A vegan in Brampton, ON

Wednesday, 28 January 2015

Review of 'Luna Bar' White Chocolate Macadamia

Luna Bar -- White Chocolate Macadamia (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: mmm, I really enjoyed this bar...mostly because of the creamy milky chocolate layer. There's also a nice crispy rice texture and another layer with cool icing. The bar is very sweet, just like I like them. The only issue is that there just are not enough macadamias! Oh!...and I did get a bit of staleness in one of the bites. The nutritional profile is very good. The issue I have with the ingredients is that the soy-based ingredients aren't organic and thus, may not be sustainably sourced (read more here on soy, deforestation, and climate change).

Where to buy: Fortinos, Bulk Barn

White Chocolate Macadamia

Ingredients: LunaPro® (Soy Rice Crisps [Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour, Calcium Carbonate], Organic Toasted Oats [Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Natural Vitamin E (Antioxidant)], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour, Organic Flaxseed), Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Coating (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Organic Palm Kernel Solids, Organic Soy Flour, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla Extract), Inulin (Chicory Extract), Macadamia Nuts, Macadamia Nut Butter, Organic Cashews, Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids, Organic Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Glycerine, Sea Salt, Natural Flavors, Organic Natural Flavor, Natural Vitamin E (Antioxidant).

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 190
Calories from fat: 60
Total fat: 7g
Sat fat: 2g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 115mg
Total carb.: 25g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Insoluble fiber: 1g
Sugars: 11g
Other carb.: 11g
Protein: 9g
Vit A: 20%
Vit C: 20%
Calcium: 35%
Iron: 30%

I really would have ranked this higher if the soy-based ingredients were organic. The nutritional information is solid, with 9g of protein and 4g of fiber, and packed with vitamins/minerals. I'm really keen on trying the Blueberry Bliss flavour...lover of blueberries here!

Other flavours:

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)
‡Rainforest Alliance Certified™

Sunday, 25 January 2015

Review of 'Nature's Path' -- Pumpkin-N-Spice Granola Bar

Nature's Path -- Pumpkin-N-Spice™ Flax Plus® Granola Bars (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5
Summary: this was overall nice, but I noted a couple of stale-ish parts. The spicyness wasn't that present, but the pumpkin seeds were enjoyable. I really appreciate that the ingredients are organic, even the soy. The nutritional content is quite good; low calorie and decent protein/fibre and super healthy fats.

Where to buy: Bulk Barn, Fortinos

Ingredients: Granola* (rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, soy oil*), tapioca syrup*, brown rice flour*, pumpkin seeds* (pumpkin seeds*, salt), invert cane syrup*, flaxseeds*, acacia gum*, soy oil*, evaporated cane juice*, sea salt, spice*, molasses*. *Organic. Contains soy. Produced in a facility that uses dairy, peanuts and tree nuts.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 140
Fat: 4g
Saturated fat: .5g
Trans fat: 0g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1.9g
Monounsaturated fat: .5g
Omega-6: 2g
Omega-3: .4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 80mg
Carbohydrate: 23g
Fibre: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 2%
Iron:10%

Loving the ingredients. I have no complaints. The nutrition facts are great as well, with few calories, healthy fats, low sodium, and a decent amount of fiber and protein given the calorie count. Very nice.

Other Flax Plus Granola Bar varieties:

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

Sunday, 18 January 2015

Review of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice Jasmine

Uncle Ben's -- Ready Rice Jasmine (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2/5
Summary: no, nah, nope...I wouldn't buy this again. It is missing the full aroma of fresh jasmine rice. It's also missing the full flavour. It tastes stale and it's totally worth it to just cook your own jasmine rice from scratch. The only thing that salvaged this was my decision to add raisins, slivered almonds, and a bit of butter. I heated this on the stove and needed more water than suggested in the instructions. All in all, I definitely wouldn't recommend this product.

Where to buy: most grocery stores

Ingredients: water, jasmine rice, canola oil and/or sunflower oil, soy lecithin, natural flavour, niacin, iron, thiamine, folate.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Calories from fat: 25
Total fat: 2.5g
Saturated fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Potassium: 55mg
Total carbohydrates: 52g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

The ingredients are very nice and simple, but it just doesn't cut it in terms of flavour and aroma. The nutritional profile is good, with a solid 5g of protein and low-fat.

Other Uncle Ben's 'Ready Rice' products:

Recipes:

Brand:

Nothing impressive to report

Sunday, 4 January 2015

Review of Van's Gluten-Free Crackers (The Perfect 10)

Van's -- Gluten-Free Crackers (The Perfect 10) (vegan, gluten-free)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: super flavourful and crunchy! A+! You can really taste the blend of sesame and poppy seeds and the onion and garlic flavours. The ingredients are super, though I'd prefer some more fiber/protein content. It's also a wee bit salty for me. Still, I highly recommend this product.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Wanigan

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

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 12 crackers
Calories: 140
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total carbohydrate: 20g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 2g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

I have zero issue with these ingredients; all are simple, natural, and wholesome. The nutritional profile is decent; it's low-calorie, low in bad fats, low in sodium, and has a decent amount of protein and fiber. These pair well with a mild cheese, but my preference is a guacamole dip!

Other Gluten-Free Cracker flavours:

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)

Friday, 2 January 2015

Review of 'Mary's Organic Crackers' Original Seed Cracker

Mary's Organic Crackers -- Original Seed Cracker (gluten-free, vegan)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: super duper crunchy! I really enjoy these crackers and it's kind of a staple in my pantry right now. It's simple flavours (including sesame seed!) are complemented by a nice complex texture (again, because of the seeds). I use it with cheeses as well as just simple natural nut butters. The nutritional profile is really good and the ingredients are organic, clean, and nutritous. I highly recommend this product as well as the brand, which is one of the more progressive as it relates to social/environmental initiatives.

Where to buy: Fortinos, Loblaw, Costco

Ingredients: Organic Short Grain Brown Rice, Organic Whole Quinoa, Organic Brown Flax Seeds, Organic Brown Sesame Seeds, Filtered Water, Sea Salt, Organic Wheat Free Tamari (Water, Whole Organic Soybeans, Salt, Organic Vinegar). Contains Soy & Sesame.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 13 crackers
Calories: 140
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: .5g
Trans: 0g
Polyunsaturated: 2.5g
Omega-6: 1g
Omega-3: .5g
Monounsaturated: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 190mg
Potassium: 160mg
Carbohydrate: 21g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

I have no issues with ingredients. It's perfect! The nutritional profile is very good: it's low calorie, low fat, high in good fats, low in sodium and has a nice dose of fiber and protein. Buy this!

Other flavours (all vegan):

Brand (quoted from marysorganiccrackers.com):

"We add no sweeteners to our crackers or our Sticks & Twigs."
"Our love Cookies contain organic coconut palm sugar and organic tapioca syrup, both low glycemic sweeteners. The Ginger Snaps also have some molasses. The only cane sugar in the cookies is in the organic chocolate chips we use."
Certificate of Organic Operation
Non-GMO
"We use only organic ingredients—which heal our consumers, the farmers who grow our ingredients, and the land from which our ingredients come."
"Whenever possible, we work with purchasers who pay a fair wage to producers, support women, and help maintain vibrant local communities."
"We use local suppliers whenever feasible—including our rice, which we buy from a family of organic rice farmers 50 miles from our manufacturing plant."
"We use low glycemic, whole food palm sugar harvested from the sweet nectar of the coconut palm flower, which doesn’t require cutting down trees and helps maintain a vibrant agroecosystem."
"We use only recycled paper and soy-based ink for our packaging."
"We are working with organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation to educate people regarding the symptoms of celiac disease and how to take care of our bodies when we have this autoimmune disorder, which keeps the body from digesting gluten."

Monday, 29 December 2014

Review of 'Kraft' All Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter

Kraft -- All Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: love the crunchy peanut butters! I have this in the mornings with Mary's Original Seed Crackers and I love it. It's creamy, yet crunchy with fresh, rich peanut butter flavour. The ingredients and nutrition are good, but the brand...not so great, at least as recent as 2014. I would prefer to try MaraNatha's No Stir Organic Peanut Butter, which I am to try very soon!

Where to buy: Fortinos, Sobeys, Metro

Kraft All Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter

Ingredients: 100% SELECT ROASTED PEANUTS.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 tbsp
Calories: 90
Fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 1g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Carbohydrate: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g
Iron: 2%

Well, I sure can't argue with the ingredients or nutritional profile...simple and wholesome. The fats are healthy and there's a nice dose of protein. The only issue is the brand, which I wouldn't recommend. I wouldn't personally buy this product again.

Other Peanut Butter products:

Smooth Peanut Butter
Smooth Light Peanut Butter
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Crunchy Light Peanut Butter
Extra Creamy Peanut Butter
Unsweetened/Unsalted Peanut Butter
Whipped Peanut Butter
All Natural Peanut Butter

Brand:

Some products contain GMO ingredients (more information here)
Class action lawsuit filed against Kraft by employees resulted in a settlement (read 2012 article here)
2007: sued for falsely labelling Capri Sun as 'All Natural' (read article here)
2011: class action lawsuit filed against Kraft's pollution in Attica (read article here)
2014: lawsuit against Kraft on inappropriate labelling (read article here)
There are more lawsuits, though too many to list here! You get the picture...
Work with American Red Cross for humanitarian efforts

Sunday, 28 December 2014

Review of 'Worthington Loma Linda' Cutlets Choplets

Worthington Loma Linda -- Cutlets (vegan)
Overall Rating: 3/5
Summary: this is decent. I used these choplets as a substitute for burger patties and it worked pretty well. It's thick like a patty, but the texture is not authentically meaty; it's very simple rather than complex. There's a slight rubberiness, which I actually enjoyed. There's no special seasoning, but it's tasty, albeit a bit salty. I didn't actually try it with the broth, since I used it as a patty, so not sure if it would have been better. I wouldn't recommend this product because of the ingredients that aren't so fantastic (see below).

Where to buy: US store locator

Worthington Choplets Vegetable & Grain Protein Patties, 20 oz. Can

Worthington Choplets Vegetable & Grain Protein Patties, 20 oz. Can

Ingredients: Textured vegetable protein (wheat gluten, soy protein concentrate) and caramel color.

Broth: Water, hydrolyzed soy, corn, and wheat protein, autolyzed yeast extract, and salt. Contains 2% or less of dextrose, natural flavors from non-meat sources, caramel color, and corn oil.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 2 slices
Calories: 90
Calories from fat: 10
Total fat: 1g
Saturated fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Polyunsaturated fat: .5g
Monounsaturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 500mg
Potassium: 40mg
Total carbohydrate: 4g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 18g
Iron: 2%

The soy 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. The caramel colour is linked to harmful effects on health. The corn ingredients aren't labelled non-GMO.

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: