Gluten Free Sauce: Rosa Mexicana Kitchen Veracruzana Sauce

PRODUCT NAME:                  Veracruzana Sauce

COMPANY NAME:                  Rosa Mexicana Kitchen

COST:                                    $3.99

SIZE:                                     12 fl. oz.

COST PER OZ:                       $0.33      

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:     No

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:      N/A

ORGANIC:                              No

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:      N/A

VEGAN:                                 Yes

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:       No

LOCATION OF FACILITY:       New York, NY

SHELF LIFE:                          Unopened - 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:

Taste:

I admit, I was skeptical of this product. For starters, this “Veracruzana Sauce” looks an awful lot like “salsa”. I have no problem whatsoever with this fact (hey, I love a Mexican flair!) but this particular version was one that you don’t need to refrigerate until you open it and , as a rule, I find this to generally be an indicator that a salsa will be less fresh, and consequently less delicious. In addition to this fact, this salsa hails from New York City, which is not exactly a utopia or mecca for Mexican delights. I had a bias, it’s true. But my bias was wrong.

Vercruzana Sauce is delicious. It is indeed similar to salsa, but is made much more complex by incorporating capers and olives into the tomato/jalapeno/onion fold.  While the tomato paste base has a bit of a “Pace Picante Sauce” mouth feel it lends itself to be a silky background for the rich olive flavor. The capers aren’t exactly texturally identifiable, but there is a bit of a brine-y after taste that is excessively pleasant to my particular mouth, which just so happens to love all foods of a fermented or vinegar-esque nature.

The ingredients list is mostly simple (the only unmentioned addition is a bevy of spices) but the addition of sugar (albeit toward the end of the list) throws me off a bit. The sauce has a tang just from the tomato and it seems unnecessary to toss that little devil sugar into the mix. It seems that a lot of products these days arbitrarily add sugar because (duh) Americans seem to have a taste for it, but when it shows up in a product that has no reason whatsoever to be sweet, I always take pause.

Calorically, this sauce is an excellent condiment. At five calories per Tablespoon, it is just about the same as most non-olive-including salsas with that much more flavor. It is suggested that you pair this sauce with seafood but since I am vegan I simply used it to top a gluten-free veggie burger and it gave my meal a southwestern flair without adding as many calories as ketchup or vegan mayo would.

Labeling:

Labeling of this product is clear and sufficient.

Packaging:

This spread was packaged in a recyclable glass jar. The packaging seemed sufficient for the freshness of the product.

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:               4.5       

Value:              3.5

OVERALL:        4

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Crackers: Crunchmaster White Cheddar Multi-Grain Crackers

PRODUCT NAME:                   White Cheddar Multi-Grain Crackers

BRAND:                                  Crunchmaster

COST:                                     $3.29
 
SIZE:                                       4.5 OZ
 
COST PER OZ:                        $0.73/oz
 
CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:      YES
 
CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       GFCO
 
ORGANIC:                               NO
 
CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       N/A
 
VEGAN:                                   NO
 
GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:        YES
 
LOCATION OF FACILITY:        LOVES PARK, IL
 
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:

Crunchmaster produces a line of gluten free, rice crackers baked in the Japanese “Usuyaki” style, which translates to English as thin and flat. They pride themselves on using all natural, whole grain ingredients made without any preservatives or artificial flavors. Additionally, many of their most commonly used ingredients, like rice, sesame, quinoa, amaranth, and flax seeds are grown locally in California.  Crunchmaster was nice enough to send us some samples of their newest flavors, one of which is the White Cheddar flavored Multi-Grain Crackers we reviewing today.

Crunchmaster’s white cheddar flavored multi-grain crackers were rich, flavorful and not too heavy. I usually steer away from snacks blasted with a powdery cheesy coating, like Doritos, because of an aversion to high sodium doses and too many questionable ingredients. These thin crackers were filled with good grains and seeds, like sesame seeds, millet, quinoa, flax, corn, and rice while still maintaining an addictive, junk-food sort of flavor. Containing only 120 calories per serving and five percent of the daily-recommended sodium intake, Crunchmaster’s white cheddar crackers are a manageable and relatively healthy indulgence.

Crisp, and flavorful, these crackers would be great with more cheese sliced and piled high on top, or if you are like me, eaten directly out of the bag as a quick snack on the go. I really enjoyed the bits of whole seeds embedded within each cracker because it created a multi-textured experience, while still being simple, tasty, and easy to snack on. These multi-grain crackers were relatively low calorie and I was able to eat 15 crackers per 120 calorie serving. They were also low fat and not too salty. 

Taste:  These crackers were cheesy, crunchy, while still being light and crispy. They were easy to munch on and I felt satisfied prior to overeating. They were also savory without being overly salty.

Labeling: The front of the package stated that not only are these crackers certified gluten free, but were a good source of fiber, cholesterol free, saturated fat free, and low fat. The back had a little information about the crackers, an ingredients list, and nutrition facts.

Packaging:   The crackers were packaged inside of a resealable, foil lined 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:   4.3

Reviewed  by: Jennie L.

Gluten Free Spreads: Sweet Earth Tofetti Eggless Egg Salad

PRODUCT NAME:                        Tofetti Eggless Egg Salad

COMPANY NAME:                        Sweet Earth

COST:                                          $4.49 

SIZE:                                            8 oz.

COST PER OZ:                             $0.56  

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:           No

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

ORGANIC:                                    Yes

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            Unknown

VEGAN:                                        Yes

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:              No

LOCATION OF FACILITY:              Pacific Grove, CA

SHELF LIFE:                                 About 10 days

*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:

Today we have a local product to the Northern California region, one that has come to be such a staple in my diet that it is almost inappropriate that I haven’t taken the time to review it sooner. Tofetti Eggless Egg Salad is exactly what it sounds like: a thick and creamy spread/dip that works best on a salad or sandwich. It is simple in its ingredients, however the results of the mish-mash create taste and textural divinity. Let me expound:

This protein rich salad includes only a few foods in its construction: It has organic carrots, tofu, green onion, Nayonaise vegan mayo, soy protein, mustard, sesame seeds, and spices. The texture is creamy with soft chunks to sink your teeth into. The blending of the Nayonaise with tofu creates a thickness that almost feels decadent, and the onion and carrot shreds are fine enough to just add a kick of texture without overpowering. It is just slightly firmer then real egg salad, and in my opinion, offers much more nuance because the chunks of tofu soak up the flavor of the spices more readily then eggs do. I eat it as a dip, as one would use hummus, on antipasti appetizer platters, or by the spoonful. This spread is a fabulous compliment to raw veggies and works just fine on its own.

Calorically, this product is basically a dream. A serving has four grams of protein (us vegan kids need that stuff!) and only fifty calories. This essentially means you can eat ½ the container of Tofetti and just hit 100 calories. It is filling and tasty as a spread, while containing significantly less calories than your average chip dip, salad dressing, hummus, or real life egg salad. It is also organic, vegan, gluten free, and only includes simple identifiable ingredients. Sweet Earth (Tofetti’s parent company) is tiny and operates with sustainable health practices in mind. About their products, Sweet Earth says: “To us, ‘Natural Foods’ means, food that is as close to the way nature provides it for us as possible, without artificial additives or preservatives and with minimal processing.”

Go get some of this! It’s excellent to have on hand as a quick lunch booster and supplies you with simple nutrition on the go. It’s a wee bit expensive but a little goes a long way and with purchase you get the added bonus of supporting a small company with excellent ethics.

Labeling:

Labeling of this product is clear and sufficient. I know many smaller companies don’t take the time to get the nutrition info for their products but Sweet Earth totally does and I appreciate the effort.

Packaging:

This spread was packaged in a glass plastic tub. The packaging seemed sufficient for the freshness of the product.

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 Lacy D.

Gluten Free Whipped Cream: MimicCreme Healthy Top

PRODUCT NAME:                        Healthy Top Whipped Cream     

BRAND:                                       MimicCreme

COST:                                          $5.59                    

SIZE:                                           16 oz                                     

COST PER OZ:                             $0.35/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:           NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            NA

ORGANIC:                                    NO                        

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            NA

VEGAN:                                       YES                        

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             New York

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:

This MimicCreme Healthy Top Whipped Cream blew me away!  It’s one of those things that doesn’t try to masquerade as what it attempts to replace, but boldly steps forward and does something different.  This is not really whipped cream, but it can stand firmly in the place of whipped cream and offer a truly wonderful and delicious alternative.  It has a nutty flavor with strong overtones of vanilla.  The consistency once whipped, is a little heavier than stiff whipping cream.  I found this to be an added bonus actually.  I used the MimicCreme Healthy Top as a frosting to banana chocolate cupcakes, as a dip for strawberries and chocolate as well as putting it atop my morning coffee, and I found that it held up remarkably well in all situations.  It is very versatile and has a flavor that can accompany other things really well.  It also mixes well with spices, like cinnamon and add-ins like honey.  I think this product could be used in a variety of different ways and as a really fabulous non-dairy alternative in a number of recipes.

One of the things that really excited me about this is that it’s also soy free.  I can’t really do dairy or soy, which definitely limits my choices.  The things that can be made out of nuts these days never ceases to amaze me.  This product is predominantly made from almonds and cashews with some coconut oil thrown in.  All of these things have wonderful health benefits too.  One tablespoon of Healthy Top is 50 calories so it’s not that bad for you overall, which is good, because I’ve been liberally sampling it since I made my batch to try.  The company’s website is very informative and outlines their vision for their company.  It certainly seems that one priority for them is taste and I can vouch that there is something distinctly unique in how this whipped topping blends and compliments a variety of flavors.  I can honestly say this is the best non-dairy, non-soy, gluten-free whipped product I’ve ever had.  It’s a lot of fun and I feel like there’s a lot you can do with it.  

Check out the website for other flavors, products and more info: www.mimiccreme.com

Taste:  Thick, creamy consistency with a nutty vanilla flavor

Labeling: descriptive easy to read label

Packaging: one time use carton

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:           5                             

Value:          3       

OVERALL:    4

Reviewed by Krisztina L

Gluten Free & Vegan Mac and Cheese: Road's End Organics Penne & Chreese

PRODUCT NAME:                       Penne & Chreese

BRAND:                                      Road’s End Organics

COST:                                         $3.99

SIZE:                                           6oz

COST PER OZ:                            $0.57/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           N/A

ORGANIC:                                   YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           QAI

VEGAN:                                      YES

WHEAT FREE FACILITY:             UNKNOWN

LOCATION OF FACILITY:            USA

*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:
Mac and cheese, one of the great American staples, is something that just about everyone likes.  Only problem is it usually contains tons of gluten.  The people at Road’s End Organics have the perfect answer and it’s good for vegans too.  Their answer is their gluten free, dairy free Penne & Chreese…if you thought I spelled cheese wrong, you would be mistaken.

Chreese is Edward & Sons’, parent company to Road’s End Organics, cheese alternative.  It’s meant to sound like trees because as it states on the package, all of the ingredients are plant-based, the packaging is all tree friendly and produced on recycled products, and their organic ingredients are farmed without the use of synthetic chemicals, which helps preserve the land for plants and animals.  This is one company that definitely cares about the world. 

For more information about this Road's End Organics product or any of Edward & Sons products, visit their website at: www.edwardandsons.com.  This product and many others are available at GFR Grocery..

Taste: I have to say first that, although this product is delicious by itself, I am guilty of adding a little flavoring of my own.  It is delicious with the addition of a little curry powder.  Although it does not contain any cheese, it actually tastes like it does.  The texture of the noodles is spot on, but the sauce is a little powdery.  I used water for the sauce and it will probably taste better if you used milk or soy milk.  Compare this to any of the other boxed mac and cheese products on your grocer’s shelves and I’m pretty sure you will enjoy this just as much, if not more. 

Labeling: I don’t know what it is about the labeling, but I personally think it looks a little dated.  Despite that, it has all of the important information on it that tells you that this is a good, healthy product that you should buy.  Organic…gluten free…and vegan are just a few of those reasons.  One thing that throws me off is that it shows a gluten free logo that at first lead me to believe that it was certified gluten free, however upon searching for this certification, I could not find anything.  This product may very well be gluten free certified, but they don’t make it easy for you to figure it out. 

Packaging: The packaging is very good it is printed with plant-based inks on 100% recycled paperboard.

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:                 3.5         

Taste:                     4

Value:                    4

OVERALL:              3.7

Gluten Free Cookies: So Far Gluten Free Decicacies Chocolate Chip Shortbread

PRODUCT NAME:                          Chocolate Chip Shortbread

BRAND:                                         So Far Gluten Free Delicacies

COST:                                            $2.50

SIZE:                                              3 OZ

COST PER OZ:                               $0.83

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:             NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:              N/A

ORGANIC:                                      NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:             N/A

VEGAN:                                         NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:              YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:              PLEASANTON, CA

SHELF LIFE:                                 2 WEEKS

*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:

I feel pretty lucky to be living in the Bay Area post celiac diagnosis. Gluten-free establishments seem to be popping up left and right, from Mariposa and Crave bakeries, to bars serving sorghum beers, and of course, Gluten Free Reviewer Grocery. Adding to the roster of great celiac-friendly joints is Pleasanton’s So Far Gluten Free Delicacies.  Created in 2009, So Far was founded by a daughter looking out for her mom who recently found out she had celiac disease. After much trial and error, Mom, and the rest of us are able to enjoy delicious gluten free treats from this great little bakery. Made from simple ingredients which are reminiscent of gluten-y desserts longed for by individuals with wheat-free diets, So Far presents a line of deserts which are safe and taste great.

So Far’s four-pack of chocolate chip shortbread cookies were half gone by the time I was a couple blocks away from the Gluten Free Reviewer headquarters.  These small square cookies were buttery, rich and not too sweet. They were a little bit dry and crumbly, but not in a gross way; they were the way shortbread cookies are supposed to taste. They reminded me of biscotti and if they had survived more than a couple hours in my presence, they would have been great with a cup of coffee or tea. The cookie itself had a really nice and subtle almond flavor which allowed the chocolate chips to really shine. The cookies in this four-pack tasted gourmet and had a sophisticated taste that differentiated them from a regular old, run of the mill cookie.

These very satisfying cookies were made using rice flour, cream cheese, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, almond extract, salt, chocolate chips, and veggie oil; ingredients, excluding the rice flour, which are found in most conventional baked goods. This gives the cookies a familiar taste, without the strange chemically or overly dry taste experience associated with other gluten free deserts.

Taste:  Buttery, subtly almond, and chocolaty, these cookies were delicious and not too sweet or rich.

Labeling:  So Far packaged their chocolate chip shortbread cookies in a sealed plastic sleeve with a sticker on the front stating what the product was, who made it, and information about their gluten free status. Since So Far is a small bakery, legally they do not have to provide nutrition facts, but they did have a sticker listing all ingredients used.

Packaging:   Four cookies were packaged in a sealed plastic sleeve.

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:           5
Value:          3
OVERALL:    4

Reviewed  by: Jennie L.

Gluten Free Cookies: So Far Gluten Free Delicacies Frosted Sugar Cookie

PRODUCT NAME:                          Frosted Sugar Cookie

BRAND:                                         So Far Gluten Free Delicacies

COST:                                           $2.50

SIZE:                                             2.5 OZ

COST PER OZ:                              $1.00/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:            NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:             N/A

ORGANIC:                                     NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:             N/A

VEGAN:                                         NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:              YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:              PLEASANTON, CA

SHELF LIFE:                                 2 WEEKS


*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:

So Far is quickly becoming one of my favorite local gluten-free bakeries and has created another mouthwatering treat with their adorable frosted sugar cookie. Shaped like a sunny yellow flower, this delicious cookie tasted just the way I wanted it to; like the soft, buttery cookies I used to have fun decorating as a kid with my mom. These rich sugary cookies had a subtle hint of both almond and vanilla, which appealed to both the kid in me as well as the foodie I have become. They were flaky, but not crumbly, dry or hard. The soft sugar cookie was topped with a very sweet and fluffy frosting. On its own, the frosting would have been way too sweet but it was balanced by the more subtly flavored cookie, creating a very tasty flavor combination.

Made with simple, common ingredients like rice flour, cream cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, almond and salt, this cookie is not pretending to be a health food. It is just a very similar alternative to a sugar cookie that is sorely missed by celiacs and gluten sensitive people. So Far prides themselves on the act of avoiding the tendency to use any chemicals or unnatural ingredients; they even use natural plant-derived dyes to color their frostings. Their products taste as if they were made from scratch, with lots of care and attention to detail.

Taste: Buttery, sugary, rich, and sweet, these cookies could satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. They were very similar to cookies I enjoyed before celiac diagnosis. The frosting was very sweet and complimented the rich cookie nicely.

Labeling: This frosted sugar cookie was packaged singly in a sealed plastic sleeve with a sticker on the front stating what the product was, who made it, as well as their gluten free status . Since So Far is a small bakery, legally they do not have to provide nutrition facts, but they did have a sticker listing all ingredients used.

Packaging: One cookie was packaged inside of a sealed plastic sleeve.

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 Candy: Go Naturally Honey Hard Candies

PRODUCT NAME:                    Honey Organic Hard Candy

BRAND:                                   Go Naturally                      

COST:                                      $2.49                                    

SIZE:                                        3.5 oz

COST PER OZ:                         $0.76 per oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

ORGANIC:                               YES                        

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       QAI       

VEGAN:                                   YES                                        

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         NO        

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         Hillside, NJ

SHELF LIFE:                            2 years                                 

*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:

Go Naturally Organic Honey flavored hard candies are amazing.  There is a buttery honey taste that hits your tongue immediately and it permeates the whole candy from beginning to end.  It is extraordinarily smooth.  The flavor of the honey is like the fresh honey you can get from a farmers market where the jar comes straight from the beekeeper.  The mellow richness of the flavor sits pleasantly in your mouth.  The taste hints at undertones of butterscotch and caramel and is highlighted with a lovely floral spiciness.  The candy itself lasts awhile in your mouth.  It takes many minutes for the candy to melt away, and the honey flavor lasts on your tongue for many minutes after the candy itself is gone. The candy finishes just as strongly as it begins, making this a perfect after-coffee or tea sweetness, taking away any bitter flavors and beautifully cleansing your palette.

The Hillside Candy Company has a wonderfully informative and thorough website.  They go to great lengths describing the nature of the label “organic,” detailing how their products adhere to the strict standards.  The company takes great pride in their old fashioned way of making candies, taking the approach that some things aren’t improved by fancy complicated ways of making them.  They make their hard candy by hand and take care that their ingredient list is short and simple.  These organic honey candies are made up of just organic evaporated cane juice, organic brown rice syrup, and organic honey.  There’s no hidden ingredients, nothing more than what should be in there.  Not to mention, 4 candies are only 60 calories, which makes these little treats something to feel good about in many ways.  This is the second Go Naturally candy flavor I’ve sampled and I’ve been impressed with both so far.  They come in several other flavors and I can honestly say that I will look for and support this brand.  I look forward to trying their other delicious flavors as well.

Check out the website for other flavors and more info: http://www.hillsidecandy.com

Taste:  mellow, rich honey flavor with hints of butterscotch and a floral bouquet

Labeling:  easy to read gluten free labeling, friendly inviting label

Packaging: non-resealable bag with individually wrapped candies inside

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 Condiments: Zergut Hot Ajvar

PRODUCT NAME:                     Hot Ajvar

COMPANY NAME:                     Zergut

COST:                                       $2.59

SIZE:                                        12 oz.

COST PER OZ:                         $0.21 

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       No

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

ORGANIC:                                No

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

VEGAN:                                   Yes

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         No

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         N/A

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:

Taste:

When presented with a food titled “Ajvar” how could I not be excited? This product was completely foreign to me in every way and even the title of it revealed nothing about what I may find inside this beautiful jar full of bright red. I consulted the label to glean some insight about the product and was pleasantly surprised at the succinct and simple ingredients listed: eggplant, soybean oil, red peppers, hot peppers, sugar, and salt. When every listed ingredient is immediately identifiable and seems to lean toward the savory/spicy I know I’m in for a treat. I dug in immediately.

Without any background information about what this product was or how to use it I was left to my own devices to uncover its best culinary fit. Something about Ajvar screams “Middle Eastern flair” and so I decided to pair it with some hummus and tahini and eat it on a gluten-free teff tortilla. Immediately my taste buds thanked me.

Ajvar is a flavor explosion! The first note is definitely sweet: the sugar and red peppers dance across your tongue and immediately have the effect of a Mediterranean relish. A bit of a pickled or fermented taste pops up, and next the salt adds a touch of nuance. Finally it is all rounded out with a kick of spice to polish off the experience. Ajvar is no one-hit wonder! If one takes the time to truly experience Ajvar they will find that each bite is an experience that engages every flavor aspect possible. When paired with a creamy basic hummus a yin and yang occurs within the context of a tortilla vehicle delivering straight up deliciousness.

After taste testing, I found myself intrigued at Ajvar’s origins. When consulting my good friend the Internet, I discovered that Ajvar originates the cuisine of Serbia. It was commonly known as "Serbian salad" or "Serbian vegetable caviar" which seems to suggest you could eat it plain. Further inspection of the jar suggested eating Ajvar on chips, pretzels, or vegetables and while I don’t necessarily think that any of these options would be bad, per se, I found the mixture of it within a sandwich to be exponentially more appealing.

Calorically, Ajvar is pretty much a dream. At fifteen calories per tablespoon and less than a gram of fat, it is one of the most low impact condiments out there. For the amount of flavor that just a little bit provides, you basically can’t lose.  If you are looking for this delicious Serbian condiment, it is available at GFR Grocery. 

Labeling:

Labeling of this product was clear and concise. I deem it to be very sufficient.

Packaging:

This sauce was packaged in a glass recyclable jar. The packaging seemed sufficient for the freshness of the product.

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:              5

OVERALL:        5

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Cookie: Ann's Nut & Fruit Cake Cranberry and Orange Cookie

PRODUCT NAME:                        Cranberry and Orange Cookie

BRAND:                                       Ann’s Nut & Fruit Cake, Inc.

COST:                                          $1.12

SIZE:                                            2 oz

COST PER OZ:                             $0.56 per oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:           NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            NA

ORGANIC:                                    NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            NA

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             Florida

SHELF LIFE:                                 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:

Ann’s Nut & Fruit Cake, Inc. makes quite a variety of delectable cookies.  This Gladys Treat Cranberry and Orange cookie is no exception.  On first bite, the cookie is rich and flavorful.  The large dried cranberries that densely populate the cookie hit your mouth with a sweet burst of flavor.  Unlike most orange cookies, where the orange gets lost somewhere in the mix, this cookie has a mellow citrus taste that lines up in harmony with the cranberry burst.  The orange stays on your tongue after each bite and is a pleasant accompaniment with all the other flavors and textures of the cookie.  They soak the cranberries in orange extract as well, just to make sure the cookie’s namesake is identifiable.  The cookie itself is a denser cookie, but not heavy as one might imagine.  It is on the softer side and easily breakable but does not crumble and disintegrate.  The flavors blend wonderfully with coffee or tea, making this a nice breakfast treat as well whenever you need something a little on the sweeter side to start off your day.

The cookie is pretty big, 2 oz. which is roughly the size of your palm.  The cookie weighs in at 110 calories, but honestly, I couldn’t finish the whole thing in one sitting.  The taste and texture is rich enough that it doesn’t take much to satisfy your sweet tooth.  The cookie also has no trans or saturated fats.  The label also says that this is an allergen free cookie, which means it is not only gluten free, but also dairy and soy free.  Ann’s Nut & Fruit Cake, Inc. have a lovely website that details their ingredients, process and tells the story on how they got started.  As with many of these bakeries, they set out to do a little good in the world, one cookie at a time.  They use no artificial anything and stay away from preservatives, sweeteners and colors too.  The plastic bag it comes wrapped in is biodegradable too, so all in all, this is a good cookie, baked with honest ethics and an attention to detail and environment.

Check out the website for other flavors, products and more info: http://www.annnutandfruitcake.com

Taste:  Bursts of dried cranberries with a lingering of orange after each bite

Labeling: descriptive and clearly marked gluten free and allergen free

Packaging: see-through, resealable bag that is biodegradable

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:                    4             

OVERALL:              4

Reviewed by Krisztina L