Review of 'Vitasoy' Mint Chocolate

Vitasoy -- Mint Chocolate (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: okay, I'm not a mint fan, but I can appreciate why this would be good for mint lovers. It's a pretty good balance of both mint and chocolate. I normally really don't care for mint-flavoured foods and beverages, but...okay, I'll admit this one is a hit. As a non-mint lover, though, I personally wouldn't buy it again, especially since it's a whopping 160 calories per cup. Also, carrageenan has been linked to gastrointestinal health issues and colon cancer in some studies (read more about it here).

Where to buy: Fortinos



Ingredients: filtered water, organic dried sugar cane juice, organic whole soybeans, organic cocoa (processed with alkali), organic sunflower oil, natural flavors, carrageenan, salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 250ml
Calories: 160
Fat: 4g
     Saturated: .5g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 2.5g
          Omega-6: 2g
          Omega-3: .3g
     Monounsaturated: .9g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 125mg
Potassium: 320mg
Carbohydrate: 27g
     Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 24g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

So yes, the ingredients are organic and swell. But, the second ingredient is sugar cane juice, which translates into 24g of sugar for a cup! That's just too much for me. Additionally, the 160 calories is too high for me, especially since I'm not big on the mint flavour. The only plus is the low saturated fat and healthy poly- and mono-unsaturated fats...also the 5g of protein isn't too bad.

Check out this Mint Chocolate Pudding recipe from Vitasoy.

Other soymilk flavours (all vegan):

• Original
• Vanilla
• Lite Plus Original
• Lite Plus Vanilla
• Lite Chocolate
• Holly Nog (reviewed here)
• Unsweetened (reviewed here)

Brand:

• It's difficult to say whether or not Vitasoy is non-GMO because its www.vitasoy.com.au website cites its products as non-GM BUT the Cornucopia Institute ranks it very low (a 1 out of 5) on the non-GMO scale (read here). Update: rating has gone up to 3/5, so it's likely that Vitasoy does use non-GMO soybeans.
• "Vitasoy-USA readily shared their sourcing information, but they do not buy directly from family farmers. Their supplier would not disclose the sourcing of their organic soybeans, but our research indicates that their supplier works directly with North-American organic farmers." (cited from cornucopia.org)

Review of 'Nature's Path' Flax Plus (Maple Pecan Crunch)

Nature's Path Flax Plus (Maple Pecan Crunch) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: woowwwww, super crunchy and fresh. Gosh, the flavour is out of this world with depth in that maple pecan. It's lightly sweet but so packed with flavour and sweet clusters of crunchiness that it's just...oh, so good. It has this deep cane sugary flavour as well. I was surprised to find a good amount of pecans as well! It also received the 'Best New Product Grand Prix Award'. I highly recommend this cereal and brand (read more about how fantastic Nature's Path is below).

Where to buy: Fortinos, Bulk Barn



Ingredients: whole wheat meal*, rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, wheat bran*, pecans*, flax*, soy oil*, brown rice flour*, oat bran*, barley malt extract*, sea salt, maple syrup*, coconut*, natural maple flavor, oat syrup solids* (oat syrup solids*, tocopherols), tocopherols (natural vitamin E), molasses*, cinnamon*.

*Organic. Contains wheat, soy and tree nuts. Produced in a facility that uses peanuts.

 Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2/3 cup
Calories: 220
Fat: 7g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 3g
          Omega-6: 1.5g
          Omega-3: .7g
     Monounsaturated: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 190mg
Potassium: 230mg
Carbohydrate: 38g
     Fibre: 5g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 6g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 15%

I'd rate it higher if not for the higher calories for just 2/3 cup, because clearly these ingredients are stellar. The nutritional profile is strong with only 1g of saturated fat and some great healthy fats. It's a wee bit higher in sodium than I'd like in my cereals, but the 5g of fiber and 6g of protein balance that out a bit. Still, I generally prefer to have more fibre and protein, or at least more of one either one. This is a delicious cereal, but not one I'd have on a regular basis. It's a nice little indulgence for a week or so until I switch back to my higher protein, higher fiber, lower sugar, and lower sodium cereals.
    
Other 'Flax Plus' Cold Cereals:

• Flax Plus® Flakes
• Flax Plus® Raisin Bran Flakes
• Flax Plus® Red Berry Crunch
• Pumpkin Flax Plus® Granola
• Optimum Power® Blueberry Cinnamon Flax Cereal
• Flax Plus® Pumpkin Raisin Crunch
• Flax Plus® Cinnamon
• Vanilla Almond Flax Plus™ Granola

Brand (quoted from the Nature's Path website):

• Family-owned and operated
•  Certified non-GMO and organic; non-GMO Project verified
• Fairtrade certified
• "We source all our ingredients as locally as possible to our production plants."
• "...over 78% of the weight of ingredients we purchase comes from organic farmers in North America."
• "Some of the ingredients we have committed to purchasing are Fairtrade Certified cocoa, sugar cane, molasses, and spices." 
• Gardens for Good Project

Review of 'Quaker Oats' Old Fashioned Quaker Oats

Quaker Oats -- Old Fashioned Quaker Oats (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: so I just broke the seal and cooked the first serving and man, can you can really taste how fresh, hearty, and oaty it is. I really enjoy this as my morning cereal. It's plain, so you can be as imaginative as you like when flavouring. I regularly opt for Silk Original soymilk with some brown sugar, but more recently, I've been adding dried raisins and berries. It makes for a wholesome breakfast. I would have awarded it a higher score if Quaker didn't continue using trans-fats and artificial ingredients in their products *and* work against the GMO labeling project. I'm not a big fan of the brand.

Where to buy: most major grocery stores, Quaker e-store




Ingredients: 100% natural whole grain Quaker quality rolled oats.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/2 cup dry
Calories: 150
     Calories from fat: 25
Total Fat: 3g
     Saturated: .5g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 1g
     Monounsaturated: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrate: 27g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
          Soluble fiber: 2g
          Insoluble fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 5g
Iron: 10%

Okay, so I'm not fan of the Quaker brand, but I do appreciate the simplicity of ingredient in this specific product as well as the nutritional profile. One serving is low-calorie and high nutrient; for a mere 150 cals, you get 4g fiber and 5g protein. When you add about a 1/2 cup of milk, you get a boost of calcium and protein. Add some fruit, and bam!...a hearty, wholesome, nutrient-dense start to your day.

I'll continue to look out for more impressive oatmeal brands that I can confidently recommend.

Check out the recipes for Old Fashioned Quaker Oats:

• Banana Bread Oatmeal
• Awesome Oatmeal Cookies

Other Quaker 'Hot Cereals':

• Steel Cut
• Instant Quaker Oatmeal (8 flavours)
• Low Sugar Instant Oatmeal (2 flavours)
• High Fiber Instant Oatmeal (vegan)
• Weight Control Instant Oatmeal
• Organic Instant Oatmeal (vegan) (2 flavours)
• Real Medleys (3 flavours)
• Multigrain (vegan) 
• Hot Oat Bran (vegan)
• Grits (8 flavours)

Brand:

• Continues to include trans fats, artificial flavours, colouring, genetically modified ingredients despite branding itself as health conscious and progressive
• Goal: to reduce water and electricity consumption by 20% and fuel consumption by 25% by 2015 (Oats and the Environment)
• Since 1901
• Part of PepsiCo since 2001 (against GMO-labelling)

Review of 'Valor' 70% Dark Chocolate (with Mint)

Valor -- 70% Dark Chocolate (with Mint) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2/5
Summary: okay, way too minty for me. I'm just not a big fan of chocolate + mint...unless *maybe* it's in ice cream form...and even then, it wouldn't be my preference. I guess this is for the mint fans...I certainly can't recommend it.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn



Ingredients: cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, natural mint flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 4 squares (33g)
Calories: 170
Fat: 12g
     Saturated: 7g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 15mg
Carbohydrate: 14g
     Fibres: 5g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 4g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 35%

This has one of the lower sugar counts of the Valor chocolates I've reviewed...but perhaps it could have used some more to balance that strong minty flavour!

Other 'Premium Bars' varieties:

• Milk Chocolate
• Milk Chocolate with Wafers
• Dark Chocolate 70%
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Forest Berries (reviewed here)
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Toffee
• 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange (reviewed here) 

Brand:

• Cocoa from Ecuador, Ghana and Panama
• Since 1881
• Not organic, so likely uses GMOs
• Uses artificial ingredients

Review of 'Wholesome Goodness' Sour Pineapple Raisins

Wholesome Goodness' Sour Pineapple Raisins (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: the raisins are juicy and not shriveled...very fresh! The only downside is the slightly weak pineapple flavour. I have to pay close attention to notice the pineapple.

Where to buy: Walmart Supercenter, US store locator

Ingredients: Raisins, Natural Pineapple Flavour, Citric Acid (Acidulant).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1oz
Calories: 90
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 3mg
Total Carbs.: 21g
     Dietary Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 17g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 4%

These are great ingredients...all natural! What a yummy snack...this is a great one to pack for children.

Other 'Dried Fruit and Nuts' products:

• Yogurt Covered Dried Tart Cherries (gluten-free)
• Sour Lemon Raisins  (vegan, gluten-free) (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Covered Cherries (vegan, gluten-free)
• Premium Nut Mix (vegan, gluten-free)
• Roasted Almonds (vegan, gluten-free)
• Roasted Whole Cashews (vegan, gluten-free)
• Raw Almonds (vegan, gluten-free)
• Marathon Snack Mix (vegan, gluten-free)
• Yukon Snack Mix (gluten-free)
• Safari Snack Mix (vegan, gluten-free)
• Tuxedo Snack Mix (gluten-free)
• Mountain Trail Mix (vegan, gluten-free) (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Kosher certified
• Claims to be nutritionally-mindful, though I have found the following ingredients in their products: modified palm kernel oil (a source of trans fats; read more about it here); corn syrup (unspecified GMO status), soybean products (unspecified GMO status)

Review of 'Valor' 70% Dark Chocolate (with Orange)

Valor -- 70% Dark Chocolate (with Orange) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: I don't normally enjoy orange-flavoured anything...but this is executed beautifully. The dried bits of orange, apple, and pineapple are sweet and lightly tart--just refreshing. The chocolate itself is nicely sweetened and well-complemented by the orange flavour. Too bad the brand is not organic, uses artificial ingredients, and likely includes genetically modified ingredients.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn



Ingredients: cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, orange pulp apple, pineapple fibre, soya lecithin, sodium alginate, monosodium phosphate, citric acid, natural orange flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 4 squares
Calories: 160
Fat: 10g
     Saturated: 6g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 20mg
Carb: 16g
     Fibres: 4g
     Sugars: 12g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 30%

The calories are pretty decent for 4 squares, since each square it pretty sizable. The sugar isn't too bad and nor is the fiber and protein...okay so the nutritional profile is pretty decent. Just beware the ingredients.

Other 'Premium Bars' varieties:

• Milk Chocolate
• Milk Chocolate with Wafers
• Dark Chocolate 70%
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Mint
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Forest Berries (reviewed here)
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Toffee

Brand:

• Cocoa from Ecuador, Ghana and Panama
• Since 1881
• Not organic, so likely uses GMOs
• Uses artificial ingredients

Review of Post 'Shredded Wheat' Original

Shredded Wheat -- Original (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: fresh, whearty, heart, light, perfectly textured. Ahhh this is great. And you can add any flavours you like. I choose to drizzle syrup and add fruit--strawberry works very well! I love the texture after it has been in milk for a minute or two. It swells a bit and puffs up slightly.

Where to buy: most major grocery stores (e.g. Fortinos, Sobeys)


Ingredients: whole grain wheat. BHT in packaging (linked to cancer in animals).

Nutrition Facts*
Serving size: 2 biscuits
Calories: 160
     Calories from Fat: 10g
Total Fat: 1g
     Saturated Fat: 0g
     Trans Fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: .5g
     Monounsaturated: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 37g
     Dietary Fiber: 6g
          Soluble Fiber: <1g
          Insoluble Fiber: 5g
     Sugars: 0g
     Other Carbohydrate: 31g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

See, now this would have been one of my top cereals if only it excluded the BHT. I love that there's nothing added. I could have made an entirely new cereal flavour every morning! How unfortunate...and the nutritional profile is really fantastic as well. It's low in fat, calories, sugar and sodium, yet great for fiber and protein!

Full nutritional profile available here. And check out these recipes from the website:

• Honey and Nut Muffins
• Cherry Crumble
• Grab 'n Go Peanut Butter Bars
• Savoury Meatloaf
• Shredded Wheat Apple Cherry Crisp
• Tangy Lemon Squares

Other Shredded Wheat varieties:

• Spoon Size Honey Nut
• Spoon Size Wheat'n Bran (vegan)

Brand:

• Still uses BHT in packaging, still uses trans fats, and likely user of GMOs
• All Post products are kosher, with the exception of Marshmallow Pebbles, Fruity Pebbles Treats and Cocoa Pebbles Treats.

Review of 'Valor' Dark Chocolate 70% with Forest Berries

Valor -- Dark Chocolate 70% with Forest Berries
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: wow, this is some RICH dark chocolate. And...it's incredible! The dried fruit gives it the most amazing crisp texture and fruity flavour. I hesitate to rank it higher because of the non-organic designation, artificial ingredient (flavour), lack of info on supply chain, and lack of social/health/environmental consciousness reflected on the website. For these reasons, I wouldn't recommend supporting this brand.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn

 

Ingredients: cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, glucose syrup, dried raspberry, fructose, dried blackberry, soy lecithin, flavour, sodium alginate, citric acid.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 4 squares
Calories: 170
Fat: 11g
     Saturated: 7g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 15mg
Carb: 15g
     Fibres: 4g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 4g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 35%

This is a pretty much standard nutritional profile for dark chocolate in terms of calories. The sugar isn't that high, which I appreciated. However, the ingredients aren't organic, which probably means refined sugar and artificial ingredients.

Other 'Premium Bars' varieties:

• Milk Chocolate
• Milk Chocolate with Wafers
• Dark Chocolate 70%
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Mint
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Orange
• Dark Chocolate 70% with Toffee

Brand:

• Cocoa from Ecuador, Ghana and Panama
• Since 1881
• Not organic
• Uses artificial ingredients

Review of 'The Tea Room' 72% Dark Chocolate (Mate & Cacao Nibs)

The Tea Room -- Mate & Cacao Nibs
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: oooh, my my, this is deliciously rich. Now this, this is fine dark chocolate. It's got that hint of bitterness, with bits of cacao nibs for crunch. I can't comment on the infusion of Yerba Mate Tea since I've never actually had it. It's very good. I recommend this bar and would buy it again.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, where to buy internationally



Ingredients: unsweetened organic chocolate, organic cane sugar, organic cacao fat, organic green mate tea, organic rose-hip leaves, star anis, organic cacao nibs, organic vanilla extract, raspberry leaves, blackberry leaves, currant leaves, aniseet, fennel & corn. Soy Lecithin added as emulsifier

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 51g
Calories: 280
Fat: 18g
     Saturated: 12g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 140mg
Carbohydrate: 26g
     Fibre: 6g
     Sugars: 14g
Protein: 4g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 40%

All great, organic ingredients involved here and fully committed to the non-GMO movement. This brand is a keeper. The nutritional profile is good. The calories a bit high, but the sugar is not bad at all, there's a solid 6g of fibre, 4g of protein, and a whopping 40% of iron. It's a great, indulgent snack!

Other 'Organic Chocolate Bars Infusions':

• 60% Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with Almond Caramel (vegan)
• White Chocolate Bar with Chamomile Tea & Honey
• Milk Chocolate Bar Infused with Bedouin's Mint Tea
• Pina Colada Milk Chocolate Bar
• Milk Chocolate Bar Infused with Jasmine Tea
• Milk Chocolate Bar Infused with Black Masala Chai Tea
• Milk Chocolate Bar Infused with Honeybush Caramel Tea
• 60% Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with Mayan Pepper Chai (vegan)
• 60% Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with Green Earl Grey Tea (vegan)
• 60% Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with Raspberry Rooibos Tea (vegan)
• 72% Extra Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with a Rich Arabica Espresso (vegan)

Brand:

• USDA organic, GMO Free, and Hormone-Free
• March 2013, Tokyo-Japan: Foodex, Grand Prix Award
• October 2012, PARIS-France: SIAL INNOVATION SELECTION 2012 Award
• August 2012, Chocolate Bar Competition, San Francisco: 2 gold (Best Ingredients Combination & Top Chocolate Bar), 2 silver and 4 bronze
• The International Chocolate Salon "Grand Master Award 2012" details at http://tastetv.com/intlchocolatesalon_12awards.html
• More awards here

Review of 'Wholesome Goodness' Sour Lemon Raisins

Wholesome Goodness -- Sour Lemon Raisins (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: 100% fruit and with no sugar added...this is a hard to beat snack! See, now this you should feel comfortable giving to your children for a snack. It's actually very tasty. The raisins are not hard or dry. The lemon flavour is not too strong--it's quite mild in tartness. I enjoyed this.

Where to buy: Walmart Supercenter, US store locator

Ingredients: Raisins, Natural Lemon Flavour, Citric Acid (Acidulant).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 28g (I got the little packages)
Calories: 90
Total fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 3mg
Potassium: 210mg
Total Carbs: 21g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 17g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 4%

I'd recommend this and buy it again, myself. It's the perfect little snack, low calorie, few ingredients, and no artificial mumbo jumbo.

Other 'Dried Fruit and Nuts' products:

• Yogurt Covered Dried Tart Cherries (gluten-free)
• Chocolate Covered Cherries (vegan, gluten-free)
• Sour Pineapple Raisins (vegan, gluten-free)
• Premium Nut Mix (vegan, gluten-free)
• Roasted Almonds (vegan, gluten-free)
• Roasted Whole Cashews (vegan, gluten-free)
• Raw Almonds (vegan, gluten-free)
• Marathon Snack Mix (vegan, gluten-free)
• Yukon Snack Mix (gluten-free)
• Safari Snack Mix (vegan, gluten-free)
• Tuxedo Snack Mix (gluten-free)
• Mountain Trail Mix (vegan, gluten-free) (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Kosher certified
• Claims to be nutritionally-mindful, though I have found the following ingredients in their products: modified palm kernel oil (a source of trans fats; read more about it here); corn syrup (unspecified GMO status), soybean products (unspecified GMO status)

Review of 'Luna Bar' S'mores

Luna Bar -- S'mores (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: It's. Just. So. Good. It was delicious, okay? It actually had the most authentic s'mores flavour. It was perfectly fresh, crispy, and had a layer of perfectly sweet chocolate. Buy this without regret. It's a pretty awesome brand to support and its mad delicious.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Bulk Barn





Ingredients: LunaPro ® (Soy Rice Crisps [Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour], Organic Toasted Oats [Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Dried Cane Syrup], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour, Organic Flaxmeal), Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Coating (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Organic Cocoa, Palm Kernel Oil, Organic Palm Kernel Oil, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla), Marshmallow Flavored Nuggets (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Cocoa Butter, Oat Fiber, Oat Flour, Fructose, Natural Flavors, Gum Arabic, Soy Lecithin), Inulin (Chicory Extract), Organic Soy Butter (Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soybean Oil, Salt), Organic Oat Syrup Solids, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Sea Salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
     Calories from fat: 45
Total fat: 5g
     Sat. fat: 2.5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 140mg
Potassium: 130mg
Total carb.: 27g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Insoluble fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 13g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 35%
Iron: 30%

Well, most of the ingredients are organic, so don't fret. With 180 calories, this is a nutrient-dense bar. It provides a solid 9g of protein, with a more modest 3g of fibe, and a host of vitamins and minerals. Check out the webpage for the complete nutritional profile.

Other flavours:

• Blueberry Bliss (vegan)
• Caramel Nut Brownie (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Chunk (vegan)
• Chocolate Dipped Coconut (vegan)
• Chocolate Peppermint Stick (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Raspberry (vegan)
• Iced Oatmeal Raisin (vegan)
• Lemon Zest (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Nutz Over Chocolate (reviewed here) 
• Peanut Butter Cookie (vegan)
• Peanut Honey Pretzel
• Toasted Nuts 'n Cranberry (vegan)
• Vanilla Almond (vegan)
• White Chocolate Macadamia (vegan)

Brand (quoted from clifbar.com):

• "...free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup; artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives; and ingredients sourced from GMOs."
• "LUNA provides the nutrients women often lack, like folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals..."
• "LUNA contributes to the Clif Bar Family Foundation, which donates 1% of all product revenue to organizations that support and improve environmental, social and cultural needs, from our local to our global community. 
• Non-GMO
• Clif Bar Family Foundation
• Commitment to Zero Waste
• Climate Action Approach
• Partnerships with American Forests and Trees for the Future
• Organic farming strategy
• Certified Sustainable
• Community involvement (e.g. collaboration with other businesses, volunteering, sharing products, philanthropy)

Review of 'René Rey' Soy Chocolate

René Rey -- Soy Chocolate (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: there's a hint of...somethinnggg I can't quite put my finger on. I think it may be the use of the organic cane sugar versus refined? I dunno, but it was unexpected and through me a little bit. It's not super sweet, despite the first ingredient being cane sugar, so my sweet-obsessed self was a tad disappointed. So for you folks who like a subtly sweet bar, this one's for you. I'd buy this again.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn



Ingredients: cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, cocoa mass*, soybeans*, soy lecithin*, pure vanilla extract*.

*Organic

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 295
Fat: 24g
     Saturated: 12g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 55mg
Carbohydrate: 21g
     Fiber: .5g
     Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3.5g
Vitamin A: 1%
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 9%

Can't complain about the ingredients, that's for sure. It's all organic! For 1 bar, the calories are pretty high, though. On the plus side, there's a bit of protein....okay, okay, so clearly this is an indulgent snack. But, I don't feel quite so guilty about it due to the simplistic and organic ingredients. Ahem...I ate the whole bar in one sitting, after a dinner of 2 slices of cake, followed by honeyed nuts from Oskri.

Other 'Gourmet Bars':

• Matcha Green Tea
• Açai Berry
• Milk Chocolate
• Ginger-Cayenne Soy (vegan)
• Milk Chocolate
• Cocoa 80 Chocolate (vegan)

Brand:

• Imports and processes personally sourced Peruvian cocoa ingredients
• Organic products are certified by QAI (Quality Assurance International) and to the NOP (National Organic Program)
• Established in North Vancouver, B.C. in 1974
• The Rey family won awards in the Swiss National Exhibition in Zurich, 1939, seven gold medals for outstanding confectionery products in 1954 (Hospes Exhibitions, Berne, Switzerland) and in 1964 (Swiss National Exhibition, Lausanne, Switzerland)
• Honorary "Best of Show Awards 2009" by VegNews Magazine for the "Best New Vegetarian Product" at EXPO WEST 2009 in Aneheim California

Review of 'Holiday Snacks' Raisin & Nut

Holiday Snacks -- Raisin & Nut (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2/5
Summary: Although the nuts are very fresh and crunchy and the raisins are plump and tasty, I cannot recommend this brand for its inclusion of trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils), likely GMOs (e.g. soybean and canola oil) and BHT/BHA (linked to cancer). A better brand of nuts that can be found in Caribbean countries is Oskri (reviewed here). The ingredients are organic and wholesome.

Where to buy: Caribbean countries!

 

Ingredients: peanuts, select raisins, partially hydrogenated cottonseed and/or canola and/or peanut and/or palm olein and/or soybean oil, salt, BHT/BHA (antioxidant).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1oz (28g)
Calories: 180
     Calories from fat: 115
Total Fat: 13g
     Sat. Fat: 2.5g
     Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1mg
Total Carb.: 9g
     Dietary Fibre: 2g
     Sugar: 7g
Protein: 7.5g

Please don't buy this product or brand. The nutritional profile isn't an issue, it's the ingredients (trans fats, BHT/BHA).BHT/BHA is linked to cancer (read about it here and here) and partially hydrogenated ingredients are linked to increased "bad" cholesterol and decreased "good" cholesterol (read about it here), which increases the risk for heart disease.

Other Nuts & Seeds varieties:

• Almonds
• Cashews (reviewed here)
• Exotica--Fruit & Nut Fusion (reviewed here), Morning Medley, Yogurt Delight
• Hot Nuts
• Peanuts

Brand:

• 1995: the company achieved ISO 9002 certification and the UNIDO Innovation Business Award in the medium enterprise category
• Part of the Bermudez Group of Companies 
• Product of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Review of 'Nature's Path' Pumpkin Flax Plus® Granola

Nature's Path -- Pumpkin Flax Plus® Granola (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: so, I've mentioned before that pumpkin seeds are one of my favourite flavours and my god, the flavour deeelivers in this granola cereal. The flaxseed flavour also comes through really well. The texture is really nice--perfectly crunchy and crisp. I paired this with unsweetened soymilk and it was still perfectly sweet mmm. I highly recommend this product. Sure, the calories in granola are a little higher than your regular cereal, but this one is super nutritious and wholesome, so I'm definitely going to indulge. The brand is also impressive on too many counts--socially, environmentally, nutritionally, etc. (check out brand info below).

Where to buy: Fortinos, Bulk Barn



Ingredients: rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, soy oil*, brown rice flour*, pumpkin seeds*, flax seeds*, oat syrup solids* (oat syrup solids*, tocopherols), sea salt, molasses*, cinnamon*.

*Organic. Contains soy.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 260
Fat: 10g
     Saturated fat: 1.6g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 5.2g
          Omega-6: 4.5g
          Omega-3: .7g
     Monounsaturated: 2.8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 45mg
Potassium: 160mg
Carbohydrate: 37g
     Fibre: 5g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 6g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 15%

For 260 cals plus 1/2 cup of milk, you get a really well-rounded meal that is *very* filling (yes, even for a 3/4 cup serving!). It has really great fats (poly and mono), a decent amount of iron, is low in sodium (awesome), and has a solid fibre and protein content. What's more, the ingredients are non-GMO, wholesome, and kept to a minimum. I've yet to come across a Nature's Path product with questionable ingredients...very credible brand!

Check out these yummy recipes:

• Nature’s Path Granola Breakfast Muffins
• Granola Strawberry Parfait

Other Granola varieties (all vegan):

• Kirkland Signature by Nature’s Path Organic Ancient Grains Granola with Almonds
• Peanut Butter Granola
• Chia Plus™ Coconut Chia Granola
• Hemp Plus Granola (reviewed here)
• Ginger Zing Granola
• Pomegran Cherry Granola
• High Fibre Cinnamon Raisin Granola
• Vanilla Almond Flax Plus™ Granola

Brand (quoted from the Nature's Path website):

• Family-owned and operated
•  Certified non-GMO and organic; non-GMO Project verified
• Fairtrade certified
• "We source all our ingredients as locally as possible to our production plants."
• "...over 78% of the weight of ingredients we purchase comes from organic farmers in North America."
• "Some of the ingredients we have committed to purchasing are Fairtrade Certified cocoa, sugar cane, molasses, and spices." 
• Gardens for Good Project

Review of 'Malt-o-Meal' Tootie Fruities

Malt-o-Meal -- Tootie Fruities (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2/5
Summary: I let this melt a bit, hoping it would have the texture of Fruit Loops when melted in milk...didn't happen. It wasn't soft on the outside and crunchy on the inside. Instead, it was tender on the outside, but not so crunchy and fresh on the inside. It has that Fruit Loops flavour, so can serve as a more affordable alternative. However, the ingredients and nutritional profile are so weak and potentially harmful that I wouldn't recommend this product.

Where to buy: US store locator


Ingredients: corn, wheat and whole grain oat flour, sugar, salt, calcium carbonate, natural orange, lemon, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, lime, and other natural flavours, vitamin C (sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid), yellow 6, niacin, vitamin A palmitate, reduced iron, zinc, red 40, blue 1, vitamin B12, yellow 5, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin D, BHT.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 130
     Calories from fat: 10
Total fat: 1g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Potassium: 35mg
Total carbohydrate: 28g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 15g
     Other carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 50%

So, one look at the ingredients, and I know that I'm not buying this again. It has a host of artificial colourings (linked to allergies, cancer, hyperactivity, behavioural changes, DNA damage in animal studies, etc.) and BHT (linked to cancer in animal studies). With such poor ingredients, it's not unreasonable to expect that the corn ingredients are genetically modified. The brand also does not contain any statements on the website that guarantee the products are non-GMO.

The nutritional profile is very weak. The calories are quite low, however it contains a bit more sodium than I'd like, has nearly no fiber (only 1g) and protein (only 2g). What's more, it contains 15g of sugars. Not impressive in the least. Sure, it's fortified, but this does little to make up for potentially harmful ingredients and poor nutrition. Pass on this product.

Recipe: Tootie Fruities Mini Muffin Cakes

Other Cold Cereal varieties:

• Strawberry Cream Mini Spooners®
• Raisin Bran (vegan)
• Oat Blenders® with Honey & Almonds
• Oat Blenders® with Honey
• Marshmallow Mateys®
• Honey Nut Scooters®
• Honey Graham Squares®
• Honey Buzzers®
• Golden Puffs®
• Fruity Dyno Bites® (vegan)
• Frosted Mini Spooners®
• Frosted Flakes (vegan)
• Crispy Rice (vegan)
• Corn Bursts® (vegan)
• Colossal Crunch® (vegan)
• Cocoa Dyno Bites® (vegan)
• Coco Roos® (vegan)
• Cinnamon Toasters® (vegan)
• Chocolate Marshmallow Mateys®
• Blueberry Muffin Tops® (vegan)
• Blueberry Mini Spooners® (vegan)
• Berry Colossal Crunch® (vegan)
• Apple Zings® (vegan)

Brand:

• Contains trans-fats, artificial ingredients
• High likelihood of GMOs
• Packaging is not recyclable
• A part of MOM Brands
• Donated to Al Roker’s annual “Lend A Hand” campaign
• Award-winning Malt-O-Meal®Honey Nut Scooters® featured on the “TODAY Show.”
• Malt-O-Meal’s annual “Cereal Day for United Way!”
• Most cereal products are Kosher certified

Review of 'Ocean Spray' Cran-Grape

Ocean Spray -- Cran-Grape (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: nah, it tastes kinda like super sweet sugar-water with a burst of added flavour, not anything close to what real juice should taste like. Not only is it way too sweet for me, it's also quite tart and I just didn't like the flavour combination. I definitely wouldn't buy this again. It's loaded with sugars and simply not worth it in flavour.

Where to buy: any major grocery store (e.g. Freshco, Fortinos, Sobeys)



Ingredients: filtered water, grape juice from concentrate, cane or beet sugar, cranberry juice from concentrate, carrot juice from concentrate, fumaric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Total fat: 0g
Sodium: 80mg
Potassium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrate: 31g
     Sugars: 31g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin C: 100%

Other 'Juice Drinks' varieties:

• 2/3 Less Sugar Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Lime
• Cran-Lemonade® Cranberry Lemonade Juice Drink
• Cran-Pomegranate™ Cranberry Pomegranate Juice Drink
• Cran-Raspberry® Cranberry Raspberry Juice Drink 
• Cran-Apple™ Cranberry Apple Juice Drink
• Cran-Cherry® Cranberry Cherry Juice Drink
• Cran-Strawberry® Cranberry Strawberry Juice Drink
• Cran-Tangerine® Cranberry Tangerine Juice Drink
• Low Tart Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• White Cranberry Juice Drink
• White Cranberry and Peach Juice Drink
• White Cranberry and Strawberry Juice Drink
• Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice Cocktail
• Blueberry Juice Cocktail
• Blueberry Pomegranate Juice Drink

Brand:

• Contributed funds against labeling of GMOs
• Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. is the recipient of Color Magazine’s - 2009 All Inclusive Leadership Award
• Read about their Sustainability Initiatives here
• Some Kosher products
• Most Ocean Spray products are packaged using recyclable PET (number 1) plastic juice containers
• The Ocean Spray plastic (PET or PP) juice bottles do not contain Bisphenol-A (more commonly known as BPA)