Review of Kellogg's All-Bran Buds Cereal

Kellogg's -- All-Bran Buds (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: I did not expect this...I thought it would be crunchier and lighter, but it was harder, denser, and required quite a bit of chewing to break down. On the other hand, points are given for the nutritional profile, with tons of fiber (thanks to the psyllium) and protein. I also liked that it was very filling. The flavour is nothing to rave about...lightly sweetened with sugar. In terms of the brand, I do have to give Kellogg's some credit for upping it's sustainability game by working to source sustainable supply chains for its products. It will actually be setting a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target and meeting it by the end of 2015.

Where to buy: Fortinos


Ingredients: Wheat bran, sugar, psyllium seed husk, salt, baking soda, colour, BHT.

Vitamins and Minerals: Iron, thiamine hydrochloride, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/3 cup
Calories: 70
Fat: 1g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Potassium: 270mg
Carbohydrate: 22g
     Fiber: 11g
     Sugars: 7g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 25%

The ingredients would have been good, but for the BHT and colour. BHT is controversial. Some say it has health benefits and others link it to cancer. BHT is banned in many countries in Europe and across the world.

The nutritional profile is really good. For 1/3 cup, you get a whopping dose of fiber and a good amount of protein. There's also a lot of iron and it's low sodium. However, who actually only eats 1/3 cup of cereal?! I would say that 2/3 cup was a proper filling serving for me. That means there would be 140 calories, 340mg of sodium (high for me), a nice amount of potassium, and an insane amount of fiber and iron.

Kellogg's commitments to sustainability came after its competitor, General Mills, set announced own sustainability goals. See, this is the power of the consumer! The more you demand sustainable products, the more company's will compete to deliver.

Other 'All-Bran' Products:

• All-Bran Flakes (vegan)
• All-Bran Original (vegan)
• All-Bran Cranberries & Clusters
• All-Bran Strawberry Bites (vegan)

Brand:

• Anti-GMO-labelling
• Uses BHT, additives, artificial flavours and colours
• Nutrition and Health initiatives (ahem, yet there's still high fructose corn syrup in cereals?)
• Environmental initiatives (e.g. almost all cereal boxes are made from 100 percent recycled paperboard)
• Feb 2013: recall over glass risk (ABC news article)
• GoGreen Teams sponsor events and activities
• 2013 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Review of 'Sweets from the Earth' Double Chocolate Cookie

Sweets from the Earth -- Double Chocolate Cookie (vegan)
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary: this is a really nice cookie that I would recommend and buy again. It's super chocolatey and sweet. There's a nice crunchiness on the outer and a moister center. There are lots of chunky chocolate chips. The nutritional profile is good and the ingredients are all simple and guilt-free. It's also low-calorie, cholesterol-free, low-sodium, and has a decent amount of fiber and protein.

Where to buy: Whole Foods, Fortinos, Wanigan



Ingredients: Organic evaporated cane juice, organic spelt flour, dairy free chocolate (organic evaporated cane juice, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, ground vanilla beans), sunflower oil, organic soymilk, organic tofu, cocoa, organic molasses, baking soda, soy lecithin, sea salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 160
Fat: 7g
     Saturated fat: 2g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 40mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
     Fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 13g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 10%

These ingredients are really clean and simple, so I have no qualms. The nutritional profile is decent. There's 2g of fiber and 3g of protein and it's pretty low-cal, so I'm pleased. This is definitely worth the calories.

Other 'Nut Free Cookies' Flavours:

• Chocolate Chip
• Oatmeal Raisin

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

Review of Nana's Cookie Bars (Nana Banana)

Nana's -- Cookie Bars (Nana Banana) (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: Wow...I really did not expect this level of deliciousness. I usually don't expect much from the simple banana flavour, but man...paired with the vanilla extract and maybe the fruit juices, this was so sweet and tasty. The cookie bars are soft and slightly crumbly and powdery (which was really nice!). There were bits of chewiness throughout, which made for a great texture. I love that it is flavoured with natural fruit juices and that the ingredients are simple. I would definitely recommend this product and brand.

Where to buy: Homesense, Winners



Ingredients: rice flour (white and brown), fruit juice (pear, apple, & grape), rice dextrin (a natural and unmodified starch), tapioca flour, bananas, non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil, gluten free puffed rice, non aluminum baking powder, natural vanilla extract, natural flavouring.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cookie bar
Calories: 130
     Calories from fat: 45
Total fat: 4.5g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 130mg
Potassium: 50mg
Total carbohydrate: 23g
     Dietary fiber: 0g
     Sugar: 7g
     Other carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%

The ingredients are simple and I love that. The nutritional profile is okay...nothing special. The calories are not bad for 1 bar, though I don't think the bar is so filling (not surprising since it has next to no fiber or protein). This is kinda the definition of a treat for me...not something I'd have every day, but definitely worth it!

Other Cookie Bar flavours (all vegan):

• Chocolate Chippy
• Fudgy Wudgy
• Gluten Free Berry Vanilla
• Gluten Free Chocolate Munch 

Brand:

• Supports the HollyRod Foundation
• Supports Generation Rescue in their effort to raise funds for autistic children
• Uses natural ingredients and has a healthy philosophy and approach to products

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

So Delicious -- Coconut Milk Non Dairy Frozen Dessert (Mocha Almond Fudge) (vegan)
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary: wow, you really do get that mocha coffee flavour and there are lots and lots of sizable almond bits. I don't really get the coconut flavour so much, but I must say that the fudge sauce was really nice. I think if the almonds were toasted, they may have been tastier and the almonds would have been a good idea in that case. Otherwise, they didn't add too much. It was medium sweet and  relatively creamy. It could have been a wee bit thicker.

Where to buy: Fortinos

Ingredients: ORGANIC COCONUT MILK (WATER, ORGANIC COCONUT CREAM), ORGANIC AGAVE SYRUP, FUDGE SAUCE [DRIED CANE SYRUP, WATER, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), TAPIOCA STARCH, NATURAL FLAVORS, CHOCOLATE LIQUOR], ALMONDS (ALMONDS, COTTONSEED OIL, SALT), CHICORY ROOT EXTRACT, COFFEE, CAROB BEAN GUM, GUAR GUM, NATURAL COFFEE FLAVOR, SALT.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 180
     Calories from fat: 80
Total fat: 9g
     Saturated fat: 6g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total carbohydrate: 21g
     Dietary fiber: 5g
     Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 8%

The ingredients are great...can't complain there. The sweeteners are all natural with no refined sugars and there are no artificial ingredients.

The nutritional profile is decent. It's a tad high-calorie for only 1/2 a cup, but it is a treat, after all! For 180 calories, there's a whopping 5g of fiber...awesome. There's no cholesterol and it's low in sodium. Don't be afraid necessarily of the saturated fat, as there is evidence that certain saturated fats (e.g. from coconut) can be beneficial to health when consumed in moderation.

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
• 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 'Pita Break' Apple and Honey Lavash Crackers

Pita Break -- Apple and Honey Lavash Crackers (not vegan; contains honey)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: very fresh and crunchy. There's a mild sweetness that's really great, with a hint of saltiness afterwards. I do get the apple flavour and the flax seeds really add to the flavour. I like the simplicity and wholesomeness of the ingredients and the nutritional profile is great. I recommend this product.

Where to buy: Fortino's

Ingredients: Unbleached wheat flour, filtered water, stone ground whole wheat flour, sulphite-free apples, honey, flax seeds, sesame seeds, durum semolina, sunflower seeds, rolled oats, wheat bran, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt. Contains wheat, barley, oats, rye, sesame seeds.

Nutrition facts
Serving size: 2 crackers
Calories: 110
Fat: 2.5g
     Saturated: .3g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: 1.5g
          Omega-6: .9g
          Omega-3: .4g
     Monounsaturated: .9g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 140mg
Potassium: 95mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
     Fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 3g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 8%

So, these ingredients are healthy, simple, and few, which is nice to see. It's unbleached wheat flour, not whole grain, but I'll let it slide because it tastes great and has a pretty good nutritional profile. For only 110 calories, there's healthy fats, 2g of fiber, and 3g of protein, thanks to the flax seeds.

Other 'Lavash Cracker' varieties:

• Chipotle (vegan)
• Flax and Honey
• Multigrain and Honey
• Spelt (vegan)

Brand:

• No Gluten Free products
• No artificial chemicals
• Bakery products are free of dairy and meat ingredients
• Some products are now certified free of genetically modified organisms (GMO)

Review of 'Lance' Honey Peanut Butter on Captain’s Wafer (vegan)

Lance -- Honey Peanut Butter on Captain’s Wafer
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: Overall, there's a nice flavour...it is tasty, indeed. It's sweet and salty, though entirely too salty for my liking. The peanut butter flavour is strong and the honey less prominent. It's both fresh and light and a filling snack. I just cannot stand behind a brand that, in 2014, does not acknowledge the need for sustainability or have any statement on the same. There is no way I would recommend this brand. Moreover, the nutritional profile is not so great. For almost 200 calories, there's only 1g of fiber and too much sodium for my preference.

Where to buy: US store locator (e.g. Food Lion, Lowes, Wal-Mart Supercenters)

Ingredients: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Peanuts, Vegetable Oil (contains one or more of the following: Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Palm Oil, Soybean Oil), Sugar, Dextrose, Salt, Corn Syrup, Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Honey Powder (Honey, Wheat Starch, Soy Lecithin), Molasses Powder, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor.

Allergy Information Contains: Wheat, Soy, Peanuts
May Contain: Milk

Nutrition
Serving size: 1 package
Calories: 190
     Calories from fat: 80
Total fat: 9g
     Saturated fat: 2g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total carbohydrates: 24g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 5g
Protein: 4g

So, obviously enriched flour is not the preferred option, but here it is. The corn-based products are surely not GMO-free, as the website has no statement on this. The palm oil (an industry that is a major driver of deforestation globally) has no evidence of being sustainably sourced. The nutritional profile is not very impressive. The only plus is the 4g of protein.

Other flavours:

• Toastchee with Peanut Butter
• Reduced fat Toastchee with real peanut butter
• Cream Cheese & Chives on Captain’s Wafer
• Grilled Cheese on Captain's Wafer
• Jalapeno Cheddar on Captain's Wafer
• Toasty (vegan)
• Toasty Cheddar
• Nip Chee
• Malt (vegan)
• Peanut Butter on Whole Grain (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Sharp Cheddar on Whole Grain
• Cheddar on Whole Grain

Brand:

• Honestly, there were no progressive/interesting/unique health-related/environmentally-oriented/socially-minded facts on the company website that was worth posting.

Review of 'Eat Smart Naturals - Synder's of Hanover' Garden Veggie Crisps

Eat Smart Naturals - Synder's of Hanover -- Garden Veggie Crisps (vegan; gluten free)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: well, these were not quite as crunchy as I had hoped, but then again, the bag was open for a few days before I tried the first chip. So, I will refrain from deducting too many points there. I do enjoy the flavour. You do really get the potato chip flavour. I do like the nutritional profile; the calories are decent and it's low sodium. Brownie points for the brand focus on sustainability, supporting the Nature Conservancy, and the environment.

Where to buy: US only; store locator




Ingredients: Potato Flour, Potato Starch, Expeller Pressed Sunflower Oil, Tomato, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Spinach Powder, Turmeric, Beet Powder.

Allergy Information: Produced in a facility that handles peanut butter. Gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 21 chips
Calories: 140
     Calories from fat: 60
Total fat: 6g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 0g
     Monounsaturated fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Potassium: 330mg
Total carbohydrate: 18g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 2%

Well, it's hard to find fault with these ingredients. They are great. The nutritional profile is decent. It's low-calorie, low-sodium, and low in unhealthy fats. Sadly, only 2g of fiber and 1g of protein. But, it's a nice snack.

Other 'Certified Gluten Free products':

• Whole grain tortilla chips (vegan)
• Whole grain cheese curls 
• Gluten-free pretzel sticks

Brand:

• Stated commitment to sustainability 
• Have reduced to some extent their product/packaging waste and resource usage (but data only as recent as 2009)
• 100% renewable corn based film used for new Variety Packs
• Food waste is sold to farms to use for feed
• Their new EatSmart Naturals line features a statement of support of The Nature Conservancy and their global mission to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people
• Committed to reducing energy, natural gas usage, and greenhouse gas omissions by 15% each over the next 5 years
• Committed to reducing solid waste by 30% over the next 5 years
• Non-GMO verified products