Trying to cut down on sugar this year? Here are items you need on your shopping list!

The average American consumes 150-170 pounds of refined sugar in one year alone! Shocking, right? Luckily this year many are embracing, Sugar Awareness Week, a 5-day challenge to reduce sugar intake. I welcome you to try the challenge any week you please to take a step in the right direction of your health all year round.

Sugar consumption has recently blown up in the news surrounding the ongoing sugar tax roll-out, lowering children’s sugar intake, and more. With that said, here are some great products below that are sugar-free/low-sugar to help you get started on your year of cutting down sugar! I have tried each of them and will write my thoughts.

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AquaBall – You might think that drinks labeled “fruit juice” are a great option for your child, but the truth is some boxed juices can have upwards of 15 grams of sugar per serving, almost the same amount as a can of soda. Instead, try an AquaBall, the healthiest children’s beverage on the market. Zero-sugar, zero-calories and zero preservatives, AquaBall is available in four flavors, Fruit Punch, Orange, Berry Frost and Grape, and features fan favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen, Disney Princesses, Disney Classic Characters and more. AquaBall is the easy solution to finding a beverage that both kids and parents will love.

My Thoughts: I loved the variety of flavors that AquaBall provides. Working with young children as a camp teacher, sometimes all they want is a juice box. Of course they want me to take part, so I also sip on one as well during snack time. However, when I took my first sip of each AquaBall, it was such a surprise that this was not a traditional juice drink. Never did it have an off taste like some low or no sugar drinks do. They tasted just like their flavor, were refreshing, and had the sweet aroma that kids (and yes even adults sometimes) love. Having Disney characters on the front is a sweet treat too! I can see myself and my students enjoying these year round! 

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The Little Kernel “Miniature” Popcorn - For a better-for-you snack, try a delicious, gluten-free flavored popcorn, like The Little Kernel. Available in flavors like Truffle Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan Salt, this "miniature" popcorn is popped with 100% pure olive oil, and is also non-GMO, dairy-free, kosher and certified whole grain.

My Thoughts: My little brother is the popcorn expert. He has tried a variety of different brands, so I knew he would be the best judge of this product. He loved it! The kernels are tiny and adorable. Yet, they pack quiet a crunch and are bursting with flavor. Each one is unique in it's own way. The sweet and salty variety was almost gone in a day at my house. It was a hit. Plus, without all the added ingredients in other brands, The Little Kernel is the ideal product to enjoy a classic treat in a healthier way. 

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Explore Cuisine Pulse Pastas - White pasta is filled with sugar – swap it for lentil-based pasta. Explore Cuisine’s Pulse Pastas are vegan, organic, gluten-free, high in protein and a good source of fiber—changing the landscape of the pasta in grocery aisles. The Pulse Pasta collection includes: Red Lentil Penne, Green Lentil Penne, Chickpea Fusilli, Red Lentil Spaghetti, Chickpea Spaghetti, and Green Lentil Lasagna Sheets.

My Thoughts: Pasta is one of my household's favorite dinners. We love all kinds from spaghetti to ziti. This was one product I was curious about. I have heard a lot of people raving abut vegetable pastas, so this was something I was excited about, yet on the fence with. I have to say, I was impressed. I tried the Chickpea spaghetti and the Lentil penne. Both of them cooked to a perfect al dente consistency. I can't say they taste exactly like traditional pasta does. The chickpea had a bit of a strong flavor. However, once you allow your pallet to adjust to the difference, it tastes very good. I enjoyed my meals with both. 

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Viki’s Granola: Viki's Granola is made with 100% all natural ingredients, gluten-free and baked with love. Unlike other granolas with hard clusters, Viki's has a fresh, soft, chewy texture and no artificial aftertaste. It is also cholesterol free, sodium free, dairy free, and contains ZERO trans-fat. Available in five delicious flavors, Viki's Granola is great to enjoy on its own or mixed in yogurt, and are even available in snack packs to take on-the-go. ($5.49/12 oz. bag $11.99 / (10) 1.5oz bags) www.VikisGranola.com.

My Thoughts: Granola is one of my favorite treats. I mix it in with greek and low fat yogurt, parfaits, smoothies, and sometimes I even eat it right out of the bag. The downside of a lot of granola on the market is that it is packed with hidden sugars. When I realized that last year while browsing at my local grocery store, I decided I wanted to try something new and healthier. Viki's Granola is by far one of my favorite brands. It is low in sugar while containing no cholesterol, sodium, trans-fat or dairy. Yet, Viki's Granola is high in flavor. Honestly, I could not even taste the difference from traditional granola. I tried the apple cinnamon and original. Both were so delicious. One suggestion I will make though is that if you are mixing the apple cinnamon into yogurt or a smoothie, watch out for the apple pieces. They're very chewy. Once they have a little soak in your treats, they'll be ready to go with a softer consistency.  

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Sparkling Ice® essence of sparkling water, which is free of sweeteners, contains zero calories, no artificial colors or preservatives, and delivers a refreshing essence of natural flavors. The new product line, developed in response to consumer demand for healthier carbonated beverage alternatives, offers four skus: a non-flavored sparkling water and three lightly-flavored versions featuring essence of lemon lime, essence of peach and essence of tangerine.

My Thoughts: I was impressed with Sparkling Ice. I'm new to sparkling waters, but have enjoyed drinking flavored waters in the past. Sparkling Ice has quite a few choices of flavors. I tried lemon lime and peach. Lemon lime reminded me a bit of soda actually. It was not an overly abundant flavor, yet it was just enough to be enjoyable. Peach was also a refreshing change up from my usual water routine. If you're looking for a way to enjoy a carbonated beverage without the guilt, I would suggest giving Sparkling Ice a try! 

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Gaea Olive Snack Packs: Gaea’s Olive Snack Packs are a low-calorie and 100% natural snack, containing zero additives or preservatives and very low salinity. Packaged in handy re-sealable packages, without liquid, and allowing the convenience of easy snacking, Gaea’s Olive Snack packs are available in three flavors: Pitted Green Olives Marinated with Chili and Black Pepper, Pitted Green Olives Marinated with Lemon and Oregano, and Pitted Kalamata Olives, 100% Natural and Sun Ripened. At only 67 or 150 calories per pack, Gaea’s Olive Snack Packs are a healthy, low-calorie snack to nosh on. $2.49, available at retailers nationwide and www.gaeaus.com.

My Thoughts: Never have I seen olive snack packs, but Gaea has their olives packed at the perfect time of pure ripeness to enjoy. My mom adores olives. She could eat them every day. These were such a treat for her, especially since there is no liquid to rummage through. If you love olives, these are for you! 

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!

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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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Smart Summer Snacking Tips from Justin’s.

As summer moves along, your friends at Justin’s want to be sure you are keeping those hard earned summer bodies in check with ease. Below you will find a full list of snacking tips from Justin Gold himself, designed to keep you full and fit all season long, including ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without over-indulging!

1. Road trip? BYO fast food. Would you like Snack Packs with that?

2. Stay energized! Outdoor activities may require extra fueling (and extra nut buttery protein).

3. Snack cooler – literally. Don’t go to the pool without one!

4. Pair protein with seasonal fruit. Fresh berries + Chocolate Hazelnut Butter = Heaven.

5. Maximize airport options. Pack your carry-on with an emergency stash of snacks.

6. Chill out. Frozen PB Cups satisfy the need for something cold and sweet.

My Thoughts: 

I am a huge fan of Justin's products for a variety of reasons. They are all natural, healthy, filling, and the best part; Justin's products let me enjoy my favorite treats like nut butters and peanut butter cups without the guilt! I was thrilled to try a variety of Justin's favorite treats for summer! 

Justin's  Almond Butter Squeeze Packs- Classic, Maple and Vanilla: 

Almond butter is something I've recently added to my diet. I love how rich and hearty it is. A good treat to have when you want something to fill you up quickly, but not skip on deliciousness. Justin's has some of the freshest almond butters I have ever tried. I love snacking on these during mid day breaks or as a late night indulgence. The classic flavor tastes just like munching on a delicious almond, but with the enjoyment of spreading it on your favorite foods! The maple and vanilla are like a gift from sweet heaven. You can treat yourself without worry! The Maple variety reminds me of natural maple syrup delight, and vanilla is reminiscent of a classic vanilla bean ice cream. 

Justin's Chocolate Treats- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Hazelnut Snack Pack:

Like many of us, I LOVE chocolate. Two of my favorite chocolate treats are Peanut Butter Cups and Hazelnut spreads. I've tried many, but Justin's has raised the bar for me. When I tried Justin's varieties of Organic Peanut Butter Cups I was blown away. The dark chocolate one is now my new favorite. It's so rich and creamy. The amount of peanut butter is also just right. The milk chocolate choice is smooth, flavorful with the right amount of sweetness. Along with these delightful chocolate treats is the, Chocolate Hazelnut Snack Pack that comes with pretzels for dipping. These are perfect for on the go treats. The pretzels have a nice sprinkle of salt, and the hazelnut is thick and bursting with flavor. The best part is the reminder that all of these are natural!  

I want to send many thanks to Justin's for allowing me to try all of these wonderful products!   

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Review: Dolcedi

Natural Low-Glycemic Sweetener From Organic Apples

Dolcedì’ is a new, all-natural liquid sweetener that’s made from 100% organic apples and is a low-glycemic* alternative to sugar and other sweeteners.

Dolcedì’ can be used any way you would use traditional table sugar or honey. Its neutral flavor enhances the taste of food and drinks without altering them. Dolcedì’ is also highly soluble in both cold and hot drinks and can be enjoyed with pancakes, on yogurt, in fruit salad, and in baking. With 25% fewer calories than table sugar and higher sweetening power (you just need ½ tsp vs. 1 tsp granulated sugar) Rigoni di Asiago Dolcedì’ is made from the concentrated and filtered sugar extracted from organic apples. It is certified USDA organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and STAR-KOSHER.

*Dolcedì’, with a GI value of 22.5**, is suitable for those who want to eat well, following a balanced diet for a healthy lifestyle.**GI = 22.5 +/- 5, determined as set out by the standardized method (ISO 26642:2010(E); FAO/ WHO Expert Consultation 1998; Wolever et al 2008.

About
Rigoni di Asiago® is a family-owned and operated business based in the Altopiano di Asiago, a mountain plateau in Northern Italy (90 miles north of Venice). Committed to sourcing the finest ingredients, their certified organic products include Fiordifrutta fruit preserves (the leading jam in Italy), Nocciolate hazelnut and chocolate spread, Dolcedì’ natural sweetener and Meilbio, honey from the best production areas of Italy.  The company was one of the first in Europe to turn to organic farming in the early 1990s and merit the Certified Organic label.

Find Rigoni di Asiago® products on Amazon or through the "Find a Store" search on their website. 

You can also find Rigoni di Asiago® on:

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Our Thoughts
Being into whole fresh foods and the nutrient-dense paleo way of eating, as you can imagine, I've tried a variety of natural sweeteners - including some that are fruit-based. Dolcedì’ is made from apples - that's it, nothing else added. Organic apples, at that! (Actually their whole company focuses on organic farming - one of the first in Italy to "go organic" - and sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing processes.)

The first thing I did was taste Dolcedì’ all by itself.  It's a clear, thick syrup. The taste is pretty neutral, as promised. 

So let's see how it worked for me: it's suggested use is for teas, baking, and any other place you'd use sugar.  I don't drink much tea in the hot summers, and I've never been a fan of iced tea, so I skipped that option. 

The first recipe I made with Dolcedì’ was one I recently created and have been enjoying this summer, an avocado and ginger coleslaw dressing. 

This is a fully raw recipe, no cooking involved. My recipe calls for maple syrup, and the substitution ratio calls for the same amount.  Maple syrup of course has its own flavor; substituting it with Dolcedì’ didn't go quite as I expected.  The dressing was missing the full, round flavor maple syrup provides and actually left the dressing with a somewhat bitter aftertaste (I find stevia to have the same effect).

Ok, next up, baking! I wanted to see if the aftertaste disappeared with the heat of baking.  We have a Harrelson apple tree and recent storms had knocked down several small apples.  Now, Harrelson's are TART and the young apples are even more so.  Storms knock some early apples down every year and I use them in a easy stovetop dessert that consists simply of apple slices, cinnamon, maple syrup, and cherry wine, cooked until the apples are soft and the sauce reduced.  And really, apple sweetener used on apples?  Should be a perfect combination!

Again, I was surprised that Dolcedì’ didn't perform as expected. While I didn't get a bitter aftertaste, I used way more than I would have of maple syrup as the Dolcedì’ did not overpower the tartness of the apples no matter how much I used.  I ended up adding maple syrup, which immediately reduced the tartness.

For me, I'll stick with my trusty maple syrup.  I do think that used raw, Dolcedì’ would perform fine in teas, and I'll try that when the cold weather hits in a few months.

I do want to note that Rigoni di Asiago® has a variety of other products that look right up my alley - a chocolate hazelnut spread that looks beyond delicious, as well as several honeys.  I wish I could try them all!  I can't even pick a favorite to try but right now it's a toss up between the Organic Italian Forest Raw Honey, Organic Italian Orange Blossom Raw & Creamy Honey, and the Organic Italian Wildflower Raw & Creamy Honey.



The Real Company - 100% Single Origin Foods

Where is YOUR Food From?

Transparency Comes to U.S. With

The Real Co

100% Single Origin Foods

Valley Cottage, New York (May, 2015) - TheReal Co, Inc announces its U.S. debut of the first certifiable 100% Single Origin products including Himalayan Pink Rock Salt, Organic Raw Cane Sugar, and organically grown White Basmati Rice. The Real Co is pioneering Single Origin in food products, which is an exciting and transparent new food category and method of sourcing products globally and delivering it at a local level.  The Real Co enters partnerships with farmers and growers around the world that don't have an established route to distribute their products and creates a way to share their commodity with the world. The company brings full transparency and sustainability to the U.S. food industry. The Real Co products are carefully inspected and sourced by company representatives, and go straight from farm to shelf, eliminating the need for any middlemen.   This unique 100% Single Origin method allows everyone in the world to enjoy what is usually impossible to experience: unique, tasty, freshly farmed/mined products at affordable prices.

Every grain of salt, sugar and rice can be traced to its source, which is shared on every package of food bearing The Real Co name. Every food item has the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and is harvested from one single place, single farm or single family.

The packaging offers its own “transparent” view of the food, with a clear window that shows off the natural salt, sugar, or rice inside. The workers at every farm are paid a fair wage, and the end result is the highest quality organic food. Every product is then packaged in the United States.

The business model for The Real Co is founded on a direct farm-to-market delivery system, which offers farms distribution to the U.S., cutting out the middleman, and offering both retailers and stores great natural food products at low costs.

“We are a company founded on the notion that transparency is vital, and that consumers have the right to know where their foods are from,” says Belal Elbanna, CEO of The Real Co Inc. “The Real Co foods come right from their source and offer best of class products at best prices.”

The Real Co Inc foods include:

n  The Real Co Himalayan Pink Rock Salt, handcrafted, at the Himalayan Mountains. This salt is 100% pure; 100% Single Origin; non-GMO; has 84 active minerals in every grain; is unrefined and mountain washed in Himalayan mountain water. The salt is available in a 20-ounce tub container for a suggested retail price of $6.99 or in a saltshaker container for a suggested retail price of $9.49.

n  The Real Co Organic Raw Cane Sugar is 100% natural and organic; 100% Single Origin; raw and alive with natural vitamins and minerals; instantly dissolves in hot or cold liquids and is non-GMO. The sugar is available in 2 sizes: 8-ounce at a suggested retail price of $3.69 and 16-ounce at a suggested retail price of $4.49

 

n  The Real Co White Basmati Rice is 100% natural and 100% Single Origin; low-GI and pre biotic; non-GMO and is gluten free. The rice is available in 2 sizes: 16-ounce at a suggested retail price of $3.99 and 32-ounce at a suggested retail price of $6.49.

About The Real Food Co., Inc.

The Real Food Co., Inc. was founded in 2013 in Valley Cottage, New York with a direct farm-to-market approach for the organic food industry. The new 100% Single Origin Foods concept supports farms at their source, cuts out the middleman, and delivers directly to the U.S. market, cutting costs of products compared to other manufacturers.

The Real Food Co., Inc. offers transparency to the consumer, and is developing the first

Certification of 100% Single Origin Foods in the U.S.

Our Thoughts

With our family's special dietary needs, finding high quality, non-GMO, whole food products beyond what we can grow or hunt ourselves is mandatory.  The Real Co generously sent me both their Himalayan Pink Rock Salt (Fine Grain) and their Organic Raw Cane Sugar.  What's really cool about The Real Co is that these products are SINGLE ORIGIN.  That means it comes direct from the people who harvest or mine it, and is then inspected, packaged, and out to the consumer. No middleman.

Now, I'm a big fan of Himalayan pink rock salt. I like the flavor and the fact that it's got so many minerals in it - something essential to our way of eating.  It's pretty much the only type of salt we use anymore.  The Real Co offers it in both a shaker (fine grain) and a tub (coarse grain).  The shaker is easy to use - just twist the top for either shaker, bulk, or to close.  Although I've already used it for many dishes, for the purpose of this review I made my "Just Wing It" Paleo Chicken Pot Pie, where the salt is used in both the almond flour crust and the filling.

The Real Co's Organic Raw Cane Sugar has a slightly different flavor than I'm used to with raw cane sugar - it's somehow brighter, fresher, with a better flavor. I attribute this awesome flavor to it being single origin and as unprocessed as you can get for raw cane sugar!  It's quickly become my favorite dry sugar!

Next up, I used both The Real Co salt and sugar to make a batch of banana pancakes, which my son calls "cookies". I don't know why; the kid's never eaten a cookie in his life because of the drier texture cookies have (he hates dry textures). But, he deemed these pancakes "cookies", so "cookies" they are. LOL.  Normally I don't add sugar to these, but the bananas I had were not as ripe as I'd like them to be so I added a bit of extra sweetener.  This batch also included coconut flour, which makes for a crumblier, less-smooth pancake than does almond flour alone - sometimes I like to play around with the ingredients.  The green bits are some fresh purslane from our garden - gotta sneak some veggies into the "cookies"! :)

The last food photo I have for you is the refrigerator pickles I made a couple days ago!  I didn't have enough maple syrup on hand to complete the recipe, which is what I normally use, and the organic raw cane sugar made a nice substitute. My cucumbers are producing like crazy this summer so I imagine lots of pickles will be made!

UNFI, one of the largest distributors of natural foods in the U.S., is distributing the foods across the nation to supermarkets, specialty retailers and independent operators. Consumers may also purchase products online on www.amazon.com or www.healthygoodness.com. Visit the Real Co website at http://TheReal.co.

Review: Sun Cups

Located in Boulder, Seth Ellis Chocolatier is buzzing around the clock churning out chocolate safe for everyone! Perfect Choice for a post-workout treat, after school snack, or midnight craving.

• Tree nut free
• Peanut free
• Egg free
• Soy free
• Fish and shellfish free

As an added bonus, Sun Cups is also exclusive of corn, sesame, coconut and mustard!

People love candy, especially chocolate. We have a particular nostalgia for the candy cup- the semi-hard shell with a creamy, smooth and nutty center satisfies every sweet tooth. Introduced in 2009, Sun Cups are made from premium cacao of only Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and produced in the only completely nut free facility in America. Their ingredients are bar none. With an extensive following based on taste alone, Sun Cups chooses to use sunflower seed butter and a nut-free, gluten-free and GMO-free recipe to cater to all individuals. It is a unique alternative to the peanut butter cup and frequently favored by sensitive stomachs.

www.suncups.com

DARK CHOCOLATE SUN CUPS
In the world of chocolate, darkness shines bright. And 60% dark chocolate is 100% amazing. In our Dark Chocolate Sun Cups, this fantastic force of nature has met its match in roasted sunflower seed butter—the most epic peanut-alternative the allergic and gluten intolerant could ever imagine. If you’ve been on the lookout for a darker version of nut free chocolate candy, look no further. And as with all our products, our Dark Chocolate Sun Cup is gluten free as well. Would you like some tingly refreshment with your dark chocolate? If you love our Dark Chocolate Sun Cups, we’ve created a cup with epic minty goodness too. Meet our Dark Chocolate Mint Cups.

INGREDIENTS: Dark Chocolate (cocoa mass†, sugar, cocoa butter†), Sunflower Seed, Organic Powdered Sugar (evaporated cane juice, tapioca starch), Organic White Chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter†, milk powder), Organic Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt. †Rainforest Alliance Certified™.
ALLERGENS: Dairy. Does not contain egg, soy, gluten, peanuts or tree nuts. Our facilities are allergen free of all previous listed ingredients. Look for our Dairy Free Allergen version at the end of the year/beginning of 2015!

MILK CHOCOLATE SUN CUPS
When it comes to classics, the peanut butter cup falls somewhere between blue jeans and convertibles, delighting the masses for generations. Still, millions were unable to experience the confectionary legend. So we gave it a mouth-watering makeover, filling creamy all natural milk chocolate with roasted sunflower seed butter. Now, those with peanut allergies, gluten intolerance or just a persnickety sweet tooth can live the dream for themselves. Interested in adding caramel to that milk chocolate? Looking to sweeten your sweets? Check out our nut and gluten free Milk Chocolate Caramel Cup.

INGREDIENTS: Milk Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter†, organic whole milk powder), Sunflower Seed, Organic Powdered Sugar (evaporated cane juice, tapioca starch), Organic White Chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter†, milk powder), Organic Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt. †Rainforest Alliance Certified™.
ALLERGENS: Dairy. Does not contain egg, soy, gluten, peanuts or tree nuts. Our facilities are allergen free of all previous listed ingredients. We believe that we are first Non-GMO Project Verified Milk Chocolate in the United States!

DARK CHOCOLATE MINT CUPS
Mint is candy’s crowd-pleaser. Sweet enough to charm the boldest of chocoholics and sassy enough to send them a shiver, it’s in a class all its own. Our dark chocolate worked wonders for our Dark Chocolate Sun Cups so we decided that it would make a perfect partner for mint too. To our delight, everyone who tries our Dark Chocolate Mint Cups seems to agree. And as with all our products, our Dark Chocolate Mint Cup is a nut free chocolate candy made with delicious gluten free chocolate.
INGREDIENTS: Dark Chocolate (cocoa mass†, sugar, cocoa butter†), Organic Cream, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic White Chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter*†, whole milk powder), Organic Powdered Sugar (Evaporated Cane Juice, Tapioca Starch), Organic Peppermint Flavor (sunflower oil, peppermint oil). †Rainforest Alliance Certified™.
ALLERGENS: Dairy. Does not contain eggs, soy, gluten, peanuts or tree nuts. Our facilities are allergen free of the previous listed items.

MILK CHOCOLATE CARAMEL CUPS
It’s been said that life’s most incredible indulgences require a napkin. Actually, we said that and we’re sticking to it. The gooey goodness that is our Milk Chocolate Caramel Cup often calls for a handful of them. And this sticky, nut free chocolate candy deliciousness uses gluten free chocolate and caramel. Need we say more? And if you’re looking for a milk chocolate cup filled with a delicious and safe alternative to peanut butter, try our Milk Chocolate Sun Cups. People everywhere with peanut allergies rejoice!

INGREDIENTS: Milk Chocolate (cocoa mass†, sugar, cocoa butter†, organic whole milk powder), Organic Cream, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic White Chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter†, whole milk powder), Organic Butter, Organic Lemon Juice. †Rainforest Alliance Certified™.
ALLERGENS: Dairy. Does not contain egg, soy, gluten, peanuts or tree nuts. Our facilities are allergen free of all previous listed ingredients. We believe that we are first Non-GMO Project Verified Milk Chocolate in the United States!

DARK CHOCOLATE BAR
The beauty of chocolate bars is that every bite is the best part. This rings especially true with our dark chocolate which, we dare say, is the best of the best. Rich yet sweet, free of nuts and gluten yet full of love-at-first-bite flavor. We’re proud of how well our dark chocolate works with others but experiencing it solo is something truly special.
INGREDIENTS: Cocoa Masses*, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter*.*Rainforest Alliance Certified™.
ALLERGENS: May contain traces of milk products. Produced in a peanut, tree nut, gluten, soy and corn allergen free facility.

Visit Sun Cups online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Our Thoughts

I love me a good chocolate-y treat, and May is Allergy Awareness Month.  We do the paleo way of eating for our son's dietary needs, and although we have not tried peanuts with him, he is so sensitive to most common allergens that we're just not willing to find out beyond trace exposure.  Peanuts are off the table. 

One of my favorite old-way-of-eating treats was chocolate peanut butter cups. I stopped eating them long ago (pre-paleo) not because of the peanuts, but because of the other ingredients companies used. 

With Sun Cups' gluten & GMO -free ingredients, their treats  are right up our alley! Sun Cups sent me the Dark Chocolate cups and the Milk Chocolate cups (contains dairy) to try.

You can smell the sunflower butter right out of the package.  The cups look just like those yummy chocolate/nut treats we're all used to seeing, but their taste may surprise you! If you're looking to compare to the traditional peanut butter cups, sunflower seed butter definitely has a different flavor than peanut butter.  The texture of the sunflower seed butter center is much drier than a regular squishy-center peanut butter cup, but it's very smooth.  You might like the drier texture, you might not. It has its pros and cons - cons being well, it's drier.  But pros - it's much less messy than the traditional ones.  Still, the overall flavor is pleasing.  And while I probably shouldn't indulge in dairy, I do occasionally treat myself - and while both were delicious, I did like the Milk Chocolate Sun Cup just a bit better than the Dark Chocolate - there's just something about that sweet/salty combination!

Sun Cups make a tasty snack, and with their easily portable size and packaging, they are perfect for anywhere you want to take them.  Bon appetite!