By now, you’ve probably heard all about the health benefits of kale. So just a quick refresher…

This nutrient-dense leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, K, and other powerful cancer-fighting antioxidants. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion and regularity.

At first brush, kale can be a bit intimidating for the uninitiated. But it’s easy to de-mystify this superfood by learning a few simple tricks (kale massage anyone?!) and becoming familiar with some great ways to use it. Sampling kale at a restaurant or trying a ready-made product is also an excellent way to try something new and get inspiration for making it yourself.

One of our favorite ways to use kale has to be the kale chip! Kale chips are a surprisingly addicting, yet healthy snack option. They’re a great alternative to high-fat, high-sodium snacks like potato chips, and nutrient-poor options like crackers and rice cakes.

You can make your own using a dehydrator or by baking them in the oven on its lowest setting (see recipes below!). Or you may want to sample one of the commercially available brands below before investing in the tools and ingredients needed to make your own.

Product Suggestions

1. Rhythm Superfoods makes 5 tasty vegan varieties of kale chips – Zesty Nacho, Mango Habanero, Texas Bar-B-Q, Bombay Curry, and Kool Ranch.
2. Kaia Foods makes 3 great vegan flavors – BBQ, Chili Lime, and Sea Salt & Vinegar.
3. Brad’s Raw Foods makes tons of awesome kale chip flavors! From “Naked” to “Nasty Hot” there’s definitely a flavor for every palate!
4. Lydia’s Organics comes in 3 great flavors – Mega Green, Herbs de Provence, and Sassy Spice. All 3 flavors are vegan!

Make Your Own

Looking to customize flavors, get creative in the kitchen, or perhaps just save a little money? Here are two simple recipes for making your own kale chips!

1. Sour Cream and Onion Kale Chips
2. Baked Kale Chips

Looking for even more great ways to use kale? Check out our kale recipes page!

Got an amazing kale chip recipe? Share it with us!

Image Credit: prideandvegudice/Flickr