Unboxing April 2015 Love with Food!

My Love with Food April Box!  I hope this is a bit more tastier than last months, which was a bit of a disappointment for my sweet and savory tooth.  What is Love with Food?

Love With Food helps you discover new organic or all-natural snacks delivered to your door every month. Our subscription membership starts as low as $10/month. Every month, Love With Food members will receive a curated box of unique, hard-to-find tasty snacks which varies based on seasonal themes. For every box sold, we donate a meal to several food banks such as the Feeding America Network and Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry. Join us to help end child hunger one meal at a time!

They have 3 different plans ~ standard box, deluxe box and a gluten free box, so check out their offerings!  I just received my March box, so let’s see what I received (and tasted!)

This month’s theme is Starry Nights

After a long winter, it’s all about clear skies, bright stars, and a little time to exhale.  Celebrate the quiet moments.  Take it to the porch or sneak a snack when everyone else is asleep.  Each box purchased means a food bank donation.  So when you are done nibbling, you can rest easy knowing you’ve helped.  Keep shining!

 

Already I can tell that this month is a vast improvement!!

 

Wild Garden Hummus Snack Pack by Ziyad I have tried Wild Garden Hummus snacks before ~ the roasted garlic and pita chips are one of my favorites!   I am pretty happy to have this one with Quinoa chips in sea salt with a regular hummus dip.  These are pretty cool ~ an individual serving of hummus dip ~ no need to refrigerate, this is shelf stable ~ and this time the chips are little scoopable chips made from quinoa.  The quinoa chips ~ more like crisps ~ are very light and airy in texture.   These are tasty and this went quickly!  The reason why I like these snack packs is that I will purchase the refrigerated hummus and everyone makes a huge dent in it initially, but then it lingers in the frig, only to be tossed out.  No waste here.   Value $2.50

Ingredients:   Hummus:  Chick Peas, Sesame Paste, Water, Sea Salt, Natural Spices, Citric Acid

Chips: Brown Rice Flour, Whole Grain Corn Flour, Flaxseed Meal, Potato Starch, White Rice Flour, Teff Flour, Quinoa Flour, Sugar, Vegetable Oil (contains one or more of the following: canola, corn, sunflower, safflower and sea salt)

Garlic Olive Pasta Chips by Vintage Italia  OMG.  I have never heard of Pasta Chips before but these are so savory and crispy and it is like a crispy breadstick made into a chip.  These are my favorite item in the box and I will be purchasing them.  These ARE salty ~ which is why I probably like them so much ~ and they have a great garlic bite to them Value $1.25 x 2 = $2.50

Description: Baked, not fried, these pasta chips prove that when it comes to food, the Italian’s can do no wrong! Might it be the semolina flour? Light, crisp and flavorful, why ask how when you can just dig in for more? 60% less fat than regular chips–made with olive oil, garlic and semolina flour, one bag is destined to turn into a long lasting snack-tastic relationship. Pasta Chips are made with Durum Wheat Semolina Flour, Italian herbs and are Baked Not Fried! We’ve married this Tuscan inspired chip with different seasonings based on regional Italian favorites, steeped in hundreds of years of Italian culture and living.  Garlic and olive oil are the ultimate romantic duo; letting garlic simmer in olive oil creates a delicious aroma that wafts throughout the kitchen.

Ingredients: Enriched Durum Semolina (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley, Iron, Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Canola Oil, Potato Starch, Olive Oil, Seasoning (Dehydrated Garlic, Salt, Yeast Extract, Soybean Oil [added as a processing aid] and less than 2% Silicon Dioxide added to prevent caking), Yeast (Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid), Salt, Parsley Flakes, Sunflower Lecithin, Leavening (Calcium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Farro Flour, Baking Soda

image from http://pastachips.com/flavors/garlic-olive-oil/

 

Chocolate Moose Dragon by Liz Lovely  I was very disappointed by the taste of this cookie.  There was something “off” in the taste that I couldn’t place ~ it almost tasted fruity to me.    Shame because it is made with good ingredients and it a BIG cookie ~ this is a big soft-baked dark chocolate fudge cookie, with chocolate chips and it is rolled in sugar.  This is Gluten Free, Vegan and Non-GMO. Value $2.50

Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Dark Chocolate (Cane Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract, Natural Flavors), White Rice Flour, Water, Palm Fruit Oil, Cocoa Powder, Potato Starch, Tapioca Flour, Molasses, Vanilla Extract, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Sea Salt, Natural Tocopherols (Vitamin E).

Allergens: Contains soy. Our bakery uses Peanuts and Tree Nuts.

image from http://lizlovely.com/pages/product-info

Sour Beans by YumEarth I have not tried these yet, but I am not a fan of jelly beans.  However, I love sour candies, so I will try these out soon, not only because of the sour taste, but one package of these beans is 100% of the daily allowance of Vitamin C!  Non-GMO, Gluten Free and Vegan  Value 80 cents x 2 = $1.60

Description: Real fruit extracts, no artificial dyes or flavors and one serving of these organic jelly beans packs 100% RDA of vitamin C. YumEarth is the #1 organic candy company in the US, with distribution in over 30 countries. Founded by two dads wanting to share great tasting wholesome sweets, YumEarth is dedicated to making delicious treats with all-natural ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors, no high fructose corn syrup, and no gluten, nuts or dairy.

Ingredients: Natural Sugar, Glucose Syrup (from tapioca, corn or rice), Starch (from tapioca, corn or rice), Modified Food Starch (from tapioca, corn or rice), Fumaric Acid (for sour), Tartaric Acid (for sour), Ascorbic Acid (for vitamin c), Natural Flavors, Acacia Gum, Purple Carrot Juice, Beta Carotene

image from http://yummyearth.com/ingredients.html

 

Lemon Zest Mini by Luna  Birchbox actually introduced me to Luna bars and I love the lemon zest ones!  They are great with hot tea.  They have a refreshing lemony taste and the bar is pretty dense, so even those these are “minis”, they are pretty filling.  I really like these a lot!  These are not the larger size, so take that into consideration when you read the nutrition label.   The 2 minis actually equal one full sized bar.  Value .63 cents x 2 = $1.26

Description: Luscious zing of lemon and zest with a smooth, creamy coating.  How can something so good for us be so delicious? It’s simple. Start with the best ingredients possible (nothing artificial, 70% organic) and nutrition that matters most to women (gluten free, low glycemic.) Mix with flavors that make mouths water and the rest is sweet (and healthy!) history.  High in calcium and folic acid. Rich in antioxidants A, C, E.  Gluten Free

Ingredients: LunaPro® (Soy Rice Crisps [Soy Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Flour, Calcium Carbonate], Organic Toasted Oats [Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Natural Vitamin E (Antioxidant)], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour, Organic Milled Flaxseed), Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Coating (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Palm Kernel Oil, Organic Palm Kernel Solids, Organic Soy Flour, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla Extract), Inulin (Chicory Extract), Organic Soy Butter (Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soybean Oil, Salt), Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids, Lemon Fruit Pieces (Organic Dried Cane Syrup, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate, Organic Glucose Syrup, Pectin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Natural Flavor), Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Organic Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Sea Salt.

Vitamins & Minerals: Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Ferrous Fumarate (Iron), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C), DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Zinc Oxide, Molybdenum Glycinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Beta Carotene (Vit. A), Manganese Sulfate, Selenium Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin (Vit. B2), Chromium Amino Acid Chelate, Ergocalciferol (Vit. D2), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vit. B1), Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12), Folic Acid, Cupric Oxide, Phytonadione (Vit. K), Biotin, Potassium Iodide.

Allergen Statement: CONTAINS SOY. MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF MILK, PEANUTS, AND TREE NUTS. No hydrogenated oils. We source ingredients that are not genetically engineered.

image from http://www.lunabar.com/products/luna-bar/lemonzest

Shortbread by Walkers Another fantastic product ~ I love shortbread and Walkers makes some of the best ones out there.  Very buttery, doesn’t fall apart too easily but has that “crumble”.  They aren’t overly sweet, just a really good buttery shortbread cookie.  I was shocked to learn these are only made with 4 ingredients.   I wish I had gotten 2 of these and not that dragon cookie… Value $1.33

Description: Baked with the four pure ingredients: flour, butter, sugar and salt, Walkers taste as good as homemade. In fact, when baking shortbread at home, these cookies are the standard to judge your own success. Makes sense, right? Since 1898, these Scottish classics have been the bright spot of high tea. Paired with a cup of chamomile, they’re also an ideal bedtime ritual. You may not be able to find time to bake, but it’s always a good time for one of these delights!

Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Butter, Sugar and Salt

image from http://us.walkersshortbread.com/product/2_Pack_Fingers__24_ct/28041.aspx

Mini Chocolate Chunk Cookies by Back to Nature  After eating the dragon cookie, I was hesitant in trying another chocolate cookie in this box, but I managed to get over that! haha  These are actually nice little crispy chocolate chip cookies, reminds me of Famous Amos cookies ~ but better.    These actually are quite good!    These cookies are Kosher, made without egg, peanuts, treenuts, dairy or soy. No hydrogenated oils, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. No high fructose corn syrup  Value $1.02

Description: Rainforest alliance certified chocolate chips, no high fructose corn syrup and fresh baked flavor make these tiny cookies stand out among the stars.  Our chocolate chunks are made with cocoa beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms. Comprehensive certification standards safeguard the environment and help cocoa farmers and their families. Chocolate Chunk Cookies will remind you of your first oven–baked cookie, so smile knowing that goodness makes a difference.

Ingredients: Unbleached Wheat Flour, Semisweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate*, Dextrose, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), Cane Sugar, Safflower Oil, Brown Rice Syrup, Baking Soda, Sea Salt    Contains: Wheat, Soy * Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Cocoa Beans

image from http//backtonaturefoods.com/what-we-make/cookies/grab-go-mini-chocolate-chunk-cookies/

Green Tea Tropical by Mighty Leaf Tea   I like Mighty Leaf Tea ~ one of my favorite flavors is their Ginger Peach ice tea pouches.   I am really happy to get this tropical green tea, that has pineapples and marigold, so the taste is a fruity, floral green tea.  Value 80 cents x 2  = $1.60

Description: Green Tea Tropical boasts smooth green tea leaves that harmoniously blend with sweet tropical fruits to create a sensation as uplifting as a breeze of the isle of Papenoo. A healthy and refreshing blend, Green Tea Tropical makes ideal introduction to green tea. Combined with tropical fruit and marigold petals in a silk tea bag, this green tea is as refreshing as it is healthy.  Green Tea Tropical makes an ideal after-dinner drink. Pairs well with spicy foods and seafood. Try it as an iced tea during the summer to refresh and revive.

Ingredients: Green Tea, Natural Tropical Flavors, Natural Flavors, Marigold Petals, Pineapple Bits

White Cheddar Popped Corn Chips by Popcorners  I normally do not like cheese flavored chips, but these are really tasty ~ just enough cheese (without that cheese overload) to get that tangy, salty goodness.  I also like the chip itself ~ it is very crispy.  I am pretty happy with this flavor  ~ bonus 0 trans fats and gluten free! Value 80 cents

Description: Smooth and creamy with subtle tangy notes of that signature cheddar “bite” to make your taste-buds tango. You’re tasting artisanal cheddar crafted to complement — not clobber — our signature popcorn taste. 

Ingredients: Enriched Yellow Corn (Yellow Corn, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cheddar Cheese Flavor (Whey, reduced lactose whey, maltodextrin, Cheddar and Blue Cheeses (cultured milk, salt, and enzymes), canola oil, salt, disodium phosphate, citric acid, lactic acid).  Contains dairy ingredients   May contain Soy Ingredients

image from http://www.popcorners.com/flavors/white-cheddar/

Kettle Popped Corn Chips by Popcorners  I haven’t tried this version out, but I will soon. I do like kettle corn, so this one should also be a winner for me.  Kettle corn is a sweet/salty flavor, that was made popular by county fairs.  This is vegan and gluten free and only FOUR ingredients!   Value 80 cents

Description: With only 4 simple ingredients, these slightly sweet, salty chips take popped corn to a new dimension. No Cholesterol, artificial flavors or colors or other junk in here. In fact, these are actually made from real corn! Corn that has been popped and shaped into a chip is all. That means dipping is now a possible part of this new popcorn equation! Low in calories and fat and off the charts in fun and flavor. It’s safe to say, you can prepare for an alternative kind of movie night.

Ingredients: Enriched Yellow Corn (Yellow Corn, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sunflower Oil, Sugar,Sea Salt.  May contain Soy Ingredients

 

image from http://www.popcorners.com/flavors/kettle/

I really liked this month’s box ~ the only real dud for me is the Moose Dragon cookie.  The rest of the box was a nice mix of sweet and savory and I always enjoy a nice fruity tea added in the mix too!   I paid $8.67 for this box, as I used my Groupon deal, and received a value (not including the coupons) of $15.91.  Did you get this month’s Love with Food box?  What is your favorite snack?

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