Product Reviews

The other day I was out with some friends at our local climbing gym. After a few attempts to reach the top, I was feeling worn out and super-duper hungry. Luckily, when I opened the snack fridge, I happened to find these Gluten-Free Energy Bars. I tried the ALMOND BUTTER flavor, which is made with organic almonds and honey, and other healthy ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, flaxseed oil, and dried whole food powders from organic carrots, bell peppers, apples, tomatoes, spinach, and more. It was like nothing I had ever tasted….and definitely, VERY TASTY indeed!

The next week I contacted Perfect Foods Bar company and they sent me Read More »

“What matters most is what’s inside.”  I love that line from Attune Foods.  It’s true about people, and it’s true about food.  Attune believes in using pure and simple ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out. So do I.  That’s why I love their products.  And recently, I’ve tried a new one.

I take a probiotic in capsule form daily.  But lately I’ve been eating Attune Probiotic Bars. They are little gluten-free chocolate bars packed with 6.1 billion CFUs of clinically supported strains of probiotics.  They come in three different flavors:  Milk Chocolate Crisp, Mint Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate.

I expected these probiotic bars to taste like a health bar.  But they taste like a bar you’d choose for a treat, not for your tummy!  Whenever I can’t believe how delicious something is I give it to the Husband to try.  I Read More »

Since I am always on the lookout for a sweet snack that is free of gluten, dairy, and soy, I was happy to receive samples of KURDelights.  So many gluten-free bars/snacks contain soy protein and/or dairy, or they are very high in sugar and carbs and low in protein and fiber, which is not the case with KURDelights.

These bite-sized snacks contain just enough sweetness to satisfy my sweet tooth and they come in three flavors: Brownie, Coconut Cream, and Dark Chocolate Mint.  My favorite flavor is the coconut cream followed by brownie and then dark chocolate mint.  These healthy snacks are: Read More »

Chuck E. Cheese offering gluten-free pizza and cupcakes in Minnesota Photo credit: Chuck E. Cheese's

After hearing about the unsafe gluten-free pizzas at Domino’s, it was a breath of fresh air to hear that Chuck E. Cheese’s is test marketing gluten-free pizza and cupcakes at select Minnesota locations under the guidance of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG).

Both of their gluten-free options will arrive in pre-sealed, single-serve packaging and they will remain that way through preparation to be opened and served at the table by the adult in charge. This means both the pizza and the cupcake will arrive at the table free from cross contamination and ready to be enjoyed by the birthday child!

How can they do this with a pizza you ask?  The cheese pizza is made by Read More »

Gluten-free Finds at Expo West 2012

This was my second time attending Expo West and this time I attended as a member of the press for Examiner.com.  I have been writing for Examiner.com as their Atlanta Gluten-free Examiner since 2009, so it was very exciting to receive press credentials and attend.

Attending as a member of the press means I had access to the press room to review materials, I was able to talk with the public relations specialist for companies and I got to chat with other journalist to see what they thought of the show.  Overwhelmingly they all commented on the increased number of gluten-free products at this year’s event.

Last year I was completely overwhelmed by the experience, so this year I was more prepared.  I spent the majority of my time in Room E, which housed those vendors with new products.  The room was full of gluten-free products and after four hours of combing the room I still had not seen all of them.  The best part was a large percentage of the new gluten-free products had Read More »

Who doesn’t like Chocolate…..I mean, really? ;) If you are a gluten-free chocolate lover like me, make sure to try out these fabulous new products from ENJOY LIFE.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CRUNCH GRANOLA

Read More »

Chef James Aptakin serves his delicious Hawaiian short rib sauce. Credits: A. Fothergill

The Fancy Food Show is put on by National Association for the Specialty Food Trade two times per year; a summer show in New York City and a winter show in San Francisco. With over 17,000 attendess and 80,000 products from 1300 vendors, it is a chance for retailers, restaurants and food service professionals to sample some of the best products on the market. For the vendors, it’s a way for them to connect with those people, in hopes of future sales. It’s also a good way to be “in the know” as new products come out.  Some vendors are already established and some are brand new, hoping to be picked up by small or large grocery stores. Either way, there is always something new.

Last year, there were more new gluten-free products. Whether it’s not quite the right venue or there are less new-comers, it was surprising there were not as many. Last year, gluten-free was a top trend. One reason might be in the labeling.

Some manufacturers are hestitant to call their products gluten-free because they worry about giving the right information to the public. One owner of a spice company said he doesn’t put gluten in any of his products but he can’t Read More »

Over the last three and a half years I have had the opportunities to do many reviews of great products. I truly enjoy doing reviews of cookbooks, and gluten-free products, and I’m looking forward to do more in the future along with any culinary based items (kitchen appliances, tools, etc.).

I love kitchen gadgets. Here are a few of my “must-haves”  items: Chef Knife, Stand Mixer, Mixing Bowls (different sizes), Prep Bowls, Boning Knife, Steamer (pan/bamboo basket), Zester, Grater, Silicone Whisk, a good set of Non-Stick Pans, Cast Iron Skillet, and a Crock-Pot. There are plenty more items, however this is a great starting point.

Two of my favorite companies for kitchen products are EdgeWare and Le Creuset. I mean, don’t well all hope to own their products?? I was sent one of each of the following products to test out and review and I have to say, I am honestly in love with both of them. And, now two lucky winners will have a chance to win one of the following prizes (one winner for the Zester, and one for the Farm Fresh Steamer!)

First up we have a fantastic Zester from EdgeWare – The V-etched Better Zester! Here is what their website has to say about it: Read More »

Valentine’s day is approaching! Instead of spending hours searching for allergy-friendly Valentine’s candy for your loved ones, consider offering safer sweets with Lucy’s cookies.

 

There are many reasons people who wish to lead a healthier lifestyle chose to avoid gluten in their diets. Those with gluten allergies and intolerances, however, don’t have a choice. For them, consuming undetected gluten poses a real health risk. The trouble is that traces of gluten can be found in foods that don’t naturally contain it, due to cross-contamination, cooking methods, food additives, etc. This is especially true when it comes to restaurant and commercially processed food.