Unboxed: 13 new natural foods and beverages
![Unboxed: 13 new natural foods and beverages Unboxed: 13 new natural foods and beverages](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/bltcc791ff5d707a5a0/64e8f18393e3d037c30933cb/unboxedpromo_1.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
When you need a hit of calories and energy while biking, running or hiking long distance, sport-specific gels can be a lifesaver. But many products on the market are pretty gross, and contain ingredients we wouldn’t want to eat while we were sitting still, let alone during exercise. But new brand Muir Energy crafts beautiful gels made from real, tasty ingredients. This flavor contains just USDA Organic raw creamy cashew butter, palm coconut nectar, blackstrap molasses, yerba mate powder, lemon essential oil and pink Himalayan sea salt. Every flavor is totally paleo, gluten free and vegan, and delivers anywhere from 115 to 150 calories. muirenergy.com
Mountain Tea is a Greek beverage made by steeping an herb known as ironwort, also known as sideritis. Traditionally used to aid digestion or suppress the common cold, new company Tuvunu bottles the brewed herb with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and vitamin C. It’s a strong, but pleasant flavor, and I appreciate that this version does not contain sugar (or any calories for that matter). tuvunu.com/en
Like a Dorito, but waaay better. This gluten-free chip is made with non-GMO, stone-ground whole corn and a blend of sprouted seeds, including flax, quinoa and chia. Each crunchy chip is coated with nacho cheese made with organic cheddar cheese, non-fat milk, sea salt, cane sugar, onion, organic distilled vinegar and more. They’re pretty addictive. gowaybetter.com
There is a lot of adulteration in the olive oil industry, which makes buying this ubiquitous ingredient from trustworthy brands extra important. We love how Kiklos provides ample information about where their olive groves are located and how the oil is processed. Hailing from the Peloponnese region in Greece, Koroneiki olives are cold-pressed immediately after harvest, which gives this olive oil a peppery, fruity flavor. theolivefruit.com
Those who follow the high-fat Bulletproof diet lament that preparing the hallmark morning coffee-containing beverage takes some time. This creamer from the Bulletproof company aims to make mornings easier. Made with a unique blend of caprylic acid triglycerides (Brain Octane Oil), grass-fed butter, highly branched cyclic dextrin, oleic fatty acid derived from olive oil, sorbitol and vitamin E. Add to hot coffee for full-fat nutrition and energy. bulletproof.com
Protein powders are normally associated with boosting energy or getting you amped up for the day. Healthy Skoop challenges this idea with a product designed to be consumed 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Each 90-calorie serving contains organic pea protein isolate, organic brown rice protein concentrate, inulin, organic coconut sugar, natural flavors, organic cocoa, gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum, cinnamon and saccharomyces cerevisiae, a species of yeast common in wine making. But the coolest part of this product is the nutrients it delivers: 4167 percent your Daily Value of vitamin B12; and 250 mg magnesium, a mineral that supports muscle relaxation. healthyskoop.com
While some nut milks contain stabilizers and emulsifying gums to ensure smooth texture (and to blend into coffee) Malk’s products are made with ingredients that are likely already in your home pantry: pecans, organic maple syrup, sea salt, organic vanilla, filtered water and more. The result is an incredibly fresh, bright vegan “milk” that tastes just as good by itself as it does with cereal or granola. Also try this brand’s creamy cashew milk. malkorganics.com
When I haven’t gone grocery shopping in a while, dinner becomes a challenge. I dig around in my fridge, scrounging for half an onion or a measly bulb of garlic, and make a simple dish of rice and beans. Regrettably, it’s not very inspiring. But Chef Soraya will now save the day (or at least dinner) with this par-cooked, take-along bowl of rice and beans, suavely spiced with coconut milk, cumin seed, cayenne pepper, coriander seed, crushed red chili pepper, organic tomato flakes and more. Just peel back the lid, add 1 cup of boiling water, give it a stir and let stand for 9 to 12 minutes. And dinner (or lunch), is served! chefsoraya.com
This tangy-sweet spice is new from McCormick, the large spice company increasingly offering USDA Organic options. Made with matcha green tea, evaporated cane syrup, long grain white rice flour, ginger and citric acid, add a hefty dusting of this unique spice to baked goods, pancake batter and ice cream. Or use in savory applications like fish or sauces. mccormick.com
Pancakes are good. Quick-to-prepare pancakes are even better. This seasonal, chocolate-peppermint pancake mix that requires just addition of water (and a griddle) for fluffy, decadent pancakes. The ingredients are straightforward, and what you would find in your own kitchen: unbleached wheat flour, peppermint (made with vegetable dyes) chocolate chips, evaporated cane juice and more. birchbenders.com
While this isn’t the cleanest product (it contains soy protein concentrates, maltodextrin, instantized rice flour, tricalcium phosphate, natural vegan flavors and more), I think vegans will fully embrace Go Veggie’s Parmesan-ish topping, which adds cheesy tang, umami and saltiness to soups, salads, veggie-dishes, pastas… basically all foods you grate parm atop. (So, everything.) Just 20 calories per two teaspoons. goveggiefoods.com
Confession: I had no idea that watermelon seeds were edible. These seeds are sprouted, which better releases their nutrients. Go Raw’s USDA Organic snack is made with just two ingredients: sprouted watermelon seeds and Celtic sea salt. Due to their soft, chewy texture, these seeds have a tendency to get caught in your teeth. But the flavor is rather nice, almost buttery in a way. goraw.com
This single-serve treat is a velvety French-style pudding with intense, chocolate flavor. Manufactured in San Francisco by a classically trained French pastry chef, organic milk, cream, 70 percent dark chocolate, eggs, butter and more make PetitPot one serious dessert. We particularly love the cute, reusable glass container—perfect for storing spices. petitpot.weebly.com
This single-serve treat is a velvety French-style pudding with intense, chocolate flavor. Manufactured in San Francisco by a classically trained French pastry chef, organic milk, cream, 70 percent dark chocolate, eggs, butter and more make PetitPot one serious dessert. We particularly love the cute, reusable glass container—perfect for storing spices. petitpot.weebly.com
Here, we review luscious French desserts, clean-ingredient nut milks, speed scratch dinners and more.
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