Healthy spreads to slather on toast
Mayvers Dark Chocolate Super Spread
Check out the list of ingredients on Mayvers spreads and you'll be struck by what's not in there as much as you'll be pleased by what is: seeds, nuts, dark chocolate, vanilla and a comparatively low amount of sugar. And while it tastes nothing like Nutella, it's pretty addictive nonetheless, the dark chocolate a classic foil for the texture of seeds and nuts, without the cloying sweetness. If you're not keen on chocolate on your morning toast Mayvers has wide range of other delicious nut spreads, all simply crushed and blended with no added extras.
$7.99 for 375g. Available at health food stores and supermarkets. mayvers.com.au
Botanical Cuisine lemon and dill cashew cheese
Before you start scoffing, try Botanical Cuisine's lemon and dill cheese and tell me it doesn't taste as if it's made with actual cream cheese. This smooth creamy spread is actually made from a blend of cashews, olive oil, lemon, pepper, dill, pink lake salt and truffle oil. Dairy and gluten-free, try it as a delicious base for a salad sandwich or as part of a cheese platter – no one will be any the wiser.
$12.45 for 200g. botanicalcuisine.com
The Whole Food Kitchen organic hummus
Recipes for hummus bi tahina date back to the 13th century and this simple dish of cooked chickpeas, garlic, tahini and salt is the ultimate healthy spread. Variations abound including adding olive oil and lemon and serving with paprika, chilli, fried chickpeas or pine nuts. Melbourne's The Whole Food Kitchen sticks to the basics, blending certified organic chickpeas, tahini and garlic with salt and vinegar for a textured and slightly tart version of the classic.
$5.95 for 200g. Available at organic and whole food stores. For stockists phone 0421 677 806.
Meredith Dairy goat's cheese with fresh dill
Soft cheese spreads used to come in jars complete with a shelf-life to see you through a nuclear accident but luckily our appreciation for cheese has well and truly matured. Local cheese producer Meredith Dairy makes a sublime soft goat's cheese with fresh dill. Spread it on your morning toast and top with sliced tomatoes, use instead of butter on a grain bread sandwich, or nibble on lavosh with a glass of wine before dinner.
$7.49 for 150g. Widely available at supermarkets and good food stores. meredithdairy.com
J. Friend and Co Manuka Honey active 13+
Credited with anti-bacterial and immune-boosting and healing properties, Manuka honey must be one of the healthiest sweet spreads to grace a slice of bread and butter. "Active" Manuka honey means that the level of anti-bacterial qualities is high enough to have an effect. Honey without the active label may be delicious but has no greater healthy qualities than regular honeys. Manuka or tea-tree typically has a strong earthy, herbal flavour and works beautifully with cheese and in vinaigrettes, too.
$19.95 for 160g from Simon Johnson stores, Thomas Dux, David Jones and selected food stores.
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