Food & Drinks

Food and drinks that are of Interest

Larabar Organic Superfoods

Larabar introduced Organic Superfoods bars, made with turmeric, hemp, ginger, kale and cacao, instead of just fruit and nuts. The three new flavors Hazelnut, Hemp & Cocoa, Coconut, Kale & Cocoa and Ginger & Beet are Non-GMO Project verified, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free and kosher. Each bar contains 180 to 210 calories, 0.5 to 5 grams saturated fat (of 7 to 11 grams total) and 3 to 4 grams protein, and is a good source of fiber with 4 to 5 grams.

By |2017-09-08T11:00:55-04:00April 26th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|1 Comment

Mondavi’s Purple Heart Wine, A Good Cause

Attending a recent burial in Arlington cemetery elicited all my patriotic emotions, as did the launch of Purple Heart Wines at a ceremony this month aboard the Intrepid, the military and maritime history museum at Pier 86. Purple Heart Wines are dedicated to America's heroes and benefit the Purple Heart Foundation. The first donation of $10,000 was given at the event, with a $50,000 maximum donation per year. Vietnam veteran winemaker Ray Coursen — under the close stewardship of the Peter Mondavi Sr. Family, whose patriarch is a World War II veteran — crafted the wine to honor the determination, bravery and commitment of America’s military heroes. This medium-bodied Napa [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:00-04:00April 24th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Yeti Frozen Custard

Yeti Frozen Custard is all natural, non-GMO certified and organic available in pints in 8 flavors: Blueberry Pancake, Roasted Strawberry, Bourbon Vanilla, Chocolate, Cinnamon Toast, Chocolate, Lemon Lavender and Mint Chocolate Chip. Each 1/2 cup serving contains 170 to 240 calories, 7 t0 10 grams saturated fat (of 11 to 14 grams total), 35 to 360 milligrams sodium and 16 to 25 grams sugar. Chocolate with the most sodium, is a good source of fiber with 3 grams per serving. With the added egg yolk as an emulsifier, frozen custards are creamier and have a bit more cholesterol than ice cream or gelato.

By |2017-08-31T13:59:52-04:00April 20th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Smartwater sparkling

Smartwater introduced a sparkling version of their water.  In other words, its carbonated water with added electrolytes. The water is vapor-distilled necessitating the addition of electrolytes (calcium, magnesium and potassium) only for taste. There's no clinical research about added hydration benefits. Not worth the extra price over other bottled waters.    

By |2017-09-08T11:01:18-04:00April 11th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Planters Nut*rition

Planters Nut●rition line added two new varieties to their line —  Women's Health Recommended Mix and Breakfast Blend. The former includes almonds, dark chocolate covered raisins, cashews and cranberries; the latter cashews, almonds and fruit pieces. Each 1/4-cup serving contains 140 calories, 1 to 1.5 grams saturated fat (of 8 to 9 grams total), 10 to 15 milligrams sodium and 4 grams protein. Each is a good source of fiber with 4 grams per serving and a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, copper and manganese.      

By |2017-09-08T11:01:49-04:00April 1st, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Organic Valley Grassmilk Yogurt

Non-homogenized Organic Valley Grassmilk Yogurt, in plain and vanilla, is made from whole milk from 100 percent grass fed cows. This yogurt has higher levels of the the heart-healthy fatty acid (CLA) than yogurt from grain-fed cows. The vanilla is flavored with fair-trade vanilla and sweetened with unrefined cane sugar. Each 1-cup serving contains 150 calories, 5 grams saturated fat (of 8 grams total), 120 milligrams sodium and 8 grams protein.    

By |2017-09-08T11:01:57-04:00March 30th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

The Marshal BBQ Sauce

Chef Charlie's sweet and spicy BBQ Sauce is made for The Marshal by Beth's Farm Kitchen from local ingredients like tomatoes, apples and chipotle peppers. Available at The Marshal in Hell's Kitchen, NYC or online. Each tablespoon contains 35 calories, 100 milligrams sodium and 6 grams sugar. The Marshal BBQ Sauce has more than 50% less sodium than most other brands with ~220 milligrams per serving.

By |2017-09-08T11:02:11-04:00March 26th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Winemaking Cooperative of Carpi and Sorbara, A Visit

Before heading to the winery Cooperative of Carpi and Sorbara, I met with representatives of Lambrusco for a wonderful meal at Clorofilla Wine & Restaurant (via Vittorio Veneto n.2 Carpi, Italy), where we had about a dozen choices of their fizzy wines. The majority of Lambrusco (meaning wild grape) is produced in Italy's culinary mecca, the Emilia Romagna region where I was visiting. Lambrusco can be either a refreshingly fizzy slightly sweet or a dry wine. Because of that fizz and its acidity, Lambrusco is traditionally served with salumi, sausages and rich meat pasta sauces that the region is also famous for. We happily sampled all of those pairs during lunch. [...]

Wonderful Sweet Scarletts

Wonderful Sweet Scarletts red grapefruits, grown in Texas, are sweeter and not as acidic as regular ones. They are non-GMO verified. A half medium sized grapefruit contains 60 calories, 2 grams fiber and contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A with 35% of the daily recommended intake. Kristine James, intern at Bite of the Best: Sweet Scarletts taste sweeter and not as bitter as other varieties.

By |2017-08-31T13:59:52-04:00March 21st, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

New York Style Pita Chips

New York Style introduced two new varieties of pita chips: Ancient Grains & Flaxseed and Chia Seeds & Quinoa, made from Mediterranean-style pita bread and baked twice never fried. Like other pita chips, they contain 40% less fat (6 grams compared to 10 grams) but almost 60% more sodium (270 mg compared to 170 mg) than leading brands of potato chips per serving. Each 11 chip serving contains 130 calories, no saturated fat (of 6 grams total), 270 milligrams sodium and 3 grams protein. Kristine James, intern at Bite of the Best: Unfortunately the added amount of ancient grains, flaxseed, chia seeds and quinoa is not enough to offer any [...]

By |2017-09-08T11:02:24-04:00March 19th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Seven Sundays Cocoa & Coconut Muesli

The Seven Sundays Cocoa & Coconut Muesli is made with gluten-free oats and sweetened with fruit and honey. It does not contain artificial ingredients or preservatives and is non-GMO verified. Each 1/2-cup serving contains 240 calories, 2.5 grams saturated fat (of 8 grams total) and 7 grams protein. It is an excellent source of fiber with 6 grams per serving.  

By |2017-09-08T11:02:36-04:00March 14th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Nature2Kitchen Wondergrain

Nature2Kitchen introduced Wondergrain, sorghum, an ancient high-fiber, high-protein, gluten-free grain.  It is non-GMO verified that's available as whole grain or pearled (partially de-hulled to soften grain for faster cooking). Each 1/4-cup serving contains 160 to 180 calories, 0 grams saturated fat (of 0 to 1.5 grams total) and 4 to 5 grams protein. The whole grain sorghum is an excellent source of fiber with 5 g per serving.    

By |2017-08-31T13:59:52-04:00March 9th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Monari Federzoni, a Visit

Those who've been to Italy know that their balsamic vinegar is not just for dressing salads. This fall I was invited to visit Monari Federzoni in the Emilia-Romagna region. They’re the oldest Italian company making balsamic vinegar, doing so for over 100 years, since 1912. The company says it’s their family’s love for the land and their tradition that are the secrets behind their carefully crafted balsamic vinegar That real balsamico is made only in the Emilia Romagna region around the towns of Modena and Reggio and given an IGP (Protected Geographical Indication). That’s the Italian government’s denomination of protected origin. It's a guarantee that what you’re eating is a local Italian specialty; [...]

Garden of Eatin’ Organic Corn Bowls

Garden of Eatin’ introduced new organic tortilla chips in bowl form perfect for dipping. The bowls come in traditional white corn with sea salt and blue corn with sea salt. Each 1-ounce serving contains 140 calories, 0.5 grams saturated fat (of 7 grams total), 110 to 115 milligrams sodium and 2 grams protein.

By |2017-08-31T13:59:53-04:00February 19th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Biscotti Bites

Biscotti Bites are round, bite size and twice baked biscotti available in almond, lemon and cocoa flavor. The bites contain only natural non-GMO ingredients without added preservatives or additives. Each 10-piece serving contains 120 calories, 2.5 to 3 grams saturated fat (of 4.5 to 5 grams total), 9 grams sugar and 2 grams protein. Kristine James, intern at Bite of the Best: I love the fact that each variety only contains 7 to 8 ingredients and adds a little something sweet with your coffee without much added sugar.        

By |2017-08-31T13:59:53-04:00February 8th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Quaker Gluten Free Oatmeal

Quaker introduced gluten free oatmeal as both quick 1-minute oats or instant oatmeal. The instant oatmeal comes in two flavors, original or maple & brown sugar. Each 1/2 cup serving or packet contains 130 to 160 calories, 0 to 0.5 grams saturated fat (of 2.5 to 3 grams total), 4 to 5 grams protein and are good sources of fiber with 3 to 4 grams per serving/packet.  

By |2017-08-31T13:59:53-04:00February 6th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Biena Chickpea Snacks Habanero

Biena Chickpea Snacks introduced their new Habanero flavor, medium spicy containing no artificial ingredients or flavors. They are non-GMO verified. Each 1/4 cup serving contains 120 calories, no saturated fat (of 3 grams total), 260 milligrams sodium and 6 grams protein. They are an excellent source of fiber with 6 grams per serving. Kristine James, intern at Bite of the Best: Great alternative to roasted nuts or potato chips if you need something crunchy with less fat. I like the spicy flavor, however it is too salty for my taste with lots of sodium.

By |2017-08-31T13:59:53-04:00February 3rd, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Lawless Jerky BBQ Pork Spare Rib

Lawless Jerky introduced Bbq Pork Spare Rib, a pork jerky made with ketchup, soy sauce, honey, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Lawless Jerky does not contain any preservatives or artificial ingredients. Each ounce contains 80 calories, 0.5 grams saturated fat (of 1.5 grams total), 320 milligrams sodium and 12 grams protein. Kristine James, intern at Bite of the Best: Love the fact that the jerky does not contain MSG found in most other brands. I like the flavor, but would prefer it a little more intense and tangy tasting, more like BBQ.

By |2017-08-31T13:59:53-04:00January 25th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments

Fishpeople Single-Serve Soups

Fishpeople introduced two new varieties to their line of single serve soups: Smoked Oyster and Bourbon Chowder and Wild Seafood Bouillabaisse made with wild caught and sustainable harvested fish, packaged in BPA-free poaching pouches. These soups are rich in healthy Omega-3’s, especially DHA and EPA the long chain of fatty acids found in marine sources. To use, heat in the microwave or submerge in a pot of boiling water. The Smoked Oyster and Bourbon Chowder  contains 250 calories, 11 grams saturated fat (of 17 grams total), 340 milligrams sodium and 5 grams protein; the Wild Seafood Bouillabaisse contains 210 calories, 1 gram saturated fat (of 5 grams total), 580 milligrams [...]

By |2017-08-31T13:59:53-04:00January 20th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|1 Comment

Big Slice

Big Slice are kettle-cooked apples that come in 16 flavors in convenient on-the-go pouches. They are made with real fruits without any artificial ingredients or preservatives. Each 4.5 ounce serving contains 50 to 170 calories, 0 to 0.5 grams saturated fat (of 0 to 8 grams total), 0 to 10 milligrams sodium and 0 to 5 grams protein. Each variety provides the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C. Pineapple passion fruit is an excellent source of fiber with 5 grams per serving. Boysenberry chocolate and honey berry chia are good sources of fiber, each with 3 grams per serving, as well as raspberry hibiscus & green coffee extract which also [...]

By |2017-08-31T13:59:53-04:00January 11th, 2016|Food & Drinks, xyz misc|0 Comments
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