Review of 'Gardein' Meatless Meatballs

Gardein - Meatless Meatballs (vegan)
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary: juicy, huge "meatballs". I really enjoyed these...they aren't reminiscent of any meat flavour, but were really good, nevertheless. I used these in a pasta...Classico sauce and whole wheat spaghetti and mmmm, very nice. The nutritional profile is very strong in fiber, protein, and iron, though a tad high on sodium. Still, I really enjoyed this product and will definitely buy it again.

Where to buy: Whole Foods, Fortinos



Ingredients: water, soy protein concentrate, vital wheat gluten*, soy protein isolate*, expeller pressed/canola oil, enriched wheat flour* (niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), modified vegetable gum, spices, dehydrated onion, yeast extract, malted barley extract, sea salt, organic cane sugar, dehydrated garlic, natural flavors (from plant sources), vinegar, molasses, pea protein, carrot fiber, beetroot fiber, wheat starch, soy lecithin, extractives of paprika and turmeric, extractives of annatto. *Non-genetically engineered soybeans and wheat.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3 meatballs
Calories: 150
     Calories from fat: 60
Total fat: 6g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 390mg
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 17g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 15%

So the ingredients are very nutritious. You can see this clearly in the nutritional profile with 4g of fiber and 17g of protein. It's relatively low-calorie and low in fat. I highly recommend this product.

Brand:

• 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)."

Review of 'Nature's Bakery' Fig Bar (Vanilla Raspberry)

Nature's Bakery - Fig Bar (Vanilla Raspberry) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: great texture, chewy, very sweet and flavourful. I didn't get a very strong vanilla flavour, which was disappointing. Extra points for this particular product to be non-GMO. The calories are a wee bit high for such a small bar and one with very little nutritional value, but it's yummy enough to justify :)

Where to buy: Amazon, phone, REI


Ingredients: unbleached pastry flour, evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, fig paste, canola oil, raspberry paste (fruit juice concentrate (pineapple, pear, apple and/or peach)), organic evaporated cane juice, glycerin, modified food starch, raspberries, oat fiber, natural flavours, baking soda, soybean lecithin oil, baking powder.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 oz
Calories: 110
     Fat cal: 20
Total fat: 2g
     Sat fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 55mg
Total carb: 21g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 6%

The ingredients for this product are supposed to be non-GMO (see here). Unfortunately, the nutritional profile isn't very impressive. For 110 calories, there's only 1g of fiber and protein...not much else! I wouldn't buy this again, personally. I would recommend it though, as a sweet treat that has guilt-free ingredients.

Other Fig Bar flavours:

• Apple Cinnamon 
• Blueberry
• Lemon
• Mango
• Peach Apricot
• Raspberry 
• Strawberry
• Vanilla Fig 
• Whole Wheat Fig

Brand:

• Founded in 2010
• Kosher
• In the news (community outreach, CSR, etc.)
• List of non-GMO products

Review of 'V8' Original 100% Vegetable Juice

V8 - Original Vegetable Blend (Vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: mmm, tart, salty, thick, and very filling. I had this only slightly cooled and really enjoyed it. It has a really good nutritional profile and wholesome ingredients. I am recommending this and would definitely buy it again.

Where to buy: most major grocery stores



Ingredients: RECONSTITUTED VEGETABLE JUICE BLEND (WATER AND CONCENTRATED JUICES OF TOMATOES, CARROTS, CELERY, BEETS, PARSLEY, LETTUCE, WATERCRESS, SPINACH), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID), NATURAL FLAVORING, CITRIC ACID.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 8 fl oz
Calories: 50
     Fat calories: 0
Total fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total carb.: 10g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Potassium: 520mg
Vitamin A: 40%
Vitamin C: 120%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 4%

The ingredients are wholesome and natural and the nutritional profile is solid. For a mere 50 calories, there's no fat and no cholesterol. There's also 2g of fiber and protein and a solid dose of vitamin A and C. The only downside is the high sodium content, so I'll be keen on trying the low sodium version.

Other V8 Vegetable Juice varities (all vegan):

• Bloody Mary Mix
• High Fiber
• Spicy Hot Low Sodium
• Essential Antioxidants
• Low Sodium
• Spicy Hot
• Hint of Lime
• Hint of Black Pepper
• Harvest

Brand:

• Owned by Campbell
• Environmental sustainability and CSR initiatives here

Review of 'Rise' Breakfast Bar (Crunchy Honey Walnut)

Rise -- Breakfast Bar (Crunchy Honey Walnut)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary: This is a very sweet bar--just the way I like it. You can really taste the date and walnut flavours and the texture is chewy with no mess. I love that although it's a small bar, it's quite dense and filling. The ingredients are wholesome and natural and I'd definitely recommend this bar.

Where to buy: Whole Foods Market, online



Ingredients: dates, walnuts, honey, raisins, crisp rice, organic amaranth, salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 160
     Calories from fat: 70
Total fat: 7g
     Sat fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total carb: 23g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 15g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Ahh, how refreshing...simple ingredients and few ingredients. The nutritional profile is good, though I'd prefer a bar with more fiber. It's low in sodium and 'bad' fats and has a decent amount of protein. I'd recommend this bar and would buy it again.

Other 'Breakfast Bar' varieties:
- Crunchy Perfect Pumpkin
- Crunchy Cashew Almond
- Crunchy Cranberry Apple
- Crunchy Macadamia Pineapple

Brand:
- Free of gluten, preservatives, GMOs, dairy, soy, peanuts
- Kosher
- 100% organic
- Read about them in the news

DatesWalnutsHoney
RaisinsCrisp RiceAmaranth*Salt

DatesWalnutsHoney
RaisinsCrisp RiceAmaranth*Salt

Review of 'The Simply Bar' Peanut Butter Chocolate

The Simply Bar -- Peanut Butter Chocolate (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: This is a very light bar, so it's not as filling as I'd like. There is a nice peanut butter flavour and I do like that the cocoa gives a slightly bitter taste while being very sweet. The nutritional profile is really great, with 4g of fiber, 16g of fiber, and 15% iron. I would recommend this bar for its wholesome ingredients and balanced nutritional profile.

Where to buy: online, Whole Foods, Sobeys, Bulk Barn, Fortinos, Metro, Got the Goods Nutrition (Brampton), S & H Health Foods (Brampton)


Ingredients: soy crisps (soy protein isolate, tapioca starch, salt), organic brown rice syrup, inulin (chicory root fiber), peanut butter, vegetable glycerin, organic cocoa, natural flavour

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 160
Fat: 4g
     Saturated: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Carbohydrate: 9g
     Fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 3g
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 130mg
Potassium: 90mg
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 15%

The ingredients are non-GMO, so rest easy. This is a great nutritional profile: low in calories and fat and high in fiber and protein. It's a really good post-workout bar.

Other 'Simply Bar' flavours (all vegan):
- Maple Pecan 
- Caramel Peanut
- Cinnamon Pecan
- Cocoa Raspberry
- Cocoa Coffee
- Lemon Coconut (reviewed here)

Brand:
- non-GMO
- Vegan
- Kosher
- Gluten free
- Owned by Wellness Foods, Toronto, Canada
- Wellness Foods is a small Canadian, female owned and managed company that was started in 2002 
- Environmental initiatives

Review of 'Clif Mojo' Sweet & Salty Trail Mix Bar (Peanut Butter Pretzel)

Clif Mojo-- Sweet & Salty Trail Mix Bar (Peanut Butter Pretzel)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: very nice! This is a medium sweet bar with super peanut butter flavour (my favourite). It is both crunchy and chewy and the salty/sweet angle works very well. I would definitely buy this again, especially for the strong nutritional profile (9g of protein, healthy fats).

Where to buy: only available in the US (store finder)

 

Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Peanuts, Soy Rice Crisps (Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour, Calcium Carbonate), Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels (Enriched Wheat Flour [Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Peanut Butter, Salt, Baking Soda), Peanut Butter Chips (Dried Cane Syrup, Palm Kernel Oil, Peanut Flour, Soy Lecithin), Organic Pretzels (Organic Wheat Flour, Salt, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Malt), Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Oat Syrup Solids, Vegetable Glycerin, Peanut Flour, Organic Sunflower Oil, Roasted Peanut Extract, Sea Salt, Organic Gum Arabic, Natural Vitamin E (antioxidant).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 190
     Calories from fat: 80
Total fat: 9g
     Saturated fat: 2g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 2.5g
     Monounsaturated fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 220mg
Potassium: 125mg
Total carbohydrates: 20g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Insoluble fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 9g
     Other carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 9g

Fantastic ingredients and a really great profile, especially with healthy fats and 9g of protein! This is one of my go-to snacks.

Other flavours:

• Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut (reviewed here)
• Dipped Chocolate Peanut
• Dipped S'mores (vegan)
• Honey Roasted Peanut
• Mixed Nuts (vegan)
• Mountain Mix (vegan) (reviewed here)
• White Chocolate Macadamia

Brand:

• 70% organic
• CLIF MOJO bars are free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives and ingredients sourced from GMOs.
• All CLIF MOJO bars are certified Kosher.
• Honey Roasted Peanut and Chocolate Peanut contain honey, a product of bees.

Review of 'Clif Mojo' Sweet & Salty Trail Mix Bar (Mountain Mix)

Clif Mojo -- Sweet & Salty Trail Mix Bar (Mountain Mix) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5
Summary: This is a good bar. It's true to it's branding: sweet and salty, but in this case, I think sweet would have worked better with these ingredients. I really liked the complex texture with seeds, rice crisps, and chewy raisins. Also a good treat were the chocolate chips! I'd buy this bar again and recommend it especially for it's wholesome ingredients and great source of protein.

Where to buy: only available in the US (store finder)

 
Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Soy Rice Crisps (Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour, Calcium Carbonate), Organic Peanuts, Organic Raisins, Almonds, Organic Chocolate Chips (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Organic Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavors), Organic Pretzels (Organic Wheat Flour, Salt, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Malt), Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Roasted Soybeans, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Organic Oat Syrup Solids, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Gum Arabic, Natural Vitamin E (antioxidant).

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 190
     Calories from fat: 80
Total fat: 9g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 2.5g
     Monounsaturated fat: 4.5g:
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 180mg
Total carbohydrates: 21g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Insoluble fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 12g
     Other carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 8g
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 8%
Vitamin E: 15%
Magnesium: 10%

Fantastic ingredients and a wholesome nutritional profile. The bar is low in saturated fat and high in healthy fats from the nuts/seeds. The protein content is super with 8 grams and remember the importance of vitamin E for your skin!


Other flavours:

• Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut (reviewed here)
• Dipped Chocolate Peanut
• Dipped S'mores (vegan)
• Honey Roasted Peanut
• Mixed Nuts (vegan)
• Peanut Butter Pretzel (vegan)
• White Chocolate Macadamia

Brand:

• 70% organic
• CLIF MOJO bars are free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives and ingredients sourced from GMOs.
• All CLIF MOJO bars are certified Kosher.
• Honey Roasted Peanut and Chocolate Peanut contain honey, a product of bees.

Review of Pastificio Bolognese's Rice Gnocchi

Pastificio Bolognese -- Rice Gnocchi (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: it was just okay. It was easy to prepare and a quick meal. However the texture was grainy and it just was not as good as the regular potato gnocchi I am used to. I won't completely write off rice-based gnocchi just yet. I resolve to try another brand. I definitely would not recommend this one and would not buy it again. Not only does it not compete in terms of texture, there is no real nutritional content and it is high in sodium.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn





Ingredients: rice flour (60%), water, potato starch, salt, preservative: potassium sorbate, acidity regulator: lactic acid.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 120g (1/4 of package)
Calories: 170
Total fat: 0g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total carbohydrate: 40g
     Dietary fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 3g

The ingredients are simple and clean. The nutrition profile is underwhelming. It is very high in sodium and has no fiber and only a modest 3g of proetein, so I'm not impressed. I wouldn't buy this product again, simply because it doesn't really offer much in terms of nutritional value.

Brand:

• Product of Italy

Review of 'Quaker' Real Medleys Oatmeal+ (Peach Almond)

Quaker -- Real Medleys Oatmeal+ (Peach Almond) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: very good on flavour (e.g. 4.5/5). The best part is the roasted almond bits and very authentic peach flavour. The ingredients are good and the nutritional profile is amazing. The only downside is that the Brand, Quaker, continues to product products that include trans fats, artificial ingredients, and GMOs. For this reason, I reduced the rating and I would not recommend this product.

Where to buy: online



Ingredients: WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, DRIED SWEETENED PEACHES (PEACHES, SUGAR, CITRIC ACID), MULTI GRAIN BLEND (WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, ROLLED BARLEY, WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED RYE), ALMONDS, BROWN SUGAR, WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED WHEAT, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, CITRIC ACID.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 package
Calories: 290
     Calories from fat: 90
Total Fat: 7g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total carbohydrate: 51g
     Dietary fiber: 6g
     Sugars: 19g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%

The nutritional profile is really fantastic. For 290 calories, there is little sodium, a huge amount of fiber and protein, as well as calcium, Vitamin C, and iron in significant quantities.

Other 'Real Medley Quaker+' flavours:

• Apple Walnut (vegan)
• Blueberry Hazelnut
• Cherry Pistachio
• Summer Berry

Brand:

• Continues to include trans fats, artificial flavours, colouring, genetically modified ingredients despite branding itself as health conscious and progressive
• Goal: to reduce water and electricity consumption by 20% and fuel consumption by 25% by 2015 (Oats and the Environment)
• Since 1901
• Part of PepsiCo since 2001 (against GMO-labelling)

Review of 'Nature's Path' Crunchy Granola Bars (Macaroon Crunch)

Nature's Path -- Crunchy Granola Bars (Macaroon Crunch) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Summary: wow...seriously. I am a coconut fanatic, so this was amazing. It was super coconutty AND chocolatey, very sweet, and had pockets to chocolate chips...nicely done! The ingredients are organic, simple and nutritious and although it's relatively high in calories, it has healthy fats, a nice dose of fiber and protein, and just really delicious. I recommend this and would buy it again.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn



Ingredients: Rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, sunflower oil*, chocolate chips* (evaporated cane juice*, unsweetened chocolate*, cocoa butter*, soy lecithin*), coconut*, invert cane syrup*, cocoa powder*, honey*, oat fiber*, oat syrup solids* [oat syrup solids*, tocopherols (natural vitamin E)], natural flavor, sea salt. *Organic. Contains soy. May contain wheat, peanuts, dairy or tree nuts.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2 bars (40g)
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 1.5g
     Monounsaturated: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 70mg
Potassium: 140mg
Carbohydrate: 27g
     Fibre: 3g
     Sugars: 8g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 8%

These ingredients are mostly organic and guilt-free. The calories are pretty high, but honestly, the bar makes up for it in flavour and nutrition. It's low in sodium and has a decent amount of fiber and protein.

Other 'Granola Bars' flavours:

• Apple Pie Crunch Chia Plus™ (vegan)
• Peanut Choco™ Crunch Ancient Grains (vegan)
• Honey Oat Crunch Flax Plus®

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 KIND Healthy Grains (Walnut Quinoa Clusters with Chia Seeds)

KIND -- Healthy Grains (Walnut Quinoa Clusters with Chia Seeds)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: medium-sweet with a genuine walnut and maple flavour. It's very crunchy and very filling. It honestly was really, really delish, but I have to admit to a slight odor of stale nuts when I opened the package. I would still recommend and buy this again! The nutritional information is great and ingredients are wholesome.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn



Ingredients:Whole Grains (gluten free oats, brown rice, gluten free oat flour, millet, amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa), dried cane syrup, non GMO canola oil, chia seeds, maple syrup, molasses, brown rice syrup, natural flavor, sea salt, Natural Vitamin E (to maintain freshness).

Nutritional Information
Calories: 190
     Fat calories: 90
Total fat: 4.5g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carb: 34g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 4g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 10%

The ingredients are fantastic...all simple and wholesome. The calories are quite high for only about 1/3 of a cup, however (!) it's low in saturated fat, low in sodium, and has a nice amount of protein and fiber and it is very filling. If you add a cup of milk of your choice, you'll boost the calcium and protein for a really wholesome breakfast.

Other 'Healthy Grains' flavours:

• Oats & Honey Clusters with Toasted Coconut
• Cinnamon Oat Clusters with Flax Seeds (vegan)
• Vanilla Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds (vegan)
• Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters (vegan)
• Raspberry Clusters with Chia Seeds (vegan)
• Fruit & Nut Clusters (vegan)
• Banana Nut Clusters (vegan)

Brand:

• 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
• Part of the PeaceWorks® group (based on a “not-only-for-profit” business model), founded by Daniel Lubetzky