T-Shirt Slogan Contest with Prizes at Paleo People

Are you witty with words?  Paleo People needs your help!  Paleo People is having a T-Shirt slogan contest with great prizes for the top 3 winners.  Come up with something catchy, something out of the ordinary, something creative... it's up to you!  Enter as many times as you want!  Visit http://www.paleopeople.com/blog/ for more information about the contest and to enter!

Gluten Free Snacks: 4505 Meats Chicharrones

Gluten Free Snacks: 4505 Meats Chicharrones

PRODUCT NAME:                       Chicharrones

BRAND:                                      4505 Meats

COST:                                         $3.49

SIZE:                                           1 Bag

COST PER OZ:                            NA

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

ORGANIC:                                   NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

VEGAN:                                       NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:            UNKNOWN

LOCATION OF FACILITY:            San Francisco

SHELF LIFE:                               1 Month

*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:

Husband and wife team Ryan and Cesalee Farr created 4505 Meats in 2009, per Ryan’s extensive background in being a classically trained chef (even heading a Michelin star restaurant) and Cesalee’s unique style and vision for their company. The numbers 4505 represent a fellow influential chief and family friend, Davin Autrey.

4505 Meats is based out of San Francisco and is dedicated to creating fantastic meaty products with extraordinary flavor and quality.

I am already a fan of chicharrone and had high expectations for this particular brand, as it was mentioned several time among friends, and it did not disappoint at all. For those who are not familiar with chicharrones in general, it can be described as a crunchy snack made of pork rhines and can be seasoned with any type of flavor—sweet or salty, there is always a great combination of flavors that will compliment this popular snack food.

The ingredients are simple—natural pork, chili, cane sugar, sea salt, and bran rice oil. The combination of these flavors is absolutely irresistible and can be dangerously addicting. I believe what sets this apart is the way the pork is cooked. Ryan is a classically trained chef so there would be no doubt in my mind that he created a technique that is exclusive to his shop and it is exactly what brings customers back for more of this amazing snack.

Taste: To sum up this snack in one word: heavenly. The simple ingredients make these chicharrones absolutely mouth-watering. Once it hits the tongue, you are greeted with a sugary and slightly salty crunch, and when the little snack bites dissolve into the taste buds, there is a spicy zing in the aftertaste. It’s not at all a strange combination of flavors, as they seem to come in waves. It is crunchy, incredibly savory, but at the same time significantly light and airy…my only complaint is that it did not come in a bigger bag.

Labeling:  Labeling is very minimalistic with just a sticker with company name, product name, and ingredients placed at the front and center of the bag.  

Packaging:  Clear, sealed, cellophane 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:                 5                             

Taste:                     5                             

Value:                    3             

OVERALL:              4.3         

Reviewed by

Allison R.

Gluten Free Mixes: The Pure Pantry Wholegrain Dark Chocolate Cake Mix

Gluten Free Mixes: The Pure Pantry Chocolate Cake Mix

PRODUCT NAME:                    Dark Chocolate Cake Mix

BRAND:                                   The Pure Pantry       

COST:                                      $7.59  

SIZE:                                        21 oz              

COST PER OZ:                         $0.36/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO      

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

VEGAN:                                   OPTIONAL

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         Encinitas, CA

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:

Before my days of scouring package labels for traces of gluten in every product I consume, I was a baker working in a whole grain, made from scratch bakery. I prided myself on using only organic wheat flours, cane sugars, and taking the time to meticulously measure out each and every ingredient going into our “made with love products.” The switch from gluten-full to gluten-free was difficult because I have been forced to relearn how to bake and for this reason I am forever thankful for solid products like the Pure Pantry’s cake mixes.

The Pure Pantry has created yet another delicious gluten free baking mix with their Dark Chocolate Cake Mix. Pure Pantry was created by Elizabeth Kaplan, a teacher, trained chef, health nut, and diagnosed celiac. Concerned with the lack of delicious and nutritious gluten free baking alternatives, Elizabeth set out to create her own line of baking mixes, free of not only gluten, but dairy, refined sugar, eggs, soy, and nuts. 

I was initially skeptical about making a cake from a prepared mix for I am used to baking only from scratch.  However, my fears were unrealized when I took a bite of this rich, moist, and chocolaty cake.  In fact, this cake was better in flavor and texture than any wheat based cake mix I tried prior to my celiac diagnosis.  This cake is free of any refined sugars, and instead is made with sucanat and maple sugar, which provide a delicious flavor. Its flour base of sorghum, quinoa and brown rice flours help provide fiber, protein, and anti-oxidants, which makes this cake not only delicious, but also very nutritious.

I followed the directions on the package for a simple chocolate cake, which conveniently called for only a few extra ingredients: eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and hot water. The recipe was simple, quick, and the results were stupendous. To top this succulent cake, I followed the recipe found on the package for Heavenly Cream Cheese Icing, which was nothing short of heavenly. The icing ingredients were traditional with rich and tasty cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla and one extra, interesting ingredient… agave nectar! This unusual addition made the frosting taste like caramel and gave it a beautiful cream color that looked adorable and festive underneath rainbow colored sprinkles.

I trust this company and their products, from their outstanding flavor and texture, spectacular, health conscious ingredients, and personal understanding of the trials and tribulations of living with celiac disease. The only downside to the Pure Pantry’s Dark Chocolate Cake Mix is that the cake was gobbled up and enjoyed within one day.

Taste:  This cake is tasty, chocolaty, and sweet- but not too sweet. Paired with the agave nectar based Heavenly Frosting, this cake is a delicious treat.

Labeling:  The labeling is simple, modern, and minimal. There are four recipes posted on the package: two for different cakes and two for icings. The recipes also have vegan ingredient alternatives if you desire to make your cakes free of animal products.

Packaging:  The cake mix is packaged in a sturdy bag with enough mix to make 12 servings of cake.

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 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 Pasta: Tinkyada Organic Brown Rice Pasta

PRODUCT NAME:                    Organic Brown Rice Lasagna

BRAND:                                   Tinkyada       

COST:                                      $4.39

SIZE:                                       10 oz              

COST PER OZ:                         $0.44/oz  

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

ORGANIC:                                YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        OCA

VEGAN:                                    YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          Ontario, Canada

SHELF LIFE:                              2 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:

Tinkyada has been my go-to brand for great tasting gluten free pastas. In the past, I have tried their brown rice spirals and brown rice spaghetti, which are similar, if not better than the wheat versions.  Across the board, cooking times for rice pastas are longer than conventional wheat varieties however, most people enjoy the texture of rice pastas over their glutinous counterparts. Tinkyada’s factory is 100% dedicated to making only rice-based pastas, so there is no risk of cross-contamination. Their products are completely organic and kosher. In addition they only have one ingredient, organic rice! They provide many different shapes and styles of brown rice pastas to serve all your noodle needs, and all consistently cook al dente.

I am rarely disappointed in Tinkyada’s line of gluten free all-rice pastas.  They taste great and have great texture.  However, one thing about rice noodles is that they are a little tricky to cook because they tend to be sticky.  This lasagna was especially tricky because they stuck together before I had a chance to layer the lasagna.  I tried to prevent this by using olive oil during the cooking process, but with no success.  This minor inconvenience aside, it did not affect the taste and texture of the final prepared lasagna or my excitement that I was able to eat lasagna for the first time in a while.

This noodle was delicious as prepared by the vegetarian recipe for roasted pepper, eggplant and zucchini lasagna on the box.  I prepared the recipe for a group of friends and no one would have guessed that the dish was gluten-free. This lasagna recipe was hearty and classic with mozzarella, ricotta and lots of tomato sauce, pairing well with a light salad (I made a kale salad). If you choose to make lasagna it is a definite time commitment; I spent several hours cooking but all the hard work paid off when I was able to enjoy gluten free lasagna with my close friends. Even though we all ate until we were full there were a lot of leftovers, which reheated nicely for my lunches for the rest of the week. 

Taste:  The recipe on the box was slightly bland. I would recommend adding more cheese, more garlic, more herbs (like extra fresh oregano and basil), and more salt.

Labeling:  There is a lot of information on the box including their organic and kosher certification statuses and wheat free/gluten free specialization.

Packaging:  The lasagna is sealed in plastic inside of a cardboard box with a plastic window for viewing.

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:                     3.5         

Value:                    3

OVERALL:              3.5

Reviewed 5/17/11 by: Jennie

Gluten Free Mixes: Orgran Pizza & Pastry Multimix

Gluten Free Mixes: Orgran Pizza & Pastry Multimix

PRODUCT NAME:                      Pizza and Pastry Multimix

BRAND:                                     Orgran

COST:                                        $5.99

SIZE:                                          13.2 oz.

COST PER OZ:                            $0.45/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:         YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           Allergen Free International

ORGANIC:                                   NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           N/A

VEGAN:                                      YES               

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:            YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:            Australia       

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

Taste:  Pizza! Is this not the untouched promise land for a gluten free vegan?

Friends often use these delectable triangle shaped slices of delight as conduits for good times. Many late nights of the past have found me sadly sulking in pizzeria corners while companions indulged. I’ve gazed on wistfully and even found myself pondering the act of simply chugging the marinara sauce to satiate my craving. This thought was always second guessed by the distinct possibility that even the sauce could be sweetened with barley malt, a decidedly gluten rich ingredient- Boo! Just like alcohol or coffee, pizza is a social lubricant: it just makes fun times funner.  This is a food a simply needed to get in on.

Here in steps Orgran’s Pizza and Pastry Multimix. A bit of research revealed that this company offers a very extensive line of gluten free products and flour mixes. When given the opportunity to focus on the pizza dough mix for review I was ecstatic: get this girl up on that pizza train!

The product, to be clear, is a blend of flours and rising agents. One is instructed to add yeast, sugar, oil, and water, top with whatever ingredients they want on their pizza, and bake. I, personally, topped mine with homemade arugula pesto, balsamic marinated red onions, and olives. I imagine that a cheese and meat topped pie may produce different results. Please keep that in mind.

The taste of the dough itself was quite satisfactory. Before my gluten free days I became accustomed to the nutty, earthy taste of whole wheat products and this is definitely not that.  Orgran’s crust had a bit of a Wonder Bread appeal: not to imply that the product itself is overly processed, but simply to say that the taste recalled more on the bleached-white taste of pizza crusts I ate as a kid- you know, before the health freak adult in me decided to mostly eat whole grains. Most people would see this more generic white flour flavor as a plus-I know I did.

Labeling:    I found this product to have a confusing and excessive amount of text and directions. The box contained instructions in nine different languages and stated that most of the additional ingredients were “optional”. The oil measurement called for 0.7 ounces. When you find an average kitchen with a 0.7 ounce measuring device please let me know. I know that kitchen scales do exist, but as a lay person chef (like most of us) this device simply doesn’t exist in my home.

Packaging: The packaging seemed appropriate for the freshness of the product. It was a plastic bag encasing the flour in a recyclable 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:           3
Taste:               4   
Value:              3   
OVERALL:        3.3

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Cereal: Nature's Path Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes

Gluten Free Cereal: Nature's Path Corn Flakes

PRODUCT NAME:                       Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes

BRAND:                                      Nature’s Path

COST:                                         $4.99

SIZE:                                          10.6oz                   

COST PER OZ:                            $0.47/oz.

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

ORGANIC:                                   YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           QAI

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             Canada

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:

Nutrition Facts & Ingredients

I have been eating Nature’s Path cereals for a long time and I can’t honestly think of any of them that haven’t lived up to my expectations.  The Corn Flakes are no exception.  I have to admit that I have a tendency to avoid corn flakes because they are many times too sweet and never have enough of a real corn flavor.  The texture often is all wrong and I feel like I am eating candy rather than a healthy breakfast so I have to confess my skepticism when I set about trying these.  Wow, was I blown away! The first bite imparts a very satisfying crunch and a burst of intense corn flavor.  Not your ordinary corn flakes by any means, these deliver on all accounts!

With each successive spoonful, I am continually greeted with compounded deliciousness as the hint of fruit juice enhances the flavor of the corn without being overbearingly sweet.  As my breakfast each morning is usually consumed while I am running around getting ready for whatever I am running late for that particular day, most cereals completely absorb and sog out by the time I finish eating the whole bowl.  The sogginess factor is actually something I take into consideration as I choose my cereals and I am happy to report that Nature’s Path Corn Flakes passed not only with flying colors, but maintained their crispiness until the very last bite, not becoming hemp milk logged, but pleasantly carrying the liquid without losing integrity.  Let’s not forget that these corn flakes are certified organic too.  These flakes are simple, with good ingredients, and scrumptious results.  You can’t beat that.  It’s really the little things that make it all worth while.

For more information check out www.naturespath.com.

Taste:   Bold, delicious corn flavor that’s not too sweet and holds up well to milk.

Labeling:  Bright cheerful green packaging that harkens to fields of growing corn.

Packaging:  100% recycled paperboard cereal box with plastic on the inside, basically your standard cereal packaging.  I know it also comes in large 26.4 ounce bags  as well, which is great for bulk buying (or like me, if you eat cereal a lot).

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 5/16/11 by

Kristina L.