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

Review of 'Fresh Finds' Dry Roasted Edamame

Fresh Finds -- Dry Roasted Edamame
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: very lightly salted, true to the labeling--I like! And, it was very fresh, very crunchy, very tasty. It was a hit with the entire vehicle of travelers over the last weekend's road trip. Would be best if there was some brand info online!

Where to buy: to be determined


Ingredients: soybeans, sea salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 130
Total fat: 4g
     Saturated: .5g
     Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
     Dietary fiber: 8g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 14g

Well, I'm not sure if the soybeans are organic since I couldn't fund a webpage with product info. However, the ingredients are minimal so we can all appreciate that. The calorie count and nutritional content is pretty great as well--for 130 cals, there's 14g of protein and 8g of fiber. You can't beat that...low in saturated fat, clean protein and fiber.

Brand:

• I couldn't find any relevant info online--assistance is appreciated!

Review of 'Golden Harvest' Whole Wheat Raisin

Golden Harvest -- Whole Wheat Raisin (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: way too dry. It's medium sweet and has plump raisins. If it weren't so very dry, this would be quite good! The website doesn't have specific product information, so what you see here, you will have to trust. The parent company, DIH Ltd is involved in social responsibility activities as well (more info below).

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



Ingredients: wheat flour, wheat bran, water, raisins, sugar, vegetable shortening, vegetable margarine, salt, yeast, mixed spice.
Preservative: calcium propionate
Emulsifier, Lecithin
Flour Treatment Agents: L Ascorbic Acids

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 4 slices
Calories: 290
Fat: 5g
     Saturated: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrate: 56g
     Dietary Fiber: 5g
     Sugars: 6g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 15%

So, as for the ingredients...if they used real whole grains, the protein and fiber content would be richer.

I share the details for 2 slices, since this is a common serving. It would yield 2.5g of Fat, 190mg of Sodium, 28g of Carbs, 2.5g of Fiber, 3g of Sugar, 3.5g of Protein and 7.5% Iron. This is decent, but not impressive. The fiber and protein content isn't up to snuff for me.

Brand:

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

Review of 'Nature's Path' Sunrise Crunchy Maple

Nature's Path --  Sunrise Crunchy Maple
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: mmm, captain crunch corniness, with strong maple scent and perfect maple flavour, this is amazing, it's super crunchy and very sweet; the combo of flavours is exquisite. I highly recommend this product and brand.

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

Ingredients: whole corn meal*, evaporated cane juice*, brown rice flour*, yellow corn flour*, inulin*, quinoa puffs*, maple syrup*, flax seeds*, natural maple flavor, buckwheat flour*, quinoa*, sea salt, amaranth*, molasses*, tocopherols (natural vitamin E).
*Organic.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2/3 cup
Calories: 110
Fat: 1g
     Saturated: .2g
     Trans: 0g
     Polyunsaturated: .5g
          Omega-6: .1g
          Omega-3: .2g
     Monounsaturated: .3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 130mg
Potassium: 70mg
Carbohydrate: 25g
     Fibre: 3g
     Sugar: 7g
Protein: 2g
Iron: 6%

So, in true Nature's Path form, the ingredients are excellent; no complaints there. The nutritional profile is good--it's super low in fat, has healthy fats, and low in sugar. The only downside is that the fiber and protein content isn't that great. For someone active, this is not ideal. So, I'd likely not make this a regular stock in my pantry.

Other gluten-free cold cereals (all vegan):

• Mesa Sunrise Cereal (reviewed here)
• Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla
• Gorilla Munch Cereal
• Qi'a™ Superfood - Chia, Buckwheat & Hemp Cereal Apple Cinnamon
• Qi'a™ Superfood - Chia, Buckwheat & Hemp Cereal Original Flavour
• Crispy Rice Cereal
• Whole O's (reviewed here)
• Mesa Sunrise® Flakes with Raisins
• Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes 
• Qi'a™ Superfood - Chia, Buckwheat & Hemp Cereal Cranberry Vanilla
• Panda Puffs™ Cereal 
• Leapin Lemurs (Peanut Butter Chocolate) Cereal (reviewed here)
• Koala Crisp™ Cereal

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 'Pacific Foods' Rice Non-Dairy Beverage (Vanilla)

Pacific -- Rice Non-Dairy Beverage (Vanilla) (vegan)
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary: nice light scent, perfectly sweet, medium thick, but doesn't work well in tea/coffee as a creamer (but I use it anyway because it adds sweetness without added sugar). It has a very pleasant flavour--vanilla rice...kind of like a light dessert flavour. The product is non-GMO verified, however do be aware that there is some controversy over the use of carrageenan, linked to higher rates of colon cancer in animal studies.

Where to buy: Fortino's

 

Ingredients: Filtered Water, Brown Rice, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Natural Vanilla Flavor with Other Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carob Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 130
     Calories from fat: 20
Total Fat: 2g
     Saturated: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 60mg
Carbohydrates: 27g
     Fiber: 0g
     Sugars: 14g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 10%
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 6%

Again, save for the carrageenan question, the ingredients are no problem. The nutritional info paints a not-so spectacular profile. For 130 calories, it has no fiber and only 1g of protein...pretty sad. The only boon is the low fat and vitamin/mineral fortifications. To me, it's just not enough. I enjoy this product, but probably won't buy it again. I would opt for a non-dairy beverage with more nutritional value (e.g. more protein).

Other non-dairy rice beverages:

• Rice non-Dairy Beverage (Original) (reviewed here)

Brand:

• All natural and organic
• Certified to the Source
• "At our founder's family farms that supply Pacific Natural Foods the milk for our delicious creamy soups, you'll find healthy cows fed an organic, vegetarian diet with room to roam in open pasture."
• Cows are fed 100% an organic, vegetarian die, not given antibiotics or synthetic hormones, and reared humanely and under stress-free environments
•  Awarded for sustainability initiatives
• Engaged in Wetlands Conservation
• Top donor to the Oregon Food Bank
• Supports local community