Gluten Free Cookies: Blessing's Alive & Radiant Foods Mega Chai Raweo

PRODUCT NAME:                 Mega Chai Raweo

BRAND:                                Blessing's Alive & Radiant Foods

COST:                                   $3.50

SIZE:                                     3OZ

COST PER OZ:                      $1.17/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:    NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:     N/A

ORGANIC:                             YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:     N/A

VEGAN:                                 NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:      YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:      EMERYVILLE, CA

SHELF LIFE:                          6-8 MONTHS

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging. We cannot verify the accuracy of this information. For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

Blessing’s Alive & Radiant Foods sent us another great flavor of their Raweo cookies. Like the a classic sandwich cookie, The Mega Chai Raweo featured two cookies made of dehydrated cashews sandwiched with a creamy, soaked almond filling in the middle. Infused with Chai Essence and made with all organic ingredients like coconut and honey, these large cookies would be suitable as a small meal on the go. 

Soft and flavorful, the Mega Chai Raweo is packed with 3 grams of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, making these tasty cookies an incredibly healthy alternative to an Oreo cookie. If you are on a low-calorie diet, watch out! This cookie has a whopping 360 calories. According to the nutrition facts, which are available on their website, a serving size is a third of a cookie. However, I found it difficult to stop eating the cookie until it was fully consumed because it was so sweet and delicious. It also made me feel really good and full of energy after snacking, even though I ate beyond the recommended serving size.

While, the name Raweo is a cute, and clever pun (and boy do I love puns!), the name Raweo may be a misnomer, because the consistency and moistness reminded me more of a coconut macaroon than an Oreo cookie. A really healthy, power packed coconut macaroon. Alive and Radiant Foods is a really nice business and the products they create meet every check on my list of ideal companies which I am proud to support: they are strictly gluten free, vegetarian, organic, and local to the bay area.

For more information about Blessing’s Alive and Radiant Foods’ unique products, visit their website at http://www.blessingsaliveandradiantfoods.com/

Taste: Aromatic and fresh, these cookies tasted delicious and had a similar consistency to a macaroon cookie.

Labeling: The label did not have as much information as I would have liked. While they stated their ingredients and an allergy warning, they did not provide Nutrition Facts. However all of this information was available on their website.

Packaging: The single cookie was packaged inside of a plastic bag.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:           4

Taste:               4

Value:              3

OVERALL:        3.7

Reviewed by: Jennie L.

Gluten Free Baking Crumbs: Kinnikinnick Graham Style Crumbs

Gluten Free Baking Crusts: Kinnikinnick Graham Style Crumbs

PRODUCT NAME:                    Graham Style Crumbs

BRAND:                                   Kinnikinnick

COST:                                      $5.29

SIZE:                                       10.5oz

COST PER OZ:                        $0.50/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:      NO     

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

VEGAN:                                   YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          ALBERTA CANADA

SHELF LIFE:                             UNKNOWN 

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging. We cannot verify the accuracy of this information. For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

Kinnikinnick Foods has been continuously providing delicious gluten free alternatives to celiacs and gluten intolerant individuals for the last fifteen years. As one of the first widely distributed gluten-free companies, Kinnikinnick specializes in creating delicious baked goods similar in texture, taste, and appearance to forbidden, but greatly missed foods like Oreo-style sandwich cookies, pancake mix, and donuts. Kinnikinnick’s dedicated gluten free facility offers a variety of safe foods that help improve, instead of degrade the health of celiacs.

Kinnikinnick has created yet another great tasting alternative for at home cooks with Graham Style Crumbs. These crumbs work great as an ice cream topping, pie crust, or as a cheese cake crust, which is how I enjoyed them. I made the subtly lemon infused cheesecake from the recipe on the back of the box and it was as delicious as I expected. I have tried Kinnikinnick’s products before, namely their KinniToos Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies, which were so yummy that I ate the entire package in one sitting.

Nutrition Facts

The Lemon Cheesecake was beyond decedent, with ricotta cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese as well as fresh squeezed lemon juice and lots of lemon zest. Topped with fresh whipped cream and raspberries this cake was served with coffee and made a great dessert following a light meal.  Kinnikinnick’s excellent graham style crumb crust was buttery and caramely. I would be hard pressed to tell the difference between a wheat-filled graham cracker crumb crust and this alternative. Made with natural flours, starches, and sugars like pea and potato starch, rice flour, brown sugar, and molasses this crust was not only tasty, but also whole grain. It contains no preservatives, so make sure to store any uneaten crumbs in a cool and dry place. The package had enough crumbs to make one crust with a little less than a cup left over, perfect for topping an ice cream sundae.

Having a strict gluten free diet can often times be tough.  When I am presented with cheesecake, I would have to reluctantly scrape the cake from the crust, being careful not to take the pesky (and poison) glutinous crumbs with it.  The last time I attended a birthday party where cheesecake was served, a gracious friend made me a couple mini-cakes with no crust.  Kinnikinnick’s Graham Style Crumb crust made it possible for me to happily enjoy the entire cake, crust and all without risk of contamination.

Taste: These graham style crumbs tasted just the way I remembered the originals tasting. They were crumbly, buttery and rich and kept their taste and consistency well after the cheesecake was baked and cooled.

Labeling: The box is minimally designed and clearly labeled with dairy free, nut free, and gluten free on the front of the package. It has a picture of a cheesecake on the front, and a recipe for the cake on the back as well as nutrition facts, ingredients, and a little bit of information about the company.

Packaging: The crumbs are stored inside a plastic bag within a cardboard box.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:          5

Taste:              5

Value:             3

OVERALL:       4.3

Reviewed by Jennie L.

Gluten Free Granola: Paleo People Apple Crisp All Natural Granola

Gluten Free Granola: Paleo People Apple Crisp Granola

PRODUCT NAME:                    Apple Crisp Natural Granola

BRAND:                                   Paleo People 

COST:                                      7.90 (2-Pack)

SIZE:                                       5oz (Net Weight)

COST PER OZ:                        N/A

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:      YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       GFCO

ORGANIC:                                N/A

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

VEGAN:                                   YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         UNKNOWN

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         California

SHELF LIFE:                             9 Months

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.            

REVIEW:

The Paleo People Company is taking it back to the old school with their tasty treats. Inspired by “The Paleo Diet” by Loren Cordain, this diet relies heavily on ingredients that one would find in the cave dweller days. Essentials such as berries, fruits, spices, natural sweeteners, seeds and nuts make up for the bulk of the Paleo People food line. Completely wheat free and gluten free, this company focuses on the need for tasty, healthy snacks for the Celiacs, vegetarians, sport enthusiasts, vegans, and essentially anyone who loves wholesome, delicious food!

I did not know what to expect when I opened this bag of all natural, apple crisp flavored snack. I assumed it would be a crunchy concoction of a dried fruit and nut medley that would crunch and crisp its way through my flavor palate. Oh, how terribly wrong I was! I was surprised to find this snack to be its polar opposite! I opened the bag and was greeted with the flavorful aroma of juicy apples that pleasantly wafted through the air before digging into the bag of soft, moist morsels of apple crisp.

This particular treat has a plethora of ingredients—honey, almonds, pecans, walnuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, pumpkin seeds, dried apples, flaxseed meal, spices, cacao powder, and a natural antioxidant called “tocopherol”.  With 160 calories in each serving, each bite packs a savory mix of fruits and nuts that are chewy, moist, and soft to the touch. 

For more information about Paleo People products, visit their website at: www.paleopeople.com.  This great tasting and healthy snack also comes in a 1oz snack size bag, perfect for a great grab and go pick-me-up snack. 

Taste:  With this company only using the essentials found in cave dweller days, this apple crisp flavor is not your ordinary, sugary snack. The taste of dried apples is prominent on first bite, and since there are no artificial sweeteners to punch up the flavor, the nuts and honey sweetener are allowed to shine through and give the snack its all-natural, wholesome taste. I love the texture of this because it is soft and chewy, but at the same time very flavorful. My jaw was relieved that it would not have to work overtime to get the full experience of the nuts and fruit hidden in every delectable morsel. A great, wholesome snack for those people who do not want to crunch their way to great flavor!

Labeling:  black and green color scheme with product picture and logo on the front with nutritional information and company information printed on the back.  

Packaging:  foil/plastic ziplock bag. Serving size is ¼ cup with five servings in every bag.   

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                 4                             

Taste:                     3                             

Value:                    4             

OVERALL:              3.7         

Reviewed by

Allison R.

Gluten Free Cookies: Vanilla Sandwich Creme KinniTOOS

Gluten Free Cookies: Vanilla Sandwich Creme KinniTOOS

PRODUCT NAME:                    Vanilla KinniTOOS

BRAND:                                   Kinnikinnick Foods

COST:                                      $4.99

SIZE:                                        8 oz. (21 cookies)

COST PER OZ:                         $0.62/oz
 
CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

VEGAN:                                    NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         Canada

SHELF LIFE:                            1 Year

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging. We cannot verify the accuracy of this information. For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients

The slogan on the box for Kinnikinnick’s KinniToos Vanilla Sandwich Crème is, “Gluten Free never tasted so good!” and boy are they right! Kinnikinnick sent us these addictively delicious cookies to try. I’m not going to lie, I opened the package to taste them and after my initial elation as to how scrumptious the cookie was, devoured the first seven cookies in the package without blinking an eye.

The cookie itself is lightly lemony with a bit of a shortbread taste as well. That combined with the creamy vanilla frosting center is a match made in some sort of Gluten Free heaven. I opened them up, which I might add, I could do without breaking the cookie itself, and ate each half at a time, saving the half with the crème on it for last of course. They are crisp cookies without being dry and moist without being soggy. They exist in the very center where we all fantasize a cookie’s texture to be. The taste brings back a childhood memories of enjoying cookies with milk at my grandmother’s house. Well, since I can’t have milk anymore I use Hemp milk, so I tried that, and it was delicious as well. Score! I want to add though that they don’t have preservatives, which is actually a great thing. Only downside to that is once you open the package they need to be stored in a zip lock bag. I wouldn’t worry too much about that though because once they’re open, it’s tough not to eat them.

These cookies have a lot going for them. They are dairy free and nut free which is awesome. Comparing them to their glutinous equivalents, they hold up pretty well too. Take Oreos for example, which have 53 calories and 3.3g of fat per cookie. These Kinnitoos have 50 calories with 1.5g fat per cookie. Not too bad for a gluten free cookie. For more information about these cookies, visit their website at: www.kinnikinnick.com

Taste: Lightly lemony, like shortbread, with a strong vanilla crème taste

Labeling: Cheery blue package with sunny cookies

Packaging: plastic cookie tray with plastic covering

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:
Texture:            5
Taste:                5
Value:               3
OVERALL:         4.3

Reviewed by Krisztina L.

Gluten Free Granola: Love Grown Foods Simply Oats Oat Clusters & Love

Gluten Free Granola: Love Grown Simply Oats Oat Clusters & Love

PRODUCT NAME:                    Simply Oats Oat Clusters & Love

BRAND:                                   Love Grown Foods

COST:                                      $4.99

SIZE:                                       12 oz

COST PER OZ:                         $0.42/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        GFCO

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

VEGAN:                                    NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         Colorado   

SHELF LIFE:                             6 Months   

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.       

REVIEW:

Taste:  
Love Grown Foods makes a lot of claims about their product. They say that each and every morsel has piles of love poured into it, and also that their wares are not simply foods, but a LIFESTYLE. Although these statements seemed a bit bold upon first glance, I decided to approach this product with an open mind. Hey, if the company is willing to assert that their product is going to bring my entire life new clarity I’m willing to give it a shot. Who couldn’t use a little more love in their day-to-day?

Right off the bat I noticed how pared down this gluten free granola choice was. Although the company has many flavors, this particular product was very simple. The short list of ingredients included gluten free oats, honey, agave, canola oil, and spices. All the add-ins that granola companies seem to capitalize on (fruit, nuts, excessive amounts of sugar or coconut flakes) were completely absent. Not only that, but the product was free of many of the other things that can make granola less-than-healthy. In addition to being gluten free, this product is also free of trans fats, artificial flavors, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, and genetically modified ingredients. It seems to me that each and every aspect of the granola’s impact on one’s health and well being was considered, and if that isn’t loving, I’m not sure what is.

Onto my dining experience. I am quite used to oats in the morning, but due to my tendency to enjoy something steaming upon my rise, I usually go for oatmeal. The morning of my taste test I woke up to a quite unpleasant surprise: due to the gas company needing to do some work on our lines, the gas was out! As I am an intense creature of routine I had a panic moment but then  I remembered: Love Grown Oats were stove-free. Time to indulge!

On the packaging Love Grown Foods suggested using the granola in a number of ways. A topping for yogurt and a crumple to top a pie were two highlights. Although I considered trying to run to the store to grab a container of soy yogurt, laziness eventually won out. I ate my oats in a bowl, straight up.

I admit, I am a calorie watcher. My standard oatmeal packs about 350 calories with my add-ins. I checked out the serving size of the granola and noticed that about ½ cup plus almond milk would be about equal to my norm. Although this didn’t seem like very much I measured it out. A tiny bowl sat before me and I sighed. This might be a kind of hungry morning.

Despite my hesitancy, the taste was pretty delicious. There were a lot of clusters, which I really appreciated and there weren’t a lot of flavors competing for my attention. The bowl before me presented a succinct and slightly sweet simple delight and I enjoyed the crunch and the experience of something sort of like a baked-good for breakfast. I admit I did add some fruit of my own, and I found the freshness of some berries to top was a perfect compliment. As I finished my bowl I was surprised to see that I was indeed fairly full. The fullness lasted until my mid-morning snack. Although this product is by no means low calorie (120 calories for ¼ cup), I found the small serving size to be sufficient.

Labeling: Labeling on this product was very clear, aside from the specific company and location of the gluten free agency by which it was certified.    

Packaging: With all the emphasis on love and lifestyle, I was a bit surprised to see this granola wrapped in plastic. Would something compostable or even just recyclable not work? I know the crispness of this product is vital but finding a more environmentally sound package might make sense.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:
Texture:           4
Taste:               4   
Value:              3  
OVERALL:        3.7

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Orange-Cocoa Quinoa Cookies

Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Orange-Cocoa Quinoa Cookies

PRODUCT NAME:                      Cocoa-Orange Quinoa Cookie

BRAND:                                     Andean Dream

COST:                                       $5.99

SIZE:                                         7oz (Net Weight)

COST PER OZ:                          $0.86

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:        NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

ORGANIC:                                 NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

VEGAN:                                     YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:           NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:           Bolivia

SHELF LIFE:                              1 Year

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.   

         

REVIEW:

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients

Andean Dream has conjured up a fantastic, healthy alternative snack in their line of quinoa-based cookies.  Quinoa [Chenopodium quinoa willd] is a grain originating in the Andean region of South America. Quinoa grains are known for harboring essential amino acids such as lysine and have great amounts of iron and calcium.  These specific cookies are made with organic Royal Quinoa—grown in the Bolivian Andes at an altitude of 13,000 feet which in turn produces the very best quality of quinoa in the world.

Ingrid Hirstin Laazcano, a businesswoman from Los Angeles, is the founder and CEO of Andean Dream. Laazcano was inspired to start the company after working on a public relations campaign in 2005 for a research scientist and author that specialized in alkaline-rich foods (such as quinoa) and their benefits in improving health.  Fascinated by the research, she began to eat the grain on a regular basis and discovered that it significantly elevated her energy and sense of well-being. This lead her to create a line of products that would promote this amazing super food to U.S. consumers.

In addition to the quinoa grain, these cookies advertise that they are wheat and soy free, contain no dairy products or Trans fats, and are made in a nut free facility which makes this completely safe for people with nut allergies.  The Royal Quinoa used in the cookies is also purchased from indigenous farming groups at fair trade prices which supply positive economic welfare for the families.

Overall, I enjoyed the cocoa-orange. There is just the right amount of both flavors that don’t make it super sweet, as it would be tricky with a chocolate and citrus combination. The quinoa grain seems to balance out the strong flavors and provide a great balance that is enjoyable for the person who does not normally enjoy orange in snack products (like me). I love that they are individually wrapped and are convenient for people who are on the go.

Taste:  I was hesitant to try the coca-orange flavor, but I was greatly surprised upon first bite. The mixture of chocolate and orange are quite complementary and the cookie itself just melts in your mouth. The orange flavor is prominent but not too strong, and I like that the chocolate was not excessively sweet as well. There is just the right amount of flavor coming from both the chocolate and the orange that make it a tasty, yet light combination.  Great snack for on the go or even in bag lunches as they are individually-wrapped and can be a healthy alternative snack for quick satiation. 

Labeling:  Simple, nutritional facts displayed on the right side of the box. The design and logo of the box is very colorful and earthy.

Packaging:  one box of individually-wrapped, snack sized cookies. Each box states that two cookies are equal to one serving, with a total of six servings in each box. 

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                 4                             

Taste:                     4                             

Value:                    3             

OVERALL:              3.7         

Reviewed by

Allison R.

Gluten Free Cookies: Jo-Sef's Gluten Free Simply Delicious Vanilla O's - Product Reviews

Gluten Free Cookies: Jo-Sef's Simply Delicious Vanilla O's

PRODUCT NAME:                      Simply Delicious Vanilla O’s

BRAND:                                     Jo-Sef’s Gluten Free

COST:                                        $4.89                      

SIZE:                                          8.5oz       

COST PER OZ:                           $0.57/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:        YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         CSA

ORGANIC:                                  NO 

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:          N/A

VEGAN:                                      NO                                    

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:           New York

SHELF LIFE:                              12 Months

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.   

         

REVIEW:

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients

Jo-Sef’s Gluten Free was created after a parent’s journey into finding delicious food products for people who suffer from Celiac disease—a reaction to eating gluten that damages the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing essential parts of food to stay healthy. After much research and several experiments, Jo-Sef’s created a bevy of succulent gluten free recipes that provide the nutrition and necessary elements of great tasting food without sacrificing the flavor.

The simply delicious vanilla o’s are egg free, wheat free, corn free, and contain no preservatives. So what exactly is in this cookie that makes it taste so amazing? It must be the combination of rice and soy flour, non hydrogenated palm oil, organic powdered sugar, potato starch, salt and vanilla extract. All these simple ingredients combined together make for one extraordinary tasting cookie that can be enjoyed by people suffering from Celiac disease and anyone else, for that matter. The company boasts their reputation for great tasting gluten free baked goods and they have every right to do so, as these cookies are one of the more memorable ones on the palate. Simply delicious is exactly what this cookie is—simple and delicious.

Taste:  I cannot rave enough about this product. Visually, it looks like a vanilla version of the Oreo cookie, but tastes even better. The cookie is light and airy, while the filling has just the right amount of sugar sweetness to compliment the vanilla cookie exterior. There is no powdery or grainy aftertaste which I find to be standard in gluten free baked goods, so this particular company stands out because of that defining characteristic.

Labeling:  Company history on left side of the box, nutritional facts on the right side of the box. Design on the front of the box is simple, yet colorful.

Packaging:  a two-row, plastic tray sealed within a cardboard box. Serving size is two cookies, with eight servings per box.   

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                 5                             

Taste:                     5                             

Value:                    3            

OVERALL:              4.3            

Reviewed  by

Allison R.

Gluten Free Cake: Jennie's Gluten Free Bakery Pound Cake Mini's - Product Review

Gluten Free Cake: Jennie's Gluten Free Bakery Pound Cake Mini's

PRODUCT NAME:                    Pound Cake Mini’s

BRAND:                                   Jennies Gluten-Free Bakery

COST:                                     $4.78         

SIZE:                                       7 oz. (5 cakes)

COST PER OZ:                        $0.68

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:      YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       GFCO

ORGANIC:                               NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       NA

VEGAN:                                   NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:        YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         Pennsylvania

SHELF LIFE:                            2 Months          

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

This week I am reviewing Jennies Gluten Free Bakery Pound Cake mini’s.  Pound cake is one of those foods where I am never quite sure what it is and I feel like it falls into a wide range of what it could be.  Perhaps that’s just me.  I know that whatever it is, I love it.  It’s moist, sweet, and tasty.  I do a fair amount of gluten free baking myself and I know first hand how it’s tough to recreate anything that is made with regular flour.  Yet, it is possible to get a flavor that is pretty close to the original recipe and sometimes even better.  Event so, I went into this sampling optimistically knowing that whatever happened within my first bite, there was absolutely nothing that drenching in rum, whipped cream and berries couldn’t fix!

Gluten Free muffins can sometimes be a little tricky to make.  The flour is different and can sometimes be tough to work with.  It looks like this challenge has plagued this muffin.  After sampling a few of the muffins, I noticed inconsistency within the box.  All was not lost though, because there is always a remedy.  The first one I sampled was dried out a bit and while it could’ve been saved with a drizzle of honey and whipped cream, it couldn’t have held up on its own at all.  The second one I sampled was perfect.  It was light, spongy, squishy and soft with enough bounce-back when you touched it.  It could’ve easily accompanied an afternoon tea or a morning coffee all on its own.  The third one I opened just to see which one it would be, too hard, just right or is this one going to be more of a momma bear, somewhere in the middle.  And you guessed, it, it was somewhere in the middle.

While I really enjoyed the one that was just right, just what I wanted this little tea-sized pound cake to be, the quality of the other two left me a little wanting.  Still, I think this could easily be amended by adding a bit of flair to these otherwise plain cakes, which is pretty much what pound cake begs for anyway, gluten free or not.  So, my recommendations would range from jam, marmalade, lemon curd, fresh fruit, whipped cream, crème freche, nutella, drizzle of honey (with some crumbled pistachios, almonds, whatever you fancy), splashed with a touch of Gran Marnier or Nivan, then topped with afore-mentioned tastiness or any number of other things you can think to put on top of cake.  All in all, I think this is a decent product and one that if you are in a pinch and need some kind of dessert for guests or a party favor, could be dressed up fancy enough to hide the imperfections of the taste.  I think they would be perfect in trifle and pudding recipes too, where they would soak in the ingredients well and take on the flavors of its surroundings.

Nutrition Facts

Each one of these little cakes, which are roughly the size of two or three fingers put together depending of course how large your fingers are, is 130 calories.  Ouch.  But obviously, let’s keep in mind this is cake, not health food and you would want to eat these every day.  The upside is that it is not only gluten free, but dairy, soy, peanut and casein free so it’ll work for a majority of your food allergy conscious dinner guests. 

Taste:  Depends on each cake: can vary from soft, spongy, perfect cake texture, to more condensed that does not hold up without some kind of topping camouflage

Labeling:  homogenous coloring on package, nothing really jumps out and says, “buy me”

Packaging:  cardboard box with plastic container.  Each cake is individually wrapped in plastic as well.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                 3                             

Taste:                     2.5                         

Value:                    3             

OVERALL:              2.8         

Reviewed by Krisztina L

Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Coconut Quinoa Cookies

Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Coconut Quinoa Cookies

PRODUCT NAME:                        Coconut Quinoa Cookies

BRAND:                                       Andean Dream

COST:                                          $5.99

SIZE:                                            7oz (Net Weight)

COST PER OZ:                             $0.86/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:           NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

ORGANIC:                                    NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             Bolivia

SHELF LIFE:                                1 Year

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.            

REVIEW:

Nutrition Facts

Andean Dream has conjured up a fantastic, healthy alternative snack in their line of quinoa-based cookies.  Quinoa [Chenopodium quinoa willd] is a grain originating in the Andean region of South America. Quinoa grains are known for harboring essential amino acids such as lysine and have great amounts of iron and calcium.  These specific cookies are made with organic Royal Quinoa—grown in the Bolivian Andes at an altitude of 13,000 feet which in turn produces the very best quality of quinoa in the world.

Ingrid Hirstin Laazcano, a businesswoman from Los Angeles, is the founder and CEO of Andean Dream. Laazcano was inspired to start the company after working on a public relations campaign in 2005 for a research scientist and author that specialized in alkaline-rich foods (such as quinoa) and their benefits in improving health.  Fascinated by the research, she began to eat the grain on a regular basis and discovered that it significantly elevated her energy and sense of well-being. This lead her to create a line of products that would promote this amazing super food to U.S. consumers.

In addition to the quinoa grain, these cookies advertise that they are wheat and soy free, contain no dairy products or Trans fats, and are made in a nut free facility which makes this completely safe for people with nut allergies.  The Royal Quinoa used in the cookies is also purchased from indigenous farming groups at fair trade prices which supply positive economic welfare for the families.

Overall, the coconut flavor was my favorite. The flecks of coconut inside the cookie are flavorful, but not too overpowering. I love that they are individually wrapped and are convenient for people who are on the go.

Taste:  The bits of coconut sprinkled throughout the cookie make this a great combination of sweet and crunchy. The coconut was not overpowering and added a soft texture to the cookie as well. I’m normally not a fan of coconut flavored products, but this particular balance had me grabbing a few more than the suggested serving size. Great snack for on the go or even in bag lunches as they are individually-wrapped and can be a healthy alternative snack for quick satiation. 

Labeling:  Simple, nutritional facts displayed on the right side of the box. The design and logo of the box is very colorful and earthy.

Packaging:  one box of individually-wrapped, snack sized cookies. Each box states that two cookies are equal to one serving, with a total of six servings in each box. 

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                 4                             

Taste:                     4                             

Value:                    3             

OVERALL:              3.7         

Reviewed 5/16/11 by

Allison R.

Gluten Free Snacks: Crunchies 100% Organic Strawberries - Product Review #113

Gluten Free Snacks: Crunchies 100% Organic Strawberries

PRODUCT NAME:                        100% Organic Strawberries

BRAND:                                       Crunchies

COST:                                         $4.89

SIZE:                                           1oz        

COST PER OZ:                            $4.89/oz                  

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           GFCO

ORGANIC:                                   YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           USDA

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             UNKNOWN

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             California

SHELF LIFE:                                18 Months                         

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.   

         

REVIEW:

If you’re looking for a quick way to get your fruit fix for the day, look no further than these Crunchies 100% Organic Strawberries.  They are freeze dried strawberries that taste just like the real thing, only crunchy.  Each of these packages contains 5 servings of fruit, which is what the USDA recommends you eat daily.

Crunchies 100% Organic Strawberries are made with real strawberries so you get real strawberry flavor.  Seeing these, I had high expectations for these strawberries.  I’ve had freeze dried fruit before and I am a fan.  The strawberries are cut into pieces before they are freeze dried so what you end up with are light and crispy pieces of fruit that taste just like the real thing.  There are no added sugars so the flavor is all going to depend on the flavor of the fresh strawberries that are being used.  Some will be sweet and some will be sour.  In the beginning, I was eating the pieces 1 at a time, but then I tried eating a handful at a time and it tasted even better.  You get more strawberry flavor and the blend of sweet and sour pieces blend together for a great strawberry taste. 

Nutrition Facts

Under ingredients, all you will see is 100% Organic Strawberries, so these are good for you.  The serving size is the entire package.  With just 98 Calories, no fat, no cholesterol, 1mg of sodium, 12g of sugars and 2g of protein this is definitely “Nature’s Ultimate Snack Food.” 

Overall, we liked these Crunchies 100% Organic Strawberries.  I wish the fruit was a little sweeter, but that’s just going to depend on the fresh strawberries they use.  Another tip, if you’re going to split these up into several different sittings, make sure the bag is completely sealed.  We might have left a crack open and when we went to eat them again, they weren’t as crispy as the day we opened them.  My other complaint is that these are pretty expensive.  $4.89 for a 1 ounce package would mean that these are going to be only an occasional snack rather than an everyday snack.  For more information about the Crunchies line of snacks, visit their website at: www.crunchiesfood.com

Taste: With these Crunchies, you get real fruit flavor in a crunchy chip.  There are sweet pieces and sour pieces so it is best to eat these a handful at a time. 

Labeling:  The labeling on this package is just like on their other packages.  It is colorful to attract your attention and the clear window in the package lets you see exactly what you are getting. 

Packaging:  The fact that this package is resealable is a big plus however, you have to eat a good amount of it before you can use that resealable strip.  If you reseal it for storing, make sure you zip it up all the way or you will end up with soggy pieces. 

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                 4             

Taste:                     4             

Value:                    1

OVERALL:              3

Reviewed 4/25/11 by Calvin C.