DF Mavens claims to be, "the best non-dairy ice cream in the world!" After one taste, I believe them. It's a safely guarded secret how the company's soy- and coconut-milk based creams achieve an almost gelato-like consistency (I asked). What I do know is that once DF Mavens hits the market (sometime this summer) non-dairy eaters won't look back. Try my fave, the coconut-based Alfonoso mango.
Ek Chok
You know when you just feel like spooning the Nutella straight from the jar? Ek Chok is for those days. The organic chocolate, nut butter squeeze packs are made for eating as is. By using a flavorful high quality cacao (the company supports rainforest regeneration in order to produce it) these confections need less added sugar to taste truly decadent. Ayurvedic flavors such as Rose and my favorite Cardamom, promote well being.
Chia Co. Chia Pod
By adding coconut milk to chia seeds, these cups have a tapioca-like consistency that's just as fun to eat as it is nutritious. Rich in omega 3's and fiber, swap the Snack Packs for one of 4 kid-friendly flavors: Blueberry, Mango, Banana and my favorite Vanilla Bean.
Epic
I've tried a handful of meat "snacks" since Paleo eating went mainstream, but this is the first product to get it right. Dubious? I was as well, until the 100 percent grass-fed beef, turkey and bison bars won me over with tasty gourmet flavors including my favorite Bison Cranberry Bacon. What’s more, each offers between 11 and 14 grams of clean protein from whole food ingredients.
Lyfe Kitchen Frozen Meals
Inspired by meals served in the eponymous Palo Alto, Calif.-based restaurant chain, Lyfe Kitchen is taking frozen entrees to the next level. The nutrient-dense meals offer 10 oz. (rather than the typical 8 oz.) portions and still contain less sodium than comparable frozen entrees on the market. They're also preservatives, hormone and antibiotic free and come in
Sweet Loren's
Tired of ready-to-bake cookies that taste store bought and come out flat as pancakes? I didn't know there was another option until trying Sweet Loren's. Cookies in mouth-watering flavors like Bold Espresso Chunk, Chewy Oatmeal Cranberry, Nutty Peanut Butter Oatmeal and Heavenly Chocolate Chunk cook up dense and chewy. Perhaps that's because they're free from the preservatives and artificial ingredients found in many store brands and instead use whole grains and sucanat as the sweetener. They're also dairy free.
SoSu Artisan Sauces
This San Franciscan sauce company surpassed its Kickstarter goal by over $2,000. After one taste of SoSu's unique blends, it's easy to see why. Using locally grown heirloom tomatoes and agave and cane sugar as the sweetener these dressed up ketchups appeal to today's ingredient savvy consumer. Asian influences like Sriracha for the "Srirachup" and lemon grass and yellow curry in the "Thaichup" seal the deal.
Udi's Soft-Baked Cookies
I didn't miss the gluten in these delicious new soft-baked cookies from Udi's. How they manage to be shelf-stable without a slew of added preservatives, is beyond me. What I do know is that Maple Pecan Chocolate Chip is my new favorite flavor.
Kolat Superfood Fusions
It doesn’t get much better than flavor, nutrition and innovation. Almonds and omega-3-rich walnuts combine to deliver 6 grams of protein per serving in this nutty spread. Dates, rather than sugar, offer a touch of sweetness. Most impressive, though, is the addition of 50 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamins (you can’t taste them at all), making life just a little easier.
Amy's Organic Andy's Dandy Candy
What's this natural foods company doing entering the confections scene? I asked myself the same question, then I gave these bars a try. Delicious! My favorite, Crunchy, wraps buttery toffee and nuts in rich dark chocolate. Sound familiar? The other flavors, Crispy, Chewy, and Creamy, have a similar conventional counterpart (not much guess work is needed). Feel less guilty indulging in whichever is your favorite since they each are certified organic, use Rainforest Alliance Certified Cacao and are free from corn syrup, preservatives and GMOs.
These 10 new favorites deliver high-quality ingredients, innovative packaging and flavor.
