Gluten Free Spreads: Justin's Maple Almond Butter

PRODUCT NAME:                    Maple Almond Butter

COMPANY NAME:                   Justin’s Nut Butters

COST:                                     $1.19

SIZE:                                       1.15 oz

COST PER OZ:                        $0.96                     

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:      YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       GFCO

ORGANIC:                               NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       N/A

VEGAN:                                   YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         Boulder, CO    

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: 

For my trip to New York City for the holidays, I knew I needed snacks. As nut butters tend to be my perfect in-a-pinch sustenance I was determined to find individual packets to sate the travel hunger beast within. In steps Justin’s nut butters, a little beacon in the distance just when I needed it most.

There are two reasons that the 1.15 ounce travel size of Justin’s Maple Almond Butter come in handy. First and foremost, you know that annoying travel rule about not taking liquids or gels larger then 3 ounces in your carry on luggage on a plane? These packs are small enough to not even illicit one batted eyelash from airline security, and are slim enough to fit snugly alongside other toiletries and small liquid snacks you may bring on board. The second perk? The flavor of this maple almond butter is so delectable, so delightful, so incredibly delicious that it is this lady’s belief that portion control is a must. Sure, they sell this sweet and salty nut butter in normal sized jars, but do you really want to eat the whole thing in one sitting? I know I don’t and I also know that after one bite of this sticky stuff is hard to put it down. Since I wouldn’t think of abstaining from the delight that is Justin’s Maple Almond Butter, the small grab-and-go packets are a must.

The texture of this Maple Almond Butter is perfect. It is thick, smooth and wonderfully spreadable without being too oily or tacky. It pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory backgrounds (I have used this on apple cinnamon rice cakes, bananas, rye crackers, and even tempeh bacon avocado sandwiches with success). The flavor has a nuance that I simply adore. Sweet and Salty are practically an American tradition at this point, and so it makes sense to work it into treats that are made of unprocessed whole foods. Let the health conscious delight in the perfect meld of maple and salt! We need to indulge, too.

On indulging: this nut butter is indeed decadent. Although almond butter is not at all a bad food (it is filled to the brim with vital vitamins and minerals) , it is packed with fat and calories. While a healthy done of fat will keep your metabolism going, your skin and hair shiny, and your hunger sated, a little goes a long way. One pack of this maple almond butter packs 190 calories and 17 grams of fat. Also, the sweetener is maple sugar, not maple syrup so beware that the sweetness isn’t sugar free. Don’t use this information as a deterrent from trying this treat (it is WAY healthier then most indulgences and honestly, its worth the calories) just keep consumption moderate.

Labeling:

Labeling of this product was clear and concise, even on the very small individual packets. It was very sufficient.

Packaging:

Justin’s individual packets are little foil packs, like single serving ketchups and mustards but larger. Although this seems appropriate for the grab-and-go concept of these packs, it is a bit tough to open them without scissors and when you do its difficult to get all of the product out by simply squeezing due to the products thickness. It takes a whole lot of kneading of the packet to get all of the maple almond butter out. There are many times that I knead and knead the packet and still can't get the whole thing softened up.  Although I don’t have a great alternative to offer, I would say the packaging could use some work.

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:            4

OVERALL:      4.5

Reviewed by Lacy D.