Gluten Free Crackers: Kinnikinnick S'moreables

PRODUCT NAME:                    S’moreables

COMPANY NAME:                    KinniKinnick

COST:                                      $5.19

SIZE:                                        8 oz

COST PER OZ:                         $0.65   

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       Unknown

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

ORGANIC:                                 No

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

VEGAN:                                     Yes                         

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          Yes

LOCATION OF FACILITY:           Edmonton, Canada     

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: 

KinniKinnick stands at the forefront of the gaggle of gluten-free product pioneers that has popped up as of late. Straight out of Canada, this company aims to make products for the Celiac-Disease-Having masses that both recall upon the indulgences of childhood and satisfy a sweet tooth. Their graham-cracker like product, S’moreables, is just one of the GF snacks-of-youth they have created.

In taste, I found S’moreables to actually be *better* then you’re average cracker of graham.  Upon first bite, I was presented with a rich, pleasant, crumbly crunch that slowly turned into the graham-y ball of mush I loved swallowing down as a kid. They are slightly thicker than your average graham cracker, thus packing more crunch and volume to sink your teeth into. I would compare them to a baby biscuit or Teddy Graham cookie texturally. The taste isn’t exactly like the gluten-filled counterpart, but instead has much more depth. There are identifiable hints of brown sugar and vanilla in each bite that create serious complexity. The quality of the ingredients used is palpable.

The package of this product comes with a S’mores recipe just under the nutrition facts, implying that the proper use for this cookie is to create a melty and delectable campfire treat. I am vegan, thus making marshmallows a bit of a stretch and don’t have much of a sweet tooth so I decided to try this cracker unadorned, despite the suggestion. Although I haven’t given the recipe a shot, I’m pretty sure it would probably be incredibly decadent, so if that’s your thing- Go for it! I can’t imagine it’d be bad.

Nutritionally, these puppies are kind of a calorie bomb. One of the main ingredients is shortening, which is precisely what causes the crispy graham to turn into the sticky mushy ball we all love to swallow down. Your average graham cracker is a large sheet and has sixty calories. Kinnikinnick’s S’moreable also has sixty calories and is about half the size. I would definitely not make the mistake of thinking of this product as a “cracker”. If you consider it more of a cookie, the calorie count seems much more reasonable.

Labeling:

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

Packaging:

These cookies come in a plastic wrapped plastic tray and are encased in a cardboard box. Although environmentally this seems like a lot of waste, it feels appropriate 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:               4         

Value:              3

OVERALL:        4

Reviewed by Lacy D.

Gluten Free Mix: Cherrybrook Kitchen Fudge Brownie Mix - Product Review #78

Gluten Free Mix: Cherrybrook Kitchen Fudge Brownie Mix

PRODUCT NAME:                    Fudge Brownie Mix

BRAND:                                   Cherrybrook Kitchen

COST:                                     $5.99

SIZE:                                       14 oz.

COST PER OZ:                         $0.43/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

VEGAN:                                    OPTIONAL

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          UNKNOWN

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          Massachusetts

*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:
"The sweet solution for food allergies," is the motto for Cherrybrook Kitchen, the company that created the mix for these fantastic brownies. Not only is the mix gluten free, but completely vegan and nut free as well. According to their Web site, all equipment is dedicated solely to products that never touch dairy or nuts, and all goods are batch tested for traces of dairy, nuts and gluten for consumer safety.

I'm always in awe when something this good is made out of ingredients like cocoa butter and tapioca starch, but Cherrybrook Kitchen has turned my baking world upside-down once again.

I used a square 9x9-inch pan, one medium-sized bowl for mixing and a large spoon. To stay vegan, use 1/3 cup of a butter substitute, 2/3 cup of water and two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Cherrybrook's Web site recommends Fleischmann’s™ Unsalted Margarine and Earth Balance™ as dairy-free alternatives. I used real butter in the test kitchen.

The butter has to be completely melted, and since we're not dealing with eggs, I poured the freshly melted liquid straight into the mix. Add the remaining ingredients, mix well (don't bother getting out the electric mixer, it's not necessary), and you've got yourself fresh batter in a matter of minutes.

Pour batter into your pan and place on the bottom shelf of a preheated oven. The box says "12 minutes for fudge-like brownies or 14 minutes for cake-like brownies." I'd have to argue that 12 minutes produced more of a liquid-like brownie, so set your timer and check on them after 12 minutes. Another five did the trick for me, and produced a combination fudge-cake brownie that melts in your mouth.

I'm not a huge fan of dense, decadent brownies, so these were really my style. They're so light, they verge on crumbly, but I was still able to eat them in square chunks with my hands. There are great little chips of vegan chocolate mixed in that melt to create sweet little surprises as you chew, which complement the not-so-sweet brownie base.

The foundation of the mix is rice flour, and I have to say, you can definitely tell. The chew that is created when using wheat flour is replaced with an airy texture that dissolves almost as quickly as it hits the tongue.

Nutritional facts say there are 140 calories in 1/12 of the tray, without the added butter or oil. If you stay vegan, chances are you're staying in a decent calorie zone. There are only 16 grams of sugar per portion as opposed to last week's chocolate cake, which contained 23 grams without frosting. My only concern is that they're so weightless, so neutral on the sugar spectrum, you'll eat them all at once.

As a side note, I left the tray at a friend's house and was informed that they actually got better the next day, so you have that to look forward to – if they last that long!

Taste: The taste was light, a cloud of chocolate that isn't too sweet at first bit, then hits your tongue with little blasts of sugary goodness from the chocolate chunks blended in the mix. Chocolaty without being overwhelming is nice, but be careful not to eat the whole tray in one sitting – this is very possible.

Labeling: The labeling is adorable and easy to follow. They used graphics and copy well, providing company information on one side, directions on the back and super cute animations.

Packaging: Box with a plastic bag inside to hold the mix.

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:            2
OVERALL:      4

Reviewed 022511 by Mallory L.

Gluten Free Bagels: Udi's Whole Grain Bagels - Product Review #77

Gluten Free Bagels: Udi's Whole Grain Bagels

PRODUCT NAME:                    Whole Grain Bagel

BRAND:                                   Udi’s Gluten Free Foods

COST:                                     $6.00

SIZE:                                       4 Bagels (14oz)

COST PER BAGEL:                  $1.50

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:      YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       GFCO

ORGANIC:                               NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       N/A

VEGAN:                                   NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:        YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:        COLORADO

*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:
We have tried Udi’s Cinnamon Raisin Bagels in the past and we loved them, so when we got a chance to try their Whole Grain variety, we jumped at the chance.  Last time, we went with the sweet so this time we decided to go with savory.  It was a nice sunny day so we decided that we would have lunch by the water.  The perfect lunch to go along with the view was open faced bagel sandwiches using toasted Udi’s Gluten Free Whole Grain Bagels, fresh cream cheese, sliced pork tenderloin and green onions sautéed with garlic.  Everything went together perfectly. 

Udi’s bagels are great.  They have the perfect texture because they have a similar texture to a regular bagel, firm and chewy, but with an even lighter texture.  We received these bagels last week and because we couldn’t get to them right away, we decided to freeze them.  Even after being frozen for about a week, after a quick toast they came out tasting fresh.  These bagels worked especially well for a sandwich because they are firm and can hold piles of toppings.  Bite into the sandwich and you have the perfect balance of textures.  The sandwich was delicious and filling. 

When we wrote our review for Udi’s Cinnamon Raisin Bagel, I expressed concern about the nutrition facts because I thought that the sodium, calorie and fat content were a little high.  Unfortunately I had the same concern with this bagel.  I know these bagels are whole grain and whole grain is supposed to be good for you, but with 280 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 470 milligrams of sodium, these whole grain bagels have even higher fat and sodium content than the Cinnamon Raisin Bagels.  Despite this, I wouldn’t say that these bagels are unhealthy to eat. It just means that you have to pay attention to what you are eating so you can plan your day’s meal accordingly to ensure that you don’t go over your recommended daily values.  It would be a shame to miss out on these delicious bagels because Udi’s makes the best bagels I’ve ever had, this includes regular bagels that contain gluten.

Ingredients for Udi's Whole Grain Bagels

Overall, we really enjoyed Udi’s Bagels.  They are delicious and have one of the best textures I’ve ever had in a bagel.  You get the best of both worlds; the firmness and chewiness we’ve come to expect from a bagel but with a lighter texture that makes chewing this bagel not such a workout.

Nutrition facts for Udi's Whole Grain Bagels

Taste: This bagel has a great texture.  It is chewy and firm like a regular bagel, but lighter.  Toast these up and make a sandwich for a great lunch.

Labeling:  The labeling on this packaging is very simple and strait forward, everything you need to know is stamped right on the front.  Gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free, whole grain, certified gluten free, and kosher, it’s all there on the front.    

Packaging:  You will find your normal bagel packaging here.  It is the typical plastic bag with the bag tie ring to seal it up.  If you decide to freeze these bagels, you might want to put them in a freezer safe resealable 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:                    2

OVERALL:              4 

Reviewed 022311 by Calvin C

Gluten Free Bagels: Udi's Cinnamon Raisin Bagels - Product Review #53

Gluten Free Bagels: Udi's Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

PRODUCT NAME:                   Cinnamon Raisin Bagel

BRAND:                                 Udi’s Gluten Free Foods

COST:                                   $6.83

SIZE:                                     4 Bagels (14oz)

COST PER BAGEL:                $1.70

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:     YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:      GFCO

ORGANIC:                               NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:       N/A

VEGAN:                                   NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:        YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         COLORADO

*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:
Every time I search for gluten free bread, one name always comes up…Udi’s. Udi’s Gluten Free Foods out of Denver, CO has been making gluten free breads for several years out of the dedicated gluten free facility. It all started when a friend of Udi’s Certified Master Baker asked him if he could bake some gluten free bread. At that time, there were very few options of good-tasting gluten free bread. The rest is history. Udi’s Gluten Free Foods now has product in over 3500 stores in all U.S. states and in Canada. It’s with good reason too.

I got a hold of Udi’s Gluten Free Foods Cinnamon Raisin Bagels and decided to give them a try. Open up the bag and you will immediately get the sweet aroma of cinnamon and raisins. I prefer my bagels toasted so that is what I did with this one. I didn’t try it untoasted, but I will say, that this bagel tastes great toasted. The texture is not much different than regular bagels, but it is a little lighter. I would say this is an improvement over regular bagels. It’s not as tough to chew. Overall it had a nice slightly sweet flavor that I really enjoyed.

One thing that did scare me about these bagels is the nutrition facts. I compared the numbers with that of a regular cinnamon raisin bagel and the sodium count, calorie count and total fat were all on the high side at 450mg, 280 and 8g respectively. This just goes to show you that gluten free doesn’t always mean that it is automatically good for you. So if you do decide to eat this bagel, you might want to make sure you plan your remaining meals accordingly.

Taste: Great taste with a nice light texture. It is just a little lighter than a regular bagel, which I think is a good thing.

Labeling: Very simple labeling on these bagels. The fact that they are gluten free, dairy free, soy free and nut free are highlighted within circles right on the front of the package.

Packaging: You will find your normal bagel packaging here. It is the typical plastic bag with the bag tie ring to seal it up. If you decide to freeze these bagels, you might want to put them in a freezer safe resealable 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:            2
OVERALL:      4



Reviewed 012011 by CC