Food and drinks that are of Interest
Applegate introduced Organics Slow Cooked Ham. This Northern European-style ham has no nitrites and is certified organic. A 2-ounce serving 60 calories, 0.5 grams saturated fat (from 1.5 grams total), 35 milligrams cholesterol and 480 milligrams sodium.
Boston Cream Pie is the newest flavor of Milano Melts from Pepperidge Farms. Each 1-ounce serving, or two cookies, contains 150 calories, 2.5 grams saturated fat (of 8 grams total), 45 milligrams sodium and 12 grams sugar. - Alyssa Tucker, Bite of the Best Intern: I loved the rich flavor along with the creamy filling. It still maintains the crunch of a cookie though, which makes for a great combination.
Skinnygirl has added four new varieties — White Cherry Vodka with Natural Flavors, Moscato, Mojito, Sweet ‘n Tart Grapefruit Margarita — to the existing cocktail line. The Mojito, made with a citrus and mint flavor, and Sweet 'n Tart Grapefruit Margarita, with a citrus, lime, grapefruit, orange and agave flavor, are both 19.9 proof and contain 100 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. The White Cherry Vodka is 60 proof, made with natural flavors, which include cherry and vanilla, and contains 77 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. Made with honey, tropical fruit, pear, peach and mango flavors, the Moscato is 18 proof and contains 100 calories per 5-ounce serving.
SunChips has added Sweet & Spicy BBQ to their line of multigrain snacks. This new flavor is made by blending molasses, brown sugar, honey, hints of spice and chipotle. Each 1-ounce 15-chip servin contains 140 calories, 0.5 grams saturated fat (of 6 grams total), 135 milligrams sodium, 18 grams whole grains and 2 grams protein.
Smoky BBQ and Porcini Sauce are the newest additions to Rachael Ray sauces. Each 2-tablespoon serving of the Smoky BBQ Sauce contains 45 calories, no fat, 240 milligrams sodium and 10 grams sugar. Each 1-tablespoon serving of the Porcini Sauce contains 15 calories, no fat, 110 milligrams sodium and 3 grams sugar.
Deep Eddy introduced Ruby Red, a vodka infused with grapefruit and natural pure cane sugar and spring water from an aquifer in Texas Hill Country. The vodka is distilled and then filtered over charcoal four times slowly to preserve subtle flavors. This results in a smooth and clean taste that works well for cocktails.
Kid-friendly, animal shaped cereals are now available from Snackimals in Vanilla Blast and Cinnamon Crunch. The cereal is packaged in GreenChoice 100% recycled cartons, is organic, non-GMO and made without artificial preservatives, artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oil or high fructose corn syrup. Each 1-ounce serving contains 110 calories, no saturated fat (of 0.5 grams total), 80 milligrams sodium, 7 grams sugar and 2 grams protein. - Alyssa Tucker, Bite of the Best Intern: The Cinnamon Crunch is my flavor of the two flavors because it packs so much flavor into each crunchy bite. Even though these cereals contain modest amounts of sugar, they still have a sweet enjoyable flavor.
MorningStar Farms has recently added a Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Burger to its already existing line. Each 2-ounce burger contains 110 calories, 0.5 grams saturated fat (of 4.5 grams total), 240 milligrams sodium and 10 grams protein. - bonnie: Although I found these tasty, I prefer the texture and flavor of their Grillers to these chickpea ones. Both the Grillers and these Mediterranean Chickpeas "burgers" contain 70 percent less fat than regular ground beef ones. Follow @BonnieBOTB
Gustiamo is introducing a new fusilli pasta shape — the first shaped introduction since 1926. This thick, corkscrew shaped pasta was inspired by the Leaning Tower of Pisa's spiral staircase leading to the top of the tower. Each 1-ounce serving contains 100 calories and 4 grams of protein.
Blue Monkey is introducing a new product called Coconut Chips. These chips contain seven grams of fiber per serving. The Coconut Chips contain coconut, coconut nectar and salt, and are baked without preservatives. They are also vegan and GMO-free. Each 1.4 ounces bag contains 256 Calories, 22 grams of saturated fat of 22 grams of total fat and 6 grams of fiber. Angie Hwang, an intern at Bite of the Best: These appetizing chips are healthy snacks providing a high fiber content! Although saturated fats tend to be linked to cardiovascular disease, the saturated fats unique to coconut oil have not been.
Setton Farms introduces Pistachio Chewy Bites made with real pistachios and cranberries. They are made without additives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or preservatives. Each 1.5-ounce serving contains 210 calories, 1.5 grams saturated fat (of 12 grams total), 11 grams sugar and 6 grams protein. - Alyssa Tucker, Bite of the Best Intern: These healthy snacks are the perfect combination between crunchy and chewy. With the crunch of the nuts and the chewy texture of the cranberries these are a great grab-n-go snack packed with vitamin A, calcium and iron along with 6 grams of protein per square. I wasn't left feeling hungry.
An outstanding product that the three of us tried and recommend. Bonnie: Unpacking a box of cheese samples from a PR professional, I discovered a purple-covered log of Woolwich Dairy's Chevrai. Under the blueberry coating, I found a rich and creamy goat cheese with a sweet honey vanilla taste. I learned that this this delicious goat cheese, would hold it's shape when sliced and broiled. But, I find no need to do that, as it is perfect as is, spread on a thin cracker or crisp baguette. As you'll learn from Bryan's writing below, Chevrai is a made-up name, I'm guessing the company chose the fun name just to be [...]
Holland House has introduced, Saké Cooking Wine, a Japanese wine made from fermented rice in a fashion similarly used to produce beer. The result is a light amber liquid with a slightly sweet taste. Commonly used in Japanese cooking, usually in sauces and marinades, each 2-tablespoon serving contains 20 calories, no fat, 190mg sodium and no sugar.
Pepperidge Farm introduced it's first gluten-free line that includes Simple Tortilla and Nacho Cheese Chips. These chips are baked in a gluten-free facility to prevent the chance of cross-contamination. Each 1-ounce serving, or 24 chips, contains 140 calories, 0.5 gram saturated fat (of 4.5 grams total), 200 milligrams sodium and 2 grams protein. - Alyssa Tucker, Bite of the Best Intern: These are a flavorful, crunchy, low calorie chip option. I enjoyed the Nacho Cheese more than the Simple Tortilla, because of its great cheesy flavor without a grainy texture. The Simple Tortilla chips are a good option for dipping.
Simply Snackin introduces dried meat snacks that combine lean sirloin or whole chicken breasts with dried fruits, (apples, cranberries, blueberries and pineapples) or black beans and vegetables (jalapeños or shallots). Available in Dried Chicken Breast, Beef Sirloin with Apples and Cherries, Beef Sirloin with Cranberries & Raspberries, Teriyaki Beef Sirloin with Pineapples, Chicken Breast with Italian Style Seasoning and Romano Cheese, TeriyakiChicken Breast with Mangos & Papayas. Each 1-ounce serving contains 60 calories, no saturated fat (of 0-0.5 grams total), 270-310 milligrams sodium and 8-11 grams protein.
Hood has introduced a new line of Greek Frozen Yogurt available in four flavors, Blueberry, Double Chocolate Chip, Honey Vanilla and Raspberry Granola. Made with live and active cultures, each 1/2 cup serving contains 110-130 calories, 1-2.5 gram saturated fat (of 2-3 grams total), 70-85 milligrams sodium and 13-16 grams sugar.
Frito Lay has added Artisan Grilled Red Pepper and Tomato Salsa Tortilla Chips to it's already existing line of Tositios. This new flavor is made with a nine-grain blend of real ingredients like ancho chile, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, roasted red bell pepper and more. Each 1-ounce serving contains 150 calories, 1 gram saturated fat (of 8 grams total), 120 milligrams sodium and 2 grams protein.
Wonderful Pistachios announced two flavors: Sweet Chili and Salt & Pepper. A serving size of Sweet Chili and Salt & Pepper each contain 160 Calories, 14 g of fat and 290 mg of sodium. Both products have a serving size of 1/2 cup including shells. Angie Hwang, an intern at Bite of the Best: These delicious snacks provide a heart-healthy option that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Turkey Hill Dairy has added two new flavors —Salted Caramel and Vanilla Bean & Chocolate — to their line of All Natural Ice Cream. Each 1/2-cup serving contains 160 calories, 6 grams saturated fat (of 10 grams total), 18 grams sugar and 3 grams protein.
Al fresco has added the All Natural Chicken Sausage Breakfast Patty, Country Style to it's already existing line of breakfast sausages. Each 1.75-ounce patty contains contains 80 calories, 1.5 grams saturated fat (of 4.5 grams total), 270 milligrams sodium and 9 grams protein. - bonnie: I like most other al fresco sausages — even featured one — but not these. I found them unpleasantly gristly. They are though lower in calories and fat than traditional breakfast sausages. Follow @BonnieBOTB
