All the world is nuts about
What's in The Nut Gourmet
At considerable expense (a truckload of birdseed) we have engaged the services of a preeminent vegan food taster. With years of experience developing a discriminating gullet and a keen ability to peck out the best as well as the worst, our VeggieTaster will warble brutal honesty in evaluating vegan food products.
The tastings of this renowned authority are compiled in the VeggieTaster Report, an ongoing feature of Vegetarians in Paradise. Check back frequently to keep up to date on the latest tastings.
The VeggieTaster's Newest Ratings
MAGGIE'S CONSCIOUS VEGAN CUISINE GREEN LIFE
DF MAVENS DAIRY-FREE FROZEN DESSERTS
DANIEL'S CHOICE EGGPLANT PARMESAN
CARLA LEE'S NUT BURGERS
The VeggieTaster rating system is strictly for the birds with five birds for the highest and one for the lowest. Ratings appear at the end of each item.
Soaring with the Eagles
Chirping in Close Harmony
Winging It
Cruising at Low Altitude
Fell Out of the Nest
Cookies, Pies, Cakes, and Candy
Oooh! Lucky me! I am basking in a sea of Monterey Farms ArtiHearts and lovin' it like crazy! They come in Grilled, Buffalo, Herbal, and Natural flavors and are cut into bite-size chunks. Each package holds 6-ounces of ready-to-eat flavored artichoke hearts that are to-die-for. Honest! I'm even licking my fingers to take advantage of every tidbit. The package suggests ways to cook them and use your favorite dip or dressing, but why spoil a good thing? They're perfect just they way they are. On second thought, they'd be great in a salad or on a vegan pizza -- yum!
Searching for something vegan and gourmet for a small party, I lucked out with Canaan Foods-Elianni, a brand that makes the coolest Veggie Pate I've ever met. How about organic, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free, too! Ordered the Mushroom, Vegetable, Red Pepper-Olive, Peppercorn, and Vegetable flavors and man! Were they a hit! Needed plenty of crackers! These are the creamiest, smoothest pates with most alive flavors you can imagine. That first bite was Nirvana. So was the second and third. Licked my fingers and so did everyone else! Small cans 4.4 ounces but they go a long way. You can love it, too online at http://www.toeatwell.com
Oatmeal with So Delicious Almond Plus Almondmilk Vanilla Flavor sounded so good I had to try it. Honestly, it really IS So Delicious and made that same old bowl of oatmeal come alive with flavor that actually zings! It's got a little touch of sweetness, but not too much, and the vanilla flavor is great. The best part is that it really tasted like almonds. Yeah, man, never enjoyed oatmeal so much! I'm keeping this stuff on my regular shopping list. It's pretty healthy, too, with only 8 grams of sugar, 2 grams total fat, and 5 grams of protein for an 8-ounce serving. Didn't use it all on the cereal and loved drinking the rest!
Combining coconut water with aloe vera isn't my idea of a delicious and refreshing drink--doesn't aloe go on sunburns?--but Coco Exposed coconut water with aloe vera, passion fruit, and pineapple is a game changer. The combo of the subtle coconut flavor with the just barely sweet tropical fruits feels like an indulgence, but it's only 60 calories for nearly 12 ounces. Also, the aloe vera pulp adds an inviting mouth feel, sort of like drinking bubble or boba tea, except that it's healthy for you and, the texture is more like really soft, small lychees. Even more of a turn-on are all the flavors to try--mango and mangosteen, pomegranate and cranberry, pink grapefruit and lemon, and some that sound really weird, like wheatgrass and goji berry and lychee.
"Nature is smarter than science," is what the neat little 11-ounce carton of ZICO Pure Coconut Water says. And they're not kidding. Drinking this coconut water is just like opening one of those conical-shaped young coconuts and drinking right from the source. And it's so refreshing to read the ingredients list and find only 100% natural coconut water. Gotta admit it's really good chilled. Decided it keep a few on hand for car travel. Beside the pure taste, it's jammin' with 670 mg of potassium, 40 mg of calcium, and 25 mg of magnesium. And that's all natural!
Silk Live! Smoothie made by White Wave Foods cranks with great fruity flavors, but I really dug their cool, tangy peach. These smoothies are thick and creamy to the limit, and hey! they even have live cultures. Cooler still, they're dairy-free and kosher. You can use them as a pick-me-up, but I scarfed mine down for lunch and finished with a piece of fruit--felt so healthy and energized I buzzed through the afternoon without a hunger pang. Of course, with 7 g protein, 3 g fiber, and 220 calories for a 10-ounce bottle that lists between 10 and 35 percent DV for Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin E, Niacin, Folate, Biotin, Phosphorous, Magnesium, and Manganese, why would I need a snack?
If I could sing like a pop star I'd belt out words like rich, thick and luxurious in five-part harmony. But hey, forget my voice--it stinks. On the other hand, Living Harvest Hempmilk Original flavor, absolutely sings its own song. It's soooo creamy, not overly sweet, kosher, and herbicide and pesticide free. Topping that, it's loaded with omega 3 and 6 and a list of natural vitamins and minerals that would keep you reading for at least five minutes. If it weren't so pricey, I'd take a bath in it, but instead I'm drinking it one delicious sip at a time. Don't know if they've made ice cream with it yet, but they ought to.
Both the Apricot Mango and Peach flavors of WholeSoy & Co.'s Cultured Soy Smoothies made it to my list of fave snacks. When the mid-afternoon munchies rolled around, I gulped down half the 12-ounce bottle and saved the rest for later. What a great refresher this baby is! The ultra-thick, creamy texture and sweet-tart flavors were perfection! So good they left me wanting more, but160 calories seemed like enough of a splurge. These little smoothies support organic soy growers, and hey, they even contain four live cultures.
Galaxy Nutritional Foods promises "great nutrition anytime" but does not deliver with its new
Ultra Smoothie. In this yogurt-like container one will find a complete serving of protein, 100% vitamin C, low fat, cholesterol and lactose free. If only it tasted good. Even though it contains Tropicana fruit concentrate, it had a yucky artificial and chemical taste. You can do much better flinging some fruit and soy milk into a home blender.
Passionate about muffins, I find it hard to not love them all, but then, there are exceptions. Though the 2.8 ounce Cranberry Orange muffins from Our Daily Muffin were light and not overly sweet, they were so bloomin' dry my mouth thought it was wandering the Sahara dessert in search of an oasis. The 2.5 ounce Chocolate ones were even more of a parched-mouth experience. I will not crave these, yet they have merit. With only 0.5 grams of total fat for the Chocolate and zero fat for the Cranberry Orange, they might be just right for those on a very low fat diet. Another plus-they're loaded with fiber-4 grams for the Chocolate and 8 grams for the Cranberry Orange. Best way to enjoy them is to either pile on the fruit jam or dunk them into your coffee.
One spoonful of Stark Sisters Granola by Debra's Natural Gourmet, Inc., and I was totally mapleized. The Maple Raspberry Blueberry flavor is deliciously fruity with maple syrup as the only sweetener. A touch of molasses, a ton of pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and pecans, and the hint of maple syrup give the Nutty Maple Molasses its great nutty, chewy character. Top of the list is the Maple Almond--it's maple to the max, full of almonds, and sports a few added grains like rye and barley in addition to the oats. None of the 3 flavors are disgustingly sweet like so many granolas, and none have those giant clumps typical of commercial brands. All have organic grains and 4 or 5 grams of fiber for a 1/2 cup serving--that's cool! They're pricey at $4.95 for a 12-ounce container but totally worth it!
Doing breakfast on the run? You can't beat Amy's Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich! Two minutes in the microwave plus another two in the toaster oven to crisp up the crust and you're chomping away on Amy's grandma's favorite breakfast. Hold on, now--give it a minute or two to cool slightly, then pick it up and bite into this tasty, tofu-filled, dough-wrapped delicacy. Inside are teeny bits of chopped shiitake mushrooms, onions, red bell pepper, broccoli, and tomatoes to jump the flavor up a bit. It's organic, it's vegan. It's great! On this taster's wish-list is that Amy's had thought to make the dough from organic whole wheat instead of white flour.
Starting the day with a really healthy hot cereal that's got plenty of fiber was Mom's idea of a good breakfast. This taster discovered that The Right Stuff by Bob's Red Mill is exactly what Mom ordered. Yes, it means cooking, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to put some water in a pot, pour in some ground-up grains, and turn the stove on! A bowl of this organically grown combination of whole grain wheat, rye, corn, oats, spelt, kamut, and flaxseeds cooks up in about 5 minutes and keeps me chuggin' all the way to lunch. Of course, I top it off with some raisins, nuts, fruit, and soymilk to make breakfast a fun and yummy meal.
The box of Carla Lee's Nut Burgers looked and sounded great and came 4 to a package. So I got ready for a yummy dinner. Followed the stovetop heating suggestion and honestly loved the taste--it was really really rich because it had cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, carrot juice, brown rice, and soy protein--all good stuff, but wait! There were a few downsides, some minor and some not.
Looking for something different in a frozen burger, I discovered a package of Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Veggie Burger that practically jumped into my hands. It sounded good. Turns out it was very, very good. I ignored the heating directions for stovetop, microwave, and grill, and popped them into the oven at 400 degrees for about 9 minutes. Perfect. Loved it. It rocks, too, with kernels of corn, black beans, bits of red and green bell pepper. And it comes with my flavor fave--a lively hit of chipotle! It's really delicious on its own and was even better as a filling for my pita. The bonus is it's low-cal, a mere 100 calories, 5g protein, and 5g fiber. Watch the fat, though--3g in each patty.
Searching for a soy-free burger I made a yummy discovery in the freezer section at the natural food market-- Bahama Rice Burger, Jerkin' Spicy flavor. It was a refreshing find--burgers made from a blend of brown rice, black rice, and wild rice and beans and totally soy free, wheat free, and gluten free--a real bonus for the soy and gluten-intolerant. Tasted them with and without the bun and loved the way they spiced up the whole meal. Great flavor and plenty of punch and hey, only 140 calories a burger, 5 grams of fat, and 5 grams of fiber in the deal. The only downside--they lack the chewy texture one might expect from a burger--the somewhat mushy consistency might not please everybody, but those burgers and I got along just fine.
Tofu Goes Wild in the Wood
Those tasty little Tofu-Veggie Burgers Original made by WildWood Organics come two-to-a-package and just wrapped me around their yummy little bits of carrot, onion, and kale. After warming a burger, I poked it into a pita. Within three bites I was wowed half way to nirvana! These babies are unique because they don't try to be immitation meat--they stand on their own delicious tofu character with perfect seasoning and even have 1 gram of fiber. Don't worry about protein--one great burger is loaded with 13g, but with 61% fat you might not want to slam too many down on your plate at once.
Browsing the freezer section of my local natural foods market, I spotted The Original Maui Taro Burger made by the Hawaii Taro Co. Inc. Little impulses of curiosity told me I had to try it. Followed the directions and pan-fried it 4 minutes on each side, then tucked it into a whole wheat bun with the usual stuff--lettuce, tomatoes, onions, veg mayo. Man! This is one seductive burger! It's got all the good stuff--brown rice, veggies, sunflower seeds, oats, and taro. To top it off, this baby zings with great flavor and only has 130 calories in its nearly 3.5-ounce patty. Other pluses--low fat, low sodium, and 3 grams of fiber. On the side of caution, this vegan Hawaiian specialty set me back a little over 4 bucks for the package of two patties.
Riding the waves in top form, these giant Maui Taro Burger patties by the Hawaii Taro Company crave a supersize bun to keep them from going over the edge. I was totally stoked after tasting this burger that's crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. They come frozen, two to a package, and are ready to eat in about 8 minutes. You can't go wrong--3 grams of fiber from a combo of taro, brown rice, vegetables, oats, canola oil, sunflower seeds, and some spices--no add-ins you can't pronounce and only 2 grams of fat besides.
The Veggie Burger That Ain't
Curious about the new Burger King Veggie Burger with its 140 calories, 4 grams of total fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, and 9 grams of protein, this vegan bird ordered it without the bun, and without the mayonnaise, and asked that it be microwaved rather than cooked on the meat-tempered grill. The side salad with French dressing completed the order. First impression--it's rather small with a few shreds of carrots and something green finely minced and embedded into an unappetizing, unidentifiable mixture of mashed something-or-other with a layer of glistening fat on the top. Second impression‹it tasted OK, but just OK. It had the mouthfeel of its 4 grams of fat and left one unsatisfied. The salad was mostly iceberg lettuce, a few shreds of carrots, a small wedge of tomato, and a floret of broccoli. Save your money and wait for another fast food chain to play one-upsmanship.
Barbecue up an all vegan Amy's Texas Burger with yeeee-haw confidence. It's got great barbecue flavor along with a hint of veggies like onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers! Soy protein and wheat gluten-based for a good hit of protein, (12 grams worth) these burgers, packaged 4 to a box, have a chewy meaty texture characteristic of the real thing. For a frozen item, they're quick to fix, too. I heated mine in the oven, and while it was heating, I put together stuff like sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Even with all the fixin's, that down-home barbecue flavor got a thumbs-up from my taste buds. It was the perfect burger.
The most succulent burger to cross these discerning taste buds is the Hempnut Hempeh Veggieburger that comes wrapped with two patties in a package for sharing with a dining buddy. This tasty burger made from soybeans, brown rice, and hempseeds is all organic and all vegan. It rocks with a zesty smoke flavor and even has a nutty, chewy texture that gives your choppers something to gnaw on. Best of all, each patty provides 10 grams of protein and a whopping 765 mg of that hard-to-get Omega 3.
Natural Touch, the shining light of the Morningstar Farms line, makes a Vegan Burger that really hits the top of the charts with its earthy, savory flavor, toothy texture, and not too much of the junk additives. By itself, it's a little dry, but that's because it contains zero fat to make it juicy. In a bun with all the fixin's it goes down real easy. Easy to fix, too. All it needs is a little warming in the oven, microwave, or stove-top. If you're foraging for protein, look no further. One "pattie" in this 4-burger package contains 11 grams of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber.
Guess Morningstar Farms thinks it takes 30 ingredients, many of them unpronounceable, to make a meatless burger with their Better 'n Burgers line. The back of the package carries the 100% vegan seal, and all of those 30 items listed are vegan, but wait! Does your body have a nutritional requirement for flavor enhancers, namely, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, aspartic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, or succinic acid? Do these patties taste good? Yes, but who needs the chemicals? Pass on this one and choose a burger that's got "real" ingredients.
I'm confessing--I'm a committed Parmesan addict. Because I love the stuff so much I keep hoping someone will create a REALLY great vegan Parmesan. I literally prayed for the stuff, and guess what--my prayers were answered at last! I brought home this really attractive little pot-belly jar called Parmela Parmesan Cheese Replacer and it's AMAZING! It really tastes like Parmesan, but it's totally vegan. Some of the ingredients, like nuts and nutritional yeast, are similar to other imitations, but these guys ferment the stuff--seems to make all the difference. To do a quick test, I made some pizza toast and sprinkled the stuff on the top. Honest, it's the real thing. Not cheap, but worth the $6 price for the 2.5-ounce jar. The best thing is you don't need much to do the job. It goes further than you might think.
A wicked cheese craving led me to Teese Cheese by Chicago Soydairy for a Mozzarella treat that melts fabulously on a pizza without a hitch--just kick up the oven temp to 450 degrees like the label on the plump little 5 1/2-inch 1-pound chub recommends. It's creamy white and even smells Italian like the real mozzarella. The Cheddar Style is like very mild cheddar and is also a great melter. It works like a dream on open-faced sandwiches under the broiler. I even sliced it and put it over some roasted veggies that I plopped onto some Ezekiel bread. Then I shoved it in the oven for melting. I turned this mess into a real sandwich with a couple of slices of vegan deli turkey and topped it with another slice of bread. Man! What a good eating sandwich! Gotta be careful, though, every ounce has 70 calories and 7 grams of fat, 2 grams saturated. Nice thing is these little chubs will
last for 3 weeks in the fridge.
At long last Sheese, a great tasting vegan cheese made in Scotland, has landed at my doorstep, well, not literally. The Strong Cheddar Style flavor is awesome for just plain eating with a chunk of bread or layered in a sandwich. Its texture is so outrageously good and similar to the real thing. I found it unexpectedly firm for a vegan cheese but still pleasantly creamy, and the flavor has such an edgy feel, sort of crusty--really out there. It's got that sharp, salty bite with a hard-to-describe tang that says, "Hey, this is cheddar!" The cheese comes in 4-inch rounds about 1-inch thick and it's kind of white, so I thought it was mislabeled. It was the real thing, and I could hardly control myself from eating the entire 1/2-pound package in one meal. Good thing I didn't, though. There's 8 grams of fat, 5 of them saturated in every ounce. The Mozzarella strays off course from its name and actually tastes more like a yummy medium cheddar with that same firm texture and cheddar tang. Neither flavor melts terribly well, even when shredded. But I have a better idea. I'm going to save both flavors for shredding into a salad, or to top a tostada--yum! Hey, it might even work as a flavor-booster soup garnish! Like any fancy important cheese, though, it's kind of pricey.
The juices really started flowing when I took a look at the label that read Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet Cream Cheese Alternative. Snapped it up and hauled a whole-wheat bagel out of the freezer, popped it into the toaster oven, then plunged into the cream cheese and gave the bagel a schmeer. I swear, it's killer stuff! It was thick, creamy smooth, and rich tasting, just like I remembered. Wow! A stunning moment of delicious nostalgia! At last I found my bagel's new best friend! But, hey! If I didn't care about the 8 grams of fat for the 2 tablespoons I spread on, I'd have eaten the whole 8-ounce container right then!
An unassuming little package of Soy Feta Mediterranean Herb by Sunergia Soyfoods pretty near jumped off the shelf of the deli case and into my shopping basket. It read "low fat, vegan, organic, dairy-free, and gluten free." How could I lose? Brought it home and had to make a Greek salad that just lives for feta. Before chowing down, I crumbled some of the "feta" on the top. Man! Was it good! The real feta is just a faint memory now. Been years since it slid down my gullet. Though this version is a bit drier and less salty than I remember, it's a pretty cool stand-in. And would you believe, it even delivers 120 mg of ALA omega 3 per serving.
Play Food came up with an out-of-this-world Whip Cheeze that's easy to love. Kinda reminds me of yummy cream cheese--the real thing, that is. But it's totally vegan and raw. The darned thing comes in a squeeze bottle and the stuff oozes out in soft, puffy, squiggles that you can spread on a bagel like I did. You shouldn't love it too much, though, because one ounce has 45 calories with 30 calories from fat--that's two-thirds fat--ouch! Cashews, water, and agave nectar are the main ingredients along with a few enhancers with names I don't recognize.
Craving a grilled cheese sandwich, I grabbed a package of Galaxy Pepper Jack Flavor Rice Slices, and laid two slices of the totally vegan cheese between my whole wheat bread. Poured a touch of oil into a skillet, flipped on the high heat, and plunked the sandwich down. I put a dish on top of the bread, then pressed on it with my hand for about two minutes. Flipped it over to finish the job and loved the cheesy result. The cheese didn't ooze, but it did melt nicely and sported the perfect spice. This faux cheese is a bonus for allergy sufferers--made only from rice, it's soy and gluten free with 2.5 grams of fat for each 45 calorie slice.
Soymage Vegan Parmesan Alternative is an amazing imitation Parmesan cheese that looks, tastes, and even smells like the real thing. Completely dairy-free and made from soy, this item is a winner. All it takes is a little sprinkle over that pasta, ravioli, or lasagne to make it so Italian even Mama Mia would love it. And it's lower in fat and minus the 4 mg of cholesterol in the real stuff. Convenient, too. It comes in a 4-ounce cylindrical container with a lid that lets you shake or pour.
A three-ingredient wonder, Parma! Non-Dairy Parmesan Seasoning made by Eat in the Raw, Inc., falls short of its goal. The first step is the sniff test--nope, doesn't smell like Parmesan. Then comes the taste test--nope, doesn't taste like Parmesan either. However, it does have some positives. It's all raw, totally vegan, and pure as all get-out with nothing more than organic walnuts, nutritional yeast, and sea salt. Enjoy it as a seasoning--just don't expect Parmesan! One tablespoon even offers 4 grams of protein.
For vegans, Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet Cheese Alternative is the best thing to come along since the discovery of the wheel! The four flavors: cheddar, nacho, Jack, and mozzarella are so exceptional they stand in for the real thing. The best part is this cheese really melts under the broiler and oozes like the real stuff. Totally vegan and made from non-GMO soy, this is a power product that even offers 2 grams of dietary fiber for each 1-ounce serving. You can't get that from the real thing! Try it on pizza, open-faced sandwiches, and salads or shred it into soups for a sensational topping.
Soy cheeses without casein (a dairy protein) can be quite dismal. They just don't have that stretchy texture that makes pizza so enticing. Tofutti has some vegan cheeses that are a slice above the others. Their Tofutti Good and Healthy Soy-Cheese Slices are dairy-free and melt on a piece of bread rather than slide off when you take a bite. The slices come in Mozarella and Cheddar flavors, but the Roasted Garlic is the one we like for dressing up a sandwich. They taste great and they're cholesterol free BUT BEWARE! They have partially hydrogenated soybean oil loaded with trans fat. Each 70-calorie slice is 64% calories from fat.
Finding a vegan (casein-free) cheese that measures up to dairy cheese in taste, texture, and meltability is pretty close to impossible. However, this determined vegan found one that passed the test. It's the only Rella variety without casein. Vegan Rella, packaged in an 8-ounce brick, comes in cheddar and mozzarella flavors. Slice off a 1/4-inch strip, lay it on bread, and tuck it under the broiler. Though it doesn't ooze into a melted state like real cheese, it softens to a creamy texture and stays that way until you take the last bite. Flavorwise, it tops the list! Cheddar lovers will say it falls somewhere between mild and medium cheddar, while the mozzarella fans will compare it to a mild mozzarella.
On a vegan cheese tasting binge, this taster found the comparison clear.
Soymage Vegan (A Natural Alternative to Cheese) falls a little short. Available in 12-ounce bricks in cheddar and mozzarella flavors as well as in an 8-ounce package of individually wrapped singles, this pseudo-cheese doesn't taste bad. Where it misses is in the melting process. Under the broiler, the top "skin" burns while the middle oozes off the bread and makes a messy clean-up, or, with more careful timing, it doesn't ooze, but it doesn't do much of anything else either. The real disappointment is that it doesn't stay soft and melted. Moments after it comes out of the broiler it hardens up to its original state. What a bummer!
Garden Protein International is one hot company! Their Gardein Garden Protein Classic Style Buffalo Wings literally sizzled once they hit home plate--my tongue, that is! Spice lovers like me loved the punched-up heat level of the chile seasoning, and the flavor's not too shabby either. The 9-ounce package holds approximately 10 brazenly sauced ovals reminiscent of real chicken wings, but these boldly delicious soy, gluten-free, and grain-based tidbits went down light and easy. I'm hooked! They even look cool. The package says 2 1/2 servings, but the whole package could easily make a meal if you're a big chowhound on the hunt for lots of protein. I shared and decided these buffalo wings would make a great appetizer to put on skewers with chunks of pineapple. That way they would even go farther--yeah, I'm a cheapskate!
Hooray for V-USA!
Made a great frozen discovery that's the ultimate convenience meal for hip vegheads who don't have time to cook! Vegan Kung Pao Chicken by VegeUSA marketed with the brand name Vegetarian Plus: A Meatless World is a royal feast! Defrosted it, chopped up some bell peppers and onions and cooked them up with the yummy looking fake chicken chunks and WOW what a meal! Actually it made 3 meals, although the package says 4 servings. It's got spice, it's got flavor, and it knocks me over with 13 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Not bad for a few chunks of non-GMO soy! Go easy though, these treats are a little high in fat and sodium.
Follow Your Heart Country Smoked Chicken-Free Chicken scores really really big time in the realm of fake chicken. Wrapped in a funky chicken-shaped 10-ounce package, this chickie comes to market to bring joy to the table. One bite and I was hooked--what flavor! Great chewy texture! Its fab aroma knocked me over. Couldn't stop at one bite--had to have more of this incredible flavor. Simply put, it's the best tasting imitation chicken on the planet. Soy protein and gluten form the base. Nutrition-wise, 2 ounces delivers 11 grams of protein, 2 grams total fat, and a low 245 mg of sodium.
On the way to the supermarket freezer case, Boca Spicy Meatless Chik'n Patties decided to put on a heavy overcoat -- of breading -- almost half of each patty. Although the label said 6 grams of fat, compared to 13 grams in a real breaded chicken patty, each greasy bite made me feel like a dumb cluck for making this purchase. Spicy, YES. Flavorful, NO. The Boca people need to sample the competition to learn how real fake chicken should taste.
The folks at Health Is Wealth really know how to capture that chicken flavor. These stone-ground whole-wheat breaded Chicken-Free Patties have to be the best things since the chicken crossed the road. Why did he anyway? It's not the 14 grams of protein or the 1.5 grams of fat that brings me back to the freezer case for more, it's the over-the-top flavor that makes this the best breaded chicken patty I've ever tasted. It's a pure vegan delight without MSG, preservatives, artificial additives, colors, or flavors.
Lightlife's Smart Cutlets sure are dumb. I should have known better! Anything
spelled "Chick'n" can't be good. These fake breaded chicken cutlets are just
about the most rubbery things I've ever eaten, and they aren't that flavorful,
either. I made the mistake of sauteeing them, slicing them into strips, and putting them into a Caesar salad. We didn't even finish them. If you can get
beyond the icky texture and lack of taste, they aren't so bad. Nutritionally,
they are only 140 calories a piece, with no cholesterol and only half a gram
of fat.
Wholly Moly, What a Wild Blueberry Pie!
A couple of friends came over for some eats, and brought a frozen Wholly-Wholesome Truly Natural Blueberry Pie that was totally vegan. Turned on the oven and stuck it in for the 55 minutes recommended on the package. It smelled good, but I didn't think much about it, since most frozen pies are pretty yucky. Still, that blueberry aroma was pretty compelling. Dessert time came and we all dug in without hesitation. Admittedly, it rocked us all and transported us to gourmet nirvana! Neat thing is, it's not sickeningly sweet--the sweetness is perfect and the flavor of the wild blueberries is awesome! The wheat and rice crust has a great mouth-feel, too. The package says 6 servings, but we polished it off in a blink! Great stuff! So instead of 310 calories had there been 6 of us, we each downed 465 calories!
Sweet & Sara did it right! She filled a niche this vegan has been craving forever--a totally vegan marshmallow that really tastes like a marshmallow should. She calls them Marshmallow Meltaways and I went and melted away half a package of the Toasted Coconut ones before I could put on the brakes! Don't come near these if you're planning to diet--they won't help a bit, but they will provide you with at least 5 minutes of pure ecstasy if you chomp 'em down fast. But the best way to enjoy them is to slow down and take tiny bites. That way you can stretch out the dreamy sweet, airy delight and make it last lots longer. Two heads up, though. They're cool dudes--you gotta keep them refrigerated. You gotta earn big bucks to buy these often.
Vegan Delights Chocolate Treasures are little, unassuming, all-chocolate cookies as slender as a vegan but capable of unleashing a dizzying spin of chocolate rapture that hits the taste buds with a thwack of rich, melt-in-the mouth flavor. Deep chocolate to the core and moist like a typical brownie, these cookies even have a couple of weeks of staying power at room temperature as well. They may not be considered a national treasure, but vegans won't hesitate to adopt them as a vegan treasure!
Cookie! Cookie! I need more Cookie! Those were the words I felt like shouting after gorging on my half of the giant 4 1/2-inch vegan Chocolate Cappuccino Cookie by Frankly Natural Bakers. I almost regretted sharing the cookie with my friend. This baby packed a wallop of decadent chocolate flavor, delivered rich texture with whole chocolate chips, and sent me into deep cappuccino ecstasy! Putting it mildly, it's a sensational treat.
It's hard to imagine that one innocent little 2 1/2-inch Chocolate Chip Cookie could send me into a frenzy of delight, but it did! Not too crispy and not too chewy, this divine vegan cookie, made of mostly organic ingredients, by Vegan Delights has got it right with a texture that's halfway between. This tiny treat looks undistinguished, but, ohhhh! one bite tells a different story! This diminutive, sweet, chocolaty, and walnutty baby eased my insatiable cookie cravings in an instant. Hmmm, makes me wonder about the other cookies in their cupboard!
One Bite Is Never Enough
Chocolate, oh soy-milk chocolate, how you charge up my spirits and make me smile! What absolutely made my day is popping one of those little foil-wrapped half-balls of ChocoSoy Soy-Milk Chocolate into my mouth and experiencing pure heaven. It's just-right sweet and it's all vegan with non-refined sugar and non-GMO soymilk. Life is good! And good for the environment, too. There are 5 one-inch "balls" of chocolate in each attractively packaged ecologically-friendly brown paper carton that's tied with buriti palm fiber from Brazil. And, as you might expect, one piece of chocolate leads to another--but, fortunately, my indulgence was limited to the 5 pieces in the package!
When it came to a choice between the Macadamia Brownie or the Butterscotch Blondie by Frankly Natural Bakers, this taster decided it was almost a dead heat. Both were flat out vegan decadence in the bar cookie category. However, the Butterscotch Blondie with its organic oat flour won out with its exceptional flavor, moistness, and wholesome ingredients. The Macadamia Brownie dished up plenty of real pleasure for the dedicated chocoholic, but it was a tad too dry for my taste. That doesn't mean you should skip it altogether--it's got plenty going for it. Just make sure your mod bod can handle the 400 calories for the Blondies or the 375 calories for the Brownies now and then. Of, course, if you eat half today, and, well,-- you know.
Chocolate Decadence holds the patent on the most intoxicating chocolates a vegan could possibly seek out for serious sinning. The Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Espresso, and
Double Chocolate buttons were so downright awesome it was hard to believe they were really vegan, but rest assured, they are. Creamy and silky smooth and rich, rich deep chocolate flavor--believe me, they went down easy. Totally dairy-free and casein-free, the chocolates are formed into every possible shape and size and come packed in the nicest little gift packages you could want--lots more flavors, too!
Nana's Cookie Company must have had romance in mind when they created their 10 varieties of moist and chewy quarter-pounder cookies that are intended to serve two. My first thought was that these cookies are so plump they must be on hormones! But no, they're just plain voluptuous! The Oatmeal Raisin and the Peanut Butter both have that old-fashioned richness you expect from an indulgence, and neither has that overly sweet taste that comes from refined sugar. These are sweetened with natural fruit juices, have no hydrogenated fats, and are totally vegan. I loved them both for their texture and flavor, and the 180 calories went down without a hitch. My partner kept eyeing my half to make sure I ate it all.
Fabe's Natural Gourmet Mini Vegan Carrot Cake just knocked me over it was so good! I could actually taste the sweetness of the carrots and the just-right touch of spice. The texture was soft and moist--it was definitely an indulgent dessert without being overly sweet. Just don't splurge too often. With 140 calories for one fourth of the cake you can quickly escort 60 fat grams to your waistline. The mini cake comes in a cute 9-ounce package that makes the perfect little gift to bring if someone invites you to dinner.
Heavenly Fudge Brownie by Allison's Gourmet is definitely the world class brownie champion. Unwrap the package and the rich chocolate aroma heads straight for the internal chocolate radar screen. One bite floated me into chocolate ecstasy with flavor so rich and texture so perfectly moist and chewy. It was a nearly guilt-free experience knowing the brownies are made with all organic and natural ingredients. Chomping on Allison's Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies is an experience that closely mimics the brownie tasting. Definitely a cookie and not a brownie, the texture falls between chewy and crunchy, the flavor most definitely chocolate with a robust zap of mint that gives it character. It rocks.
The Double Chocolate Chip cookie by Fabe's Natural Gourmet is the ultimate chocolate heaven for anyone with a passion for chocolate like this veggie taster. Starting with the just-right fudgy, chewy texture down to that to-die-for double chocolate flavor--it's pure vegan ecstasy. Don't get too carried away, though--each cookie packs 260 calories and 11 grams of fat, 8 of them saturated. It's a treat--a once-in-a-while thing!
The spicy splash of cinnamon and cloves puts the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie by the Alternative Baking Company, Inc. on the top of my list. It's soft, chewy, and wonderfully wal-nutty. Better yet, its super size of 4.5 ounces makes it an ideal treat to share. Feels like an old fashioned idea with a hip new style of no dairy, zip hydrogenated oils, no honey, zero refined sugar--it's a vegan cookie lover's dream come true! However, beware the 240 calories and 8 grams of fat, 2 grams saturated per sinful pleasure.
Allison's Gourmet Chocolate Macadamia, Chocolate Chip Pecan, and
Peanut Butter Cookies left this taster a little disappointed, but not completely. The texture of each had a good crunchy and nutty quality, but overall they were a bit dry. What came to the foreground was an unexpected saltiness. Perhaps they were not sweet enough to compensate, but salt is not what I yearn for in a cookie. What I want to taste in a peanut butter cookie is a healthy dose of peanut butter-- Allison's Peanut Butter Cookie missed the mark.
It's So Delicious and Cultured, Too
Just when I thought there were no new kinds of yogurt to be invented, So Delicious arrived in the deli case with Cultured Coconut Milk in a ton of tempting flavors. Coconut milk base? Wow! That's great for those who can't do dairy or soy. The folks at Turtle Mountain got it right with this smooth, flavorful, ultra creamy delight that will have you hurrying back to the store for more. I went wild over the Pina Colada, Raspberry, and Chocolate that were not overly sweet and noticed they even have a couple of grams of fiber and live cultures. All good, but if you're watching your calories and fat, the six-ounce carton may not be your first choice with the 150 to 170 calories each and 5 grams of saturated fat (from the coconut).
Who'da Thought of Rice Yogurt?
Didn't know rice could be sooooooo nice but just struck gold when I discovered Ricera Rice Yogurt a seriously yummy, totally vegan, certified organic, whole-grain brown rice yogurt. It's hands-down perfect for the soy-intolerant, but it stands on its own two feet with rockin' flavor and creaminess. I went for the organic blueberry flavor and could actually taste and feel the bits of ground up berries in the texture--what a plus to have real fruit in a product that lists fruit on its label! Now, I'm a dedicated fan! Get this-- the 6-ounce carton delivers only 1 gram of fat in its 180 calories, 3 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber.
Count on Trader Joe's Cultured Soy Strawberry or Blueberry flavors to deliver the tastiest, creamiest "yogurt-style" breakfast or snack you've ever tasted. If you crave thick, lavishly rich tasting "yogurt" as much as I do, then look no further. Every spoonful bursts with the fruity sweetness from the real strawberries and blueberries. Both were pure heaven down to the last mouthful. And this might sound strange--it felt good going down--I'm talking great mouthfeel. With 2.5g of fat and 5g of protein in the 6-ounce carton, it runs neck in neck with WholeSoy in ruling the soy culture kingdom.
WholeSoy Creamy Cultured Soy Blueberry reigns over the soy culture kingdom with flavor and creaminess I just can't get enough of. Like the Trader Joe's brand, it's divinely thick and goes down sooo smooth. You don't have to guess if there are really blueberries in there, you can really taste them. I couldn't help thinking I was floating on a fluffy blueberry cloud. The 6-ounce serving is made with organic ingredients and has 2.5g of fat and 5g of protein.
Wildwood Soyogurt Cultured Soymilk Strawberry Patch and Blue Moon Blueberry flavors don't quite measure up to the faaaabulous kings because of their looser, runnier textures that seemed more like a beverage. Flavorwise, they're not a bad yogurt-style breakfast, but both flavors leave a mild aftertaste that wrinkles the nose. I did like the little chunks of real fruit that turned up in almost every light, creamy spoonful. Another thing going for this brand is that it is certified organic. A bit high in fat with 3.5g, it does offer 6g of protein.
Silk Cultured Soy Strawberry and Blueberry flavors left a pronounced aftertaste that made me think they were totally artificial, yet there's real fruit listed in the ingredients. Comparing the colors of each of the brands, I found this strawberry flavor unappealing with its greyish, brownish tint that fought with what attempted to be a soft pink hue. Both flavors have the runniest consistency of all the yogurts I tasted. They pass for soy yogurt and will do when there is no other choice, but - - -
Nancy's Cultured Soy Raspberry has everything a healthy yogurt should sport except a pleasing taste. It's made from all organic ingredients like soymilk, amazake, scads of raspberries, and grape juice and even provides more than your daily requirement of vitamins C and E and a generous serving of calcium, but it flunks the taste test. While some cultured soy products are overly sweetened, this one needs a boost in sweetening and a fruitier flavor.
Blissed by Soyogurt
Can't imagine a plain, unsweetened soy yogurt could possibly tease out a happy face? Plunge a spoon into Wildwood Plain Soyogurt Unsweetened and feel pure bliss comin' on. I couldn't believe it myself, but it rocks. I threw a few spoons of it on a fruit salad--loved it! I tossed a salad with it and added some salt and pepper--very cool and it was super easy--even for me! Best of all, make a smoothie with a banana, yogurt, a few dates, and a heaping spoonful of tahini--that's nirvana in a glass! Dig these cool numbers: 100% organic soy, 9g protein in an 8-ounce serving, a blast of 550 mg potassium, 6 active cultures, and 6g fiber. Go easy--it's got 38% calories from fat.
Off the Farm Captures the City
With so many energy bars to choose from, it's really hard to find one that stands out--but I did! I really, really did! Off the Farm says "Our ingredients are Off the Farm," and they actually taste like it. Their three flavors, Blueberry-Vanilla, Strawberry-Coconut, and Apple-Cinnamon knocked me over! It felt like I was eating fresh fruits and nuts. What I loved best was that I could clearly see and identify the chunks of fruits and nuts--they weren't all mushed up together in one unidentifiable, rectangular glob. And the taste was so awesome I didn't even share the bar. Loved that they weren't excessively sweet, too--they felt more natural, even though they do contain brown rice syrup. Also neat: 1 bar has only 200 calories and 4g fiber.
I know. Don't go shopping when you're hungry. Bad idea. But wait! Actually, it's a great way to discover really cool treats like Pure Naturals and Pure Organic, fruit & nut bars in yum flavors like chocolate almond, wild blueberry, and cherry cashew. Can't beat 'em! And they're all raw, organic, and gluten-free. The awesome sweet and chewy 1.7-ounce bar with 190 calories was all I needed to get through the shopping trip with a happy, well-nurtured tummy. Question: How can the package say certified gluten-free when the bars are made in a facility that processes soy, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, sesame, and tree nuts?
A resolution to eat a healthier breakfast led me to an earnest eats granola plank. I decided to buy all three flavors: pomegranate walnut crisp; maple almond crunch; and blueberry vanilla crackle. The crisp, crackle, and crunch in their names not only had marketing appeal, but they also lived up to their descriptive sounds as I crunched, crackled, and crisped my way through three fab breakfasts. These are winners and much more fun to eat than the usually crumbly granola poured out of a bag. With one crunchy plank in my right hand and a piece of fruit in the other, I polished off breakfast like lightning and was out the door. So delicious, so convenient, and pretty darned healthy--that's my take. Each plank is 3-ounces and perfect for 1 serving (even though the package says 2 servings). Here's what makes them so special: tons of nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds) whole, gluten-free grains, dried fruits, and just right sweetness--all that and only 190 calories for half of the plank.
Prepping for a trip, I like to pack really healthy snacks to keep me fortified. Cruising the net, I happened onto That's It. fruit bars. What a product!--the purest, simplest, and killer delicious fruit bars ever. And would you believe there are only two ingredients in each bar--two kinds of fruit--That's It! Ordered the variety 12-pack and I'm ready to go. Get this--they're totally vegan, kosher, gluten-free, sugar-free, low glycemic, and contain no preservatives. Even better, each 35-gram bar has only 100 calories and 3 grams of fiber. Can't beat that! Just grabbed the apple and cherry bar and chewed up half of it already--sooo good!
You'd swear it was manna from heaven when you wrapped your chops around Mayan Spice WildBar loaded with raw cacao and wild blue-green algae. It's got macadamias for crunch and a tiny bit of cayenne that tickled my very excited neurotransmitters with the first bite. Then I just had to have a second bite. Before I knew it, I had eaten the entire 1.6-ounce bar. This exceptional raw chocolate treat from Ancient Sun Nutrition that promises "sustained energy and stamina" is not only organic, kosher, and high in fiber (14 grams) and antioxidants, but it might also turn you into a raving addict if it were not so pricey.
The Odwalla Bar! Berries GoMega tastes like something a medicine man would give you if you had a serious illness. After sampling this odd-tasting energy bar, I came to the conclusion that the Odwalla people should stick to squeezing their juices and stop trying to put baking soda, vegetable glycerin, and sea salt into a fruit bar. Give us a break. If you only have 21% organic ingredients in this weird tasting clump, why bother to mention it at all.
One bite and I was hooked. I wanted to scarf down a bushel of Soleil Organic Raw Food Bars, especially the blueberry flavor. How lucky can you get-they're organic, gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and pure as hell. Not a preservative in sight! And I even got some omega 3's because they're made with flaxseeds and walnuts. Get this--no blueberry flavoring -- just real blueberries with some real cherries to make it even better. This is the real thing--what a treat to chow down 1.6 ounces in a fruit/nut bar that gives you 3 g of fiber along with 2 g of protein in the160-calorie snack.
Snack time was sublime when I chomped down on a Cinnamon Spice Dynemo Nutritional Energy Bar made by JAT Foods. Ditto for the Peanut Butter flavor and an extra WOW! for the Chocolate Brownie flavor. This company's on the right side of organics with 63% to 67% organic ingredients from real food like dates, nuts, and seeds. Nothing fake about these 1.76-ounce energy bars that promise no refined sugar, no trans fat, no GMO, no grains, no dairy, no cholesterol, no gluten--they're vegan and they're kosher with 6 grams of fiber and 210 mg of potassium. Can't beat that!
Raising the Bar for a Real Pro
One bite of ProBar and I wished I could climb inside a ProBar mountain, hibernate there all winter, nibbling now and then for rejuvenation, then slowly chew my way out one divine bite at a time by summer. If only one could make that heavenly 3-ounce bar last that long! Tastewise, this is the best of the bars--it doesn't get any better. It's all vegan, mostly raw, and all the ingredients are real foods that you can actually recognize. There's nothing you can't pronounce--just fruits, nuts, and grains. Loved it! But don't love it too often--each bar has 175 calories and 8 grams of fat.
Xtremely Fake
GeniSoy's Lemon Smash Xtreme Crunch Bar was a good idea with its soy nuts, apples, raisins, cranberries, cherries, almonds, and cashews. If only they had stopped with those fruits and nuts--but no! The ingredient list is long enough for bedtime reading, it's loaded with sweeteners (8 different kinds--no kidding!), and it tastes artificial. Not cool. Confession time: the taste test went down before looking carefully at the label (a really rare occurrence), and guess what? It's a vegan reject with its honey and sugar.
Vegan Date-Nut Energy Square by Frankly Natural Bakers is wholesome, pure and natural, wonderfully chewy, loaded with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness from the dates to satisfy the urge for an afternoon snack. For those times when there's a long stretch between lunch and dinner, this is what you reach for. The Pecan Energy Square is just so-so--stick with the Date-Nut made with tahini, oats, sesame seeds, dates, sunflower seeds, and walnuts and sweetened with barley malt. Just don't do it too often or you'll add 340 calories by the time you've taken the last bite.
The people at Clif, makers of the Clif Bar, make LUNA Bars, the "whole
nutrition bar for women." These bars are so tasty and satisfying that many
guys I know proclaim these as their favorites. Unlike many
nutrition/energy/sports bars that taste like metallic chalk and Fig Newton
regurgitation, LUNA Bars are sweet enough to satisfy a sweet craving, have a
chewy and crispy texture, and don't taste like they are good for you. They
come in tasty flavors such as Lemonzest, Chocolate Pecan Pie, Chai, Trail
Mix, and others. The best part is they are free of wheat and dairy products,
are sweetened with brown rice syrup and evaporated cane juice, and weigh in
at 180 calories. With 2 grams of fiber, 35% of the RDA of calcium, 100% RDA
of folate, and soy as the first ingredient, these bars are a winning snack.
Organic Vegan Food Bar is probably the healthiest bar I've come across. The first ingredient is quinoa sprout powder, followed by fava bean sprout powder
and soy sprout powder. On the upside, it's cold-processed so it qualifies as a "raw food." It has a total of 15 grams of protein, and --
get this -- it actually tastes pretty good. On the downside each bar is almost $3 (most bars are under $1.60). Additional complaint: the
outer wrapper is a colorful yellow, and the yellow ink flakes off onto my hands.
These pocket-sized snacks are packed with all kinds of weird stuff (cork tree bark, asian psyllium seed, Chinese goldenthread root, etc.)
but they taste great. Sweetened with honey or evaporated cane juice, Wha Guru Chew comes in flavors such as Ginger Almond with Dandelion,
Sesame Almond, and Vanilla Cashew (this bird's favorite). Their compact size makes them special for traveling, and they are a great
energy booster in between meals.
Ranking highest in the energy bar category is the 2Wice as Big Gluten-Free Date-Nut Bar by Frankly Natural Bakers with 3.5 ounces of vegan chewy, crunchy, and deliriously delicious flavor. It's so pure it's outrageous. The crunchiness comes from soynuts, sunflower seeds, and walnuts. The chewiness is a combo of dates and sesame, and the vanilla, organic cane juice, and grape juice top it off with that perfect touch of sweetness. Actually, one half of the almost-square bar is just right for an afternoon energy boost, so share it with someone who truly appreciates the good stuff. Be aware that it's a little on the caloric side, so don't do it every day--one half of the bar dishes up a divine 200 calories.
Imagine an all vegan ice cream that's outrageously delicious, comes in a choice of coconut or soy base, and doesn't melt into a liquid pool the minute it hits air! That's DF Mavens Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert! Tried the New Orleans Salted Praline and Peanut Butter Fudge Mash, both flavors soy-based and dairy-free, and OMG, OMG, OMG! Also tried the Del Lago Chocolate, made with coconut milk. If I were banished to a desert island, these awesome crazy vegan ice creams are what I would choose to take with me, along with some company, of course! These are decadent and totally indulgent treats.
When dessert time came around, I was prepared. The day before, while impulse shopping, I picked up Luna and Larry's Organic Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Bliss in a one-pint carton. Opened the lid and plunged my spoon into the center only to discover it was rock hard. Patience paid off big time. Fifteen minutes later I was deep into coconut bliss and loving every spoonful. The big plus is that this all-vegan, gluten-free, non-dairy frozen dessert is not disgustingly sweet but certainly sweet enough to deliver lots of delirious joy. The chocolate is dreamy, the chunks of peanut butter are yummy, and the coconut nut milk base makes it a total winner. Go easy, though. Each of the 4 servings in the 1-pint container bequeaths 250 calories, 18g total fat, and 11g saturated fat to your body.
Lip Smackin' Sorbet Frenzy
I'd shimmy up a coconut tree in a minute if I could lock my lips around Sharon's Coconut Sorbet all day long. Every snow-white spoonful is nirvana and heaven in a bowl--almost a religious experience. Sharon's other flavors go down easy too, but the creamy coconut is so smooth many ice creams would be envious. Bad news--this killer sorbet comes in a 16-oz. container, defying me or anyone else not to finish it in one mad-eating frenzy. It should be labeled, "Purchase at your own risk."
The Turtle Mountain dudes are so cool! They're packing three new flavors of their Purely Decadent Dairy Free Dessert and are they ever a blast! Pomegranate Chip is my fave, with its killer chunks of chocolate and sweet-tart "pom" flavor, and it even has 5 grams of fiber. How's that for ice cream! My second choice is the Very Strawberry with intensely cranked-up strawberry flavor. It's sweet heaven on earth! Third choice is the Cookie Dough--it's even gluten-free with globs of rice-flour-based cookie dough and chocolate chips. Not a bad trio! But go easy on the treats--they sport more than a few calories!
To properly evaluate the non-dairy ice cream-type desserts, this taster felt it necessary to purchase the same flavor, Mocha Fudge, from different manufacturers and make a comparison. The following three entries are included in this tasting.
Sweet Nothings Are Really Something
The Sweet Nothings Mocha Fudge made by Turtle Mountain provides amazing flavor for its zero-fat content and sweetening only from tapioca syrup. Dieters or those following an Ornish/McDougall food plan can wallow with pleasure in the cooling dessert with its definitive mocha flavor sans the almonds while consuming only 110 calories per serving. The texture is reminiscent of what used to be called ice milk. What's missing is the rich mouthfeel that only a heavy dose of fat can provide. With only 13g of sugar, the flavor lacks a little in depth, but only a little. It still delivers well on its no-fat focus. An added bonus, it's kosher.
Coffee Almond Fudge made by Double Rainbow offers the most robust mocha flavor, swirls of fudge that really satisfy like fudge, and lots of crunchy roasted almonds throughout. Dieters better side-step this treat with its 240 calories a serving. No claims for low fat on this label--the dessert lacks the creaminess one would naturally expect with a fat content of 13g per serving. Made of kosher ingredients, the exquisitely rich flavor is almost enough to make up for the somewhat grainy texture.
So Delicious by Turtle Island makes a Mocha Almond Fudge that tastes more like caramel than fudge and falls short on the mocha. Still, I had no trouble downing a healthy portion with its excellent creaminess that's to die for. Lower in fat than Double Rainbow, its 9g of fat delivered the best mouthfeel--a true satiny texture, and a few less calories with 200 per serving. There were roasted almonds with almost every spoonful. I wouldn't have had a bite of disappointment if the manufacturer had labeled it Creamy Caramel instead of Mocha Almond Fudge.
There's Oatmeal in My Spaghetti
I love pasta, but even more so when it's made with whole grains, so that's why DeBoles Oat Bran Spaghetti jumped off the shelf and into my grocery basket. When cooked up in only 6 minutes and tossed with a light tomato sauce, this blend of organic semolina and organic oat bran delivers pleasing texture and mild taste with no discernable wheaty flavor in its 5 grams of fiber.
Going with the Grain
Seeds of Change sure brought me a cool and very delicious change with their Persia Seven Whole Grain Pilaf Blend. Bought the 5.6-ounce box at the natural foods market because I really dug the all-organic ingredients and was desperate for something besides just brown rice. Here's what makes it hip and hot: brown rice, spelt, oats, barley, wild rice, bulgur wheat, and rye berries. Just 40 minutes in the pot and I was chowing this stuff down and loving every bite of the chewy grains that even came with a seasoning packet. Yup, they made it easy. The package has 2 1/2 servings with 6g protein and 5g fiber per serving. It's even got 390 mg of potassium--that's great--but the 750 mg sodium, well, that's not so great.
The Incas Brought a Good Thing Down from the Hills--Keen-Wa
I love quinoa. Been chowing it down for years but didn't know the Quinoa Corporation also has Ancient Harvest Inca Red Quinoa. The 12-ounce package calls it an heirloom variety, all organic, whole grain, pre-washed. Don't even have to rinse it--yea! True to the hype on the package, it cooked in 15 minutes and the reddish brown color was so gorgeous to look at I had to grab my camera! The real deal is the great tasting nutty flavor, fabulous texture, and good for you facts listed on the package. I was amazed to see 1/4 cup of the dry quinoa has 6 grams of protein AND 6 grams of fiber. I'm impressed. It's going to be a regular on my shopping list!
Top Dog Leads the Pack
Favorite among the panelists was Yves Tofu Dogs. These puppies were the lowest in sodium, yet held the line on good, classic hot dog flavor. Texture and color received a thumbs up, but consensus was it's still not like the real thing. This baby can brag about its great aroma and a Reubenesque roundness composed of mostly soy protein and wheat gluten. Only half a gram of fat, 240 mg of sodium, and 9 grams of protein make this one top dog.
Winning the silver medal in the Doggie Olympics is Yves Original Veggie Dogs. The package says Jumbo, and they mean it. Weiner lovers can chow down three-quarters of an inch more meatless dog, also loaded with soy protein and wheat gluten. Although a single Original dog contains 480 mg of sodium, it lacked the savory blast one expects from a hot dog. It was actually a tad sweet. Sliced, it revealed tiny air pockets throughout, while its texture lacked firmness. This Original has 1.5 grams fat, and a surprising 16 grams of protein, and an even more surprising 2 grams of fiber.
Cruising from one end of the spectrum to the other is the Yves Hot 'n' Spicy Veggie Chili Dogs. Some of the panel loved it, some detested it, and some were dead center with a tad more opinions shaking to the "like it" side. The yeas favored its definitively chewy texture, inviting aromas, and zesty spice but said it lacked flavor. The nays found it unpalatable and too peppery. This torpedo has 1 gram of fat, 400 mg sodium, and 13 grams of protein.
Coming in just under the wire is Lightlife Smart Dogs. Barely keeping up with the champs, this zero-fat wonder looks anemic and tastes the same. It's limp, tasteless, gummy, and doesn't have the typical, rounded hot dog shape it ought to have. Instead, it looks molded to the shape of the package and was hard to pull apart from the pack. The label says 320 mg sodium, but you'd never know it. The one plus is its 9 grams of protein.
In total agreement, the panel voted the Lightlife Original Tofu Pups a total dud. At first glance, it was hard to dispute its strange orange color. Someone said it drank too much carrot juice, while another said it stayed out in the sun too long. Even its higher fat content of 2.5 grams didn't do much to improve its flavor, or rather lack of flavor. It even smelled funny. Boring, rubbery, bland, dead, odd taste, mushy--not positive adjectives but genuine reactions. One plus, its 8 grams of protein might prevent protein deficiency and starvation.
Tofurky Takes Top Banana
Coming out on top is the Turtle Island Foods Tofurky Jurky Ginger Teriyaki flavor with its great-tasting ginger and smokey touch, its hint of sweetness, its mild spice, and its right-on chewy texture that's reminiscent of chewing on a naturally dried apricot. Loved it--really loved it! And it's made from wheat gluten and non-GMO soy grown without pesticides. The cute little round discs come packaged in a 2-ounce vacuum-sealed bag that make the perfect snack for two people to share on a long drive. It's a powerful snack with 12 g protein and 2 g total fat, but beware of the 450 mg of sodium for each 1-ounce serving.
A close second, Tasty Eats Soy Jerky in the Jamaican Chick'n flavor is definitely a WOW! This is one spicy snack with its main ingredient of textured soy protein! At first bite it seemed a little dry, but by the time I finished the little, flat 1-inch strip, it had developed into a knockout, rich tasting smokey flavor that was totally sugar-free. The 1-ounce package holds two servings that are surprisingly low sodium with only 115 mg and 1.5 g total fat per serving, Low-carb dieters will love the 1 g net-carb feature.
Who woulda thunk seitan would turn up as a meatless jerky? The innovative dudes at Primal Spirit, Inc. did it right by cranking out a knockout vegan food called Primal Strips Seitan Terriyaki. Most veggie jerky is hard and dry, but these wheat gluten strips are way cool with a soft, moist texture and flavor that didn't go away for at least three minutes after I had finished the whole 1-ounce package. The package says super protein and they're not kidding. There's 11 grams of protein and only 99 calories. Don't go overboard, though-there's 314 mg of sodium and 3 grams of fat in this jazzy, delightfully chewy snack that's also kosher.
Perfection You Can Chew On
Because I'm a sucker for vegan jerky, I picked up some Perfected Foods Soy Bites Jerky Hot Wing flavor and couldn't wait to get it home and rip open the package. The fingernail-size pieces are the perfect way to enjoy these red-hot tidbits with intense flavor and zesty spice. Must admit, though, the first bite delivers a dry, cardboard-like texture until you chew it awhile-then it becomes soft and moist and takes on a deliciously rockin' satisfaction. If you love spice, it's got it all wrapped up in this 1.5 ounce package that dishes up only 130 calories total, along with 14 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of fat (1 gram saturated).
I'm surprised that Lumen Foods created such a weird-tasting product with their Stonewall's Jerquee Teriyaki Beef Style made from a base of soy flour. Those cute and plump little round discs have such a strange texture I felt like I could be chewing on untempered masonite for an inordinate length of time. Aside from its borderline unpleasant taste, the 1.5-ounce single-serving package lists 9 g of total fat with 2 g saturated and 504 mg of sodium.
The first bite of Green Options Vegi-Deli brand Hot N' Peppered Vegi Jerky had me wondering why on earth it was labeled hot n' peppered. Not one molecule of flavor registered on my taste buds. But then, in a matter of seconds, those sneaky little spices and flavors rose up and nearly bit me. No complaints--it was just-right spicy with awesome jerky flavor. The texture that comes from the wheat gluten and soy protein concentrate reminded me of fruit leather--definitely fun and chewy like strong pepperoni. On second thought, this taster has one small complaint. The jerky pieces stick together in the single serving 1.5-ounce package. While the jerky is low in fat with only 0.5 g,, it's a tad high on sodium with 621 mg.
Becoming quite the venturesome online shopper, I discovered a delicious totally vegan treat that's pretty new--Elianni Veggie Rolls. Tried the Mediterranean and the Mushroom flavors and fell madly in love with them on the first bite. These are 14.11-ounce chubs that look like old-fashioned, dare I say it, salami? Sliced off a piece and decided it would be perfect cut into chunks and tossed into a stir-fry. Turned out great. Next day, I cut slices and put them into a sandwich --AWESOME! The texture is firm, but smooth and creamy, and it slices well. The chub is gluten-free in a base of certified organic peanuts. The ingredient list reads like a well-stocked herb and spice shelf. It's got protein, fiber, potassium, iron, and some B vitamins. Great stuff!
Yearning for a deli sandwich, I snapped up a box of Turtle Island Tofurky Philly-Style Steak and raced home. Whole wheat bread, a touch of Vegenaise, watercress, and tomato were piled on first. Then I split the contents of the package with a friend to finish the sandwich. Actually, I tasted one slice plain and found it flavorful, toothy textured and somewhat grainy, but a bit salty. The package says three servings, but seriously, that totally sucks. Realistically, it's two servings. The Philly-style Steak is darned convenient, and killer-delicious. And nutritionally not too bad with only 150 calories, 18g protein, 4.5g fiber, and 4.5g total fat for half the package. The sodium needs a warning sign, though. We each consumed 555 mg of sodium just for the deli slices.
I must admit I've been unfair to tempeh and have shunned it for many years, but Turtle Island Spicy Veggie Home-style Tempeh caught my eye at the market and I found myself reaching for the package. Well, a kick-ass surprise came with this colorful 8-ounce package in the form of a wild habenero pepper punch that added real pizzazz to the home-made stir fry I made. It was a devilishly good surprise for the friend that joined me that night. The tempeh was pleasant tasting and didn't leave the biting fermented flavor that turned me away for years. The spice level was perfect. and we loved every mouthful. Now there are two new tempeh fans that will scarf down the leftovers like gourmands before venturing out to try the other flavors. And, here's the good stuff: the tempeh is made with organic soybeans, it's gluten-free, totally vegan, and kosher, too! Each serving has 7 grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein. There's even a recipe on the package. How can you miss?
Shopping when hungry is dangerous, but I got lucky when I brought home a box of frozen Vegetarian Plus Vegan Citrus Sparerib Cutlets in Plum Vinegar Sauce from VegeUSA. No guesswork about it being vegan--it was in humongous letters right on the front of the box. Couldn't be easier. Microwaved it on high for 2 1/2 minutes then plunged in. It was so out-of-this-world delicious I ate the whole 10 1/2 ounce thing even though the box said 4 servings (which is a joke!). The sauce is perfectly thick, sweet, tangy, and spicy and the ribs (made from non-GMO soy and wheat protein) are firm and chewy and great to sink your teeth into--you really can't miss. The box lists 12 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, 530 mg. sodium, 8 grams total fat, and 210 calories for each fabulous serving.
Spotted some Tofurky Hickory Smoked Deli Slices at my fave market and snapped it up with visions of the great sandwich I was about to make. Got home, whipped out two slices of whole wheat bread, dabbed on a little Dijon mustard, and piled on one-third of the deli slices. That's it. Sandwich done. Loved it-great smoky flavor. Boy did that go down fast and easy! Second sandwich had the same wheat gluten and soy protein deli slices plus tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Still great flavor. Third sandwich was like the second but with barbecue sauce-bad idea. The bbq sauce killed the flavor of the deli slices. KISS--Keep It Simple Stupid! One serving (one-third package) laid 100 calories, 13 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber on me, but watch out for the 3 grams of fat. And it's kosher.
Choked Up Over Artihearts
Taste Treasures from the land of Canaan
Squeeze a Nut and See What Happens
There's Passion in This Coconut Water
Easier Than Cracking a Coconut
Smoothie As Silk
Reap the Harvest One Sip at a Time
A Smoothie for Cool Cultured Tastes
This Smoothie Is From Another Galaxy
Muffins for Dunkin' and Jammin'
Maple Mornings Brighten the Day
Hand-held Breakfast
Bob Has the Right Stuff
Go Nuts over Carla Lee's Nut Burgers
That's pretty darned heavy duty for one little patty!
Ole! Chipotle!
Oh, Bahama, It's Jerkin' Good
Maui Zowie! Hawaiian Soul Food
Surf's Up for This Burger
Ride the Texas Range for Dinner
Hurray for Hempnut!
Thumbs up, Morningstar!
Thumbs down, Morningstar!
The Parmesan Gods Heard My Prayers
Please Teese This Cheese
Have Your Own Highland Sheese Fling
Those Bagels Crave This Dream Cream Cheese
Feta Wheta the Appetite
It's O.K. to Play with Your Food
Rice Is Nice in the Galaxy
Italian to the Roots!
Non Capisce Parmigiano
Melt in Your Mouth Pizza Cheese
And It Melts, Too
A Cheese That's Rella-tively Great
Soymage Oozes Out of Contention
There's a Buffalo in the Kitchen!
King of the Chicken Coop
Boca Chik'n Patties Lay Giant Egg
Clucking over Chicken-Free Patties
Cutlets Get Smart
At Last, a Real Vegan Marshmallow
Thwack Your Taste Buds with Delights
Too Good to be True!
Stranded in Chocolate Chip Paradise!
Blondies vs. Brownies
Decadently Awesome
Shared Pleasure Makes Love Bloom
Eh, What's Up, Doc?
Chocolate Champions
Chocolate Lover's Heaven
Cookies that Rule
Hold the salt, please!
Faaaabulous Yogurt!
WholeSoy Rules the Cultured Kingdom
Not Wild about Wildwood
Silk Not So Silky
O'Soy is O'Too Sweet
A single 6-ounce carton Stonyfield Farm All Natural O'Soy Raspberry Cultured Soy tastes as if it soaked up an entire field of sugar cane. With its 27 g of sugar, this concoction reminds me of overly sweetened pudding that ought to be labeled "dessert yogurt." On the other hand, this cultured soy offers a smooth, fruity taste with no afterbite. Made with organic raspberries, soymilk, and sugar, this creamy yogurt boasts 15% of your daily calcium needs while delivering 7 g of protein and a bunch of active cultures.
Culture Minus Taste
For those seeking a plain, unsweetened cultured soy yogurt, check out the comments below:
Pure--Bar None
An Earnest Decision
Insanely Delicious--That's It!
"Get Your Manna Raw"
GoMega Far Away from This Odd-Walla Bar
The Sun Really Shines on These Raw Food Bars
Energize with a Special Dynemo Blast
Xtremely Pure
Nutrition Bars for the Chicks
Raw Goodness
Wow, Wha Guru Chew!
2Wice as Good
These Mavens Create OMG YUMMY Desserts
A Pint-Size Tower of Bliss
Oh, So Decadent!
Somewhere over a Double Rainbow
The Great Mocha Masquerade
Rather than taking on the task of rating several different varieties of hot dogs single-handed, this veggie taster decided to convene a panel of expert tasters to reach a consensus. The panel considered not just taste, but appearance, texture, and aroma as well. All the veggie dogs were fully cooked, easy to steam, boil, microwave, or grill. And for those kitchen-shy wimps, the dogs could even be eaten cold without lifting a finger. For the tasting event, all the weiners were boiled or steamed as directed on the package.
Original Jumbo Snags Silver Medal
Fiery Dog Challenges Tasters
Dog Paddling to Save Its Life
No Life at Lightlife
To properly evaluate the vegetarian jerky, this taster felt it necessary to experience the Great Jerky Challenge that involved purchasing from different manufacturers to make a "fair and balanced" evaluation. The following entries are included in this tasting:
Spicy Jamaican Scores Knockout
Primed for a Knockout Jerky
Jerquee Renders Untempered Chewing
Hot N' Peppered Pleases to the Max
This Chub Is Rockin' with the Roll
Philly Steak Tofurky Style
Don't Lose Your Tempeh
These Ribs Stick to Your Ribs
Any Way You Slice It