Review of 'Glutino' Frosted Sensible Beginnings Cereal

Glutino -- Frosted Sensible Beginnings Cereal (vegan) 
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: there's a nice cornish taste, is very sweet, and crunchy. The ingredients aren't bad but the nutritional profile just isn't rich enough for me to buy this again. If we're talking taste here, I'd recommend it.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, Fortinos



Ingredients: CORN MEAL, LONG GRAIN WHITE RICE, SUGAR, SALT, SOY LECITHIN, VITAMINS AND MINERALS: ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), ALPHA TOCOPEROLS, REDUCED IRON, NIACINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), THIAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B1), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), VITAMIN A PALMITATE, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B12.

Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 cup
Calories: 210
     Calories from fat: 5
Total fat: .5g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total carbohydrate: 49g
     Dietary fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 19g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 40%
Iron: 70%

*Full nutritional profile available here.

The nutritional profile is scant in my opinion. For 210 calories, there's only 1g of fiber and 3g of protein and the sodium is a bit high. It does have a good vitamin/nutrient content, but just isn't enough to compel me to buy this again.

Other Glutino Cereals:

• Berry Sensible Beginning (vegan)
• Honey Nut
• Apple and Cinnamon
• Sensible Beginnings (vegan)

Brand:

• Only some products are non-GMO (find the list here) 
• Some organic products (Chocolate Peanut Butter Organic Bars, Chocolate Banana Organic Bars and Wildberry Organic Bars are organic)
• Some kosher products (find the list here)

Review of 'Ritz' Toasted Chips (Original)

Ritz -- Toasted Chips (Original) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: it's very crunchy, salty and slightly sweet; not  bad. I wouldn't buy it again, as I'm not thrilled with the ingredients (e.g. enriched flour, GMO soybean oil, and high-fructose corn syrup) that Nabisco (parent company) uses.

Where to buy: major grocery stores



Ingredients: UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID), SOYBEAN OIL, CORNSTARCH, SUGAR, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, POTATO STARCH, LEAVENING (CALCIUM PHOSPHATE AND/OR BAKING SODA), SALT.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 13 chips
Calories: 130
Total fat: 4.5g
     Saturated fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 250mg
Potassium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrate: 21g
     Fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 3g
Protein: 2g

So, the ingredients are not impressive. The nutritional profile is not that great. For 130 calories, it's pretty high in sodium and has next to no fiber and low protein and no vitamins/nutrients.

The wholesomeness of some ingredients have been questioned, but I think that it's still up for debate as to just how unhealthy those ingredients are. In the interim period, before we define how bad these ingredients really are, I opt to stay away.

Recipes:

• Crab au gratin
• Mini Muffulletas
• Pecan Parmesan Chicken Tenders
• Spinach Bacon Dip
• Shrimp on a Ritz
• Spicy Pecan Praline

Brand:

• Parent company is Nabisco
• Nabisco uses GMO ingredients

Review of 'Odwalla' Orange Cranberry Bar

Odwalla -- Orange Cranberry Bar (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: the bar is made of real fruit and whole grains. The cranberries were nice and fresh and the bar was very sweet. The bar was sweet but the orange bits had a bitter taste, which was kinda nice at first, but I got a bit tired afterward. I did find the bar very dry for my preferences. As I'm not a big citrus fan, I personally wouldn't buy this again.

Where to buy: US (Harris Teeter)/Canada



Ingredients: Brown rice syrup, organic rolled oats, dried sweetened cranberries (apple juice concentrate, cranberries, sunflower oil), organic oat flour, date paste, oat bran, plum puree, organic invert cane syrup, vegetable glycerin, raisin paste, oat fiber, dried sweetened orange peel (orange peel, evaporated cane juice, citric acid, sunflower oil), less than 2% of: natural flavors, calcium carbonate, organic sunflower oil, soy lecithin, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), baking soda, salt, Vitamin E (D-Alpha tocopherol acetate), citric acid and beta carotene.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
     Calories from fat: 20
Total fat: 2.5g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 100mg
Potassium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 41g
     Fiber: 4g
     Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 6%
Vitamin E: 50%

The ingredients are good and the nutritional profile is pretty good. For 200 calories, it's low in fat, sodium, and has a nice fiber count, vitamins and nutrients, and a decent amount of protein.

Other Odwalla bars:

• Apple Toffee Pistachio (vegan)
• Banana Nut (vegan) (reviewed here)
• 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)
• 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 'Clif Bar' Blueberry Crisp

Clif Bar -- Blueberry Crisp (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: very juicy blueberries and strong blueberry flavour! There's a hint of an aftertaste...maybe artificial-ish? It's super moist and very sweet. The nuts are plentiful, though could be fresher and crunchier. As a massive blueberry fan, I'd give this another try and buy it again, especially given the fantastic ingredients and really well-rounded nutritional profile.

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




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, Blueberry Fruit Pieces (Concentrated Apple Puree, Glucose Syrup, Oat Fiber, Pectin, Elderberry Juice Concentrate [Color], Citric Acid, Concentrated Blueberry Puree, Natural Flavor), Organic Almonds, ClifCrunch® (Organic Oat Fiber, Inulin [Chicory Extract], Organic Milled Flaxseed, Organic Oat Bran, Organic Psyllium), Organic Cane Syrup, Blueberries (Blueberries, Apple Juice Concentrate), Organic Date Paste, Almond Butter, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Citric Acid.

Nutrition Fact
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Total fat: 5g
     Sat. fat: .5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 240mg
Total carb.: 43g
     Dietary fiber: 5g
          Insoluble fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 21g
     Other carb.: 17g
Protein: 10g
Vit. A: 30%
Vit. C: 90%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 10%

As all Clif Bars I've had, the ingredients are great and I don't worry much over it. As regards the nutritional profile, this is an excellent one! For 250 calories, there's a solid 5g of fiber an d 10g of protein, lots vitamins and nutrients, and very little fat.

Other Clif Bar flavours (all vegan):

• Apricot
• Banana Nut Bread
• Black Cherry Almond (reviewed here)
• Carrot Cake (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Almond Fudge (reviewed here)
• Chocolate Brownie
• Chocolate Chip (reviewed here) 
• Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch (reviewed here)
• Coconut Chocolate Chip
• Cool Mint Chocolate (reviewed here)
• Crunchy Peanut Butter (reviewed here)
• Gary's Panforte
• Iced Gingerbread
• Maple Nut (reviewed here)
• Peanut Toffee Buzz (reviewed here)
• Oatmeal Raisin Walnut (reviewed here)
• Peppermint Stick
• Spiced Pumpkin
• White Chocolate Macadamia

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 'Taste of Nature' Canadian Maple Forest Bar

Taste of Nature -- Canadian Maple Forest (vegan)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Summary: perfectly juicy, lots of fresh, crunchy, sweet pecans, super duper maple flavour. The ingredients are amazing; wholesome and simple. I have zero complaints and highly recommend this bar!

Where to buy: Shopper's Drug Mart, Fortinos, Bulk Barn, Costco, Highland Farms, Metro, Wal-Mart, Wanigan



Ingredients: Pecans*, apricots*, Brazil nuts*, agave nectar*, brown rice syrup*, raisins*, whole grain brown rice crisps*, maple syrup*, maple flavour*, vanilla flavour*, sea salt.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 190
     Calories from fat: 110
Fat: 12g
     Saturated fat: 1.5g
     Trans fat:
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 35mg
Carbohydrate: 19g
     Fiber: 3g
     Sugar: 8g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

This is just the perfect little snack bar for me. It has great ingredients and has a good nutritional profile. The taste...amazing! Try this bar!!

Other 'Exotic Bars' flavours (vegan):

• Caribbean Ginger Island
• Persian Pomegranate Garden
• Himalayan Goji Summit
• Mediterranean Pistachio Passion

Brand:

• 100% Organic, Certified Kosher, Gluten free, Source of fibre, Source of Energy
• Certified Gluten Free
• Certified Vegan
• Eco Cert
• Non-GMO Certified
• Nothing artificial, no fillers and no chemicals 
• Organic ingredients are supplied through a network of family farms and businesses
• Bars are made in facility in Markham, Ontario, Canada
• Green business practices in manufacturing, packaging and shipping
• Sources Bullfrog green power for processing products
• Recycle food waste to farms for use as animal feed
• Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
• Alive Awards of Excellence
• LIVERight Award
• No additives/artificial flavours/artificial sweeteners/animal products/dairy/preservatives/simple sugars/Sulphur Dioxide/cholesterol/wheat/gluten; low sodium

Review of Clif Mojo Sweet and Salty Trail Mix Bar (Chocolate Almond Coconut)

Clif Mojo -- Sweet and Salty Trail Mix Bar (Chocolate Almond Coconut) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: Wow....this delivers. It's all of what you would anticipate; very coconutty, almondy, and chocolatey. Not issue there. It's nice and crunchy and medium-sweet. It's a very juicy, fresh bar. Not at all dry. I highly recommend this bar and would buy it again!

Where to buy: only available in the US (store finder)



Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Almonds, Soy Rice Crisps (Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour, Calcium Carbonate), Organic Chocolate Chunks (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla), Organic Coconut, Almond Butter, Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Oat Syrup Solids, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Coconut Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Gum Arabic, Natural Flavor, Natural Vitamin E (antioxidant).

Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200
     Calories from fat: 110
Total fat: 12g
     Sat. fat: 6g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: 1.5g
     Monounsaturated fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 170mg
Total carb.: 20g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Sugars: 10g
Protein: 8g
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 8%

Fantastic ingredients....clean and wholesome. The nutritional profile is very, very good! There's a solid 8g of protein and 3g of fiber, with 10% calcium and 8% iron. It's high in good fats and low in sodium and calories (vs nutrition!).

Other flavours:

• Dipped Chocolate Peanut
• Dipped S'mores (vegan)
• Honey Roasted Peanut
• Mixed Nuts (vegan)
• Mountain Mix (vegan)
• Peanut Butter Pretzel (vegan)
• White Chocolate Macadamia

Brand:

• 70% organic
• CLIF MOJO bars are free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives and ingredients sourced from GMOs.
• All CLIF MOJO bars are certified Kosher.
• Honey Roasted Peanut and Chocolate Peanut contain honey, a product of bees.

Review of 'Glutino' Pretzel Sticks

Glutino -- Pretzel Sticks (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: super crunchy, perfectly salted, and low-calorie! I'd say it tastes great...but I wouldn't recommend this product nor would I buy it again. It offers next to no nutritional benefit (empty calories) and uses GMO ingredients along with palm oil (linked to deforestation in tropical countries).

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, Metro, Superstore, Fortinos

Coupon!


Ingredients: CORN STARCH, POTATO STARCH, RICE FLOUR, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, PALM OIL, SUGAR, SALT, CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE, SOY LECITHIN, SODIUM BICARBONATE, YEAST EXTRACT, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CITRIC ACID.

Nutrition Profile
Serving size: 42 sticks
Calories: 160
Fat: 4.5g
     Saturated fat: 2.5g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 560mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
     Fibre: 0g
     Sugars: 2g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 2%

The nutritional profile is just not good...it doesn't offer much nutrition. Nearly no protein and fiber and high in sodium. The ingredients aren't much better...corn syrup solids (likely GMO), palm oil (linked to deforestation in tropical countries)...pass.

Other varieties:

• Yogurt Covered Pretzels
• Pretzel Twists (vegan)
• Pretzel Chips (vegan)
• Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Brand:

• Only some products are non-GMO (find the list here) 
• Some organic products (Chocolate Peanut Butter Organic Bars, Chocolate Banana Organic Bars and Wildberry Organic Bars are organic)
• Some kosher products (find the list here)