The 10 Greatest Seaweed Snacks for a Healthy Snacking Alternative

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Have you ever eaten seaweed as a snack? Therefore you’ll have to conduct some sampling. Seaweed snacks are among the most delicious and healthful snacks available today. They are considered a superfood due to their great nutritional content. And since they are exceptionally low in calories, they are ideal for any snack or as an addition to a meal.

To assist you determine which ones to acquire, we’ve compiled a list of the finest seaweed snacks we could discover on the market, as well as some pointers on how to choose the best product for you. We’ll also go over all of the health advantages of seaweed and show you how to create your own seaweed snacks.

Best Selection

There is no better alternative for genuine Korean taste and a product that has been responsibly obtained than Jayone Seaweed, Roasted and Lightly Salted.

Budget Selection

You may be shocked to learn that you can buy a healthy and nutritious snack that is certified organic at a reasonable price. That’s why we adore Annie Chun’s Organic Seaweed, Sea Salt, and Vinegar—it has all the taste of a sea salt potato chip without the calories or bad components!


Product Name Grade
Jayone Seaweed, Roasted and Lightly Salted A
Annie Chun’s Organic Seaweed, Sea Salt and Vinegar A
gimMe Organic Roasted Sea Salt Seaweed Sheets A
Daechun Seaweed Snack B-
Wickedly Prime Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks B-
Seaweed Love All Natural Roasted Seaweed Variety Pack B
Organic Kimnori Seasoned Roasted Seaweed Snacks B
KPOP Sea Snacks Premium Seaweed Snacks B+
Kwangcheonkim Kim Nori Kakao Friends Roasted Seasoned Seaweed Snacks B
Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed Snack B+

1. Jayone Seaweed, Roasted and Lightly Salted  

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Comes in three flavors: nuty, sea salt, and sweet n’ salty
  • Made with 100% natural, non-GMO ingredients
  • Suitable for those on a gluten free or vegan diet
  • Just 30 calories in each pack
  • Easy for a snack on the go, perfect to pack into lunch boxes
  • Contains RDA of iodine

This sort of seaweed snack is number one on our list because Jayone sources its seaweed from the pristine seas that surround the Korean peninsula using sustainable harvesting procedures. We love the somewhat nutty taste, which is popular in Korean cuisine.

Were were relieved to learn that Jayone exclusively acquires their seaweed between late December and mid-April, which is considered the greatest season for obtaining high-quality seaweed in terms of both flavor and nutrition.

We believe this is one of the greatest seaweed snacks since it includes perilla oil, a typical cooking oil in Korean cuisine. It’s prepared from roasted perilla plant seeds and includes a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. This is wonderful news for most of us since Americans are famously poor in omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for inflammation reduction.

Pros

  • Free of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sugar
  • Low in sodium and fat
  • Good source of vitamin C, decent source of vitamin A and iron
  • Uses the finest Korean seaweed

Cons

  • Contains allergen (corn)
  • Some packages can taste a bit stale

2. Annie Chun’s Organic Seaweed, Sea Salt and Vinegar 

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Suitable for individuals on a vegan, keto, or gluten free diet
  • USDA certified organic, free of genetically modified ingredients
  • Simple ingredient list—you won’t see any preservatives
  • Just 25 calories per serving!

If you want all of the taste of salt and vinegar chips but want something lighter and healthier, this is a snack worth trying. Our family like having them on the road or in lunch boxes since they taste similar to what we’re accustomed to (unhealthy potato chips) but don’t make us feel terrible about eating too many of them.

In the United States, Annie Chun is the number one seaweed snack brand. You’ll understand why when you bite into these seaweed nibbles. You receive a rush of all-natural taste as well as a pleasant bite. If you still have a yearning for salty potato chips, prepare a baked potato and top it with these seaweed snacks (crushed up). It’s an excellent snack that you’ll like!

Pros

  • Made in the USA using quality ingredients
  • Free of trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar
  • Contains minimal sodium
  • Contains 55 mg potassium
  • Seasoned with organic rosemary and organic olive oil

Cons

  • Contains allergens (corn)
  • Taste very salty
  • Strong fishy scent

3. gimMe Organic Roasted Sea Salt Seaweed Sheets

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Great source of omega-3 fatty acids and iodine
  • Perfect on the go snack for both kids and adults alike
  • Ideal for anyone on a vegan, vegetarian, keto, gluten free, or low carb diet
  • Just 25 calories in each pack

We prefer these seaweed snacks because we know they were grown and harvested in a sustainable manner in South Korea. We can trust that this sort of seaweed, which is naturally high in protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, is devoid of artificial preservatives and tastes and is simply high in all of the wonderful things found in natural seaweed.

We always inform our kids that the snack helps promote healthy seas since every purchase helps gimMe give back to the ocean via their collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservation.

These seaweed snacks are also beneficial to our health. They are a low-calorie source of plant-based protein that is high in vitamins A, C, and B12, as well as minerals like as iodine. Even better, they’re high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your heart.

Pros

  • USDA certified organic
  • Non-GMO project verified
  • Free of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sugar
  • Source of iron, potassium, and calcium
  • Simple ingredient list—just organic seaweed, organic sunflower oil, and sea salt
  • Considered to be a superfood, a nutrient-rich food that’s great for health and overall well-being

Cons

  • Slightly higher sodium content than other brands
  • Tastes fishy

4. Daechun Seaweed Snack 

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Low calorie and healthy snack
  • Roasted and seasoned (three flavors available: parae, sea salt, and wasabi)
  • Low in calories
  • Daechun has been in business since 1977 and is a name you can trust

Umami is the flavoring factor in food that makes it taste so nice. This is abundant in this natural Nori seaweed snack. It’s a superfood created from seaweed taken from the pristine seas that surround the Korean peninsula. Daechun has maintained a connection with their suppliers for over 20 years, so you can be certain that you are receiving a high-quality product.

Pros

  • Seasoned with green tea powder and herb tea extract for an authentic and unique flavor
  • A healthy alternative to cheese crackers or potato chips
  • These don’t taste too salty
  • A great snack that keeps you feeling full for longer

Cons

  • Much higher in sodium than other brands (100 mg per serving)
  • Risk for toxic heavy metals (i.e. cadmium and lead) which may cause cancer and birth defects
  • May contain genetically modified ingredients (rapeseed i.e. canola oil)

5. Wickedly Prime Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks 

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Sustainably harvested in protected bays in Korea
  • Just 25 calories per serving
  • Non-GMO project verified

Wickedly Prime’s seaweed snacks are delicious, particularly the Maui onion flavor. They are also available in sea salt, wasabi style, and Korean Kalbi flavors.

The seaweed used in these snacks is cultivated without chemicals and gathered in protected bays in collaboration with growers on South Korea’s west coast. Wickedly Prime employs time-honored techniques (such as sun drying) that have been handed down from generation to generation. This indicates that it is a long-lasting, genuine, and healthful snack.

We tried their Green Eggs and Ham dish in Maui and it was wonderful! Just scramble some eggs, then add some seaweed snacks in thin strips to the scrambled eggs. This results in a protein-packed breakfast unlike anything you’ve ever had.

Pros

  • Low in sodium, free of cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat
  • Great source of vitamin C and dietary fiber and good source of vitamin A and iron
  • Certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI)
  • Seaweed is thin and crispy
  • Subtle and tasty flavor

Cons

  • May contain toxic metals like lead and cadmium (Proposition 65 warning)
  • Taste a bit bland

6. Seaweed Love All Natural Roasted Seaweed Variety Pack 

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Great source of vitamins and minerals in an easy-to-eat snack
  • Just 25 calories and 2.5 grams of fat per serving
  • Non-GMO project verified
  • Free of common allergens (corn and soy)

Seaweed Love, a family-owned business, has always enjoyed seaweed treats. In fact, they were the first corporation in the United States to share seaweed snacks with consumers in 1996. Their motto is “never compromise on quality,” and we believe they’ve succeeded.

These flaky, savory, and crunchy nibbles are delicious on their own or sprinkled on top of noodles, soup, rice, or popcorn. They also include no artificial flavors or MSG, making them a safe and healthful option for the whole family. We prefer to pack them in our lunches, put them in the lunch boxes of our children, or simply eat them at home.

Pros

  • Contains just simple and natural ingredient: seaweed, olive oil, and sea salt
  • Good source of vitamin A and C
  • Great source of fiber
  • Free of cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat

Cons

  • May contain lead, cadmium, and arsenic (there’s a Prop 65 warning)
  • Some might find that the seaweed feels a little soft
  • Slight fishy taste

7. Organic Kimnori Seasoned Roasted Seaweed Snacks

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Three flavor options: Korean BBQ, sea salt, or Sweet N’ Spicy
  • Made in the USA
  • Certified non-GMO which means natural, non-genetically modified ingredients
  • Suitable for individuals on a gluten free diet or those avoiding MSG

The leading seaweed production firm in Korea owns Kimnori. Having said that, you know you’re receiving the greatest goods when you buy from them. All of their goods are organic and gluten-free, as well as kosher and non-GMO.

Korean BBQ seaweed snacks with sticky rice are our favorite. You can prepare a fast and simple sushi snack. Just put some umami-rich seaweed snacks on top of a thin layer of sticky rice, then top with soy sauce, cucumber strips, avocado, and sesame seeds. In only a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious snack!

Pros

  • Made with simple and natural ingredients: organic seaweed, organic canola oil, sea salt
  • Excellent source of iodine (50% DV), vitamin B12 (20% DV), and vitamin A
  • Strong BBQ flavor

Cons

  • Package says that product contains cholesterol (which is only found in animal foods) so may not be suitable for vegans
  • Tastes very salty
  • Contains allergen (corn)
  • Not keto friendly

8. KPOP Sea Snacks Premium Seaweed Snacks 

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Made in Los Angeles to ensure superior quality and freshness
  • Perfect for tasty, guilt-free snacking
  • Certified low carb, low calorie, keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and organic!
  • A perfect superfood that’s a great source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine
  • Great to have on hand in the office, home, gym, and classroom

Why do we like KPOP’s seaweed snacks? Because they employ just four ingredients: organic seaweed, organic sunflower oil, organic sesame oil, and sea salt! They also obtain their seaweed in a sustainable way, and since they are a Korean firm, you can be certain that you are receiving real and traditional tastes.

The tiny packs are lightweight and convenient to carry with you for work, school, or on the road. And since they are suitable for a variety of diets, they are an excellent option for everybody!

Pros

  • Low in sodium, great for anyone with cardiovascular concerns
  • Iodine is a great way to boost cardiovascular health
  • Slightly-gummy, slightly-crispy flavor which make them perfect for those who like a good balance
  • Not too salty or greasy
  • Perfect thickness for snacking

Cons

  • Fishy taste and odor

9. Kwangcheonkim Kim Nori Kakao Friends Roasted Seasoned Seaweed Snacks 

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Made with simple and authentic ingredients like seaweed, canola oil, penilla oil, salt, sesame oil, and calcium
  • Made in South Korea
  • High nutrition, low calories and fat

They are a lot of fun to munch on. They’re crispy, but not so crunchy that they’re dry and cling to your teeth. Since they include a bit more oil than other brands, they taste similar to potato chips (without all of the calories!).

We like to toss them with lush greens, sesame seeds, mandarin oranges, and crispy wontons in an Asian-inspired salad. They’re also delicious on their own, so amazing that you could wind yourself eating three packets!

Pros

  • Contains some potassium and calcium
  • Free of trans fat, cholesterol, and saturated fat
  • Low in sodium
  • Mild sea salt flavor
  • Taste and texture is perfect

Cons

  • Some might not like how oily they are
  • Contains “natural ingredients” which might contain allergens
  • Might contain genetically-modified canola oil

10. Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed Snack 

Highlighted Characteristics

  • Made in Korea from a winter harvest of seaweed (when they’re tastier and more nutritious)
  • Sesame flavor for authentic Korean taste
  • USDA certified organic

If you want a fast and simple snack, these organic roasted seaweed snacks from Kirkland are unbeatable. We like them on their own, but they’re also delicious crumbled up and served with sushi, salad, or even pizza!

I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we are all seeking for healthier and more delicious snacks for our family. Most snacks nowadays are high in fat, salt, and harmful and processed substances. You receive just 20 calories and the greatest natural components, such as organic seaweed, organic sunflower oil, organic sesame oil, and sea salt, with these. That’s all!

Pros

  • Only natural, recognizable ingredients
  • Perfect crunchy texture and lightly salted flavor
  • Minimal packaging is great for environmentally-friendly consumers
  • Perfect for those on a kosher diet
  • Great for someone who has food allergies

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than some other options

Considerations When Purchasing Seaweed Snacks

What Are Seaweed Snacks, Exactly?

When we think of seaweed, we think of a wide range of marine plants and algae found in our seas, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Some of these seaweeds are minuscule and form the basis of the food chain. Different varieties of bigger seaweed are utilized to sustain larger creatures, including people, in a variety of ways.

You may be shocked to learn that seaweed can be found in a variety of commercial items such as cosmetics, skin care products, and toothpaste.

When it comes to edible seaweed, however, huge seaweed sheets are more likely to be offered for sushi and other culinary uses. Seaweed snacks are a sort of processed seaweed that may be flavored in various ways and eaten like potato chips.

For hundreds of years, Asian cultures have enjoyed seaweed snacks. These seaweed snacks have grown in popularity in various parts of the globe during the last decade or two. Some are sweet, others are salty, and some are spicy, but all are portable and simple to eat.

Are Seaweed Snacks Good for You?

The answer to the question, “Are seaweed snacks healthy?” is unequivocally yes. Seaweed is a high-nutritional food that benefits our bodies in seven ways:

  1. Seaweed is a high source of both tyrosine and iodine. As such, this helps to support a healthy thyroid function. For those of you who don’t remember, the thyroid gland is responsible for the hormones that help to control our body’s energy production, growth, and reproduction of damaged cells. If we don’t get enough iodine in the body, we may experience symptoms like fatigue or weight gain. Nutritionists recommend 150 mcg of iodine per day and just one dried sheet of seaweed (Kombu) can have two up to almost 2000% of the RDA!
  1. Beyond tyrosine and iodine, dried seaweed is a great source of other minerals and vitamins. Dried seaweed like spirulina can provide a good source of riboflavin, thiamin, iron, manganese, and copper, along with vitamin A, C, E, and K. Dried seaweed is also an amazing source of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. In lesser amounts, it also contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, folate, and zinc.
  1. If you’ve heard about cancer and cell damage, it’s likely that you’re aware that this is associated with free radicals. These unstable cells in our bodies typically lead to problems like diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, antioxidants help to address that. Dried seaweed is a good choice for boosting our antioxidant levels, which are vitamins A, C, and E. These contain beneficial plant compounds, which include carotenoids and flavonoids, which have been shown to protect cell membranes and keep us healthy.
  1. Dried seaweed is also high in polysaccharides and fiber which help to support a healthy gut. We need to have a balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in and the gut—otherwise we’re more susceptible to disease and sickness. Dried seaweed can help us get rid of some of the bad bacteria and promote growth of good gut bacteria.
  1. The high fiber content of dried seaweed can help in another way, too. When we consume a diet high in fiber, it helps to slow the emptying of our stomachs. This means that we end up feeling fuller for longer which can also help us minimize food cravings, unhealthy eating habits, and weight gain.
  1. There’s a peptide in seaweed that has been shown in studies to help decrease blood pressure and prevent blood clotting. These are considered to be a few factors that help to support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease (which is the leading cause of death worldwide).
  1. Seaweed has also been associated with improvements in blood sugar levels and absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, both of which are thought to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

Can You Have Too Many Seaweed Snacks?

As the phrase goes, you can have too much of a good thing.

Iodine is unquestionably necessary for optimal thyroid function, but we are also at danger of taking too much of it. If a person consumes a lot of seaweed over a lengthy period of time, their iodine levels may become abnormally high, putting them at risk for thyroid disease.

How can you tell if you’re getting too much iodine? If you have symptoms such as stiffness or swelling around your neck or weight gain, you should stop eating seaweed immediately and see a doctor.

Another danger of seaweed is the heavy metals it absorbs. When seaweed develops in the ocean, it absorbs nutrients and minerals from the water, some of which are harmful to humans. In fact, one research discovered eight potentially hazardous elements in seaweed.

This would not be a problem with moderate amounts of seaweed intake, but if you consume dried seaweed numerous times a day for a lengthy period of time, you might consider taking a break. Instead, you might use organic seaweed that has been carefully obtained.

How to Consume Seaweed Snacks

Seaweed Snacks Recipe Idea

Yes, eating seaweed snacks on its own is a delicious and nutritious way to receive some important vitamins and minerals. Yet, you can be creative with your seaweed snacks.

Seaweed’s somewhat sweet and gently salty flavor may be added to creamy meals like hummus or avocado. It may also provide texture to veggies like cucumber or roasted potatoes.

Here are some ideas for using your seaweed snacks:

  • Crumble it up and add it to toast (we like it with avocado and sesame seeds)
  • Turn it into mini sushi sandwiches
  • Mix it into hummus (it adds umami flavors)
  • Make seaweed sliders by adding sliced cucumber, a tahini-based dressing, and some sliced avocado
  • Sprinkle into your popcorn for a unique and healthy take on a favorite snack food
  • Blend it into your favorite green smoothie (or any smoothie!)

Making Your Own Seaweed Snacks

Creating simple seaweed snacks, such as these from Dora Daily, is so simple that anybody can do it. You may begin with a few simple items such as Nori sheets, sesame oil, salt, and either wasabi or horseradish. Just bake the Nori sheets with oil and seasoning for a few minutes at 350 degrees and you’ll have a nutritious snack in no time.

If you want to add some more taste, we suggest Jamie Geller’s recipe. Toasted Nori sheets, oil, pickled ginger juice, sea salt, wasabi powder, garlic powder, and sriracha are all you need.

Conclusion

We honestly can’t think of any snack as yummy and healthful as the greatest seaweed snacks we’ve listed here. They include a lot of vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and fiber. Moreover, the most of them include just a few basic and natural components, which might make you feel good about your munching.

If you haven’t tried seaweed snacks yet, we encourage you do so right now! Let us know if you have a favorite method to consume them in the comments!

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