Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies - Product Review #121

Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

PRODUCT NAME:                     Chocolate Chip 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:

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.

Nutrition Facts

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 chocolate chip flavor. It’s comparable to the Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookie in regards to its crunchy texture and light sweetness. I love that they are individually wrapped and are convenient for people who are on the go.

Taste:  The quinoa provides a pleasant twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie flavor. The texture is crunchy and balances out the taste of the dark chocolate chips and provide a scrumptious blend of flavors without being too overpowering or overly sweet, while small flecks of white (I assume to be the quinoa pop grains) add a soft, slightly chewy consistency to the cookie. 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. 

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RATING:

Texture:                 4                             

Taste:                     4                             

Value:                    3             

OVERALL:              3.7            

Reviewed 5/16/11 by Allison R.