Cereal – Page 2 – The Celiathlete

October 20, 2015

Product Review: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s

Product: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s – $2.49

You know, there is something that is so comforting about cereal. I grew up eating cereal as a child…and not just the frosted sugary type either. I was a huge fan of Cheerios and Corn Flakes and even Wheat, Corn, and Rice Chex. I loved it all.

As I’ve gotten older, cereal has remained a staple in my morning routine. It’s easy for me to eat a bowl and then get ready for a run…and have the energy to get through it. Some people run on empty stomachs in the morning, but my sports nutritionist and my own foray into the nutrition field, both have shown me why this is not such a good idea. As my sports nutritionist said…even if it’s just a handful of cereal or nuts or toast…eat something before you head out.

Not a problem with me, because I LOVE breakfast. And one of my greatest breakfast loves is…as I mentioned above…cereal. I had recently stopped eating cereal, subbing in some fruit and yogurt instead. But…when something so unique comes along that you simply must have it…cereal is back in the bowl in the morning. And now part of me wonders why I stopped eating it in the first place.

The cereal that changed my entire morning routine back to the way it was happens to be a product of Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s. Yes…Pumpkin O’s. As in a Cheerio-like cereal flavored with mega pumpkin flavor. Oh, and they are about the size of Froot Loops (or the size Froot Loops used to be when they made them right…like…when I was a kid and all).

So, like most great food stories, this one all started at the grocery store. I had only a small list of items to buy at Trader Joe’s. But the moment I walked in the door, I saw the big display of all the seasonal pumpkin everything everywhere stuff. I noted the cereal and let out a small sigh. Pumpkin cereal. Pumpkin O’s to be exact. Oh, to not be Celiac.

But then, Cathy (the roomie) spotted the print in the corner. Low Fat. Vegn. Gluten Free.

It was as though the pumpkin gods were smiling down upon me that day. Whatever I did right that day, thank you great cereal gods for watching out for my particular cereal wants/needs. Happy dance. Happy dance all the way up and down the aisles. Seriously…there was no stopping me.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s are “round like pumpkins rounder, actually) and fun like jack o’lantenrs (maybe more fun, since you can eat them)” and are the sibling cereal to the Original Joe’s O’s. The box claims that the pumpkin wizards created this cereal with a stroke of their pumpkin-shaped wands, which are difficult and challenging to control) so this particular flavor of cereal will only be around for pumpkin season. So, if you’re a pumpkin nut-case like me…you best get to Trader Joe’s.

This morning, with my Dole pineapple (also purchased at Trader Joe’s) gone…this was my breakfast of choice before hitting the gym. I measured out a serving, loving the size of the little round o’s. I snagged a few to taste dry from my bowl and crunched on them while I went to retrieve the unsweetened cashew milk. Into the bowl it went, giving the cereal a little lift.

In went the spoon. Spoon went to mouth. Down the hatch.

And holy Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! This cereal is amazing. If you’re a pumpkin lover like me, you’ll love this. Here’s why. This cereal is LOADED with pumpkin flavor. No skimping on that. No way. It’s crunchy, even in the cashew milk. And it tastes amazing. I was tempted to pour myself another bowl, but I opted to behave and stick to the serving recommendation. I had coffee and the gym to tackle. That being said, I sort of want to buy Trader Joe’s out of this cereal and just have it in my kitchen for all those mornings, not in pumpkin season, when I just want to have it be pumpkin season again.

I am beyond impressed.

Let’s discuss the ingredients in Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s. This cereal is made from whole grain brown rice, cane sugar, whole grain oats, brown sugar, pumpkin, sea salt, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, sodium phosphate, cinnamon, annatto (color), mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E as an antioxidant for freshness). It is gluten-free, vegan, low in fat, and contains 20 grams of whole grains per serving. LOVE that.

As for nutritional facts, the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s actually stack up to be a healthier breakfast cereal choice than most commercial cereals. A serving is 1 cup (30 grams). This serving will provide 110 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 140 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 9 grams sugar, and 2 grams of protein. It’s not going to fill you up, but it will get you through the morning.

Trader Joe’s did one better than most gluten-free cereals already out on the market. Trader Joe’s latched onto the pumpkin flavor craze…and it paid off in spades. If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area, go there…and get a box as soon as you can. The Pumpkin O’s will only be around for a limited time.

Time for me to restock…

October 5, 2015October 5, 2015

Product Review: Tina’s Sweet Treats Banana Bread Granola

Product: Tina’s Sweet Treats Banana Bread Granola – $2.99+

One of the best things to ever come from my birthday expedition to Jungle Jim’s International Market (FOODIE HEAVEN!) was discovery local (to Ohio…not to me) bakeries through the products they had on display and for sale at Jungle Jim’s. I love purchasing these items over everything else, because, well…I LOVE supporting local businesses.

So, one of the products I snagged from the end cap of gluten-free local bakery goodies at the market was this amazing sounding granola from a place called Tina’s Sweet Treats, based out of Franklin, Ohio.

Tina’s Sweet Treats came about after six (6) members of her family were diagnosed with Celiac. She went from casually baking gluten-free to full-blown. And, as with most people, wanting to make sure that her fmaily didn’t miss out on any of the wonderful baked goods that they loved, Tina worked hard to create products that won’t lack in flavor, taste, or make her family members feel like they were missing out on something amazing. Everything from Tina’s Sweet Treats is baked fresh from their home kitchen, which is completely free of contamination!

I love it when I can also get a product and feel 100% secure that it won’t make me sick. When something is produced where contamination will not even come into question, I never have to play roulette with my body. And for that, I am thankful!

Jungle Jim’s had a few options from Tina’s Sweet Treats…but the one that really caught my eye…mostly because I don’t see a lot of this from local bakeries…was the granola. But not just any granola. Probably what may be considered the most epic of all granola.

Banana Bread Granola.

You had my full attention with all three of those words. Into the basket…into the shopping bag…into the car…into my pantry.

And it didn’t last long. This past weekend, I was baking and cooking up a storm, and my lunch was something quick and easy on Saturday. I had a soccer match to get to and I needed to make some Gluten Free and Vegan Snickerdoodle Blondies and some Dairy Free Pumpkin Ice Cream before heading out to the big playoff match for Louisville City FC. Thus…lunch became a yogurt with granola on top. I remembered I had the granola…and being that it is made by a bakery, no preservatives are added and therefore, it is best when used by the sell-by date. This would certainly accomplish that. So, after palming a handful to taste on its own (OH MY GOD YUM!), I poured some on a yogurt for my roommate and some on mine. It was a simple, yet delicious addition to already delicious yogurts, let me tell you.

What I love, first and foremost, is that toasty flavor you get with homemade granola. Top it off with that aroma and the taste of fresh banana bread, and you’re talking about a winning combination. And that is exactly what Tina’s Sweet Treats accomplishes with this gluten free Banana Bread Granola. It was the perfect topper and stir-in for my vegan yogurt, and acted as a bit of a “sundae” topper for Cathy’s Banana Greek Yogurt with a Chocolate Topping. It was, without a doubt, a way to kick up the yogurt lunch a notch. And, the added crunch was that bonus that sometimes yogurt lacks.

I wish I lived closer to Tina’s Sweet Treats. I’d purchase this every week. Probably multiple times.

The Tina’s Sweet Treats Banana Bread Granola is made from rice flour, potato starch, millet flour, tapioca flour, sweet rice flour, sugar, apples, milk, butter (cream, natural flavorings), eggs, brown sugar (white sugar, molasses) sour cream, baking powder (corn starch, sodium bicarbonate, sodium aluminum sulfate, monocalcium phosphate), vanilla (water, alcohol, vanilla bean), xanthan gum, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and salt.

Since this is made out of a home and sold by a local bakery, I don’t have any of the nutritional information. But…as with all granola out there, stick to a serving (usually around 28 grams), and don’t go overboard. It’s all good. Enjoy a sweet treat (see what I did there?) every now and again.

Love at first banana bread-y bite. Seriously, if you are a lover of banana and banana bread, Tina’s Sweet Treats has you covered with this granola. I only wish they had it online to order. Just…pure goodness and pure wow any way you want to eat it. Personally, by the handful is the way I recommend. HA!

February 20, 2015

Product Review: Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters

Product: Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters – $3.99+

I. HEART. VAN’S.

Honestly…best gluten-free waffles you can find in the freezer section of the grocery store. For real. Best gluten-free French toast sticks too. Some of the best boxed gluten-free pasta meals. Amazing gluten-free crackers. Yes…Van’s has impressed me each and every time they have put out a product for the gluten-free market.

I won’t lie. I have a bit of a Celiac crush on them.

Shhhh.

So, this past week, I was out and about at Target, spending all my money on all the seasons of Game of Thrones (my newest obsession!) on Blu-ray, when it occured to me that my roomie and I didn’t have any gluten-free granola in the house. Considering at least twice a week I make delicious breakfast parfaits that require said granola, this had to be fixed. And, wouldn’t you know it, Target recently started carrying a good amount of gluten-free breakfast things. Technical term…things. So, the two of us meandered over to the grocery section to see if we spotted anything we liked.

Our eyes immediately went to the KIND brand and we snagged a bag of it and then prepared to move on. But my wandering eyes spotted something else. Van’s…granola?! What was this? I didn’t even know that existed. I didn’t know it was out in the wild! And now I really, really wanted to try it. Why? Because Van’s Gluten-Free = OMGYUMMY!

So, without any hesitation, the pack of KIND granola we settled on was back in place and the bag marked NEW carrying that infamous red flag that reads: VAN’S…now made its way into our little shopping basket. Game of Thrones…granola. Do we know how to party or what?!

So, one morning this week, I got everything geared up to make big, big breakfast parfaits. I had the new granola to try…I had kiwi fruit from my CSA bin…I had Greek yogurt. So…the assembly began…but not without me first sneaking a taste of the granola.

Bad idea.

Very, very, very bad idea.

Because one taste of the Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters and I was beyond hooked. Holy Moses and the Gluten Free Gods! I mean…think of the most fantastic Rice Krispies treat you have ever had…then multiply it by at least ten. Maybe more. This soft baked granola is exactly what that tastes like. Trust me. I used to devour Rice Krispies treats whenever possible. This is a little bit sticky, very soft and chewy, packed with sweetness, with a hit of the dried fruit and the savory nuts to bring it balance and amazing texture. I wanted to eat the entire bag and not share. Not even put it in a parfait. It was sheer perfection the way it was…straight out of the bag. So much love. One big gooey clump of granola…one very happy Celiathlete. Beyond amazed. Beyond impressed. Simply put…I was blown away. This is one of the only granola I now will have in my pantry.

One of those reasons is how much Van’s actually cares about what they put into their products. And the Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters are no exception. They even put on their label: “Ingredients: (That we are proud of!)”. WINNING! So, what goes into the Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Granola Clusters? Glad you asked! This granola is comprised of gluten-free whole grain oats, brown rice syrup, walnuts, invert cane syrup, non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil, dried blueberries, cane sugar, unsweetened coconut, honey, flax seed, gluten free oat bran, almonds, vanilla extract, sea salt, and mixed tocopherols for freshness. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, cholesterol-free, kosher, made with whole grains, and contain no artificial flavors or colors.

As far as nutrition goes…loving the stats on the Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters. One serving is actually a whopping 1/3 cup. In this serving, you will be taking in 130 calories and 5 grans of fat. You will also be provided with 30 mg sodium and only 6 grams of sugar. This serving will also dish up 2 grans of fiber and 2 grams of protein.

And, trust me…you’ll just eat it straight out of the bag. You won’t want to stop. You’ll wish you had dished out a portion size. And then you won’t care. Because…just wow!! WOW!! Another winner in the Van’s Gluten Free product line up. I’m going back for more of this granola this week. Because, yeah, we polished it.

February 9, 2015

Product Review: Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal

Product: Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal – $4.99

January has come and gone, but some of us are clinging tightly to our New Years Resolutions. There are so many new members at my gym that it’s virtually impossible to get a machine unless you arrive at 5 a.m. Granted, this happens every year…but it can still be quite the gauntlet to run for about 2-3 months. Along with exercise come vows to eat better and to diet, diet, diet. Now, I’m not one to technically diet. I try to mind what I eat (although I have my weaknesses…like anything creamy like a nut/seed butter) all throughout the year, but it seems when everyone around you is dieting, you become a bit more mindful of what you’re eating as well.

Leave it to Cuisine Cube, then, to put together the perfect cube for January 2015. Enclosed inside were some really fantastic gluten-free products…that had a healthy edge to each and every one of them. I have already dined on the gluten-free white chili mix. And while I have plenty left in this cube, this past day, I realized I was out of my little pouches of oatmeal for lunch…so therefore, I needed something to feast on at work. Since oatmeal is my thing…I remembered that Cuisine Cube had included a package of oatmeal in the latest delivery. I went and dug it out of the box and took it into the kitchen to see about getting it ready for the following day at work.

But I’ll get to that soon enough. Let me first talk about Cuisine Cube. Cuisine Cube is a mail delivery service, starting at a cost as low as $29.99, which delivers amazing, local, small artisan gluten-free products and foods to your doorstep each month. Encased in each box you will find 5-6 products that are free of preservatives and chemicals that you are likely to find in the more common gluten-free product brand names on the shelves of your grocery store. When I first signed up for this, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I’m hooked. And I love the surprise I get each month when I open up the box and dig out what they included this time. It is truly like Christmas every month. And I have liked and loved pretty much everything that that have included. Not always…but they have a good streak going this far.

Well, with all the promises to get fit and stay fit, it seems Cuisine Cube was prepared. For the breakfast item in the January 2015 cube, they included a pack of Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal. This is not the first time Fiona’s Natural Foods has been a part of my Cuisine Cube. I’ve had the opportunity to try (and love) a granola that was included in the very first Cuisine Cube I received (May 2014). This made me very excited to give the oatmeal a try. Fiona’s Natural Foods’ mission is simply to offer consumers an organic, gourmet product that is superior in taste, texture, quality, and nutritional value. They commit themselves to this mission with each product they have on the market. In my January Cuisine Cube, it was the Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal.

The first thing I did was scan the packaging for the instructions on how to prepare it. They had a few options…stove top, microwave, or cold. I love overnight oats, and it’s so much easier to do for work than try to fit into the line for the one microwave we have for the 18 people that work in the actual office. So, that’s what I did. There weren’t many instructions, just to combine the oatmeal with milk and let it sit overnight. There were no measurements, so I went with the measurements for the warm version of this cereal. 1/4 cup of the oatmeal – 1/2 cup of milk (I used Silk Unsweetened Cashew Milk). I put it in a mason jar and set it in the fridge overnight. There was a lot of liquid, but I was hoping that the oats would soak most of it up as it sat overnight. It didn’t. Not really…but it was no bother to me.

That following afternoon, around noon, when I usually take my lunch, I went to the kitchen at the office where I stashed my jar of milk and oats in the fridge and brought it back to my desk. I took one bite…and was amazed. The crazy amount of flavor and texture that comes with each bite is fantastic. I will definitely have to give this a try warm in the next few days…but cold it was soupy (so much milk), but amazing. The European-style oatmeal is a hearty and wholesome blend of dried fruits, oats, nuts and seeds. There was no added sugars, no added oil. Nothing that shouldn’t be in there. Extra love just for that. So, I carefully brought a spoonful of the chilled oats and cashew milk up to my lips and tried it.

I am beyond in love with this blend. First of all…the flavors that come out of having no sweeteners or spices included in the ingredients is fantastic. The seeds and nuts make each spoonful take on a fantastic and intriguing texture. I loved the variety. The raisins and tart cherries plumped up sitting in the milk overnight and were sweet and sour all at once. It was fantastic. In fact, today I made it up for my roommate as well. Remember, Cathy doesn’t have to eat gluten-free or vegan or vegetarian…but she does in the apartment. And, guess what? She LOVED the oatmeal. In fact, she said her favorite part was how plump and ripe the bits of raisin and cherry got. Yeah…it’s a total win. Super delicious. I would make this for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a total heartbeat!

Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? The Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal is made from certified gluten free rolled oats, certified gluten free steel cut oats, raisins, flax seeds, dried sour cherries, pecans, and sunflower seeds. Yes…that is it. It is raw, wheat free, vegan, soy free, salt free, gluten free, and amazing!! Just pure and simply amazing.

As for nutrition, a serving of Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal is 1/4 cup. In this serving, you will be taking in 120 calories and 4 grams of fat. You will also be provided with only 3 grams of sugar. Isn’t that fantastic. This oatmeal is cholesterol free and sodium free. Finally, you will be consuming 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein, which will help make you feel full once you finish your serving. It truly is one of the most fantastic oatmeal combinations I have ever eaten.

I can’t find Fiona’s Natural Foods products here in my area, so when I get something like this, it truly does make me want to place an order for more. And that will certainly be happening as the way this oatmeal plays across your taste buds and excites your palate is really unmatched by anything else I have eaten. Truly a fantastic food in and of itself. Hot or cold…you’re going to want to devour the Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal. I know it won’t last long in my pantry.

Another brilliant product brought to me by the amazing Cuisine Cube. I am forever in their debt.

Overnight Oats made from Fiona's Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal — Overnight Oats made from Fiona’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Cherry Pecan Oatmeal

January 28, 2015

Product Review: New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Coconut Granola

Product: New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Coconut Granola – $6.49+

I don’t know why…but I have turned into a granola freak over the past couple of years. I absolutely love the stuff. And it can be eaten on its own, on top of Greek yogurt, put over ice cream, mixed with fruit, etc. I love granola and love trying new versions that I find out in the markets. When it comes to the gluten-free options available in my area, I think I’ve pretty much tackled them all. Every brand. Every flavor. I’ve got it covered.

So, when I take a trip to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit my family, one of the required stops I make is to a natural foods market called Organic Harvest. It was on one such trip that I stopped in and spotted some gluten-free granola I was unfamiliar with on one of the shelves. Therefore, I put it into the “Organic Harvest Budget” and made it one of the items I brought home with me. I try to aim for things I don’t see in my area…so this fell right into that category.

The brand was New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Coconut Granola. There were a few flavor options on the shelf from New England Naturals…but this had a few things working for it…the word unsweetened…the word coconut…and the word berry. I happily snagged the white and pink package off the shelf and dropped it into my basket. After a little more shopping…it was time to check out. And, when I left Alabama, this bag of granola made the journey with me.

And then sat, dormant, as I wasn’t doing anything in the mornings with granola. Until recently. Because I’m really changing up not only workout plans, but also the diet. And some mornings…a fruit, yogurt and granola parfait are on the menu. YAY! Finally getting things back on track. And I have been working my way through the packs of granola that I have acquired over the past few months. Some I have liked more than others. But now…it was time for the New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Coconut Granola to either wow me or underwhelm me.

Yesterday…was the first chance it had to shine. I had picked up some strawberries at the grocery store over the weekend, along with some Greek yogurt. So, I began building the parfait…starting with a small hit of the New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Granola…then yogurt…honey…fruit…repeat…top with a handful of granola…drizzle honey…enjoy! Simple. And one heck of a breakfast if you ask me. Nutritious, filled with great nutrients, and hearty thanks to the granola.

I loved quite a few things about this granola. For one thing, the New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Granola wasn’t clumpy. No large clusters to break apart. It was just every little piece stood on its own. Which means to me that this is not loaded with sticky sugars and syrups that would cause things to bind together. YAY! Second of all…because it is unsweetened, the flavors that are in the bag are what you get. If a granola can’t stand on its own when it comes to flavor…then…I feel it is failing to do its duty. The freeze dried blueberries and raspberries really bring out the tangy nature of this granola. The coconut chips add a depth of flavor. And the oats…they bring the texture. I felt all the components really worked well together and when put into one bite did make for…a perfect bite. Subtle flavors…but just enough to accentuate, not detract from the rest of the dish.

What I love about New England Naturals is that they believe that gluten free products should be delicious and have nutritional value. What a concept!! So often, a gluten free product is a calorie and fat laden mess, making up for the lack of gluten in the product. It is great to see a company striving for better health in gluten free goods. This is something I can totally get behind.

With that being said, let’s go ahead and take a look at the ingredients that go into the New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Granola, shall we? This granola includes organic gluten free oats, organic expeller pressed canola oil, organic coconut, organic raisin puree, organic corn meal, organic flax seed, organic freeze dried raspberries, organic freeze dried blueberries, organic vanilla flavor, and salt. This granola is non-GMO, kosher, gluten-free trans fat free, and cholesterol free. It is a great source of iron as well!

As far as nutrition information goes, a serving of the New England Naturals Organic Gluten Free Unsweetened Berry Granola is 1/2 cup. That’s a lot of granola. I use half of that in each parfait. But, if you were to eat an entire serving, that would provide you with 250 calories and 12 grams of fat. Much of that fat count is going to be provided by the oils, seeds, and the coconut. With the exception of the oil, the rest of it is a healthy fat. A serving of this granola will also dish up 60 mg sodium and 3 grams of sugar. How amazing is that? So often, granola is just laden with sugar and I have to really pay attention to it as I’m trying to cut back on processed sugars. But with this being left unsweetened, that sugar count stays low. Love that. And, finally, you will be taking in 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein, making this not only nutritious, but also filling. I love eating a gluten-free food and not feeling famished only an hour or so later. No artificial fillers here either. This is naturally filling and it lasted me through the morning for sure.

If you like granola, but are tired of the sugar-fests out there, I highly recommend the New England Naturals brand. With less sugar and still packed with flavor, you really can’t go wrong. I am definitely enjoying using it this week on various morning dishes. Breakfast is definitely being done right. I hope I can locate some of this granola in my area…or else I’m stocking up next time I’m down visiting my family! Without a doubt…one of the best low sugar options out there.

January 14, 2015

Product Review: Love Grown Foods Strawberry Raspberry Hot Oats

Product: Love Grown Foods Strawberry Raspberry Hot Oats – $1.50+

Another day has dawned, and in true fashion, I am having oatmeal for lunch. Like I said, not a workday goes by where I don’t enjoy oats in some way, shape or form for my lunch. Normally it’s in the form of overnight oats, but I’m working on a strict budget while I pay off the holidays…and I have plenty of goodies stashed in my pantry that have been just…waiting…and waiting for their turn to be consumed.

That week has arrived as I’m not only on a tight budget, but I’m heading out of town. Therefore…it’s the perfect week to try new things, yes? Because nothing adds stress to preparing for a trip like…loading up the blog! HA!

Ah…in the end, it’s worth it. I’m just hoping I can maintain the momentum and stay caught up. We shall see.

All of that being said, it’s Wednesday…and it’s lunch time. Instead of a package of my usual Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal (hey…it is always on sale!), I’m pulling out the other options from the top shelf of the pantry. And up today…none other than Love Grown Foods Strawberry Raspberry Hot Oats.

I’m not going to lie…I sort of wish I had saved the Peach Almond Vanilla version I hate yesterday for today…because it has become my absolute favorite oatmeal…ever…of any brand…of any type…as of yesterday. I was beyond impressed and wowed by it. But, I also love berries, so I’m holding the Love Grown Foods Strawberry Raspberry Hot Oats to live up to it’s predecessor. I have no doubt it will wow me. I have yet to find something from Love Grown Foods that hasn’t done just that.

Preparation is super easy. Everything I did yesterday, I repeated today. At lunch, I pulled out the little container of oatmeal and removed the lid and the seal. I then added water up to the fill line (which…is located on the outside of the container, not the inside, which means I do a lot of guessing…but it’s worked out thus far) and gave it a stir. Into the microwave it went for 70 seconds. It says to microwave for a minute and then add on 10-20 seconds for a thicker oatmeal. I split the difference. Another stir and then I let it stand for…about a minute. It absorbs everything in the 1-2 minutes it sits…and believe me…I wanted to let it sit for 2 minutes, but I was hungry and it smelled so good.

Berries and oatmeal are BFFs. Seriously. I have never turned my nose up at any oatmeal that included either dried or fresh fruits. The hit of sweetness just meshes beautifully with the savory, rich oats. And, for that reason, I know that this little container was going to be amazing. I was right. I sort of wish I had saved the Peach Almond Vanilla one for today though…because this one just doesn’t quite equal the one I devoured yesterday for breakfast. But now I’m comparing different flavors and that’s not fair. Because this is a classic (and highly) delicious paring. I love how sweet the berries are…strawberries and raspberries offer up a natural sweetness and then…this little hint of cinnamon follows up each spoonful. It’s refreshing and warm and hearty and filling and just…perfection. Seriously. I loved how thick this oatmeal is because it does fill me up. I don’t feel hungry for much of the rest of the day. It’s amazing. Most oatmeal doesn’t come close to accomplishing that at all. I have nothing but love for Love Grown Foods and their little containers of Hot Oats. If you love fruit and berries as much as me…then this one is totally for you!

Let’s discuss ingredients, shall we? The Love Grown Foods Strawberry Raspberry Hot Oats are made from gluten-free oats, brown sugar, freeze-dried raspberries, freeze-dried strawberries, and cinnamon. Loving the small ingredient list for sure. These oats are also cholesterol free, gluten free and non-GMO.

As for nutrition, a serving of the Love Grown Foods Strawberry Raspberry Hot Oats is one container. This serving will dish up 230 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. This is actually higher than most the the oatmeal I consume, calorie-wise, but it really isn’t bad for the amount of oats you actually cook up. A serving will also give you 0 mg sodium and 12 grams of sugar. Much of the sugar seems to be due to the dried fruits, which is fine. And, trust me, these hot oats will fill you up because they pack a whopping 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein! Talk about loving it!

One thing I love about Love Grown Foods is not only their passion for their ingredients and their products, but their mission to create delicious foods that are packed with nutritional benefits and available to everyone. They have made it a point to educate not only children, but also parents and teachers on the importance of eating healthy. That’s why, Love Grown Foods keeps ingredients simple, flavors elevated, and their products healthy. They have a fantastic line of granola (or oat clusters…which I LOVE…and, yes, I have tried them all!), Super Oats (I haven’t tried these yet…but want to!), and Power O’s (breakfast cereals…which I also haven’t tried yet, but certainly want to!). With all of these options, it’s hard to make excuses for not having a filling, healthy breakfast (or lunch…or dinner!).

Love Grown Foods is definitely doing something right. It’s rare for me to LOVE everything that I try from a company, but, seriously, they keep hitting it out of the park. Not only do their products fill me up physically, but they are nutritious and healthy, and I love that. I love feeling good about the food I am eating. I can’t wait to try the products I either haven’t purchased yet or discovered yet. And…I still have one more flavor of the Hot Oats to try (Apple Cinnamon), as soon as I pick it up from the grocery store!

And trust me…that’s happening for sure!! DELICIOUS!

January 13, 2015

Product Review: Love Grown Foods Peach Vanilla Almond Hot Oats

Love Grown Foods Peach Almond Vanilla Hot Oats

Product: Love Grown Foods Peach Vanilla Almond Hot Oats – $1.50+

Gluten-Free oatmeal is a way of life for me. I know this sounds really over-the-top and dramatic, but it’s true. Every single work day, I have something that is comprised of gluten-free oats. Be it a package of gluten-free oatmeal or some version of overnight oats…lunch has been oatmeal (and oatmeal only) for the past two to three years. With all the varieties out there, and all the ways oats can be dressed up and flavored, I really don’t get tired of it. Besides, it is filling and nutritious too.

One of my favorite gluten-free companies came out with little tubs of gluten-free oatmeal awhile back. Once I was able to find them at my local stores, I tried the one that appealed to me the most: the Blueberry Banana Walnut Hot Oats. I fell in love with them. And then I vowed to get more. I just…never did.

Until recently, when I found a couple of flavors on the Manager’s Special shelf at my local grocery store. Gluten-free products on Manager’s Special means…they come home with me. Especially when it’s from a brand I already love and trust.

My relationship with Love Grown Foods began with their granola. OH. MY. GOD. Their granola (every single flavor of it!) is some of the best gluten-free granola out on the market. Then, they began expanding their line of products to include hot oats, then super oats, and finally a line of cereal as well. They are growing and expanding…and this is only a good thing. Because Love Grown Foods prides itself on putting out quality and healthy products.

They also have a huge focus on breakfast…healthy breakfasts. The products they have out on the market definitely promote this passion they share.

The Love Grown Foods Peach Almond Vanilla Hot Oats are so easy to prepare. Simply remove the lid and seal and fill with water to the fill line. Give it a stir and then microwave it for 60 seconds. Add an additional 10-20 seconds if you like a thicker consistency. Then, let it sit for 1-2 minutes. That’s it. Then you can dive in. So easy.

So I let it sit for 1 minute because the added 10 seconds I gave the cook time seemed to take away most of the water anyway. And it was sheer oat perfection. Seriously. The Love Grown Foods Peach Almond Vanilla Hot Oats cook up into a smooth, rich, and thick bowl of oatmeal. It was heaven on a spoon and warm going down. Perfect for these cold days. Even more, there was a nice balance of flavor. I had actually hesitated on purchasing the peach one, because, so often, the peach flavor dominates. I love peaches…but I don’t want it to overtake everything else in my meal. The vanilla and flavor of almonds balances out the sweetness of the peaches. And it makes for the ultimate, warming, hearty bite…all the way to the very end. There is just the right hit of sweetness thanks to the brown sugar and, so that it isn’t bland either. And the little chunks of almonds just give it a little depth in the texture to keep it interesting. It is amazing. Pure and simple. It is love. This little unassuming microwave bowl exceeded every expectation I had for my lunch today. And it made me really reconsider shunning peach flavored things in the near future. I should have known never to doubt products put out by Love Grown Foods. This one was a total win!

Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? The Love Grown Foods Peach Almond Vanilla Hot Oats are made from gluten-free oats, brown sugar, freeze-dried peaches, almonds, vanilla, and cinnamon. That’s it. Simple. Nutritious. Healthy. Amazing. These are gluten-free and dairy free and also non-GMO.

As for nutrition, a serving is one tub of the Love Grown Foods Peach Almond Vanilla Hot Oats. This little basin of goodness will deliver 240 calories and 4 grams of fat. These oats contain no cholesterol or sodium. LOVE it. In addition, a serving gives you 12 mg of sugar, of which some of it comes from the fruit that is inside. You also get 5 grams of filling fiber and 7 grams of protein. You will definitely feel full upon eating this little tub of oat-y goodness.

I was beyond elated to spoon up each bite of this amazing little dish today. I have to applaud Love Grown Foods for their dedication to quality products. It’s for this reason I continue to stock my pantry with their oats and their granola. Honestly…they have yet to let me down and I’m starting to believe it won’t happen. It comes down to this…food is love…and I love these oats. Total win with the Peach Almond Vanilla Hot Oats. Now…to go stock up on more!

Love Grown Foods Peach Almond Vanilla Hot Oats (prepared)

December 10, 2014

Product Review: Envirokidz Cinnamon Jungle Munch Cereal

Product: Envirokidz Cinnamon Jungle Munch Cereal – $4.99+

So, recently, Envirokidz (owned by Nature’s Path) put out two brand new gluten-free cereals in the Envirokidz line of cold cereals. And yes, I have no shame in eating a “kids” cereal. I mean, come on, my parents send me Freedom Foods Tropico’s in the mail so I can get my “Froot Loop” fix. Yeah…kids cereals are often more delicious than the grown up versions anyway. And who puts an age limit on which cereals you eat? My dad could polish off a box of Coco Puffs on his own…and did on numerous times…even though the cereal was bought for the three kids in my family.

Go figure.

Let it be said that when I saw that one that had the word “cinnamon” attached to it…I immediately knew that I needed to try it. Honestly. I mean, my favorite cookie is a snickerdoodle…cinnamon and I are, like, BFFs…or something. Sure, the other one was chocolate…but my eye was drawn to the box with the happy elephant on the cover. Cinnamon Jungle Munch.

I first spotted this cereal while out of town…and not in a place where I could just bring it home with me. So, when it turned up soon after at one of my local natural food stores, I added some wiggle room to the food budget and picked it up. It’s been a couple of weeks, but I needed to get caught up on blogs before opening a new cereal.

That happened…Monday.

My anticipation was high as I popped open the box and tore into the little plastic bag thingie that keeps everything fresh. I measured out a serving, dumped on some almond milk, and took a bite.

And hated it. I mean, seriously hated it. Not enough to spit it out or not polish off the rest of the box (although it’s really hard to convince myself to eat it now). I don’t know…it’s lacking a bit of sweetness. The cinnamon just sort of overwhelms everything. It’s more spicy than sweet. The little corn puffs are coated in this and it just doesn’t work for me. It just tastes…off. And I am, sadly, not a fan. I love the crunch, but the flavor is just…eh…not right. Too much cinnamon, not enough to balance it out. So…I’m stuck with cereal for at least a week that I dislike. Yay.

The Nature’s Path Web site describes Envirokidz Jungle Munch as a cereal with the “delicate sweetness of cinnamon.” They also claim kids will love it. Maybe kids will. But this adult is giving it a hefty and loud…NO!

Let’s talk about ingredients! Envirokidz Cinnamon Jungle Munch Cereal is made from organic whole grain corn meal, organic corn meal, organic brown sugar, organic molasses, organic cinnamon and sea salt. That’s it. It is gluten-free, cholesterol free, vegan, non-GMO, and made with whole grains.

As far as nutrition goes…a serving of Envirokidz Cinnamon Jungle Munch Cereal is 3/4 cup. In this serving, you are taking in 120 calories and less than 1 gram of fat. A serving also gives you 80 mg sodium and 9 grams of sugar. I admit, that’s good for sugars in a cold cereal. And you will be consuming 2 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein. So, you won’t feel full, but you won’t feel like you haven’t eaten either.

Cereals are not a one-size-fits-all sort of thing. What I dislike, others may think is the greatest thing. But this cereal really failed to impress me. Which is too bad, because I was practically bouncing off the walls wanting to try it, once I was aware that it existed. So, if you like cinnamon, you may or may not like it. This cinnamon lover…definitely didn’t like it. Maybe next time I’ll stick with the chocolate one.

October 19, 2014

Product Review: Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Mesa Sunrise Cereal

Product: Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Mesa Sunrise Cereal – $4.39+

Okay…here’s the awful truth. The moment I pulled this box down from my pantry this morning and looked at the cover I said a silent prayer. Seriously. I had to. I was really concerned that, sort of like the last flaky cereal I ate (sorry Freedom Foods…I love you but…NO!), these would taste like cardboard. There is nothing worse, especially in this day and age, than getting a gluten-free product and having it taste like…a box. It just shouldn’t happen.

So, with much trepidation, I opened up the box and scooped out a serving of the cereal. I snagged a couple of the flakes…just ready to get angry at myself for risking my morning cereal tradition with a new flavor, despite being made by a company I trust. It didn’t work out for me with Freedom Foods (and I love all the other stuff I tried of theirs…just not that one cereal!)…so I begin to doubt ALL the brand names now.

This…is the life of a Celiac…who is still taking risks and trying new stuff. I mean, hey, I can’t just stick with the classics. Well, I could, but what fun would that be.

Nature’s Path has an entire line of organic cereals and a good number of them are gluten-free. I’ve treated myself to many of their Envirokidz cereals in the past, as well as these “adult” cereals…you know…the ones with actual flakes from ancient grains and no cute animals on the box. I guess sometimes I do need to act my age. HA! Anyway…this was one of the ones that was on sale when I was out shopping for cereal…and it intrigued me at the time. The sale price, I guess…more than anything. I am a girl on a tight budget…sometimes I see gluten-free and a sale sticker and that’s what goes in my shopping basket.

The Mesa Sunrise Flakes cereal is a naturally sweetened ceral of crunchy, golden flakes that are made from a blend of Indian corn, flax, and amaranth. Completely gluten-free. They look like speckled corn flakes, honestly. And, perhaps, that’s exactly what they are. But…upon first appearance I had that initial thought:

“Oh…these are going to taste like cardboard…and for the next week…I’ll have to choke them down.”

So, those couple of flakes I snagged from the serving I dished up in my cereal bowl were the primary test. And…

They were not just good, but really good.

First of all, the texture is great. You get this perfect crunch with each bite…so you feel like you’re eating something substantial that won’t go soggy in 30 seconds once you top off your cereal with almond milk…or whatever you like to put on your cereal. That was a huge plus. But the most surprising thing was the flavor. I thought these would be bland and dry, but they weren’t. In fact, they had this nice touch of sweetness to them, the result of sweet corn and the addition of evaporated cane juice, I’m sure. But it had this great flavor and I could tell that it would stick with me after I ate it…unlike most gluten-free cereals, which tend to be laden with sugar and less protein and fiber. I burn through those. This actually felt substantial. And healthy. And good! And being made from some great whole grains does help make this a well rounded and delicious breakfast.

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a moment, shall we? The Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise Flakes are made with organic corn meal, organic yellow corn flower, organic evaporated cane juice, organic flax, organic buckwheat flour, organic quinoa, organic amaranth, sea salt, and tocopherols (natural vitamin E). These flakes are gluten-free and cholesterol free.

As far as nutrition goes, the Nature’s Path Organic Mesa Sunrise Flakes are a great way to start your day. Very healthy. A serving size is 3/4 cup. In this serving, you will be taking in 120 calories and only 1 gram of fat. This serving provides you with 125 mg sodium and only 4 grams of sugar. And you will be consuming 3 grams of filling fiber and 3 grams of protein. It’s a substantial and hearty cereal that is low in sugar (LOVE that!) and healthy thanks to being made from whole grains. I am in love with this cereal.

Nature’s Path has become a reliable and easy-to-find brand when I’m searching for some gluten-free options. Every cereal I have tried, both in their grown-up line and their Envirokidz line, have been outstanding. No wonder this company is thriving. If you need a healthy breakfast, I highly recommend trying the Nature’s Path Organic Mesa Sunrise Flakes. Great cereal and a great way to start your day!

September 21, 2014

Product Review: Freedom Foods Ancient Grain Flakes Cereal

Product: Freedom Foods Ancient Grain Flakes Cereal – $5.99+

It’s no secret how much I have latched onto and been supportive and vocally outspoken about how the natural and naturally delicious products from Freedom Foods are surprisingly nutritious and packed with nutritious goodness. So many cereals out there are loaded down with sugars and artificial ingredients. But Freedom Foods prides itself on using only natural ingredients…yes…even for those wild colors in my much loved Tropicos. So…yeah. There is a lot of love here.

Last month, I went to the Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest in Indianapolis, and one of the vendors in attendance was none other than Freedom Foods. After buying them out of Smudge (their nut-free and dairy-free Nutella), I decided I would try one of the cereals in their lineup that I don’t see at any of my stores. Right now, only Kroger carries some of their products, and very few of their cereals. After a little bit of pondering…I finally decided to try the Freedom Foods Ancient Grain Flakes.

This cereal is a blend of sorghum and buckwheat, creating a cereal that is a good source of fiber and also low in salt. What sets this cereal apart from others on the market, Freedom Foods Ancient Grain Flakes are a true super food. Why? Because they grains that they rely on are those that were consumed around the world for thousands of years. The Aztecs relied heavily on these superfoods for both strength and endurance.

Strength…and…endurance.

This runner definitely perks up hearing that! So, I gave it a try. And on the morning before I attempted my first double-digit run since I was injured…I ate a serving and went to meet up with some friends for my run. As I poured my bowl of cereal, the flakes reminded me of those that would be in, say, Raisin Bran. They were that dark flake without a coating of heavy sugar. Very nutritious looking. No raisins in sight. None needed, apparently. Right?

Well…mostly.

I love the nutritious aspects of this cereal. I really do. But…the flavor, on their own…was not good. Really dry and sort of like…cardboard. Not to be deterred though, I went ahead and poured some almond milk over the flakes themselves…and that actually helped. It wasn’t…say…my favorite…but…it wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great…but I didn’t want to just pour it into the sink and start the garbage disposal either. It definitely is my least favorite product I have tried from Freedom Foods to date…I mean…cardboard is not a good taste at all. But…it is packed with a lot of nutrition, which does my body good. And with the almond milk…it was consumable. So, there is that.

This cereal is made from rice flour, yellow corn flour, sorghum flour, buckwheat flour, psylliam husk, cane sugar, apple juice concentrate, and less than 2% salt and sunflower oil. This cereal is preservative free, a great source of fiber, non-GMO certified, low in salt, and also gluten-free, wheat-free, nut-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and egg-free.

Nutritionally speaking, this cereal is definitely higher in calories than I would like…especially since it’s not knock-me-over delicious…but it still has some great things going for it. One serving is a cup of the Freedom Foods Ancient Grains Flakes cereal is 1 cup. In this serving, you are dished up 220 calories and only 1 gram of fat. This serving also provides 60 mg sodium and 5 grams of sugar. You also get 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Filling…for sure.

So, while I wouldn’t personally purchase this cereal again, it isn’t so bad. Nutrition wise it is a powerhouse. And if you like bran flakes or something similar, perhaps this is for you. For me, it lacked something…but…it’s edible. I’ll polish off the box. Maybe it will at least bring me some added strength and endurance…