Review of 'Taste of Nature' Organic Snack Bar (Niagara Apple Country)

Taste of Nature -- Organic Snack Bar (Niagara Apple Country) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: strangely, it had a stale taste before the expiry date even though I stored it in the fridge. How unfortunate. It would have been a good bar, otherwise. There was a slight cinnamon flavour and perfect chewiness. The nutritional profile is good and the ingredients are great, so I'm tempted to try this again and hope that I don't get a stale one!

Where to buy: Shopper's Drug Mart, Fortinos, Bulk Barn, Costco, Highland Farms, Metro, Wal-Mart, Wanigan



Ingredients: Almonds*, oats*, raisins*, agave nectar*, apples*, brown rice syrup*, whole grain brown rice crisps*, cinnamon*.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 150
     Calories from fat: 45
Total fat: 5g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Carbohydrate: 25g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 13g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 8%

I love these ingredients...how could you not; they are simple and wholesome. The nutrition profile is good, with low fat, no cholesterol, low sodium, and a good 3g of fiber and protein. I would definitely recommend this bar and brand for the nutrition and reputation, however I would hope that your bar is a fresh one!

Other 'Organic Bars' Varieties (all vegan):

• Argentina Peanut Plains
• Brazilian Nut Fiesta
• California Almond Valley
• Quebec Cranberry Carnival (reviewed here)
• Nova Scotia Blueberry Fields (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Certified Gluten Free
• Certified Vegan
• Eco Cert
• Non-GMO Certified
• Nothing artificial, no fillers and no chemicals 
• Organic ingredients are supplied through a network of family farms and businesses
• Bars are made in facility in Markham, Ontario, Canada
• Green business practices in manufacturing, packaging and shipping
• Sources Bullfrog green power for processing products
• Recycle food waste to farms for use as animal feed
• Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
• Alive Awards of Excellence
• LIVERight Award
• No additives/artificial flavours/artificial sweeteners/animal products/dairy/preservatives/simple sugars/Sulphur Dioxide/cholesterol/wheat/gluten; low sodium

Review of 'Quaker' Puffed Wheat

Quaker -- Puffed Wheat (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: definitely does not stand alone and is much better with add-ins (e.g. fruit, honey drizzle, etc.); light and airy, so not too filling. I did enjoy the texture, which was a nice chew after sitting in milk. I wouldn't recommend this cereal because it doesn't really offer much in nutrition unless you add to it. Furthermore, Quaker isn't a great leader in nutrition and environment, so I'd prefer to recommend an alternative brand, like Nature's Path.

Where to buy: most grocery stores



Ingredients: PUFFED WHEAT, FERROUS SULFATE (A SOURCE OF IRON), NIACINAMIDE*, CITRIC ACID, THIAMIN MONONITRATE*, RIBOFLAVIN*, FOLIC ACID*.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 50
Total fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 55mg
Total carbohydrate: 22g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Other carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 30%
Vitamin C:  45%
Iron: 60%

This is a very low calorie, low fat cereal with no sodium or cholesterol. Great...however there's nearly no fiber and protein, so I definitely wouldn't buy this again. I prefer the ease of a stand-alone cereal that doesn't require thinking about supplementing fiber/protein/calcium/etc.

Other Puffed Varieties:

• Puffed Rice

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 'Harvest Snaps' Lentil Snaps (Tomato Basil)

Harvest Snaps -- Lentil Snaps (Tomato Basil) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: very, very nice tomato flavour, light on the basil. It's super fresh and crunchy, slightly airy and light. I don't really get the lentil taste, so I guess that's a good thing for bean haters. The nutritional profile is good and the ingredients aren't bad, though it was not absolutely clear if all ingredients are non-GMO.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn; store locator

Coupons and deals!



Ingredients: Red Lentil Beans, Corn Oil, Rice, Tomato Basil Seasoning (Salt, Tomato Powder, Sugar, Onion Powder, Maltodextrin, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Spices, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yeast Extract, White Distlled Vinegar, Extrative Of Tomato, Extractive Of Paprika (Color), Natural Flavors, Less Than 2% Silicon Dioxide Added As An Anti-caking Agent), Color Additive (Natural Extractives Of Paprika, Diacetyl, Tartaric Acid Esters Of Mono- And Diglycerides, Conola Oil, Natural Favors And Ascorbic Acid), Calcium Carbonate And Ascorbyl Palmitate

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 22 pcs
Calories: 120
     Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Sodium: 85mg
Potassium: 180mg
Total carb.: 15g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 8%

The ingredients aren't offensive and for 120 calories, a serving is low in saturated fat, very low in sodium, and has 2g of fiber and a solid 5g of protein. Pretty good! 

Other 'Lentil Snaps' Flavours:

• Onion Thyme

Brand:

• Non-GMO crops are grown and harvested in rich North American soils.
• In the news
• Owned by Calbee North America, one of the first Japanese food manufacturers in North America

Review of 'Lundberg Family Farms' Organic Risotto (Tuscan)

Lundberg Family Farms -- Organic Tuscan Risotto (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: needed a wee bit more seasoning (more tomato and garlic flavour...and pepper!) and perhaps some veggies. So, I'd have to prepare it with some add-ins as it doesn't really stand alone. It did have the perfect texture! It's a pretty great brand (read more below), so I would definitely try more of their products in the future and would recommend this one.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn; store locator; buy online

Coupon!



Ingredients: Organic Arborio rice, sea salt, organic dried cane syrup, organic dried garlic, organic dried tomato, organic dried onion, organic brown rice flour, organic spices (organic basil, organic oregano, organic parsley), citric acid, organic sunflower or safflower oil, organic tumeric.

Nutritional Facts
Serving size: 120 ml (cooked); 35g (uncooked)
Calories: 130
Fat: 2.5g
     Saturated Fat: .5g
     Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrate: 25g
     Fibre: 1g
     Sugars: 2g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%

So, for 130 calories, the nutritional profile is just okay. It is low in fat, but very high in sodium. It has 3g of protein but only 1g of fiber and little vitamins and minerals. I would say that preparing this in addition to veggies would significantly boost this side dish, so I would likely purchase it again and opt for this route next time around.

Other Organic Risottos:

• Organic Risotto Alfredo
• Organic Risotto Florentine (vegan)
• Organic Risotto Porcini Mushroom

Brand:

• Family run farming business
• Began farming in Richvale, CA during 1937 and pioneered organic farming in 1969
• Practice ecological farming methods on all fields
• No chemicals are used on organic crops, and a minimum of chemicals are used for Eco-Farmed rice
• Many of Lundberg's products are Kosher certified
• Lundberg Family Farms is an official Participant of the Non-GMO Project and has a list of its verified non-GMO products
• 70% of Lundberg’s products are Certified Organic, some eco-farmed
• Awards 
• Mission, Values, Vision

Review of 'Enjoy Life' Crunchy Cookies (Double Chocolate)

Enjoy Life -- Crunchy Cookies (Double Chocolate) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: super crunchy; really good chocolate chip dispersion; medium sweet; very nice. The only issue is the lack of nutritional benefits (low fiber and protein, few vitamins/minerals). I probably wouldn't buy this again, personally, as I'd prefer to find a good sweet treat that has more to offer with regards to nutrition. But, I would recommend it for those looking for a treat that contains safe ingredients (non-GMO, no artificial ingredients, etc.). Enjoy!

Where to buy: Fortinos, Whole Foods, Bulk Barn, buy online



Ingredients: Flour Mix (White Rice Flour, Buckwheat Flour, Millet Flour), Chocolate Chips (Cane Sugar, Natural Chocolate Liquor (Non-Alcoholic), Non-Dairy Cocoa Butter), Palm Oil, Brown Pure Cane Sugar, Evaporated Cane Juice Crystals, Natural Process Cocoa Powder, Natural Flavors, Vanilla, Salt, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Konjac Flour, Rosemary Extract

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2 cookies
Calories: 130
     Calories from fat: 60
Total fat: 7g
     Saturated fat: 4g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 9g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Good ingredients, just a poor nutritional profile with 130 calories of only 1g of fiber and protein and poor vitamin and mineral content.

Other Enjoy Life Cookies:

• Chocolate Chip (vegan)
• Sugar Crisp (vegan)
• Vanilla Honey Graham

 Brand

• Non-GMO certified
• Gluten free certified
• Free of the 8 most common allergens (wheat, gluten, nuts, casein, dairy, lactose, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, potato sesame, sulfites)

Review of 'Taste of Nature' Organic Snack Bar (Quebec Cranberry Carnival)

Taste of Nature -- Quebec Cranberry Carnival Snack Bar (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: very nutty, crunchy, fresh; very sweet; tasty juicy raisins and cranberries; excellent complex texture! The ingredients are incredible (nutritious and wholesome) and the nutritional profile is great. Moreover, the brand is just impressive...read more below about Taste of Nature's health, social, and environmental priorities. I would buy this again and recommend it!

Where to buy: Shopper's Drug Mart, Fortinos, Bulk Barn, Costco, Highland Farms, Metro, Wal-Mart, Wanigan



Ingredients: Peanuts*, raisins*, agave nectar*, sesame seeds*, almonds*, cranberries* (cranberries*, apple juice concentrate*, sunflower oil*), pumpkin seeds*, brown rice syrup*, whole grain brown rice crisps*, cranberry flavour*.

* Certified organic. May contain tree nuts and soy.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
     Calories from fat: 100
Total fat: 11g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Carbohydrate: 19g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 11g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

The ingredients are all simple and wholesome and the nutritional profile is good, with 3g of fiber and 5g of protein for 180 calories. This is a good balance. It's also low in saturated fat, very low in sodium and is naturally sweetened.

Other 'Organic Bars' Varieties (all vegan):

• Argentina Peanut Plains
• Brazilian Nut Fiesta
• California Almond Valley
• Niagara Apple Country
• Nova Scotia Blueberry Fields

Brand:

• Certified Gluten Free
• Certified Vegan
• Eco Cert
• Non-GMO Certified
• Nothing artificial, no fillers and no chemicals 
• Organic ingredients are supplied through a network of family farms and businesses
• Bars are made in facility in Markham, Ontario, Canada
• Green business practices in manufacturing, packaging and shipping
• Sources Bullfrog green power for processing products
• Recycle food waste to farms for use as animal feed
• Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
• Alive Awards of Excellence
• LIVERight Award
• No additives/artificial flavours/artificial sweeteners/animal products/dairy/preservatives/simple sugars/Sulphur Dioxide/cholesterol/wheat/gluten; low sodium

Review of 'Post' Grape-Nuts

Post - Grape-Nuts (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: tastes wheaty in a great way, heart, and very filling. Softly salted to perfection. The texture is crunchy and softens after a few minutes in soymilk, which I prefer...I feel I get more of the flavour when it's softened This is a very, very filling cereal...perhaps one of the most filling in my opinion (consider that one serving is only 1/2 cup!). The nutritional profile is very good and the ingredients are perfectly simple, however, the company still uses BHT*** ("Laboratory studies of the safety of BHT are inconclusive and show that BHT can increase and decrease tumor formation in animals") in packaging. As such, I wouldn't recommend this cereal and won't buy it again.

*** It seems the company has released a version that is non-GMO and BHT-free!

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



Ingredients: whole grain wheat flour, malted barley flour, salt, dried yeast.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 200
     Calories from fat: 10
Total fat: 1g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: .5g
     Monounsaturated: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 290mg
Potassium: 230mg
Total carbohydrate: 48g
     Dietary fiber: 7g
     Sugars: 5g
     Other carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 15%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 90%

I like this cereal. A lot. It's just unfortunate that the company isn't known for its wholesome reputation! For 200 calories, one serving is only 1/2 cup, yet it's very filling and satisfying. It's incredibly low-fat, though the sodium content is a bit high for only 1/2 cup. The fiber and protein content is fantastic, as is the vitamin A and iron content. Very nice profile!

Other Grape-Nuts varieties:

• Grape-Nuts Vintage (vegan)
• Grape-Nuts Fit
• Grape-Nuts Flakes (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 Tasty Bite's 'Channa Masala'

Tasty Bite -- Channa Masala (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: great spice blend, but the chickpeas were not cooked enough for my liking. It should have been more tender. I also would have liked a greater tangy flavour. Overall, a good entree that I would buy again and that I do recommend. It has a great nutritional profile and simple, nutritious ingredients.

Where to buy: shop online, US (Harris Teeter, Whole Foods)



Ingredients: Onions, Water, Chickpeas, Tomatoes, Sunflower Oil, Coriander, Salt, Spices, Chilies, Bay Leaf, Turmeric

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size:1/2 pack
Calories: 180
     Calories from fat: 80
Total fat: 8g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total carbohydrate: 20g
     Dietary fiber: 6g
     Sugars: 5g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%

For 180 calories, the nutritional profile is great. It is low in saturated fat, high in fiber and protein. It does have a bit of a high sodium content, which is good to pay attention to.

Other 'Tasty Bite' Entrées:

• Aloo Palak (vegan)
• Beans Palak (vegan)
• Bengal Lentils (vegan)
• Bombay Potatoes (vegan)
• Jaipur Vegetables
• Jodhpur Lentils (vegan)
• Kashmir Spinach
• Madras Lentils
• Mushroom Masala
• Paneer Makhani
• Peas Paneer
• Pubjab Eggplant (vegan)
• Spinach Channa
• Spinach Dal
• Vegetable Korma

Brand:

• Supports The Hunger Project
• Launched in 1995
• Pouches are free of BPA
• Factory is in India, ISO-9001-2000, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), ISO14000 (environmental management), BRC (British Retail Consortium) certified, and FDA audited
• Provides amongst the best health insurance available in both the US and India to employees
• Provides scholarship fund for the education of the children of factory workers
• Has a disaster relief program, where food is moved to provide relief in the case of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the Asian Tsunami and the earthquake in Haiti
• Unique programs in energy and agriculture: 80% of the energy used in the Tasty Bite factory comes from renewable sources such as sugarcane byproducts and food and crop waste
• The Tasty Bite farm is used as a demonstration farm to educate community farmers on high yielding, sustainable agricultural methods
• Actually includes ecosystems in their philosophy on contribution to community development!

Review of 'Mariani Honeybar' (Sesame)

Mariani Honeybar -- Sesame (not vegan due to honey)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: punch of sesame flavour and really great blend of flavours, overall; super fresh and crunchy...it's a texture bomb...very good. It's filling and has a great nutritional profile and wholesome ingredients. I highly recommend this bar.

Where to buy: US store locator; Canada (Sobeys, Loblaws); order online



Ingredients: Sesame, Peanuts, Honey, Raisins, Almonds, Sunflower Kernels, Pumpkin Seeds

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
     Calories from fat: 130
Total fat: 14g
     Saturated fat: 2g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 5g
     Monounsaturated: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0g
Total carbohydrates: 16g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 9g
Protein: 6g
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 15%

For 200 calories to deliciousness, there's 6g of protein and 3g of fiber and 15% calcium and iron. The ingredients are great--simple and wholesome. I have no qualms.

Other Honeybar varieties:

• Apple Cinnamon Honeybar 
• Cranberry Honeybar
• Trail Mix Honeybar 
• Granola Honeybar 
• Sesame Honeybar 
• Sweet & Salty Honeybar

Brand:

• Vegetarian, Wheat and Gluten Free, Kosher Certified, Preservative Free, Free of Artificial Flavors, Cholesterol Free, All Natural
• Only one product contains wheat (Cinnamon Raisin Bread Raisins)
• The Mariani Family is in its fourth generation of ownership

Review of 'Mariani Honeybar' (Cranberry)

Mariani Honeybar -- Cranberry (not vegan due to honey)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: very moist, filling bar; crunchy nuts; tangy, fresh cranberries and juicy raisins. And, you can taste the honey flavour abundantly...nicely done! The ingredients are wholesome, so guilt free in that regard. The nutritional profile isn't bad, but more fiber would have been a plus.

Where to buy: US store locator; Canada (Sobeys, Loblaws); order online



Ingredients: Peanuts, Honey, Cranberries (dried cranberries, apple juice concentrate, sunflower oil), Raisins, Dried Apricots, Almonds

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
     Fat Cal.: 90
Total fat: 10g
     Sat. Fat: 1.5%
     Trans Fat: 0g
Cholest.: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carb.: 20g
     Fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 14g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

Other Honeybar varieties:

• Apple Cinnamon Honeybar 
• Trail Mix Honeybar (reviewed here)
• Granola Honeybar 
• Sesame Honeybar (reviewed here)
• Sweet & Salty Honeybar

Brand:

• Vegetarian, Wheat and Gluten Free, Kosher Certified, Preservative Free, Free of Artificial Flavors, Cholesterol Free, All Natural
• Only one product contains wheat (Cinnamon Raisin Bread Raisins)
• The Mariani Family is in its fourth generation of ownership