Review of 'Turbana' Plantain Chips (lightly salted)

Turbana -- Plantain Chips (lightly salted) (vegan)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary: super thin, suuuper crunchy, and lightly salted. I still prefer the natural sweetness of Soldanza's Ripe Plantain Chips (reviewed here), *however*, I would definitely opt to buy Turbana if given the choice between the two simply because of the corporate social responsibility portfolio (see brand info below). Love love love.

Where to buy: buy online



Ingredients: green plantain, non-hydrogenated vegetable oil (palmolein) salt

Nutrition Facts
Serving size:
Calories: 150
     Calories from fat: 60
Total Fat: 7g
     Saturated fat: 2g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Potassium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 0g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 2%
Iron: 2%

These ingredients are simple and the nutritional profile isn't spectacular, but man, this is a snack I totally recommend. It has a nice dose of potassium and a decent 2g of fiber. Other than that, not too much going on, but its deliciousness makes up for it. I'd definitely buy this again.

Other Turbana Plantain Chip Varieties:

• Chili Lime
• Lime
• Sweet
• Garlic
• Chili

Brand:

• Owned by Uniban
• Turbana established in 1970
• Grower-owned company
• 100% Global GAP certified
• 1987 FundaUniban launched and the company adopted social responsibility
• Actively involved in 27 projects to improve Urabá, Colombia's community's infrastructure, leadership, lending, education, housing, and environmental sustainability (read more here)

Review of 'Kashi' GoLean Crisp! Naturally Sweetened Multigrain Cluster Cereal (Toasted Berry Crumble)

Kashi -- GoLean Crisp! Naturally Sweetened Multigrain Cluster Cereal (Toasted Berry Crumble)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: I like when it's been sitting in the milk for a few minutes and it's crunchy on the outside and tender as you crunch into each spoonful. It's medium sweet and I enjoyed it with both unsweetened and chocolate soy milk and both worked...yes, even the chocolate! The berries are dried and chewy and add to the flavour. It has a nice texture with different types of grains. What's great is that this cereal is one of Kashi's certified non-GMO products and the nutritional profile is really very good. I would keep this in my pantry and recommend!

Where to buy: Fortinos, Shopper's Drug Mart

 

Ingredients: whole grain oats, evaporated cane juice crystals, soy protein concentrate, wheat sticks (whole wheat flour, Kashi seven whole grains and sesame flour (whole: oats, hard red wheat, rye, brown rice, triticale, barley, buckwheat, sesame seeds), calcium carbonate), brown rice syrup, chicory root fiber, soy grits, cranberries (cranberries, evaporated cane juice, vegetable glycerin, expeller pressed canola oil), expeller pressed canola oil, yellow corn flour, soy protein isolate, natural flavours, oat fiber, dried wild blueberries (wild blueberries, evaporated cane juice, vegetable glycerin, rice flour), baking soda, evaporated salt, mixed tocopherols for freshness, soy lecithin.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 180
     Calories from fat: 35
Total fat: 3.5g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 1g
     Monounsaturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 125mg
Potassium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
     Dietary fiber: 8g
          Soluble fiber: 5g
          Insoluble fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 9g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 8%

The ingredients are wholesome and certified non-GMO. The nutritional profile is amazing. For 180 calories, there's no cholesterol, healthy fats, and a whopping 8g of fiber and 9g of protein. Added to milk, this is a really balanced meal.

Other 'GOLEAN® Cold Cereals':

• Cereal Crisp! Cinnamon Crumble (reviewed here)
• GoLEAN Crunch! (reviewed here)
• GOLEAN® Cereal Original (reviewed here)
• Raisin Vineyard Cereal (vegan)
• GOLEAN Cereal, Vanilla Graham Clusters 
• Whole Wheat Biscuits, Berry Fruitful Cereal (vegan)
• Organic Corn Flakes, Simply Maize Cereal (vegan)
• Organic Corn Flakes, Indigo Morning Cereal (vegan)
• GOLEAN Crisp! Cereal, Cinnamon Crumble (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Squares, Berry Blossoms Cereal
• Heart to Heart Cereal, Warm Cinnamon (reviewed here)
• Strawberry Fields Cereal (vegan) 
• Whole Wheat Biscuits, Island Vanilla Cereal (vegan)
• Squares, Honey Sunshine® Cereal
• GOLEAN Crunch! Cereal, Honey Almond Flax (reviewed here)
• Good Friends Cereal, Original (vegan)
• Heart to Heart Cereal, Honey Toasted Oat
• Heart to Heart Cereal, Oat Flakes & Blueberry Clusters (vegan)
• 7 Whole Grain Cereals, Honey Puffs
• Whole Wheat Biscuits, Autumn Wheat Cereal (vegan) 
• Whole Wheat Biscuits, Cinnamon Harvest Cereal (vegan) (reviewed here)
• 7 Whole Grain Cereals, Puffs (vegan)
• 7 Whole Grain Cereals, Nuggets (vegan)

Brand:

• Non-GMO Project Verified: GOLEAN Crunch!®, GOLEAN Crunch!® Honey Almond Flax, Autumn Wheat, Cinnamon Harvest, Island Vanilla, Strawberry Fields, 7 Whole Grain Flakes, 7 Whole Grain Puffs, 7 Whole Grain Pilaf, Simply Maize, GOLEAN Crisp!™ Toasted Berry Crumble, GOLEAN Crisp!™ Cinnamon Crumble, Raisin Vineyard™, Berry Fruitful®, and Indigo Morning." (kashi.com)
• Phasing out GMOs: "That's why today Kashi announced a big initiative to increase the company's availability of organic and Non-GMO Project Verified foods. By the end of 2014, all existing Kashi® GOLEAN® cereals and Kashi® Chewy Granola Bars—representing Kashi's biggest offerings—will be Non-GMO Project Verified. Beginning in 2015, all new Kashi foods introduced into the market will contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients and will also be Non-GMO Project Verified" (read article here).
• "The soy in Kashi cereals comes from soybeans that have had a gene inserted to protect the soybeans from the herbicide Roundup, which kills, weeds," according to USA Today (read article here).
• Kellogg, which owns Kashi, contributed $600 000 against the non-GMO proposition 37 (read the Huffington Post article here)

Review of 'Toufayan' Multigrain Lavash

Toufayan -- Multigrain Lavash (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: This product lasted in my fridge for about a month (maybe more) without showing signs of decomposition. I'm not sure what to make of that, but there is something about the texture of it that seems very artificial...because of the calcium propionate (linked to damage to the stomach lining) :/ I must say that it is really nice when toasted on a flat surface; it becomes nice and crispy. Still, I wouldn't recommend this product simply because of the calcium propionate and potential risk to stomach ulcers and gastritis.

Where to buy: U.S. grocery stores (Florida, Maryland)

 

Ingredients: stone ground whole wheat flour, wheat flour, bleached and enriched (contains niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid), water, vegetable oil (soybean and/or cottonseed), yeast, soy flour (soy protein, maltodextrin (from corn), natural flavor, monocalcium phosphate, calcium oxide), dough conditioner (guar gum, mono and diglycerides, L-cysteine, enzymes), salt, corn or malt sugars, rolled wheat, rye nuggets, degermed yellow corn grits, rolled oats, rye flakes, triticale flakes, parboiled brown rice, barley flakes, flax seed, millet, defatted soy grits, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate), calcium propionate (added to retard spoilage).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 lavash
Calories: 260
     Calories from fat: 80
Total fat: 9g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total carbohydrate: 37g
     Dietary fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 1g
Protein: 9g
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 8%

Because the official website does not include info on the GMO status, I assume that the soy-based and corn-based ingredients are genetically modified. Monocalcium phosphate, as an additive may increase the risk of heart disease and kidney disease because it is absorbed quickly and elevates phosphate levels to unhealthy levels. Sodium acid pyrophosphate is another phosphate that may be harmful in high concentrations. These phosphate won't be an issue unless you consume a lot of mixes and processed foods that use the phosphate compounds to preserve freshness. Now, calcium propionate, on the other hand, is linked to stomach ulcers through permanent damage to the stomach's lining.

 
Other Lavash:

• Lavash Plus

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 (only on package)
• Does not mention GMO status on website

Review of 'Luna Bar' Chocolate Chunk

Luna Bar -- Chocolate Chunk (vegan)
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary: It really is chunky chocolatey...lots of choco chunks in here, so I'm pleased with that. The texture is complex, which is nice. It's a filling, dense bar and super sweet. I like that it's not at all sticky, so having this as a mid-morning desk snack works really well. My issue now is that I can't seem to find this particular flavour on the website, so I'm not sure if it has been discontinued. I know it was recalled due to package mislabelling, but not sure when it will be back on the market.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Bulk Barn



Ingredients: LunaPro ® (Soy Rice Crisp [Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour], Organic Toasted Oats [Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Dried Cane Syrup], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour, Organic Flaxmeal), Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Chocolate Chunks (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla), Organic Macadamia Nut Butter, Inulin (Chicory Extract), Cocoa Soy Rice Crisps (Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour, Organic Alkalized Cocoa, Alkalized Cocoa), Natural Flavors, Organic Oat Syrup Solids, Vegetable Glycerin, Sea Salt, Organic Sunflower Oil. Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Ferrous Fumarate (Iron), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Zinc Oxide, Molybdenum Glycinate, Pyridoxine (Vit. B6), Calcium Pantothenate, Beta Carotene (Vit. A), Manganese Sulfate, Selenium AAC, Riboflavin (Vit. B2), Chromium AAC, Ergocalciferol (Vit. D2), Thiamin (Vit. B1), Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12), Folic Acid, Cupric Oxide, Phytonadione (Vit. K), Biotin, Potassium Iodide.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
     Calories from fat: 45
Total Fat: 5g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 210
Potassium: 135
Total Carb.: 26g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
          Insoluble fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 11g
     Other carbs: 9g
Protein: 9g

Well, in typical Luna Bar style, the ingredients are wonderfully wholesome and clean. The nutritional profile reflects this, as for 180 calories, there's 3g of fiber and 9g of protein, which is the perfect post-workout snack in my opinion. I recommend this bar but personally prefer some of the others I've reviewed below (e.g. Caramel Nut Brownie).

Other flavours:

• Blueberry Bliss (vegan)
• Caramel Nut Brownie (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Dipped Coconut (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Peppermint Stick (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Raspberry (vegan)
• Iced Oatmeal Raisin (vegan)
• Nutz Over Chocolate (reviewed here) 
• Peanut Butter Cookie (vegan)
• Peanut Honey Pretzel
• S'mores (vegan) (reviewed here)
• Toasted Nuts 'n Cranberry (vegan)
• Vanilla Almond (vegan)
• White Chocolate Macadamia (vegan)

Brand (quoted from clifbar.com):

• "...free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup; artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives; and ingredients sourced from GMOs."
• "LUNA provides the nutrients women often lack, like folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals..."
• "LUNA contributes to the Clif Bar Family Foundation, which donates 1% of all product revenue to organizations that support and improve environmental, social and cultural needs, from our local to our global community. 
• 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 'Blue Diamond' Blueberry Flavor Almonds

Blue Diamond -- Blueberry Flavor Almonds
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary: nice and sweet; smells amazing...like blueberry candies or dessert (I think the smell was my favourite aspect!)...super crunchy. There are fine sugary granules over them. These are amazing. The website states that the almonds are non-GMO, but I'm not 100% sure about the other ingredients (any takers to clarify?). I am looking forward to trying the strawberry flavour....and more importantly, to smelling it!

Where to buy: United States only as far as I know; online store



Ingredients: Almonds, sugar, natural blueberry flavor, corn maltodextrin, modified corn starch, sea salt, blueberry juice concentrate and puree, color (titanium dioxide, red cabbage juice), rebiana (stevia extract).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 24 nuts
Calories: 160
Calories from fat: 110
Total Fat: 12g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 25mg
Potassium: 170mg
Total carbohydrates: 7g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 6g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 6%

Well, as I indicated in the summary, I'm not sure of the GMO status of the other ingredients (apart from the almonds), but other than that, I'd say the ingredients are okay. What is good is the nutritional profile. For a low 160 cal, you get healthy fats, low sodium, and a nice dose of fiber and protein. Also, almonds are packed with Vitamin E, which is great for skin. I'm down.

Other Fruit Flavoured Almonds varieties:

• Raspberry
• Strawberry (reviewed here)

Brand:

• Soy-free
• No MSG
• Non-GMO
• All refrigerated products are kosher
• Gluten-free
• No artificial flavours
• No BPA in packaging
• Almonds are grown by a growers cooperative

Review of Van's Gluten-Free Crackers (Lots of Everything)

Van's -- Gluten-Free Crackers (Lots of Everything) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: delish thin, flavour-packed crackers. Very authentic everything bagel flavour...like actually eating a super crunchy everything bagel (my favourite bagel flavour). The ingredients are wholesome and the nutritional profile is quite good. What a great snack...I'd definitely buy this again and do highly recommend it!

Where to buy: Fortinos, Wanigan

Coupons



Ingredients: Van's Gluten Free Whole Grain Blend (Oats, Brown Rice Flour, Millet, Quinoa And Amaranth), Potato Starch, non-GMO Expeller Pressed Sunflower And/Or Safflower Oil, Brown Sugar, Rice Flour, Sesame Seeds, Salt, Poppy Seeds, Dried Onion, Dried Garlic, Yeast Extract, Sunflower Lecithin, Caraway Seeds, Mixed Tocopherols For Freshness.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 30 crackers
Calories: 140
     Calories from fat: 40
Total fat: 4.5
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total carbohydrate: 21g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 3g
Protein: 2g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

Super whole grains and other clean ingredients make this a no-guilt snack that I really like. This could easily be a staple in my home. The nutritional profile is good; it's low-calorie, has healthy fats, no cholesterol and 2g of protein and fiber.

Other Van's Crackers flavours:

• Say Cheese
• Multigrain (vegan)
• The Perfect 10 (vegan)
• Fire-Roasted Veggie

Brand:

• Blueberry, Flax, Flax waffles, and All Natural flavoured waffles are non-GMO products
• Non-GMO canola oil
• In 2014, transitioning packaging to label non-GMO products (list of non-GMO products here)
• No synthetic preservatives, artificial flavors or artificial colors
• Gluten-free, vegan options list here
• Best Frozen Waffle in Annual Gluten-Free Awards (2014)
• Two SELF Magazine Healthy Food Awards (2014)
• A Healthy Food Award From Fitness Magazine (2014)

Review of 'Annie's Homegrown' Chocolate Bunny Grahams

Annie's Homegrown -- Chocolate Bunny Grahams (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: chewy when left out a bit, which I personally prefer over the crunchy! It's a medium-sweet and low-calorie snack and it's made with organic wheat flour and no artificial or synthetic ingredients. I would recommend this and would buy it again myself. The brand is also committed to socially responsible activities in a very big and meaningful way. I'm pumped to try the other cookie varieties.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Costco, Metro, Whole Foods



Ingredients: Organic Whole Grain Wheat Flour, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Wheat Flour, Expeller-pressed Sunflower Oil, Organic Cane Syrup, Organic Graham Flour, Cocoa, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavors (vanilla and chocolate), Baking Soda, Sea Salt, Natural Vitamin E (to protect flavor).

CONTAINS WHEAT INGREDIENTS. Made on shared equipment that also processes milk and soy. Ingredients, Nutrition Facts, and Allergen Statements can change. Always refer to the actual package for the most complete and accurate information.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 31 cookies
Calories: 130
     Calories from fat: 40
Total Fat: 4.5g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total carbohydrates: 21g
     Dietary fiber: 2g
     Sugars: 9g
Protein: 2g
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 6%

Well, clearly the ingredients are just great. All organic! And, for 130 calories and 31 lil cookies, it's actually a filling snack. I usually have it in the mid-morning with a cup of tea and I'm good to go until lunch. There's a decent 2g of fiber and protein, no fat, low sodium, and a nice 20% calcium (which I'm always low on).

Other Annie's cookies varieties:

• Bernie's Farm Animal Cookies (vegan)
• Organic Cinnamon Graham Crackers
• Organic Honey Graham Crackers
• Honey Bunny Graham Crackers
• Bunny Graham Friends (vegan)
• Honey Bunny Grahams (reviewed here)
• Cinnamon Bunny Grahams (vegan)
• Chocolate Chip Bunny Grahams (vegan)
• Gluten-free Snickerdoodle Bunny Cookies (vegan)
• Gluten-free Ginger Snap Bunny Cookies
• Gluten-free Cocoa and Vanilla Bunny Cookies (vegan)

Brand:

• Non-GMO
• No artificial flavours, synthetic flavours, or preservatives
• Sustainability Reports
• Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship!