Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Review of 'Oasis' Nutrisource Wild Blueberry

Oasis -- Nutrisource Wild Blueberry (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: wow, the berry flavour is very distinct and fresh. The smell might be even yummier, in fact! It's very potent. It has a deep, dark colour that really matches the depth of flavour of the juice. I'm recommending this with zeal! I consumed half the bottle on my own. Yes, it *is* that good.

Where to buy: Fortinos



Ingredients: fruit juice from concentrate (water, concentrated apple and/or grape (sulfites), blueberry, lemon), natural blueberry flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 250mL
Calories: 120
Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 35mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 28g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 100%

So, clearly the perk here is the 'no added sugars'. You really can't beat that in a juice. And, the flavour doesn't suffer one bit for its exclusion. It's perfectly sweet and berrilicious.

The calories are average for a cup of juice, but with this one, you get a solid 100% vitamin C and a healthy dose of vitamin A, so I'd say this nutritional profile is slightly better than your average fruit juice profile.

Other Nutrisource flavours:
Brand:
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Thursday, 21 February 2013

Review of 'Soldanza' Banana Chips (Natural)

Soldanza -- Banana Chips (Natural) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: these were a bit too salty for me, but man oh man are they yummy and super crunchy. They're very thinly slices, which enhances that crisp. I really enjoyed these chips!

Where to buy: Caribbean countries :) or buy online from Sampars


Ingredients: bananas, palm olein and/or sunflower and/or canola oil, salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 28g/about 40 chips
Calories: 155.6
     Calories from fat: 85.6
Total fat: 9.3g
     Saturated: 1.2g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 116.7mg
Total Carbohydrate: 16.3g
     Dietary fibre: 1.6g
     Sugar: 0g
Protein: less than 1g
Vitamin C: 6%

Wow...so why is this so very high in fat? I guess it's all that oil, although they didn't really seem all that oily to me. For just 40 very thin chips, 155 calories is high for me. This is especially so since the fiber and protein content isn't too impressive.

Other chips:
Brand info:
  • Product of Costa Rica
  • Bananas are grown on family farms
  • 100% natura, unsure about GMO status (e.g. canola oil)
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Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Review of O.N.E. Coconut Water

O.N.E. -- Coconut Water (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: cool, refreshing, and light. Unfortunately, it just is not as sweet as other coconut water brands I've had. I really wanted to like this one, 'cause just look at how pretty the bottle is!...I find the Vita Coco and Paradise brand much better.

Where to buy: Oceans, buy online from O.N.E.



Ingredients: 100% coconut water

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 330 mL
Calories: 60
Total fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 60mg
Potassium: 660mg
Total Carbs: 14g
     Dietary fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 11g
Protein: 0g

It's a nice clean nutritional profile! It's low in sugars, high in potassium and has zero fat. Also consider how low-calorie it is and the benefits of coconut water consumption (read about it here)!

Other flavours (all vegan):
  • Coconut Water with a splash of mango
  • Coconut Water with a splash of pink guava
  • Coconut Water with a splash of pineapple
Brand (taken from onedrinks.com):
  • The coconut water comes from the Philippines
  • 1st place at the largest Latin American Business Plan competition
  • Brazilian business magazine, Exame, (the Business Week of Brazil) named O.N.E. Coconut Water the Fourth Best Business Innovation of Brazil in 2005, ahead of products from Ford, Petrobras and Unilever.
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Sunday, 17 February 2013

Review of 'Just Juice' 100% organic Concord Grape

Just Juice -- 100% organic Concord Grape (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: super fresh, very [naturally] sweet (no sugariness), slightly tart, and grape flavour galore! It's also very fragrant and rich in colour. This is my equivalent to an evening's glass of wine :) It's delicious. I giving my full support to this juice...well save for the fact that it's a tad high in calories for the sparse nutritional profile. But it's good to keep in mind that grape juice has many health benefits (read more about these in the description below).

Where to buy: Fortinos


Ingredients: organic concord grape juice.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 175 mL (3/4 cup)
Calories: 110
Fat: .1g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Carbohydrates: 27g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 27g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

So yes, there don't appear to be many nutritional benefits to this juice other than calories at first glance. But rest assured, since there's almost no fat going on and next to no sodium. Further, let's look a bit into some of the benefits of grape juice (taken from The World's Healthiest Foods):
  • Grape juice is linked to better blood sugar balance, better insulin regulation
  • Grape phytonutrients (e.g. resveratrol) are now believed to play a role in longevity
  • Linked to cognitive benefits

Other flavours:
Brand:
  • Created by Verve Naturals, established 1990
  • Science-based, health-promoting philosophy
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Review of 'Gardein' Chick'n Strips

Gardein -- Chick'n Strips (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: the low sodium was definitely noted...and appreciated! There was very little flavour and seasoning/salt, but I really liked this because I could add my own seasonings, based on whatever I was in the mood for. It really had that authentic chicken texture and would be really good with a bbq sauce. And, it's a pretty versatile product--it would be good in wraps, stir-frys, and fried rice/noodles. It's too bad that Gardein products do not guarantee GMO-free ingredients, because some of their products are really great. Because of this uncertainty, I wouldn't recommend them.

Where to buy: Freshco, Fortinos

 chick'n

Ingredients: water, soy protein*, Canadian wheat protein*, natural flavours (from plant sources), yeast extract, expeller pressed/ canola oil, organic cane sugar, sea salt, organic ancient grain flour (kamut®, amaranth, millet, quinoa), onion powder, garlic powder, pea protein, carrot fibre, beetroot fibre, extractives of paprika and turmeric. rub: dehydrated vegetables (red bell pepper, garlic, onions), spices, organic cane sugar, salt.

Nutritional Facts*
Serving size: roughly 8 strips (67g)
Calories: 100
Fat: 1.5g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Potassium: 380mg
Carbohydrate: 3g
     Fibre: 1g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 19g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 35%

*Full nutritional profile available here.

So although I'm bummed out that the ingredients aren't verified non-GMO (e.g. canola oil), the majority of the ingredients are solid and the nutritional profile is pretty darn good.

For about 1/3 of the package, it's 100 calories of high protein, low-fat goodness. It's packed with nutrients and vitamins that you can check out by clicking above for the full nutritional profile. It's not very high in fiber, but once you pair it with a stir fry of side of high-fiber veggies or whole wheat noodles, you've got a solid, well-balanced meal.

Other fresh (ready in minutes) Gardein products (all vegan):
Brand (quoted from gardein.com):
  • The majority of gardein ingredients come from North American farms.
  • Uses non-MSG yeast extract to enhance gardein™'s flavor.  
  • "...wherever possible, we use the best organic and certified non-GMO ingredients..."
  • "...we like to diversify our proteins by using wheat, soy and pea proteins..."
  • Contains no preservatives or artificial flavors.  
  • "Our soy is grown in the United States and Canada."
  • "...our suppliers ensure that all our ingredients do not contain pesticides or herbicides - in line with all federal, state/provincial, and municipal regulations."
  • "... we only use 'identity-preserved' soy protein (which basically means, it helps to ensure us that our soy protein is not genetically modified)."
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Friday, 15 February 2013

Review of 'Dimpflmeier' 100% Rye Bread with Flaxseeds

Dimpflmeier' 100% Rye Bread with Flaxseeds (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: okay, so I'm fairly new to rye bread...and I love it. I can't get enough of the savoury, tart, sourish taste. Who woulda known!? I really like the denseness of it and it's really very filling. I enjoy toasting it and pairing it with cheeses and meats (or cheese and meat alternatives). Smoky flavours are awesome with this bread. Go buy this! The only thing to watch out for is the high sodium content.

Where to buy: Foodland, Dimpflmeier Bakery Onsite Retail Store, Freshco, Metro, Sobeys, Fortinos



Ingredients: Organic Rye Flour, Natural Spring Water, Sour Dough (Organic Rye Flour, Natural Spring Water, Bacterial Culture), Organic Flaxseeds, Salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 110
Fat: 1g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 210mg
Carbohydrate: 22g
     Fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 2g
Iron: 4%

I love when the ingredients are kept to only two lines :) ...just 5 ingredients! *And* it's an organic product. The nutritional profile is just okay...unfortunately. One slice is 110 calories, which is a little high compared to other breads like Stonemill. And, the sodium content is verrry high for just 1 slice. If you make a sandwich, you're up to 420mg of sodium and that's without the spread or deli/cheese slice. That's going to add up quite a bit. The fiber and protein content isn't great...I prefer it to be at least 3g. And there are no significant vitamins/minerals to report. For these reasons, I wouldn't buy this bread regularly. Perhaps once in a while when I have a rye bread craving. But if sodium is not a cause of concern in your diet, then by all means, enjoy!

Other Rye bread flavours:
  • 100% Plus Rye Bread (vegan)
  • Farmers Rye Bread
  • Light* Rye
  • Holzofen Art Brot - The Real Stone Bread
  • Hunter Style Rye Bread
  • Monastery Rye Bread
  • Kommiss Style Rye Bread
  • The Stone Baked Farmers Style Rye Bread
  • Krakowski Style Light* Rye Bread
  • Flaxseed Rye Bread
  • Marble Rye Bread
  • Munich Style Rye
  • Organic 100% Rye Bread with Whole Grain (vegan)
  • Organic Unsalted 100% Rye Bread (vegan)
  • Organic Multigrain Light* Rye Bread
  • Pumpernickel - Delicatessen Rye Bread
  • Pumpernickel Rye Bread
  • Black Forest Style Rye Bread
  • Rye Bread with Double Crust
  • Sunflower Seed Rye Bread (reviewed here)
  • Swedish Style Light* Rye Bread
  • Viking Dark Rye Bread
  • Viking Rye Bread with Caraway Seeds
  • Viking Sweet & Sour Rye Bread
  • Viking Sweet & Sour Rye Bread with Caraway Seeds
  • Whole Grain Rye Bread
Brand:
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Review of 'Silk' True Almond (Unsweetened Original)

Silk -- True Almond Unsweetened Original Fortified Almond Beverage (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: I'm really happy that this beverage is fortified with vitamin A and calcium, since I'm normally lacking those on a daily basis. I especially appreciate that the ingredients are so simple and it's very low-calorie. It is the perfect compliment to sweet foods, like cereals, cookies, cake, etc. :) It would also be great for cooking (especially diabetic-friendly baking). Actually, this is the first unsweetened non-dairy milk I've ever liked enough to drink it often on its own! It's sweet almondy smell actually enhances the taste. I love this.

Where to buy: Fortino, Sobeys

Unsweetened Original Almond


Ingredients: Natural Almond Base (Filtered Water, Almonds) Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavour, Sea Salt, Locust Bean Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Gellan Gum, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin D2, Vitamin B12

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 30
Fat: 2.5g
     Saturated: .2g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Potassium: 35mg
Carbohydrate: 1g
     Dietary fibre: 1g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 10%
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 2%

Well, there's not much to the ingredients, so I'm quite happy about that. The only issue is the slightly higher sodium content for a non-dairy milk. Other than that, the nutritional profile is decent. Although it doesn't have the protein content that a soy milk would have, the vitamin A and calcium compensate this quite nicely. It's super low-calorie and low in saturated fat. So...enjoy to your heart's content :)

Check out their recipe site here. Some of their recipes include:
Brand:
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Review of 'Bakery on Main' Cranberry Maple Nut Granola Bar

Bakery on Main -- Cranberry Maple Nut Granola Bar (gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: there's a nice crispness because of the rice crisps. I really enjoyed the sunflower flavour (stands out the most for me) and the bar was definitely 'nutty', with a good amount of almonds and pecans. The cranberries were tart and the maple flavour was present. I would have liked a stronger maple flavour, though.

Where to buy: Fortinos
Coupon: $1.50 coupon when you join the Bakery on Main Club

Ingredients: rice syrup, crisp rice (rice flour, rice bran, raisin juice concentrate, honey, salt), corn flakes (corn, water), sunflower seeds, dried cranberries (cranberry, evaporated cane juice, safflower oil), rice flour, almonds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, evaporated cane juice, pecans, expeller pressed canola oil, natural flavours, soybean lecithin, sea salt.

Not vegan (contains honey).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 170
Fat: 5g
     Saturated: .5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
     Fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 11g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 4%

So these ingredients are all natural and non-problematic for the most part. I just wish the sugar content wasn't quite so high. I do find it odd that there's actually no maple syrup in the bar, even though 'maple' is in the name.

The bar itself isn't very dense of overly-filling, so I feel like the 170 calories isn't quite worth it for me. At least I would have expected more fiber or vitamins/nutrients. Everything's just kinda lackluster. For instance, Luna bars have approximately the same calorie count, but with more vitamins, nutrients, protein, and fiber.

Other bars:
Brand:
  • All products are non-GMO verified
  • No artificial flavours
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Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Review of 'Yves' Asian Veggie Ground Round

Yves -- Asian Veggie Ground Round (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: mmm it has that very Asian aroma as it cooks. It has a sweet, gingery flavour. I really enjoyed the spicy kick of the ginger and chili pepper. The texture is very similar to ground meat. I used this to make a lasagna and it gave a really clear Asian dimension. So, I'm eager to try it in a chili as well! It's quite versatile--you can include it in tacos, stirfrys, with rice, etc. Although I did enjoy the flavours, I still prefer a tartness in my pasta dishes over a sweetness. I would have given a higher rating and recommended this product, but because it is unclear as to the GMO status of Yves products, I would steer clear. It also contains carrageenan, which may be linked to adverse health effects (e.g. gastrointestinal inflammation and colon cancer). Read more about it here.

Where to buy: Fortinos, No Frills, Loblaw, Metro


Ingredients: water, soy protein product, hoisin sauce (soy beans, soy sauce [water, soybeans, wheat, salt], sugar, flour, vinegar, modified starch, spices), carrots, soy sauce (water, wheat, soybeans, salt, alcohol, vinegar, lactic acid), onions, wheat protein product, mushrooms, seasoning (chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, salt), evaporated cane juice, ginger, salt, lime juice concentrate, canola oil, spices (contains mustard), carrageenan, malt extract, caramel (colour), natural flavour, vitamins and minerals (thiamine hydrochloride, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin, calcium pantothenate, reduced iron, zinc oxide, dipotassium phosphate, wheat starch). 

Contains soy, wheat and mustard.

*Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/3 cup (55g)
Calories: 60
Fat: .5g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 380mg
Potassium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
     Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 3g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 15%

*Full nutritional information available here.

So, you can read about the potentially adverse effects of carrageenan and keep in mind that the ingredients are potentiall genetically modified.

Thankfully, the nutritional profile isn't bad. The main concern is the high sodium content. Very high! For only 1/3 cup, there's 380mg of sodium. It's not likely that you would only consume 1/3 of a cup...more like 2/3, I would think. So that adds up to 760mg. On the positive side, it is very low in fat, has a healthy dose of iron and vitamin A, and has a solid protein count.

Other 'Ground Round' flavours (all vegan):
Brand:
  • Uncertain GMO status
  • Kosher
  • Preservative-free
  • Free of artificial colours and flavours
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Monday, 11 February 2013

Review of Van's Gluten Free Waffles Blueberry

Van's -- Gluten Free Waffles Blueberry (vegan, gluten free))
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: it's not very sweet at all on its own, but the blueberry flavour is definitely present. After toasting, it gets a nice, light crisp and gives way to a tender, soft inside. I actually really liked it, both with maple syrup, with peanut butter, and even on its own. And this is so, despite the very faint sweetness! If this brand were certified GMO-free and had a stronger nutritional profile , I would have given a higher endorsement because of the yumminess. I love blueberries!

Where to buy: Fortinos, Wanigan



Ingredients: Water, Van’s Gluten Free Mix (Brown Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Rice Flour, Soy Flour), Canola Oil, Van’s Natural Fruit Juice Blend (Pineapple, Peach and Pear Juice Concentrates), Sugar, Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Rice Flour, Monocalcium Phosphate), Natural Flavors, Soy Lecithin, Sea Salt, Dried Blueberries and Blackberries, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2 waffles
Calories: 230
     Calories from fat: 60
Fat: 7g
     Saturated: .5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total carbohydrates: 39g
     Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 5g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 2%

Although I did enjoy this waffle, I do wish there was no added sugar in the ingredients and that they just stuck to the fruit-juice sweetener.

I'm disappointed in the nutritional profile. For 230 calories, 1g of fiber and 2g of protein is just not cutting it. It's low in saturated fat and the sugar content isn't bad, but the sodium content is a wee bit higher than I'd prefer. There's just not much going on even in the vitamin and nutrients area, so I'm not going to be recommending these waffles.

Other waffles (all vegan):
Brand:

  • Blueberry, Flax, Flax waffles, and All Natural flavoured waffles are non-GMO products
  • Non-GMO canola oil
  • In 2014, transitioning packaging to label non-GMO products (list of non-GMO products here)
  • No synthetic preservatives, artificial flavors or artificial colors
  • Gluten-free, vegan options list here
  • Best Frozen Waffle in Annual Gluten-Free Awards (2014)
  • Two SELF Magazine Healthy Food Awards (2014)
  • A Healthy Food Award From Fitness Magazine (2014)
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Sunday, 10 February 2013

Review of 'Paradise' Coco One 100% Pure Coconut Water

Paradise -- Coco One 100% Pure Coconut Water (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: so, this is probably the sweetest coconut water I've had yet. The only problem is that I really have is the absolute lack of information on the brand online. That's always the issue when buying small brands from the local Asian stores. Clearly, the nutritional profile is no issue -- it's low-calorie, low in sodium, and a good source of potassium. I'd recommend this coconut water. It's one of the more affordable ones available and happens to also be delicious!

Where to buy: Seasons



Ingredients: 100% natural coconut water.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 250 mL
Calories: 60
Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 50mg
Potassium: 540
Carbohydrate: 16g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 9g
Protein: 0g
Calcium: 2%

Brand:
  • I couldn't find much information on this brand
  • Product of Thailand
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Saturday, 9 February 2013

Review of 'Oasis' SmoOthie (Strawberry-Banana)

Oasis SmoOthie -- (Strawberry-Banana) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this smoothie is very thick and I love using it to make my morning protein shakes! It's good on its own as well. It has a medium sweetness and isn't at all heavily sugary. You do get the strawberry banana flavour, but the banana flavour is not quite as strong as I would like. Overall, I'd recommend this smoothie. It's super fresh, tasty, low in sodium and low-cal.

Where to buy: Fortinos



Ingredients: fruit juice from concentrate (water, mango, banana and strawberry purées, concentrated apple and/or grape (sulfites), lemon and elderberry juices), vitamin C

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 250 mL
Calories: 120
Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Carbohydrates: 29g
     Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 27g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin C: 100%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%

So, the ingredients are great -- all natural with no added sugars. The calorie count isn't bad at all and you get 100% vitamin C. However, there's only 1g of fiber and 1g of protein. If you ate the actual fruits in a salad (mango, banana, strawberry, apple, or grapes), you'd get way more fiber and protein. But, it is quite yummy in smoothie format and it mixes really well in shakes.

Brand:
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Friday, 8 February 2013

Review of 'Dimpflmeier' 100% Rye Bread with Sunflower Seeds

Dimpflmeier' 100% Rye Bread with Sunflower Seeds (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: I really like this! It has that characteristic sour flavour. It's texture is dense and the thin edges are crisp after toasting. It pairs very nicely with cheese and meats (and cheese and meat alternatives, of course). Mmm! I would have liked more of a sunflower seed flavour, however.

Where to buy: Foodland, Dimpflmeier Bakery Onsite Retail Store, Freshco, Metro, Sobeys, Fortinos



Ingredients: Organic Rye Flour, Natural Spring Water, Sour Dough (Organic Rye Flour, Natural Spring Water, Bacterial Culture), Organic Sunflower Seeds, Salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 110
Fat: 1g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Carbohydrate: 23g
     Fibre: 2g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 4%

Well, if you're a fan of rye bread, this brand is a great option. It's organic and the ingredients are fantastically simply and minimal.

The nutritional profile isn't too bad. It's low-calorie and low in fat and I really like that it's very low in sodium. The only issue I have is with the fiber and protein content. I like to get a minimum of 4g of fiber and protein per slice, so I'd probably opt for my whole grain breads. When I'm craving that signature flavour of a rye bread, I'm definitely hitting up the Dimpflmeier!

Other Rye bread flavours:
  • 100% Plus Rye Bread (vegan)
  • Farmers Rye Bread
  • Light* Rye
  • Holzofen Art Brot - The Real Stone Bread
  • Hunter Style Rye Bread
  • Monastery Rye Bread
  • Kommiss Style Rye Bread
  • The Stone Baked Farmers Style Rye Bread
  • Krakowski Style Light* Rye Bread
  • Flaxseed Rye Bread
  • Marble Rye Bread
  • Munich Style Rye
  • Organic 100% Rye Bread with Flaxseeds (vegan)
  • Organic 100% Rye Bread with Whole Grain (vegan)
  • Organic Unsalted 100% Rye Bread (vegan)
  • Organic Multigrain Light* Rye Bread
  • Pumpernickel - Delicatessen Rye Bread
  • Pumpernickel Rye Bread
  • Black Forest Style Rye Bread
  • Rye Bread with Double Crust
  • Sunflower Seed Rye Bread
  • Swedish Style Light* Rye Bread
  • Viking Dark Rye Bread
  • Viking Rye Bread with Caraway Seeds
  • Viking Sweet & Sour Rye Bread
  • Viking Sweet & Sour Rye Bread with Caraway Seeds
  • Whole Grain Rye Bread
Brand:
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Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Review of 'Sweets from the Earth' Gluten Free Fair Trade Espresso Cheesecake

Sweets from the Earth -- Gluten Free Fair Trade Espresso Cheesecake (vegan, gluten free)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: the cream cheese is rich, light, smooth, and creamy. It was sweet, with a hint of that cream cheese sharpness. The espresso flavour was present, but I feel that it could have been a bit more intense. Unfortunately the cake/crust layer was not so great. It wasn't crunchy and crisp enough to feel like a crust, but not moist enough to feel like cake. It was just okay. The nutritional profile is a bit of an issue for me. There's a high calorie-count and for a small portion size (250 calories, 14g of fat, and 25g of sugars for only 100g). Still, overall, I'd recommend this cake for a special occasions. It was quite good. I'd pick it up for an event, not for my home and personal consumption.

Where to buy: Whole Foods, Metro, Highland Farms, Fortinos, Wanigan, Longos


Ingredients: non-hydrogenated vegan "cream cheese" (water, expeller pressed oils (soybean, palm fruit, olive), maltodextrin, soy protein, tofu, non dairy lactic acid, organic sugar, natural gums (locust bean, guar, cellulose, xanthan and carrageenan), veg mono and diglycerides, salt), organic evaporated cane juice, organic tofu, organic fair trade espresso, arrowroot flour.
Crust: gluten free flour blend (whole grain brown rice, sorghum, chickpea, tapioca), organic evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, natural oil blend (sunflower, palm, soya, canola, olive), cocoa, baking soda, sea salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 100g or 1/8 of the cake
Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
     Saturated: 4.5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 330mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 25g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 4%

So, I'm always pleased to find desserts that don't make me choose between great taste and great ingredients. I love that Sweets from the Earth is GMO-free. However there is now some budding concern over the negative health impacts of carrageenan. You can read more about its links to gastrointestinal issues and cancer here.

The nutritional profile isn't that great, unfortunately. It's quite high in calories for such a small piece, but it is quite filling. The fat content is very high (14g!), with 4.5g of saturated fat. It's also pretty high in sodium and sugars and has no fiber and only 3g of protein. There are mostly empty calories, it pains me to say.

Other Gluten-Free Cakes:
Brand:
  • Born in 2002
  • All products are vegan
  • All natural ingredients
  • All products are kosher
  • Over 50% of ingredients are organic
  • No refined sugars
  • Their sunflower oil is GMO-free; they do not use canola oil (most commonly GMO)
  • The corn-based ingredients they do use are organic, and thus GMO-free
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Review of 'Yves' Veggie Dogs

Yves -- Veggie Dogs (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: there aren't any really exciting flavours going on...it's lightly salted with a sweetish flavour (has evaporated cane juice). I like that the outer casing has a slight chewiness before giving way to the soft inside 'meat'. Because it was just an 'okay' flavour and because I'm not quite sure if the ingredients are non-GMO, I wouldn't recommend these dogs. Oh yeah, and you can read about the growing controversy regarding carrageenan, an ingredient in these veggie dogs.

Where to buy: No Frills, Loblaw, Metro

Ingredients: water, soy protein, wheat gluten, canola oil, spices (contains mustard), evaporated cane juice, wheat starch, natural flavours, salt, seasoning, natural liquid smoke, yeast extract, carrageenan, guar gum, vitamins and minerals (thiamine hydrochloride, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin, calcium pantothenate, reduced iron, iron oxide, zinc oxide, dipotassium phosphate, wheat starch).

Contains soy, wheat and mustard.

Nutrition Facts*
Serving size: 1 dog
Calories: 60
Fat: 1g
     Saturated: .1g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 240mg
Potassium: 210mg
Carbohydrate: 3g
     Fibre: 0g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 9g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 15%

*Full nutritional profile available here.

So, despite the possible (likely) inclusion of GMO ingredients, I must admit that at least the nutritional profile is solid. One dog is only 60 calories, very low in fat, and is packed with protein and iron. The downside is the very high sodium content for just 1 dog.

Other 'Dogs and Sausages' (all vegan):
Brand:
  • Uncertain GMO status
  • Kosher
  • Preservative-free
  • Free of artificial colours and flavours
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Monday, 4 February 2013

Review of 'Nature Valley' Crunchy Fruit (Cranberry and Strawberry)

Nature Valley -- Crunchy Fruit (Cranberry and Strawberry)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: I really enjoyed the bits of chewy, dried fruit. The bar is fresh and crunchy and there are actually little bits that have a burnt flavour that works quite well...somehow! I was disappointed that I didn't really get a strong strawberry flavour. But despite the yummy factor, these bars don't compare to the generally more healthy (and expensive) Kashi bars. On the whole, the Kashi bars are significantly more nutritious. Nature Valley bars have less fiber, more sugar, and less protein. And, because it may also contain GMOs, I wouldn't recommend these bars.

Where to buy: Freshco, Wal-mart


Ingredients: whole grain rolled oats, sugar and/or golden sugar, high monounsaturated canola oil, cranberries, honey, strawberry juice concentrate, salt, soy lecithin, refined sunflower oil, yellow corn flour, soy flour, baking soda, natural flavour.

This product is not vegan, because of the honey.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2 bars
Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
     Saturated: .5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 135mg
Carbohydrate: 27g
     Fibre: 2g
     Sugars: 11g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6% 

So, I'm not too thrilled at the sugar content, but I do like that it's relatively low in sodium and the calories are not too high. My disappointment is mostly in the low fiber and protein content. For 180 cals, I'd expect some more. Kashi crunchy bars have double the fibre and protein.

Other 'Crunchy Bars' flavours:
  • Peanut Butter (vegan)
  • Roasted Almond (vegan)
  • Cinnamon (vegan)
  • Crunchy Oats 'n Honey
  • Apple Crisp (vegan)
  • Maple Brown Sugar (vegan)
  • Pecan Crunch (vegan)
  • Oats 'n Dark Chocolate
  • Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter (vegan)
Brand:
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Sunday, 3 February 2013

Review of 'Silk' Soymilk (Vanilla)

Silk -- Soymilk (Vanilla) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: So, this is one non-dairy milk product that is non-GMO. Yay! It's sweet, but not overly-sugary. It's a very light sweetness. There is that distinct soy flavour, so if you're not a fan of the taste of soy, you may be better off with a chocolate flavour. The vanilla flavour isn't as strong as I would have liked, but overall, I'm happy with this product. I use it as a creamer for my coffee and in my cereal. It does contain carrageenan, which has been linked to serious gastrointestinal issues and colon cancer.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Foodland, Longos, Sobeys

Silk Vanilla Soy Beverage


Ingredients: Filtered Water, Whole Organic Soybeans, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Sea Salt, Carrageenan, Acidity Regulator (Sodium Bicarbonate), Anti-Foaming Agent (Organic Soybean Oil, Silicon Dioxide), Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 100
Fat: 4g
     Saturated: .5g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 2.5g
          Omega-6: 2g
          Omega-3: .3g
     Monounsaturated: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 100mg
Potassium: 300mg
Total carbohydrate: 11g
     Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 8g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 10%
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 10%

*Full nutritional profile available here.

So, the ingredients aren't bad, but there are some budding concerns about the health impact of carrageenan. You can read more about carrageenan here (2001 UI study). The nutritional profile is quite good. It's low-calorie and has healthy fats and low saturated fat. The protein content is very good and 30% calcium should be appreciated, especially by women and those on dairy-free diets.

Silk has a huge recipe section you can check out here. It's very convenient because it allows you to search recipes by product and occasion.

Some recipes using Silk's Vanilla Soymilk include:
Other Soymilk flavours (vegan):
Brand:
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Friday, 1 February 2013

Review of 'Kashi' Heart to Heart® Cereal (Warm Cinnamon Oat)

Kashi -- Heart to Heart® Cereal (Warm Cinnamon Oat)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: oh boy, this cereal is pretty yummy. It's perfectly sweet (thanks to the evaporated cane syrup), the cinnamon flavour is fresh and present, and there's a really unique spice blend that's discernable. The texture is great--very crunchy and fresh and stays that way in milk for quite some time. If you prefer a slight tenderness to your cereal (like myself), you'll have to wait a good 3-5 minutes for that texture. I like that 1 cup is actually quite filling and it has a decent calorie count. This cereal is *not* one of Kashi's non-GMO products, so I will not recommend it nor will I buy it again. The brand is known for its advocacy against the GMO-labelling project.

Where to buy: I got this at a grocery store in the US, so not too sure if this cereal is available in Canada; buy online from the Kashi Store



Ingredients: whole oat flour, oat bran, evaporated cane syrup, yellow corn meal, corn flour, Kashi seven whole grain flour (whole: oats, hard red wheat, brown rice, triticale, barley, buckwheat), oat fiber, wheat germ, honey, cinnamon, salt, expeller pressed canola oil, natural flavour, decaffeinated green tea extract, alpha tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), decaffeinated white tea extract, baking soda, spices, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), activin grape seed extract, luo han fruit concentrate, beta carotene (a source of vitamin A), ferrous fumarate, folic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), turmeric for colour, zinc oxide, vitamin B12.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 120
Fat: 1.5g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: .5g
     Monounsaturated: .5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 80mg
Potassium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
     Dietary fiber: 5g
     Soluble fiber: 1g
     Insoluble fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 5g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 50%
Iron: 15%

*Full nutritional profile available here.

Well, I really appreciate that there's only 5g of sugar in a 2/3 cup. That's not too bad at all. And the cereal tastes perfectly sweet, probably thanks to the cinnamon and spice accents. I still don't know why 1 cup of cereal isn't the standard portion. Who can really eat less than 1 cup of a delicious cereal? Not I.

So, unfortunately there are genetically modified organisms in this cereal (e.g. corn-based ingredients), so I'm not impressed. Thankfully, the nutritional profile is quite good. It's low in fat, has zero saturated fat, is low in sodium, and has a really good fiber and protein content. It's also enriched with essential vitamins. Still, due to the GMOs, I'm not recommending this cereal.

Other 'Heart to Heart' products:
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)
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