Here are five science-backed swaps I use in my own kitchen to make holiday baking more nourishing for myself and my family.
1. Choose Einkorn Flour for Easier Digestion & Better Nutrient Density
Einkorn is the original, ancient wheat, and it’s very different from modern hybridized varieties.
- Naturally lower in gluten
- Higher in protein and key micronutrients
- Rich in antioxidants
- Gentle on digestion for many people
2. Swap Refined Sugar for Maple Syrup
Holiday baking and sweetness go hand in hand, but the type of sweetener you use matters.
- Contains minerals like zinc and manganese
- Offers polyphenols with antioxidant benefits
- Creates a more stable steady energy response compared to white sugar
- Enhances holiday flavors beautifully
- It’s still sugar, but one that comes with a little more nourishment.
3. Use Ceylon Cinnamon for Steady energy Support
Not all cinnamon is created equal! Most store-bought cinnamon is cassia, which contains higher levels of coumarin.
- Support for healthy insulin sensitivity
- Lower coumarin content
- A gentler, warmer flavor
- Powerful antioxidants
4. Replace Industrial Seed Oils with Real Butter
Your baked goods will taste better and support your health in the long run.
- Naturally rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Contains butyrate to support gut health
- More heat-stable
- Doesn’t come with the oxidation issues linked to seed oils
- Better flavor, better texture, better nourishment.
5. Add a Scoop of Collagen to Boost Protein & Support Gut Health
Adding high-quality collagen directly into your batter is one of the easiest ways to upgrade holiday treats.
- Adds protein to help blunt energy crashes
- Supports hair, skin, nails, and joints
- Nourishes the gut lining
- Dissolves seamlessly into batters without changing taste or texture
- Holiday baking recipes
- Comforting dinners
- Steady energy, friendly treats
- Real ingredients, simple steps, and tons of flavor
About Stephanie Crabtree, RD
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add Yonder collagen to these recipes?
Stir it into each recipe as directed. It adds about 10 to 20g of collagen (one to two scoops) plus a bonus of clean grass-fed protein, and flavorless collagen blends in without changing the taste or texture.
Which Yonder collagen works best in this recipe?
Flavorless Yonder collagen is the best match here, since it blends in without adding sweetness or changing the flavor. For a flavored twist, our chocolate or vanilla collagen works too.
Is this recipe clean and gluten-free?
Yonder collagen is single-ingredient, grass-fed, gluten-free, and certified Glyphosate Residue-Free by The Detox Project, so it fits cleanly into most eating styles.
