Salty, smoky Spanish almonds that you’ll go nuts for

What is it?

Bare Pantry smoked almonds (€3.49/120g).

Who makes it?

The nuts are sourced in Spain and packaged in Bray, Co Wicklow by Bare Pantry, a snack company set up at the end of 2021 by Niall Dermody and Peter Carr. Dermody has more than 30 years experience in artisan food retailing and Carr’s background is in marketing, design and communications.

What’s good about it?

Do not log on to the barepantry.ie online shop if you are remotely hungry or in need of a snack. Suddenly that €50 minimum order for free delivery that looked out of reach will transform into a full shopping basket (standard delivery in Ireland is €5). These are excellent quality nuts, always fresh and crisp, with a lovely salty smoky coating. There are all sorts of nuts, seeds, rice crackers, dried fruits and chocolate and yoghurt coated snacks in the range. Check out the extra quality, teardrop shaped Valencia or Marconi almonds, which come, plain, blanched, baked, salted or fried with rosemary or paprika.

How do I use it?

If you are watching your salt intake, you might prefer the plain almonds, which are also good for baking, making almond milk or butter, or adding to salads, curries and granola or muesli mixes. But the smoked ones are addictive, and an excellent perfect partner for a glass of very cold dry sherry.

Where can I get it?

Bare Pantry has a wide network of around 100 retail stockists, mainly supermarkets and independent food stores in the east and south of the country, and the online shop delivers nationwide.