Ener-G White Rice Loaf

There are just not enough gluten free bread reviews here. After today, I'm not sure how many more I'm willing to do:)

As far as gluten free products go, bread is one of the most wanted and most despised. In an effort to get a wide range for my gluten free product reviews, I took the plunge and ventured into the bread basket. See how the Ener-G White Rice Loaf did against the criteria.

Ease of Use

It is very easy to use Ener-G White Rice Loaf, once you get it out of the package. This bread is sealed air tight. Not such a bad thing!

Appearance

It looks like other loaves of gluten free bread. Like a smaller, perfectly shaped version of a regular bread loaf. It has a smooth textured appearance.

Taste and Texture

This bread is dry, crumbly and virtually flavorless. The texture is somewhat like a dry sponge. It is much better toasted, but you still need to add a lot of butter to get a good flavor. On a lighter note, it did have slight hints of sourdough flavor, which I like.

Versatility

Bread is infinitely versatile. This bread would be good for making croutons or using as bread crumbs.

Overall Value

A loaf of 12 slices costs about $5.50. It is priced comparably to other gluten free breads.

Rating

I will not buy Ener-G White Rice Loaf again. With all of the great new gluten free products out there, I am looking to spend my money on something else.

Purely Decadent non-dairy frozen dessert- in gluten free chocolate chip cookie dough flavor

This gluten free product review is dedicated to my daughter. Her favorite ice cream has always been chocolate chip cookie dough. Due to minor issues with dairy, she doesn’t get ice cream often at all. Being gluten free makes it impossible for her to have the cookie dough flavor. Imagine her delight, when, on a Live Free Gluten Free Tour at Whole Foods last week she was handed a carton of Purely Decadent non-dairy frozen dessert- in gluten free chocolate chip cookie dough flavor!

We bought it, of course, and the next night we grabbed a couple spoons and had at it. Purely Decadent makes their “ice cream” with coconut milk, so it was a totally new experience for both of us.

Ease of Use

Gluten free chocolate chip cookie dough coconut milk ice cream is a lot to say, but easy to eat. Watch out for brain freeze!

Appearance

It looks like ice cream! This creamy white concoction is full of chocolaty flakes. In my opinion, it could use more chunks of gluten free cookie dough, but that's because I'm a bit of a glutton.

Taste and Texture

The texture of Purely Decadent non-dairy frozen dessert is not as rich as regular ice cream (and not as fattening, I'm sure). It is very smooth and creamy. The chocolate flakes were great, no tooth jarring chunks here. The gluten free cookie dough was great! Perfect texture.

You can definitely taste the coconut flavor here. It was a bit disconcerting with the flavor of the cookie dough at first. Not bad...just different. I liked it enough to finish off the pint with my daughter.

Versatility

You can put toppings on it.

Overall Value

Here's the rub. The one pint container of Purely Decadent non-dairy frozen dessert was almost $6. My reaction? "Well, I'll buy it for you this time as a treat, but don't get attached to it."

Rating

It was good. I'd recommend it for anyone who is really missing cookie dough ice cream.

Kneaded Specialties White Sandwich Bread

Last week I had the pleasure to visit a new local gluten free bakery. I enjoyed my visit there very much, but enjoyed the food more. The gluten free product review for today will be Kneaded Specialties White Sandwich Bread. I do believe my search for great gluten free bread is over. Read on to find out why.

Ease of Use

This bread is good enough to eat right out of the bag, but why limit yourself? It has enough elasticity that it survived peanut butter and jelly with no problem. The BLT experiment had a bit of crumbling, which is expected because I used very fresh and juicy tomatoes.

What amazed me was when I tried to toast Kneaded Specialties White Sandwich Bread. It is so moist that it needs a very dark setting to toast, a medium setting just warmed it. There is no need for butter either, as the heat just enhances the already fantastic flavors.

Appearance

The loaf of bread itself is a very generous size. This surprised me because I am used to the downsized versions that gluten free bread usually come in. It is a lovely golden color with texture and bubbles obvious in every slice.

Taste and Texture

"WOW" is not a big enough word to describe Kneaded Specialties White Sandwich Bread. It tastes and smells like "real" bread. The crust provides a soft but firm framework to support the super moist interior. This bread has such a great flavor that when she offered me water to wash it down I turned it down. The heavenly aftertaste deserved to be savored.

Versatility

Kneaded Specialties White Sandwich Bread has infinite possibilities. It is bread at it's best. Here are a few ideas:

• Sandwiches (duh)
• Croutons
• French Toast
• Cinnamon Toast

Really, I could go on forever. But it really will be something you want to use for everything!

Overall Value

You can get a half loaf (about the size of the average gluten free loaf) for $5.50. I recommend going for the full loaf ($10.50).

Considering the fact that the price is very comparable to a lot of the other gluten free breads offered and tastes worlds better, I declare it a great value.

Rating

I absolutely cannot get enough of Kneaded Specialties White Sandwich Bread!

Love Yourself Body Balm by Marie Natural Botanicals

Facing the gluten free product review criteria today is Love Yourself Body Balm by Marie Natural Botanicals. The sneak peak pack I received from Marie Natural Botanicals was so full of good stuff that I wanted to spread the love a little and switch up the reviews a bit.

I am happy to announce that, although this killer company does not yet have a home on the web, there is now a number you can call for product information and ordering. It is: 888-666-0894.
Okay, on to the Body Balm!

Ease of Use

Love Yourself Body Balm by Marie Natural Botanicals is like a wicked fun science project! It comes in a cute little tin and is a solid consistency. It almost reminds me of lip gloss, but in a bigger container. When you scoop some of the Body Balm out of tin it is slightly grainy and textured. Once you begin rubbing it between your hands, though, all texture disappears and you have nothing but oil. I was a bit nervous about this at first, because I hate to be greasy. I took the plunge and spread it on.

Here is where it gets really cool... Within five minutes there was no greasiness, no residue at all! My skin was baby soft and I didn't have to stay off the furniture! So, not only is Love Yourself Body Balm by Marie Natural Botanicals easy to use, it's really cool!

The only thing I would change is that there would be a mini scoop or something to help it out of the tin. I just hate getting things stuck under my nails.

Appearance

Love Yourself Body Balm by Marie Natural Botanicals is a creamy color with a slight shimmer. It looks like it might be a bit dry and hard to spread.

Scent and Texture

I think I covered the texture section pretty well in the description of use, but the scent is as yet untouched :)

The scent is soft, fresh and clean. It has notes of citrus and spice, but also something softer, like baby powder. Also, the scent lasts all day, all night too for that matter.

Versatility

There is a bit of versatility to this gluten free skin care product. The scent is made in such a way that it will blend with and complement virtually any perfume.

Overall Value

A 4oz. tin of Love Yourself Body Balm by Marie Natural Botanicals will run you about $14.50. The tin will last about a month with regular use. It seemed a bit pricey to me at first glance, but when you factor in the fact that it will replace all of your other lotions and creams with no need to re-apply during the day, it's well worth it.

Rating

I am seriously addicted to this product. It is an absolute must have.

Schar Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers

As promised, today is the second installment of the search for fantastic gluten free wafer cookies. This has been a great gluten free product review for me to do because I love these crispy delights! Okay, admittedly, all my reviews are fun, but this one is like a series...almost.

I started with Glutino Strawberry Wafer Cookies, and now am moving on to a vanilla wafer. Schar Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers to be exact.

Ease of Use

Usually here I insert a witty remark about how easy cookies are, but this time is different. Schar Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers actually have an element of difficulty to them. They are packed very tightly in a foil lined package that needs to be cut open. The tight package is a good idea in theory because it reduces breakage on the shelf, but try getting the first two cookies out without breaking them.

Appearance

These gluten free cookies are the perfect vanilla wafer color. Creamy colored wafers with sparkling white cream inside. They are covered with a fine dust of the crumbled corners of their package buddies.

Taste and Texture

Schar Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers are paper thin and crispy. They have a very nice texture to bite into. You could eat a million of these and not get full.

Unfortunately, the wafers themselves carry a bit of the "gluten free funk" that I am not fond of. The redeeming quality is the vanilla cream which is tangy, flavorful and delicious.

Versatility

No real versatility here. It seems like if you tried to crush or crumble these at all you will be left with nothing but powder. They are even a little too fragile to dip or use as garnish.

Overall Value

Schar Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers will run you about $4 for 16 cookies. I'm not sure that will make them my go-to brand.

Rating

I recommend Schar Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers as a sometime treat.

Glutino Strawberry Wafer Cookies

I love wafer cookies! Before I went gluten free I would buy the variety pack, with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors in it. They were fun to eat and even though they were packed with sugar they felt like they were better for me than heavier cookies.

It stands to reason, then, that I would seek to find that same happiness with gluten free wafer cookies. I've tried two brands now, but will review them separately because this is not a comparison site. The gluten free product review for today is Glutino Strawberry Wafer Cookies. Look for Schar Vanilla Wafer Cookies to follow.

Ease of Use

I honestly cannot think of a way to make eating a cookie hard. I do need to point out that wafers are very sensitive to temperature, humidity and breakage. Once the package is opened you should transfer the cookies to an airtight container or they will be stale in a day.

Appearance

Four thin flaky layers of cream colored wafer separated by thick light pink filling. These cookies are thicker than the ones I used to by in bulk and promise to be a real treat.

Taste and Texture

How does Glutino do it? Wafers are picky things. They are often either too brittle or too soft or (gluten free or otherwise) carry a strange flavor. My personal opinion on Glutino Strawberry Wafer Cookies is that they are perfect. Not too hard or soft. They have enough layers that they don't break immediately when you touch them.

The wafers themselves taste very good. The strawberry cream layers are tangy and sweet. Delicious!

Versatility

These are great to dip in puddings or custard. I wouldn't recommend using them as a crust because they will get very soggy very quick.

Overall Value

There are about 18 cookies in every box. Remarkably, none of them are broken in the box due to the packaging. There is a foil bag containing the cookies that has been nestled inside a cardboard box. This matters in value because most people will pay more for cookies than crumbs. They sell for $4.59 a box online.

Rating

I love them!

Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese

As I sit down to write this gluten free product review, I can't help but sing, "Just give me the blue box please". Though the fun commercials for Kraft Macaroni and cheese have a catchy tune, that's the only part of that product that we of the gluten free elite can enjoy. Luckily there is a blue box made specially for us.

Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese, rice pasta and cheddar flavor, boasts words like "Homegrown", "Totally Natural" and my favorite feature, the Rabbit of Approval. Though Bernie the Rabbit is hilarious, I'm forced to ask; what could he possibly know about Macaroni and cheese, gluten free or otherwise?

Ease of Use

Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese is easy to use and has variety built in to the instructions. While you boil the pasta, mix the cheese powder and milk together. Drain the pasta, add the cheese and you're done.

Appearance

Gluten free macaroni and cheese looks exactly like every other box of mac and cheese out there. Same size and shape to the noodles, same color.

Taste and Texture

The texture of Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese is great, as long as it's not overcooked. Cook it for even a minute too long and you have cheesy mush.

Again, I find myself facing the issue of rice pasta ick. It's a personal preference, I know, but there is definitely an aftertaste here. The cheese sauce has a good flavor and there is enough of it to completely coat the pasta.

Versatility

Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese is fairly versatile. There are some instructions for rich and tangy preparation on the box. I found that I liked it best with 1/4 cup sour cream, a few slices of crumbled bacon and some chopped green onions.

Overall Value

Just a little over $2 a box. Fantastic!

Rating

I recommend this gluten free macaroni and cheese to anyone who likes rice pasta.

*Note* Annie's products are made in a facility that also processes wheat. They do test at the legal levels for gluten, but extremely sensitive people may still have issues.

Marie Natural Botanicals Scrubby Bar with Lavendar Seeds

This will be the very first gluten free product review to feature an item you can't eat. I figured it was time to start branching out a bit and offering a little more information, since I'm told that bathing is almost important in life as eating.

The number of products claiming to be "all natural" and gluten free is on the rise. This is a good thing for those who have skin reactions to gluten. Marie Natural Botanicals is one company that really does have 100% natural products. I couldn't wait to try them, and was lucky enough to get a sneak peek. The Scrubby Bar is the focus of today's review. (Look for others in the future.)

Ease of Use

Marie Natural Botanicals Scrubby Bar with Lavender Seeds is very easy to use. Just rub it on in the shower or bath. It rinses away very clean and easily. There's no strange residue, oily or otherwise.

Appearance

Marie Natural Botanicals Scrubby Bar with Lavender Seeds is a very pretty green color with a generous amount of seeds scattered throughout. It is curved on the top and fits perfectly in your hand.

Scent and Texture

This thing is like a massage in the shower! It's fantastic! It scrubs, exfoliates and cleans all at the same time. Seeds will come off as you wash, but they don't stick to you.

Marie Natural Botanicals Scrubby Bar with Lavender Seeds has a refreshing minty smell that fills the shower. It also carries a hint of flowers. The mint gives a slight tingly feeling as you wash.

Versatility

There's not a lot of versatility here, but in this case that's not a bad thing. You won't want to waste a Scrubby Bar as a hand soap.

Overall Value

Marie Natural Botanicals Scrubby Bar with Lavender Seeds will sell for $6 a bar. Each bar should last about three weeks. Considering how excellent this gluten free product is, that's not bad in the value department. The company has not fully launched yet.

Rating

I love Marie Natural Botanicals Scrubby Bar with Lavender Seeds! It is a great way to wake up in the morning.