Category: Taste Tests

Late last year, I started changing my diet to be low carb and high protein. In fact, my goal each day is to have eaten more grams of protein than I have of carbs. That’s how I happened upon Shrewd Food in my search for snacks that would fit this new diet. They produce a variety of high-protein, low-carb snacks. I purchased their Baked Cheddar Flavored Protein Puffs. I was pleased.

About a week after I started munching on these protein snacks, I received an email that offered to provide me samples of all their flavors in exchange for an honest review. That was an offer I couldn’t refuse!

Shrewd Food currently offers four types of snacks: Puffs, Croutons, Cookies, and Dippers. All of the snacks, except the cookies, start with a protein puff, which is very much like a cheese puff without the cheese on it.

According to Shrewd Food’s website, their protein puffs “are gluten-free, non-GMO, contain no peanuts, or tree-nuts, soy-free, egg-free, Kosher dairy and have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.” Sounds like a pretty awesome snack, right?

But how do they taste?

I think, for the most part, pretty darn good! Here are my thoughts on each snack.

Shrewd Food Protein Puffs

[one_half] Shrewd Food Protein Puffs come in a variety of both sweet and savory flavors. These were my favorite, in part because each one contained way more protein than carbs, making it easy for me to bump up my protein if my carbs looked like they were getting too high. Most, if not all, contained 14 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs.

Savory Flavors: Baked Cheddar, Brick Oven Pizza, Nacho Cheese, Sriracha Cheddar, and Sour Cream & Onion

Sweet Flavors: Cookies & Cream, and Strawberries & Cream [/one_half]
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Baked Cheddar

The Baked Cheddar Protein Puffs tasted a lot like cheese puffs to me. I really enjoyed them and have ordered more. They are crunchy, lightly cheesey, and the serving size was just right.

Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 3 g
Calories: 90 [/three_fourth]
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Brick Oven Pizza

I was surprised to find that the Brick Oven Pizza Protein Puffs actually tasted like a pepperoni pizza or a cheese pizza with a kick. If plain cheese isn’t your bag, then this flavor might be a good option.

Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 3 g
Calories: 90 [/three_fourth]
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[three_fourth]

Nacho Cheese

I was afraid the Nacho Cheese Protein Puffs would be spicy. But they weren’t, so I was able to enjoy them. They tasted much like the Backed Cheddar Protein Puffs, just slightly different.

Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 2.5 g
Calories: 90 [/three_fourth]
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[three_fourth]

Sriracha Cheddar

Alas, I ate only two of these protein puffs. They were way too spicy for me. After one, I didn’t feel the kick, so I had a second. That’s when my tongue began to burn. Before that, they tasted good.

Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 3 g
Calories: 90 [/three_fourth]
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Sour Cream & Onion

I really liked the flavor of these protein puffs. However, it was not a flavor that I associate with “sour cream & onion.” I’m not sure how to describe it other than tasty.

Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 3.5 g
Calories: 90 [/three_fourth]
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[three_fourth]

Cookies & Cream

If you’re expecting these to taste like Oreo cookies, you’ll be disappointed. If found that not too sweet and slightly chocolatey. However, I did enjoy them and will buy them in the future.

Protein: 13 g
Carbs: 3 g
Fat: 3 g
Calories: 90 [/three_fourth]
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[three_fourth]

Strawberries & Cream

I found Shrewd Food’s Strawberries & Cream Protein Puffs to be lightly sweet. I could definitely taste the strawberry. In general, I liked them.

Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 4 g
Fat: 3 g
Calories: 90 [/three_fourth]
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Overal Impression of Shrewd Food Protein Puffs

I am very happy to have found a solid snack that I can munch on without increasing my carbs too much. The only negative thing I’d have to say about these snacks is that they stuck to my teeth, much like white bread does.

Shrewd Food Protein Croutons

[two_third] I don’t know if Shrewd Food will be coming out with another flavor, but these Parmesean Herb Protein Croutons were da bomb! I’d totally snack on these without a salad! They were basically the same as the protein puffs, but with a stronger flavor profile.

Protein: 10 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 2 g
Calories: 60 [/two_third]
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Shrewd Food Protein Cookies

[one_half] The protein cookies come in two flavors: Oat & Berry and Oat & Chip. I found both of them to be very similar in flavor. They were lightly sweet and crispy. The texture reminded me of some bran cookies I had many years ago. Also, like pretty much every protein cookie I’ve found, the carbs are greater than the protein.

Protein: 8 g
Carbs: 25 g
Fat: 7 g (Oat & Berry), 8 g (Oat & Chip)
Calories: 200 [/one_half]
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Shrewd Food Protein Dippers and Keto Dippers

Both the protein and keto dippers come in both dark chocolate and milk chocolate flavor. Comparing the two, I couldn’t taste the difference. They are basically the protein puffs dipped in differently formulated chocolate.

The milk chocolate dippers were sweet and crunchy. The dark chocolate dippers were the same, only less sweet. Both reminded me, in texture, of malt balls. If you have a sweet tooth but want to eat low-carb these are really good options.

The main difference between the Protein Dippers and the Keto Dippers was in their nutritional profile. Therefore, you would choose one over the other depending on your nutritional goals.

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[one_half] Dark Chocolate
Protein: 10 g
Carbs: 14 g
Fat: 7 g
Calories: 150

Milk Chocolate
Protein: 10 g
Carbs: 13 g
Fat: 8 g
Calories: 160 [/one_half]
[one_half_last] Dark Chocolate
Protein: 8 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 11 g
Calories: 140

Milk Chocolate
Protein: 7 g
Carbs: 3 g
Fat: 11 g
Calories: 150 [/one_half_last]

Rating for Shrewd Food Snacks

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Overall, I give Shrewd Food snacks a big thumbs up. Whether you like one flavor or another is more a matter of personal taste. All of the products I tried tasted at least good. Some I liked more than others. If you’re on a high protein, low-carb diet and get the munchies, reach for a Shrewd Food snack.

You can find these snacks on their website and on Amazon.

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NOTE: I received a free copy of these products in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past product reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to buy or not buy this product, even if you disagree with my opinion.

Transitioning to a plant-based diet or simply replacing some food with plant-based options is a growing trend. There are plenty of options for milk, but what about other dairy products. Enter almondmilk yogurt. AYO Almondmilk Yogurt is a relatively new brand on the market to offer this product with its line of organic almondmilk-based yogurts.

I recently received a sampling of AYO’s four flavors and in this post, I’m sharing my experience with the product.

About AYO Almondmilk Yogurt

The roots of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt began in 1913 on the Billings family farm. Over 100 years — and four generations — later, the farm takes pride in producing organic California almonds, which are used to make the yogurt.

Matt Billings, founder of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt, grew up on the farm, riding around with his dad and grandfather in the family pickup truck. His upbringing taught him that a good reputation requires a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing, even when it isn’t easy or popular. Now, as both a father and farmer, he brings a passion for innovation, healthy living, and sustainability to the practice of farming almonds – a legacy he plans to pass down to his own children

AYO Yogurt’s commitment to innovation and farm-to-spoon philosophy has resulted in the creation of an almond-based yogurt that stands out its few competitors. Here is my experience.

Overall Comments on AYO Almondmilk Yogurt

AYO Almondmilk Yogurt currently comes in four flavors: Vanilla, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Peach. They all had a smooth and creamy texture that was more fluid than typical milk-based yogurts. And definitely creamier than Silk’s almondmilk yogurt, which has a more custard-like consistency. I would compare AYO yogurt to something like a dessert sauce.

Individual Flavor Notes:

[one_half]

Vanilla:

Lightly vanilla, not too sweet, just a touch of yogurt tartness.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 10 g
• Total Sugars: 11 g
• Total Protein: 4 g
• Calories: 150

Top 3 ingredients: Almond Milk (Almond Butter And Water), Sugar, Water, Chicory Root, Cellulose Fiber [/one_half]
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Blueberry:

Tastes more like blueberry skins and blueberries, but you can taste the blueberries in the after-taste. Little bits of blueberries in it.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 10 g
• Total Sugars: 11 g
• Total Protein: 4 g
• Calories: 150

Top 4 ingredients: Almond Milk (Almond Butter And Water), Sugar, Water, Blueberries, Chicory Root [/one_half]
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Strawberry:

My favorite after vanilla. Light strawberry flavor, like if you blended strawberries with mil.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 10 g
• Total Sugars: 11 g
• Total Protein: 4 g
• Calories: 150

Top 4 ingredients: Almond Milk (Almond Butter And Water), Sugar, Water, Strawberries, Chicory Root [/one_half]
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[one_half]

Peach:

Peachy and almond-y at the same time. Crisp and fresh. Lightly flavored.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 10 g
• Total Sugars: 11 g
• Total Protein: 4 g
• Calories: 150

Top 5 ingredients: Almond Milk (Almond Butter And Water), Sugar, Peaches, Water, Chicory Root [/one_half]
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What I Liked about AYO Yogurt

The yogurt has a more European flavor and texture. Not too sweet, not too tart and very creamy. When I traveled to Spain and Romania several years ago, I acquired a taste for this style over the much sweeter American style yogurts.

I also liked how the vast majority of sugar in the yogurt comes from the ingredients and is not added. This is a pretty healthy yogurt.

What I Didn’t Like About AYO Yogurt

I wasn’t crazy about the Blueberry flavor but loved the Vanilla and Strawberry. I’ve always been neutral about Peach flavor yogurt, and this wasn’t an exception.

Who Is AYO Almondmilk Yogurt Suitable for?
Obviously, if you are vegan or vegetarian, this is a very good option for you. However, if you’re just looking for something a bit different, less sweet, and with a healthier balance of sugar and protein, then you can’t go wrong with AYO.

For More Information

• AYO Yogurt’s Website

Score: 4 out of 5

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NOTE: I received a free copy of this product in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past product reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to buy or not buy this product, even if you disagree with my opinion.

Just the Cheese is a packaged snack food made from 100% Wisconsin cheese that is baked into bars and mini bites. While most “cheese crisps” are air-dried, this brand is oven-baked, which the makers believe results in a cheesier flavor and crunchier texture due to caramelization. I accepted a sample and put them to the test.

I first discovered the bliss that is cooked cheese when I was a little girl. When I want to my grandma’s house, she would make me “Tortillas and Cheese” for lunch. Basically, she plopped a tortilla (usually corn, but sometimes flour) in a frying pan, put some cheese and bologna on top, and fried it until the cheese melted. If I was really lucky, the cheese would melt over the sides of the tortilla and get bubbly and crispy. I always ate the spill-overs first!

Once, when I was a teenager and was making this comfort food at home, it occurred to me that perhaps I could just cook the cheese on the frying pan directly. I had a non-stick pan, so I thought it would be just fine. What resulted was a mess that was really hard to clean, but what I was able to salvage tasted divine.

So, when I was offered samples of this crispy snack food to review, these memories came bubbling forth and I said yes! Could they capture and package that flavor I loved so much? Read on to find out.

What I Liked about Just the Cheese

Obviously, the first thing I like about the snack is that it is a whole lot less messy and less work than my teenage experiment was. I get the flavor of cooked, crispy cheese without a difficult-to-clean frying pan.

Also, as far as savory snacks go, they are naturally low in carbs, gluten-free and have some protein to boot. In addition, they are only 75 calories per bar. In other words, they feel like chips or crackers, but don’t have the downside of those carb-loaded snacks.

I enjoyed the crunch and the cheesiness, which each flavor having subtle differences that make my taste test interesting.

What I Didn’t Like About this Snack Food

Unlike my teenage experiment, these snacks are all crunch and no chew, so some of the cheese flavor — in my humble opinion — is missing. They also weren’t as cheesy as I thought they would be. Of course, I hold a high bar of cheesiness (in more ways than one).

Overall Comments on this Product

Just the Cheese snack bars come in four flavors: Aged Cheddar, Grilled Cheese, Jalapeno Cheese, and Mild Cheddar. I tried all but the Jalapeno Cheese. I liked the Aged Cheddar the most, but the Grilled Cheese was pretty good too. I’m grateful they didn’t give me too many or I might have binge eaten them!

You can also get this snack in a mini size in White Cheddar, Wisconsin Cheddar, Grilled Cheese, Jalapeno Cheese, and Garlic & Chive.

As of this writing, you can order them on Amazon.

And don’t let the fancy packaging fool you. This company is a small, family-owned company with deep roots in rural Wisconsin. Based in Reeseville, which has a population of about 500, this company helps support the economic base of the town and employs 250 residents. Managing a rural workforce presents challenges, as potential employees usually live miles away, and struggle with spotty access to transportation. So they provide ride-share services to all employees to make sure they can get to work safely each day.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve seen an upsurge in orders and have met the challenge head-on. They have added flexibility to their production schedule and instituted added sanitization protocols.

They are doing their best to support their employees, as well as the dairy farmers who supply them. “We’re doing everything we can to support farmers who send us milk,” says David Scharfman, Owner & General Manager of Just the Cheese. “Turning milk away essentially means those farmers have to dump their milk and lose that revenue.”

They’re also striving to fulfill orders and keep up with spiking demand in a timely manner. And despite the surging demand for their cheese products, they assure me that they have not — and will not – raise their prices.

“Everyone here is relieved that they have a job and are proud to make sure our customers have cheese to eat and to help our local farmers by making sure they have a buyer for their milk,” says Scharfman.

Who Is Just the Cheese Suitable for?

If you’re looking for healthier, keto-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb snacks, this might be what you’re looking for. Think of them as crunchy cheese puffs without the orange powder or corn. If cheese slices are a good snack for you, but you long for some crunch, here you go!

To learn more about them, visit their website justthecheese.com

Score: 4 out of 5

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NOTE: I received a free copy of this product in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past taste test reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to buy or not buy this product, even if you disagree with my opinion.