Review of 'Clif Bar' Cool Mint Chocolate

Clif Bar -- Cool Mint Chocolate (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: I found that this bar just wasn't sweet enough for my tastes, so if you like more subtly sweet bars, this one may be the one for you. I liked that there was a light mintiness that didn't overpower the chocolate flavour. Both flavours actually worked quite nicely together, but again, just not sweet enough. I also wish the icing drizzle wasn't just for show--I didn't really get a taste of it. Maybe more coverage would have helped. And a chocolate drizzle--would've been even better! As with most Clif Bars, it was perfectly soft, chewy, with bits of rice crisps. As someone who prefers super sweet chocolatey, nutty flavours, I wouldn't buy this flavour again.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, Fortinos, Shopper's Drug Mart




Ingredients: *brown rice syrup, protein blend (soy rice crisps [soy protein isolate, rice flour, barley malt extract], *roasted soybeans, *soy flour), *rolled oats, *cane syrup, *soy butter (*roasted soybeans, *soybean oil, salt), chocolate cookies (oat flour, dried cane syrup, alkalized cocoa, sunflower oil, unsweetened chocolate, salt, baking soda, soy lecithin), crunch pieces (apple pomace, *oat fiber, *milled flaxseed, inulin [chicory extract]), alkalized cocoa, *fig paste, white chocolate flavoured chips (*dried cane syrup, cocoa butter, soy flour, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), natural flavours, sea salt, green tea extract, *soybean oil.

Nutritional Information*
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Fat: 5g
     Saturated: 1.5g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 2g
          Linoleic acid: 1.5g
          n3 Linoleic acid: .2g
     Monounsaturated: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 140mg
Potassium: 440mg
Carbohydrate: 43g
     Fibre: 3g
     Sugars: 17g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin A: 30%
Vitamin C: 90%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 10%

*Full nutritional profile available here.

Even though I won't be buying this bar again, I'd encourage anyone to try it (unless you're adverse to the mint flavour). The ingredients are such that this makes for a relatively healthy snack and so you can contentedly try it out just to satisfy your curiosity.

For 250 calories, it has your healthy unsaturated fats, 3g of fiber, and 10g or protein. Visit the website to see just how many vitamins and minerals are also provided. Because it is a protein bar, it is high in calories, carbs, and sugars, so it's probably best to have this on a more active/physical day.

Other Clif Bar flavours (all vegan, baby):

• Apricot
• Banana Nut Bread
• Black Cherry Almond (reviewed here)
• Blueberry Crisp
• Carrot Cake (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Almond Fudge (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Brownie
• Chocolate Chip (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch
• Coconut Chocolate Chip
• Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Gary's Panforte
• Iced Gingerbread
• Maple Nut (reviewed here) 
• Oatmeal Raisin Walnut (reviewed here)
• Peanut Toffee Buzz
• Peppermint Stick (reviewed here)
• Spiced Pumpkin
• White Chocolate Macadamia

Brand:

• Each Clif Bar is 70% organic
• No high-fructose corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils
• No artificial preservatives or trans fats
• No artificial colours, sweeteners or flavours
• 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 'Natura' Rice Enriched Rice Beverage (Original)

Natura -- Enriched Rice Beverage (Original) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: the texture is thin and so this rice milk doesn't work well as a whitener/creamer in teas and coffees. Bummer, cause I prefer an all-purpose milk. Because it's naturally sweet (from the rice), it doesn't work well in shakes either (doesn't add cream *or* sweetness). So, it's basically best consumed on its own or in a sweet cereal. The flavour itself is really nice. It's a really light sweetness that I really enjoyed. It pairs great with cookies or cake and I love that there's no sugar added.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Bulk Barn


Ingredients: FILTERED WATER, ORGANIC BROWN RICE, ORGANIC CANOLA OIL, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, NATURAL FLAVOUR, SEA SALT, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN), VITAMIN D2, VITAMIN B12, ZINC GLUCONATE, AMYLASE (ENZYME).

Nutrition Fact*
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 130
Fat: 2g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 1g
          Omega-6: .4g
          Omega-3: .2g
     Monounsaturated: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 70mg
Carbohydrate: 26g
     Fibre: 0g
     Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 10%
Calcium: 30%

*Full nutritional profile available here.

Wow, for a beverage that has no sweetener, this is really yummy. I will readily recommend this beverage, though for its refreshing-ness as a stand alone drink (so not as a creamer or thickener in shakes/smoothies).

The calories are average, it's low in saturated fat, and has 30% calcium. I'm not thrilled that it has no fiber and only 1g of protein, though.

Check out these recommended recipes that use this 'Original' rice milk: Apple pancakes (mm!) and Quick curry sauce (vegan).

Other 'Rice' beverages:

• Vanilla

Brand:

• All products are certified organic, kosher, and vegan
• Organic, non-GMO soybeans
• Soybeans are grown in Quebec by certified organic farms
• Gluten-free

Review of 'Continental' Extra Dark Chocolate

Continental -- Extra Dark Chocolate (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: I really enjoyed this. It's very sweet and not very much darker/more bitter than the Continental Dark Chocolate. It also doesn't have an odd aftertaste like the Dark Chocolate It's pretty soft--not too brittle or hard. It's a bummer that there's not much info on the brand, but if you're looking for an affordable vegan treat, you can find these for $1 at the Sears outlet!

Where to buy: Sears outlet

Ingredients: chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin and natural vanilla flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 6 pieces
Calories: 220
Fat: 16g
     Saturated: 10g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Carbohydrate: 13g
     Fibre: 5g
     Sugars: 11g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 60%

Sure, I doubt that this brand that doesn't even have a website (that I could locate, anyway) is going to be committed to GMO-free ingredients, but at least there isn't a huge list of ingredients and trans fats, right? The nutrition is actually pretty decent...it has a whopping 60% iron and a solid 5g of fiber. The 6 pieces per serving are actually sizable and the 220 calories were worth it for me.

I won't be buying this bar again simply because I don't know enough about the brand.

Other flavours:

• Milk Chocolate
• Dark Chocolate (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Unfortunately, I could not locate *any* information on this product online. Is that even possible?? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
• From the wrapper, I gathered that it's imported by 'Premier Brands' 77 Nantucket Blvd., Toronto, ON, M1P 2N5
• Product of Germany

Review of 'Wholesome Goodness' Mountain Trail Mix

Wholesome Goodness -- Mountain Trail Mix (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: well, the raisins were fresh and juicy and the chocolate (2 pieces in total...boo!) was sweet and soft. Unfortunately, I found that the nuts were not very fresh and crunchy. Also, I found that there were way more sunflower seeds than the nuts. I would have liked more of a balance. I think they would have been better off not adding sugar, since the raisins were sweet enough on their own. I wasn't very impressed and I wouldn't buy this again -- it's not worth the 270 calories.

Where to buy: Walmart Supercenter, US store locator

Ingredients: Raisins, Peanuts, Almonds, Sunflower Kernels, Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (an Emulsifier), Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract.

Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 270
Fat: 17g
     Saturated: 3g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 95mg
Carbohydrate: 21g
     Fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 13g
Protein: 8g
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%

So the ingredients aren't bad at all, aside from the added sugar, which wasn't needed at all in my opinion. However, I didn't find any GMO info on the website regarding the corn-based and soybean-based ingredients (used in similar Wholesome Goodness products) that the company uses, so I'm a bit skeptical of the brand.

For half a cup, you get 270 calories of average tasting mixed fruit and nuts. It does offer healthy fats though! And it is a good source of fiber and protein. However, at 270 calories, don't you want to enjoy your snack??? I'd much rather just have plain roasted almonds, add my own raisins, and whatever else I fancy. It would have been wayyyy yummier and with less sugar!

Check out their recipe page here.

Other 'Dried Fruit and Nuts' products:

• Yogurt Covered Dried Tart Cherries (gluten-free)
• Chocolate Covered Cherries (vegan, gluten-free)
• Sour Lemon Raisins (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)

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 'Wonderful' Pistachios (Roasted, Salted)

Wonderful -- Pistachios (Roasted, Salted) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: ooh, these are perfectly fresh and crunchy, even close to the 'best before' date. I really like that they are not at all too salty. Pistachios are one of my favourite nuts--there's just sooo much flavour packed into that tiny little nut. I use these for baking (cakes, cookies), and it's just delicious--again, not at all too salty. It is a little pricey for such a little bag and the brand doesn't seem to participate in sustainability or community initiatives.

Where to buy: Freshco, Fortinos, Walmart, Foodland





Ingredients: pistachios, salt.

Nutrition Information*
Serving size: 1/2 cup with shells (30g without shells)
Calories: 160
     Calories from fat: 120
Fat: 14g
     Saturated: 1.5g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 4g
     Monounsaturated: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 80mg
Potassium: 310mg
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 2g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

*Approximate nutritionals (based on US website, so I couldn't locate the full nutritionals from the CA website).

Here are some quick facts about pistachios:

• one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat, highest fiber nuts and are linked to heart health
• have healthy (unsaturated) fats
• contains antioxidants
• source of vitamin B6, copper and manganese

Read more about the benefits of pistachios at http://www.pistachiohealth.com/consumer.

Other Pistachio products (all vegan):

• Roasted and Salted
• Roasted, no Salt
• Roasted and Salted -- Shelled
• Salt and Pepper
• Sweet Chili

Brand:

• Halal
• Grown by Paramount Farms

Review of 'So Delicious' Coconut Milk Non Dairy Frozen Dessert (Coconut)

So Delicious' Coconut Milk Non Dairy Frozen Dessert (Coconut) (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: although this was definitely a hit, the major issue I had was the hardness/iciness of the dessert. Even after melting for a good 5 minutes, it wasn't soft enough, so the creaminess you expect just wasn't there. The coconut flavour was light, but present enough. I was happy that it wasn't overbearing. The flakes and little bits of coconut definitely enhanced the taste and texture. The sweetness was perfect as well. This, my friends, I readily recommend.

Where to buy: Fortinos

Coupon available: subscribe for coupons (name, email, and postal code required)

Ingredients: organic coconut milk, organic agave syrup, chicory root extract, organic dried coconut, carob bean gum, guar gum, natural flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 125 mL
Calories: 170
Fat: 10g
     Saturated: 9g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Carbohydrate: 19g
     Fibre: 6g
     Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 10%   

So sure, I finished the entire container in one sitting on Christmas, but it was my gift to myself, okay?! Also...I ain't at all worried because the ingredients are gorgeous--organic, agave-sweetened, and wholesome! What's even better is the 6g of fiber per serving! That's basically unheard of in ice-creams. God bless coconuts.

I've talked about the benefits of coconut-derived ingredients before and how you need not be afraid of the high fat content. There's a unique feature in coconut fats that allows it to be more easily than other types of saturated fats. You can read more about it here.

Other 'Coconut Milk' flavours (all vegan):

• Cherry Amaretto (reviewed here)
• Chocolate
• Chocolate Brownie Almond
• Coconut Almond Chip
• Cookie Dough
• Cookies 'n Cream
• German Chocolate
• Green Tea
• Mint Chip
• Mocha Almond Fudge
• Passionate Mango
• Peanut Butter Swirl (reviewed here)
• Pomegranate Chip
• Turtle Trails
• Vanilla Bean (reviewed here)
• No Sugar Added Butter Pecan
• No Sugar Added Chocolate
• No Sugar Added Mint Chip
• No Sugar Added Toasted Almond Chip
• No Sugar Added Vanilla Bean

Brand (quoted from purelydecadent.com):

• None of the containers and lids that our products are packaged in contain Bisphenol-A (BPA's)
• All of our coconut based products are Non-GMO certified by the NonGmo Project. For more information, go to www.NonGMOProject.org. All of our other products are internally verified to be GMO free.
• None of our products contain MSG, yeast, yeast extract, or autolyzed yeast.
• The natural flavors in our products are flavor analogs that come from botanicals and extracts from natural sources. Care is taken to utilize components from the original substrate when possible.
• None of our products contain the food preservative, TBHQ, either as direct ingredients or sub- ingredients.
• None of our products contain the food preservative, BHT, either as direct ingredients or sub-ingredients.
• None of our products contain the food preservative, BHA, either as direct ingredients or sub-ingredients.
• Some of our products contain flavors which include of a small amount of ethyl alcohol as a carrier. The amount of ethanol in these products is so small that there is no physiological impact. There is no gluten in the alcohol.

Review of E D Smith's Triple Fruits No Sugar Added Raspberry (with Strawberry and Blackberry) Spread

E D Smith's -- Triple Fruits No Sugar Added Raspberry Jam (with Strawberry and Blackberry) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: well, you definitely get the berry blend flavour (raspberry with strawberry and blackberry). The sweetness is mild and doesn't overpower the fruits. It pairs well with toast (PBJ sandwiches), waffles, and pancakes.

The major issue with this product is the sucralose (AKA Splenda) used as a sweetener. Sucralose has been linked to migraines, gastrointestinal problems, and on thymus health. For this reason, I would not recommend this jam and I will not be buying this again. You can also read about the potentially harmful effects of artificial food colouring here, since 'colour' is listed as an ingredient.

Where to buy: Food Basics, Foodland, Freshco

Ingredients:fruit (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries), concentrated fruit juices (white grape and/or apple and/or pineapple), water, fruit pectin, locust bean gum and/or guar gum, citric acid, natural flavour, sucralose, sodium benzoate, colour.
Sucralose: 5mg per 15 mL serving

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 15 mL (1 tbsp)
Calories: 20
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrate: 5g
     Sugar: 4g
Protein: .1g

Now I do typically choose to review organic products, but I also like to include non-organic, vegan products as well. This is because I like to take the opportunity to showcase ingredients that are potentially detrimental to health that readers may not be aware of. In this instance, it's the sucralose used. Diabetics would probably happily purchase this, thinking it's the best choice for their health. However, closer examination reveals that although the sugar content is reduced, the potential dangers of sucralose sort of cancels out the benefits of low-sugar. It may be best to find a jam that does not rely on artificial sweeteners, *even* if the cost is a less sweet final product.

You can check out E D Smith's recipe page here. You can try out their recipe for 'Jammin Squares', 'Brownie Mud Pies', and 'Ooey Gooey S'mores', which use this raspberry jam. There are recipes for every course.

Other 'Raspberry' jams (all vegan):

• More Fruit Raspberry Spread
• More Fruit Seedless Strawberry Raspberry Spread
• No Sugar Added Seedless Strawberry Raspberry Spread
• No Sugar Added Raspberry Spread
• Pure Raspberry Jam
• Pure Seedless Raspberry Jam
• Spa Fruit No Sugar Added Raspberry Jam
• Triple Fruits No Sugar Added Strawberry Raspberry Red Plum
• Triple Fruits Raspberry Strawberry Blackberry Spread
• Triple Fruits Strawberry Raspberry Red Plum Spread
• Golden Valley All Fruit Raspberry Spread

Brand:

•  Subsidiary of Treehouse Foods
• No impressive facts to report

Review of Stickling's Bountiful Raisin Bread

Stickling's -- Bountiful Raisin Bread (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: I love that  they weren't stingy with the raisins -- they are spinkled throughout so that each bite has a juicy, sweetness. The bread is tender, soft, and the crust is thin and crisp. Even after refrigeration, the bread is nice and fresh when toasted. It has a really warm, hearty flavour that's really satisfying. I have this bare and it's so good that I don't want to ruin it by adding a spread. I do wish it had a wee bit more fiber, though.

Where to buy: Fortinos





Ingredients: Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Whole Spelt Flour, Spring Water, Organic Raisins, Organic Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt, Yeast, Sourdough (Organic Whole Spelt Flour, Spring Water, Natural Bacterial Culture).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 100
Fat: 2.5g
     Saturated: .3g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrate: 18g
     Fibre: 1g
     Sugar: 5g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 6%

Hey, no sugar added! That's pretty great. The raisins provide all the sweetness you'll ever need in this bread. These clean, wholesome ingredients translate to a good nutritional profile. At 100 calories per slice, it's low in saturated fat and low in sodium as well. It's too bad that it's not very rich in fiber and has only 3g of protein.

Other bread products (all vegan):

• 7 Grain Big Toast
• 12 Grain Bread (reviewed here)
• Red Fife Omega 3 Bread
• Light Rye Bread
• Gluten & Dairy Free Rice Bread

Brand (quoted from sticklingsbakery.com):

• "Our breads, bagels and muffins are dairy and egg free, and are baked with un-modified, organic heritage whole grains..."
• Verified organic
• Certified Vegan
• Supports local farmers
• Certified gluten free
• Uses alternative energy sources, biodegradable bags
•  Supports many community initiatives

Review of 'Vitasoy' Holly Nog

Vitasoy -- Holly Nog (vegan)
Overall Rating: 1/5
Summary: mmm the aroma is bang on--cinnamonny and nutmeggy! ...but...the flavour...something's just off for me. The first second tastes great...like your good ol egg nog --sweet, thick, and spiced. But *after* that initial second, there's some really odd flavours going on. It tasted kinda like alcohol/chemicals. And it's a strong chemically flavour as well. Also, the nutritional profile isn't all that great, so I definitely won't be buying this again.

Where to buy: Fortions 
 
Ingredients: filtered water, organic dried sugar cane juice, organic whole soybeans, natural flavors, salt, carrageenan, organic cinnamon, organic annatto, organic nutmeg.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 125mL
Calories: 60
Fat: 1g
     Saturated: .2g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: .5g
          Omega-6: .5g
          Omega-3: .1g
     Monounsaturated: .2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 70mg
Potassium: 170mg
Carbohydrate: 12g
     Fibre: 0g
     Sugars: 11g
Protein: 2g
Iron: 2%

So the second ingredient, after water, is sugar cane juice and not soybeans. This explains why the nutritional profile isn't really all that great. For a full cup (two servings), there are 120 calories, with no fiber and only 4g protein. There's no calcium, which is really surprising. It really doesn't offer much beyond some healthy omega fats. There's nothing I'm really impressed with. 

Since I really don't like the taste, I'll probably end up just using it in my protein shakes to hide the taste.

Other flavours (all vegan):

• Original
• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Lite Original
• Lite Chocolate
• Lite Vanilla
• 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 'Good Karma' FlaxDelight (Original)

Good Karma -- FlaxDelight (Original) (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: this beverage has such a great flavour (flax and vanilla)! I'm officially a 'flax milk' fan. It's lightly sweetened and very refreshing. It's thin and smooth in texture and has a really nice light vanilla smell. Sure, there's 0 protein and 0 fiber (which would normally be a deal-breaker for me), but it is a source of omega-3 (healthy fat) and vitamins and nutrients. It's also low-calorie...I still find myself feeling disappointed that there's no fiber or protein, but it's still a great milk overall. I'd recommend this and probably buy it again.

Where to buy: Fortinos, No Frills,



Ingredients: Filtered Water, Cold Pressed Flax Oil, Dried Cane Syrup, Tricalcium Phosphate, Vanilla Extract, Canola and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Flavor, Vitamin D2, Zinc Gluconate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin B12.

Nutrition Facts*
Serving size:1 cup
Calories: 50
Fat: 2.5g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 1.5g
     Monounsaturated: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 7g
Protein: 0
Vitamin A: 10%
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 2%

*Visit here for full nutritional profile.

So, it's a fortified beverage (vitamin A and calcium!) that's very low in calories. It's great to add to a wholesome cereal to get your dose of essential fatty acids (omega-3). And it adds a really great flavour as well. I like that it's very low in sodium as well.
Other 'Flax Milk' flavours (all vegan, gluten-free):

• Vanilla
• Unsweetened

Brand: 

• Supporter of Green Farming
• Source of Omega-3
• Kosher
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Allergen free

Review of 'Silk' French Vanilla Creamer

Silk -- French Vanilla Creamer (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: mm, I love being pleasantly surprised. I didn't think I'd be so enthralled with this product. Sure, it's pretty much an empty calorie creamer, but...it's delicious. And it gives that creamy look to my morning coffee without the funky patterns that most soy milks produce. It's super sweet, but I don't really get that much of a vanilla flavour (based on the recommended serving of 1 tablespoon). I normally don't bother buying products that are basically filled with empty calories, but I think I'd reconsider for this creamer. It helps that Silk is verified non-GMO, and environmentally- and sustainability-minded -- a great brand to support.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Metro, Foodland, Longos, No Frills, Rabba Fine Foods, Sobeys, Walmart Supercenter



Ingredients: All Natural Soymilk (Filtered Water, Whole Soybeans), All Natural Evaporated Cane Juice, Palm Oil, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Tapioca Starch, Carrageenan.

Nutrition Facts
Servings size: 1 tbsp (15 mL)
Calories: 20
     Calories from fat: 10
Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Carbohydrate: 3g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 3g
Protein: 0g

So, half of the 20 calories come from fat and the carbs are all in sugar form...sooo, yep, empty calories.*sigh* such a shame, eh?

Other Creamer flavours:

• Original
• Hazelnut

Brand:

• Verified non-GMO
• Certified Kosher
• Some product varieties are certified organic
• All vegan
• Responsible sourcing initiative
• Champions of wind power, partnered with Bonneville Environmental Foundation 
• Partnered with Conservation International, The Organic Center, The Organic Farming Research Foundation, World Soy Foundation and Tree Canada
• Silk for Coffee uses palm oil from suppliers who've joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
• Parent company: WhiteWave Foods
• Read about Silk's achievements in environmental conservation through it's manufacturing processes here

Review of 'Nature's Path' Mesa Sunrise Cereal

Nature's Path -- Mesa Sunrise Cereal (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: crisp is the word to describe this cereal. It's super crisp and crunchy. With milk, it softens a bit, yet still maintains a crunch. I did get a hint of corn sweetness in the first few bites, but then lost it. I really like the texture of the flakes (thin and textured, not smooth), which were hearty and filling. The cereal is perfectly sweetened to my tastes (I did pair it with a sweet vanilla soy milk).

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



Ingredients: corn meal*, yellow corn flour*, evaporated cane juice*, flax*, buckwheat flour*, quinoa*, amaranth*, sea salt, tocopherols (natural vitamin E).

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

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 120
Fat: 1g
     Saturated: .2g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: .6g
          Omega-6: .3g
          Omega-3: .3g
     Monounsaturated: .2g 
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 125mg
Carbohydrate: 24g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugar: 4g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 8%

This is a great, low-calorie cereal for those with a gluten intolerance. It has healthy fats and is very low in saturated fat, has zero cholesterol, and isn't too high on sodium. The only issue I have is that there isn't enough fiber and protein for my needs. So, although it's delicious, as a vegan who needs her protein, I'd probably pass on buying it again.

Other gluten-free cold cereals (all vegan):

• 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 
• Sunrise® Crunchy Maple
• Leapin Lemurs Cereal
• Koala Crisp™ Cereal

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 'So Good' Vanilla

So Good -- Vanilla (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: mmm, this is a really well-sweetened soy milk. I enjoyed every bit of it! The texture is smooth and not at all grainy. There's no hint of soy flavour that I could detect. Instead, the hint of vanilla was the star. I love half a cup of this in my cereal. If I were ranking simply based on taste, I'd give it a 4.5/5. The nutritionals are good but I'm not sure that *all* the ingredients are non-GMO (e.g. corn-based ingredients are not marked non-GMO on the website). Until I could be certain, I probably won't be buying this again, nor would I recommend it. Also, 'corn syrup solids' are a controversial ingredient (read more about it here) that I definitely try to steer clear of. I wouldn't recommend this product.

Where to buy: Fortinos

Ingredients: filtered water, soy protein (isolate, whole soybeans), cane sugar, corn syrup solids, fructose, canola oil, tricalcium phosphate, potassium citrate, natural vanilla flavour, brown rice syrup, dipotassium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, salt carrageenan, zinc gluconate, ascorbic acid, niacin, pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin A, thiamine, folacin, vitamin D2, vitamin B12.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 140
Fat: 4g
     Saturated: .6g
     Trans: 0g
     Omega-6: .6g
     Omega-3: .2g
     Monounsaturated: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 110mg
Potassium: 380mg
Carbohydrate: 21g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 12
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 8%

It's too bad that this soy milk has to go on my 'do not buy list'. Sure, I'll still review the other 'So Good' products for the sake of this blog, but after that, no way I'm buying this brand again. The 'corn syrup solids' is a no-no for me. Also, the website only cites the soy protein as GMO-free and doesn't address any other ingredient.

The nutritional profile isn't bad. It has healthy fats, no cholesterol, and a nice amount of calcium. However, the sugar content is a little high.

Check out the So Good recipe page here. Among others, it includes a recipe for Frozen Soy Pops and Vanilla Custard.

Other flavours (all vegan, gluten-free):

• Original
• Fat-free Original
• Light Vanilla
• Fat-free Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Omega DHA Original
• Omega DHA Vanilla
• No Sugar Added Original

Brand:

• Non-GMO soy protein (but not necessarily non-GMO corn-based ingredients)
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Controversial ingredient used: corn syrup solids

Review of 'Tofurky' Meatless Kielbasa Sausage

Tofurky -- Kielbasa (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this sausage has a texture more similar to a hotdog than a sausage. The other flavours I've tried (Beer, Italian) were meatier and with textures more typical of sausages (just more complex, in my opinion). I detected a slight hint of smokiness and at first bite, the sausage is pretty tasty -- it's nicely salted and has a nice blend of spices. However, there was a really clear aftertaste that I didn't care for at all. And it actually lasts quite some time...like I could taste it in my mouth hours later. So...I definitely wouldn't buy this one again.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Freshco


Image source: Vegan Muffin

Ingredients: organic tofu (water, organic soybeans, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride), wheat protein product, expeller pressed canola or high-oleic safflower oil, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat salt), textured wheat protein, onion, garlic, spices, granulated garlic, salt, vitamins and minerals (dipotassium phosphate, niacin, iron, zinc oxide, vitamin B12, calcium, pantothenate, vitamin B6, riboflavin). 

Nutrition Facts 
Serving size: 1 sausage
Calories: 240
Fat: 16g
     Saturated: 1g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 660mg
Potassium: 520mg
Carbohydrate: 12g
     Fiber: 8g
     Sugars: 2g
Protein: 26g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 45%

Bless Tofurky's commitment to non-GMO because where else would I get 'ready in 5 minutes' meals that are yummy and vegan?

Still, I won't say that it's perfect by any measure. My main issue is the sodium content because it's clearly winning in every other count (e.g. protein, fiber, iron). I can only have 1 Tofurky product per day, otherwise I'll soon reach the upper limit of my sodium meter.

Other Sausage flavours:

• Italian Style Tofu Sausage (reviewed here) (vegan)
• Beer Sausage (reviewed here) (vegan)

Brand (quoted from tofurky.com):

• Non-GMO
• "We make our vegetarian products in small batches using only the finest organic and natural ingredients."
• No preservatives, MSG or other artificial ingredients.
• Kosher, vegan, and made with organic soybeans and/or organic tofu.
• Family owned and operated company.
• "Since our founding in 1980 Turtle Island Foods has strived to create delicious, nutritious, vegan soy meat alternatives that are lightly processed using traditional methods."

Review of 'Nature's Path' Love Crunch (Dark Chocolate & Red Berries)

Nature's Path -- Love Crunch (Dark Chocolate & Red Berries)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: omg, why is this SO good! Jeez...it's crunchy, sweet, chocolatey, and just so comforting. It's on, like, level 10 sweetness. I don't really get the berry taste all that much, despite the bits of dried berries found throughout. But It just doesn't matter. The chocolate is the star. I had it with and without milk, and with milk is way better. All the flavour just dissolves into a milky, creamy, crunchy concoction. It's sinful. Buy it and see for yourself.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, Fortinos, Sobeys

Coupon available at Mambo Sprouts as of November 14 2012 (Sign up! It's worth it.)




Ingredients: rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, soy oil*, rolled spelt (wheat)*, dark chocolate chunks* (evaporated cane juice*, unsweetened chocolate*, cocoa butter*, soy lecithin*, vanilla*), flax seeds*, dried coconut*, cocoa*, freeze-dried berry blend* (freeze-dried strawberries*, freeze-dried raspberries*), rice starch*, sea salt, natural chocolate flavor, natural vanilla flavor, tocopherols (natural vitamin E).

*Organic. Contains soy and wheat. May contain peanuts, tree nuts or dairy.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 260
Fat: 10g
     Saturated: 2g
     Trans: 0g
     Omega-6: 4.3g
     Omega-3: .99g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 105mg
Potassium: 190mg
Carbohydrate: 37g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 12g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 12%

Okay, these organic and wholesome ingredients basically gave me a license to eat about 90% of the bag in one sitting :/ I'm not recommending that for anyone -- I just happen to be a glutton for sweetness.

The calories are really, very high! For just 1 cup, there is 260 calories...that's super high for a snack item, so this product is definitely more likely to be a treat for those 'once-in-a-while' occasions. It has a good amount of healthy fats and a really nice 5g of protein. The fiber content isn't too bad.

The key is to maintain self-control and have the recommended 1/2 cup for a serving. Basically, do the opposite of what I would do. You really gotta try this granola.

Other Nature's Path Love Crunch granola flavours:

• Aloha Blend Granola (reviewed here)
• Apple Crumble (vegan)
• Carrot Cake
• Gingerbread

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

• "For every bag you buy, we’ll donate the equivalent in cash and organic food to the food bank, up to $1 million a year! That’s what the Bite4Bite model’s all about."
•  Certified non-GMO and organic
• 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."

Review of 'Clif Bar' Oatmeal Raisin Walnut

Clif Bar -- Oatmeal Raisin Walnut (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: this bar was thinner than the other Clif bars I've tried, but it was still filling (thanks to the 10g of protein). It wasn't quite as sweet as the others either, but the was delicious, nonetheless. The texture was soft and oaty with rice crisps throughout. The raisins were a nice addition but I felt that they weren't as juicy and prominent as I expected. I also found that there wasn't enough of  a walnut presence. Bigger chunks of walnuts might have been the solution. The cinnamon that's added actually comes through quite strongly and I really enjoyed that. It should have been called an 'Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin' bar!

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, Shopper's Drug Mart, Fortinos



Ingredients: *brown rice syrup, protein blend (soy rice crisps [soy protein isolate, rice flour, barley malt extract], *soy flour, *roasted soybeans), *rolled oats, *toasted oats (*rolled oats, *dried cane syrup, ascorbic acid, natural vitamin E [antioxidant]), raisins, *cane syrup, walnuts, crunch pieces (*oat fiber, inulin [chicory extract]), *milled flaxseed, *oat bran), *soy butter (*roasted soybeans, *soybean oil, salt), natural flavours, molasses powder, cinnamon, sea salt, natural vitamin E (antioxidant), *soybean oil.

For complete vitamin and mineral ingredients and full nutritional information, visit here.

Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Fat: 5g
     Saturated: 1g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 3g
          Linoleic acid: 2g
          n3 Linoleic acid: .4g
     Monounsaturated: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 130mg
Potassium: 440mg
Carbohydrate: 43g
     Fibre: 3g
     Sugars: 20g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 50%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 25%

I just love Clif Bar :) It's delicious and is the antithesis of empty calories. Sure 250 is a whopper, but listen...healthy fats, no cholesterol, low sodium, 50% vitamin C, 25% calcium, 10g protein. C'mon, this is just a really great snack for post-workouts (lots of healthy carbs) or even for a very busy, 'on-the-go' kinda day.

I'm eager to try the apricot...it's just not a flavour I come across frequently.

Other Clif Bar flavours (all vegan, baby):

• Apricot
• Banana Nut Bread
• Black Cherry Almond (reviewed here)
• Blueberry Crisp
• Carrot Cake (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Almond Fudge (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Brownie
• Chocolate Chip (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch
• Coconut Chocolate Chip
• Cool Mint Chocolate
• Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Gary's Panforte
• Iced Gingerbread
• Maple Nut (reviewed here)
• Peanut Toffee Buzz
• Peppermint Stick (reviewed here)
• Spiced Pumpkin
• White Chocolate Macadamia

Brand:

• Each Clif Bar is 70% organic
• No high-fructose corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils
• No artificial preservatives or trans fats
• No artificial colours, sweeteners or flavours
• 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 'Silver Hills' Steady Eddie (the Low GI Choice)

Silver Hills -- Steady Eddie (the Low GI Choice) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: this bread has a very light salted taste and a warm flavour that's slightly buttery (awesome!). It's sweetened with apples but you don't get a sweet taste at all. The bread is very, very light and soft. After toasting, it gets a crisp crust but maintains a tenderness. The neutral flavour makes for great versatility (e.g. sweet or savoury sandwiches). The ingredients are organic, kept to a minimum, fresh, and wholesome, which is characteristic of this brand. I'm a huge fan of the nutritional profile -- just one slice provides you with 4g of fibre and 7g of protein! If you like to keep it simple with your bread, this one's for you. There are no seeds, spices, or additional flavours -- it's your traditional bread.

Where to buy: Wanigan, Foodland, Fortinos, Costco

Ingredients: organic whole sprouted wheat*, organic whole sprouted rye*, organic whole apples*, vital wheat gluten, organic sprouted whole soybeans*, water, yeast,sea salt, cultured wheat.
*Certified Organic. 
May contain tree nuts, soy and sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts*
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 100
Fat: 1g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
     Omega-6: .1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 105mg
Potassium: 70g
Carbohydrate: 16g
     Fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 8%

Well, no one can rag on these ingredients. It's all certified organic and GMO-free! It may seem that 100 calories for only 1 slice is a little on the high side, however keep in mind that these slices are bigger than your typical breads. Even if it weren't quite as big, the nutritional content makes that 100 calories well worth it. There are no empty calories here, with 4g of fiber and 7g of protein! So two slices would yield 8g of fiber and 14g of protein...so good!

It's also super low in fat and has zero cholesterol, so it's simply guilt-free. Also keep in mind how fantastic the 'Silver Hills' brand is and how great it is to support them.

*Visit here for full nutrition facts.

Other 'Low Glycemic Index' breads:

• Mack's Flax (vegan)

Brand:

• Non-GMO
• Certified organic production facility 
• All breads are vegan-friendly
• Sprouted 100% whole grains
• No artificial preservatives
• Read about the Silver Hills Guest House here

Review of 'KIND Healthy Snacks' Almond Cashew with Flax + Omega 3

KIND Healthy Snacks -- Almond Cashew with Flax + Omega 3 (gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this bar is both crunchy and chewy, which was great. However, I found the chewy aspect (e.g. the dates, honey, etc. blend) to be a bit too stiff and sticky. I would have liked a gooey-er chewy blend that didn't stick to my teeth so much. The nuts were fresh and crunchy and definitely the best part...and they were plentiful as well! The bar wasn't as sweet as what you'd expect (most snack bars are at least medium-sweet), was was disappointing. There's also a subtle tartness to each bite. The nutritional profile is pretty great, with 4g of fiber and protein. Still, I probably won't be buying this flavour again. For 180 cals, I want a sweet snack bar!

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, Pharma Plus

 



Ingredients: dates, almonds, cashews, honey, non GMO glucose, milled flaxseed (vegetarian omega-3), chicory fiber, natural flavor.

Nutrition Info*
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
   Fat Calories: 90
Total fat: 10g
     Saturated: 1.5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 120mg
Total Carb: 20g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 13g
Protein: 4g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

Check here for complete nutritional info.

The ingredients in KIND bars are pretty phenomenal. They're wholesome, GMO-free, and kept to a minimum. This is why the nutritional profile is so great. It has healthy fats (from nuts), zero sodium (whoo!), and 4g of fiber and protein. I love that last bit, since so many snack foods are low/devoid of fiber and protein.

If only this bar were a bit sweeter and the chewy blend (dates, honey, etc.) were a bit softer and fresher, I'd say the 180 calories were worth it. But...I've simply had other bars that were better tasting with comparable nutrition and calories, so I'll be skipping out on buying this flavour again. If you enjoy more subtle flavours, then I'd recommend it.

Other 'KIND Plus Bars' (all gluten free):

• Cranberry Almonds + Antioxidants
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew + Antioxidants
• Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate + Protein
• Blueberry Pecan + Fibre
• Almond Walnut Macadamia with Peanuts + Protein
• Pomegranate, Blueberry, Pistachio + Antioxidants
• Mango Macadamia + Calcium 
• Mini Cranberry Almond + Antioxidants

Brand:

• Part of the PeaceWorks® group (based on a “not-only-for-profit” business model), founded by Daniel Lubetzky
• Non-GMO
• Winner of Men's Health 'Best Breakfast Bar'; Today 'Blue Ribbon for Best Bar'; Women's Health 'Best  Packaged Food for Women'; Time 'Responsibility Pioneer'; and a host of others
• Gluten-free
• Certified Kosher
• 'Do the KIND thing' Mission

Review of 'Stickling's Organics' 12 Grain Bread

Stickling's Organics -- 12 Grain Bread (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: this has great texture. Biting into it, it's crispy (after toasting) and has a hearty chew. There are oat flakes on the crust, but they don't really add that much in terms of texture or flavour. The flavour of the bread is a slightly salty taste but nothing else really pops (no spices or seeds, nada). It's thus a neutral flavour and pairs well with pretty much everything I can think of. A downside is the high calorie count--120 calories for only 1 slice. But hey, it comes in a 100% biodegradable bag

Where to buy: Fortinos



Ingredients:* Organic Whole Grain Wheat Flour, Organic Whole Grain Rye Flour, Spring Water, Organic Whole Grain Mix (Golden Flaxseeds, Cracked Corn, Sunflower Seeds, Cracked Spelt, Cracked Soya, Cracked Millet, Cracked Buckwheat, Cracked Barley, Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt, Yeast, Malt Flour (Barley), Sourdough (Organic Whole Grain Rye Flour, Spring Water, Natural Bacterial Culture).

*These are the ingredients listed on the package and differ slightly from those listed on the website.

Nutritional Facts
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 120
Fat: 3g
     Saturated: .4g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 65mg
Carbohydrate: 21g
     Fibre: 4g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

If you're thinking of switching your regular bread brand, Stickling's is one of your best bets. The ingredients are organic and wholesome and the company is involved in community and environmental initiatives.

This 12 grain bread has some pretty great nutritionals, despite the calorie count (240 calories for two slices--yikes!). It's low in saturated fat, low in sodium, and has ZERO grams of sugar. That's pretty fantastic. The protein content is reasonable as well. Because I'm a bit of a stickler in the way I balance my calories, this particular bread is not for me. I know I can find another one that has 2 slices for similar a calorie count and with comparable nutrition (e.g. Stickling's Light Rye Bread).

Nonetheless, I'd still pick this up from time to time when it's on sale or if it's the best brand available at the grocery store of the day.

Other bread products (all vegan):

• 7 Grain Big Toast
• Red Fife Omega 3 Bread
• Light Rye Bread
• Bountiful Raisin Bread (reviewed here)
• Gluten & Dairy Free Rice Bread

Brand (quoted from sticklingsbakery.com):

• "Our breads, bagels and muffins are dairy and egg free, and are baked with un-modified, organic heritage whole grains..."
• Verified organic
• Certified Vegan
• Supports local farmers
• Certified gluten free products
• Uses alternative energy sources, biodegradable bags
• Supports many community initiatives 
• Supports the Canadian Diabetes Association
• Since 1939

Review of 'So Delicious' Coconut Milk Non Dairy Frozen Dessert (Vanilla Bean)

So Delicious -- Coconut Milk Non Dairy Frozen Dessert (Vanilla Bean) (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: boy, was I pleasantly surprised. I thought vanilla bean would be boring (especially since I'm a fan of addins!). This was amazing in its own right -- just pure, rich vanilla flavour. It was creamy and perfectly sweet. My only issue was, like many non-dairy ice creams, it's iciness, Granted, it wasn't nearly as hard or icy as other ones I've had. I only had to let it melt a couple of minutes before it was game on!

Where to buy: Fortinos

Coupon available: subscribe for coupons (name, email, and postal code required)



Ingredients: organic coconut milk, organic agave syrup, chicory root extract, carob bean gum, guar gum, vanilla extract, natural flavour, vanilla bean specks.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 125 mL
Calories: 160
Fat: 8g
     Saturated: 7g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Carbohydrate: 20g
     Fibre: 6g
     Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 10%

Don't be afraid of the saturated fats in this ice cream...coconut fats are unique and beneficial! Read more about it here. This line (Coconut Milk) of So Delicious ice cream is my favourite for the nutritional profiles. For a decent calorie count, you get a whopping 6g of fiber! You can thank those coconuts! I'll be buying this again.

Other 'Coconut Milk' flavours (all vegan):

• Cherry Amaretto (reviewed here)
• Chocolate
• Chocolate Brownie Almond
• Coconut (reviewed here)
• Coconut Almond Chip
• Cookie Dough
• Cookies 'n Cream
• German Chocolate
• Green Tea
• Mint Chip
• Mocha Almond Fudge
• Passionate Mango
• Peanut Butter Swirl (reviewed here)
• Pomegranate Chip
• Turtle Trails
• No Sugar Added Butter Pecan
• No Sugar Added Chocolate
• No Sugar Added Mint Chip
• No Sugar Added Toasted Almond Chip
• No Sugar Added Vanilla Bean

Brand (quoted from purelydecadent.com):

• None of the containers and lids that our products are packaged in contain Bisphenol-A (BPA's)
• All of our coconut based products are Non-GMO certified by the NonGmo Project. For more information, go to www.NonGMOProject.org. All of our other products are internally verified to be GMO free.
• None of our products contain MSG, yeast, yeast extract, or autolyzed yeast.
• The natural flavors in our products are flavor analogs that come from botanicals and extracts from natural sources. Care is taken to utilize components from the original substrate when possible.
• None of our products contain the food preservative, TBHQ, either as direct ingredients or sub- ingredients.
• None of our products contain the food preservative, BHT, either as direct ingredients or sub-ingredients.
• None of our products contain the food preservative, BHA, either as direct ingredients or sub-ingredients.
• Some of our products contain flavors which include of a small amount of ethyl alcohol as a carrier. The amount of ethanol in these products is so small that there is no physiological impact. There is no gluten in the alcohol.

Review of 'Oasis' Orange Juice (without Pulp)

Oasis -- Orange Juice (without Pulp) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: sweeter than some other orange juices that I've had, which have been more strongly tart. This one is a great balance. It's smooth, not too thick, and simply delicious. Because the brand doesn't have any particularly endearing qualities (e.g. socially-, environmentally-minded), I'd prefer to support brands like Kiju, that produce 100% fruit juices and are more impressive on those previously mentioned counts.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Real Canadian Superstore


Ingredients: 100% pure orange juice

Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 20mg
Carbohydrate: 29g
     Sugars: 25g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin C: 120%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%

Well, you can't complain about 100% pure fruit juice, right? One serving gets you 120% of your daily vitamin C dose. It's definitely one of the better fruit juices to buy because it is high in vitamin C (e.g. compared to apple juice or grape juice). It does have 25g of sugar, but this is still less than the sugars found in apple juice and grape juice (reference here).

If you're watching your weight, then just because this is natural sugar, doesn't mean much. Remember that natural sugars have the same calories as processed sugar, so be careful with portion control (reference here). One glass should be enough for the day or even half a glass (since it would provide 60% vitamin C and you could get the remainder throughout the day). And remember, sometimes it may make more sense to eat the actual fruit (e.g. an orange) than drink the juice. It will be more filling and you may ingest fewer calories.

Brand:

• No added sugar
• Made by A. Lassonde Inc.

Review of 'Almond Dream' Unsweetened Vanilla Enriched

Almond Dream -- Unsweetened Vanilla Enriched (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: there's no real smell to this milk, unfortunately. But, you really do get a strong, deep vanilla flavour and there is a little hint of natural sweetness. The texture is thick and creamy. This is a great milk for a dessert session because it has only a very light sweetness that will balance out the sugar in the dessert, while washing your mouth of that heavy sugary post-dessert feel. I like that it's low in carbs as well, since my cereals tend to be very carb-heavy.

Where to buy: Fortinos

Ingredients: filtered water, amonds, tapioca starch, natural vanilla flavour, calcium carbonate, sea salt, potassium citrate, carrageenan, and sunflower lecithin.

Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 40
Fat: 3.5g
     Saturated: .3g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 190mg
Carbohydrate: 2g
     Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 4%

Well, I do wish they didn't add quite so much salt. 180mg is pretty high for a milk beverage. Still, it has some great perks -- it's very low-cal, has *no* sugar low in saturated fats and carbs, and has a solid 30% calcium content. So, despite the sodium, I'd still consider buying this again. I really enjoyed the very present vanilla flavour.

Other flavours:

• Enriched Original
• Enriched Original Unsweetened

Brand: Brand:

• Kosher
• Vegan and vegetarian options
• Gluten-free
• No artificial preservatives, colours, flavours
• Non-GMO (as per Organic Buyer's Group)

Review of 'Turtle Island Foods' Marinated Tempeh (Sesame Garlic)

Turtle Island Foods -- Marinated Tempeh (Sesame Garlic) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: these tempeh strips make for a very warm, hearty meal. It has a strong, sweet garlic flavour and I love the crispness of it after about 20 minutes in the toaster oven. However. just like the 'Smoky Maple Meatless Bacon' flavour, I find it too salty. I think this sesame garlic flavour is the better bet, though, because it does not contain that controversial 'autolyzed yeast extract' ingredient.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Real Canadian Superstore

Ingredients: organic soybeans, shoyu soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt, bacterial culture) organic evaporated cane juice, garlic, lemon juice concentrate, water, ginger, toasted sesame oil, organic apple cider vinegar, sesame seeds, bacterial culture (Rhizopus oligosporous).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 6 slices
Calories: 140
Fat: 3.5g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 340mg
Potassium: 240mg
Carbohydrate: 14g
     Fibre: 5g
     Sugars: 3g
Protein: 11g
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 12%

I'm only realizing now that there's ginger in this...too bad I didn't get that flavour in the slices themselves -- woulda been tasty! For just 6 slices, 340mg of sodium is way too high because you know you're adding these strips to an already sodium-rich meal. I'll pass on buying this again for regular consumption, but I recommend it for the great taste.

Other Tempeh products (all vegan):

• Smoky Maple Meatless Bacon (reviewed here)
• Coconut Curry Marinated Tempeh 
• Lemon Pepper Marinated Tempeh Strips

Brand (quoted from tofurky.com):

• Non-GMO
• "We make our vegetarian products in small batches using only the finest organic and natural ingredients."
• No preservatives, MSG or other artificial ingredients.
• Kosher, vegan, and made with organic soybeans and/or organic tofu.
• Family owned and operated company.
• "Since our founding in 1980 Turtle Island Foods has strived to create delicious, nutritious, vegan soy meat alternatives that are lightly processed using traditional methods."