There are fewer pleasures in life as delicious and sinful as ice cream. And for the gluten (and in my case lactose) intolerant, this isn’t an easy thing to just…give up. And, thankfully there are gluten-free ice creams and a wonderful lactase supplement that makes the ice cream habit an indulgence that can be had every now and again. Let’s face it…the dairy-free ice creams are freakin’ expensive. Delicious. But, damn…expensive.
And so are gluten-free ice cream sandwiches for that matter. But some splurges are worth making.
Such is the case with Julie’s Organic Gluten-Free Lemon Yogurt Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich.
If you think indulging in ice cream is sinful, wait until you get a taste of these. Because, let me tell you, these are so delicious…and addictive. It’s a good thing the price tag is so steep because it will keep me from buying them just to keep them in my freezer. It’s life’s little balance system.
But, for a treat, there isn’t a better one than these. Julie’s Organic Ice Cream teamed up with Glutenfreeda to create a couple of gluten-free ice cream sandwich options. Previously, I had devoured the vanilla ice cream between chocolate cookies variety. This time…the lemon yogurt between gluten-free vanilla cookies was the go-to flavor. I’d been eying these since they showed up in my grocery store. Honestly…when lemon anything is involved, I so want to invite it into my foodie world. Lemon is one of my favorite flavors…of all time.
This seemed like a match made in heaven…and, oh boy…was it ever.
The cookie was perfection! Soft and light. It wasn’t too much. And between it was the sweetest spread of lemon frozen yogurt I could have ever asked for. It was a dream come true in ice cream sandwich form…and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Sweet lemon that makes you just think it’s summertime. Like that first taste of lemonade. That’s what this reminded me of. And the cookie perfectly balanced the tart lemon with a bit of vanilla sweetness. Oooh…I could eat all four in one sitting, but I have restraint. And it just means I savor them over the next couple of days.
So, if you are gluten-free and craving a little taste of summertime…reach for Julie’s Organic Gluten-Free Lemon Yogurt Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches. Why? Because nothing is better than lemon on a hot day. It’s refreshing. It’s cold. It’s a sin not to try these out. Find them. Devour them. And then thank me later for it.
It was a sad day when I realized after going gluten-free that those delicious ice cream sandwiches I used to pack into my freezer in the summer time for a nice dessert…were no longer an option. And for over a year, I went ice cream sandwich free. And trust me, friends, for the ice cream guru that I am…for someone who grew up on ice cream sandwiches (and yes…my mom even made her own!)…this was no easy task.
Then, by the grace of the gluten-free dessert gods, I was introduced to the glorious (and pricey) treat of Julie’s Organic Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies. They come in two different flavors, which my grocery store now carries, but at the time there was only the classic…vanilla ice cream between two chocolate cookies.
So, here is how this came to be. Julie’s Organic Ice Cream partnered up with Glutenfreeda and together they brought the ice cream sandwich to the gluten-free community. Glutenfreeda created the chocolate cookie and Julie’s Organic made the organic vanilla ice cream that would fill it.
Put them together…and it’s ice cream bliss in sandwich form.
Of course, I wasn’t even worried about this even tasting bad. Chocolate sandwich cookies…vanilla ice cream. WINNING just from the get-go. I mean, that’s the ice cream sandwiches we grew up with as kids. That’s what we pulled out of our freezer and licked all around the edges as it melted. Ah…memories.
Well, that’s what you get here. A delicious, rich, soft cookie that is packed full of really amazing, organic vanilla ice cream. These treats are about the size of a hockey puck and are melt-in-your mouth good. Both the cookies and the ice cream are organic and gluten-free. There are no preservatives or artificial ingredients in them. Just pure ice cream novelty goodness that is safe for the gluten-free who walk among the grocery aisles.
Needless to say, the only bad thing about these epically delicous ice cream treats is that there are only four to a container. Yes…just four. And if you share…like me…well, that means you get two evenings of gluten-free, melt-away goodness. But, it’s worth it. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a more flavorful, more delicious gluten-free ice cream sandwich.
I’m already trying to talk myself out of rushing to the grocery store to pick up more…and get the other kind (which is a gluten-free vanilla cookie with lemon yogurt inside). I don’t think my will-power will hold out much longer. If you spot these in your grocer’s freezer…despite the price…get them and try them. Gluten-free sandwich cookies…oh how sweet it is.
Product: Franklin Farms Portabella Veggiballs – $4.29+
IT EXISTS!
Finally. Eureka. Happy dance. Joy.
Being a gluten-free vegetarian is a struggle at times. Most vegetarian faux-meat products are not gluten-free. This makes getting that protein into the food I make a bit trickier than it should be. Before needing to go gluten-free, I found some delicious gluten-free and vegetarian “meatballs” for pastas. And loved them.
Then…the diagnosis was given and gluten-free turned into my way of eating and living. So, these little vegetarian delights were no longer a part of my pasta nights. In fact, neither were my usual noodles either. I had to learn (and have!) the art of gluten-free pasta. Which noodles work with what and why and how to properly prepare each brand, as they are all different.
That being said, while out at the grocery store, I was in the vegetarian section and spotted some of Franklin Farms’ veggie burgers. I’ve had those before and knew they were gluten-free. So, when sitting right next to them was a container labeled “Portabella Veggiballs,” I hesitantly pulled it out to look at the label. Clearly stated on the front…GLUTEN-FREE!
YES!!
Guess what. No hesitation. I was already planning for a few pasta dishes this week, so when these were discovered, I already was planning how to incorporate them.
Franklin Farms Portabella Veggiballs
At first glance, without even a taste, here’s what I loved about the Franklin Farms Portabella Veggiballs. A serving is three Veggiballs, at only 140 calories. But that’s not what really caught my attention. The big note for me is the 16 grams of protein that come with that! Being a vegetarian athlete means that sometimes getting the right amount of protein into my diet is a struggle. And then…something like this comes along and offers as much as a serving of Greek yogurt. Awesome. These are also low in sodium and fat.
Preparing them was easy. As I was serving my pasta with a gluten-free butternut squash sauce, I simply heated up a pot, put in a serving of the sauce, tossed in the Veggiballs and covered, allowing it to simmer for about 20 minutes. During that time, I brought water to a boil and got my gluten-free pasta cooking to a perfect al dente.
It all came together beautifully. I tossed all the ingredients together and served up my roommate and I a serving. The first thing I dug into was one of the Portabella Veggiballs. I really wanted to see what it tasted like. Would I like it? Would it be packed with flavor?
I did. And it was.
No…seriously! Franklin Farms got it right. These little balls of nutrition are great for vegetarians (even if they don’t have to eat gluten-free). They are packed with vegetables – portabella mushrooms, onions, carrots, green bell peppers and red bell peppers. They are seasoned to perfection, where they could be enjoyed even without being marinated in a pasta sauce. Really delicious, bite-for-bite. I thought they paired well not only with the sauce, but brought a little extra to the pasta that night. I know these are going to become a staple in my freezer…and not just for use on pasta nights. These were fantastic. They didn’t crumble when sliced into. And they just brought a nutritious punch to my carb-y pasta dinner the night before I ran a race.
Pasta perfection…thanks to Franklin Farms and their willingness to offer gluten-free and vegetarian options. I know this gluten-free vegetarian is forever in their debt.
Franklin Farms Portabella Veggiballs nestled in gluten-free pasta and butternut squash sauce
Bakery on Main Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cashew Granola
Product: Bakery on Main Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cashew Granola – $6.49+
I’ll be 100% honest with you here. I still think the sugar content of this granola is a bit too high for my liking. But, putting that random thought aside, gluten-free granola isn’t the easiest thing to come by. Especially a gluten-free granola that isn’t laden with fat (Udi’s Gluten-Free Original…I am looking at you!).
I’m an athlete. And that isn’t kosher.
However, setting the sugar problem aside for a moment I’ll focus on the product at hand.
While at a Gluten-Free Expo in Birmingham, Alabama, the Bakery on Main booth had out samples of a variety of their offered granola. I picked up a sample pack of each of the featured flavors and brought them home with me to try out. As I began working my way through my pantry, I decided to bring the granola with me on non-gym days for my lunch at work, to break up my usual lunch of gluten-free oatmeal.
The granola that got selected this time was Bakery on Main Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cashew Granola.
From a taste standard alone, this granola is fruity and sweet, with a scent of orange and a scattering of dried cranberries. To add to the salty aspect of a good granola, roasted cashews are tossed into the mix of corn flakes, sesame seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds. What emerges is a granola that has a light, fruity flavor to it and tastes a bit like fruit loops or those little candies that you eat off of bracelets and necklaces. I can’t decide which it is…yet.
What Bakery on Main’s Cranberry Orange Cashew Granola has going for it is that it is wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, trans-fat, and cholesterol free. It’s made from all natural and kosher ingredients. And it is low in sodium and saturated fat. What I don’t like is the 11 grams of sugar per serving (3/4 cup…which is definitely more than most granola servings). That being said, the 240 calories isn’t so bad with that big of a serving. Most granola serving sizes range between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup. So, kudos to Bakery on Main for that.
Ignoring that sugar isn’t easy for me. As a long distance runner, I try to keep my sugar intake at a minimum. But that’s not to say I don’t indulge a bit. I mean, I do have dessert every night. But, I’d rather not ingest 11 grams of sugar in my lunch that day. There are just other, healthier options out there.
That being said, Bakery on Main does create a fantastic blend of fruity and salty, without loading the granola up with sodium. The flavors are a happy medium. Any more of one would be too much. The dried fruit mixed with the nuts is a great pairing. And I love that the base of these granola options are gluten-free corn flakes. It makes eating these that much easier.
This granola has love written all over it. I more than loved it. I devoured it.
Bakery on Main isn’t serving up an unhealthy option. When not consumed daily, this makes a fantastic snack or meal option. But watch your sugar intake the rest of the day. If you love a little fruity taste without being overpowering, this granola is for you! Very delicious. And sweet. And we know why!
No, really, I do. They are one of the best brands for crackers out on the market. I have tried a couple of their crackers before, and really enjoyed munching my way through serving after serving after serving. It’s hard to stop snacking on them at times.
So, believe me when I say it pains me to actually have to say something negative about this brand that not only I love, but also the gluten-free community. Time after time, Crunchmaster finds itself ranked among the best-of-the-best in gluten-free awards. And, rightfully so.
Unless you happen to taste their Rosemary and Olive Oil Multi-Seed Crackers.
I am at a loss here. I bought every variety of the Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers that I could find in my various grocery store stops one week. Why? Because they are so delicious. That’s why! Do I really need more of an explanation? And…then I had to work through products closer to expiration dates before I could crack open one of these packs. This week, the moment came…and I happily tore into the bag and shelled out the serving size (14 crackers at only 140 calories) to take with me to work on Monday.
And when snack time rolled around, I happily pulled down my little container that held these little cracker treasures, pulled off the lid, picked up a cracker, and crunched into it.
And found myself beyond disappointed.
They aren’t bad…per se. No. They just taste a little dry. And with that…the flavor just doesn’t seem right. Perhaps with a dip or sauce or if it was used as the base for an appetizer, then maybe it would work better. But on its own, the cracker just feels off. It tastes…wrong. It lacks flavor, it lacks that crumbly texture that crackers have so they don’t feel dry. It just…wasn’t good.
So, I recommend a hummus or a nice tzatziki, or perhaps some freshly sliced mozzarella and tomato with a basil garnish for it. Something that might add a little texture and flavor to these crackers would definitely improve upon them. At least…in my opinion.
Like I said…it actually pains me to even write this because Crunchmaster had yet to let me down on one of their products. But, I guess we can’t be perfect all the time. But, while this cracker isn’t fit to be eaten naked, dress it up and give it a go. You might decide that all it needed was a complimentary condiment.
Don’t worry, Crunchmaster. You might be down…but you’re not out. I still have a few flavors to go.
As a vegetarian and an athlete I find that I am often lacking in one essential component for nutrition.
Protein.
And it’s not that I’m not getting any. I am. But with all the cardiovascular activity and hard running that I do, often I’m not able to consume an adequate amount of protein each day. I come closer on some days than others. And now, on hard workout days, I supply myself with a serving of gluten-free chocolate soy milk, which provides me with 5 grams of protein, as compared to the 1 gram my almond milk supplies. So, that helps.
Aside from incorporating more beans, lentils, tofu, etc. into my gluten-free vegetarian lifestyle…I’ve been searching for other sources of protein that can provide me with what I need without piling on the calories and fat.
One delicious find has been the latest drinks from Silk. Silk Fruit & Protein Strawberry Banana was a treat to myself when I had a Silk coupon to use before it expired and a full carton of almond milk in my fridge. So, why not try it. I know my friend Jenn raved about the Mixed Berry variety, which I had intended to try when I was last over at her house, but never did. So, taking her word for it, I grabbed the Strawberry Banana version and took it home.
Last night, after a very hot run, I decided to restore my protein stores with a glass of the Silk Fruit & Protein drink. I poured myself a glass of it, finding it to be a very sickly shade of pink. Nonetheless, I lifted the glass to my lips and took a sip. And then, before you knew it…it was gone. Completely gone.
Smooth and packed with fruit flavor. There is no other way to describe it. It tastes like a delicious smoothie. Nothing is simpler than the taste of fresh strawberries and creamy banana blended together. They have always been in perfect harmony with each other. And here, they once again make a great team. Not one of them outshines the other. And the fact that this drink provides me with 5 grams of protein, plus healthy doses of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and potassium is an added bonus for sure.
One cup is the serving size and from that you take in only 120 calories. I’m a true believer in not drinking your calories. I’d much rather have real food. But this is a great supplement on days where I work out and really need the extra nutritional boost that it provides.
Silk Fruit & Protein comes in three flavors. In addition to the Strawberry Banana, there is Mixed Berry and Mango Peach. If the Strawberry Banana version is any indication of how delicious these are…then I’m ready to drink down each and every one of them. Not too sweet, but definitely packed with flavor and nutrients for anyone…and any body.
Nutritious. Delicious. Fruity. Wonderful. Silky and rich. Yeah…I’ll have another.
Rice can be tricky. There is a fine line between overcooked and undercooked. Overcook it and it turns to mush. Under cook it and it can be crunchy and hard. And don’t even get me started on seasonings and the like.
But that’s why Tasty Bite takes the guess work out of it for you. Honestly.
I know…rice from a microwavable pouch…how good can it be? But believe me when I tell you…it is fantastic. For one thing, the rice is so easy to make. Just vent the bag, microwave for 90 seconds, and pour into a bowl after the beep. Honestly. It really is that simple.
So…how good is it?
Well, for one thing, as it heats up in the microwave…it smells freakin’ fantastic. You really get that aroma of Indian spices. Those that are actually incorporated in this easy meal are cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic. All amazing scents on their own, but pair them together in an Indian dish and it’s sensory overload in a very, very good way.
Once the packet comes out of the microwave, you simply fluff the rice with a fork, dish it out (there are two servings in each pouch) and dig in. Yes…it really is that easy and, yes, it really is ready in 90 seconds. When you’re in a hurry…what more could you ask for. And the night I made this, I needed to get over to Louisville to run with my running group and traffic always makes me late. I was determined to get there in time. This was the answer I needed to that dilemma.
And so…per my usual instructions to all of you, I dug right into this rice dish. And I was really impressed with the seasoning and flavor that came with each spoonful. Not too spicy. Just mild overtones of the Indian spices that people are familiar with. If I thought it smelled good, it tasted even better. And the rice was perfectly done. Yes..in 90 seconds. Perfectly cooked. Perfectly fluffy. Nothing out of sorts.
Just rice perfection. Tandoori style.
Craving a little bit of Indian flavor but don’t want to head out to a restaurant or make it yourself? Well, just grab a Tasty Bite entree and within 90 seconds, you’re ready to tuck into an amazing meal. And the Tandoori Rice happens to be vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher on top of it all. At only 180 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving…you can certainly treat yourself to a little Indian flavor right in the comfort of your kitchen.
Nature’s Path Organic Fruit Juice Sweetened Gluten-Free Corn Flakes
Product: Nature’s Path Organic Fruit Juice Sweetened Gluten-Free Corn Flakes – $3.59
Most “normal” cereals are lost to me these days. I can’t really just duck into the cereal section and pick anything off the shelf. Not anymore. And a lot of my favorites have had to be left in my food-tastic past after needing to go gluten-free.
But…every now and again, a company puts out a gluten-free product that is so, so much like what I used to eat that it even sparks a memory of the last time I ate it.
Nature’s Path Organic Fruit Juice Sweetened Gluten-Free Corn Flakes…are that kind of cereal.
I actually didn’t expect much from these. I mean…corn flakes. It’s tough to screw up corn flakes, but they can be so bland if done incorrectly. I was nervous about it being…bland. Or, worse yet, tasting like cardboard.
However, I was proven wrong.
This cereal was a gift from my roommate. I sent her out to the grocery store and she returned with a gluten-free surprise for me. Cereal. Well…I do eat cereal almost every day. And this was a change in pace from my usual gluten-free Chex varieties. I like a little change of pace. When I finally ran out of the boxes I had prior to this one, I cracked it open, dished out a serving size, and poured over a splash of unsweetened almond milk.
Breakfast was served. And I tucked right into this bowl immediately. One bite…and it was like I was eating the good, delicious corn flakes of my past. Nature’s Path does it right with this organic variety. Made simply with corn meal, grape and pear juice, and sea salt, this cereal is really getting back to basics. But there is nothing basic about the flavor. The fruit juices add a nice sweetness to the corn flakes. And the cereal itself has a very light texture. It’s not cardboard like at all. And the flavor is just…amazing.
Now, I look forward to these each morning. And I fear the day I run out. Not really, they’re thankfully available at my local grocery store. And for just about as much as Chex. I’ll indulge myself then…as often as possible. Yum.
Restaurant: Cheeseburger in Paradise, Indianapolis, Indiana
Before you harp on me too much…I know. I know. I vowed not to cover chain restaurants and here I am…yet again…covering one. But, if it helps, this chain isn’t too widely spread. And I feel when a restaurant makes a concerted and fantastic effort to cater to those that are gluten-free they should be rewarded with a blog. Chain or no chain.
If anyone is familiar with Jimmy Buffet, you are probably familiar with Cheeseburger in Paradise. This is his sister-restaurant chain to Margaritaville. And their specialty? Burgers, of course.
I know…I know what you’re thinking.
Cheeseburger in Paradise’s Gluten-Free Menu
“But…you’re vegetarian.”
HAHA! Yes…I am. And on their menu, any burger can be substituted for a gluten-free veggie burger that they make. And the icing on this (gluten-free) cake is that they also offer gluten-free buns. Yes. While I have been to some local eateries that offer a gluten-free veggie burger, none of them have gluten-free buns. Do you realize that ever since I went gluten-free over a year ago, I haven’t had a veggie burger that I could pick up and eat like a burger? Do you realize how stupidly happy the fact that I could eat a veggie burger without a knife and fork made me? Yeah…stupidly, stupidly happy.
It was decided, then, that the perfect time to try out Cheeseburger in Paradise would be after I ran in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon. After all, the closest one to us is in Indianapolis (2 hours away) and that’s where I would be for the race. And after running 13.1 miles, a veggie burger and some celebratory fries (also gluten-free!) would be awesome. So, I came, I ran, I found myself at the threshold of Cheeseburger in Paradise…a little giddy with excitement.
We were seated and handed menus. Our waitress was immediately told that I was medically gluten-free and she said she would grab me a gluten-free menu. As is the case in every other restaurant I go to, I expected to get a little sheet of paper that gave the run-down of the items I could consume.
Cheeseburger in Paradise’s Gluten-Free Menu
Not here. At Cheeseburger in Paradise…you actually get a menu. Like…laminated, folding, looks just like the regular menu…menu! I didn’t look like a weirdo reading off a small sheet of paper, trying to make out faded ink from an inkjet printer. Nope. I was looking at a full-color, pictures included, looks just like any other menu, gluten-free menu. I wasn’t an outsider here. It was an awesome feeling.
I perused…and settled on the Gluten-Free BBQ Cheddar Burger, with a veggie burger, on the gluten-free bun. My side…the french fried potatoes, of course. The BBQ Cheddar Burger was simple. Cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, lettuce, and caramelized onions. Sounded delicious to me. The waitress took the order, retrieved the menus, and went to put it in.
We had a respectable wait time for our food, which was always a good thing. I never want food rushed out to me when I eat. But this chain prides itself on making things to order, and that is definitely the case. Our food was brought out, and mine was served to me by the chef himself.
“One delicious gluten-free burger!” he said as he began to put the plate down.
Unfortunately, when the burger on the gluten-free bun was set in front of me, I immediately saw bacon.
“Oh no! There’s bacon!” I said.
The chef blinked. “She doesn’t like bacon!”
“I’m a vegetarian!” I exclaimed. And he snatched the plate away and said he’d be right back with a new one.
I had my roommate go ahead and dive into her plate of Sirloin Sliders, because I didn’t want her food to get cold. She was only halfway through when the chef carried out my plate once more. This time…a veggie burger, no bacon.
He said, “There was nothing vegetarian about that burger. Try this one.”
It looked fantastic and I thanked him immediately.
Now that I glance back over the menu, I think the waitress was so focused on the gluten-free part, she missed the veggie burger request and wrote it down as the Bacon Cheddar Burger, which is cheddar cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Because my veggie burger had no BBQ sauce and no caramelized onion. It did have lettuce, tomato and red onion with cheese, however. Mystery solved.
Cheeseburger in Paradise’s Gluten-Free Cheese Veggie Burger w/ Fries
I didn’t care. I was about to pick up a burger at a restaurant for the first time in over a year. It was actually a very emotional moment for me. One bite…and it was hard to stop. Honestly. The veggie burger itself was fantastic. Cooked perfectly. Made with fresh vegetables that you could see throughout it. The bun…flaky goodness. It made my burger actually…feel like a burger. I was so happy. So happy that I pretty much hoovered it and the fries without batting an eyelash. I was one happy gluten-free girl that day. I don’t think a veggie burger ever tasted so good. And the fries…those were so delicious too. Not overly seasoned. Done up to where I didn’t have to quiz the staff on if they have a separate frier. They did. It was on the menu.
I want to also point out a nice little disclaimer on the Cheeseburger in Paradise gluten-free menu. It was in the corner. I thought it would be the usual “we can’t guarantee cross-contamination won’t happen…” disclaimer that restaurants put on their gluten-free menus. But I was wrong. This one clearly read:
We want your experience to be the best one possible. Everything is made fresh to order, so if there is something you crave that is not listed, we would be happy to make it for you. Please speak to a manager when you arrive so we can make sure to meet all of your dietary needs.
It was just a refreshing change from the restaurants I normally go to. I felt like I belonged there. And the fact that the chef himself walked out my food, not once, but twice…was nice. They kept everything separate. They made me feel very confident in eating there. I was quite happy with the care they gave to my dining experience and would totally go back and eat there again in a heartbeat. Maybe even get that BBQ Cheddar Burger this time.
But my story doesn’t end there. We were brought the check for our order, and because of the mix-up with my burger, my dinner was comped. Completely. Nevermind that my gluten-free bun was an extra $1.00. It wasn’t on the check at all. I wasn’t upset about the mix-up. And despite not getting exactly what I ordered either time…I was quite happy with eating there. It was a very kind gesture made by the restaurant itself. And one that I honestly appreciated.
Like I said…when a chain goes out of their way…they do get a blog. I have never been so satisfied with service, food, and an experience at a restaurant chain before. I just want to advise anyone out there who has yet to go to a Cheeseburger in Paradise to go…because they make the journey well worth it. I can’t complain about anything because what they messed up, they made right. And then, unexpectedly, didn’t charge me for my meal after getting it wrong the first time.
Kudos to a well-run chain who not only treats their clients well, but takes care of them too. And they made this gluten-free vegetarian feel like just another customer. And that is how dining out should be.
Beyond impressed. I will be back.
Me being a happy gluten-free vegetarian with my Veggie Cheeseburger on a Gluten-Free Bun w/ Fries at Cheeseburger in Paradise.
NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) Honeycomb with Chia and Raisins Energy Bar
Product: NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) Honeycomb with Chia and Raisins Energy Bar – $2.99+
You know what’s hard about being a gluten-free athlete? Gluten-free protein bars. Especially for long runs and the like. They are good to have around.
So, imagine my elation when I attended the big Gluten-Free Expo in Birmingham, Alabama and got a couple samples of some energy bars. Yeah…I was pretty psyched. The product is Phil Koeghan’s NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) Energy Bars. And I was given the Honeycomb with Chia and Raisins variety.
These sat with my other energy/protein bars (Think Thin and Lärabars) for the longest time until this weekend. I was running in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon (the largest half marathon in the country), so I figured I pack one in case I needed a little boost on the run. This was supplemental to my vegan/gluten-free fruit snacks, which are what I ended up grabbing on the run around Mile 10.
That being said, after hitting the finish line and getting through Runner’s Services, I was in need of refueling. The NOW Bar was tucked away in my running skirt, so I removed it, unwrapped it, and took a bite.
And spit it out. It was way too sweet and just didn’t taste good at all. Not one bit.
I admit, chia doesn’t impress me at all. I love raisins. And honey and I have a love/hate relationship. So, maybe it was just the unlucky draw that I was given a Honeycomb with Chia and Raisins version of these bars. But I was totally unimpressed. I normally don’t spit something out. Especially when I am completely famished after running 13.1 miles. But…this happened. Good thing the race people handed out bananas, one of my favorite fruits, which I devoured in record time.
So, what wasn’t good? Well…the texture was fine. It was the mess of flavors going on. There was nothing really to counterbalance the sweetness of the honey and the raisins. And that, I believe, is where it went wrong for me. I was really hoping I’d like these…but it just tasted foul. Bad enough that I literally couldn’t even swallow it. When I got home, the other sample (same flavor) went into the garbage can. I never waste gluten-free products, but the thought of even taking a bite of another one of these turned my stomach.
These bars were promising because they have the ideal 4:1 carb to protein ration that helps to fuel and maintain energy levels during an endurance activity. Unfortunately, this endurance athlete couldn’t handle it. So, I guess I’ll stick with the ones I’ve come to know and trust, despite not having that carb/protein ratio until I find something else to try.
The Celiathlete 