Introducing the New No Sugar Added Fruit Cups from DOLE -- Toss the Sweets and Hand Your Child This Healthy Snack Instead - Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Are your kids finally done with their Halloween candy, or were you able to donate it to the troops or did you have them exchange it for a toy instead?  If you are looking to sweet tooth fix with a healthier snack option, look no further than DOLE No Sugar Added Fruit Bowls. 

While fruit bowls may not be top on your child's list for snacks, once they try the all-natural Dole Fruit packed in water and sweetened with monk fruit, available in Diced Peach and Mandarin Oranges varieties, they will see why DOLE is the #1 brand in single serve cups. :-)

I have shared on numerous occasions how my oldest, Savannah, is a picky eater.  And, when my other daughter, Bella, and watching her eat and sees her turn away food, she will do the same, even if she usually likes it. Monkey see, monkey do!  The one thing I can get my girls to eat, however, is fruit.  But, like everything else, it has to be certain foods, like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas and apples with the skin removed.  If I serve them any other fruits they will let out  a "Yuck" and push it away.  

A couple of weeks ago, I was sent a sampling of the new DOLE No Sugar Added fruit bowls t sample.

Even though I know that my girls are not fans of fruit cups, I was hoping that with a change of luck, that they would be open to watching to try it, now that they are getting a little older and like to explore and try new things more.  At first, no such luck.  They were fine with posing for photos, but when it came time to serve up these healthy fruit bowls, there was resistance before they walked away and asked for something else.  But, then, when Savannah came down with a head cold the other day and was looking for something sweet to sooth her sore throat, she was willing to try the DOLE No Sugar added diced peaches.  

I told her that with the water added (no syrup in these fruit bowls like others on the market), it would be easy for her to get down and the sweetness (even though there is no sugar added) of the fruit would coat hand sooth her throat.  She sat at the table and took a little bite.  Instead of getting a "Yuck" reaction from her, she asked for more.  
:-) 

Not only did she like how the peaches were bite size and easy to get on her spoon and into her mouth, but they tasted great.  Spoon after spoon, she smiled, until she found herself scraping the  bottom of the fruit bowl, before picking it up to drink up the last drops of the tasty goodness of the DOLE snack.

I did try the DOLE No Sugar Added Fruit Bowls mandarin oranges variety with the girls, but they weren't fans.  That was good, as both my husband and I love Mandarin oranges, as a snack or added to our salads, so we were happy we were having a healthy snack to enjoy, too!  

These DOLE fruit bowls are sweetened with monk fruit concentrate, not artificial sweeteners.  They also feature all natural fruit, are gluten free, NON-GMO and have BPA free packaging.

Each DOLE fruit bowl is just 40 calories or less!  How great is that?!  This is perfect for those looking to watch their weight, on a diet, or just want a healthy snack without having to decipher information on nutritional labels.

Since receiving the two packs of DOLE No Sugar added Fruit Bowls, I have since picked up more of the peach one to have on hand in the fridge and to send Savannah to school with for a snack.  

Bella helping me unpack the groceries...

She didn't want to hand over the DOLE No Sugar Added Peaches to be added to the fridge -- 

I guess she was afraid I would eat on them on her. :-)

I love seeing my girls open the refrigerator door and reach for a DOLE fruit bowl for a snack, instead of looking for sweets or another less than healthy snack option.  And, at around $2.79/4-pack, you can't go wrong for the price.  These grab-and-go bowls also make for a  great on-the-go healthy snack, for both kids and parents.

To learn more about DOLE No Fruit Added Fruit Bowls, including the diced peaches and mandarin oranges, click here.  Keep an eye for the pineapple variety coming soon.  Right now, you can also visit Dole.com/NoSugarAdded and print out a coupon to use towards your next DOLE No Sugar Added purchase. :-)

You can find the new DOLE No Sugar Added Fruit Bowls, in addition to their other product offering at your local grocery store in the canned fruit aisle.  Having trouble locating these fruit bowls at your local market?  Try using the online store locator to find a retailer near you who carries this product offering -- http://dole.com/Company-Info/Where-to-Buy.

Don't forget to follow DOLE on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on new product offerings, special coupon savings and more...

• DOLE on Facebook
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---GIVEAWAY---

Want to try out DOLE No Sugar Added Fruit Bowls with your family?  Thanks to the kid folks at DOLE, one lucky reader will win a one month's supply of Dole No Sugar Added fruit bowls, to enjoy with their family.  Nice, huh?  

To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Snacking Has Never Tasted Sweeter Thanks to DOLE® Fruit Parfaits #DoleParfaitEscape #Spon

If you have been following my blog, then you know that one of my New Year's resolutions was to lose the excess baby weight I haven't been able to shake rinse welcoming my girls back to back in 2010 and 2011.  And, so far, so good.  I have lost 10 pounds, and have another 15 pounds to go.  But, it has been a tough road, as I love sweets.  Any sort of sweet treat is a temptation, which is so hard to turn away.  And, being a busy mom to two young children I find during the week that there about 2-3 days that I either miss breakfast or lunch due to the girls not napping or being fussy.  On these days, I find myself looking for quick snacks I can eat standing up --usually at the kitchen island, that will not only give me a a little energy to keep going until they go down for a nap, and also fill me up until I can actually eat a full meal.  This is the time that I have to steer clear of sweets or junk food, as I give into temptation easy, looking for a quick fix so to speak. 

Even though I stock the refrigerator with fresh foods and healthy smoothie drinks that are great for grab and go snacking, when I feeling tired or burnt out, I want something sweeter to give me that added energy boost.  Thanks to the folks at Dole, I now have my go-to treat that is not only good for me, but tastes great and curves my sweet tooth cravings.  Have you seen the new DOLE Fruit Parfaits while doing your weekly/bi-weekly food shopping?  I hadn't, but was lucky enough to be sent samples of their three flavors, apples and creme, peach and creme and pineapple and creme, to sample and review.  

I don't know about you, but I love canned fruits and fruit cocktails.  They are great to eat on the go, and also make great snacks for the kids in their lunch boxes and after school.  But, I love when a brand comes up with new ways to showcase their products.  And, this is how Dole Fruit Parfaits came about.  "DOLE Fruit Parfaits offer a cool, refreshing taste of real fruit with a smooth layer of deliciously light tasting creme.  These new fruit snack cups contain all natural fruit, and are rich in Vitamin C.  Dole Fruit Parfaits are also naturally low in fat, cholesterol free and are very low in sodium" -- which is great for a person like me looking to keep and finally achieve a New Year's weight loss resolution. :-)  And, as a busy mom on the go, who usually eats standing up and while tending to the girls, I love how I can take one of the DOLE Fruit Parfaits out of the refrigerator and eat quickly -- or, if I am lucky, savor each spoonful of great tasting fruit and rich and creamy creme, that pair so well together.  Mmm, I am getting hungry just thinking about these new DOLE Fruit Parfaits.  Thankfully, I keep these on hand in my refrigerator, so that I can get my DOLE Fruit parfaits fix whenever I want.  :-)

Like they say, it is always better to share, and I have been enjoying these new fruit cups with both my husband and daughters.  I was surprised that Savannah, who is a picky eater, tried and loved each of the three flavors.  She likes to scoop out the fruit first, and then savors each spoonful of the smooth, delicious tasting creme.  My husband on the other hand is a fan of the peaches and creme flavor, while Arabella usually asks for the Prime Creme cups.  I, like Savannah, like each of the three flavors, but really enjoy the Apples and Creme DOLE Fruit Parfaits.  Not only does it smell like a fresh apple pie, but each spoonful reminds me of the inside of a fresh baked apple pie.  This is no sweet snack that I will not feel guilty reaching for when I am in need for a quick mid-morning or afternoon snack.  I have even found myself opting out of dessert, to savor one of these cups instead, once the girls go to bed.  What a way to unwind after a crazy day. :-)

So, if you and your family are fans of DOLE and their fresh fruit cups and canned fruit, why not consider trying their new DOLE Fruit Parfaits?  You will not be disappointed with the refreshing taste of these tasty parfait snacks.  Once you try them, you will want to stock up like I do, and keep them on hand for the whole family to enjoy for lunch box snacks, on the go snacks, etc.

To learn more about DOLE Fruit Parfaits, visit: www.Dole.com.


And, to stay up-to-date on new products and special offers, make sure you follow the DOLE Facebook Page, Dole Twitter Account, as well as visit the DOLE Website often.

---BUY NOW---

DOLE Fruit Parfaits are available in the canned fruit section at select grocery retailers and online.  With a suggested retail price of $2.79/per package of four, you can't go wrong!

Disclaimer: I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and DOLE partnered in support of this campaign. DOLE compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Introducing Dole Real Fruit Bites and the "3 Steps to True Bliss" Sweepstakes (Review and Giveaway)

 

Dole Real Fruit bites, made from real dried fruit, offer a healthy alternative to snacking for both you and your kids and are ideal for packing in purses, lunch boxes and beach bag. Dole Real Fruit Bites are available in three delicious flavors – pineapple, apple and mango – with only 90 calories per pack.

My family loves yogurt and dried fruit, so when I found out that Dole created a new product, Dole Real Fruits Bites, which combined my family's two loves, I couldn't wait to try them out firsthand.  Dole kindly sent samples of their three Real Fruit Bites flavors, apple, pineapple and mango, for us to try.  What I loved most about these new fruit bites, is that each package comes with 6 individual pouches, great for on-the-go snacking.  This is a huge plus, more busy moms on the go like me, who like to grab healthy snacks to throw in the diaper bag for the kids and I to snack, when we head to appointments, or play dates.  And, with only 80-90 calories (depending on flavor), this is a great snack for those counting calories, or looking to add healthy snacks into their diets, which comprising their waist line. 

As for taste, I loved the apple fruit bites, while my husband and daughter, Savannah were both fans of the pineapple and mango flavors.  We all loved how the fruit bites were bite-size, but offered a large chunk of dried fruit, covered in rich and delicious yogurt, and then sprinkled with toasted whole grain oats. Mmm.  Just typing about these fruit bites is making my stomach growl.    The fruit bites offered just the right amount of sweetness, and made you want to have more.  I loved seeing my daughter being able to each these Dole snacks, without the need to cut them up into bite-size pieces.  As a mom, it is great to be able to offer healthy snacks, preferably finger foods to my toddler, and have her love them.  I was so happy to see her eat the pouch of pineapple fruit bites, and then bring me the empty package, and ask for me.  Now, I make sure to have Dole Real Fruit Bites on hand at all times, to give to Savannah, and also grab a pouch or two for myself when I find myself getting hungry between meals, or pressed for time and having to delay lunch, as the girls fight to skip their naps.  These small pouches really satisfy your hunger, and are oh so tasty. 

So, if you like yogurt and dried fruit, you will love Dole's new Real Dried Fruit Bites.  With no trans-fat and a good source of vitamin C, these on-the-go snacks are great for school lunches, to snack on at home and on the run.  If you haven't tried these fruit bites today, what are you waiting for?  Head on over to your favorite local retailer and try any (and all) of the Dole Real Dried Fruit Bites today!

Want to win a dream getaway?

Dole is also pleased to announce the launch of their new Dole Real Fruit Bites Facebook application, “3 Steps to True Bliss.” In just three simple steps, you have the opportunity to enjoy a moment of bliss by choosing a dream escape, packing a virtual bag and sharing a postcard with friends. You can then enter for a chance win a dream destination getaway, making your virtual plans a reality!

Head to www.facebook.com/Dole to enter for the chance to win a dream destination getaway. In addition to entering to win a dream getaway, the first 1000 entrants will get a FREE sample of Dole Real Fruit Bites.

No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes ends 7/23/12. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are age 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Official Rules

 --BUY NOW--

You can buy Dole Real Fruit Bites at your favorite local retailer, as well as online retailers like Amazon.com, and from the Official Dole website, for only $3.99/package.  Each package contains 6 individual pouches for convenient on-the-go snacking.

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will win a 2-month supply of Dole Real Fruit Bites (6 bags), thanks to Dole.  To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine and mine alone.

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DOLE® Introduces New DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® and DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups

 

DOLE® has recently introduced two new products, DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® and DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups. Both contain frozen fruit and no artificial ingredients, providing consumers with new, convenient ways to enjoy the great taste of fresh fruit right from the freezer.

DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® and DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups are two new products that can help Americans balance their calorie intake and follow the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, which encourage eating more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, and consuming less sodium, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars. Plus, real yogurt containing the benefits or pre- and probiotics (live and active cultures) in DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® provides additional nutritious value. 

 

DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® come in three delicious and nutritionally-fortified varieties: Strawberry Banana, Strawberry and Mixed Berry.

Everybody loves smoothies but they are a lot of work to make at home. Now, with DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers®, consumers can say “bye-bye blender” and enjoy a great-tasting, nutritious, real-fruit and yogurt smoothie any time of day—at home or on-the-go. DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® also provide a delicious way to add healthy fruit and real, non-fat yogurt with the added benefits of pre- and probiotics to your diet, as a nutritious snack or meal replacement.

DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® are made with frozen yogurt beads and finely cut fruit. Through Dole’s unique product development, simply remove from the freezer, add your favorite juice, then shake for 30-45 seconds for an instant real-fruit smoothie. Shake your way into a healthy, great tasting smoothie – without the mess of using a blender and at a fraction of the cost of buying from a smoothie shop.

Strawberry Banana is fortified with 100% DV of Vitamin C; Strawberry is fortified with 5 grams of Fiber; Mixed Berry is fortified with 5 grams of Protein. DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® are all-natural and contain pre- and probiotics (live and active cultures). These low-fat smoothies at only 180 – 190 calories per serving (with 7-oz of juice) are also a good source of calcium.

 

DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups come in three delicious varieties: Blueberry, Strawberry and Pineapple.

Unlike traditional shelf-stable and refrigerated fruit cups that are packed in juice or syrup, DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups are just fruit and contain no added sugars or preservatives. Each convenient single-serve cup contains a full serving of fruit and 50 calories or less. Simply grab a cup from your freezer and enjoy as a snack any time of day, or use for smoothies, as toppings on yogurt or granola, as recipe ingredients, or on its own as a healthy dessert. Parents can feel good about giving their kids DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups. No cutting or rinsing required, just drop a cup in your kids’ lunch bags and it will be ready to enjoy by lunchtime.

DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups utilize breakthrough, patent- pending technology to minimize texture-loss during defrost for a just-like-fresh appearance, taste and texture. Plus, the Nature Lock seal guarantees fresh fruit taste and texture—so the fruit is never mushy.

 

My Thoughts:

I was sent coupons in order to try out a few of these new products.  I found that these products were cheaper at Wal-Mart, compared to my local Price Chopper and Super Stop N Shop.  For the DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups, I picked up a package of blueberry and strawberry cups to try out.  My 16-month old daughter, Savannah, has been teething lately, so in the AM, I usually try giving her cold or frozen items to help soothe her sore gums.  I wasn’t sure how she would take to these fruits, as she is not usually a big fan of fresh strawberries and blueberries, but I couldn’t believe how much she enjoyed these DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups.  By the time she was done, not only did she have blue and pink fingers, but her tongue also matched.  She couldn’t stop eating them.  I was able to sneak in a few spoonfuls for myself when she was chewing, and was amazed at how tasty these frozen fruit cups were.  That night, I sent my husband to Wal-Mart to buy more, for both Savannah and I.  Now, every morning when I get up, we each have a cup of frozen fruit, along with oatmeal or cold cereal.  What a great snack these DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups are.  As a busy mom to 2 young children, I was finding myself snacking on junk food while standing as it was hard to sit down and eat lunch (either one baby is napping, while the other is awake).  Now, I can store these convenient snack cups in the freezer, and pull them out when I get hungry and need to refuel quickly.

As for the DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers®, I picked up the Strawberry Banana and Mixed Berry flavors to try.  What I loved most about these smoothies is that you don’t have to hassle with the blender to make a great tasting smoothie.  And, did I mention that clean up is a breeze.  You simply toss your empty container in the recycling bin and you are done.  No more having to clean every little piece of the blender container and your cup.  You simply add juice to the DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® container and shake away.  Then, you take the cover off and pop in a straw, and you are ready to enjoy your homemade fruit smoothie, made with “real” frozen fruit.  Since picking up the samples to try, I have tried the Strawberry DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shaker®.  But, out of all 3 flavors, I have to say I especially enjoy the Strawberry Banana DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers®.  What a refreshing this treat is any time of day! 

 

---BUY NOW---

DOLE® Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups are available now in the frozen aisle of select retail outlets and select Wal-Mart stores. They will be available at major food and mass retail outlets nationwide in April 2012. Suggested retail price is $2.49 for a pack of two 3-oz. cups of Strawberries or Pineapple, and $2.79 for a pack of two 3-oz. cups of Blueberries (prices may vary depending on geographic location and retail outlet).

DOLE® Fruit Smoothie Shakers® are available now in the frozen aisle of select retail outlets and select Wal-Mart stores, and will be available at major food and mass retail outlets nationwide in April 2012. Suggested retail price is $2.19 (prices may vary depending on geographic location and retail outlet).

 

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About Dole Food Company, Inc.

DOLE, with 2010 net revenues of $6.9 billion, is the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, and is the leading producer of organic bananas. DOLE markets a growing line of packaged and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.

 

Disclosure: I was sent coupons in order to try out these new Dole Products from the Dole Food Company, Inc., in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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