A vegan in Brampton, ON: 2016

Saturday, 16 January 2016

Newtons -- Original Fig (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: this is really tasty but I subtracted points for the not so great nutritional profile and ingredients. You really get the fig texture and it's very sweet in a good way (not overly sugary). It's moist and has a nice chewy outer (not crumbly) and that sweet fig filling. There's nothing exciting to report regarding the brand and their social/environmental initiatives. I am looking forward to trying the 100% whole grain versions (see below).

Where to buy: product locator (US only)

Fig Newton Coupon: Cookies $0.63 at Rite Aid!

Fig Newton Coupon: Cookies $0.63 at Rite Aid!

Ingredients: figs, whole grain wheat flour, sugar, enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], riboflavin [vitamin B2], folic acid), corn syrup, invert sugar, soybean oil, partially hydrogenated cottenseed oil, salt, baking soda, calcium lactate, malic acid, soy lecithin, sodium benzoate and sulfur dioxide (sulfites) added to preserve freshness, natural and artificial flavour.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 100
Calories from fat: 20
Total fat: 2g
Saturated fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1g
Monounsaturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 95mg
Potassium: 70mg
Total carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

Ingredients are okay...all whole wheat flour would be nice and organic soybean oil and no hydrogenated oil would be even better. The nutritional profile is also just okay...it's low-calorie and low in sodium per serving, but doesn't have much by way of protein and fiber.

Other Newtons Fruit Thins flavours:

Fat Free Fig
Strawberry
100% Whole Grain Fig
100% Whole Grain Triple Berry
100% Whole Grain Baked Apple and Cinnamon
100% Whole Grain Sweet Peach and Apricot

Brand:

Part of Mondelēz International

Review of 'Worthington Loma Linda' Tender Bits

Worthington Loma Linda -- Tender Bits (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: because it is so salty (like many Worthington products), I recommend using this to add to unsalted cooked veggies. The texture is soft, not chewy like I anticipated and pretty simple. I wouldn't recommend this product because of the ingredients that are still up for discussion in terms of healthfulness (see below).

Where to buy: US store locator

Tender Bits 19-oz (Pack of 6)

Ingredients: water, wheat gluten, rice flour, corn oil, oat flour, soy protein concentrate. Contains less than 2% or less of torula yeast, onion powder, soy lecithin, l-lysine monohydrochloride, yeast extract, vitamins (niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B1 [thiamin mononitrate]. vitamin B6 [pyridoxine hydrochloride], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], vitamin B12 [cyanocobalamin], salt, dextrose, caramel color, celery extract.

Broth: water, salt, hydrolyzed soy protein, corn oil, and caramel color.

Contains: wheat and soy.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 6 pieces (about85g)
Calories: 120
Calories from fat: 35
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Trans fat: 0g
Polyunsaturated fat: 2.5g
Monounsaturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 440mg
Potassium: 55mg
Total carbohydrate: 7g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 13g
Iron: 4%

The soy and corn ingredients are not identified as organic or sustainably sourced, so there is a risk that they are from sources that contribute to tropical deforestation and climate change. If you are interested in avoiding this, I'd say this product is not for you. The caramel colour is linked to harmful effects on health.

The nutritional profile is much nicer than the ingredients. It's super low-calorie, super low in fat, and is packed with protein. The major downside is the high sodium.

Other Worthington Loma Linda canned products: