Last Updated on May 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Second Nature Brands has issued a voluntary recall for certain 10-ounce pouches of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™ after discovering the product may contain undeclared cashews, pistachios, and cherries. For anyone with allergies or severe sensitivities—especially to tree nuts like cashews and pistachios—this is a serious safety issue.

The company says the affected product was distributed nationwide, both in retail stores and through online orders.

Why this matters

Undeclared allergens are one of the most urgent types of food safety alerts because consumers rely on labels to avoid ingredients that can trigger reactions. Second Nature Brands warns that people with allergies or severe sensitivity to cashews, pistachios, other tree nuts, or cherries could face serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled product.

As of the announcement, no illnesses have been reported.

How to identify the recalled product

Check your pantry (and any recent online snack orders) for the following details:

• Product: SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™
• Size: 10-ounce pouch
• UPC: 077034013405
• Best if used by date: 2/12/2027 (printed on the backside of the pouch)

Only pouches with the “Best if used by 2/12/2027” date are included. Other Best if used by dates are not affected, according to the company.

What happened

Second Nature Brands says the recall began after it was discovered that product containing cashews, pistachios, and cherries was placed into packaging that did not disclose those allergens. The company reports that a follow-up investigation indicates the issue was caused by a temporary breakdown in production and packaging processes.

The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What consumers should do right now

If you have the affected product:

1. Do not consume it.
2. Keep the pouch (and take a photo of the UPC and Best if used by date if helpful).
3. Contact Second Nature Brands for a full refund.

Contact information for refunds and questions

Second Nature Brands says consumers can reach them by phone or email:

• Phone: +1.800.651.7263
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET
  • Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ET
• Email: recall@secondnaturebrandsus.com

Health & fitness note: “Keto” doesn’t equal “risk-free”

Keto-friendly snacks can be convenient for people managing carbs, training schedules, or busy workdays—but this alert is a reminder that label accuracy is non-negotiable, especially for anyone balancing nutrition goals with medical dietary restrictions.

If you or someone in your household has a tree nut or cherry allergy, consider doing a quick sweep of:

• Snack drawers at home and work
• Gym bags and travel kits
• Recent bulk orders or subscription deliveries

Bottom line

If you have a 10-ounce pouch of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™ with UPC 077034013405 and Best if used by 2/12/2027, do not eat it. Contact Second Nature Brands for a refund and share the alert with anyone who may have purchased the product—especially those with tree nut or cherry allergies.

Source

• PRNewswire (May 1, 2026): Second Nature Brands issues allergy alert on undeclared cashews, pistachios, and cherries in Keto Crunch Smart Mix

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Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Lighten Up: Fresh Spring Meals That Won’t Weigh You Down

(Feature Impact) Put away the heavy coats and break out the rain jackets and rubber boots – spring is here, and with it comes more than just pop-up showers and sunshine. After months of comfort foods and curling up indoors, you may be ready for lighter meals that won’t weigh you down before splashing in the puddles.

Fresh produce may first come to mind, but spring bites can also mean swapping out ingredients like regular pasta for a solution such as pearl couscous. If you’re looking to complement greens, veggies, fish or meats with light yet filling flavor, consider Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, a small, mediterranean-style pasta that always cooks right and is ready to eat in under 7 minutes once the water boils. The BPA-free boil-in-bag simplicity makes cooking easy and foolproof: no measure, no mess, no stress.

Made with high-quality semolina wheat, it features a slightly nutty flavor on its own while absorbing the flavors of salads while retaining its density and chewy texture. It’s distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger, rounder shape and less dense, firmer consistency.

Try it with your next meal in this protein-forward Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad, made using fresh herbs, citrus, seasoned shrimp and chickpeas for a jam-packed salad that screams spring. Never boring, the tender, seasoned couscous and shrimp, veggies and aromatic herbs can bring your family running to the kitchen after a day of play.

Or, for an even simpler dish that requires just 15 minutes in the kitchen, this Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad is light, bright and bursting with flavor. It brings together tender pearl couscous, crisp veggies and za’atar in every bite.

To find more light spring recipe ideas, visit SuccessRice.com.

Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1          bag Success Pearl Couscous
  
• 1          pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• 1          tablespoon seasoned salt
  
• 4          tablespoons olive oil, divided
  
• 1          can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2       teaspoon onion powder
  
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2       English cucumber, diced
  
• 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
• 1/4       cup fresh basil, chopped
  
• 1/4       cup red onions, finely chopped
  
• 2          tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  
• 1/2       cup feta, crumbled

1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions. 
2. In medium bowl, toss shrimp with seasoned salt.  
3. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding pan.
4. In another large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas and cook 8 minutes until crispy and golden, tossing often. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt. Toss to fully coat and cook 2 minutes.
5. In large bowl, combine pearl couscous, shrimp, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, red onion, dill, lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine. Garnish with feta.

Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1          bag Success Pearl Couscous
  
• 1          can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  
• 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
• 1/2       cup cucumber, diced
  
• 1/4       cup fresh parsley, chopped
  
• 1          tablespoon za’atar
  
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper

1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.
2. In large bowl, combine couscous, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and za’atar.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SOURCE:

Success Rice

Hungry for what’s next? STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section dishes up the latest in restaurant news, beverage trends, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and food culture stories readers love to share.

Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

(Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet treat.

Take this year’s festivities the traditional route with recipes that combine familiar favorites with ingredients you normally may not use otherwise, such as cactus. This Mexican Cactus Pork Stew makes Cinco de Mayo a cinch with the use of a Dutch oven. Just brown fresh pork shoulder (or reheat leftover pork) in the Dutch oven and combine with onion and jalapeno for the right mixture of flavor and spice. Once pork is cooked or warmed through, add broth, beans, spices, seasonings and a cup of chopped cactus for a southwestern spin.

After some lively chatter or friendly competition, you’re bound to work up the appetite for dessert. Call the kids to the kitchen to lend a hand with these Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies – they’ll love working with the dough and rolling warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect; you can ensure a bit of fun and flavor by letting their creativity shine.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly recipes perfect for celebrating holidays throughout the year.

Mexican Cactus Pork Stew

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

• 1 pound pork shoulder (leftover or fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) mild chili beans
• 1 cup chopped cactus (nopales)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. If using fresh pork, in Dutch oven, cube and brown it with onion and jalapeno pepper. If using leftover pork, reheat in Dutch oven with onion and jalapeno pepper.
2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili beans, cactus, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Simmer 25 minutes then garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

• 4 sticks butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for coating workspace
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup sugar

Topping:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In bowl, combine butter, 4 cups flour and cinnamon. Add egg and sugar then knead into ball.
3. Spread additional flour on counter and cut ball into six sections. Roll each section into 24-inch ropes then cut into 1-inch pieces and place on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 10 minutes.
5. To make topping: In bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll warm cookies in mixture and let cool on rack.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

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