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! 

Review: SugaVida

SUGAVIDA

A NATURAL SWEETENER THAT’S PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS? CONSCIOUS FOOD INTRODUCES SUGAVIDA™ TO U.S. MARKET 
~ Popular in Europe and Used in Ayurvedic Medicine for Centuries, SugaVida™ Offers the First Plant-Based Sugar Alternative With a Low GI and High in Vitamin B12 and Iron ~ 

London, England —Is it possible that a natural sweetener could actually be a super food that’s good for you? Today, Conscious Food, a pioneer in organic farming and providers of award-winning gluten, wheat- and dairy-free snacks, healing teas and nutritional supplements across Europe and Asia, announces the American debut of SugaVida ™, a natural, safe, organic sugar substitute that sweetens naturally while providing significant health benefits.

For consumers, SugaVida offers a healthy, nutrient-packed alternative to processed sugar, high fructose corn syrup, stevia, agave and synthetic sweeteners in their cold and hot drinks, snacks and for cooking and baking. For U.S. food manufacturers, SugaVida offers a finished sweetener ingredient with a lower melting point, which means substantial savings on energy bills. SugaVida is fully organically certified and is grown in pesticide and herbicide free environment, providing food manufacturers with an opportunity to penetrate the rapidly growing US market for verifiably healthier food products.

“SugaVida stands for ‘sugar of life’ and is a delicious tasting natural sweetener with a distinct difference from the others: it’s packed with vitamins and minerals,” said Conscious Foods Founder and CEO, Kristina Locke. “And you only need to use half the amount of SugaVida to achieve the same level of sweetness as other products. Americans will appreciate that this is one organic sweetener that doesn’t have the aftertaste that’s associated with highly processed or chemical sugar substitutes.”

SugaVida is derived from the sap of the Palmyra palm tree (Borassus Flabellifer), which is grown organically and harvested sustainably in Southeast India, supporting local producers and biodiversity in Indian farming communities. Of the three types of palm trees that provide nectar, Palmyra contains the highest sources of B Vitamins and minerals and is the only known bioavailable plant-based source of B12 found in nature. Flavorful and nutrient rich, SugaVida contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium and phosphorus—all of which are retained in SugaVida without the addition of preservatives or chemicals in the plant-based production process.

“While we believe all sugars should be consumed in moderation, we’re changing the mindset around sweeteners in America by introducing one that actually provides nutritional and medicinal benefits. SugaVida has been widely used as a body cleanse in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce bloating, water retention, and improve the digestive and respiratory systems. We’ve found that those who constantly desire sugar sweets and drinks have actually seen their cravings diminish by simply replacing sugar with SugaVida,” added Locke.

Conscious Food’s all-natural line of products, including SugaVida (formerly called Palmyra Jaggery), sweet and savory power snacks, healing teas and its popular digestive aid, DMix; are available in ten European countries, where sales have doubled for the past two years.

In the US, SugaVida will be on select store shelves nationwide in late summer/early fall of 2014. It retails for $13.50 for 8.8 ounces/250 grams. 

About Conscious Food
Conscious Food UK Ltd launched in the UK in 2008, by creating a range of exclusive gourmet gluten and dairy free snacks and partnering with Conscious Food in India to manufacture them. The company has pioneered organic farming and food in India since 1990; developing and nurturing relationships with small organic farms and communities, ensuring the highest level of quality and fair trade. The multi award-winning range of gourmet gluten, wheat and dairy free sweet and savory snacks have won several Great Taste and FreeFrom Awards (UK Food Oscars). In 2011, the company introduced D ’Mix, the revolutionary digestive wellness product and a line of therapeutic teas. Conscious Food is debuting in America with its healthy sugar alternative: SugaVida, called Palmyra Jaggery in the U.K.

More information can be found at http://www.consciousfood.co.uk/

	sugavida	white sugar	honey	coconut sugar
calories	397	405	311	375
iron	8.5 mg	0	.4 mg	2 mg
calcuim	208 mg	0	6 mg	8 mg
vitamin c	20.1 mg	0	0	0
vitamin b1	7.3 mg	0	0	.41 mg
vitamin b6	33.2 mg	0	240 mcg	384 mcg
vitamin b2	11.9 mg	0	4 mg	12.2 mg
vitamin b3	40.1 mg	0	2 mg	29 mg
vitamin b12	20mcg	0	0	0
potassium	1011	0.1	4	1030
magnesium	31 mg	0	2 mg	29 mg

Our Thoughts
We eat paleo here, so I like to try new (to me) natural and organic foods that keep in line with our way of eating.  SugaVida is made from the sap of the palmyra palm tree and is rich in B vitamins.  I love that they provide the chart comparing SugaVida to other common sweeteners.  We don't use white sugar here, but do on occasion use honey, coconut sugar, sucanet sugar, washed raw sugar, molasses, and maple syrup, depending on the flavor the dish needs.

SugaVida has a low melting point and a moisture level between 0.5 - 1.5%. so it's a dry sweetener unlike honey, maple syrup, agave, molasses, etc.

I tested SugaVida out in two things: apple butter, and apple pie - since it's that time of year!  My apple butter was  made with very tart apples (Harrelsons, my fave for apple butter & pies), and for fun I put in some of the season's last rhubarb.  I wanted to test out just how much less sweetener I'd need using SugaVida over the maple syrup I normally use for apple butter.   This was one tart sauce, and I found SugaVida wasn't quite up to the task.  I did use a lot of it, to the point I could actually discern the flavor of it by itself in the apple butter.  I ended up going back to maple syrup to round out the flavor and to get the desired sweetness.

Next up was my apple pie.  Same tart apples, but no rhubarb, thinking the too-tart rhubarb may have been the problem with using SugaVida in the apple-rhubarb butter.  I like that SugaVida is a dry sweetener, because the apples create a bit of juice which can make for a soggy pie crust.  Again, I ended up using as much SugaVida as I would have any other sweetener.  And again, it was to the point I could taste it.  So, back to using maple syrup to round out the flavor and sweeten it up a bit.

Now, SugaVida tastes somewhat like coconut sugar, which has more of a brown sugar flavor - except there's just something a wee bit different about the flavor.  No bitter aftertaste, no, but it does have a flavor all its own.  And while I think it would be fine in baked goods, the flavor on its own was just not my favorite.

On to it being rich in B-Vitamins - while this would most likely be awesome for the majority of the population, SugaVida did invoke a side effect with my son, who has a metabolic disorder.  Extra Vitamin B12 is generally recommended for nonverbal children - and B12 does affect my non-verbal son, except for him, any extra Vitamin B12 makes him more vocal but definitely not verbal.  Think bleating and shrieking.  I found that B-Vitamin rich SugaVida did affect him in that manner with just a one-time little tiny sprinkle of it on his food - I was hoping that tiny amount wouldn't affect him that way . . . but alas, it did.  Being as my son is SO sensitive and reacts to so many things - while we can't use it, other families with non-verbal children may possibly enjoy the B-Vitamin rich benefits of SugaVida. 

In conclusion, I do think SugaVida is a great product - I LOVE that it's organic and sustainably harvested - and I'd personally like to experiment more cooking & baking with it, but due to my son's metabolic disorder SugaVida is just not a good fit for our family.  I'll be labeling the apple-rhubarb butter so that I remember my son shouldn't have it.  The pie?  LOL, that's already gone. Apple pie never lasts long around me! :)

Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener Review

Pyure Organic All-Purpose Sweetener is Pyure’s most dynamic product to date! This blend of Organic Stevie and Organic Erythritol has a zero glycemic index and is calorie free, making it the perfect sweetening solution for the health conscious consumer. Pyure Organic All-Purpose Sweetener is granulated providing the same consistency and ease of use as sugar. From sweetening your morning coffee or tea, to baking your favorite treats, the applications for this all-purpose sweetener are endless.

• USDA Certified Organic
• Non-GMO Verified
• Zero Glycemic Index
• Calorie-Free
• Gluten-Free
• Sweetened with Pyure Organic Stevia and Pyure Organic Erythritol
• Approximately 2.5x Sweeter Than Sugar

Our Thoughts

I have used stevia for over two years now. I'm not a baker, but I am an avid coffee drinker so this is my sweetener of choice. I appreciate the healthfulness of it. I do not miss sugar in my coffee at all. On rare occasions when I'm out and have to use sugar, it's nasty and leaves a very weird leftover taste in my mouth that lasts the entire day. I'm not fond of that.


Aside from the usual brand of stevia I use, this one is organic. Not only is it organic (yay!) but it tastes much sweeter than the other brand I use. I put one teaspoon of organic stevia in my coffee and it really pulls out the tastes of the coffee in my opinion. A little bit goes a long way, I can see this being an excellent substitute for baking if I were a baker.

Tastier and healthier for you!

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Reviewed by Jackie