A SMART SWAP
Tortilla wraps are usually considered a healthier, low-carb, low-calorie alternative to a standard sandwich. But chances are your wrap is rolled up in a giant circle made of refined white flour or other flours that are still high in carbohydrates. A 12-inch flour tortilla can add about 300 calories to your meal (and more carbs than three slices of bread). Even 100% whole wheat tortillas can be highly processed, with a long ingredient list of preservatives, gums and shortening. But not to worry–you don’t have to give up your favorite wrap for good. Just swap the tortilla with nori seaweed sheets to give your wrap a low-carb, nutritious makeover.
WHAT’S SEAWEED GOT THAT TORTILLAS DON’T?
- Seaweed is good for the planet. Requiring no soil, fresh water, pesticides or fertilizers to grow, seaweed is a zero-input, completely sustainable food. It also absorbs twice as much carbon dioxide than the entire Amazon rain forest, supports healthy reef ecosystems by helping to de-acidify oceans and grows up to 30 times faster than land-based vegetables.
- Seaweed is tasty. Seaweed is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free option that just so happens to be delicious. Nori, a type of dried edible seaweed, is made by shredding and mincing red algae, and then pressing it into thin sheets that are dried and roasted. Crispy, smoky and savory, nori has a naturally salty, slightly nutty taste that can be paired with your favorite foods to make them taste even better. (We call it an “umami bomb for your taste buds,” but that’s just us).
- Seaweed is a superfood. Seaweed is a nutrient powerhouse packed with calcium, plant protein, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients like iodine. (Eat a few nori sheets and you’ll meet your daily iodine needs). There’s also a good amount of vitamins A, B6 and C, and it’s a great source of soluble fiber (the kind of fiber that turns into a gel, slowing down the digestive process and lowering the absorption of fats and sugars). With zero sugar, fat, cholesterol and almost no carbohydrates (1g) per sheet, it’s hard to find a better substitute for tortillas.
- Seaweed counts as a veggie! Tired of broccoli and spinach? Try adding a little seaweed to your lunch routine. A type of “sea vegetable,” seaweed can add variety to your daily diet. It’s also an easy way to increase your veggie servings per day which most of us need to do, according to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found that only 1 in 10 American adults are eating the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables.
GIMME MORE
When you’re making seaweed swaps, any old seaweed won’t do. The first brand to bring organic, non-GMO seaweed to the US market, Gimme’s seaweed is grown sustainably in agriculturally protected regions off the coast of South Korea. Harvested carefully to get the best possible taste and texture, our seaweed delivers umami-packed flavor with a pleasing al-dente texture that melts in your mouth.
Keto, paleo, plant-based or low carb? No problem. Our Nori and Big Sheets have just 1 carb per serving, plus they’re gluten-free and vegan so they work with just about any diet that you’re following. Both are roasted to light and crispy perfection–you just get more of a good thing with our Big Sheets.
NEED INSPO?
Here are a few of our favorite recipes to get you started. For best results, keep your nori sheets separate from the filling until it’s time to eat the wrap.
Turkey Wrap. A tasty new twist on a classic combo, this recipe showcases the versatility of nori and transforms turkey slices into something special.
Chicken Caesar Wrap. When you can’t decide between a salad or a wrap, this recipe is the way to go. It’s the perfect choice for busy days or nights.
Hummus Veggie Wrap. Seaweed adds flavor and texture to this vegan option that’s as yummy as it is nutritious.
Tuna Salad Seaweed Hand Roll. All tuna salads are not created equal. This sushi-inspired wrap is a new take on a lunch classic.
Sushi Burrito. Japanese or Mexican? Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds with our “sushiritto.”
