Showing posts with label Smoothies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smoothies. Show all posts

Friday, July 15, 2016

Delicious at home smoothies with Jamba



INVENTURE FOODS EXPANDS ITS LICENSED JAMBA “AT HOME” LINE WITH PROTEIN-RICH SMOOTHIE FEATURING GREEK YOGURT AND ANCIENT GRAINS
Delicious, Ready-to-Blend Smoothie Kit Offers a Full Serving of Fruit,
Eight Grams of Protein and Just 110 Calories per Glass*



Consumers making healthy smoothies and smoothie bowls at home can rejoice as leading specialty food marketer and manufacturer, Inventure Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SNAK), advances its licensed Jamba® “At Home” line of ready-to-blend smoothie kits today with two new nutrient-rich varieties arriving in grocery, club and mass merchandise stores nationwide this month.

Pomegranate Pick-Me-Up and Berry Awesome Acai feature a blend of premium berries, fat-free Greek yogurt and ancient grains, including oat bran, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, millet and chia seeds. The unique recipes are as delicious as they are functional, offering healthy, on-the-go consumers a meal replacement snack that can be prepared in 90 seconds or less.

Each package provides two, eight-ounce servings when prepared as directed. Suggested retail price ranges from $3.99 - $4.99 per bag.

“Plenty of research exists today that suggests a direct benefit to increased protein intake and its impact on health, and consumers clearly have interest as evidenced by the number of new protein-enhanced snacks on the market,” said Dan Hammer, senior vice president and general manager of frozen division at Inventure Foods, Inc. “However, we found that while some snacks delivered on nutrient levels, many fell well short on taste. Our Jamba Protein Smoothies offer a rare combination of taste, nutritional value and convenience at once, and we’re confident that healthy eaters will appreciate our effort to ensure that they don’t have to sacrifice taste to get great nutrition in a frozen smoothie.”

Pomegranate features a blend of blueberries, strawberries and pomegranate flavored non-fat Greek yogurt cubes. Acai Berry offers a delicious blend of blueberries, dark sweet cherries and acai flavored non-fat Greek yogurt cubes. 

Each eight-ounce package contains frozen fruit and yogurt cubes that, when blended with one cup of apple juice, make two, eight-ounce servings. The gluten-free smoothies contain only 110 calories per serving and provide a full-serving of vitamin C.

In the eight years since its licensed partnership with Jamba Juice first began, Inventure Foods has introduced a number of legendary Jamba recipes as ready-to-blend smoothie kits found in the frozen fruit aisle of the store. The list includes best-selling varieties such as Strawberries Wild, RazzmatazzCaribbean PassionOrange Dream Machine and Mango-a-go-go.

Connect with Jamba








My Thoughts

These smoothies from Jamba were easy and delicious. The first batch I made, I used my regular blender and shared a smoothie with my husband. My next batch, I made half the bag in a single serving blender and just put the recipe in half.

These were tasty and like going by the smoothie shop to get one. I liked that these used Greek yogurt to add some protein. I found it to be filling and held me over for a good bit before I needed a snack.

I didn't find them watery at all. The texture was thick, but I was able to drink it with or without a straw. It wasn't overly sugary tasting, and instead tasted like the fruit that was in the bag. You'll want to make sure you're using a good blender that can shop through the frozen fruit and not leave it chunky.

I used juice to make mine as directed. As flavorful as it was, if you were watching calories, you could probably do half juice and half water and not miss out on the delicious flavor of these smoothies. 

I liked how convenient it was to make this. Having everything in the bag then just popping into the blender, saved time from having to chop up fresh fruit. I would use these again and will be looking for them in my grocery store freezer aisle.


Monday, July 4, 2016

Green Blender Monthly Subscription Box


Green Blender is a fun monthly subscription that sends you all of the ingredients you need to make five healthy smoothies. The box arrives jam-packed with fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, and a variety of other ingredients. The box is sent via overnight mail to ensure freshness, and it is well-packed to protect it from the elements, which is especially important this time of year. I am happy to report that all of my fresh ingredients arrived in perfect condition and in better shape than most of the fruit I get at the store!



The theme for June was Pie-In-Glass Smoothies, and all of the smoothies included were just as tasty as that sounds. The box comes with every single ingredient you need, as well as detailed instructions on how to make each one, and some general tips on improving your smoothies overall. The five recipes in the June box included:

Blueberry Walnut Cobbler
Lavender Pluot Refresh
Apricot Island
Chocolate Maple Almond
Coconut Apple Mint

I had a great experience with Green Blender. One of the things that I really love is that I can try really unique smoothies. I always see recipes I want to try online, but once I get to the store and calculate the price of the ingredients, I always back down. With Green Blender, you get just enough for  one smoothie, and if you don't like one, you aren't stuck with a bag full of herbs or veggies you won't use.  I also really enjoyed the diverse selection of smoothies. Some were fruity, some more earthy, but they were all delicious and very unique. Each batch made enough for me and my two teenagers to share.



If you want to try some fun smoothies without spending a fortune on ingredients, this is a great box to try! To learn more about Green Blender or to get a sneak peak at the July box, be sure to visit their website or follow them on social media.



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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Book Review: Simple Green Smoothies


People know they need to eat their greens (and lots of fruit too) to maintain good health. Still, for many it's hard to do. They don't know what do do with all the veggies they buy, or don't even try to do anything with them, for fear of not having enough time to prepare healthy options.

Two mothers know the struggle, but they gave it a try anyway. Jen Hansard and Jadah Sellner went from exhausted and overwhelmed to empowered and energized after committing to the smoothie lifestyle. Their instagram posts detailing recipes soon became a book that looks to take the guesswork out of making them. 

Their book starts with each author giving readers some background into their lives before they started making smoothies, and details the changes they experience shortly afterward. They also give readers details about how to save some money while making smoothies, how to make save time, and gives some interesting, detailed recipes for various things. There are smoothies for energy, smoothies to help one recover post-workout, and recipes that will help one's skin as well.



One of the things I really liked was how they broke down various blenders, how to wash produce, and there is a listing of substitute ingredients for those who either can't find an ingredient, or can't have them. For example, I was dismayed to see how many smoothie recipes included mango (I'm allergic), and ingredients I hadn't seen around here. With their list, I can still get the benefits of the different recipes. 

I chose to use their basic rockstar recipe. I altered it slightly to add more liquid in, but they came out pretty nice. :) The first one I made included Kale, Coconut Milk, and Grapes. It was surprisingly refreshing and I barely tasted the Kale at all. 

The next one I tried was one made up of coconut water, broccoli, pears, and peaches. That one, I taste the green more, but it's still good. The best part is, even though the recipe technically serves two, my husband and I were able to actually get more than that out of the batch. If you're interested in trying a healthier diet, I definitely recommend this book. 






Thursday, June 11, 2015

Ditch the Sugar and Give Kids REAL Nutrition with Kidzshake!


So many kids are surviving on a diet filled with sugar and chemical additives, The Birthday Party Diet!  Dr. Rach, Advocate for Children's Health and mom of 4, has created an amazing nutritional supplement that gives kids and busy parents all of the good stuff they need without any of the JUNK or SUGAR! Kidzshake is the prefect option for a breakfast shake or after school snack.

See below for comparison charts to see how different this product is than other popular breakfast items on the market! 




Kidzshake provides organic protein, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, omega 3s and fiber for kids in a quick and easy drink format that tastes great! Kidzsprinkles are flavorless on food and provide complete vitamins and probiotics for little bellies. 




My Thoughts 

KidzShake is a delicious shake that  gives kids lots of the vitamins they need for a healthy diet. It comes in four delicious flavors including Chocolate Cream, Strawberry Cream, Vanilla Cream, and Orange Cream. It has a smooth flavor, and doesn't leave behind any funny aftertaste. This powered supplement just needs to be mixed with water to create a delicious shake. It's yummy all on its own, but for even more fun, you can add a little to your favorite smoothie to create a refreshing summer treat.


My family received the vanilla flavored shake. I decided to try it out in a fruit smoothie. We only had blueberries left, and usually I have to add a little sugar to keep it from being bitter. Instead of sugar, I added a few scoops of the Vanilla KidzShake with blueberries, vanilla yogurt, granola, ice and water.  It turned out amazing. The vanilla flavor really came through, and made it taste even better than usual. My kids sucked in down in seconds. 




Another recipe we tried was The Nutty Green which is one of many fun recipes on the KidzShake website.  This is a great recipe because it includes nuts and greens and is really power packed with protein. The addition of the KidsShake makes it sweet and delicious and my kids didn't even realize there were veggies in there. Best of all, it only takes a few seconds. Check out the easy instructions below:


Serves 1-2
1 cup of spinach (or any leafy greens)
4 scoops of Vanilla KidzShake
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon of hemp seeds
1 cup of crushed ice
½ cup of water
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds 




Another cool product that this company just rolled out is the KidzSprinkles. This is a multivitamin and probiotic with enzymes and Omega 3 in a tasteless formula that can be sprinkled on just about anything. It's a wonderful way to give kids their vitamins without a big fight. You can sprinkle it in yogurt, soup, smoothies or anything else kids love to eat, and they'll never even know its there. A little goes a long way, so one bottle should last for several months. I've been using it for about a week, and my kids don't even notice. 

 If you'd like to learn more about Kidzshake and all the fabulous products they offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them via social media.



Connect with KidzShake 

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Monday, June 8, 2015

Father's Day Gift Guide - OSTER® MYBLEND® PRO PERSONAL BLENDER




The #1 brand in blenders - Oster® - has embraced the “make it fresh” movement, encouraging consumers to do just that to create better tasting foods and achieve better health. The brand just launched its new Oster® MyBlend® Pro Personal Blender (MSRP: $39.99), a compact 350-watt nutrition extraction system that transforms whole foods into nutrient-packed drinks and smoothies in seconds. Designed to suit active, fast-paced lifestyles, this ultra-portable blender features quick and convenient one-touch blending and a commuter-friendly 20-oz BPA-free sports bottle with double-walled insulation, lid clip and snap closure. Dishwasher safe. Available in blue, black, red and other colors.

Connect with Oster

 




My Thoughts 


The OSTER® MYBLEND® PRO PERSONAL BLENDER is definitely a unique product that would make a great Father's Day gift for the foodie dad. There are a lot of features to love about it. First, it's compact, so it won't take up too much space on your counter. It's actually small enough to store inside cabinets or drawers when it's not in use.





 
When it comes to blending or even grinding, the OSTER® MYBLEND® PRO PERSONAL BLENDER  can handle just about anything you can throw in it. It's powerful enough to puree fruits or vegetables, but you can also use it to make a mean smoothie, even if you add nuts or granola. You can even use it to grind up your coffee beans or herbs.  Just fill up the container, stick it on the unit and twist. There are no on/off buttons or confusing instructions. One mode can crush, grind, or puree whatever you throw into it.


What I really love about this particular set, is that the container actually converts from the a blender to a travel mug by simply switching the caps.  This allows you to store your creations without the mess of transferring it from the blender to another cup.  And speaking of messes, they just aren't an issue at all with this mini blender. It never leaks when you're blending and once you're finished, you just need to rinse off the blades, stick it in the dishwasher, and you're good to go. It even comes with a few reusable straws for the travel mug!


 Whether you're making a yummy milkshake for your kids or you want to start eating healthier with delicious smoothies, the OSTER® MYBLEND® PRO PERSONAL BLENDER is the perfect way to get started.   Any dad who wants to eat healthy is going to love having his own personal blender.





Saturday, February 14, 2015

Find Resolution Motivation in Easy At-Home Jamba Smoothie Kits - #Giveaway



Did you know a staggering 92% of all New Year’s resolutions have failed by mid-Feb? This is in part due to setting unrealistic goals that are difficult to maintain, like preparing healthier food recipes that take time out of the normal routine.  Jamba At-Home Smoothies can help get the plan back on track by offering an easy, nutritious, filling, low calorie meal/snack solution.

Jamba At-Home Smoothies offer the great taste Jamba is known for, along with convenience and nutrition, in the form of a smoothie kit you can make at home. Available in five delicious fruit and yogurt varieties, like Strawberries Wild and Mango-a-go-go and three great fruit and veggie Fusion varieties, there are eight options perfect for those looking to ramp up their daily nutrition.  

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My Thoughts


I tried several other varieties of the Jamba At-Home Smoothies, and they were amazing. They are perfect for an after dinner or even a late night snack because are quick and simple to make, and are a healthy alternative to candy and other sweets. All you have to do, it add a little juice and throw it all in a blender. In minutes, you have the creamy and delicious smoothie that your whole family will enjoy. One package is enough for about two servings, but I was able to stretch one bag out for my three older children. They said they were the best smoothies they tried and even my toddler loved it. I have since bought them on several occasions. I especially love that they are made from only all natural ingredients like fresh fruits.   At less then $3.50 a package, you can't ask for a better way to cool off and get refreshed. They make it easy to keep my resolution to start eating healthier.




The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive two FREE coupons for Jamba Fruit Smoothies! To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. Open to the US only. Ends 3/7/15 at 12:00 EST.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Jamba for offering this fantastic prize.




Friday, August 15, 2014

Two New Better-for-You Smoothie Flavors from Jamba - #Giveaway

NEW FRUIT & VEGGIE FUSION SMOOTHIES FROM JAMBA® “AT HOME” OFFER THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF TASTE, CONVENIENCE AND NUTRITION



Two new Jamba® At-Home fruit and vegetable smoothies have become available to health conscious consumers today as Blue Fusion and Red Fusion officially arrive in grocery, and mass merchandise stores nationwide. Pairing vitamin–rich vegetables such as purple carrot, sweet potato and spinach with naturally sweet fruits like dark cherries, strawberries and blueberries, Blue Fusion and Red Fusion offer an unparalleled combination of nutrition and convenience in the form of a blend-at-home smoothie kit. 
 
Blue Fusion and Red Fusion represent the latest offering from innovative food manufacturer Inventure Foods, Inc., the company responsible for introducing the “at home” smoothie line to grocery store freezers four years ago in partnership with Jamba Juice Company. The new fusion smoothies take the guesswork out of making a great-tasting fruit and veggie smoothie blend that is equally suitable as breakfast on the go, lunchtime snack or post workout replenishment.
  • Made with whole frozen fruit
  • 100 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C, 40 percent of vitamin A and 25 percent of vitamins D, E, K, B1 and B6 with each eight–ounce serving
  • Gluten–free, dairy–free, and featuring 130 calories (or less) per eight–ounce glass 



The Sweepstakes

 Want to some great prizes? Check out the Jamba At Home Fusion smoothie recipe. The “Perfect Combination” contest asks fans to vote on specific ingredients to determine the most popular ingredients. One random winner will be selected to win a kitchen smoothie makeover that includes a year’s supply of Jamba At Home smoothies. To enter, visit www.facebook.com/jambaathomesmoothie.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive two FREE coupons for Jamba Fruit Smoothies! To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. Open to the US only. Ends 9/6 at 12:00 EST.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Jamba for offering this fantastic prize.




Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Oster® VERSA® Performance Blender Review & Giveaway



From the number one brand in blending, the Oster® VERSA® Performance Blender is a commercially-inspired, high performance blender that delivers a healthy blend of power, precision, versatility and value. Offered at a fraction of the cost of comparable high performance “Vita-something” blenders, this affordable luxury can create hot soups, cold sorbets and creamy nut butters in minutes!  This rugged, durable, multi-tasking innovation features a massive 1,400-watt motor that spins its stainless steel blades at 28,000 RPM to deliver precise and professional results at the touch of a button. The 8-cup BPA-free Tritan plastic jar creates a forceful blending vortex that pushes ingredients off the walls of the jar and down into the blade. Ingenious design, massive power and extraordinary speed come together to deliver fresh, preservative-free homemade foods in minutes. An oversized control knob promises optimal customization to create an endless array of healthy homemade foods and beverages.  Protein drinks, green smoothies, dips, dressings, spreads, sauces and salsas are just the beginning. 


Our Thoughts

This is one awesome blender! It honestly sounds like a plane is taking off when it's on the highest setting, it's really neat. There is a lot of space in this blender, I can't imagine filling this thing to the top with anything I'm making, it's really larger than it seems. I made a smoothie and thought I just made a little bit but it just kept coming out! A lot really hides down there where the blades are.

This is not an annoying blender that you have to twist on and off the base in order to turn it on. No more messes when you have a blender filled with liquids and it sloshes over when it twists off, it just easily sits on and you just as easily pull it off.

It works quite well, it will turn your ice cubes to mush in a matter of seconds, I know I'm not going to spend 15 minutes making a smoothie. That device it came with to push down the inside is so nifty, I don't necessarily have to stop the blender to get what comes to the top pushed back down, just make sure you turn it off if you're pushing it all the way down obviously.

Now the reason my last blender went bye-bye was it was a disaster to clean and I just gave up one day. Not with this one. Since you can make hot soups in it, why not  hot water. We pour hot water in the blender and turned it on and it shot up water all over the side and liquefied all the stuck on food! A simple soapy wipe down and rinse and it was clean.

There are different settings on the Oster Versa blender, one specifically for smoothies, soups, dips/spreads. I had no idea you could make dips or spreads in a blender and I love love love dips and spreads. The blender came with two recipes books for each setting (smoothies, soups, dips/spreads) and oh my word... so simple to make and they look amazing!



I am really loving this blender, it's definitely becoming one of my favorite kitchen accessories!

MSRP: $199.99; available at Wal-Mart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon.com

You can also buy yours here too! Check them out on Facebook!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Reviewed by Jackie