I have a nice round-up of some new foodie finds to share with you all! Some I have had for a while and have just been holding out on you until I could make this a big round-up. Now some of these products are spot on amazing, while others, well they fell flat. You win some, you lose some, right? And I am usually not a person to waste things. Believe me, just ask anyone who has ever lived with me. The food I cook and buy at the store, I eat. I hate opening something new until every last drop of the old is finished. Same thing with make-up and beauty products. I will use my chapstick and eyeliner until there is absolutely none left. NONE! Don't even get me started on toothpaste. First of all you need to squeeze from the bottoms and smosh it all to the top as it get empty. Sometimes I will have just brushed my teeth the night before and know there is still a good 2-3 days worth of toothpaste left in the tube, only to come down the next morning and find that someone has thrown it away! Or they will just open something without finishing the old! Seriously? What are you all doing? That is a waste my friends, that is a waste....I will relate all this later on in the post, now moving one!
Let me start off with a product I've had for a while. I had seen these fruit butters get rave reviews by various bloggers and knew I had to get my hands on some. Enter, Kauffman's Fruit Farm & Market! When I saw that they were a semi-local small company as well, based in PA, I fell in love even more. I absolutely love fruit butter! So much better than jelly and jam. It is creamy and delicious! Of course I normally buy from a really local company out in Ringos, NJ. Their Apple Spice Butter is to die for! But I was up for a change. So Kauffman's sent me some no-sugar added Pear Butter and Pumpkin Butter. Yea, no sugar-added? You know I was game for that! It is all pure real fruit, some spices, and a bit of lemon juice or apple cider. Everything is perfect! I love using them to top pancakes, hot cereals, and of course nut butter sandwiches!
Another "spread" that I basically die over. MaraNatha's Creamy Maple Almond Butter! This stuff is pure gold in a jar. Picture the best thing you ever tastes x100000. That is how good this stuff is! Add some cinnamon to it and pair it with an apple. Basically they best thing in the whole world...as of now. You need to get this stuff!
When I was on the search for my beloved Brown Rice Tortillas the other week since my damn grocery stopped carrying them, I fell upon these gems. I have been looking everywhere for these Rudi's tortillas! Specifically the spinach ones! Low and behold, a Stop&Shop far away from my house had them (and my Brown Rice Tortillas!). I grabbed them right away and tried them right when I got home. Can you say, the best gluten-free tortilla ever! I think it surpasses the brown rice one.
These things are phenomenal, have the best texture, don't break and taste like love and spinach. All I did was microwave it for about 30 seconds, slathered on some hummus and loaded it with veggies! Perfect side dish to the dinner I had. They really wrap perfectly.
Next up, I just have to give another shout-out to Hope Hummus. I have finally tried more than just one flavor. So far I have gotten the Balsamic Roasted Red Pepper, Spicy Avocado, and Thai Coconut Curry. They are all equally amazing and are now my go-to hummus brand! I am seriously loving the Thai Coconut Curry flavor. It is spicy, but subtly sweet from the coconut. Totally a creative hummus flavor! And I will always love the texture these hummus(es?) have. They aren't totally smooth, but have a bit of chickpea pieces still in there. It is so good! And I just saw that they have a sweet potato hummus!? That has my name all over it! Now I just need to find it!
Okay, maybe I had a lot more wins than loses in this go-round, so here is one more win and then I will get to the big fail. Seasonal Larabars! My grocery has nothing, but they do randomly stock seasonal items totally out of season. I won't complain though. I was able to get my hand on these Pumpkin Pie bars! This is the only original Larabar I like. I usually opt for the Lemon Pound Cake ALT Bar. But these pumpkin guys are crazy good! Yay, out of season, but still in stock products! (i.e. these were not in stock when they were "in-season".)
Alright, are you ready for the sad lose? Well through my ambassadorship with Fitapproach as a Sweatpink Ambassador, again I has offered the opportunity to try a new Vega Product. So I loved their bars that I was sent, but this time was another story. I was sent the Vega Sport Protein as part of the #fuelyourbetter campaign. Well I was excited to try a new protein powder, the stats looked pretty good and I always like to compare vegan proteins to my beloved Plant Fusion.
The flavor I got was vanilla and it is a complete multi-source, alkaline-forming, plant-based protein powder blend, featuring 5,500mg of BCAAs and 5,000mg of glutamine per serving. Plus, you know, 25g of protein in 1 scoop? Sounds pretty good right?
Well I usually use protein powder every night in my almond milk. If I just did a workout, I will use a whole scoop and just mix it in to the milk. I always use my Plant Fusion and since just mixing with a straw doesn't actually dissolve it all, I am able to "eat" some of the protein off the top. Don't knock it till you try it! Well I tried to do the same thing with the Vega protein and lets just say it was the worst thing I have ever tasted! O man. Talk about gritty and sandy! The vanilla didn't even taste like vanilla. It was no fun to eat this stuff! Plant Fusion is so perfect and creamy and delicious. Vega is a no go...at all. I was pretty disappointed about this. Now I have a whole huge box and nothing to do with it. And I just remember I have a Vega Starter Kit of their original protein mixes still in the back of my cabinet. Maybe I should try those? All I know is this stuff is no good. Sorry Vega, I think I will just stick to your snack bars π
And one last fail I have to share is my first Bulu Box. I got my May box a few weeks ago and was excited to open it up and see exactly what types of things Bulu Box had to offer. Well I was kind of let down. As a new Ambassador they send me a sweet card. But fail #1, they spelled my name wrong π In the May box I received a Kind Bar (with I'm allergic to), Hummus and Lentil Crackers (which are not vegan), some weird collagen chocolate (no ingredients so I won't even try, a workout accelerator (I'm not into that stuff), Smarty Pants gummy vitamins,Β and teeth whitening powder that you mix into coffee and tea...interesting. So this month was kind of a fail since I didn't use any of the stuff, but I want to hold out for the next two boxes and see if things get better. (You can click my ambassador like and get 50% any subscription if you want to give the box a try yourself!)
So there you have it, some wins, well mostly wins, and two fails. You've got to try the products that were wins though! If my crazy enthusiastic rambles didn't turn you off that is! Speaking of rambles, I think I will link these foodie thoughts to Amanda's Thinking Out Loud this week!
So tell me:
+ Any new foodie wins or fails lately?
+ Are you a finisher or a waster?
+ Does you grocery store totally suck like mine? How I wish I had a TJs or Whole Foods. I just have this damn Shoprite...which is more like Shopwrong!
Remember to sign up for the Gluten-Free Challenge starting next week! Just leave me a comment on this post or shoot me an email at strengthandsusnhine (at) gmail (dot) com!
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janet @ the taste space
Chocolate is the only Vega flavor I like. The rest are terrible. At least the new formulations are not as high sodium
Strength and Sunshine
I can't atest to the other flavors, but I should give the chocolate a try then to see!
itsemmaelise
I’m such a picky eater. I try to be a saver, but am a waster more than I care to admit!
β₯Emma, of It’s Emma Elise
Strength and Sunshine
Ah it just kills me to see food go to waste!
vegetarianmamma
Some GREAT FINDS! Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned ALL your entries to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! π
Its live now!
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
Strength and Sunshine
π
Ida
That almond butter rocks. My husband has it with an apple every morning before the gym and it’s definitely his fav!!
Strength and Sunshine
With an apple is the best snack! Its my before bed sweet treat π
Becca
That Creamy Maple Almond Butter sounds DE-LI-CIOUS!
Strength and Sunshine
It is! Now I'm all out though and have been craving it! I need to pick it up again at the store ASAP!
Sara
I LOVE almond butter! But I gotta get me some of that pumpkin spread!
Sounds great!
Sara
Strength and Sunshine
And when you do, you can make the ultimate flavor combo and pair the two together π
Laura@Fit Running Mama
I love those nut butters! They are the best-- I agree with you on those vega products-- there bars and smoothie powders are the best!
Strength and Sunshine
Maranatha makes some quality nut butter π They were the first brand I tried when I started eating "real" nut butters!
Nicole @ uglygreencouch.net
Definitely keeping my eyes open for the fruit butters. I just love how many options there are these days for natural, low calorie, nourishing food. I wasn't taught about nutrition when I was growing up so I'm now re-learning it as an adult and trying to end some bad habits. We have an organic grocery store where I live called Earth Fare and I shop there whenever I can afford it.
Strength and Sunshine
It's better late than never! It is great to be making the healthy decision and using healthy real food options now! We only have one specialty natural food grocer by us, but I usually just end up sticking with the specialty things my big grocery store carries. All the other stuff I get online! Much cheaper!
Christy@SweetandSavoring
I have those brown rice tortillas at work and I love them! And all the different nut butters look good, as well- you reminded me that I want to buy some almond butter! I try to be a finisher, but sometimes things do go to waste and I hate that!
Strength and Sunshine
Those tortillas are my fav!
Get yourself some AB stat! You can't live without AB π
It is just my biggest pet peeve to waste things, but I know that sometimes, thins just don't work out :/
Nichole
Those butters look amazing and I definietly will be looking at the store for fruit/flavored butters. I have heard great reviews and have had apple butter muffins but I have never actually had a jar of it myself to try on various foods... Crazy right?!?! I need to get on this asap!
Strength and Sunshine
It is the perfect sweet condiment π
fitnessmomwinecountry
Vega anything is my most fave!! I love every one of their products:) We have a Whole Foods just down the street {walking distance} it is a regular stop almost daily for something tasty:)
Strength and Sunshine
I need a WHOLE FOODS!!!!
lovechocolatelife
That pumpkin butter looks so goood.. confession.. i dont think I have ever really had fruit butters =/ i need to find some !!!!
Strength and Sunshine
They are so good! You can find them in any grocery!
Plus they are a lot lower in sugar than jellies!
Heather @ Better With Veggies
I had my Vega vanilla mixed with water yesterday (I usually make a smoothie) and I thought it was nice and creamy. Do you use a blender bottle to shake it up or just stir it? Maybe that's the difference? I am a huge fan of the Vega protein with the BCAAs and Glutamine right in the mix - but hey, to each her own. π
I really want to try that Pumpkin butter -- wow!!
Strength and Sunshine
I like to mix my protein in! I am not dirtying a blender just for my nightly cup! That;s why Plant Fusion is perfect because it works exactly how I want it π
Lex
ooooh where can I find Hope Hummus?? Those flavors sound amazing and I’ve been on such a hummus kick recently! I’ve never heard of that brand or seen in stores!
Strength and Sunshine
It was surprisingly at my grocery! They probably have a product finder on their site too!
Hailey @ Striding Strong
Mmm. Fruit butters. So good. I’ve seen that almond butter around, but I’ve never tried it. I’m in love with Justin’s brand vanilla and maple almond butters though and love maple anything. And I’m a total saver…I’ve been known to cut off the end of the toothpaste to get more out haha
Strength and Sunshine
I've been dieing to get my hands on some Vanilla Justin's!
Yay for total tooth paste users! And don't get me started with conditioner and shampoo bottles!
Sally Rae
Those fruit butters look amazing! I've never seen those at the store, but I'll keep my eyes open. Pepita Seed Butter is the best new foodie find I've had in forever. I could eat a whole jar of the stuff. It's amazing. Also, I've developed a love for kale chips!
Strength and Sunshine
I would buy them online because I've never seen the butters in stores by me either.
Ah, pumpkin seed butter is a total win!
I've never been to fond of kale chips, but I've only made my own once or twice.
Miss Polkadot
Don't even ask how many chapsticks I've collected over the last months because I refuse to throw them away before using every last bit. What can I say? They come in really handy: one for every purse/ jacket/ bag/ you name it I'll carry or wear regularly.
Seeing those tortillas lets my envy wallow up again. We can find exactly -one- brand/ flavour without sketchy ingredients and it's an organic one made from white flour. No brown rice/ spinach/ high fiber ones. On a positive note those white ones were a recent foodie win for me.
We also can only find regular hummus but the flavours you mentioned sound delicious. Thai coconut curry?!
Strength and Sunshine
I have tons of chapsticks too! One of then only has a tiny nub left, but I refuse to throw it out until it is impossible to move over my lips!
You should get a dehydrator and try making your own spinach tortillas!
I want to try recreating my own hummus with these flavors!
Debbie Rodrigues (@DebbieInShape)
Those tortillas look amazing!!
Strength and Sunshine
Their so good! Really perfect for wraps.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I love maple almond butter <3 <3 I've seen Maranathas in some of the stores around here, but I can't eat it because it might have traces of peanuts π The only safe maple AB I've come across is Justin's, and we don't get it up here in Canada. It's a tough life π And you may have just convinced me to pick up those spinach tortillas the next time I'm in the store. I love their regular tortillas and I was wondering about the spinach ones. Consider them bought π
Strength and Sunshine
I have a single packet of Justin's Maple I need to try! I should get at that π
Totally get the spinach ones! Next time I also want to try the Fiesta tortillas too!
jillconyers
Nut butters, Rudi's tortillas, Larabars and hummus are all on my list of favorite things. The different opinions of products always interest me. Vega Performance Protein is my all time favorite protein powder.
Now, tell me more about fruit butters! Sounds like something I would love!
Strength and Sunshine
Ah, yes, to each his/her own π I am very picky and loyal with my protein powders, they have to be perfect!
The fruit butters are awesome! So clean and fresh, you can even make your own with things like pumpkin puree and spices, etc.
Jess
I feel the same way about Vega products: love their bars, hate their protein powders. I used up my protein powder by ‘cutting’ it in small amounts with other flavoured protein powders so that the taste and gritty texture ended up being drowned out somewhat. I’ve never tried Plant Fusion, but now you have me intrigued. I’ve never been able to find a protein powder I like just mixed into almond milk or water…I wonder if I can find it over here. The UK has a terrible range of specialist products: I can only dream of ever finding something as amazing as those tortillas, for example.
It’s nice to see some honest reviews out there for once. I really like the tone of your blog in general – never lose the integrity you so obviously have!
xxx
Strength and Sunshine
Plant Fusion is seriously the best out there. Sadly they can't ship to the UK just yet as their still a small company. But soon! I use PF in everything! From milk to smmothies, breakfasts, protein sauces and it always works!
I was debating on even giving the review of Vega, but I knew it was important to get all opinions out there and not just share the good things. I only ever feel like I see positive reviews which is annoying since I know not everyone can love a product!
Thank you for your sweet words too! XOXO
Tina Muir
Oh I am a definite saver like you, a little part of me di es every time I throw something in the trash. I even reuse ziplock bags a few times...especially if they just had a sandwich or some nuts in them!!! I love to use every last drop (using a spatula to get the last of nut butters). I have seen Kauffmans at Reading terminal market, and was always curious, should give it a try! I have been making my own almond butter! HEAVEN!
Strength and Sunshine
I do the same thing with plastic baggies! Depending on what's in them, they really don't get dirty! I even wash and reuse a cheap plastic fork (I get a new one each week), but I reuse it for one week and feel like I am saving the Earth. Although I am a plastic water bottle user....so I guess I kill the Earth too.
I love homemade nut butter, but I just don't have the time...or energy to stand there and blend my own recently, haha!
Astrid
Wow, fruit butters? I'd never heard of those. Seem lovely though.
Strength and Sunshine
Fruit butters are so much better than your traditional jams and jellies. They have such a wonderful creamy mouth-feel and are "softer"!