Category: Taste Tests

Reviews of ready-made food products.

Taste Test: Activa Naturals Greens Super Food

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date January 25, 2017

Since my accident last February, gaining proper nutrition has become an intense focus of mine. My teeth were really messed up — I lost two of them! — and what I can eat is limited while I get them realigned. Therefore, one of the ways I’m making sure I have proper nutrition is by supplementing with greens. So, when I was offered a free sample of Activa Naturals Greens Superfood Powder to try in exchange for an honest review, I took them up on it.

I was attracted to the fact that the product is vegan and gluten free. Even though I’m not vegan myself, I’ve found that vegan products are often healthier and sometimes even tastier than alternatives. The Activa Naturals product I received was berry flavored, so I can’t speak to any other flavors.

What I Liked about Activa Natural Greens Super Food

The consistency of the product is very powdery, which makes it easier to blend into yogurt, smoothies, water, etc. It is not grainy at all. It also doesn’t taste like a bunch of pulverized vegetation, which many greens products suffer from. It contains a nice balance of organic ingredients, including wheat grass, spirulina and raspberry. A bonus I also like was the inclusion of enzymes & probiotics.

What I Didn’t Like About Active Natural Greens Super Food

The product was way too sweet for my palate. It tasted like candy. I tried it mixed with:

Almond milk and prune juice
Water
Slimfast Advanced, both vanilla and chocolate
Vanilla greek yogurt

To me, it tasted best in the vanilla shake and yogurt because the vanilla flavor toned down the intense berry candy flavor.

Overall Comments on Active Natural Greens Super Food

If you don’t mind the strong candy flavor, this product is a very good option for greens. It mixes well. It doesn’t taste bad or have a grainy texture. Frankly, I’d be interested in trying out one of the other flavors!

Who Are Active Natural Greens Super Food Suitable for?

People on a vegan diet who wish to supplement their nutrition with organic greens.

For More Information

You can purchase Activa Natural products in their store and read about them on their blog. You can also find their products on Amazon here or here.

If you’d like to follow, Activa Naturals in social media you can find them on:

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Take Charge of Your Health!

Changing your eating habits can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be if you take a little time to think it out and create a plan.

This Healthy Eating Worksheet will walk you through the process of creating a healthy eating plan. All you need to do is print it out, set aside some time to complete it, and then fill it out. Then you can create your plan, knowing that you have addressed potential obstacles and came up with some creative ways to handle them.

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Tags Activa Naturals, greens, super food

Taste Tests

Taste Test: Happy Bars

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date January 16, 2017

As a long-time sufferer of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), I was intrigued when I was pitched the idea of sharing Happy Bars with you. According to the creator, Dr. Rachel Pauls, a board-certified surgeon and mother of three, a diet low in FODMAPs can help. She created Happy Bars to make low-FODMAP snack easy to find and tasty to eat.

FODMAP stands for “Fermentable, Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols” — yeah, say that three times fast! According to Wikipedia, FODMAPs are naturally present in food and the human diet.

Low-FODMAP eating is gaining recognition so rapidly that Newsweek recognized it as a 2017 food trend. However, success with a low-FODMAP diet involves a commitment. “Following a low-FODMAP diet can be complicated,” Dr. Pauls said. “FODMAPs are present in many different foods and food categories. Not all carbohydrates are high in FODMAPs, and combining low-FODMAP foods can even lead to a high-FODMAP food serving.”

Thus the creation of Happy Bars. I got to taste “Peanut Chocolate Euphoria” flavor.

What I Liked about Low-FODMAPs Happy Bars

The bar was tasty — as promised. I like snack bars with bits of nuts and grains, and this bar had the texture I liked. There was a sufficient amount of both peanut and chocolate to sate my cravings. This felt like a great snack bar for in-between meals.

What I Didn’t Like about Low-FODMAPs Happy Bars

I used it as my breakfast entree, because at 214 calories, I thought that would be enough. What I usually eat is around that amount. However, I was still hungry and had to eat a few more calories than I would prefer just to sate myself. So, I think it makes a great snack, but not a good meal replacement.

Right now, because of the damage to my teeth the accident last year caused, I have to eat foods that are soft. This bar, because it was quite chewy, wasn’t friendly to my sore teeth. However, I don’t think it would give anyone else an issue.

Overall Comments on Happy Bars

As far as snack bars go, this is a tasty option. And, if you have stomach or intestinal issues that are aggravated by FODMAPs, this is probably very heartening news. Snack bars are very subjective items, so give it a try and feel free to comment below with your experience.

Who are Happy Bars suitable for?

People looking for a tasty, low-FODMAP snack bars. If you are trying to avoid FODMAPs, Happy Bars from Rachel Pauls Food is an excellent option. They contain less than 0.5 grams of total FODMAPs per serving and are stamped with the Dr. Rachel Pauls Low-FODMAP Seal of Approval. The Seal, now marketed to other food companies, is based on the only known U.S. lab test being used to scientifically analyze and verify food as low-FODMAP.

Additional Informaton About FODMAPs

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Take Charge of Your Health!

Changing your eating habits can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be if you take a little time to think it out and create a plan.

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Tags FODMAP, Rachel Pauls Food, snack bar

Healthy Living Taste Tests

Taste Test: Aloha Greens and Protein

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date December 27, 2016

Aloha offers a variety of plant-based proteins, greens and more.

I’ve always enjoyed having a healthy protein-based smoothie for breakfast. And since being hit by a car in February, my need for easy-to-eat foods that are healthy and nourishing has only increased. Along comes ALOHA, founded in January of 2014 by Constantin Bisanz. Along with his team, Bisanz creates real food products made from simple, pure, sustainably-sourced ingredients, offering accessible solutions for everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

According to the information provided me, his inspiration for founding ALOHA came from studying Ayuryedic medicine in India — a holistic approach to health and wellness centered on the balance of mind, body and spirit — combined with his belief that nutrition is the foundation to overall wellness.

I’ve heard of ALOHA before, but have never tried their products. So, when I was offered a sampling of their products in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance. I was supplied with four of their offerings: Protein powder in chocolate and vanilla, and Daily Greens in original and chocolate. Below I’ve provided my tasting notes and recommendations.

Taste Test Key:

Very Bad – 1 | Bad – 2 | Neutral – 3 | Good – 4 | Very Good – 5

Aloha Daily Greens, Original

I was given three packets of ALOHA Daily Good Greens Food Powder, Original Flavor, to try. I tried mixing it in just water, one of my Slimfast Advanced Strawberry shakes and mixed with ALOHA’s chocolate protein and unsweetened almond milk. In all three taste tests, the greens were not overpowering. They tasted like greens, but not in an unpleasant way.

Overall taste score: 3

Aloha Daily Greens, Chocolate

I was given two packets of ALOHA Daily Good Greens Whole Food Powder, Chocolate to try. As with the original flavor, I first tried it with water only. It tasted like chocolate-flavored water. No greens taste, per se. Then I tried it mixed with ALOHA’s chocolate protein and unsweetened almond milk. The two together gave it a deep chocolate flavor.

Overall taste score: 4

Aloha Plant-Based Protein – Vanilla

I was given two packets of Aloha Organic Plant Based Protein Vanilla to try. I tried the first with just water and the second with unsweetened almondmilk. Both had a light vanilla flavor, reminiscent of lecithin I had as a child. They both had a slightly grainy or powdery texture, as well.

Overall taste score: 4

Aloha Plant-Based Protein – Chocolate

I was given four packets of Aloha Organic Plant Based Protein Chocolate to try. I mixed the first with water only, the second with Slimfast Advanced Chocolate, the third with unsweetened almond mils and the chocolate daily greens, and the fourth with unsweetened almond milk and original daily greens.

When mixed with just water, it tasted like chocolate water and did not satisfy my huger for more than two hours. It pumped up the chocolate factor of the Slimfast shake. When mixed with the chocolate daily greens and almond milk, it made a great dark chocolate shake. And when mixed with original greens and almond milk, it was drinkable.

Each mixture rated anywhere from a 3 to a 5, with an overall score of 4.

Overall Comments on Aloha Products

When mixed with water, all the products were drinkable. None of them tasted bad. When mixed with a flavored shake, the proteins did not detract from the flavor. When mixed with one cup almond milk, the resulting shake was too thick, so you’ll need to mix it with at least 1.5 cups.

I really liked the proteins. They were versatile and highly usable. The greens were OK. I liked the chocolate more than the original, but I still like the greens I’ve been getting from another source better.

In my opinion, if you’re looking for a great-tasting, plant based protein, Aloha is the best I’ve tasted. They are just as tasty as the whey and soy-based proteins I’ve used before.

Who are Aloha products suitable for?

People looking for a tasty, plant-based protein to supplement their diet. If you are trying to avoid soy, Aloha is an excellent option for it is made from hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds and peas. They are non-DMO, vegan and free of soy, dairy and gluten. The products contain nothing artificial.

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Take Charge of Your Health!

Changing your eating habits can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be if you take a little time to think it out and create a plan.

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Tags Aloha, plant-based protein, powdered greens

Taste Tests

Taste Test: Dark Chocolate Napolitains by Bouchard Chocolate

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date October 18, 2016

Dark Belgian Chocolate Bouchard Chocolate Overview

Summary

Dark chocolate Napolitains by Bouchard Chocolate are made from 72% cacao. They are not too bitter, not too sweet and, when intact, smooth. These bite sized chocolates carry a rich, dark chocolate taste that bitter sweet chocolate lovers will thoroughly enjoy.

Caveat: I received a sampling of these chocolates in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, the samples I received were a mixed bag of variably damaged chocolates. Some were so heat damaged they were powdery. Others were melted and a few were close to pristine. Regardless of the state in which the chocolate found itself, it tasted good. Which, I believe, is the sign of a quality chocolate.

Price: Variable, depending on size package. Available at Cost Plus World Market and other purveyors of fine chocolates.

Learn more at www.BouchardChocolate.com.

Who Are Bouchard Chocolate Dark Chocolate Napolitains Suitable For?

If you love dark, barely sweet chocolate, these are your chocolates. Because they come in individually wrapped, bite-sized packages they make great snacks and, perhaps, gifts. I could totally see these laid on a pillow or on a silver platter as a welcome gift for a guest!

Overall Thoughts

Despite the heat damage of the chocolates I received, they tasted really good. I love dark chocolate — the darker the better — so these really satisfied. I could taste the quality not only in the flavor of the chocolate, but also in the texture. They were smooth — not grainy as some lesser quality chocolates can be — and had a rich, complex flavor, even when damaged.

Video Review

Tags Bouchard chocolate, chocoloate review, dark chocolate

Taste Tests Video Podcast

Product Review: Ready to Bake, Part 3, Chocolate Lava Cake

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date February 10, 2016

This is the third and final in a series demonstrating and reviewing Ready to Bake’s liquid batter product line. In this post, I bake the chocolate lava cake. In my first two posts, I baked blueberry muffins and brownies.

Ready to Bake Chocolate Lava Cake Liquid Batter Overview

Summary
Chocolate lava cake is trending as a out-of-the-ordinary dessert. On the outside, it looks like regular chocolate cake, but when you cut into it, you find a gooey center filling. I don’t know if it is true, but baking legend says the cake was invented out of a cooking disaster — individual cakes were taken out of the oven too soon. The trick to making this dessert is to bake it enough for safety, but not so much that it is still liquid-y in the center.

This Ready to Bake Liquid Batter does most of the work for you because it comes in a convenient pouch, already to pour into your pans and bake. The pouch can keep in your cupboard for up to a year. The Chocolate Lava Cake batter makes about six cakes in individual cake pans and requires no additional ingredients.

Price: $9.99 and is available on Amazon.com

Who is Ready to Bake Chocolate Lava Cake Liquid Batter suitable for?

From my research, the batter for a chocolate lava cake is half the battle. A regular cake mix doesn’t do the dessert quite the right justice. So, if you’re not a baker, are too busy to spend much time in the kitchen, or have limited kitchen resources, this product may be just what you’re looking for to serve a “home-baked” cake with a touch of class.

Video Demo & Review

Overall Thoughts

Even though I botched the results on this pouch, it is my favorite of the three. The initial yummy chocolatiness lingered. It made a darn good cake, sans lava. On top of that, the product was quick and easy to use.

One caveat: I suspect baking it in a pan rather than individual cups probably let to the baking mishap. So, if want to do this product justice, I recommend making sure you have some ramekins on hand.

Tags baking, chocolate lava cake, liquid batter, Ready to Bake

Taste Tests Video Podcast

Product Review: Ready to Bake, Part 2, Brownies

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date February 9, 2016

This is the second in a three-part series demonstrating and reviewing Ready to Bake’s liquid batter product line. In this post, I bake the brownies. In my last post, I baked blueberry muffins.

Ready to Bake Brownies Batter Overview

Summary
Inspired by a French recipe for brownies, this Ready to Bake Liquid Batter comes in a convenient pouch and can keep in your cupboard for up to a year. The Brownies batter makes about nine brownies in an 8″ x 8″ pan and requires no additional ingredients.

Price: $3.99 and is available on Amazon.com

Who is Ready to Bake Brownies Liquid Batter suitable for?

Not a baker? Not a problem! This brownie batter is ready to go. Just grease your pan, open the pouch and pour in the batter. Pop it in the oven and you’ve got fresh-baked brownies in under 30 minutes. This product is good for chocolate lovers who are uber-busy, don’t like or know how to bake, or have limited kitchen resources.

Video Demo & Review

Overall Thoughts

The initial taste of these brownies, as mentioned in the video, is very chocolate-y. However, I (and my fiance) found that there was a strange aftertaste not to our liking. However, the folks at my work didn’t seem to have a problem with them at all.

The product was quick and easy to use (even easier than the blueberry muffins), so if you like brownies, and don’t like to bake from scratch, you might want to give this batter a try to see if you like their flavor.

Tags baking, brownies, liquid batter, Ready to Bake

Taste Tests Video Podcast

Product Review: Ready to Bake, Part 1, Blueberry Muffins

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date February 8, 2016

This is the first in a three-part series demonstrating and reviewing Ready to Bake’s liquid batter product line. In this post, I bake the blueberry muffins.

Ready to Bake Blueberry Muffin Batter Overview

Summary
Ready to Bake Liquid Batters use real ingredients and are inspired by actual French recipes. The batters come in convenient pouches and keep in your cupboard for up to a year. The Blueberry Muffin batter makes about six muffins and requires no additional ingredients.

Price: $3.99 and is available on Amazon.com

Who is Ready to Bake Blueberry Muffin Liquid Batter suitable for?

If you are uber-busy and even using a powdered mix requires too much time and effort, this product could be for you. Also, if you have very limited cooking and baking skills, this is about as easy a product to use as you can get. If you live somewhere that you don’t have access to a full oven, but just a toaster oven, this could be a boon to you, as well.

Video Demo & Review

Overall Thoughts

The batter is very thick and sticky, so it can be a little challenging to get out of the pouch.

Although my initial reaction, as see on the video above, was that it was very blueberry in flavor, I eventually found the muffins too sweet for my palate. That may not be a problem for you. I’ve been reducing my sugar intake and have lost much of my taste for sweets. Americans, in general, have a much higher taste for sweetness that Europeans and so products sold here often have a higher sugar content.

The product was quick and easy to use, so if you like a sweet blueberry muffin, and don’t like to bake from scratch, this is a good product for you to experience home-baked muffins without all the work.

Tags baking, blueberry muffins, liquid batter, Ready to Bake