Give Peas a Chance

Coming from the specialty-crop farmlands of south-eastern Alberta, this unusual entry into the snack-food market is a tasty alternative to the same old, same old. Once you get past their appearance (they look like dried peas, which is exactly what they are), this guilt-free, homegrown alternative to potato chips is available at select locations in Alberta, thanks to producers Joerg and Petra Klempnauer, co-owners of KSL Foods in Grassy Lake. The Klempnauers produced the canola-fried, flavoured peas for Asian markets through a partner company, Columbia Seed, for more than 20 years. Crispeas were introduced locally in early 2007. “We’ve had nothing but good feedback,” says Petra.

The delectable vegetables satisfy junk-food cravings and have the advantage of being trans-fat free and loaded with protein, fibre, calcium and vitamins A and C. They come in Salted, Cool Ranch or Hot BBQ flavours.
So far the only obstacle to mass munching is reaching mass munchers.  Crispeas are still somewhat of a hidden foodie treasure, but the cheerful yellow 52-gram puches are worth the search.  You'll find them at Calgary's Going Nuts, Kinnikinnick Foods in Edmonton, in Bow Island and Seven Persons, Alberta.  You can also order them directly from the website at: www.crispeas.com.