Newtons -- Original Fig (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this is really tasty but I subtracted points for the not so great nutritional profile and ingredients. You really get the fig texture and it's very sweet in a good way (not overly sugary). It's moist and has a nice chewy outer (not crumbly) and that sweet fig filling. There's nothing exciting to report regarding the brand and their social/environmental initiatives. I am looking forward to trying the 100% whole grain versions (see below).

Where to buy: product locator (US only)



Ingredients: figs, whole grain wheat flour, sugar, enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], riboflavin [vitamin B2], folic acid), corn syrup, invert sugar, soybean oil, partially hydrogenated cottenseed oil, salt, baking soda, calcium lactate, malic acid, soy lecithin, sodium benzoate and sulfur dioxide (sulfites) added to preserve freshness, natural and artificial flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 100
     Calories from fat: 20
Total fat: 2g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 1g
     Monounsaturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 95mg
Potassium: 70mg
Total carbohydrates: 21g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

Ingredients are okay...all whole wheat flour would be nice and organic soybean oil and no hydrogenated oil would be even better. The nutritional profile is also just okay...it's low-calorie and low in sodium per serving, but doesn't have much by way of protein and fiber.

Other Newtons Fruit Thins flavours:

• Fat Free Fig
• Strawberry
• 100% Whole Grain Fig
• 100% Whole Grain Triple Berry
• 100% Whole Grain Baked Apple and Cinnamon
• 100% Whole Grain Sweet Peach and Apricot

Brand:

• Part of Mondelēz International

Review of 'Worthington Loma Linda' Tender Bits

Worthington Loma Linda -- Tender Bits (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: because it is so salty (like many Worthington products), I recommend using this to add to unsalted cooked veggies. The texture is soft, not chewy like I anticipated and pretty simple. I wouldn't recommend this product because of the ingredients that are still up for discussion in terms of healthfulness (see below).

Where to buy: US store locator




Ingredients: water, wheat gluten, rice flour, corn oil, oat flour, soy protein concentrate. Contains less than 2% or less of torula yeast, onion powder, soy lecithin, l-lysine monohydrochloride, yeast extract, vitamins (niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B1 [thiamin mononitrate]. vitamin B6 [pyridoxine hydrochloride], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], vitamin B12 [cyanocobalamin], salt, dextrose, caramel color, celery extract.

Broth: water, salt, hydrolyzed soy protein, corn oil, and caramel color.

Contains: wheat and soy.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 6 pieces (about85g)
Calories: 120
     Calories from fat: 35
Total fat: 4g
     Saturated fat: 0.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 2.5g
     Monounsaturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 440mg
Potassium: 55mg
Total carbohydrate: 7g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 13g
Iron: 4%

The soy and corn ingredients are not identified as organic or sustainably sourced, so there is a risk that they are from sources that contribute to tropical deforestation and climate change. If you are interested in avoiding this, I'd say this product is not for you. The caramel colour is linked to harmful effects on health.

The nutritional profile is much nicer than the ingredients. It's super low-calorie, super low in fat, and is packed with protein. The major downside is the high sodium.

Other Worthington Loma Linda canned products:

•    Loma Linda Redi-Burger™ (vegan) (reviewed here)

•    Loma Linda -- Cutlets (vegan) (reviewed here)

•    Loma Linda® Big Franks (vegan)

•    Loma Linda® Fried Chik’n with Gravy

•    Loma Linda® Linketts™ (vegan)

•    Loma Linda® Little Links (vegan) 

•    Loma Linda® Low Fat Big Franks (vegan)

•    Loma Linda® Swiss Stake with Gravy

•    Loma Linda -- Vegetable Skallops (vegan) (reviewed here)

•    Loma Linda® Tender Rounds™ with Gravy

•    Loma Linda® Vege-Burger® (vegan)

•    Worthington® Chili (vegan)

•    Worthington® Diced Chik

•    Worthington® FriChik™

•    Worthington® Low Fat FriChik™

•    Worthington® Low Fat Veja-Links™

•    Worthington® Multi-Grain Cutlets® (vegan)

•    Worthington® Prime Stakes™

•    Worthington® Saucettes®

•    Worthington® Super-Links™

•    Worthington® Vegetable Steaks™ (vegan)

•    Worthington® Vegetarian Burger (vegan)

•    Worthington® Veja-Links™

Brand:

• 1939, founded by psychiatrist Dr. George Harding
• May contain GMOs

Review of 'Kashi' GOLEAN Vanilla Graham Clusters

Kashi' GOLEAN Vanilla Graham Clusters
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this is a very filling cereal. There's nice complexity in textures and it's perfectly sweetened, especially the clusters. I prefer many of my cereals softened in milk before eating...this is one of those cereal. I really didn't get the vanilla flavour like I anticipated. That was disappointing. It's also made with honey, so it's not vegan. I wouldn't buy this again because the soy is not organic. Organic soy is less likely to contribute to deforestation.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Shopper's Drug Mart



Ingredients: Kashi Seven Whole Grain Honey Puff Cereal (Hard Red Wheat, Brown Rice, Honey, Cane Syrup, Barley, Triticale, Oats, Rye, Buckwheat, Sesame Seeds), Degerminated Yellow Corn Flour, Expeller Pressed Soy Grits, Ground Degerminated Corn, Cane Syrup, Expeller Pressed Soy Protein Isolate, Oat Fiber, Wheat Bran, Rolled Oats, Dried Cane Syrup, Expeller Pressed Soy Flour, Corn Bran, Kashi Seven Whole Grains & Sesame Flour (Whole: Oats, Hard Red Wheat, Rye, Brown Rice, Triticale, Barley, Buckwheat, Sesame Seeds), Brown Rice Flour, Natural Flavors, Honey, Brown Rice Syrup, Salt, Molasses, Baking Soda, Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) For Freshness, Annatto Extract Color.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 170
     Calories from fat: 15
Total fat: 2g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 1g
     Monounsaturated fat: 0g
Sodium: 110mg
Potassium: 270mg
Total carbohydrate: 36g
     Fiber: 9g
          Soluble fiber: 0g
          Insoluble fiber: 9g
     Sugar: 9g
Protein: 10g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

The nutritional profile is solid, with lots of fiber and protein and very low calorie and fat. Add milk to this, and you've got a really solid morning meal.

Other Kashi GOLEAN cereals:

• GOLEAN® Cereal Crisp! Cinnamon Crumble (vegan) (reviewed here)
• GOLEAN® Cereal Crisp! Toasted Berry Crumble (vegan)
• GOLEAN® Cereal Crunch!
• GOLEAN® Cereal, Crunch! Honey Almond Flax
• GOLEAN® Original (reviewed here)

Brand:

• "Nine of our foods are now officially Non-GMO Project Verified including Autumn Wheat, Cinnamon Harvest, Island Vanilla, Strawberry Fields, 7 Whole Grain Flakes, 7 Whole Grain Puffs, 7 Whole Grain Pilaf, Simply Maize and Indigo Morning." (kashi.com)
• Phasing out GMOs: "That's why today Kashi announced a big initiative to increase the company's availability of organic and Non-GMO Project Verified foods. By the end of 2014, all existing Kashi® GOLEAN® cereals and Kashi® Chewy Granola Bars—representing Kashi's biggest offerings—will be Non-GMO Project Verified. Beginning in 2015, all new Kashi foods introduced into the market will contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients and will also be Non-GMO Project Verified" (read article here).
• "The soy in Kashi cereals comes from soybeans that have had a gene inserted to protect the soybeans from the herbicide Roundup, which kills, weeds," according to USA Today (read article here).
• Kellogg, which owns Kashi, contributed $600 000 against the non-GMO proposition 37 (read the Huffington Post article here)

Review of Newman's Own Mango Salsa

Newman's Own -- Mango Salsa (vegan)
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Summary: Aw man...I'm really impressed with this brand and it's commitment to giving back to communities and its commitment to natural products. So...I am sad to say that this particular flavour did not sit well with me. It was way too sweet...like overwhelmingly so. I will try the hot salsa varieties instead, with no sugar added. For me, salsa is sweet and tart. If you've got a sweet tooth for salsa, this may be for you. I should add that my best friend tried it and loved it instantly!

Where to buy: Fortino's, Loblaws, online store


Ingredients: Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Diced Mangoes (Mangoes, Cane Sugar, Water, Pectin, Natural Flavors, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Ascorbic Acid), Brown Sugar (Cane Sugar, Molasses), Jalapeno Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Onions*, Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Lime Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavor, Cilantro*, Citric Acid

*Dried

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2 tbsp
Calories: 25
     Calories from fat: 0g
Total fat: 0g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans far: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 6g
     Dietary fiber: <1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin A: 4%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%

Nice ingredients...natural and simple. The nutrition facts...nothing spectacular...25 calories, but pretty high in sodium.

Check out their recipe for Pan Seared Cod with Mango Salsa here.

Check out the Newman's Own Foundation website here.

Other Newman's Own salsa flavours:

• Black Bean & Corn Salsa (vegan)
• Farmer's Garden Salsa (vegan)
• Hot Salsa (vegan)
• Medium Salsa (vegan)
• Mild Salsa (vegan)
• Peach Salsa (vegan)
• Pineapple Salsa (vegan)
• Roasted Garlic Salsa (vegan)
• Salsa Con Queso
• Tequila Lime Salsa (vegan)

Brand:

• Donated over $400 million worldwide since 1992
• Since 2003, Newman’s Own has been the exclusive salad dressing served with McDonald's Premium Salads nationwide 
• Newman’s Own donates to the SeriousFun Children’s Network 

Review of 'Roland' All Natural Couscous (pre-cooked)

Roland -- All Natural Couscous (pre-cooked)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this is a versatile product. It's very quick to prepare...a few minutes and you're good to go. I cooked it with smoky eggplant and onions and folded it into each other and it was pretty good. What I don't like is that it is not organic and that the brand does not seem to take any positions on social or environmental sustainability (e.g. does not feature any info on ingredients and where/how it's sourced). I will look for an alternate brand that can deliver on these things.

Where to buy: buy online



Ingredients: durum wheat semolina.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/3 cup dry mix
Calories: 200
     Calories from fat: 10
Total fat: 1g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1mg
Total carbohydrate: 42g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g
Iron: 4%

Cannot complain about the ingredient list...only one simple, wholesome ingredient! The nutritional profile is great...for 200 calories, you'll get 3g fiber and 6g protein. Add your veggies and meat/meat substitute, and you've got more fiber, protein, and your vitamins/minerals...a wholesome meal.

Other Roland couscous products (all vegan):

• Barley Couscous
• Couscous (Quick cooking)
• Couscous (Israeli)
• Garlic Jalapeno Couscous
• Israeli Couscous, Tri-colour
• Porcini Mushroom Israeli Couscous
• Roasted Garlic Couscous
• Tuscan Herb Israeli Couscous
• Whole Wheat Couscous
• Whole Wheat Garden Vegetable Couscous (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Kosher
• Product recall (2014) for possible glass in products (read here)
• No significant and concrete social responsibility initiatives

Review of 'Nature's Path' Envirokids Leapin' Lemurs (Peanut Butter and Chocolate)

Nature's Path -- Envirokids Leapin' Lemurs (Peanut Butter and Chocolate) (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: super crunchy, but I didn't get as much peanut butter flavour as I expected. Further, it's not so filling, so can't carry me through the morning. There's only 2g of fiber and 2g of protein, so that may be why. For kids though...yeah maybe. I used this as a road trip snack...definitely not a meal. Check out the brand info below...Nature's Path delivers quality ingredients and their sustainability ethic is wonderful.

Where to buy: Bulk, Barn, Longos, Fortinos, US product locator



Ingredients: Corn meal*, whole grain corn meal*, cane sugar*, peanut butter*, molasses*, fair trade cocoa*, sea salt, soy oil*, natural flavor, tocopherols (vitamin E), tapioca starch*.

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

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 120
     Calories from fat: 15
Total fat: 1.5g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 115mg
Potassium: 55mg
Total carbohydrates: 22g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 8g
Protein: 2g
Iron: 2%

Very low-calorie, so can't complain...if you double up to 240 calories, you could probably make a filling meal out of it (for an adult), with 4g fiber and 4g protein...some milk...voila!

Other gluten-free cold cereals (all vegan):

• Mesa Sunrise Cereal (reviewed here)
• Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla
• Gorilla Munch Cereal
• Qi'a™ Superfood - Chia, Buckwheat & Hemp Cereal Apple Cinnamon
• Qi'a™ Superfood - Chia, Buckwheat & Hemp Cereal Original Flavour
• Crispy Rice Cereal
• Whole O's (reviewed here)
• Mesa Sunrise® Flakes with Raisins
• Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes 
• Qi'a™ Superfood - Chia, Buckwheat & Hemp Cereal Cranberry Vanilla
• Panda Puffs™ Cereal 
• Koala Crisp™ Cereal
• Sunrise Crunchy Maple (reviewed here)

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 'The Tea Room' Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with Red Raspberry Rooibos

The Tea Room -- 60% Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with Red Raspberry Rooibos (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: dark chocolate that's so rich and cocoa-y...you can actually taste the subtle tea and raspberry flavours and the pairing is exquisite. I love that the website is so exhaustive...there's info on ingredients, brand, where to buy, but they need info on nutritional profiles for all products. I recommend this bar.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, in the US



Ingredients: Unsweetened organic chocolate, organic cane sugar, organic cacao fat, organic red raspberry rooibos tea, organic vanilla extract.

Soy Lecithin added as emulsifier. May contain traces of peanuts, soy, gluten, wheat and/or other nuts and spices.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 25.5g (half the bar)
Calories: 140
     Fat. Cal.: 80
Total fat: 9g
     Sat. Fat: 5g
     Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carb.: 14g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 15%

So, the ingredients are clearly wonderfully simple and kinda sexy...I swear, just read it! The chocolate is hand-crafted in San Leandro, California using organic European chocolate and other organic ingredients from around the world. The calorie count is quite good for half a bar and it's low in sodium, with 15% iron. Not bad at all.

Other Organic Chocolate Bar Infusions, Non-GMO:

• 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 Almond Caramel (vegan)
• 60% Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with Lapsang Souchong Tea (vegan)
• 72% Extra Dark Chocolate Bar with Green Mate, Star Anis & Nibs (vegan)
• 72% Extra Dark Chocolate Bar Infused with a Rich Arabica Espresso (vegan)

Check out their recipes here.

Brand:

• Certified organic by: Organic Certifiers and the State of California
• Non-GMO and Gluten-Free
• Recent Press
• Awards, Certifications