Snacks, Snacks. I LOVE my Snacks!: The Best of the Snacks at the Natural Expo East
Friday, October 24th, 2008
I admit it. I am a snacker. I even love the way the word sounds! That little something a few hours after lunch, but a bit before dinner keeps me going. My goal at the Natural Expo East was to find a snack that was “just right” … not too much that it would ruin my next meal, yet enough to hold off my hunger pangs. Any with low-calorie counts (aka: guiltless) were a plus too!
Here is what I and my snack-a-holic colleagues at BeFreeForMe found:
Green Mountain Gringo Salsa: GF (http://www.greenmountaingringo.com)
This salsa has been my favorite for a long, long time. I found it at the Expo and decided to stay and munch for awhile! This salsa is fresh and crisp. Not soggy like that tomato-sauce consistency type of salsa that is mass manufactured.
The product is made by a family owned company and they’ve been making salsa since 1929. The ingredient list is stuff found in your own kitchen – all fresh and natural.
Comes in five flavors: Mild, Medium, Hot, Roasted Chili & Roasted Garlic. My favorite is the Roasted Chili. I love it smothered over grilled chicken too.
Green Mountain Gringo also makes tortilla strips that are gluten free and to die for too!
R.W. Garcia Tortilla Chips: GF (http://www.RWGarcia.com)
These chips pack a punch… they are gluten free and full of flavor! I tried the Veggie flavor and was surprised at the unique and robust taste. I couldn’t find any coupons on their website… but maybe soon.
Wise Acre Frostea & Frostbite Frozen Desserts: GF, NF, DF, SF, FF (http://www.wise-acre.com)
O.K. … I know these products market themselves as a dessert, but to me I love them as a snack. In a nut-shell this crazy guy from Maine (in the rest of New England we call guys like this Maine-iacs!) came up with this absurd idea of freezing tea, honey and a bunch of other good-for-you-stuff and marketing it…. Genius! Best yet… these are not only good for you but gluten, dairy, egg, nut, soy, corn and fat free. They are also free of refined sugars and cholesterol, full of antioxidants, sweetened only with maple syrup and… only 40-50 calories each!
They have five flavors – Honey Love, Cool Your Jets Herbal, Jasmine Green Tea Light, Yerba Mate and Maine Maple Lemon (which is my fav)… Chill out with the Maine-iacs and enjoy! Found in your favorite grocers freezer section.
Glutino Cheddar Gluten Free Crackers: GF (http://www.glutino.com)
I found the replacement for my beloved CHEESE NIPS! These brand new crackers taste just like them! As any celiac knows, this type of “find” is a highlight in your life that you just can’t wait to share with others! They’re shaped like a Ritz Cracker, which almost makes them more versatile (and dare I say “adult-like”) than a traditional Cheese Nip too! ENJOY!
Glutino Sesame Ring Pretzels: GF (http://www.glutino.com)
These pretzels are also casein free, milk free, egg free. Kosher and trans fat free.
These are just plain yummy! The ring shape makes them fun to eat – even for adults!
On another note to all of you Glutino pretzel fans: Glutino has also come out with Snack Packs! The small 2.6 oz snack packs make it easy to take with you – put them in lunch boxes, diaper bags, or for a quick snack on the run. Look for it your grocer!