Disclaimer: TMC was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are TMC’s only.
After going gluten-free over a year ago it has been challenging to find snacks that are not only healthy but also taste good too. Price is also a factor, especially after buying one too many boxes of bad tasting, funny texture snacks that just left me feeling disappointed, frustrated and hungry. This summer I was sent two brands that provide healthy snack alternatives that are also gluten-free.
First up, is USANA Nuts ‘n’ Berries bar which is a gluten-free, soy and dairy free nutrition bar that is vegan, all-natural and loaded with yummy ingredients like raisins, peanuts, cranberries, flaxseeds, chia and almonds. While it doesn’t contain a lot of protein (3 grams per bar) it does taste really good. I get my needed protein intake from this plant based protein powder. I find myself keeping them in my purse and eating them in the car or while I’m out with the kids. While they snack on granola bars I don’t feel left out. I really enjoy the salty/sweet taste of these bars and that there is no funky aftertaste or texture that keeps me from going back for more. Such a good find! USANA has other snack items that are all natural and heart healthy like Fudge Delights and Peanut Butter bars that have a lot more protein.
Next, is Van’s line of snack crackers and cereal. I’ve eaten Van’s gluten-free foods before. The frozen waffles in plain or blueberry taste great and are light in texture. I eat them on the weekend breakfasts when the kids are all eating regular homemade pancakes and waffles and I don’t want to feel left out. The ‘Say Cheese’ snack crackers come in fun little snack packs and have a zesty cheese flavor that ends on a small sweet note, which is a bit different, but not totally out of the realm of gluten-free foods. There is often that kick at the end. I don’t mind it though and my two youngest girls absolutely love eating these thin, cheese-flavored crackers for snacks.
It’s a tie in taste and preference when it comes to ‘The Perfect 10’ and ‘Fire Roasted Veggie’ crackers. Both are great for dipping, eating with cheese or just snacking on whenever. I find myself enjoying the more intense veggie kick some days and others just going for the salty goodness and crunch of ‘The Perfect 10’ cracker with some brie on top. Yum! Last night the ‘Fire Roasted Veggie’ box was polished off by my youngest as she played outside with friends. I love that they couldn’t tell the difference. And really that is the difference between Van’s and a lot of other gluten-free foods out there. You can’t tell the difference and that will always have me going back for more.
Another bonus, the naturally good and slightly sweet Cinnamon Heaven cereal that tastes like Cinnamon Toast Crunch to my kids and makes a fun snack treat when we are on the go or a chance for me to eat cereal, which I hardly ever do. It’s a good night-time snack for me and I like the change. The squares crunchy and small, perfect for little ones.
Van’s really does healthy food right. The taste is there, the texture is spot on and they are available in many stores. Thanks to them I can eat the carb-loaded foods I do miss every once in a while, including their Cranberry Almond snack bars that were gone in a day after they arrived.
Job well done to both USANA and Van’s for making healthy, natural and great tasting gluten-free snacks that my whole family actually enjoys eating!
