Dream Blends Unsweetened Original Almond, Cashew and Hazelnut Drink a not so nutty non-dairy option

Dream Blends Original Unsweetened Almond, Cashew & Hazelnut Drink

Product: Dream Blends Unsweetened Original Almond, Cashew and Hazelnut Drink – $4.19+

From the company that brings you Almond Dream, Rice Dream, Soy Dream, and Chocolate Dream non-dairy beverages comes an interesting blend of nuts in what is being called…Dream Blends.

I’m going to be honest, the moment I saw this sitting on the shelf of my local Earth Fare grocery store, I wanted to try it.  But I didn’t snag it right away.  Why?  Because I live on a budget.  I totally waited for a sale, which came about a week later…and that was when I picked up one of these shelf-stable boxes.

I was almost through the last of my unsweetened almond milk, so my cereal would soon be swimming in an unsweetened blend of almond, cashew and hazelnut milks.  Sounds delicious, yes?  I thought so.

And it was…except…when I first tasted it, I pretty much expected for there to be more of a nutty flavor to it.  I found it rather bland on its own.  Which was surprising.  With all that nuttiness going in, even if this was unsweetened (cutting down on the sugars, you see), I thought it would taste more nuttier than almond milk (and I love almond milk).

But…it didn’t.  And, believe it or not, that disappointed me.  Honestly.

Now, don’t get me wrong…this blend isn’t bad at all.  I found it rather pleasing to the pallet and it definitely mixed well with my gluten-free peanut butter puff cereal and my gluten-free frosted flakes cereal.  I used this in gluten-free carrot cake pancakes as well as gluten-free carrot cake scones.  And it cooked up well in those goodies.  On its own…just in a glass…it was a disappointment.

But when mixed with something else, or incorporated into a recipe…it was magic.

Along with being a blend of three of my favorite nuts, I also enjoyed that this beverage is a good source of fiber, low in fat, enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E and Vitamins A, B12, D and Calcium.  It is also dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol free.

Would I consider this a dream blend…yes.  And perhaps the original variety has a stronger flavor than the unsweetened.  I didn’t dislike this…I just expected a little more bang from the flavor.  But, I would definitely buy it again if the price was right.

Looking for a good dairy alternative and want to try some of your favorite nut milks all in one place…then Dream Blends Almond, Cashew, and Hazelnut Drink is for you.  All you have to do is decide if you want the original blend or the unsweetened original blend.  The choice is yours.

So Delicious introduces Unsweetened Almond Plus – an almond milk with a boost in protein

So Delicious Dairy Free Unsweetened Almond Plus Almond Milk

Product: So Delicious Dairy Free Unsweetened Almond Plus Almond Milk – $3.37+

Almond milk is my favorite beverage out on the market.  Since I became lactose intolerant, it has been my non-dairy beverage of choice.  While So Delicious is normally equated to the coconut milk products that have been out on the market for years, this time…they are focusing on those of us who are enamored with almond milk.  But, unlike the other almond milk out on the market, So Delicious has given their product an amazing boost in protein.

Where most almond milk has 1 gram of milk (despite being made from protein-rich almonds), So Delicious Almond Plus brings an astounding 5 grams of protein to each serving.

For me, as a gluten-free vegetarian, the chance to boost my protein intake is something I have been striving to work on.  With the added boost in protein without overloading with sugars, So Delicious Dairy Free Unsweetened Almond Plus finally made it into my fridge.

I say finally because it took some time to get it into stores here.  In fact, I have only seen it at Wal-Mart, where I normally don’t shop, but I had to go in there for some race clothes one day.  While there, I scoped out some products I normally buy elsewhere to compare prices.  And what did I find?  Yep…the elusive Unsweetened Almond Plus from So Delicious.  Needless to say…it came home with me.

And so, my Apple Cinnamon Chex are being dressed, each and every morning, with a healthy serving of Unsweetened Almond Plus.  This delicious take on almond milk is 100% free of soy and dairy.  It also has 9 essential amino acids that the body needs.  As it is unsweetened, this has no sugar added to it.  And each serving (1 cup) is only 40 calories.  Combine that with the extra boost of calcium that almond milk provides in each glass, and I’m sitting pretty each morning.

This almond milk in no way lacks flavor.  It has a great texture and isn’t too thick like some can be.  I found the taste to be “so delicious”…honestly.  I fell in love with it from first sip.  And, I shouldn’t be surprised…So Delicious also provides my gluten-free life with amazing coconut milk and dairy-free/soy-free ice cream goodies.

They have become a go-to brand…and this only solidifies their standing.  I’m once again falling in love…with a beverage.

A healthy…does your body good…kind of beverage.

Pacific Natural Foods offers smooth taste of chocolate and hazelnut in one fantastic beverage

Pacific Natural Foods Chocolate Hazelnut Non-Dairy Beverage

Product: Pacific Natural Foods Chocolate Hazelnut Non-Dairy Beverage – $1.99+

Chocolate and hazelnut are best mates.  Seriously.  This is why things like Nutella exist in life, yes?  It just works.  You can’t explain the science behind it, but you don’t have to…because it is so smooth and delicious.

Since becoming lactose intolerant, I’ve been experimenting with different types of non-dairy ‘milk’ products.  I’m incredibly fond of almond milk, with coconut milk ranking up there as well.  But every now and again I allow myself to branch out and try something different.  Something I normally wouldn’t purchase.

My roommate surprised me the other day by bringing home a carton of Pacific Natural Foods Chocolate Hazelnut Milk.

Let me preface this by saying that I have coveted trying this beverage for the better part of the last year.  I spot it all the time at my grocery store and stare longingly at it.  Why I didn’t buy it…probably had to do with necessity over desire.  But every now and again, I get a gluten-free, dairy-free treat from my roomie and this time…it was this magical box of chocolate hazelnut goodness.

I was elated.

Out came the glasses and I poured us some to give it a try.

The verdict?  How many ways can you say YUMMY?

Pacific Natural foods blends together roasted Oregon hazelnuts and real chocolate, which turns into a rich and decadent beverage.  Not only do you get the sweetness from the chocolate, but the nutty flavor that comes with the roasted hazelnuts provide an extra kick.  It isn’t something I am used to, but…it wowed me.

Think…liquid Nutella.

Did you just get goosebumps?  Yeah.  It’s so good.  While I normally am a girl who goes for unsweetened non-dairy beverages, I can’t complain about the flavor in this one.  Sweetened with brown rice sweetener and evaporated cane juice, this drink is sweet enough without being overpowered.  The chocolate and the hazelnut flavors are in perfect balance, allowing each one to really shine in each sip, gulp, or chug.

I am going to use some of this over the weekend to create a new variety of scone (you know me and my gluten-free scones) because I really think the flavors I want to include will pop with the inclusion of this beverage.

I’m going to say it again to get my point across…liquid Nutella.

There you have it.  I bow down to the flavor gods at Pacific Natural Foods for bringing chocolate and hazelnut together in a beverage form.  I’m addicted.  I want more.  And thankfully…there is a container in my fridge at the ready.  Why I waited so long to try this is a mystery…but now that I have…I think it will be readily available in my fridge.

Yeah…it’s really that fantastic.

Lots of strawberry and banana flavor packed into Silk Fruit & Protein

Silk Fruit & Protein Strawberry Banana

Silk Fruit & Protein Strawberry Banana – $3.79+

As a vegetarian and an athlete I find that I am often lacking in one essential component for nutrition.

Protein.

And it’s not that I’m not getting any.  I am.  But with all the cardiovascular activity and hard running that I do, often I’m not able to consume an adequate amount of protein each day.  I come closer on some days than others.  And now, on hard workout days, I supply myself with a serving of gluten-free chocolate soy milk, which provides me with 5 grams of protein, as compared to the 1 gram my almond milk supplies.  So, that helps.

Aside from incorporating more beans, lentils, tofu, etc. into my gluten-free vegetarian lifestyle…I’ve been searching for other sources of protein that can provide me with what I need without piling on the calories and fat.

One delicious find has been the latest drinks from Silk.  Silk Fruit & Protein Strawberry Banana was a treat to myself when I had a Silk coupon to use before it expired and a full carton of almond milk in my fridge.  So, why not try it.  I know my friend Jenn raved about the Mixed Berry variety, which I had intended to try when I was last over at her house, but never did.  So, taking her word for it, I grabbed the Strawberry Banana version and took it home.

Last night, after a very hot run, I decided to restore my protein stores with a glass of the Silk Fruit & Protein drink.  I poured myself a glass of it, finding it to be a very sickly shade of pink.  Nonetheless, I lifted the glass to my lips and took a sip.  And then, before you knew it…it was gone.  Completely gone.

Smooth and packed with fruit flavor.  There is no other way to describe it.  It tastes like a delicious smoothie.  Nothing is simpler than the taste of fresh strawberries and creamy banana blended together.  They have always been in perfect harmony with each other.  And here, they once again make a great team.  Not one of them outshines the other.  And the fact that this drink provides me with 5 grams of protein, plus healthy doses of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and potassium is an added bonus for sure.

One cup is the serving size and from that you take in only 120 calories.  I’m a true believer in not drinking your calories.  I’d much rather have real food.  But this is a great supplement on days where I work out and really need the extra nutritional boost that it provides.

Silk Fruit & Protein comes in three flavors.  In addition to the Strawberry Banana, there is Mixed Berry and Mango Peach.  If the Strawberry Banana version is any indication of how delicious these are…then I’m ready to drink down each and every one of them.  Not too sweet, but definitely packed with flavor and nutrients for anyone…and any body.

Nutritious.  Delicious.  Fruity.  Wonderful.  Silky and rich.  Yeah…I’ll have another.

Estrella Damm Daura Gluten-Free Beer falls flat and fails to impress

Estrella Damm Daura Gluten-Free Beer

Product: Estrella Damm Daura Gluten-Free Beer – $2.49+

I know.  I know.  Why do I keep reviewing beer when I abhor it anyway?

The answer is simple…gluten-free chili con queso…where one of the main ingredients is beer.  And I figure, while I’m cooking with it, I might as well sample it to see if it is at least palatable, yes?  Makes sense.  We all know a good chef tastes everything…including ingredients.

Well…here I found myself on a Sunday afternoon after my indoor triathlon, needing to create something for lunch.  I had the makings of the Chili Con Queso (check my recipe section!) in my apartment, so I got to chopping and shredding and all that good stuff.  In my refrigerator sat a lonely bottle of Estrella Damm Daura Gluten-Free Beer.  Why?  Because it’s always good to have gluten-free beer on hand when a craving for queso hits.

I measured out the beer for the recipe then put the bottle to my lips and had a sip.  And recoiled.  Blech.  Beer.  Blech.  So, again, this product is immediately handicapped by my disgust of the beverage itself.  I’ve never been a beer drinker…have never liked the flavor…but this…this was just…meh.

I was surprised, actually, because this beer has won so many accolades, including “World’s Best Gluten-Free Beer.”  So, yeah, I think in my mind I was hoping that maybe this one would surprise me, shock me, wow me…something.  But it only served to get me to wrinkle up my nose and recoil from the flavor.  Yuck.

The flavor was too sharp for me.  It lacked those sweet, cider-like undertones that come in other beers.  This was just stark and…strong.  And, not to put too fine a point on it…I didn’t like it.  At all.

While I am glad that gluten-free beers are hitting the market, I don’t know if any of them will ever impress me.  It’s not that I’m picky…it’s just that beer has never done anything for me.  I love to cook with it…and this was a great beer to cook with, providing a nice bit of flavor to my gluten-free chili con queso.  But, beyond that, Estrella Damm Daura Gluten-Free Beer certainly didn’t win me over.

Not wooed by Bards Sorghum Malt Beer

Bard's Gluten-Free Original Sorghum Malt Beer

Product: Bard’s Original Sorghum Malt Beer – $2.79+

I’m going to once again call this one an unfair tasting because, as I mentioned in my previous gluten-free beer post…

I.  HATE.  BEER.

Loathe it, really.  Even the good stuff I got overseas…I took one sip and was done with it.  Granted, this purchase was made for the sole reason of cooking with it, but in order to make the blog legit, a taste test had to be had.

What I discovered is…Bard’s Sorghum Malt Beer tastes…like beer.

*shudder*

Now, if you like beer, then you’ll absolutely love this.  And you’ll also like the nice price tag that accompanies it.  It is, by far, one of the cheaper gluten-free beers out on the market.

Bard’s isn’t all bad.  I find it hard to find fault in a company that took it upon themselves to bring beer back to the over 2 million people who have a gluten intolerance.  It was the first company to embrace the gluten-free community and bring beer back into their lives.  For that, they are to be commended.  They are trailblazers.  And their Sorghum Malt Beer contains no gluten, wheat, oats or rye.  Safe for the gluten-intolerant among us.

But, for someone like me, who will cook with beer, but hates to drink it…Bard’s is not the right fit for me.  It was a good (and less expensive) option for my gluten-free chile con queso.  It’s light flavor was just the kick the queso needed without the beery aftertaste.

As a company, I give full admiration to Bard’s for paving the way for gluten-free beers in the market.  If only I was a beer drinker.  But…if you are a beer drinker…and you actually do like the taste of beer…this brand is totally for you.

Bottoms up.

Almond Breeze blows me away with Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk

Product: Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk – $3.49+

The life of the lactose intolerant doesn’t have to be ruled by lactose-free milk.  There is such a variety out there these days that sometimes choosing what to get while out at the grocery store is the difficult part.

As most of you know…I’m more than slightly obsessed with milk alternatives.  From coconut milk to rice milk to hazelnut milk to almond milk, I have tried a wide variety of products.

This time, I returned to one of my favorite brands for almond milk, and gave their Unsweetened Vanilla flavor a try.  And now, I have to wonder what took me so long!

The great thing about the unsweetened varieties of these various milks is that no sugar gets added to it.  I don’t think “milk” should be laden with sugar, so when I buy, I go unsweetened.  Always.

Low in calories and with no saturated fat, almond milk is a great milk substitute.  The only thing it really lacks is a protein punch.  The vanilla variety is flavored with natural vanilla flavor.  With the lack of (unnecessary) added sugar, this means the beverage isn’t too sweet, nor too overpowering.

It’s fantastic poured over cereal in the morning, or warmed and mixed into a hot chocolate, or even to bake with.  I’ve done all of them with fantastic results.  Almond milk rocks my world.  Add a little vanilla to it, and it’s like manna from heaven.  Honestly, Blue Diamond is doing something very right when they make their Almond Breeze drinks.  Enough to make me want to go back for glass after glass.  And with only 40 calories per serving…why not?

Indulgence never tasted so good!

 

Green’s gluten-free ale goes blonde

Green's Gluten-Free Triple Blonde Ale

Product: Green’s Gluten-Free Triple Blonde Ale – $5.29+

I shouldn’t be doing this review.  I admit it.  It’s handicapped from the very start.  And it’s all because of one reason:

I. HATE. BEER.

Honestly, I just don’t like the drink.  Never have.  Not even during my college days was I a beer drinker.  A sip here, another there, and it always resulted in that wrinkled up nose expression and me passing the glass or bottle to my alcohol dispenser of choice that night (probably some guy friend of mine who actually likes beer).  Even when I went to Ireland, I gave Guinness and Murphy’s a try…hated both…stuck with Bulmers Cider (which is gluten-free!).

So, why review it then?

Because I used it when I cooked.  And what was left, I sampled.

Here is what Green’s Triple Blonde Ale has going for it.

It has a clean, crisp taste to it.  More like fruit than like…nasty beer taste.  But, it just didn’t float my boat, you know?  I liked that it had a light taste to it, wasn’t overly hoppy, and might have passed for cider if not for that beer taste.  As far as beer’s go, however, this one wasn’t bad.

But it was even better to cook with.  I bought it for the sole purpose of using it in a gluten-free Chile Con Queso, which was fantastic.  So, while I didn’t care for Green’s Triple Blonde Ale on its own, it really added a nice flavor to my queso dip.

Verdict then is this:  If you are a beer lover and are looking for something crisp, you’ll love this.  If you are a gluten-free beer drinker, you’ll love the fact that this doesn’t contain any gluten in it.  If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll love knowing that Green’s uses only natural tannins, so this is suitable for your dietary needs.  If you are not a beer lover, however, it’s probably not for you.  But it would be amazing to cook with.  My queso’s flavor was awesome with this as one of the ingredients.

So whether you are a beer connoisseur or not…Green’s has something to offer you.  Gluten-free to boot!

Bottom’s up.

Are you coconuts? Almond Breeze introduces Almond/Coconut milk hybrid

Blue Diamond Breeze Unsweetened Almondmilk Coconutmilk Blend

Product: Blue Diamond Breeze Unsweetened Almondmilk Coconutmilk – $3.99+

So…here is the long and the short of it.

Okay…just kidding.  Just the short of it.

I love both almond milk and coconut milk.  Honestly.  They pair well with a variety of things and when you can’t handle dairy, well, they rule!  I can’t say I love one more than the other, just that I love them each for different reasons.

So, one day while I was mulling around in the natural foods section of my local grocery store, I looked up and spotted a new product from the makers of the best unsweetened almond milk on the market – Blue Diamond Breeze Unsweetened Almondmilk Coconutmilk Blend.  Best of both worlds, yes?

Yes!

Without adding unnecessary sugar, this blend provides the natural sweetness of the almonds with a splash of coconut flavor, creating a smooth, creamy, rich taste that actually blends perfectly.  I admit…I was a skeptic despite the obvious awesomeness of the combined flavors, but once again, Almond Breeze proved that they know what they are doing when it comes to their products.

I’ve enjoyed this product each morning poured over my bowl of cereal.  At only 45 calories per serving, it’s definitely worth indulging in.  And for those who are lactose intolerant, like myself, a delicious alternative to dairy.  I bet this would be amazing to bake with.  Might have to try that.

So, if you love almond milk and you love coconut milk…why choose between them?  Why take sides?  Enjoy both easily with this amazing hybrid from Almond Breeze.  Check for it in your grocery store.  If it’s not there yet…give it time.  It will be.

Seasonal Mint Chocolate soy milk a delicious addition to the Silk lineup…but only for a limited time

Silk Mint Chocolate Soy Milk

Product: Silk Mint Chocolate Soy Milk – $2.99+

Do you know what’s worse than falling in love with a product?

Falling in love with a product that is only around once a year.

That’s what happens every holiday season when the various ‘seasonal’ beverages hit the grocery store.  Yes…I’m looking at you mint chocolate milks, nogs, and pumpkin spice.

Of course, out of all the options out there, mint chocolate is the only one I ever indulge in.  Why?  Because it’s mint.  It’s chocolate.  It’s epic yum!

Last year was the first time I ever had Silk Mint Chocolate.  I bought it to make some vegan mint chocolate truffles.  And it was love at first taste.  Not just used in the truffles, but all the leftover had to be consumed.  Nothing goes to waste in this household.  So, it was a nice treat for the couple of days it remained in my fridge.  But it was gone too soon.

This delectable seasonal beverage is a fantastic blend of chocolate (right there…it wins) and peppermint.  It’s the perfect balance too.  Not too rich, and not to overpowering with the mint.  It’s ideal to bake with as well as stir into coffee, or warm up and enjoy as a hot chocolate.  Oh…it’s good cold too.

I really, really hate seeing the seasonal drinks go away once the holidays are over.  Mint chocolate is good any time of year…not just between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  Trust me.  It’s one of the best combinations ever invented.  I fell in love with this drink a year ago and gave the section a hug when it reappeared this year during the holidays.  Yes…I was that excited about it.  I guess part of the novelty is it is something you have to look forward to getting every year.

So, I encourage all of you mint chocolate lovers to give Silk Mint Chocolate Soy Milk a taste.  You might have to wait until the holidays roll around again…but it is a wait worth enduring.  Trust me.

And stock up.  It’s good advice.  Trust me.  I have three more cartons in the fridge.