Gluten Free Pastry: So Far Gluten Free Delicacies Almond Pastry Puff

PRODUCT NAME:                          Almond Pastry Puff

BRAND:                                         So Far Gluten Free Delicacies

COST:                                           $3.50

SIZE:                                             5.8 OZ

COST PER OZ:                              $0.60/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:            NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:             N/A

ORGANIC:                                     NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:             N/A

VEGAN:                                         NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:              YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:              PLEASANTON, CA

SHELF LIFE:                                 2 WEEKS

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

When I stopped by Gluten Free Reviewer Grocery to pick up my weeks’ worth of products, Calvin, the chief Blogger informed me that So Far, a new gluten free bakery operating out of Pleasanton, CA dropped off a bunch of their products for sampling and review. He let me dig through the cornucopia of sweets and I found myself drooling instantly as my hand reached for an Almond Pastry Puff. In my mind, I thought only one thing, DONUT. I haven’t eaten a flaky breakfast pastry in over a year, and consider this essential food group to be my most missed.

Following the advice of the bakery, I warmed my Almond Pastry Puff in the toaster over for a couple minutes. I had a cup of coffee in hand and was ready to devour what looked like a sickingly sweet, sticky mess of a treat. Upon my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised, it wasn’t too sweet! The pastry was a little dense; not exactly the way I remembered puff pastries tasting, but still tasty and flaky. The pastry was topped with a subtly sweet almond glaze and a handful of sliced almonds, and presented on a cute doily. The pastry was so subtly sweet, that at first I actually wanted it to be sweeter. However, after finishing I am glad it was not so sweet because it would have been stomachache inducing if more sugar was added.

So Far uses all natural ingredients and no preservatives, which makes their shelf life short but it is so worth it to be able to eat a fresh breakfast pastry again.  Their product ingredient lists mimic traditional baked goods ingredients list, giving these sweets a nostalgia inducing taste. Made with a flour mix of rice, potato, tapioca, and cornstarch, this pastry lived up to and even surpassed my expectations 

Taste:  Almondy and sweet, but not too sweet. It was similar to the way I remembered fancy breakfast pastries tasting. 

Labeling:  The Almond Pastry Puff was in a plastic container with a sticker on the front displaying what the product was, who made it, as well as their gluten free status . Since So Far is a small bakery, legally they do not have to provide nutrition facts, but they did have a sticker listing all ingredients used. 

Packaging:   One scone was in a clamshell-style container. 

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product… 

RATING:

Texture:      4  
Taste:          4
Value:         4
OVERALL:   4


Reviewed  by: Jennie L.

Gluten Free Condiments: Sinto Gourmet Spicy Kimchi

PRODUCT NAME:                      All Natural Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi

COMPANY NAME:                     Sinto Gourmet

COST:                                       $6.99

SIZE:                                         16 fl. oz.

COST PER OZ:                          $0.44/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:        NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

ORGANIC:                                 NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

VEGAN:                                    YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:          N/A

SHELF LIFE:                              6 Months

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.               

REVIEW:

Taste: Today we have a Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi from Sinto Gourmet, a local San Francisco company specializing in the production of this Korean delicacy. What is Kimchi you ask? WELL, let me tell you.

Kimchi is described as a “vegetable condiment”. It is a fermented product (much like sauerkraut) made of cabbage, red pepper powder, salt, onion, ginger, a slight bit of sugar to aid in fermentation, and garlic. It is full of naturally occurring lactic acid due to the fermentation process and therefore packs tons of Probiotics (or healthy bacteria that keeps the stomach digesting happily) in each bite. Because of the Probiotics and fiber present, consumers are said to have better digestion, enhanced immune systems, and an easier time with weight loss.  In addition to being used as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches it can also be made into fried rice or a stew, eaten on pizza or grabbed with your hands straight out of the jar. Not only is it going to help you digest your food, it’s going to add complexity to your meals.

Basically, Sinto Gourmet’s Kimchi is diverse in its uses and it is GOOD. This particular version has a spicy zingy flavor that brings the likes of pickles, vinegars, and even Kombucha to mind. In addition to keeping deliciousness at the forefront of production, Sinto Gourmet keeps Kimchi close to the roots of its intended use. Although Kimchi was created with health in mind, more current mass marketed iterations of it can include insidious doses of preservatives, shrimp (not friendly for vegans such as myself!) and MSG. Suddenly, a healthy vegetable condiment has been modernized and bigger brand name forms can be less than enticing. Sinto Gourmet does not fall prey to these traps! All ingredients are as local as possible, fresh, and batches are kept small to insure quality. The result is a refreshing, crisp and crunchy side you can feel great about consuming. My taste test had me eating it straight from the jar and I found the experience to be most satisfying. Although other complimentary food items would be great I am sure, I absolutely loved enjoying this product as a salad-like snack all on its own.

Sinto’s Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi is a high fiber, low sugar, non-fat food.  It is incredibly low calorie (forty calories per cup) and quite satisfying. Don’t delay an opportunity to support such a wonderful grassroots company! Your taste buds and your body will thank you.

Labeling:  Labeling of this product was clear and concise. I deem it to be very sufficient.

Packaging:  This sauce was packaged in a glass recyclable jar. The packaging seemed sufficient for the freshness of the product.

Reader’s Reviews:  Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:           4

Taste:               5         

Value:              3

OVERALL:        4

Reviewed by Lacy D. 

The ELISA Test: A test that tests for Gluten!

Have you ever wondered if your supposedly Gluten-Free restaurant meal had secret sneaky glutinous invaders? If the go-to snacks you checked the ingredients for time and again are actually the source of mysterious stomach aches and other maladies? Do you wonder if companies are perhaps not as stringent about cross contamination as one would hope?

In steps the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, a little friend to help you get to the bottom of the all too common conundrum: Is this food REALLY gluten free? Is it processed on machines that aren’t covered in wheat flour and other invaders? Is it made keeping your allergens and sensitivities in mind?

The ELISA test is one that has been used to check for contamination in all sorts of industries, but most recently it has been popularized for the gluten-free sect. At home testing kits are becoming readily available and are fairly simple to use. Essentially, you grind the food in question into a fine powder, add a provided gluten extraction solution to the powder and place it in a small test tube. You then add a gluten tester strip to said test tube and after about ten minutes, the strip indicates if there is any level of gluten in the product. It is simple, easy, portable, and efficient.

Just how does the ELISA test work, you ask? Essentially, the strip is looking for pesky wayward gluten antibodies, specifically called Gliadin.  It does this by affixing a detecting antigen to the surface of the test strip and then applying a specific antibody over that surface so that it can bind to the antigen. “This antibody is linked to an enzyme, and in the final step a substance is added that the enzyme can convert to some detectable signal.” (Wikipedia) The American Celiac Organization states that “the importance of an ELISA test is that is it rapid, inexpensive, and run by a machine. Thus the results are independent of observer variability.”  This is just one thing that makes the ELISA test more desirable then others on the market. The machine testing weeds out human error and provides an accurate and unbiased gluten diagnosis for specific foods. A customer need not worry about misrepresentation or misreading caused by technician bias.

Although the science of the ELISA test seems complex, the actual procedure of testing itself is fairly simple. The ELISA test is much more accurate then other researched allergen food tests on the market because it is able to detect gluten in products in as small as ten parts per million, which is essentially the accepted value for your typically gluten sensitive/Celiac afflicted consumer. Other tests only go as low as being able to detect gluten in the 100-200 parts per million realm, which renders them essentially useless to the highly allergic.

In my research I found the ELISA at home tests to be fairly inexpensive. Typically they are about $250.00 for a package of twenty five tests and they get less expensive as you buy in bulk.  Those with mere gluten sensitivities but not all out Celiac Disease would not necessarily find it necessary to purchase this product but if one were highly sensitive I imagine the product would be indispensable. As it is quick, inexpensive, accurate, and easy it could be a life saver in new restaurants and travel situations. Besides all these perks, isn’t it kind of cool to be able to bring science into your very own kitchen? I would definitely say its worth the money and effort.

Written by Lacy D.  

Gluten Free Cookies: Ann's Nut & Fruit Cake, Inc. Gladys Treat Coconut Cookie

PRODUCT NAME:                        Gladys Treat Coconut Cookie

BRAND:                                       Ann’s Nut & Fruit Cake, Inc.

COST:                                          $7.95

SIZE:                                           16 oz (8 Cookies)

COST PER OZ:                            $0.50/oz ($1.00/cookie)

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

ORGANIC:                                   NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             Florida

SHELF LIFE:                                 8 Months

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

This Coconut Cookie from Ann’s Nut and Fruit Cake, Inc. is a delicious cookie.  It is strongly coconut flavored and you can taste the actual coconut texture with each bite.  The browned coconut flakes on top of the cookie is a nice touch as it finishes off each mouthful with a lovely toasted flavor.  The cookie is soft and chewy, not crumbly or brittle at all.  The label of the cookie says it is “gluten-free and allergen-free” which means that this cookie is also vegan, being egg free, dairy free and even soy free.  There is a wonderful blend of spiciness in the flavor, hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and a rich molasses enhance the coconut and rounds out the overall taste of the cookie.  I was initially impressed with the cookie after my first bite, but after reading the ingredients, I was even more so.  We’ve all had many cookies and treats that were gluten free and everything else free and they leave you with that, “well it’s also taste free” feeling.  Not so with this one.  Bold and flavorful, chewy and delectable, this is one good cookie.

Ann’s Nut and Fruit Cake, Inc. have a website that details their products, one of which is their gluten-free allergen-free line of baked goods.  They go into great depth detailing the ingredients of their cookies which have no artificial anything, I might add.  The cookie has 150 calories, but it’s quite a large cookie.  I couldn’t finish the whole cookie in one sitting because it is quite rich.  It is made of mostly coconut after all.  They have several other flavors as well and I am looking forward to trying them if this one is any indication of how the rest will be. 

Check out the website for other flavors, products and more info: http://www.annnutandfruitcake.com/

Taste:  full on coconut, toasty, rich notes of cinnamon and molasses.

Labeling: descriptive and clearly marked gluten free label

Packaging: see-through, resealable bag

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                3                             

Taste:                    4                             

Value:                   4             

OVERALL:            3.7

Reviewed by Krisztina L.

Gluten Free Sauces: Shiloh's All Natural Harissa Spicy Sauce

PRODUCT NAME:                     Shiloh’s Harissa Spicy Sauce

COMPANY NAME:                     Shiloh’s All Natural

COST:                                       $7.40

SIZE:                                        11 oz

COST PER OZ:                         $0.67            

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        GFCO

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        N/A

VEGAN:                                   YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         N/A

SHELF LIFE:                            1 Year +

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.               

REVIEW:

Taste:

Upon my arrival to our wonderful headquarters , I was asked perhaps my favorite question of this job: “What are you in the mood to try today?”

Upon considering such a wonderful question I knew I wanted something savory. I have been really on top of reviewing snacks and energy bars, and had certainly enjoyed the task. Despite this fact, I was coming to a point where these meal substitutes were leaving me craving just a touch more to dig my teeth into and I knew the quickest way to get to that was to steer away from the sweet and the crunchy/salty and head straight into products designed to accent meals. Enter Shiloh’s Harissa Spicy Sauce.

First let us discuss Harissa in general: What is that?! Before my review opportunity I had never heard of Harissa and all I knew was that I was presented with a jar of fire red oily sauce and I was intrigued. After some research I found out that Harissa is described as a Tunisian hot chili sauce commonly eaten in North African cuisine. Its main ingredients are chili and serrano peppers and spices such as garlic paste, coriander, red chili powder, caraway and vegetable or olive oil. It can be used as a compliment to stir fries or (less commonly) added to creamier products (sour cream or cream cheese) to make dips.

I decided to use this bombastic little sauce in a simply stir fry, so that I may understand the complexity of the flavor sans other influences. I steamed up some broccoli and tempeh, added some wheat-free tamari and about a teaspoon of Harissa and was on my way to North African influenced veggie heaven. The first note of flavor was the spice, of course. Shiloh’s takes care to use very simple, yet impactful flavors that deliver the biggest bang possible, for just a few ingredients. The very small amount I used delivered a delectable sting of spice that hit the tongue immediately and set my mouth ablaze in the finest way possible. If you, like me, like complex and spicy tastes (that may or may not make your eyes water, depending on how much you use) then you’ll love this. The other spices present in this sauce were merely subtle aftereffects to the depth of the chilies and although they added a pleasant bit of nuance, I couldn’t exactly identify them in the context of my stir fry. Essentially, all other spices aside from the chilies took a real back seat.

Aside from the spice, the fantastic oiliness of Harissa adds a great mouth feel to the product. The thick streams of oil present serve as a conduit to deliver the spice and soothe the burn immediately upon contact.  Although this is a delicious addition to any meal, it adds calories that quickly turned my stir fry into a more decadent-than-normal treat. One teaspoon of this stuff packs in 80 extra calories- roughly 50% MORE calories than olive oil!. Although adding one teaspoon to a broccoli - tempeh stir fry is not big deal calorically, adding ¼ cup of it to some pork chops (something I imagine somebody could easily do if they weren’t paying attention) could turn your meal into an immediate calorie bomb. This is definitely something to be aware of!

Labeling:

Labeling of this product was clear and concise. I deem it to be very sufficient.

Packaging:

This sauce was packaged in a glass recyclable jar. The packaging seemed sufficient for the freshness of the product.

Reader’s Reviews:

Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:           4

Taste:               4         

Value:              3

OVERALL:        3.7

Reviewed by Lacy D. 

Gluten Free Cookies: Alternative Baking Co. Fudge Indulgence Cookie

PRODUCT NAME:               Fudge Indulgence

BRAND:                              Alternative Baking

COST:                                 $2.50

SIZE:                                   2.25oz

COST PER OZ:                    $1.11

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:  NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:   N/A

ORGANIC:                           N/A

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:    N/A

VEGAN:                               YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:     NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:     Sacramento, CA

SHELF LIFE:                         6wks (3mos frozen)

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

Alternative Baking Company is on a mission—to try and make the dairy and meat industry obsolete by using vegan alternatives to their delicious baked goods. Sans dairy, eggs, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, cholesterol, animal ingredients, and refined sugar, these cookies still provide the taste and quality of a traditional homemade cookie. Organic flour, organic sugar, and fruit juice make up the basic ingredients for these cookies made in small, homemade batches. In addition to their gluten-free flavors, Alternative Baking Company also has a wheat free line of cookies, currently available in four flavors.

The Fudge Indulgence flavor includes gluten free flour, organic unrefined sugar, fruit juice and natural grain dextrins, water, palm oil, cocoa powder, natural tapioca and potato starches, vanilla and sea salt. Even with the absence of any meat or dairy product in their baked goods, The Alternative Baking Company still somehow manages to create a soft and chewy cookie that can be easily enjoyed by anyone.

Taste:  I’m not a stranger when it comes to the Alternative Baking Company’s line of cookies. I love chewy cookies, and this particular line is known for the soft texture, as well as their delicious spin on traditional cookie flavors (if you love the taste of cookie dough, try the Vanilla Bean flavor. Dead ringer!). With that said, the new Fudge Indulgence flavor does not disappoint at all. At 230 calories per serving, it’s a bit of a splurge on the diet but an appealing one at that! Though this cookie is covered in chocolate inside and out, the sweetness is not overpowering at all and does not cause me to tap out in the middle of a serving…actually it’s quite disturbing that I was willing and able to devour this cookie in one sitting. My sweet tooth normally does not gravitate toward chocolaty sweet treats in general, so this was a complete surprise but I feel that it was mainly due to the texture. I have no idea how they get the cookie so soft and chewy, but it melts in your mouth. The chocolate is smooth, silky, and not at all too rich after a few bites, which make this flavor a thumbs up in my book.

Labeling:  individually packaged cookie with logo and product name on front, nutritional value on the back.

Packaging:  Small, clear plastic bag. Serving size is 2 1/4oz with 1 serving per bag. 

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:          4

Taste:              4                             

Value:             4

OVERALL:       4      

Reviewed by Allison R.

Gluten Free Cookies: Enjoy Life Crunchy Sugar Crisp Handcrafted Cookies

PRODUCT NAME:                     Crunchy Sugar Crisp Cookies

BRAND:                                    Enjoy Life

COST:                                       $3.99

SIZE:                                         6.3 OZ

COST PER OZ:                          $0.63/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:        YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         GFCO

ORGANIC:                                 NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:         N/A

VEGAN:                                     YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:          YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:           SCHILLER PARK,IL

SHELF LIFE:                              1.5 YEARS
 

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.       

REVIEW:

Enjoy Life, a company known for making delicious, allergen friendly products, recently launched a new line of crispy cookies. They have taken on classic cookies, like chocolate chip, sugar, and ginger, and make them safe and delicious for just about everyone. Packed full of flavor and all natural ingredients, these delicious cookies are made without the eight most common allergens, which are wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish, and shellfish. They strive to make “smile-good foods that keep people’s insides happy” meaning anyone, allergy or not should feel safe and satisfied after consuming their products.

Reminiscent of the crispy sugar cookies I snacked on as a kid, Enjoy Life’s Crunchy Sugar Crisp cookies were light and very sweet. Made without ingredients like wheat, eggs, and dairy, elements which are normally essential to baking, these cookies were safe without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Although they are vegan, they tasted buttery and rich, they weren’t too hard or brittle, and didn’t crumble apart. They were very sweet, I would even dare to say that they were on the verge of being too sweet, so a serving size of two cookies was appropriate.

I really enjoyed these cookies, and while they are delicious right out of the box, I would suggest using two crispy cookies to make an ice cream sandwich for an even tastier treat.

Taste: These cookies tasted exactly the way the package promised: crunchy, sugary, and crisp. They were rich and had a great buttery flavor, were very sweet, and were effective in satisfying my sugar craving.

Labeling: As a company specializing in allergen-friendly products, Enjoy Life has made it very easy to quickly assess if their treats are safe or not. The front of the package states that these cookies are dairy, nut, and gluten free. The side panel lists the common allergens NOT included in this recipe and the back has a little bit of information about this allergy-friendly treat. Ingredients and nutrition facts were also included on the side of the package.  

Packaging:   Fourteen cookies were held in a plastic tray inside of a cardstock box.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:
Texture:                 4  
Taste:                     5
Value:                    4
OVERALL:              4.3
 
Reviewed  by: Jennie L.

Gluten Free Sauces: 1849 BBQ Sauce

PRODUCT NAME:                       1849 All Natural BBQ Sauce

COMPANY NAME:                       Golden West Specialty Foods

COST:                                         $5.00

SIZE:                                           14 oz.

COST PER OZ:                            $0.36/oz                     

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:         Unknown

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           N/A

ORGANIC:                                   No

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           N/A

VEGAN:                                       Yes

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             No

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             N/A

SHELF LIFE:                                1 Year +

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.              

REVIEW:

Taste:

First and foremost, this company titles their BBQ sauce “1849 BBQ Sauce” and there is a pretty funny reason for this fact. In 1849, the average man supposedly ate about six pounds of meat a day, and I assume the company is alluding that good meat needs good sauce. Although I am not carnivorous enough to comment, I know the same is true today for a young lady with a plate full of vegetables. Sauce changes everything.

I love Sauce. As a gluten free, low soy, sugar shirking vegan I often rely on sauces to make my tofu and veggies palatable.  It takes a special sauce to be free of all the ingredients that I avoid, and once I find one, I am an advocate for life. From fancy mustards to salsas, to this very BBQ sauce, I am a lover of thick liquids that lend flavor and I’m not afraid to say it.

1849 BBQ Sauce sticks to a short list of identifiable ingredients, which I fully appreciate. The list simply reads “tomato paste, cider vinegar, brown sugar, water, molasses, smoke flavor, garlic, onion, lemon juice, salt, chili pepper, and spices”. Every single ingredient is a food I can identify and feel okay about consuming. Despite the fact that this sauce does contain some sugar, none of the common high fructose corn syrups or sneaky gluten-y invaders sneak into it and so one can indulge without feeling like they are essentially pickling their insides. Sometimes it is worthwhile to make small exceptions.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients

The most notable aspect of this sauce is its undeniable thickness. It took me a solid sixty seconds to get this deliciousness to drip out of the bottle and onto my kale and when it did, drops landed in big plops instead of thin streams. Although the thickness of this sauce would probably be desirable in a meatier context, I found it a bit tough to spread around without watering down slightly. Luckily, the deep and rich flavor made this a moot point, because once I tasted it I couldn’t remember having any textural complaints at all. If anything, the thickness added to the velvety quality that graced my palate and lent a richness that truly satisfied. The strongest flavor note in this sauce is the melding of molasses with liquid smoke but the true nuance comes from the dash of brown sugar and the lemon juice. It is sweet, tangy, and deep with complexity in each bite. I would love to add a dash of cayenne to spice it up a bit but other than that, the taste is pretty perfect.

There are about 40 calories per two tablespoon serving of this sauce, which certainly is not terrible. I must mention that because of the thickness of the sauce, one needs to use a fair amount to actually have it cover the food. It is worth noting that this could pack calories into a meal quickly.

Labeling:

Labeling of this product was clear and concise. I deem it to be very sufficient.

Packaging:

This product is packaged in a glass bottle. Although I find glass to be exponentially more satisfying then plastic, it would probably be easier to access this thick sauce in something squeezable.

Reader’s Reviews:

Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:           4

Taste:               4         

Value:              4

OVERALL:        4

Reviewed by Lacy D. 

Gluten Free Cookies: Enjoy Life Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies

PRODUCT NAME:                       Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies

BRAND:                                       Enjoy Life

COST:                                          $3.99

SIZE:                                            6.3 OZ

COST PER OZ:                             $0.63             

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          YES

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           GFCO

ORGANIC:                                   NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           N/A

VEGAN:                                       YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             SCHILLER PARK, IL

SHELF LIFE:                                1.5 YEARS
 

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

Enjoy Life, a company known for making delicious, allergen friendly products, recently launched a new line of crispy cookies. They have decided to take on classic cookies, like Chocolate chip, sugar, and ginger, and make them safe and delicious for just about everyone. Packed full of flavor and all natural ingredients, these delicious cookies are made without the eight most common allergens, which are wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish, and shellfish. They strive to make “smile-good foods that keep people’s insides happy” meaning anyone, allergy or not should feel safe and satisfied after consuming their products.

Enjoy Life’s Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies were crisp without being too hard. The sweet and soft chocolate chips, created a nice texture difference between them and the crunchy cookie. This cookie was very sugary and sweet, which appealed to my sweet tooth but may make my dentist a little worried. This crunchy cookie is a perfect candidate for dipping in a cold, tall glass of milk (or dairy free milk if you so desire). Although it is made free of the eight most common allergens, and all natural this Crunchy, sweet, cookie is definitely not a health food, but it doesn’t claim to be. At 120 calories per serving, which make up 11% of your daily fat, these cookies should probably be consumed in moderation. What it does claim to be is a safe, sweet treat that can be enjoyed by anyone, allergy conscious or not.

Taste: Sweet and crunchy with soft chocolate pieces, these cookies were delicious and addictive. They had no strange aftertaste and were made with all-natural whole ingredients.

Labeling: As a company specializing in allergen-friendly products, Enjoy Life has made it very easy to quickly assess if their treats are safe or not. The front of the package states that these cookies are dairy, nut, and gluten free. The side panel lists the common allergens NOT included in this recipe and the back has a little bit of information about this allergy-friendly treat. Ingredients and nutrition facts were also included on the side of the package.

Packaging:   Fourteen cookies were held in a plastic tray inside of a cardstock box.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:
Texture:       4  
Taste:           5
Value:          4
OVERALL:    4
Reviewed  by: Jennie L.

Gluten Free Cookies: Iamori Hazelnut Biscotti

PRODUCT NAME:                       Iamori Hazelnut Biscotti

BRAND:                                      Iamori  

COST:                                         $7.99

SIZE:                                           5.5 oz

COST PER OZ:                            $1.45

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:          NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

ORGANIC:                                   NO                        

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:           NA

VEGAN:                                       NO                        

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:            NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:            San Jose, CA      

SHELF LIFE:                               1 month

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

Iamori Hazelnut Biscotti are incredibly delicious.  There is a strong sweet, nutty hazelnut flavor with each bite that is accompanied by the satisfying crunch of having actual hazelnuts packed throughout the biscotti.  The hazelnuts seem to be lightly toasted as well, so there is a wonderful layer of flavor added to the nuts that compliments the entire experience of the biscotti very nicely.  The texture of the biscotti is firm and crunchy without being dry and brittle.  They hold up really well to being dunked into warm beverages, not becoming soggy and falling apart like many biscotti have a tendency to do.  There is a quality to them that feels wholesome and homemade, where I can imagine someone laboring over the ingredients to ensure that the outcome is the tastiest it can be.  It seems to me that their efforts have paid off.  Not only is this the best gluten free biscotti I’ve ever had, it’s up there with one of the best biscotti I’ve ever had, period.  I look forward to sampling their other flavors too! 

The name of the company, Iamori, means “to see the light” in Tahitian and I feel like I certainly have by discovering this product.  They have a wonderful website that details everything from the origins of the company to ingredients and recipe suggestions.  These hazelnut biscotti have simple honest ingredients and are only about 43 calories each!  That certainly means that there will be some guilt-free indulging on my end!  I should also mention that these scrumptious treats are made locally in San Jose, and are made with care and attention so that even those of us with the most extreme allergy to gluten can enjoy all of their baked goods.

Check out the website for other flavors, products and more info: http://www.iamori.com

Taste:  nutty, toasty, full flavored hazelnuts, crunchy and good textured.

Labeling: fresh and inviting labeling, clearly marked gluten free.

Packaging: see-through, resealable bag

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:                 5                             

Taste:                     5                             

Value:                    3             

OVERALL:              4.3

Reviewed by Krisztina L.