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    Home » Blog » Whole Food Recipes » Simple Snacks

    January 11, 2019 | By Jami

    Easy & Healthy Spiced Nuts Recipe (No Sugar or Sweeteners)

    Jump to Recipe

    Adding nuts to your diet - as a quick snack or as a topping for salads and main dishes - will go a long way to helping you reach your health goals. This recipe for savory healthy spiced nuts gives you another flavor option, producing delicious nuts in just minutes.

    Make sure to check out my other Quick Healthy Recipes!

    Quick-Healthy Spiced Nuts

    Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them and purchase I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

    If you have read about my real food weight loss, then you won't be surprised to know I have a thing for nuts. I love how just a few (really - only just a bit more than an 1/8 cup - you can read more about my portion control tips here), along with a cup of tea, satisfies my afternoon hunger.

    I also love how nuts are packed with nutrition and good-for-you fats. I like to go for mixed nuts, since then I can get the benefits from all different kinds and the nutrients they offer.

    Are Nuts Really Good For You?

    The thing is, nuts have suffered from a bad rap through the years because they are high in fat. I remember being told to stay away from nuts with the focus on the calorie intake.

    It wasn't until I started researching real food and health that I realized that nuts are full of healthy fats and even help to lower your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. The Mayo Clinic reports that "Nuts also appear to improve the health of the lining of your arteries." In addition, they are great sources of protein, omega-3 fats, fiber, and vitamin E.

    And that protein and fat in nuts? That's what works so well to satisfy us even when we just eat a couple tablespoons. A little really goes a long way with nuts, but they are also one of the key real foods that helped me lose - and maintain - weight.

    Easy & Healthy Spiced Nuts Recipe

    Easy Healthy Spiced Nuts in bowl

    While I love the flavor of most roasted nuts, after awhile plain salted nuts can seem a bit...bland.

    Since I didn't want to add sugar like most of the spiced glazed nut recipes I see, I was thrilled when a friend brought spiced nuts to a gathering we had. They were SO good - the spices made the same old nuts I'd been eating seem like new.

    The ingredients are simple:

    • Spices - pantry basic spices, nothing hard to source.
    • Oil - olive, coconut, avocado, etc.
    • Raw Nuts - any type you want, though I have found the spice sticks best on nuts with crevices like raw walnuts and pecans.

    And guess what? I realized that the spices make the nuts even BETTER for you! I've written about the healing benefits of turmeric, and cayenne pepper has been reported to aid in everything from heart issues to helping get rid of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

    In addition, cinnamon is an antioxidant that can help regulate blood sugar, among other things, ginger is an anti-inflammatory, and curry is said to help bones, digestion, and even help fight cancer.

    The amounts used and eaten in a few nuts probably won't make a huge impact, but over time you are adding to the health of your overall diet, which is a good thing, right?

    Healthy spiced walnuts and pecans

    And don't you love it when something good for you tastes great, too?

    Of course, making something taste better may increase the temptation to eat more, so there is that. Everything still needs to be in moderation, since nuts do pack that good amount of calories from fat, even if it's good fat. I've learned that too much of anything, no matter how good for you, is just, well...too much.

    But you can definitely add a small handful of these nuts to your daily routine and reap the benefits of this nutrient-dense food, especially because they're easy and can be made in 15 minutes or less!

    Healthy spiced walnuts and pecans
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.56 from 208 votes

    Easy & Healthy Spiced Nuts Recipe (Sugar Free)

    This recipe for savory healthy spiced nuts gives you another flavor option, producing delicious nuts in just minutes.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Snacks
    Cuisine: American
    Yield: 2 cups
    Author: Jami Boys

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder I use hot
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4  teaspoon rounded cayenne pepper or more/less to taste
    • 1/4  teaspoon turmeric
    • 1/4  teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/4  teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons olive coconut, or peanut oil
    • 2 cups raw nuts like pecans walnuts, almonds & cashews

    Instructions

    • Heat oven to 325 degrees and line a small cookie sheet with parchment or silicone.
    • Combine all the spices in a medium bowl that will hold the nuts, too. Add oil and mix until smooth.
    • Dump the nuts into the bowl and stir until they are evenly coated and spread evenly on the prepared pan in a single layer.
    • Bake nuts for 12-15 minutes, stirring at the halfway point.
    • Remove from oven and stir once more before letting sit on pan to cool for about an hour. Store in an airtight container.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.2g | Protein: 2.8g | Fat: 11.9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 114mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 0.8g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

    Easy-Healthy Spiced Nuts

    Adapted from a recipe in The New Basics Cookbook.

    This recipe has been updated - it was originally published March 2014.

    Other Healthy Recipes You May Like:

    Healthy Maple Sweetened Chili PecansMaple Sweetened Chili Pecans

    Perfectly salted DIY Roasted AlmondsPerfectly Roasted & Salted Almonds (WAY better than bought!)

    Cashew Cranberry and White Chocolate Granola BitesCranberry Cashew Granola Bites

     

    Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn't change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.

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    About Jami

    Since 2009 Jami Boys has been helping readers live a simple homemade life through whole food recipes, doable gardening, and easy DIY projects on An Oregon Cottage. From baking bread, to creating a floor from paper, to growing and preserving food, Jami shares the easiest ways to get things done. She's been featured in Cottages and Bungalows, Old House Journal, and First for Women magazines as well as numerous sites like Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, and Apartment Therapy.

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Marilyn says

      December 30, 2022 at 1:39 pm

      4 stars
      Nuts are my go-to snack and I avoid sugar so these are a good choice. If I make them again I would try different spice blends as the curry overpowered the others. Also would increase the amount of spices. I roasted mine at 350 for almost 30 minutes to bring out the roasted flavor. Thank you for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        January 02, 2023 at 2:37 pm

        It's great to be able to change things up to our tastes - one of the biggest benefits of making things ourselves!
        Thanks so much for the review.

        Reply
    2. Nancy says

      October 26, 2022 at 7:14 am

      My husband accidentally bought a big jar of unsalted mixed nuts. We tried to like them, but……
      This seems like a good “experiment to bring some life to them!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        October 27, 2022 at 10:39 am

        This should be perfect for them, Nancy!

        Reply
    3. Dave Maves says

      September 11, 2022 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      It's opening weedend for the National Football League, and this recipe is definitely on the menu. I've made this recipe three times already, and the only thing I change is I drastically increase the amounts, otherwise I would be making these twice a week. Thanks so much.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 13, 2022 at 12:28 pm

        I'm so glad you like these - perfect for NFL!

        Reply
    4. Roberta says

      December 25, 2021 at 8:40 am

      5 stars
      Amazing! I’m tired of all the sugary nut recipes and wanted something healthier. This recipe is perfect. I did add another 1/2 c of nuts to tame the spices to my preference and that’s it. Thanks for posting this recipe!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        December 27, 2021 at 12:58 pm

        Wonderful - so glad you liked it, Roberta!
        Thank you so much for the review.

        Reply
    5. Shellee Kennedy says

      December 24, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent, thank you!!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        December 28, 2020 at 2:55 pm

        Glad you like these - thanks for the review, Shellee!

        Reply
    6. Rebecca Santos says

      December 11, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      Made as not only no sugar but also NO NIGHTSHADE Christmas git. Wonderful!!! and Delicious!!! Used as base recipe switched graham masala (nightshade free) for the curry and 1/8 tsp white pepper for cayenne. Increased some of the quantities of spices to taste. Great recipe added coriander and cardamon. THANK YOU!!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        December 11, 2020 at 5:28 pm

        Wonderful, Rebecca - glad you liked these!

        Reply
    7. Curtis says

      March 24, 2020 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      These were Deeeeeeelicious! Made a half batch today With pecans, as we're all trapped at home, and was feeling snacky. Very aromatic, not too spicy, and the only thing I did differently was add a bit more salt after they were spread in the pan. Incredibly simple to make as well, with no egg whites or burnt sugar mess. Going to try a batch with a spicy Garam Masala instead of the curry powder next time and see what happens.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        March 25, 2020 at 2:57 pm

        Sounds like a delicious variation, Curtis - thanks for the review!

        Reply
    8. Byenia says

      December 21, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this recipe tonight using almonds, walnuts and pecans, and I am impressed! Was looking for sugar-free snacks to send to a friend and think he'll like these nuts. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jami says

        December 23, 2019 at 11:36 am

        So glad - I think he'll like them, too. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Maureen says

      March 18, 2019 at 7:39 pm

      Wow! I was looking for a spiced nuts recipe that didn't use sugar and this is fantastic. I used pecans and they turned out great. This recipe has a good bite to it. I'll definitely be making these again. And again.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        March 21, 2019 at 9:29 pm

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    10. Peggy says

      November 25, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      I was so excited to make these per the positive reviews. Unfortunately I did not experience deliciousness. I kept tasting different walnuts hoping I would find that one that would prove my taste buds wrong. This recipe did not work for me. I do appreciate the recipe being posted, and I am happy for those who loved the recipe results. I will try something else.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        November 26, 2018 at 10:40 am

        Sorry they weren't you you taste, Peggy, but I do appreciate your honest, yet kind review. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Nicole says

      February 08, 2017 at 6:14 pm

      OMG - these are amazing! I didn't realize i was out of cumin till i had already started, but it still tasted amazing without it!
      I did pecans and cashews! Wow! Thanks for putting this out there!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        February 09, 2017 at 10:36 am

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    12. Sherry says

      December 06, 2015 at 10:03 am

      Just popped a batch out of the oven - the house smells delightful and the nuts look fab!

      I'm testing for Christmas gift jars - how long do you suppose these will last in an airtight jar? Just wondering how far in advance I can make.

      Also - have you made a sweet/spicy version? Wondering how a little honey or maple syrup added would do?

      Excellent recipe though, will make for gifts and myself!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        December 06, 2015 at 3:11 pm

        Glad you're trying the nuts! We've had them up to a week in a jar, though they should last longer - we just ate them in that time. 🙂

        And I just posted the sweet/spicy version I like with pecans (also works with walnuts, but slides off of almonds...): https://anoregoncottage.com/healthy-maple-sweetened-chili-pecans/

        They do make great gifts!

        Reply
    13. Alice says

      November 10, 2015 at 6:48 am

      Tried these for the first time and they are addictive. The print link did not work for me.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        November 10, 2015 at 11:08 am

        Glad you liked them, Alice! I'm (slowly) trying to update my older recipes to use a new format that will print - sorry for the inconvenience!

        Reply
    14. Linda says

      March 28, 2014 at 8:25 pm

      Just made these this morning with pistachio, walnut and pecan.. Fantastic! Thanks for posting, another one of your recipes I will be using often.
      Thanks Linda

      Reply
    15. Kathy says

      March 27, 2014 at 2:51 pm

      Yummy! Great idea to satisfy that savory snack bug! Going to give this a try.

      Reply
    16. daisy says

      March 27, 2014 at 10:50 am

      Oooooooooooh, those look and sound so good! I'll have to pick up some of the spices I don't currently have and try this one out. I love me some nuts too! ;0)

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jami and I'm so glad you're here! My desire is to help you live a simple homemade life through delicious whole food recipes, easy organic gardening and preserving your harvest.

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