Review of '180 Snacks' Nutty Rice Bites (with Blueberries)

180 Snacks -- Nutty Rice Bites (with Blueberries) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: oh boy, my new obsession. This is deliciously blueberry-flavoured, it's super crunchy (seeds and nuts), light and airy, super fresh, and low-calorie! The nutritional profile isn't so impressive. It's just delicious and the ingredients are super simple and pure. The only ingredient I'd like to see differently is the palm oil; preferably sustainably-sourced palm oil (look out for science on palm oil and tropical deforestation here!

Where to buy: shop online



Ingredients: Rices (crispy rice {rice, sugar, molasses, salt}, puffed brown rice, puffed white rice), Roasted Nuts and Seeds (pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts, almonds, sesame seeds), Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Cane Sugar, Zante Currants, Palm Oil, Sea Salt, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Guar Gum.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2/3 cup
Calories: 70
     Calories: 20
Total fat: 2.5g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: .5g
     Monounsaturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total carb.: 13g
     Dietary fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 2%

Delicious yes, but yeah yeah only 1g of protein and no fiber. However!...there are some nice healthy fats there and it's low calorie and low sodium.

Other Nutty Rice Bites flavours:

• with Cranberries
• with Mangos and Pineapple

Brand:

• Certified Gluten-Free
• Certified Vegan
• 100% natural

Review of 'Clif Bar' Pecan Pie

Clif Bar -- Pecan Pie (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: this was somewhat 'pecan pie' flavour, but really could have used more sugary pecan bits (which were great!). It is overall very tasty; very sweet and filling, just like most of the Clif Bars I've bought. Would be better if the soy-based ingredients were all organic, but fully appreciate that 70% of the ingredients are organic. Unfortunately, this is a seasonal flavour and really difficult to find outside of the Christmas season. Happy hunting!

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



Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, ClifPro® (Soy Rice Crisps [Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Barley Malt Extract], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour), Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Pecans, Pecan Pralines (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Pecan Pieces, Salt), Organic White Coating (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Organic Cocoa Butter‡, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla Extract), Organic Cane Syrup, ClifCrunch® (Organic Oat Fiber, Inulin, Organic Psyllium), Organic Date Paste, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Organic Cinnamon, Natural Vitamin E (Antioxidant).

ALLERGEN STATEMENT: CONTAINS SOY AND PECANS. MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF MILK, WHEAT, AND OTHER TREE NUTS

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 260
     Calories from fat: 70
Total fat: 8g
     Sat. fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Potassium: 170mg
Total carb.: 41g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
     Insoluble fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 21g
     Other carb.: 16g
Protein: 9g
Vit. A: 30%
Vit. C: 90%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 10%

The nutritional information is good, with 9g protein and 4g fiber. It's low sodium and has no cholesterol and is packed with vitamins and minerals. I'd definitely buy this again.

Full nutritional profile available here.

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 (reviewed here)
• Cool Mint Chocolate (reviewed here)
• Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Gary's Panforte
• Iced Gingerbread
• Maple Nut (reviewed here) 
• Oatmeal Raisin Walnut (reviewed here)
• Peanut Toffee Buzz
• Peppermint Stick (reviewed here)
• Sierra Train Mix (reviewed here)
• Spiced Pumpkin
• White Chocolate Macadamia (reviewed here)

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 'Clif Bar' Coconut Chocolate Chip

Clif Bar -- Coconut Chocolate Chip (vegan)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary: this was great. Clif Bar does it again. It's super coconutty and chocolatty with a chocolate drizzle, medium-sweet and filling. I think it could have used some more chocolate chips though. The ingredients are solid and the nutritional profile is great (10g of protein, 5g of fiber, and lots of vitamins and minerals). I'd definitely buy this again.

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



Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, ClifPro® (Soy Rice Crisps [Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Barley Malt Extract], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour), Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Cane Syrup, Chocolate Chips (Dried Cane Syrup, Unsweetened Chocolate‡, Cocoa Butter‡, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), ClifCrunch® (Organic Oat Fiber, Inulin [Chicory Extract], Organic Milled Flaxseed, Organic Psyllium), Organic Coconut, Organic Date Paste, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Natural Vitamin E (Antioxidant).

ALLERGEN STATEMENT: CONTAINS SOY AND COCONUT. MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF MILK AND WHEAT.

Nutritional Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 240
     Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6g
     Sat. fat.: 2.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0g
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 210mg
Total carb.: 43g
     Dietary fiber: 5g
          Insoluble fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 22g
     Other carb.: 16g
Protein: 10g
Vit. A: 30%
Vit. C: 90%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 10%

Full nutritional profile available here.

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
• Cool Mint Chocolate (reviewed here)
• Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Gary's Panforte
• Iced Gingerbread
• Maple Nut (reviewed here) 
• Oatmeal Raisin Walnut (reviewed here)
• Peanut Toffee Buzz
• Pecan Pie 
• Peppermint Stick (reviewed here)
• Spiced Pumpkin
• White Chocolate Macadamia (reviewed here)

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 'Newtons' Fruit Thins (Lemon Crisp)

Newtons -- Fruit Thins (Lemon Crisp) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this definitely works. It's very lemon-y, has bits of dried fruit, is crunchy, and medium sweet. The ingredients/nutritional profile are just okay (not great but not horrid ingredients or nutritional content). Sadly, there's nothing exciting to report regarding the brand and their social/environmental initiatives.

Where to buy: product locator (US only)



Ingredients: UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID), SUGAR, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, ROLLED OATS, DRIED LEMON PEEL, INVERT SUGAR, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, BAKING SODA, SOY LECITHIN, CITRIC ACID.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3 cookies
Calories: 140
     Calories from fat: 45
Total fat: 5g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Monounsaturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 95mg
Potassium: 55mg
Total carbohydrates: 22g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Iron: 6%

Ingredients are okay...more wholesome flour would be best and organic soybean oil would be even better. The nutritional profile is also just okay...it's low-calorie and sodium per serving, but doesn't have much by way of protein and fiber.

Other Newtons Fruit Thins flavours:

• Crispy Cranberry Citrus Oat
• Crispy Blueberry Brown Sugar
• Crispy Cherry Vanilla

Brand:

• Part of Mondelēz International

Review of 'Sunkist' Fruit Gems Candy

Sunkist -- Fruit Gems (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: mmmm, I really like these. They are perfectly soft, sweet, sticky, and chewy. The flavours are so super authentic and the ingredients and nutritional profile are way better than Skittles! I would much prefer to buy this when I'm craving candies.

Where to buy: Homesense (American Drive, Mississauga), store locator


Ingredients: SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, ACEROLA PUREE (VITAMIN C), CITRUS PECTIN, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, RASPBERRY JUICE FROM RASPBERRY PUREE, LEMON JUICE FROM LEMON PUREE, GRAPEFRUIT JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE, ORANGE JUICE FROM ORANGE PUREE, BLUEBERRY JUICE FROM BLUEBERRY PUREE, SODIUM CITRATE, VEGETABLE AND FRUIT JUICE (COLOR).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 4 pcs
Calories: 130
    Calories from fat: 0g
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
     Sugars: 25g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin C: 100%

So, obviously this is a 'once in a while' snack, since it's basically all sugar. But...there are actually natural flavours and vitamin C, as opposed to Skittles, which is vegan, but has a horrible ingredient list and nutritional profile.

Other Sunkist Candies:

• Orange slices
• Citrus Mix

Brand:

• All Sunkist candies are certified OU Kosher by the Orthodox Union.
• Under Jelly Belly umbrella

Review of Skittles 'Wild Berry'

Skittles -- Wild Berry (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: all are very sweet but...not all colours are very berry. For instance, the pink is so tough to pinpoint. Maybe my tastebuds aren't so great, but I can't tell the flavour. The blue is super flavourful and some of the others are quite good as well. I will probably not buy it again though...it's just not that great to sacrifice the poor nutrition (take a look at the ingredients and nutrition facts below). I do wanna try the Skittles Desserts though!

Where to buy: most grocery stores



Ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Tapioca Dextrin, Modified Corn Starch, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Colors (Titanium Dioxide, Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6, Blue 2 Lake), Sodium Citrate, Carnauba Wax.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 ct
Calories: 250
Total fat: 2.5g
     Saturated fat: 2.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 20mg
Total carbohydrates: 56g
     Dietary fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 45g
Protein: 0g

Okay, no impressive ingredients here. Boo to the sugar content. Boo to the hydrogenated oil (adds trans fats), boo to artificial flavours and colours.

Other Skittles flavours:

• Original
• Desserts
• Darkside
• Sour

Brand:

• Since 1979
• Owned by Wrigley, acquired by Mars, Inc.
• On Wrigley's social and environmental work here

Review of 'Healthy Choice' Country Vegetable Soup (Microwavable Bowl)

Healthy Choice -- Country Vegetable Soup (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: too salty (480mg per cup)...def too salty for me. The flavour is nice and the serving is actually quite filling, with a medium-thick consistency. I did find a spoonful that had something sandy, which was not fun bleh...I also found the carrots to be too soft. I wouldn't buy this product again; it really was just okay. Further, the brand itself isn't so impressive as it relates to its philosophy or social/environmental initiatives.

Where to buy: US only (online store locator)





Ingredients: Water, Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Carrots, Celery, Corn, Potatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Juice, Green Zucchini, Kidney Beans, Peas, Green Beans, Less than 2% of: Lima Beans, Modified Corn Starch, Vegetable Juice Concentrate Blend (Carrots, Celery, Onions), Flavoring, Potassium Chloride, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Spice, Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Garlic Powder, Modified Food Starch, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Disodium Guanylate & Inosinate, Natural Flavor, Calcium Chloride, Oleoresin Paprika.

Nutrition facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 100
     Calories from fat: 0
Total fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 480mg
Potassium: 660mg
Total carbohydrate: 20g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 4g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 4%

These ingredients are pretty good, overall! The nutritional profile is also very good; it's low calorie, high in potassium, and has a nice dose of protein, fiber, and vitamin A.

Other Healthy Choice Microwavable Bowls:

• Beef Pot Roast
• Cheese Tortellini
• Chicken Noodle
• Chicken Tortilla
• Chicken with Rice
• Hearty Vegetable Barley (vegan)
• Mediterranean Style Chicken with Orzo
• Red Beans and Rice
• Thai Style Chicken with Red Rice
• Tomato Basil (vegan)
• Traditional Lentil

Brand:

• Absolutely nothing interesting to report.

Review of 'Air Heads' Strawberry Watermelon

Air Heads -- Strawberry Watermelon (vegan)
Overall rating: 3/5
Summary: it's sweet, berrylicious, and watermelony, and with an awesomely chewy, grainy texture. Unlike the other Air Heads flavours, this one actually hits you right away with the berry-watermelon flavour. And, it's actually yummy. Still, I wouldn't buy this again, since it's basically just sugar and the flavour isn't so great to warrant the indulgence ;p It has not-so-good ingredients overall (e.g. GMO ingredients, trans fats [hydrogenated ingredients], and artificial ingredients. Also, I'm not pleased at the lack of brand information.

Where to buy: Amazon



Ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, maltodextrin, dextrose, modified food starch (corn), partially hydrogenated soybean oil, contains less than 2% of: citric acid, water, artificial flavours, artificial colours, red 40, blue 1, yellow 6, yellow 5.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 140
     Calories from fat: 15
Total fat: 1.5g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
Sodium: 15mg
Total carbohydrates: 31g
     Sugars: 19g
Protein: 0g

No, no, no! Nothing good about either the ingredients or the nutritional profile...do not buy!

Brand:

• USA company
• Kosher

Review of 'Air Heads' Double Mystery

Air Heads -- Double Mystery (vegan)
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Summary: it's tangy, sweet and awesomely chewy with a sugary/grainy texture. I feel like I taste sour apple...and something else I can't quite put my finger on! I wouldn't buy this again, since it's just sugar and it ain't *that* great. It has not-so-good ingredients overall (e.g. GMO ingredients, trans fats [hydrogenated ingredients], and artificial ingredients. Also, I'm not pleased at the lack of brand information.

Where to buy: Amazon



Ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, maltodextrin, dextrose, modified food starch (corn), partially hydrogenated soybean oil, contains less than 2% of: citric acid, water, artificial flavours, artificial colours, red 40, blue 1, yellow 6, yellow 5.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3 bars
Calories: 140
     Calories from fat: 15
Total fat: 1.5g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
Sodium: 15mg
Total carbohydrates: 31g
     Sugars: 19g
Protein: 0g

No, no, no! Nothing good about either the ingredients or the nutritional profile...do not buy!

Brand:

• USA company
• Kosher

Review of 'Air Heads' Blue Raspberry & Cherry

Air Heads -- Blue Raspberry & Cherry (vegan)
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Summary: it's tangy, sweet and with an awesomely chewy, grainy texture. The berry flavours hit you after the first couple of chews, which kinda seems artificial. I wouldn't buy this again, since it's basically just sugar and the flavour isn't so great to warrant the indulgence ;p It has not-so-good ingredients overall (e.g. GMO ingredients, trans fats [hydrogenated ingredients], and artificial ingredients. Also, I'm not pleased at the lack of brand information.

Where to buy: Amazon



Ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, maltodextrin, dextrose, modified food starch (corn), partially hydrogenated soybean oil, contains less than 2% of: citric acid, water, artificial flavours, artificial colours, red 40, blue 1, yellow 6, yellow 5.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 170
     Calories from fat: 10
Total fat: 2g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
Sodium: 20mg
Total carbohydrates: 39g
     Sugars: 23g
Protein: 0g

No, no, no! Nothing good about either the ingredients or the nutritional profile...do not buy!

Other flavours:

• Double Mystery

Brand:

• USA company
• Kosher

Review of 'belVita' Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits -- Apple Cinnamon

belVita Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits -- Apple Cinnamon (vegan)
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary: well, this flavour is definitely a step up from the Golden Oat biscuits, which I rated only 2.5/5. This is much more flavourful, with chewy, dried pieces of apples, very light cinnamon, and crunchiness and freshness. I would have preferred more of a powerful cinnamon flavour.

Where to buy: Walmart, Target



Ingredients: WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, ENRICHED FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), FOLIC ACID], SUGAR, HIGH OLEIC CANOLA OIL, WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, WHOLE GRAIN RYE FLOUR, DRIED APPLES, BAKING SODA, DISODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE, SALT, SOY LECITHIN, DATEM, CARAMEL COLOR, CINNAMON, NATURAL FLAVOR, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE (IRON), NIACINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), THIAMIN MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1).

*Contains: wheat, soy.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 pack
Calories: 230
     Calories from fat: 70
Total fat: 8g
     Sat Fat: .5g
     Trans Fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
     Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Potassium: 110mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 13g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 10%

The ingredients aren't bad...would be better with all whole grains and non-GMO ingredients. The calories are relatively high for the limited fiber and protein count, but it does have healthy fats and is quite filling. I usually would have one package for breakfast and it keeps me going until lunch.

Other belVita crunchy flavours (all vegan):

• Blueberry (reviewed here)
• Chocolate (reviewed here)
• Cinnamon Brown Sugar (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Nationwide voluntary recall by Mondelez Global LLC, East Hanover, NJ of belVita Breakfast Biscuit products, apple cinnamon and chocolate varieties. The recall was issued due to the possible presence of fragments of flexible metal mesh caused by a faulty screen at the company's facility (read here)

Review of 'Seeds of Change' Seven Whole Grains

Seeds of Change -- Seven Whole Grains (vegan)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Summary: mmm, love this and will definitely buy it again. The texture is complex, with rice, barley, bulgur, quinoa, etc.! It's also super hearty and filling, perfectly seasoned, and fresh. You need to try this if you like simple, nutritious, and delicious food. It's very delicately salted, so if you're a heavy salt user, this isn't for you.

Where to buy: US only



Ingredients: Water, Long Grain Brown Rice*, Barley*, Rye*, Bulgur*, Red Winter Wheat*, Quinoa*, Wild Rice*, High Oleic Sunflower Oil*, Tamari Powder* (Soybeans*, Salt, Rice Flour*), Evaporated Cane Juice*, Dried Onion*, Dried Red Bell Pepper*, Garlic Powder*, Tapioca Starch*, Parsley*, Chili Pepper*, Black Pepper*, Cumin*.

* = Certified Organic

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories:  240
     Calories from fat: 30
Total fat: 3g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 340mg
Potassium: 210mg
Total carbohydrate: 47g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Vitamin C: 2%
Iron: 10%

So, check out those ingredients. Clearly, I can't complain. So, what about the nutritional facts? Well, it's great; high in fiber and protein, decent dose of iron, low sodium, and no cholesterol. Good to go.

Check out recipes here (e.g. Seven Grain Shrimp Bowl; Seven Grain Pilaf).

Other 'Ready to Heat' Rice (all vegan):

• Caribbean Style Rice
• Indian Rice Blend
• Brown Basmati Rice
• Spanish Style Rice
• Quinoa and Brown Rice

Brand:

• Founded 1989
• Contributes 1% of net sales toward sustainable organic farming initiatives worldwide
• Use Certified Organic milk (from cows) in products
• No GMOs
• No MSG
• Certified organic