonders of Girl Scout Cookies ("They're really good frozen!") and American breakfast cereals, too.

Her biggest discovery: ranch dressing, which is not widely available in the U.K. "I never even heard of ranch until a few months ago," she said. "We only have Newman's, and it's one or two bottles hidden away behind other things in the supermarket.

"I've tried a real range now!" said Farmer, whose followers have sent her both the bottled and packet versions of Hidden Valley and other brands. "It's honestly taken over dips now for me. I put it on pizza, chips, burgers, everything."

Tootsie Rolls were not such a big hit with her ("I can't get on board with them," she said), and she declared Goldfish crackers "too salty, and not that great of an aftertaste." Several American cereals have left her baffled. "I find it strange that lots of people like things like Fruity Pebbles?" she said. "They're really not nice."

Farmer shares her favorite British sweets and snacks as well, which she notes tend to be less colorful (due to less artificial coloring) than American treats. She also answers a lot of questions about her accent — which some commenters have said is so strong it sounds fake, though she said her friends and neighbors would not consider it strong at all — and occasionally gives insights into British life, COVID-19 protocols, and even health care.

Sometimes, Farmer's parents and her 9-year-old brother get in on the taste-testing. She even managed to convince her 23-year-old sister and flatmate, Georgia, to join her a few times, though usually she is more camera-shy.

Some of the American foods Farmer wants to try she hopes to do so in person: "Chipotle!" she said. "I have heard a lot about that. And different coffee combinations with liquid coffee creamer! We can't get liquid creamer in the U.K., and they all look so nice, like the white mocha. Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee looks amazing. And I still want to try Chips Ahoy cookies."

Those on TikTok are clearly here for Farmer's American snack-ventures; her followers have grown exponentially over the past two months and will soon hit 2 million.

"The amount of positivity people have shown me is very overwhelming," she said. "I've always been very, very fascinated by America, and I'm really interested in the lifestyle differences between the U.K. and the U.S. I find it really quite mind-boggling how different they are.

"I think that's why people enjoy following me," she continued. I really appreciate the American personality. You guys seem so friendly and full of life and positive. I really like to explore the differences between us, but also how many similarities we share."

Related:

Dec. 31, 202002:39

Allison Slater Tate

Allison Slater Tate is a freelance writer and editor in Florida specializing in parenting and college admissions. She is a proud Gen Xer, ENFP, Leo, Diet Coke enthusiast, and champion of the Oxford Comma. She mortifies her four children by knowing all the trending songs on TikTok. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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Pick Some Late Night Snacks And We'll Tell You What You Should Watch On Netflix - BuzzFeed

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Pick Some Late Night Snacks And We'll Tell You What You Should Watch On Netflix - BuzzFeed
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Healthy Snacks to Buy That Taste Just Like Your Favorite Junk Food - BH&G

If reaching for candy bar in the afternoon puts you in your happy place, this is the healthy packaged snack for you. With fudge, crunchy almond, and peanut butter flavors available, each bite is seriously just like your favorite chocolate-filled candy. They're vegan, gluten-free, and organic, so they also tick all the boxes for every diet need.

Buy It: Mid-Day Squares High Protein Chocolate Bars ($46, Amazon)

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Campbell Soup Offloads Baby Food and Kids Snacks Brand - Powder Bulk Solids

American food firm The Campbell Soup Co. recently announced plans to shed its Plum Organics brand of organic baby food and kids snacks to Sun-Maid Growers of California for an undisclosed sum.

The brand’s non-GMO, certified organic products are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of young children from infancy through early childhood.

“Plum is a natural fit for the Sun-Maid family given our expertise, leadership, and rapid growth in healthy snacking, along with our strong emotional connection with family households,” Sun-Maid Growers of California CEO and president Harry Overly said in a release. “Its acquisition is an integral part of our continued dedication to providing superior products while delivering category growth. We’re committed to carrying on Plum’s mission of serving babies with the very best food from the first bite.”

Founded in 2006 by a group of parents, Plum Organics was acquired by Campbell Soup in 2013.

“The sale of the Plum Organics baby food brand is part of our ongoing strategic process to create even greater focus driving growth in the division’s core categories of soup, sauces, and beverages,” said Chris Foley, president of Meals & Beverages for Campbell Soup, in a statement.

The deal is slated to close this spring.

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11 healthy late night snacks to satisfy your midnight cravings - Insider

• Eating late at night isn't unhealthy, but some choices are healthier than others. 
• Avoid processed foods and foods high in caffeine and sugar like chocolate. 
• Reach for whole foods high in protein and healthy fat like nut butters, greek yogurt, and edamame. 
• Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.

Do you find yourself getting hungry and wanting to munch on something at night? There's nothing wrong with having a midnight snack if you're hungry, as long as you do it right and pick healthy options rather than junk foods. 

Related

Eating later at night does not cause weight gain, study finds

In fact, a 2015 study found that eating small, nutritious meals at night can be good for blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and insulin resistance. You should try to eat an hour before you go to sleep, to give your body some time to digest the food.

"It's a myth that you have to stop eating at a certain time of the day," says Eleana Kaidanian, RD, a nutritionist with her own private practice. 

Here are 11 healthy late-night snacks as well as some insight as to why you might find yourself staring at your refrigerator at night, according to Kaidanian.

1. Plain Greek yogurt 

Greek yogurt is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help you build a healthy gut microbiome, which can affect everything from your digestion to your immunity.

2. Cherries

Top your bowl of greek yogurt with some cherries for added benefits. Cherries may help promote better sleep because they contain melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

3. Edamame

Edamame is a low-calorie source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Kaidanian suggests steaming or microwaving edamame pods and seasoning them with a drizzle of lemon juice or soy sauce. She says you can also eat them roasted, if you prefer munching on something crunchy.

4. A date with a handful of walnuts 

Walnuts contain healthy fats and protein whereas dates contain nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and fiber. A handful of walnuts can be pretty filling and eating a fresh or dried date with it can help satisfy your sweet tooth. However, both dates and walnuts are high in calories so be careful not to over indulge.

5. Roasted chickpeas

"If you are craving something crunchy and salty try roasted chickpeas over potato chips," says Kaidanian. You can season them with salt and spices, per your preferences. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber and they also offer several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium , phosphorus, folate, and vitamin A. Alternatively, Kaidanian also suggests roasted fava beans.

6. Roasted pistachios

Pistachios are a good source of healthy, unsaturated fats, which are linked to lower cholesterol and better heart health. These nuts also contain nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin E , protein, and antioxidants. Kaidanian suggests oven roasting them in the shell before you eat them, to give them that extra crunch. 

7. Oatmeal

Oats are a fiber-rich grain that are linked to lower cholesterol, better blood sugar control, and reduced risk of cancer and heart disease . Kaidanian suggests cooking the oats with water and adding chia seeds to them, to bump up the nutrition content.

8. Air-popped popcorn 

Popcorn is actually a whole grain that is rich in fiber and nutrition. While store-bought varieties of popcorn are loaded with salt, unhealthy chemicals, and saturated fats, homemade popcorn makes for a healthy and nutritious snack. Kaidanian suggests seasoning the popcorn to your tastes; you can add olive oil, a dash of salt, and seasonings like basil, paprika, or turmeric to it, for instance. 

9. A handful of olives

While olive oil is considered healthy, whole olives are in fact healthier, since some of the nutrients are lost while processing them into oil. Olives are a rich source of healthy unsaturated fats and they also contain vitamin E and several phytochemicals, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. Green olives are less ripe when they are picked and have a lower fat content than black olives, which are picked at a more mature stage.

10. Hummus with veggies

Made of chickpeas, hummus is a protein-rich snack that is quite filling. You can use store-bought hummus or make your own at home, with some olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, yogurt, salt, and spices. Pair it with carrots or other veggies of your choice, to add more fiber and nutrition to your meal.

11. Nut butter with fruits

Nut butters contain protein and healthy fats. You can pick a nut butter of your choice and pair it with fruits like apple, banana, or berries. Try adding a dash of cinnamon to it for more flavor. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce cholesterol levels; it may also help improve blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes . 

Why you might be hungry late at night

• Irregular mealtimes: Not having a fixed eating schedule or eating infrequently during the day with long gaps in between meals can result in hunger pangs at night. "If you haven't had a proper meal or a balanced snack for more than three hours and you are hungry, you should eat no matter what time it is, to help maintain a steady blood sugar level," says Kaidanian.
• Irregular bedtime: If some nights you are up much later than others, it can throw off your body clock and result in hunger at unusual times, like the middle of the night, according to Kaidanian. 
• Nutritionally inadequate dinner: Kaidanian says meals without much protein or fiber that are heavy on refined carbs, such as rice and white pasta, are nutritionally inadequate and can cause a spike in your blood sugar followed by a crash afterward, resulting in cravings for more food. According to a 2016 study, these types of meals can also make it harder for you to fall asleep and make your sleep less restful.
• Mindless eating: "If late-night snacking is not a result of actual hunger and becomes a mindless activity, coupled with binge-watching television for instance, it can be a recipe for disaster that can result in weight gain and disordered eating patterns that affect your appetite into the next day," says Kaidanian.

Tips for eating healthy at night

If you are eating a snack late at night, here are some dos and don'ts:

• Replace refined carbs with complex carbs: Kaidanian recommends skipping refined carbs such as crackers, chips, pretzels, and white bread,  and opting for fiber-rich complex carbs, like vegetables and whole grains, instead. These foods are more nutritious than refined carbs and may promote better sleep.
• Add proteins or healthy fats: Kaidanian recommends pairing your complex carbs with either protein or healthy fats like nuts or peanut butter. These foods take longer to digest and keep you full for longer; they may also help with blood sugar control if you have diabetes. 
• Pick whole foods: Kaidanian recommends skipping processed foods, since they have additives like salt, sugar, fats, and chemicals. Instead, she says to opt for whole foods, like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, that are as close to their natural state as possible.
• Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can make it harder for you to fall asleep, so it's recommended that you avoid it six hours before bedtime. While coffee is an obvious source of caffeine, Kaidanian says other common culprits include soda, black teas, green teas, dark chocolate, and some types of energy and protein bars. 

Maintaining a regular bedtime and consistent meal timings can help prevent late-night hunger pangs; however, if you haven't eaten something in a few hours and are hungry, you should eat a healthy snack. Avoid eating mindlessly if you're not actually hungry.

"The food you choose to eat late at night, if you do that, should still be portion-controlled and nutrient-dense, but not necessarily calorie-dense," says Kaidanian. She recommends opting for fiber-rich foods with either protein or healthy fats. 

Processed foods and refined carbs should be avoided, since they don't offer much in the way of nutrition. Caffeine in any form is also not a good idea, since it can make it harder for you to sleep. 

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15 Best Snacks for Diabetics - Sweet and Savory Snack Ideas if You Have Diabetes - GoodHousekeeping.com

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If you’ve ever been hangry or struck down by the 3 p.m. slump, you know the magic of a good snack — after a few bites, your blood sugar levels start evening out, lifting your mood and giving your energy back. Keeping those blood sugar levels steady is especially important for people with diabetes. Diabetes affects the body’s insulin response, and in turn, blood glucose levels, which is why when diabetes is poorly managed, it can impact things like energy and mood in the short-term, and lead to more serious conditions like heart and kidney disease down the line if you don’t get a handle on it. The good news is that smart snacking can be a great way to help keep things in check. “In order to keep blood glucose levels in a safe range, making healthy food choices is imperative,” says Sydney Spiewak, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Connecticut.

Here’s how to build an ideal snack is you’re diabetic:

• Aim for a snack between 150 and 200 calories. “This keeps you full enough until your next meal without leaving you feeling stuffed or spiking blood sugar,” says Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD, co-founder of Culina Health.
• Avoid products with lots of added sugar and refined carbohydrates that will spike blood sugar levels, such as crackers or bread made from white flour and sugary desserts or drinks.
• Make it a protein and fiber combo. This keeps you full and also supports slower digestion for steady blood sugar levels and energy.

Need some inspo? These are some of the best snacks for diabetics.

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1 Yogurt

All yogurt — Greek, traditional, Skyr, Quark — is a good source of protein. Opt for plain over flavored, since it's usually lower in sugar. "I love adding a few nuts or a little nut butter to plain yogurt," says Rissetto.

RELATED: A Definitive Ranking of the Best 8 Greek Yogurts

2 Hummus

This Middle Eastern favorite contains the stabilizing duo of protein and fiber, plus it's super yummy. Use veggie sticks or whole grain pita as your dippers.

3 Tuna

Pair tuna salad with a few of your favorite veggies (be sure it's a snack size, not a full salad!) for a tasty, balanced bite. If you like creamy tuna, try part yogurt, part mayo (or all yogurt!), or simply flavor with a little extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.

4 Eggs

We all know that eggs are a good source of protein, plus they're versatile and quick, which is what makes them such a great snack. Jazz them up with a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend, like everything bagel seasoning or paired with fiber-filled veggie sticks or whole wheat crackers.

5 Fruit and nut butter

Apple, pear or banana slices with a swipe of nut butter deliver the right mix of fiber, protein and vitamins to support balanced blood sugar.

6 Cottage cheese

Give cottage cheese a try! It's high in protein and super creamy, making it a great snack, and it's delicious in a bowl by itself or spread on whole grain cracker crisps and topped with sliced cucumbers, radishes or a few slices of smoked salmon.

7 Cannellini beans

Meet the creamier cousin of roasted chickpeas — roasted cannellini beans. Like all pulses, they're a good source of protein and fiber, and when tossed with a little olive oil or cooking spray and your favorite herbs and spices, they crisp up into a savory snack.

8 Nuts

Munch on a handful of nuts — almonds, pistachios, walnuts cashews — the type doesn't matter because they all contain some amount of protein, fiber and healthy fats. In fact, one study found that people with type 2 diabetes who regularly consumed nuts had a lower risk of heart disease, a serious complication of diabetes.

9 Crudite

DIY a diabetes-friendly crudite snack: "I like to add a little onion powder, dill and garlic powder to nonfat plain yogurt, then dip away," says Rissetto.

10 Popcorn

Did you know: popcorn is a whole grain? We'll snack to that! The key is to make sure it's not drowning in toppings that will negate all the fiber-y goodness, such as loads of butter, salt, cheese or sugar. Make your own (so you can monitor how much salt and oil is used) or look for "light" brands that say they're low in fat and sodium.

11 Celery logs

Here's the grown up version of "ants on a log." Fill celery stalks with Greek yogurt or a little low fat cream cheese, then get creative with the garnish — try sesame or poppy seeds, red chili flakes, a few capers, sliced olives or pickled hot peppers.

12 Lettuce wrap

Fill a few lettuce leaves with leftover chicken or quinoa, a slice of turkey, chickpeas, a few extra veggies and a drizzle of hot sauce or mustard.

13 Edamame

No matter how you like to eat it, fiber- and protein-filled edamame is a smart diabetic snack. You can find frozen shelled and pre-shelled edamame, as well as crispy packaged edamame snacks.

14 Salmon salad

Need a break from tuna? Try canned salmon and prepare it the same way, then pile it on a few whole grain crackers or eat alone with veggies.

15 Avocado

Alyssa Jung Senior Editor Alyssa is a senior editor for the Hearst Lifestyle Group Health Newsroom, supporting Prevention, Good Housekeeping, and Woman's Day. 

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Love Fries And Nuggets? Air Fryer Will Help You Prepare These Snacks Sans Oil - 6 Best Options - NDTV Food

Let's admit, nuggets, popcorns, fries and all these crunchy snacks hold a special place in our heart. In fact, we go on a bingeing-spree every time we get a bowl of these greasy, decadent delights. But what bother us the most are the added fats and calories we consume alongside these munchies. These fried foods are loaded with trans-fat that further leads to weight gain and other lifestyle-related diseases. What if we tell you we have an option that might help you indulge these treats guilt-free? Yes, you heard us. All you need is an air fryer to fry your favourite snack without a drop of oil. We also handpicked some of the best quality air fryer options for you to make a wise choice. Read on.

6 Of The Best Air Fryer Options For You:

SOLARA Digital Air Fryer

This air fryer comes with 6 pre-set options and helps you deep fry the munchies without much oil. It is said, food cooked in Solara air fryer contains 85 percent lesser fat than the traditionally fried foods.

Inalsa Air Fryer

This air fryer by Inalsa heats up in just 2 to 3 minutes and helps cook food faster than the conventional stove. The pans used in this air fryer are easily detachable, making it easy to clean after every use.

VARADA Max Air fryer

This airfryer by Varada comes with a container of 6.5-litre capacity, making it ideal for a mid-sized family. It also has a beautiful touch panel display and auto shut-off option that makes it convenient for anytime use.

Kenstar Aster Digi Air Fryer

It comes with a non-stick food basket and 7 pre-set cooking options that makes it convenient for all. The container is detachable and can easily be cleaned with regular dishwashing gel.

Hilton Air Fryer

If you are someone who stays alone and is looking for an air fryer, this option is ideal for you. It has a 3.5-litre capacity and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting.

AGARO 33313 Air Fryer

Another great option for all you who stay alone, this air fryer by Agaro comes with a 2.8-litre capacity. It has a non-stick pot and cool-touch handle and is convenient for anytime use.

Check out these options and let us know which one you plan to buy.

About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.

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