Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds 45 Oz

Finding the perfect snack can be hard. As a busy person, I’m always on the lookout for something tasty, nutritious, and easy to eat on-the-go. Recently, I discovered Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds. This treat checks all my boxes, and I think it could check yours too!

In this complete guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds. Where to buy them, how healthy they are, what the ingredients are, and even how to store them to keep them fresh longer. I’ll also share my own experience enjoying these delicious almonds so you can get a real-life review.

Let’s dive in!

Where to Buy Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

The first thing you probably want to know is where you can get your hands on these chocolatey almonds.

Wellsley Farms products are exclusive to BJ’s Wholesale Club. This membership-based retailer offers low warehouse prices on name brand groceries and household items.

You can find 45 oz containers of Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds at BJ’s stores across the country. BJ’s currently has over 200 locations in the eastern and southern United States.

If you don’t live near a physical BJ’s store, you can also shop online at BJs.com. BJs.com offers convenient nationwide shipping right to your door. This is perfect if you want to try Wellsley Farms almonds but don’t have a club location nearby.

Online, a 45 oz tub is priced at $14.99. In-store pricing may vary slightly but will be in the same ballpark.

So check for a BJ’s near you or place an online order and you’ll soon be enjoying these chocolatey almonds!

Nutrition Information and Health Benefits

Let’s talk about what’s actually in Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds and why they make a healthy snack.

Each 1 oz serving contains 160 calories, broken down as follows:

• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 15mg
• Potassium: 210mg
• Total Carbs: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 6g

As you can see, the main nutrients come from healthy fats, fiber, and protein. This makes these almonds a nourishing snack.

The chocolate coating provides antioxidants like theobromine and polyphenols. These are beneficial plant compounds found in cocoa beans.

Almonds themselves are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy monounsaturated fats. Just some of the nutrients found in almonds are:

• Vitamin E
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Fiber
• Plant-based protein

Eating a serving of dark chocolate covered almonds gives you a delicious dose of these vital nutrients.

Additionally, research shows almonds may help:

• Lower LDL cholesterol
• Reduce blood pressure
• Control blood sugar
• Aid weight management

So reach for these tasty almonds instead of chips or cookies! They make a satisfying and healthy alternative.

Delicious Ingredients

Now let’s take a look at what goes into Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds:

• Almonds
• Sugar
• Chocolate liquor
• Cocoa butter
• Chocolate
• Soy lecithin
• Natural flavors

The almonds themselves are roasted California almonds. Roasting brings out their rich, nutty flavor.

The chocolate coating contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Dark chocolate provides a rich, decadent taste and antioxidants like polyphenols.

Cocoa solids come from fermented, roasted cocoa beans. Cocoa butter is the natural edible fat present in cocoa beans. So the coating gets its signature chocolatey flavor directly from the cocoa bean itself.

Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend the chocolate smoothly. Natural flavors enhance the chocolate taste but don’t compromise the simple, high quality ingredients.

I’m thrilled this treat has such a short, clean ingredients list. No artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives. Just simple, natural ingredients like nuts and chocolate.

Taste and Texture Review

Of course, the most important factor is how Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds actually taste! I’m happy to report that they completely satisfy my chocolate cravings.

Here’s my experience:

The chocolate has a rich, fudgy taste. It’s firm but just starting to melt in your mouth. This intensifies the deep cocoa flavor.

The almonds within have a hearty crunch. They’re roasted just right, so the texture plays off nicely against the smooth chocolate exterior.

The chocolate strikes the perfect sweetness and bitterness balance. You get light sweetness upfront followed by just a hint of cocoa bitterness. This keeps them from becoming overly sugary or rich.

I like that you get tastes of both pure chocolate and pure almond in each bite. It makes for a more interesting, complex snack.

If you love the combination of nuts and chocolate, I think you’ll flip for these almonds!

Are Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds Vegan?

If you follow a vegan diet, you may be wondering if Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds are suitable for you. I have good news!

These almonds are 100% vegan. They contain no animal products whatsoever.

The almonds and chocolate coating are inherently vegan. And there are no sneaky animal-derived ingredients added like milk or honey. Even the soy lecithin emulsifier is vegan.

So enjoy these guilt-free as a dairy-free, plant-based treat! They make the perfect vegan splurge.

Gluten Free Status

Another common dietary concern is gluten. Rest assured that Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds are certified gluten free.

They are produced in a gluten-free facility and tested to contain less than 20ppm of gluten. This extremely low level makes them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

It’s great when I find a tasty snack that I can share with my gluten-avoiding friends. These almonds get the green light.

Price and Value

As mentioned above, a 45 oz tub of Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds retails for $14.99 online at BJs.com.

In my opinion, that’s an excellent value for the quality and quantity. It breaks down to about $0.33 per ounce, which is on par with similar chocolate nut snacks.

A tub this size provides nearly a month’s worth of snack servings for me. So it’s economical compared to small snack bags.

Considering dark chocolate almonds can cost $5-8 for a 5 oz bag elsewhere, I think Wellsley Farms is very reasonably priced.

Especially when you factor in that the ingredients are simple and natural. No extra fillers or low-grade chocolate here.

For the delicious taste and nutritious boost, I believe these almonds give you great bang for your buck.

How Long Do They Stay Fresh?

When you invest in a 45 oz tub of snacks, you want them to maintain peak flavor and texture for as long as possible.

In my experience, Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds stay fresh for 2-3 months when stored properly in a sealed container.

The best by date printed on the container confirms this time frame. So no need to worry about the almonds going stale before you can finish them.

Here are my tips for preserving freshness:

• Keep sealed tightly in the original tub. This prevents moisture from getting in.
• Store in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. The pantry or fridge works great.
• Fold over bag liner tightly if transferring to another airtight container.
• Wash hands before reaching in for a serving to avoid introducing bacteria.

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to enjoy Wellsley Farms almonds for months to come.

The Perfect Snack Any Time

Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds really shine as an anytime snack. They provide lasting energy without weighing you down.

Here are just a few situations where I love to reach for these almonds:

• Mid-afternoon pick-me-up – A small serving curbs that 2 or 3pm slump. The protein and healthy fats provide sustained energy to power through the rest of the workday.
• Pre/post workout – The potassium and magnesium support muscle function. The nuts offer a nutritious recovery snack without lots of added sugar.
• Road trip snack – They’re neatly packaged for eating on the go. No chocolate-covered fingers like candy bars!
• Movie night treat – Makes a fun alternative to greasy popcorn or candy when cuddling up on the couch.
• Dessert – Just a few almonds can satisfy a sweet tooth after dinner instead of ice cream.

Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds are endlessly versatile. Stash some in your purse, desk drawer, gym bag, or pantry so you always have a tasty and satisfying snack on hand!

Customer Reviews

Curious what other people think of Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds? Let’s look at some of the customer reviews.

On the BJs.com website, these almonds have an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Here’s a sample:

“These are so good! Nice dark chocolate with whole almonds inside. My family loves these as an after dinner treat instead of candy.”

“The perfect blend of sweet chocolate and salty nuts. Better quality than the brands at local stores. Will keep buying these for a protein pick-me-up when I’m tired.”

“Really satisfied my chocolate craving without being overly sweet. Much better than a cheap chocolate bar loaded with fillers.”

“Tastes like an expensive chocolate nut gift basket! Very impressed with the simple, high quality ingredients.”

Based on the glowing reviews, it seems that both taste and nutrition win fans over. Reviewers love the indulgent chocolate flavor coupled with the crunch and wholesome goodness of almonds.

I wholeheartedly agree with these sentiments! These almonds deliver pure chocolate flavor in a better-for-you format.

Freezer Friendly

Here’s an expert tip for you. While Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds taste delicious right away, you can actually freeze them for an even richer flavor!

The cold temperature enhances the cocoa taste and provides a cool, refreshing crunch with each bite.

Frozen almonds will last for 6-8 months in an airtight container in the freezer before experiencing freezer burn.

To freeze:

• Place almonds in a freezer bag or airtight container, squeezing out excess air.
• Freeze for at least 8 hours before eating.
• Remove desired portion to thaw 10-20 minutes before enjoying.

You can also simply eat the almonds frozen right out of the freezer. The chocolate shatters into cool, crunchy bits!

Either way, freezing is a great way to switch up the texture and flavor.

Dairy and Allergen Information

If you have food allergies, it’s important to understand what common allergens a product contains.

Let’s cover the key facts:

• Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds are dairy free and vegan. They contain no milk or milk derivatives.
• They are produced in a facility that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk and eggs. So allergens may be present through cross-contamination.
• The almonds themselves are plain almonds without other nuts mixed in. So no concerns about coconut, cashew, pecan, etc.

Of course, anyone with a severe nut allergy needs to avoid entirely. For others, the lack of dairy is a benefit!

Kosher Certification

Those seeking kosher foods will be glad to know Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds are OU Kosher certified.

This means they comply with Orthodox Union kosher standards and are pareve. The OU symbol should appear on the packaging.

So you can enjoy these almonds on Passover or as part of a kosher diet! The kosher status makes them more widely accessible.

How Do They Compare to Kirkland’s?

Savvy shoppers may be wondering – how do Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds stack up against similar options? Namely, Kirkland’s chocolate covered nuts sold at Costco.

Kirkland’s is comparable to Wellsley Farms as a private label brand. They both offer quality at a competitive value price point.

Here’s how the two chocolate almonds compare:

• Flavor profile – Kirkland’s has a sweeter, milk chocolate style coating versus the darker, cocoa taste of Wellsley Farms. So it comes down to taste preference!
• Ingredients – Wellsley Farms has fewer additives like lecithin and natural flavors. But both use quality ingredients.
• Price and size – Nearly identical here! Both sell 45 oz tubs for around $15. Good news if you like a deal.
• Availability – Kirkland’s requires a Costco membership while Wellsley Farms products are exclusive to BJ’s.

Overall, the two are quite evenly matched. Go with Wellsley Farms if you prefer darker chocolate flavor or shop at BJ’s. Otherwise choose based on your local warehouse club access!

Sustainably Sourced Cocoa

As a conscientious shopper, I care about where my food comes from – especially indulgences like chocolate!

I’m happy to report Wellsley Farms shows commitment to sustainable cocoa production. Their chocolate is certified by Rainforest Alliance.

This means the cocoa beans are ethically sourced from Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM farms. These farms adhere to strict standards that:

• Protect forests, soil, and waterways
• Safeguard wildlife habitats
• Uphold labor rights and safety of workers
• Prohibit child labor
• Demonstrate environmental responsibility

So you can treat yourself to these delicious almonds knowing they support responsible farming. That makes them even more satisfying!

Storing Your Almonds

You’ve got your tub of Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds – now how should you store them at home?

Here are my top storage tips:

• Leave them in the original tub if possible. This container is designed to seal out moisture and oxygen.
• Or transfer to an airtight glass jar or food storage container. Use one big enough to fold the plastic liner over top.
• Avoid plastic bags, as they don’t protect as well against humidity.
• Keep in a cool cupboard or pantry away from heat sources like the oven. The refrigerator also works if you prefer them chilled!
• Always push out excess air and seal the container tightly. Oxygen exposure causes faster staling.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations. Don’t leave them sitting out on the counter or moving to and from the fridge.

Follow these steps and your Wellsley Farms almonds will stay fresh and delicious for months of snacking enjoyment!

Let’s Sum It All Up

Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds are the total package – delicious taste, quality ingredients, and nutrition.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Sold exclusively at BJ’s Wholesale Club stores and online
• Made with simple ingredients – just roasted almonds and rich dark chocolate
• Provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein
• Certified gluten free, vegan, and kosher
• Perfect for snacking anytime, anywhere
• Freeze for added flavor and crunch
• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
• Last 2-3 months when sealed properly
• Backed by stellar customer reviews
• Rainforest Alliance certified for sustainable and ethical cocoa sourcing

I highly recommend picking up a tub to satisfy chocolate and nut cravings in a better-for-you way. Thanks for reading my complete guide to Wellsley Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds. I hope you found it helpful. Now go enjoy those tasty almonds!