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 Cookies: Andean Dream Coconut Quinoa Cookies

Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Coconut Quinoa Cookies

PRODUCT NAME:                        Coconut Quinoa Cookies

BRAND:                                       Andean Dream

COST:                                          $5.99

SIZE:                                            7oz (Net Weight)

COST PER OZ:                             $0.86/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:           NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

ORGANIC:                                    NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             Bolivia

SHELF LIFE:                                1 Year

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.            

REVIEW:

Nutrition Facts

Andean Dream has conjured up a fantastic, healthy alternative snack in their line of quinoa-based cookies.  Quinoa [Chenopodium quinoa willd] is a grain originating in the Andean region of South America. Quinoa grains are known for harboring essential amino acids such as lysine and have great amounts of iron and calcium.  These specific cookies are made with organic Royal Quinoa—grown in the Bolivian Andes at an altitude of 13,000 feet which in turn produces the very best quality of quinoa in the world.

Ingrid Hirstin Laazcano, a businesswoman from Los Angeles, is the founder and CEO of Andean Dream. Laazcano was inspired to start the company after working on a public relations campaign in 2005 for a research scientist and author that specialized in alkaline-rich foods (such as quinoa) and their benefits in improving health.  Fascinated by the research, she began to eat the grain on a regular basis and discovered that it significantly elevated her energy and sense of well-being. This lead her to create a line of products that would promote this amazing super food to U.S. consumers.

In addition to the quinoa grain, these cookies advertise that they are wheat and soy free, contain no dairy products or Trans fats, and are made in a nut free facility which makes this completely safe for people with nut allergies.  The Royal Quinoa used in the cookies is also purchased from indigenous farming groups at fair trade prices which supply positive economic welfare for the families.

Overall, the coconut flavor was my favorite. The flecks of coconut inside the cookie are flavorful, but not too overpowering. I love that they are individually wrapped and are convenient for people who are on the go.

Taste:  The bits of coconut sprinkled throughout the cookie make this a great combination of sweet and crunchy. The coconut was not overpowering and added a soft texture to the cookie as well. I’m normally not a fan of coconut flavored products, but this particular balance had me grabbing a few more than the suggested serving size. Great snack for on the go or even in bag lunches as they are individually-wrapped and can be a healthy alternative snack for quick satiation. 

Labeling:  Simple, nutritional facts displayed on the right side of the box. The design and logo of the box is very colorful and earthy.

Packaging:  one box of individually-wrapped, snack sized cookies. Each box states that two cookies are equal to one serving, with a total of six servings in each box. 

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 5/16/11 by

Allison R.

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

Gluten Free Cookies: Andean Dream Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

PRODUCT NAME:                     Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

BRAND:                                    Andean Dream

COST:                                       $5.99                

SIZE:                                         7oz (Net Weight)

COST PER OZ:                          $0.86/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:        NO        

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A       

ORGANIC:                                 NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

VEGAN:                                    YES      

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          Bolivia

SHELF LIFE:                             1 Year

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.   

         

REVIEW:

Andean Dream has conjured up a fantastic, healthy alternative snack in their line of quinoa-based cookies.  Quinoa [Chenopodium quinoa willd] is a grain originating in the Andean region of South America. Quinoa grains are known for harboring essential amino acids such as lysine and have great amounts of iron and calcium.  These specific cookies are made with organic Royal Quinoa—grown in the Bolivian Andes at an altitude of 13,000 feet which in turn produces the very best quality of quinoa in the world.

Nutrition Facts

Ingrid Hirstin Laazcano, a businesswoman from Los Angeles, is the founder and CEO of Andean Dream. Laazcano was inspired to start the company after working on a public relations campaign in 2005 for a research scientist and author that specialized in alkaline-rich foods (such as quinoa) and their benefits in improving health.  Fascinated by the research, she began to eat the grain on a regular basis and discovered that it significantly elevated her energy and sense of well-being. This lead her to create a line of products that would promote this amazing super food to U.S. consumers.

 In addition to the quinoa grain, these cookies advertise that they are wheat and soy free, contain no dairy products or Trans fats, and are made in a nut free facility which makes this completely safe for people with nut allergies.  The Royal Quinoa used in the cookies is also purchased from indigenous farming groups at fair trade prices which supply positive economic welfare for the families.

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

Taste:  The quinoa provides a pleasant twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie flavor. The texture is crunchy and balances out the taste of the dark chocolate chips and provide a scrumptious blend of flavors without being too overpowering or overly sweet, while small flecks of white (I assume to be the quinoa pop grains) add a soft, slightly chewy consistency to the cookie. Great snack for on the go or even in bag lunches as they are individually-wrapped and can be a healthy alternative snack for quick satiation. 

Labeling:  Simple, nutritional facts displayed on the right side of the box. The design and logo of the box is very colorful and earthy.

Packaging:  one box of individually-wrapped, snack sized cookies. Each box states that two cookies are equal to one serving, with a total of six servings in each box. 

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 5/16/11 by Allison R.

Interesting Articles: Quinoa's Global Success Creates Quandary in Bolivia

We were reading the New York Times and we ran across an interesting article titled, "A Food's Glabal Success Creates a Quandary at Home" by Simon Romero and Sara Shahriari.  The article talks about how the success of the highly nutritious quinoa grain has helped the incomes of some of the region's farmers, but had increased the price of quinoa to a level where many of the locals can no longer afford it.  It is an extremely interesting read and it can be found at: Quinoa's Global Success Creates Quandary in Bolivia

Gluten Free Pasta: Andean Dream Quinoa Macaroni - Product Review #20

Gluten Free Pasta: Andean Dream Quinoa Macaroni

PRODUCT NAME:                          Quinoa Pasta Macaroni

BRAND:                                         Andean Dream

COST:                                           $5.99

SIZE:                                             8oz

COST PER OZ:                               $0.74/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:             NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:              N/A

ORGANIC:                                      YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:              IMO-Switzerland

VEGAN:                                          Unknown

WHEAT FREE FACILITY:                 Unknown

LOCATION OF FACILITY:                Bolivia

*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:

When coming to the table today, we knew exactly what to expect from this pasta.  It was the same brand of pasta that we had for lunch yesterday only in a different shape.  Our expectations were met with the great texture and taste we had experienced the day before. 

Consistency with cooking is also another thing to note with this product.  We got the same texture that we expected 2 days in a row which is important.  When you cook spaghetti, you want to be sure that spaghetti is what you get unlike the surprise that we got the other day when we found rice in place of the spaghetti that we put in.

He was quite intrigued by our daily gluten free lunches.  So from our office and from Brian of Brian Martin Metals, we give the 280 families a perfect 5 for this product.  

Taste:  We had a few guests for lunch today, Brian of Brian Martin Metals, who said that the pasta tasted “clean” and that came as a compliment.  Quinoa is a great grain that has a very good flavor. 

Labeling: The labeling on this packaging is very simple.  On the front, is just the brand and type of pasta; no unnecessary jibber jabber.  On the back is a nice background story on the quinoa grain and how the grain is grown in the Bolivian Andes at an elevation of 13,000, which they claim is where the finest quality of quinoa is grown.   

Packaging: Good packaging as it is made out of paper, which can be recycled.

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

Gluten Free Pasta: Andean Dream Gluten Free Quinoa Spaghetti - Product Review #8

Andean Dream Spaghetti

PRODUCT NAME:                        Gluten Free Quinoa Pasta Spaghetti

COST:                                         $5.19

SIZE:                                           8oz

COST PER OZ:                            $0.64/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:           NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

ORGANIC:                                    YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            IMO - Institute of Marketecology-Switzerland

VEGAN:                                        Unknown

WHEAT FREE FACILITY:               Unknown

LOCATION OF FACILITY:              Bolivia

*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:

Four wheat’s …ORGANIC + FAIR TRADE
O.K. It is true I could not pronounce Quinoa for the life of me six months ago. Now the word + the grain are  my new best friends.  Today we cooked this product + we give this yummy spaghetti the four wheat rating.

Why?

1.The cooking directions are accurate …we always put in a pinch of salt into the boiling water …in this case we used Hawaiian salt + olive oil from Costco.

 2. The texture is firm yet pliable + believe it or not you would have a difficult time telling this quinoa product from our beloved wheat products. 

3. We like this company’s story on the back of the box where we used to get all our important information before the incredible internet world.
THEIR story…as told to us on the back of the box…ORGANIC ROYAL QUINOA grown only in the Bolivian Andes @ an altitude of 13,000 feet by 280 families + there is a very sweet smallish picture of a Bolivian  farming couple who look like the real deal.

Taste: Quinoa pasta has a very clean taste to it.  Taste isn’t so much an issues as texture is because most pastas are pretty bland in flavor.  This pasta has great texture.    

Labeling: The labeling on this packaging is very simple.  On the front, is just the brand and type of pasta; no unnecessary jibber jabber.  On the back is a nice background story on the quinoa grain and how the grain is grown in the Bolivian Andes at an elevation of 13,000, which they claim is where the finest quality of quinoa is grown.  

Packaging: Good packaging as it is made out of paper, which can be recycled.

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:                4.5         

Taste:                    4.5

Value:                    3

OVERALL:              4  

Reviewed 10/06/10 by TD