Gluten Free Condiments: Sinto Gourmet Spicy Kimchi

PRODUCT NAME:                      All Natural Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi

COMPANY NAME:                     Sinto Gourmet

COST:                                       $6.99

SIZE:                                         16 fl. oz.

COST PER OZ:                          $0.44/oz

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:                              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: Today we have a Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi from Sinto Gourmet, a local San Francisco company specializing in the production of this Korean delicacy. What is Kimchi you ask? WELL, let me tell you.

Kimchi is described as a “vegetable condiment”. It is a fermented product (much like sauerkraut) made of cabbage, red pepper powder, salt, onion, ginger, a slight bit of sugar to aid in fermentation, and garlic. It is full of naturally occurring lactic acid due to the fermentation process and therefore packs tons of Probiotics (or healthy bacteria that keeps the stomach digesting happily) in each bite. Because of the Probiotics and fiber present, consumers are said to have better digestion, enhanced immune systems, and an easier time with weight loss.  In addition to being used as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches it can also be made into fried rice or a stew, eaten on pizza or grabbed with your hands straight out of the jar. Not only is it going to help you digest your food, it’s going to add complexity to your meals.

Basically, Sinto Gourmet’s Kimchi is diverse in its uses and it is GOOD. This particular version has a spicy zingy flavor that brings the likes of pickles, vinegars, and even Kombucha to mind. In addition to keeping deliciousness at the forefront of production, Sinto Gourmet keeps Kimchi close to the roots of its intended use. Although Kimchi was created with health in mind, more current mass marketed iterations of it can include insidious doses of preservatives, shrimp (not friendly for vegans such as myself!) and MSG. Suddenly, a healthy vegetable condiment has been modernized and bigger brand name forms can be less than enticing. Sinto Gourmet does not fall prey to these traps! All ingredients are as local as possible, fresh, and batches are kept small to insure quality. The result is a refreshing, crisp and crunchy side you can feel great about consuming. My taste test had me eating it straight from the jar and I found the experience to be most satisfying. Although other complimentary food items would be great I am sure, I absolutely loved enjoying this product as a salad-like snack all on its own.

Sinto’s Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi is a high fiber, low sugar, non-fat food.  It is incredibly low calorie (forty calories per cup) and quite satisfying. Don’t delay an opportunity to support such a wonderful grassroots company! Your taste buds and your body will thank you.

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:           4

Taste:               5         

Value:              3

OVERALL:        4

Reviewed by Lacy D. 

Gluten Free Bars: GoMacro Tahini Date Macro Bar

PRODUCT NAME:                     Tahini Date MacroBar

COMPANY NAME:                     GoMacro

COST:                                       $2.89

SIZE:                                         2 oz.

COST PER OZ:                          $1.44              

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:        Unknown

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

ORGANIC:                                 Yes

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         USDA Organic

VEGAN:                                     Yes

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:           No

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          Unknown

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:

First and foremost, I really must talk up the GoMacro company for their genuine investment in the products they produce and the lifestyle said products represent. In 2003 founder Jolanta Sonkin’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today she is fully recovered and Jolanta attributes the health and vitality of her mother to the comprehensive treatment she received as well as the dietary changes her mother made. As far as Jolanta is concerned, a Macrobiotic, vegan diet saved her mother’s life and she wants to do her absolute best to make healthy, delicious macrobiotic treats available to the masses. MacroBars aren’t just food to Jolanta. They are also medicine. They call their bars a “big picture food”- one not just about satisfying taste, but also comprehensive feel-good nutrition.

I have tried almost all of MacroBars flavors in an effort to uncover which one I like best. Although most of them are profoundly tasty and tend to surprise the palate with their flavor pairings and combinations, I think the Tahini Date flavor might be the most satisfying of them all.

Let’s start with the texture of this bar. Although this bar is sesame seed based, there isn’t a crunch to it. Instead the bars are super soft and moist, almost like a fresh baked cookie. The sesame seeds blend with the puffed rice and provide a general toothiness that makes the bar incredibly satisfying to sink your teeth into. I have gone so far as to toss this in my toaster oven for a moment or two, and if you don’t over toast (it will disintegrate under too much heat!) it will remind you of something mom just pulled out of the oven. Don’t hesitate to try this!

All ingredients are organic and simple, whole foods. The short list includes brown rice syrup, sesame butter, puffed rice, sesame seeds, dates, and raisins. Nothing more, nothing less! There is no gluten, of course, but also there are no eggs, dairy, refined sugars and flours, hydrogenated oils, processed ingredients, additives, artificial colorings and preservatives, or animal products in this simple treat. The dates and brown rice syrup lend a sweetness that clearly alludes to dessert without any of the glycemic crashes or mood spikes that refined sugar tends to produce. This product is a great holdover snack between meals, and will supply quick simple calories to boost energy.

Calorically, this bar is just about perfect. At 220 calories per bar and six grams of fat, it falls on the lower end of the energy bar spectrum without high fructose corn syrup or filler ingredients. Although it is not the LOWEST of the low, the calories this bar does deliver are solid and fiber rich. One bar held me over for a few hours, which is not generally the case in the world of the quick snack.

I cannot recommend this product enough! Simple, satisfying, sweet, healthy, satiating and with a great background story. What more could you ask for?

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

Packaging: As if I didn’t think MacroBar was awesome enough already, their packaging really goes above and beyond. All MacroTreats are packaged in Innovia Films "NatureFlex", a biodegradable and compostable film that keeps the products just as fresh as any plastic. Cases of MacroBars are placed in compostable boxes made of molded pulp which is 100% post consumer corrugated waste. The boxes are 100% biodegradable and compostable.  They encourage consumers not only to reuse the boxes, but also suggest growing seed starts in them and offer incentives to do so. Consumers who email pictures of creative MacroBar Box reuses are entered into raffles to win free boxes of the product. How cool is that?

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:               4         

Value:              4

OVERALL:        4.5

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Superfood: Navitas Naturals Goji Berries

PRODUCT NAME:                       Goji Berries

COMPANY NAME:                       Navitas Naturals

COST:                                         $5.49

SIZE:                                           4 oz

COST PER OZ:                            $1.37

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           N/A

ORGANIC:                                   YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           USDA Organic

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:            UNKNOWN

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:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: health enthusiasts just LOVE to push the Goji berry. As mentioned in other reviews I have written, it is a nutritional powerhouse. This tiny little guy is known as a “superfood” because of its extreme nutrient density. In addition to the low calorie doses of vitamin A and vitamin C, zinc, riboflavin, fiber, and beta-carotene that you would expect from a berry, it also has tons of essential amino acids and even PROTEIN packed into it. Although it is relatively benign in appearance, The Goji berry has some seriously wonderful health promoting properties.

I had previously only tried Goji berries within vegan, raw, faux dessert types of products and had been vastly unimpressed with the flavor. I found Goji berries to be seedy, bitter, sour, and texturally a bit paste-y. When I was given a plain bag of these berries to review I wasn’t exactly excited, but I was certainly attempting to keep an open mind. For something so nutritionally awesome, there are always second and third chances.

First, I tried sprinkling these plain berries atop some oatmeal, once I was done cooking it. I was surprised that the formerly repellent chewy quality actually added a lot to the texture of my oatmeal. The taste was strong, it’s true, but due to the price of the Goji Berries, I actually found this to be a beneficial component. A little Goji went a long way flavor wise!

I was pleased with Gojis as a simple oatmeal topping but still found the flavor to pack just the slightest bit more punch then I would like with breakfast. In a second attempt I stewed the berries in the oatmeal as it cooked. This is when the true miracle happened! With the benefit of softening the Goji’s tartness and integrating the flavor into the oats I was the recipient of some true flavor delight. My bland morning meal was suddenly a delicious textural dream, all due to just a few Gojis. Time to hang up my Goji hater cap and claim it loud and proud: these berries are my new best friend!

I imagine this product would be best in situations where it was cooked a bit. Oatmeal, sweet polentas, and accents to pies seem ideal but experimenting with topping yogurt and granolas with them might work too. Don’t give up on the Goji! It just might surprise you.

Labeling

I found labeling of this product to be very sufficient. All the nutrition information was very clear, and lots of other facts about the benefits of Goji berries were included on the bag.

Packaging:

Packaging of this product was a thick plastic sealed bag. It seemed sufficient for upholding 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         

Value:              3

OVERALL:        3.7

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Granola: Glutenfreeda Apple Almond Honey Granola

PRODUCT NAME:                         Apple Almond Honey Granola

BRAND:                                         Glutenfreeda               

COST:                                             $5.49

SIZE:                                              10.5 oz

COST PER OZ:                              $0.52/oz  

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          YES        

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            UNKNOWN

ORGANIC:                                     NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            NA

VEGAN:                                          NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:              BURLINGTON, WA

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:

Oats are tricky for celiacs. Naturally, they do not contain any gluten, but oats are often times contaminated with wheat and other gluten-rich grains during processing. What was once a cheap and easy breakfast staple became a potentially dangerous food, only due to a lack of segregated processing practices. Glutenfreeda understands the risks associated with eating oats and provides granolas made with safe, certified gluten-free oats.

Like many gluten-free companies, Glutenfreeda was developed post celiac disease diagnosis. Founded a decade ago after Yvonne Gifford’s diagnosis, her and her daughter began Glutenfreeda.  Glutenfreeda not only provides delicious, all-natural gluten free products like burritos, granola, pizza wraps, and ice cream sandwiches, but they also have a monthly e-publication about gluten free cuisine.

The nice thing about eating gluten free oats is that they are not an alternative; they are just the same old oats but uncontaminated and clean. I haven’t eaten granola in a long time because of risks of contamination and high prices associated with a much needed gluten free certification on oats, but I knew from first glance that this granola would be tasty. Crunchy clusters filled with bits of dehydrated apple, oats, almond pieces and flax seed, this granola was delicious from first crunchy bite to last. I am not a huge milk fan and choose almond milk as an alternative, which complimented this almond-y cereal nicely. I tend to eat cereal slowly, while checking my email or reading a book in the morning, and was relieved that this granola did not get mushy the longer it sat. In fact, I think the flavor improved with time. The clusters of oats and nuts remained semi crunchy while the apple pieces absorbed the almond milk and became soft and delicious.

High in fiber and iron, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids, due to flax seeds as an ingredient, this granola is as nutritious as it is delicious. Made in a dedicated certified gluten free facility, Glutenfreeda’s apple almond honey granola contained all natural ingredients, like natural brown sugar, almonds, apples, and honey. The granola was packed in four little plastic pouches, making it easy to grab a bag to eat as a snack on the go.

For more information about this and other Glutenfreeda products, visit their website at: www.glutenfreeda.com

Taste:  This granola was sweet, but not too sweet with a subtle apple taste and crunchy nuts. Paired with almond milk, it was delicious and gave me energy to help get me through my morning.

Labeling:  Glutenfreeda made it very obvious that this product is gluten and wheat free. The box states this on the front of the box as well as the side and back. They claim to be certified gluten free, but do not state the certification company which is a little bothersome. The package clearly states nutrition facts, ingredients, and a little information about the product and brand.

Packaging:  There are four plastic bags of granola contained inside of 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 Lennick

Gluten Free Trail Mix: Navitas Naturals 3 Berry Cacao Nib Cashew Trai Mix

PRODUCT NAME:                    Trail Mix

BRAND:                                   Navitas Naturals

COST:                                      $10.99

SIZE:                                        8 OZ

COST PER OZ:                         $1.37/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

ORGANIC:                                YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        Control Union Certifications

VEGAN:                                    YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          NOVATO, CA

SHELF LIFE:                              1.5 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:

There is something wonderful about consuming a snack that you can feel physically benefiting your body. This is especially true when the snack is not only healthy, but also tastes great. Navitas Naturals specializes in snacks which are raw, vegan, and organic. Their products make it simple and convenient to add more Superfoods into your diet. Superfoods, or foods which have a low caloric count but are packed with nutrients, can give you an energy boost and improve your health. It can be hard for busy people to be able to enjoy the benefits of such foods, and Nativas Naturals makes it easy.

This raw trail mix is a simple and organic combination of a few healthful ingredients. While many manufacturers make trail mixes that market themselves as healthy but are actually packed full of salt, fat and sugar, Nativas Naturals’ Organic Raw Trail Mix consists of only goji berries, mulberries, cacao nibs, golden berries, and raw cashews; foods which are rich in all that is good for you. This sweet, yet tart snack could be excellent fuel for your next outdoor adventure, or in my case, a convenient and healthy snack at work. Packed with antioxidants, iron, and protein, this snack does your body good while satisfying your sweet tooth.

In addition to creating a great product, Nativas Naturals has a really cool interactive website featuring not only information about the many Superfoods they produce, but tons of creative recipes to make using their products. A few of their creative suggestions include using this trail mix as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or as a gourmet mix to add to cookies or muffins. To see more recipes and learn more about Nativas Naturals, visit their website at www.navitasnaturals.com.

Taste: This trail mix is a perfect combination of sweet goji berries and mulberries, rich cashews, smoky and chocolaty cacao nibs, and tart, almost sour golden berries. It is crunchy as well as chewy, and it’s very addicting; I ate almost the entire bag in one sitting.

Labeling:   The designers of Navitas Naturals’ package seem to take extra care to make their product appear healthy and clean. The design is cute and contemporary with white silhouetted leaves and little foot prints. There is an obvious label on the front of the package stating that the snack is certified organic, as well as raw, and full of antioxidants. The back of the package not only had an ingredients list and nutrition facts, but also included information about the benefits of and suggested uses for this quality product.

Packaging:   Eight, 1oz servings were stored in a Ziploc-style 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 Milk: Blue Diamond Unsweetend Original Almond Breeze Milk

PRODUCT NAME:                    Almond Breeze Original

COMPANY NAME:                    Blue Diamond

COST:                                       $1.99

SIZE:                                        32oz

COST PER OZ:                         $0.06

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

ORGANIC:                                NO

 

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

VEGAN:                                   YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         UNKNOWN

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         UNKNOWN

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:

Blue Diamond has brought us a milk replacement that is, in my opinion, unparalleled in value for a number of reasons. I am so excited to be reviewing this product, as I use it on a daily basis and find that the results of adding it to my meals to enhance my culinary world exponentially.

Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze has a simple flavor of almond that is just basic enough to add nuance to any dish it is used in. In a sugary bowl of granola, the nutty liquid neutralizes the sweetness and creates a perfect yin-yang of balance for your palate.  In a bitter cup of coffee the natural sweetness of the almonds adds depth to the beverage without detracting from the craft of the brew. In mashed potatoes, homemade vegan ice cream, non-dairy “cream” sauces, and smoothies, the thick and creamy textural quality of the beverage enhances the final product without stealing the show from the main ingredients.

I cannot sing enough praises for Almond Breeze in terms of taste, but texture varies depending on the context in which it is used. This product further silkens already creamy products, but when it is asked to create a silky quality all on its own, it doesn’t exactly always do the trick.  I mentioned that the flavor enhances coffee drinks, and I stand by that claim. Unfortunately, texturally, it is a bit of a different story. Sometimes the Almond Breeze blends seamlessly with the drink and sometimes separation occurs. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to what the differentiating factor is, and it seems to be totally dependent on the batch. Additionally, it leaves some baked goods a bit flat. For whatever reason, the fluffy quality often enjoyed in muffins, cakes, and cookies is much harder to obtain with this almond milk.

Nutritionally, Unsweetened Almond Breeze is a dream. It packs in about forty calories per cup (as opposed to the 100 calories per cup commonly present in other non-dairy beverages). It contains as much calcium per cup as milk does, and has 50% of your daily vitamin E. There is no sugar whatsoever, and additionally it is vegan, gluten free, and soy free. The only identifiable drawback is that although it is low in calories, it is higher in fat (3.5 grams per cup means that ¾ of the calories present are from fat) and that the protein content is much lower than other milk alternatives. Despite these facts, I think this product is well worth your while, and I cannot recommend it enough.

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

Packaging: Blue Diamond’s Unsweetened Almond Breeze is packaged in the standard milk replacement containers we see in grocery stores. It is recyclable and makes it so that the product may be left unrefrigerated until it is opened.

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:              5

OVERALL:        4.75

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Meals: Roland Mediterranean Quinoa

PRODUCT NAME:                    Mediterranean Quinoa

BRAND:                                   Roland

COST:                                      $3.49              

SIZE:                                        5.46 OZ

COST PER OZ:                         $0.64/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO      

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA    

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA    

VEGAN:                                    YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          New York, NY

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:

Quinoa is considered an ancient grain that has been harvested for thousands of years originally by the Incas. Known as the Mother grain to the ancient South Americans who founded it, this cute little grain is rich in immune system supporting amino acids like lysine. It also provides important vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron. Each small round kernel is full of protein and is a great alternative to white rice because it is more nutritious than rice and has a similar cooking time. It can be cooked exactly like rice and can easily be used as an alternative in any dish, providing more and different textures and flavors to people who already have limited diets due to gluten sensitivities.

Roland’s Quinoa was savory and tasty, flavored with garlic, bell peppers, onion, spices, and lemon. Different than rice, quinoa is a nutty and chewy grain. This flavorful mix contains no preservatives and was all-natural. It also was extremely convenient to prepare; all I needed to do was add water, heat it up, and wait fifteen minutes for an appetizing, healthy side dish. Quinoa is usually very delicious unflavored, with nothing but a little bit of butter and salt; by adding spices and veggies to an already easy to prepare grain, Roland accentuated the taste of the quinoa, transforming it into a gourmet treat. The manufacturer recommends serving Mediterranean Quinoa as a side to chicken or lamb. Since I am a vegetarian, I enjoyed my quinoa alongside sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms, a small leafy raw salad, and a handful of fancy olives for a light dinner.

Quinoa naturally contains saponin, a bitter tasting substance which coats the quinoa grain, protecting it from being eaten by birds and insects. Because of this, quinoa usually has to be rinsed before cooking, which can be a huge nuisance since this ivory grain is so tiny. Roland’s quinoa was pre-washed, which made preparing dinner much faster.

Taste:  This quinoa was savory and tasty. It has a nice garlic flavor, but was not too strong. Leftovers were also very delicious for lunch the next day because the flavors had more time to develop.

Labeling: The front of the package stated that the quinoa was all natural in addition to being gluten free. The back had nutrition facts, cooking instructions, and an ingredients list.  It also had some information about the origin of this ancient food.

Packaging:  Three ¼ cup dry servings were inside a plastic pouch.

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 Granola: Glutenfreeda Cranberry Cashew Honey Granola

PRODUCT NAME:                       Cranberry Cashew Honey Granola

COMPANY NAME:                       Glutenfreeda

COST:                                         $5.49

SIZE:                                           10.5 oz

COST PER OZ:                            $0.52/oz         

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           GFCO

ORGANIC:                                   NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

VEGAN:                                       NO                 

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:            YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:            Burlington, WA           

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: 

Granola is a thing that many folks living with a gluten free diet necessarily opt out of. While oats themselves may not be glutinous, they are often processed in facilities with wheat flour flying through the air and coating all the machinary. Thus, our little friend the oat becomes one big contamination station: something cannot at all be called gluten free when it is, well, covered in gluten.

Gluten free granola and oatmeal lovers have to trust the absolutely wonderful companies that take painstaking time to not only ensure the gluten free nature of their PRODUCTS but also their facilities. It is companies like Glutenfreeda that take on this very task. Without such folks, breakfast might be sequestered to the meat and egg-fest that just doesn’t work for a vegan like myself. Let’s just say, the effort here does not go overlooked.

 

The ingredients list of Glutenfreeda’s Cashew Cranberry Honey granola is short (oats, cashews, dried cranberry, sugar, oil, honey, and flax) and I consider this a major plus of the product. Glutenfreeda starts with super clean ingredients and doesn’t bring in any funny preservatives, chemicals, or high fructose corn syrup to muck up the natural nature of the product.

Despite the absolute appreciation I have for all of this effort, the granola itself doesn’t totally hit the ball out of the park texture wise.  To me, the absolute most important component of granola is the chunks. Sugar and oil (both present in this product) should, theoretically come together when baked and create little crunchy clusters of deliciousness for a consumer to delight in. I am well aware that the absence of gluten (a well known binding agent, especially in baked goods) could easily create problems in this area but from what I know about making my own granola at home, it isn’t actually very difficult to just add a bit more oil and sugar to obtain the desired result. (It’s blasphemous to those on a diet, I know, but the only way!)  Glutenfreeda’s granola has NO chunks, whatsoever. I am unsure if the product became jostled and broke apart in shipping, or if this is simply the nature of the granola. Either way, this is a disappointment to the consumer.

Despite the textural mis-step the taste is quite all right. There isn’t much about it that blows my mind, but the cashew and cranberry combination is nice and its just sweet enough without being too sweet. As unsatisfying as the texture was, the flavor itself was just as wonderful as all the glutinous granolas of yesteryear.

Labeling: Labeling on this product really hyped the fact that the product contained Omega-3 fatty acids. While the product DOES include flax seeds (a major source of fatty acids) it is the last fat source listed in the ingredients. Each serving of this granola has only 4 grams of fat. Because cashews, sunflower oil, and canola oil come before flax seeds on the list, and because flax is the only fat source listed with Omega-3’s, it seems logical to deduce that very few omega-3’s actually exist in each serving. I know Omega-3’s are a popular thing for the health conscious these days, but it seems sneaky to make that a major claim of a product that it plays a minor role in. Other then that, the labeling was sufficient. All nutrition information was clear and present and easy to understand.

Packaging: The packaging of this product was a cardboard box with four individually wrapped plastic bags dividing up servings. I found this to be sufficient for keeping the product fresh, but also a little sneaky. While four bags were present in the box, the box was identified as having ten servings. So each bag was about 2.5 servings. At first this product seemed to have a very low calorie count at 120 calories per serving but the reality of the serving size makes it just about average.

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:               3.5       

Value:              3

OVERALL:        3.2

Reviewed  by Lacy D. 

Gluten Free Snacks: Shakti Sweets of India Cashew Diamonds w/ Saffron

PRODUCT NAME:                  Cashew Diamonds w/Saffron

BRAND:                                 Shakti Sweets of India

COST:                                   $4.99

SIZE:                                     7.5 oz

COST PER OZ:                      $0.66/oz                     

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:    NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:     NA

ORGANIC:                             NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:     NA

VEGAN:                                YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:      NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:      NA      

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:

Taste: 

Again we are presented with an extremely simple treat-like dessert to review. Shakti Sweets of India has introduced a product simply called “Cashew Diamonds with Saffron”. The ingredient list is extremely short (cashew, sugar, pistachio, cardamon, and saffron) and it tastes just exactly like the sum of its parts. Despite the potential surprises the combination of the aforementioned could present, this product tastes just exactly like a mishmash of those few things sounds like it would. No nuance. No surprise.

Upon first bite, I was a bit excited by the texture. The pistachio chunks were pleasant and the slight grit of it had a very Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (minus the chocolate) feel. On first impact, it flooded my mouth with memories of being a kid and picking the outside of my Reese’s cup off so that I may enjoy the peanut butter-y goodness unadorned. If that isn’t exciting I don’t know what is. Sadly, upon further chewing my delight began to fade. Once a chomp or two takes place on these little treats the grit turns to paste. Although I love the childhood memories, I certainly don’t want to recall Play-Doh while trying to eat dessert.

Because Saffron, cardamon, and pistachio are all very powerful flavors the subtlety of the cashew is a bit lost. Even the little punches of flavor you do get from the spices eventually fall flat due to what seems to be a very high sugar content. All and all, its pretty disappointing. The flavor fizzles out immediately, which combined with a mediocre texture, left me unenthused.

There was no nutrition information presented on the packaging and so I decided to do a little research.  I found out that traditionally these products are called “Kaju Kathli” and are enjoyed after meals in India. Generally they are made of just cashews, sugar, and water. Although it is clear that Shakti was aiming to be a creative with this traditional treat, I almost think a simpler manifestation might be more satisfying. A typical traditional recipe packs about about 68 calories per diamond. As I mentioned this is NOT the officially provided nutrition information but if it is anywhere close (which my experience has lead me to believe it probably is) then its not really worth it. I’d honestly rather eat 68 calories worth of plain cashews!

Labeling: Labeling on this product was not sufficient. I find it unreasonable to not be able to include nutrition information on a product, especially when there are plentiful websites that will calculate a label for free. If I can do it, so can companies selling products! 

Packaging: The packaging of this product was recyclable plastic container. 7.5 ounces is actually quite a few cashew diamonds, and the freshness level declines rapidly. The short shelf life could probably vastly be improved by having smaller packages of a different material. The moisture these diamonds produce makes them prone to spoilage.

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:           2.5

Taste:               2         

Value:              3         

OVERALL:        2.5

Reviewed by Lacy D. 

Gluten Free Macaroons: Wonderfully Raw Chocolate CocoRoons

PRODUCT NAME:                      Chocolate Cocoroons

COMPANY NAME:                      Wonderfully Raw

COST:                                        $8.25

SIZE:                                           6 oz

COST PER OZ:                           $1.38/oz                     

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:         NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:          NA

ORGANIC:                                  NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:          NA

VEGAN:                                      YES                             

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:            No

LOCATION OF FACILITY:            NA     

SHELF LIFE:                                4 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 am not exactly a sweet treat type of person. Sugar freaks me out (HELLO, blood sugar spike and crash), agave nectar has become controversial, honey is of questionable nature in the land of vegans, high fructose corn syrup seems basically akin to the devil, and splenda and aspartame are chemicals that I simply do not do. In steps our friend maple syrup.

For all my uptight food particularities, I cannot seem to find anything wrong with maple syrup. It provides a delightful depth and rich sweetness, it comes from our pal the tree, and it doesn’t seem to mess with my energy the way other sweeteners do. With my structure of rules, you can imagine my delight when Wonderfully Raw’s Chocolate Cocoroons arrived on my desk. A sweet treat without all the drama? Sign me up!

 

Like many staples of my diet, the ingredient list in this treat is extremely short (Dried coconut, almond flour, cacao, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and salt) but the taste of the sum of its parts is so much more. In fact, it is completely divine. The blend of almond, cacao, vanilla, and coconut creates a beautifully nuanced flavor that hits the tongue in tiers of deliciousness. There is complexity in each bite and as you chew you delve further and further into the bursts of each taste experience. The blend of these flavors is a delightful journey of the senses-one that I absolutely want to go on again and again and again!

Building on the deliciousness of the taste, is the excitement of the texture. The amalgamation of coconut oil and dried coconut gives way to incredible windows of textural decadence. I could not pick a more perfect combo of creamy and rough to dip in chocolate. The hint of sea salt at the end caps the experience off with a hint of mystery. Basically, it leaves you satisfied due to the richness with one little bite.

I very much appreciate the nutrition information of this product. Ive noticed that many raw foods companies avoid taking the extra step to find the information out, and Wonderfully Raw takes on the task head on. In addition to having the information actually available, they have created a product that feels like dessert on an incredibly low calorie scale. Each truffle sized bite is 76 calories, and will curb craving for a good long while. Those who count calories or live their life with an emphasis on health will love these, but even your standard chocoholic dessert addict will enjoy.

Labeling: Labeling on this product was very sufficient. All nutrition information was clear and present.

Packaging: The packaging of this product was a solid Ziploc style plastic bag and it is my one complaint about the product. A compostable, or at least recyclable container seems more in line with the companies views.

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.