Review of 'Elan' Organic Pumpkin Seeds

Elan -- Organic Pumpkin Seeds (vegan)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Summary: crunchy thin outer shell and chewy inner. So very fresh and flavourful, light and tasty. Absolutely delicious! I only regret I ate all of it before I could bake with it.

Where to buy: I believe it was Homesense








Ingredients: organic pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 40g
Calories: 220
Fat: 20g
     Saturated: 3.5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 3mg
Carbohydrates: 4g
     Fibre: 2g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 12g
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 25%

Perfection. Perfectly wholesome ingredients and a super nutritious profile. You can't beat 12g of clean protein, 25% iron, and a decent 2g of fiber. It's high in unsaturated, healthy fats and low in sodium. I highly recommend this product and I'd definitely buy it again, if only to use it in fresh, home-made breads!

Other 'Elan' seeds:

• Flax seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Hulled hemp seeds
• Chia seeds

Brand:

• Certified by Ecocert Canada
• Non-GMO
• Gluten-free
• Packaged by Natya Foods, which started as a business in November 2010
• Canadian

Review of 'Golden Harvest' Plaitbread

Golden Harvest -- Plaitbread (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: hmm, it has a rubbery/chewy texture and it is mild in flavour...the latter I enjoyed. I like that it's dense and filling, though I can't get over the nutritional profile (0g of fiber!) or the preservative (calcium propionate) so I'm not recommending this product.

Where to buy: Caribbean countries (e.g. Guyana)



Ingredients: wheat flour, water, sugar, vegetable margarine, vegetable shortening, salt, yeast
Preservative: calcium propionate
Emulsifier: lecithin
Flour Treatment Agent: L. Ascorbic Acid

Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 slices
Calories: 350
     Calories from fat: 60
Total fat: 6g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 570mg
Total Carbohydrates: 66g
     Dietary fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 6g
Protein: 9g
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%

I'm not thrilled with the ingredients (esp. the preservative linked to ulcers, headaches, etc.) and the poor ingredients are reflected in the nutritional info. There's absolutely no fiber...how is that possible? This bread just isn't worth it. I don't recommend it and won't be buying it again.


Brand:

• Produced by Trisco Foods, division of Banks DIH Ltd.
• Certifications
• Supports Sports
• Social Responsibility

Review of 'Blue Diamond' Almonds (Whole Natural)

Blue Diamond -- Almonds (Whole Natural) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Summary: just perfectly crunchy, fresh, and wholesome...great flavour!

Where to buy: Freshco, Fortinos, Sobeys, Bulk Barn



Ingredients: almonds.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 oz (about 28 nuts)
Calories: 160
     Calories from fat: 130
Total fat: 14g
     Sat. Fat: 1g
     Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 210mg
Total Carb.: 6g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 6%
Vitamin E: 35%
Magnesium: 20%

This is a really great product and the brand is also impressive for its commitment to healthy ingredients (at least for the products I have bought and reviewed). This low-calorie snack is nutrient dense, with 3g of fiber and 6g of protein and a dose of very healthy fats. You really can't go wrong here. I highly recommend this!

It's also high in vitamin E (linked to lower risks of cancer and heart disease, healthy immune system) and magnesium (for bone health, linked to lower blood pressure, prevention of diabetes).  

Other varieties:

• Lightly Salted (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Smokehouse (vegan)
• Roasted Salted (vegan)
• Honey Roasted

Brand:

• Soy-free
• No MSG
• Non-GMO
• All refrigerated products are kosher
• Gluten-free
• No artificial flavours
• No BPA in packaging
• Almonds are grown by a growers cooperative

Review of 'Blue Diamond' Almonds (Lightly Salted)

Blue Diamond -- Almonds (Lightly Salted) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Summary: wow...these are a tad bit more salted than I expected and perfect for it. They are really, really very good. They are very crunchy and fresh and taste a bit like they've been toasted/roasted. I highly recommend this!

Where to buy:  Freshco, Fortinos, Sobeys, Bulk Barn







Ingredients: almonds, vegetable oil (canola, safflower and/or sunflower), and salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 oz (28 pcs)
Calories: 170
     Calories from fat: 140
Total fat: 16g
     Sat. Fat: 1g
     Trans Fat: 0g
Cholest.: 0mg
Sodium: 40mg
Potassium: 190mg
Total Carb.: 5g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 6%
Vitamin E: 35%
Magnesium: 20%

Wholesome ingredients *plus* great nutritional profile = 5/5. For only 170 calories (less than your average snack bar), you get a solid amount of healthy, non-saturated, fats and zero trans fats. It's very low in sodium and carbs and has a very nice bit of fiber and protein (more than your average snack bar).

It's also high in vitamin E (linked to lower risks of cancer and heart disease, healthy immune system) and magnesium (for bone health, linked to lower blood pressure, prevention of diabetes). 

Other varieties:

• Whole Natural (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Smokehouse (vegan)
• Roasted Salted (vegan)
• Honey Roasted

Brand:

• Soy-free
• No MSG
• Non-GMO
• All refrigerated products are kosher
• Gluten-free
• No artificial flavours
• No BPA in packaging
• Almonds are grown by a growers cooperative

Review of 'Nice and Natural' Cranberries & Cashews

Nice and Natural -- Cranberries & Cashews (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: really big, juicy cranberries and raisins; a tangyness that's not too strong; moist and chewy; makes only for a light snack, so don't expect to be full in an hour! Highly recommend!

Where to buy: to be determined...



Ingredients: cranberries (apple juice infused), cashews, almonds, agave nectar, raisins, tapioca syrup, whole grain crisp brown rice, flax seeds, sunflower oil, sea salt, natural flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g    
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 45mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
     Fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 12g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 8%

This is a yummy bar...sticky, but yummy. The ingredients are all wholesome and it's pretty low calorie so I never feel bad snacking on these. It's a nice, light snack and very sweet, so if you're having a craving, this'll do the trick. There is only 2g of fiber and 3g of protein, but it's delicious and low-calorie enough for me to recommend and healthier than your average snack bar.

Brand:

• Made in Canada
• Registered trademark of Shandiz Natural Foods, since 1988
• Eco-Cert
• USDA organic
• Family owned and operated corporation
• BRC Standards Certification
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Vegan
• Certified Kosher
• Gluten-free

Review of 'Golden Harvest' Hi-Fiber Tennis Rolls

Golden Harvest - Hi-Fiber Tennis Rolls (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: sweet, buttery flavour, but much too dry. The nutritional profile is pretty weak, so I really won't be buying this again, nor do I recommend it.

Where to buy: Caribbean countries (e.g. Guyana)



(photo source: The Cupcake Criminal)

Ingredients: wheat flour, wheat bran, water, sugar, vegetable margarine, vegetable shortening, salt, yeast, improver (i.e. emulsifier, lecithin), flour treatment agent (L-ascorbic acid, lemon oil).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 roll
Calories: 230
     Calories from fat: 45
Total fat: 5g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 42g
     Dietary fibre: 2g
     Sugars: 9g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 10%

These ingredients are nothing to scream about. No whole grains and only 2g of fibre. Not worth my time. And for 230 calories, totally not worth my time. I cannot recommend this product.

Brand:

• Produced by Trisco Foods, division of Banks DIH Ltd.
• Certifications
• Supports Sports
• Social Responsibility

Review of 'Odwalla' Banana Nut

Odwalla -- Banana Nut (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: very very present banana flavour that's really nice. The aroma really supports the flavour--great! It's a stiff bar, which I like--it's chewy, yet no mess; very compact. And, there are actually enough nuts! No stingy-ness. It's also very, very filling, so makes for a great snack. I am recommending this!

Where to buy: US (Harris Teeter)/Canada



Ingredients: Brown Rice Syrup, Date Paste, Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Diced Dried Banana (Banana, Rice Flour), Walnuts, Organic Oat Flour, Banana Flakes, Oat Bran, Organice Invert Cane Syrup, Vegetable Glycerin, Crisp Rice (rice flour, rice bran, rosemary extract), Oat Fiber, Organic Sunflower Oil, less than 2% of: Barley Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Soy Lecithin, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Natural Flavors, Baking Soda, Salt, Allspice, Citric Acid, Organic Malt, Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate) and Beta Carotene.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
     Calories from fat: 45
Fat: 5g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 105mg
Potassium: 190mg
Total carbohydrate: 39g
     Fiber: 5g
     Sugars: 17g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 6%
Vitamin E: 50%

So, sure it's a little steep on sugars, but hey, I say gauging from the nutritional profile, it's well worth it. With 220 calories, it's low in saturated fat, low in sodium, and has a solid 5g of fiber and 4g of protein. No wonder it's so filling! This is more fiber than your average snack bar. Additionally, it's fortified with 25% calcium and 10% vitamin A and C, among others. Definitely more wholesome than your average Kellogg's, Quaker, etc. snack bar.

Other Odwalla bars:

• Apple Toffee Pistachio (vegan)
• Berries GoMega (vegan) (reviewed here) 
• Blueberry Swirl (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Choco-Walla (vegan)
• Chocolate Almond Coconut
• Chocolate Chip Peanut (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Chip Trail Mix (vegan)
• Chocolate Peanut Butter (reviewed here)
• Dark Chocolate Chip Walnut (vegan)
• Lemon Ginger (vegan)
• Orange Cranberry (vegan)
• Strawberry Pomegranate (vegan)
• Superfood (vegan)
• Super Protein (reviewed here)
• Sweet & Salty Almond (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Sweet & Salty Peanut (vegan)
• White Chocolate Macadamia

Brand (quoted from odwalla.com):

• "...more than 98% of all our trash is recycled."
• "...30% of our electricity needs have virtually zero emissions, which significantly reduces our carbon footprint."
• "Odwalla has made multi-year donations to the Organic Farming Research Foundation and Conservation International to help with sustainable agriculture."
• "Odwalla contributes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation^® to help fund breast cancer research worldwide."
• Non-GMO
• "To help Haiti recover from its devastating 2010 earthquake, we donate 10 cents from every 12 oz. Mango Tango smoothie to the Haiti Hope Project."

Review of Nature's Path 'Flax Plus Hot Oatmeal'

Nature's Path - Flax Plus Hot Oatmeal (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: tastes quite fresh, has smaller oatmeal bits, not whole oat flakes (finer). The flaxseeds make a real difference in flavour and it works really nicely. It's only lightly sweetened when I use with water. If you add milk, flavoured milk, etc., it will add to the creaminess, flavour and sweetness, though I really enjoy the lightness of the water. If you're not up for very heavily sweet breakfasts, I highly recommend this product.

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



Ingredients: Rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, flax seeds*, sea salt.

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

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 packet
Calories: 210
     Calories from fat: 30
Total fat: 3g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 1.5g
     Monounsaturated: 1.0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 140mg
Potassium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
     Dietary fiber: 5g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 6g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

Just 4 ingredients combine perfectly for a wholesome nutritional profile. For 210 calories, it's super low in fat, concentrated in the 'good' fats, low in sodium, and fantastic in fiber and protein. You can't really ask for more. Add some milk (dairy or otherwise), and it becomes a great little power breakfast, adding to protein, calcium, and iron.

Other 'Hot Cereals' (all vegan):

• Original Hot Oatmeal
• Optimum® Cranberry Ginger Hot Oatmeal
• Optimum Power® Blueberry Cinnamon Flax Hot Oatmeal
• Maple Nut Hot Oatmeal 
• Apple Cinnamon Hot Oatmeal
• Hemp Plus® Hot Oatmeal
• Multigrain Raisin Spice Hot Oatmeal

Brand:

• 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 'Toufayan' Pita Bread (Onion/Sweet Onion)

Toufayan -- Pita Bread (Onion/Sweet Onion) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: slight sweet taste, the onion flavour seems strong enough with the first chew, but disappears quite a bit after so that it starts to taste like a slightly sweeter pita, not an onion pita.I would have preferred a slightly less sweet taste and more wholesome ingredients (e.g. whole grain vs. enriched wheat flour), which would have boosted the nutritional profile. Also check out the health effects linked to calcium propionate (used as a preservative).

Where to buy: U.S. grocery stores (Florida, Maryland)




Ingredients: enriched wheat flour (contains niacin, reduced iron, thiamine, mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid), water, onions, yeast, contains less than 2% of each of the following: sugar, salt, calcium propionate (added to maintain freshness).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 loaf
Calories: 150
     Calories from fat: 5
Total fat: .5g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 225mg
Total Carbohydrate: 31g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 2g
Protein: 6g
Calcium: 4g
Iron: 15%

I'm not a big fan of the choice of wholly enriched wheat flour or calcium propionate. I much prefer whole grain, with more fiber and no preservatives. The calories are quite low, as is the fat. It's just too bad that the fiber content is so very low. I wouldn't recommend this product. I'll continue the search for a better pita with no preservatives and more whole grains, fiber, and possibly protein.

Other pita flavours:

• Wheat pita
• White pita
• Garlic pita
• White mini pita
• Hearty white flatbread
• Garlic bread
• Low carb pita
• Multigrain pita
• Oat Bran (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Uses enriched flour, meaning its refined (been stripped of natural nutrients)
• All of Toufayan products are Kosher Parve or Dairy
• Does not list nutritional information online
• Does not mention GMO status online