Product Review: MadeGood Snacks

Looking for good snacks that fit my diet is a hard task sometimes. So many snacks are filled with GMOs, Soy, or dairy. That's why I am always on the hunt for something that will fit my diet and let me have something on the go.

MadeGood snacks are vegan, organic, and also free of many common allergens, including Soy. The brand has several different varities available, perfect for different tastes. They have Vanilla Crispy Squares, Chocolate Chip Crispy Squares, Mixed Berry Granola Bars, and Chocolate Chip Granola Bars.

My personal favorites of the bunch were the Chocolate Chip Crispy Squares. The chocolate flavor is obvious, yet subtle enough to not be overpowering. It's a real comfort food type of snack, as it reminds me of an old favorite treat. They're (along with the Vanilla Squares) are the bulkier of the bunch, which makes for a satisfying snack.

The Granola Bars were quite a bit smaller than the squares, yet still good for a pick-me-up when one needs a mid-afternoon jumpstart. They're also chewier than the squares, so they're a good choice for people who prefer something that is softer and melts in your mouth. The mixed berry also includes great mix of vegetable extracts alongside the berries.

I'd recommend them, for sure, and not just for kids' lunch boxes. Check the MadeGood website to learn more about them, their mission, and the other varieties available. If one buys all four of these varieties, they can also enjoy $10 off a Mabel's Labels personalized school label pack.

Take a Tour of Italy with the DegustaBox @DegustaboxUSA #DegustaboxUSA.

This month, the Degustabox is taking us on a little tour of Italy. Most of the items in the box have an Italian theme, with a few other goodies mixed in.  DegustaBox brings us some fun snacks and ingredients for tasty meals  suitable for every meal that are all-natural and/or GMO free. This unique subscription service allows you to sample a variety of  delicious products each month.  For the low price of only $19.99 a month including shipping, a new selection gets shipped to your door each month, allowing you to sample some new products without breaking your budget. Every month is a fun new surprise. Here's a peak at what was inside the May box.

Mulina Bianco - These delicious cookies are the perfect treat for a late night snack or to get you started in the morning. They taste even better dipped in coffee.

Skinnygirl - Make your own perfect cup of tea one cup at a time right in your K-cup brewer. This blend is flavored with green tea and mint. Enjoy it warm or over ice.

Pure Growth Organic -My grandfather always said that oatmeal was the best breakfast. This one  is flavored with apples and brown sugar, making it a much tastier choice. I love that it's organic and my kids love that Sponge Bob is on the box. 

Mutti Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes - I'll be passing this one on to my 100% Italian mother. She makes her pasta sauce from scratch and could definitely use these delicious raw tomatoes 

Barilla Basil Pesta - I can' believe I never tried this before. This sauce is a really great alternative to red sauce to switch things up a little. We followed the included recipe and added some broccoli and mozzarella and it was delicious!

Mulina Bianco Breadsticks - These bread sticks were a delicious side dish alongside the pesto pasta. They are flavored with tomato and oregano, and they are nice and crunchy. 

Barilla Farfalle Pasta - Barillla has always been my favorite pasta. These ones are shaped like cute little bows. They will add a little flare to any pasta dish. 

Soy Voy - This is American style soy-sauce made with BBQ and honey. My kids enjoyed this as a dip for their chicken nuggets.

Goya  Lentils - These lentils are great for making soup into a hearty meal.

La Tortilla Factory- This is a huge bag of mini whole grain tortillas. We have used them for Chicken Cesar Wraps and breakfast burritos. 

This was another great box from Degusta and well-worth the purchase price. If you're looking to try out some new products for the back to school season and want to skip the guess work, you should definitely give DegustaBox a try. To learn more about this awesome company and all they have to offer, visit their website or follow them on their social media.

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Banza Mac and Cheese Review + Giveaway! #DressUpYourMac

Mac & cheese is a kids’ classic and what could be more fun than eating it? Creating it!

Recently, Banza debuted their campaign, #DressUpYourMac, in partnership with Whole Foods, inviting mac & cheese lovers everywhere to add their own special twist and make a unique mac & cheese dish with personality – fun toppings, hot spices, and pops of color.  

What can you do with your Banza mac & cheese? 

Let the family get creative and crazy this whole year through, then share your mac-sterpiece pics with @eatbanza using #DressUpYourMac.   

Naturally nutritious – Banza has 2x the protein, 4x the fiber, and 40% fewer net carbs per serving than traditional pasta (it's also GF and non-GMO) – fans are taking this simple comfort food and adding their own extra health-ified flair – spinach, asparagus, cayenne pepper, sriracha … you name it!

My Thoughts: 

I was able to try the three of the varieties of mac and cheeses that Banza offers. Each was unique in it's own way, leaving a perfect match for whatever type of mac and cheese you desire. 

The first flavor I tried was the Deluxe Rich and Creamy Cheddar Elbows. The box contains a wrapper filled with soft cheese that you squeeze out and mix with the milk and butter. It came out extremely rich, thick and cheesy. Yum! The box said not to rinse the pasta after it was done, so the consistency was a little starchy for my taste. However, it had a wonderful flavor. The pasta was perfectly al dente. This would be a wonderful type of mac and cheese to bake in the oven with some bread crumbs as a topping! That's my personal favorite way to doctor up my cheesy pasta!  

The next variety I tried was the Classic Cheddar. Like traditional boxed mac and cheese, this comes with powered cheese. The flavor had a sharp and tangy taste. If you are a person who loves sharp cheddar, you will adore this! The cheese was nice and creamy. Like the previous Banza mac and cheese, the pasta was nice and al dente. I did rinse off this pasta to see how the consistency would be. It was much less starchy that the previous one. If I were to think of a way to dress this dish, I think some freshly shredded cheese and bacon would go perfectly, or some broccoli!    

My favorite out of the group has to be the White Cheddar! It was thick with a light cheddar flavor at first, while the after taste had a nice bite. The strong flavor of the chickpea pasta was outweighed a bit by the cheese flavor, making the mixture of both fantastic! I felt this one was probably the closest to traditional mac and cheese flavor. This variety would go great with almost anything to be honest. If you are a spicy lover, perhaps a little hot sauce on top, or for my seafood lovers some lump crab or lobster meat! 

If you are someone who enjoys chickpea pasta and/or are looking for a healthier alternative to a life long favorite, I would highly suggest giving Banza's variety a try! With it having 40% less cards than traditional pasta, as well as being gluten free and non-gmo, this is a great guilt free food for you and your family to enjoy! 

The Giveaway:   

Thanks to Banza, one lucky reader will have an opportunity to try these delicious varieties of mac and cheeses. Thank you so much Banza for this awesome opportunity and for also allowing me to try them!   

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Corazonas© HEARTBAR™ Oatmeal Squares Review + Exclusive Coupon!

They’re back and they have been added to the J&J Snack Foods family of brands! J&J Snack Foods Corp. has acquired the Corazonas© HEARTBAR™ Oatmeal Squares!

Corazonas© HEARTBAR™ philosophy is that food should be both delicious and good for you. Life should be fun! That's why they've created a thoughtful mix of tasty, heart-healthy ingredients that help lower cholesterol while creating a convenient snack that is truly good and good for you.

What makes a Corazonas HEARTBAR both delicious and nutritious?

·         NON-GMO Ingredients

·         Contains Plant Sterols, which helps to lower (LDL) bad cholesterol*

·         Excellent Source of Whole Grains

·         Shelf Stable and small in size which is perfect for grab-n-go snacking

*FDA health claim: Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 2g per day of phytosterols eaten with meals or snacks may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of a HEARTBAR Oatmeal Square supplies between 0.4g and 0.8g of plant sterols.

My Thoughts:

I love breakfast bars for snacks or meals on the go. They are always a tasty treat that can hold me over and provide a boost of energy throughout my day! I was thrilled to try Corazonas HEARTBAR oatmeal squares after reading about all the great health benefits they provide!

The product comes in a variety of unique flavors such as Chocolate Coconut Macaroon, Dark Chocolate Cherry, and White Chocolate Macadamia. There are also great classic oatmeal flavors like Banana Walnut, Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry and Oatmeal Raisin.

They are not just healthy, but the HEARTBARS are delicious too! The consistency of each is quite soft and chewy. I almost felt like I was eating a yummy soft cookie. You can see the hearty amounts of oatmeal and other additional ingredients as you eat them, like for example, chocolate chips or walnuts.

They were very filling and I loved the fact that each bar was packed with whole grains, protein and fiber. The fact they are non-gmo and also were not high in fat and fair in calories was a wonderful plus as well! I truly loved all the flavors! I could see myself enjoying these at any time of day.

Exclusive 10% Coupon for New Age Mama Readers:

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Thrive GoMacro's New Line of Plant-Based Bars #GoMacro. @GoMacro #Giveaway

GoMacro is a family owned vegan company that was started by a mother-daughter team on their organic farm in Southwest Wisconsin. While you may be familiar with their original MacroBars, they have launched a delicious new line of plant-based bars called, Thrive. 

Thrive are made up of a superfood ancient grain blend, are all less than 200 calories, and provide plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, and prebiotic fiber to fuel your body and mind.

Like all GoMacro products, Thrive are USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Gluten-Free certified, 100% Vegan, and soy-free. Thrive is currently available to purchase online and will become available to Whole Foods in October 2016.

***Discount Code***

Use code Thrive30 for 30% off of their purchase for Thrive at GoMacro's online store: http://gomacro.com/shop/product-category/thrive/. 

My Thoughts:

Thrive is a delicious way to enjoy the fuel your body needs on the go. As a working college student, I do not always have the time to make a nutritious meal or snack. That is why I am so grateful to GoMacro for creating a healthy alternative that packs all the goodness needed to keep your body balanced and happy. It is hard to find good, wholesome health food on the market now that is not packed with added sugars or fats. With Thrive, you can enjoy your food in confidence that it is organic, kosher, gluten free and vegan. It is also only 200 calories while still providing the proteins our body needs from plants on a daily basis.

There are a variety of flavors that Thrive provides such as Almond Apricot (pictured above), Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, Blueberry Lavender, Caramel Coconut, Chocolate, Nuts and Sea Salt, as well as Ginger Lemon. Each were soft, chewy, packed with flavor and they had just enough crunch from the seed blend. Some like Caramel Coconut had nuts such as cashews and almonds. Each bar gave me a nice full feeling and a boost of energy after eating them. Knowing that all of the bars were made from real ingredients made it even more enjoyable. As a chocolate lover as well, it is always nice to know I can get my sweet fix without the guilt from the flavors like Chocolate, Nuts and Sea Salt, as well as Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. Each flavor was a unique and tasty blend that always hit the spot!

If you are someone looking for a healthy treat on the go that is rich in flavor and still just as nutritious, I would highly recommend Thrive by GoMacro!

Connect with GoMacro: 

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The Giveaway:

GoMacro was kind enough to offer one lucky reader their own assorted box of Thrive! Each box will include their variety of delicious flavors. Thank you so much to GoMacro for this wonderful opportunity!

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Healthy Back-to-School Snack.

The school year is upon us, and once again, parents everywhere will be packing their children healthy and filling lunch bags to get them through the school day. Keep Healthy is the perfect, healthy snack to keep your kids fueled and focused all day long.

The base of these bars are made from dates- a superfood that is high in fiber, packed with antioxidants, and that has anti-inflammatory benefits. Other than dates there are a few additional ingredients, but don't worry, they are all ingredients that you're body will recognize and will be able to pronounce. Free of gluten, dairy, and Gmo's, Keep Healthy is proud to share these bars with you!

My Thoughts:

Dates are one of my favorite super foods! They're so filling, and give you that extra boost of energy and sweetness without any harm to your body. Hearing about Keep Healthy's line of bars made me excited to add them to my daily routine. With so many varieties, anyone can find a fit for them! Keep Healthy sent me a variety of flavors and also types of their delicious and nutritious bars.

I first tried their New York Date Bars. They have a awesome sweet taste with a variety of healthy options. My favorite had to be the Apple Walnut. It was sweet, savory, chewy with just the right amount of crunch from the walnuts. Keep Healthy also has a unique variety called, Fruitskies. It's like a healthy dessert for your cravings. On the back there is a quote that says "Have a fruitkie, not a cookie". I personally loved the Mango Almond one, but there were so many great choices! Some even have chocolate covering.

There are also a variety of Keep Healthy protein and low glycemic bars. Many of the original date bars that include raisins can be a bit high in sugar (although it is natural sugars). I actually loved the low glycemic bars just as much. The Sea Salt Brownie flavor tasted just like a traditional brownie with some added coconut. The sweeteners were organic coconut nectar and almond butter. The protein bars were alright, but not really my thing. I would have liked the consistency to be a little less chalky and the taste more flavorful. However, they give you a great boost of energy. I could see them being perfect for athletes on the go.

Thank you Keep Healthy for sending me so many wonderful products to try! I would highly recommend them.

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Product Review: Neocell Biotin Bursts

Biotin Bursts have been named Best Supplement for Skin in the 2016 NewBeauty Beauty Choice Awards. The winners were chosen by NewBeauty editors, industry experts and readers from thousands of products submitted.

 

NeoCell Biotin Bursts are the easiest way to get a daily dose of biotin, an important B-vitamin that promotes healthy hair, skin and nails, as well as energy support. These soft chews come in a delicious Brazilian acai berry flavor - but don't be fooled by the great taste - a single serving delivers 10,000 mcg of biotin and only 20 calories. Biotin Bursts contain no gluten, soy, artificial flavors or GMO ingredients. Healthy hair, skin and nails were never this easy or sweet!

 

The NewBeauty judges tried Biotin Bursts and, like most NeoCell customers, found themselves hooked, saying:

"These yummy, Starburst-like chews pack a ton of biotin into each bite for stronger hair, luminous skin and more resilient nails. You'll actually want to take these daily supplements."

 

NeoCell Biotin Bursts come in 30-count cartons with a suggested retail price of $14.99 and are available through more than 10,000 retailers nationwide.  

Our Thoughts

So, I wasn't sure what to expect when I received these, as I haven't really tried too many hair and nail supplements before. These chewy tablets, made with Acai berry, are GMO-free and won the 2016 NewBeauty Beauty Award. 

The tablets come in chewy squares with flavor that can be almost overwhelming when you first take them, and I say this as someone who loves products with Acai in it. However, I quickly got used to the strong flavor, and really enjoyed the taste. 

While I didn't see anything too impressive with my hair, I will say that I think my skin does look a bit better since I tried them, and I do believe it made a difference for my nails. They seemed stronger, and looked nicer than they usually do. If you haven't found a similar product you really love, or are looking to shake your beauty routine up a little, I think these are worth a try to see how they work for you.   

Product Review: Dandies Marshmallows

The marshmallows from our childhood desperately needed an ingredient list makeover. That’s why Chicago Vegan Foods, a family-owned company with vegan values, created Dandies. The first Non-GMO Project Verified marshmallows on the market, Dandies are made with all-natural ingredients and completely free of gelatin, artificial ingredients, and high fructose corn syrup. The products are produced in the company’s dedicated facility, which is free of dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree-nuts. Dandies marshmallows are also free of wheat, gluten and corn, 100% vegan, and certified kosher by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

The best part is, these marshmallows are indistinguishable from their conventional counterparts. Dandies are air puffed, which gives them a traditional texture and flavor that melts and tastes just like the marshmallows we grew up with. Light, fluffy and kid-friendly, Dandies are perfect for roasting over a fire, making gooey summer s’mores, cooking up crisp rice treats, or putting the finishing touch on a loving cup of hot chocolate.

Dandies Classic Vanilla Marshmallows are available in big (campfire style) and mini sizes at Whole Foods Market and other natural foods stores across the U.S., Canada and select International markets. The SRP is $4.99 for a 10oz package. Dandies are also available for foodservice applications. 

Our Thoughts

So, since I changed my diet to non-GMO and Organic foods, there are some old favorites I have not been able to indulge in. That's why I am always glad to find better options to satisfy those occasional cravings. Dandies is one of those options. 

Billed as the first marshmallows to receive verification from the Non-GMO Product, these snacks are a fun addition to the holiday gift basket. I was sent three bags of these: two bags of the small variety, and one of the bigger marshmallows. I tried these with both hot chocolate, and in ice cream. My husband opted to get creative and use them in his cereal. 

These snacks took me back, reminding me of the days when s'mores were common sleepover fare. They tasted just as good as I remembered, especially when added to the hot chocolate. They blended nicely with the organic mix I use, and they practically melt in my mouth, even when not in something hot. 

The cereal was an interesting mix as well. The milk blended well with them, and made for a great snack. If you're looking for something bad that's a little bit better for you, I'd definitely recommend them, and will be looking for them in the store in the future.  

You can visit  the on social media at @MyDandies on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

Purchase Dandies Vegan Marshmallows online and in stores at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Thrive Market.

Product Review: Dr. Sharp Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Each year, consumers spend around $20 billion on cosmetic and personal care items, with many of those purchases going to oral hygiene products. After all, we are a nation of people who strive to brush our teeth at least twice per day, floss daily, and use mouthwash. What we use to do this task is often something we don’t give a lot of thought to, but it can actually make a big difference when it comes down to the ingredients in the products.

There are so many choices today that people often don’t know what to look for,” explains Dr. Bruno Sharp, a fourth-generation dentist who created a line of natural oral care products called Dr. Sharp Dentistry. “Plus, manufacturers can be clever in making it look like their products are a great choice, when really they contain harmful chemicals. The best way for consumers to keep them and their family healthy is to learn all they can so they can make informed choices when choosing products.”



 Many toothpaste brands contain ingredients that may be health hazards or go against consumer values. When looking at the ingredients list and overall product, there are some things people should be aware of, including:


 Most people have been led to believe that fluoride is a good thing to be in oral hygiene products, yet fluoride consumption has been linked to such health issues as hypothyroidism. To learn more about these adverse effects, visit www.fluoride-free.com.

Artificial colors and flavors. Many toothpastes that are created for children contain artificial colors and flavors in an effort to get them more interested in using the products. These artificial colors and flavors are not healthy for the children to use.

 Non-BPA free bottles and tubes. There has been a lot of news regarding the health problems that may be associated with plastic that is made with the BPA chemical. Consumers are better off opting for a product that does not have BPA in the packaging.

Harmful ingredients. There are some ingredients that are used in some toothpastes that should be avoided, including sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, alcohol, triclosan, DEA, gluten, and propylene glycol. Plus, some toothpastes use genetically modified ingredients, so it’s best to look for one that is non-GMO.

 Products that are not cruelty free. Most consumers are not aware of the fact that many of the oral hygiene products they are purchasing have been involved in animal cruelty, such as animal testing, or may contain animal-based ingredients. The good news, is that there are products on the market that are PETA certified cruelty free and vegan, so they do not contain any animal products at all.


Dr. Sharp created a line of oral hygiene products to give people a healthier alternative. His product line includes wild berry kids toothpaste, fresh mint with green tea adult toothpaste, fresh mint mouthwash, and dental tape. All products are safe to use, and are gluten free, have no artificial colors or flavors, are vegan, non-GMO, alcohol free, fluoride free, and cruelty free. Plus, they help whiten teeth and have xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that also helps to fight off cavities. The products are safe for the entire family. The products will be showcased at the Natural Products Expo West in March 2016, in the “hot products” section. To learn more about Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care products or see where they can be purchased, visit the site at:www.drsharpcare.com.

Our Thoughts


Before I ever got to see the movie, Our Daily Dose, which I reviewed here, I'd heard about the potential issues with fluoride, and have been going with toothpastes that do not contain that ingredient. While I had been using another brand, I was interested in finding different options. 

Dr. Sharp takes things a step further by taking out GMO ingredients, gluten, parabens, and more. It comes in a regular version, and a more kid-friendly one. There is also mouthwash to go along with it. I decided to check them out and see if it was something I wanted to add to my stash of personal care products. 

Both types tasted fine, with the kid-friendly berry one being my favorite. They both left my mouth feeling clean and fresh. While I was fine with the flip-top design, I was not exactly thrilled to see the tubes were noticeably smaller than what I am used to. Still, it's a good product that does the job. 

As for the mouthwash, it doesn't have the normal indicators on the cap to tell you how much to put in, but it's easy enough to figure out if you have something to measure the dosages with. The mouthwash also left me with a fresh feeling that lasted a while, and was much easier to deal with taste-wise than others I had used. 

Overall, I would say this is a good product. If you're looking for something that will taste good and get the job done without the potentially harmful ingredients, I'd say this is a good option. 

Crunchmaster multi-seed crackers

Crunchmaster crackers, in addition to being certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization, Crunchmaster crackers (www.crunchmaster.com) are made with high quality ingredients and packed with whole grains, cholesterol free and low in saturated fat. It has several products that are NON-GMO verified.

Connect with Crunchmaster

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My Thoughts

I got to try a wide variety of these crackers and I really liked each one. They were crisp and crunchy. These were great to have as just a snack alone, as well, they worked great in dips or with stacking cheese and a meal on them.

When having these for a snack, I was able to feel less guilty because they are healthy, as well gluten free. I tried the multi-seed crackers. These were my favorite. I really enjoyed the one salted with sea salt. I also got to try some of their rice crackers. These one had a hint of cheese to them.

My kids also tried these and they liked all of them, so I liked that these were something I could sneak into their lunch and feel good about giving them. I'm looking forward to trying more Crunchmaster crackers.