The Gluten Free Bar Bites are the Perfect Grab-And-Go Snack Everyone Will Love + Also Great for Halloween and to Add to Stockings at Christmas -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

FREE of Gluten, GMO, soy, dairy and animal ingredients.

Both of my girls are picky eaters, but when it comes to snack foods, they are will to try new things, as they are all about snacks.  I don't know about you, but when my kids are tired, bored or grouchy, the first they they do is head for the fridge or pantry to look for a snack.  Because of this, I make a point to have as many healthy snacks on hand for them to reach for.  Shh, don't tell them about my chocolate stash behind the oatmeal container. :-)  Moms need a chocolatey treat for a quick energy and mood boost every so often.

Even though my family doesn't have any major food allergies, I have been limiting the amount of gluten in the foods I bring into the house because my youngest, Bella, has eczema, and I have found when she eats a lot of foods with gluten in them, she has a flare, or it makes a current flare even worse.

I first stumbled upon The Gluten Free Bar (GFB) brand and their gluten free snacks when I was looking for new gluten-free snacks to introduce to the girls, or try and replace snacks they like, with with a healthy version. Like their mom, my girls are huge nut, chocolate  and fruit lovers.  They especially snacks that come in cluster sizes that they can grab and pop in their mouth.  And, they like seeing all the ingredients in each cluster bite and pointing them out, as they nibble away at them, telling me all the different flavors they are tasting with each bite.

I was excited when I received an email about a month ago asking me to try the new the GFBBites.  I had seen them on the shelf at my local Target, but hadn't picked them up yet.  

About the new GFB Bites offering:

"Each bite-sized treat is non-GMO Project® Certified, Certified Vegan, soy-free, dairy-free and Certified Gluten-Free. What really sets GFBBites apart in a crowded functional food category is taste; the Bites balance just the right amount of soft and chewy texture with crunch and flavors that make them a completely unique snacking experience. Without compromising on ingredients or honest nutrition, the protein-packed Bites were developed with meaningful flavors, such as tart cherry, dark chocolate, toasted coconut, sun-sweetened fruit, and various nuts that provide flavor depth and protein function." 

---

Days after responding to the email, I received two GFBBites packages in the mail to try with my family.  Bella was quick to grab the PB+J flavor as she is a huge PB+J fan.  

Savannah was happy that she left the dark chocolate coconut one for her try, as she had saw this at Target and told me to pick up the next time I went there.  

Like her Daddy, she loves anything coconut, and was excited to see the coconut shavings wrapped around the little cluster balls.

Just look at all that delicious coconut Savannah said. :-)

I told the girls to wait until I had the camera ready for photos, but they couldn't wait.  They tore open the resealable bags and reached in for a handful of GFB clusters to try.  One by one they popped a cluster in their mouth and chewed away.  I knew the girls loved them as they had smiles on their faces and kept letting out "Mmms" in between chews.  I was surprsied that the girls offered each other their flavor to try, as they are usually not fans of sharing their snacks.  

After sampling both the GFBBites flavors, the girls agreed that these gluten-free cluster snacks were delicious. They even gave me one of each flavor to try, and I had to agree.  I am so happy to now have more gluten-free snacks to offer my girls, and especially love how these are convenient on-the-go snacks that I can pack in their lunch bags, carry in the car, or just have on hand in the pantry for quick snacking.  Even my husband has asked for his own bag of the GFBBites so that he can keep in his desk drawer at work for when he gets hungry. Instead of hitting up the vending machine which is stocked with unhealthy snacks, he will be able to refuel and recharge with healthy and oh so delicious snacks, that are packed with flavor and nutrients. Yum!

So, if you are looking to add more healthy snack options to your pantry for your family to reach out, or have a family member with a gluten allergy and are always on the lookout for new gluten-free products, then you will want to check out the GFBBites.  Available in six different flavors, including Dark Chocolate Coconut, Coconut Cashew Crunch, Chocolate Cherry Almond, PB+J, Dark Chocolate Hazelnut, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, the Bites are available on shelves at club, grocery, mass merchandise, natural foods and supermarket stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of $4.99 to 5.99 per bag.

The GFBBites bags are the perfect size to add to your child's stocking at Christmas, or to give out at Halloween for kids in the neighborhood you know have a gluten allergy.  Or, just have handy while you are handing out candy so you can reach for a healthy snack instead of into the candy bowl. :-)

Stay up-to-date on new product additions, giveaways, special offers and more by following THe Gluten Free Bar on their social media channels below:

• GFB on Facebook
• GFB on Twitter
• GFB on Instagram

--BUY NOW--

You can find the whole line of the GFB products including the new Bites at most major retailers including online at Amazon.  I have been stocking up on the GFBBites over at Target as they are only $4.79 a package.  I make a point to have some stashed in the pantry, a couple in the car for on-the-go snacking, and even have a package in each of the girls' backpacks for when they are at classes and need a quick and healthy snack.  They can grab a handful of bites from their favorite flavor and then reseal the bag to keep in the freshness.  

I love being able to share healthy snacks with my family, and was so happy when I found that everyone loved the GFBBites we were recently sent.  And, after sampling the additional flavors, now each member of the family has a favorite flavor that they reach for. And, knowing that they are healthy, I don't have to say "No.". :-)

If you are having trouble finding the GFB products in stores near you, you can also visit https://shop.theglutenfreebar.com/ and order online. They even give you the option to customize a case with your favorite flavors. 

--GIVEAWAY--

Thanks to the folks at The Gluten Free Bar, one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win a 

FREE product coupon and sample of either GFB's Dark Chocolate Coconut or PB+J Bites.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

----

"More about GFB and The Two Brothers Behind These Tasty Gluten-Free Products...

“We’re two brothers who get along well with each other, but not with gluten,” said Elliot Rader, Co-Founder and Partner at GFB. “Our goal is to create fun and flavorful gluten-free snacks for everyone – after all, eating is something we do each day so let’s enjoy it. The development of Bites has been an exciting transition into the cluster category. We basically combined the nutrition of a protein bar with the decadence of a truffle. No other cluster in the category does this and we’re excited to share the Bites with our customers.”

As pioneers in the gluten-free cluster category, GFB has created a product perfect for all snacking occasions: fun family road trips, a quick and delicious breakfast with your morning coffee at work, and much more. GFB Bites can be found at leading regional stores, top national stores, and popular health food stores.

GFB, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a Certified B Corporation dedicated to producing products in a sustainable, earth-friendly manner. Along with their new line of Bites, the Company continues to produce their original product the Gluten Free Bar."

Disclosure: I was provided with samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Read more »

Mamma Chia Squeeze Pouches and Beverages are Great Tasting + Perfect Snack Option for Kids and Adults #MammaChiaMagic #Sponsored

Disclosure: This review and giveaway was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Mamma Chia. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

A few months ago, I attended a conference for cancer survivors and sat in on some amazing speaker talks and round table discussion.  On more than one occasion, survivors brought up consuming chia seeds in a variety of ways, as a way to improve their overall health and well being.  And, before the end of the 2-day conference, I was finally able to see why so many of the attendees were talking so highly of chia seeds and their many benefits.  As I sat and listened, I was jotting down notes about the many benefits that the nutritionists on hands were talking about, as well as comments made from survivors about ways they consume them, and how they benefited them in regards to their cancer survivorship and other diseases, including autoimmune, etc.

Upon returning from the conference, I picked up a chia seeds to try.  While I was not a fan of eating them right from the bag, I did start to incorporate them into soups, yogurts, sprinkle them on salads, add into muffin and other dessert mixes, etc. chia Seeds offer so many benefits that the entire family, including children can benefit from, so I didnt' hesitate to offer up things I made and included chia seeds into to my kids.  They had no idea that I had snuck in chia seeds, but I as a parent, knew the health benefits that they were receiving as a results.

So, what health benefits do chia seeds offer?  Here is just handful I gathered during the talk at the conference I attended, and which i confirmed through various online sources after my return:

- Benefits of Consuming and adding Chia seeds to your diet - 

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which helps reduce inflammation, reduces high cholesterol and enhances your cognitive awareness and performance
• Rich in Antioxidants -- Antioxidants helps protect our bodies against free radicals that contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.
• Great source of calcium, resulting in stronger bones and teeth.  One serving of chia seeds is about 18% the recommended daily intake for calcium.
• Great source of fiber, which helps keep you regular.
• Full of protein, which is perfect for vegetarians or those who don't eat meat or other animals products.
• Great for those with diabetes, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar and fights insulin resistance
• Helps you lose weight by making you feel fuller, faster, as well 
• Also, great source for minerals our bodies need like manganese, magnesium and phosphorous.

Who knew that someone so small as a chis seed could offer these amazing benefits?  Well, one woman, who went on to found a highly successful business did.  Janie Hoffman, is the founder and CEO of Mamma Chia.

"Mamma Chia, the organic food and beverage company that originated the chia beverage category and continues to be the chia product leader and innovator."

Like me and so many other, Janie suffered from various autoimmune disorders which hindered her overall health and well being.  Looking for ways other than medicating herself, she began experimenting with chia seeds and developed chia beverages that became a hit with her family and those who tried them.  And, with this her highly successful chia beverage business was born in 2009.  This past April, Janie released her first book, "Chia Vitality," which is "a 30-day plan to better health, greater vibrancy, and a more meaningful and purposeful life."  Janie will also be releasing a second book in Sept., which will be a cookbook.  I can't wait for this as she will be included more than 80 recipes, and showing the many ways to include chia seeds into your diet.  

Many products are created out of necessity and after other medicine and holistic regimes didn't work to bring relief to Janie's daily suffering from her medical conditions, which she is in remission now, she created her line of Chia beverages.  Today, you can find Mamma Chia products, which include Chia Squeeze Vitality Snacks, Mamma Chia Vitality Beverages and soon to be released in stores (including Whole Foods, Target, etc), Mamma Chia Clean Energy Vitality Beverages.  I was recently given the opportunity to try out the Chia Squeeze Vitality Snacks and the Mamma Chia Vitality beverages, thanks to a review opportunity with Mamma Chia and Double Duty Divas.  

While I have been including Chia seeds into things I made since I learned the many health benefits a few months back, I had never tried the Mamma Chia product line.  So, when I was offered the opportunity to the Chia Squeeze Vitality Snacks and the Mamma Chia Vitality beverages, I jumped at the opportunity.  Not only would I be trying them out, but I was also eager to share with my family, including my girls.  They are fans of the different pouched snacks including yogurt smoothies, fruit purees, apple sauces, etc, and love the handy on-the-go pouches, which they enjoy at home and on the go.  I was hoping to sneak the Mamma Chia Vitality Snacks pouches in with their others in the refrigerator and see what they thought of them.  

The unique and vibrant packaging caught their eye, and when they tried them, they couldn't help but lick their lips, as they squeezed the pouches until their was nothing left.  

• Nutrient-rich chia seeds deliciously infused with fruit and vegetables
• Conveniently packaged in a 3.5 oz, BPA-Free pouch, and easy to toss into a gym bag, purse, backpack, or a child's lunchbox
• Only 70 calories
• 1200 mg. of Omega-3s - about the same as a single serving of salmon
• 4 grams of fiber -- equivalent to the amount of fiber found an in average apple
• No added sugar

Not knowing what chia seeds are, they just thought they were seeds from strawberries or raspberries.  Shh, don't tell them they were also eating vegetables along with fruit. :-) Savannah especially loved the crunch of the seeds, and asked for another pouch.  While they can't see the benefits of consuming chia, as a parent whose about them, I am happy to have found another healthy snack option for back to school lunch bags, on-the-go snacking, or just another in-house snack option for them.  My husband also loves how he can grab a pouch to enjoy on the way to work in the morning.  And, when I find myself having a crazy morning or day with the girls, and find myself missing a meal, I love being able to grab a pouch or two from the fridge, while knowing it is helping me with my daily fiber, calcium, omega-3 and other mineral intakes that I would otherwise not get if I reached for salty or sugary unhealthy snacks looking for a way to refuel or a quick pick me up.  When it comes to our favorite flavors, we can't choose a favorite, as they all taste so good! :-)

I am persoanlly loving the Mamma Chia Vitality beverages and the different flavors, which I have found at Whole Foods and my local Target store.   Just check out the health benefits of the Mamma Chia Vitality beverages:

• A much-needed vitality boost for moms pre- and post-workout, during lunchtime or afternoon carpool duty
• Organic chia seeds are infused with organic fruit juice, resulting in a delicious, satisfying and refreshing drink
• Lightly sweetened with less than one tablespoon of organic agave nectar
• Contains more than an entire day's worth of Omega-3 (2500 mg)
• 6 grams of fiber - 25% of one's daily requirement
• 4 grams of complete protein

With the craziness that summer and preparing for back to school, I have found myself slipping my diet and healthy eating habits and picking up packs of soda for a quick sugar jolt mid day.  Knowing that soda is not healthy, I was looking for a beverage that was sweet enough, and that was full of flavor.  I loved the idea of the chia benefits, and when I recently sampled this beverage line, i was hooked.  It was really delicious, and served up chilled as recommended, makes for a great refreshing drink on the go or throughout a busy day.  I have been doing a mini taste test at home with the different flavors to find my favorite.  While the girls say they love each and every one I sample with them, I have to say that my personal favorites include Cherry Lime, Coconut Mango and Pineapple coconut. My husband can't get enough of the Pomegranate mint.  Have you tried these drinks from Mamma Chia?  If so, do you have a favorite flavor?  Prior to trying out these drinks, did you know about the many benefits of chia seeds?  Do you like me, like this easy way to consume chia seeds, simply by chilling these drinks and grabbing them to enjoy at home or on the go?  

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the new Mamma Chia Clean Energy drinks, which will available beginning this Sept.  This will be the FIRST drink that "combines the power of chia with the clean energy of Guayusa, resulting in a truly healthful, fulfilling and delicious energy beverage that nourishes your entire body and soul." If they are anything like the Organic Mamma Chia Vitality beverages, I will have another delicious way to enjoy chia seeds.

To learn more about Mamma Chia and the current product offering visit http://bit.ly/1yolC7y.  Can't seem to find Mamma Chia products at a retailer near you?  Then, use the online store locator found here: http://www.mammachia.com/find-us/.

Don't forget to follow Mamma Chia on their social media pages to stay up-to-date on special offers and promotions, new product additions and more....

• Mamma Chia on Facebook
• Mamma Chia on Twitter

--GIVEAWAY--

Want to try out Mamma Chia products for yourself, as well as share with your family, including your children by adding to their backpacks for a healthy snack on the way to school in the AM, or a snack added to their lunch bag?  Then, complete the entries on the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a fun Mamma Chia prize pack.  One lucky reader will win the following, which has a estimated value of $75:

• 1 full bag each of Mamma Chia's NEW black and white chia seeds
• 1 week's worth of Chia Squeezers (7)
• 1 week's worth f beverage vouchers (7)
• One copy of Janie's new book - "Chia Vitality"

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This review and giveaway was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Mamma Chia. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Read more »

Crum Creek Mills' Soy Bites are Protein Packed Mini-Breadsticks the Whole Family Will Enjoy! -- Save 50% off Online Orders NOW!!! @usfg #crumcreek

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

Delicious mini-breadsticks that are higher in protein and lower in carbs and has a complete protein.

If you are a fan of monthly subscription boxes that deal with foods, then you may have already tried one of the many great snacks that Crum Creek Mills has to offer.  This is how I was introduced to them, as I was sent a couple snack size bags of their Soy Nut trail mix, which I still continue to buy today and carry with me on the go snacking, as it offers a great source of protein, which you don't find in many snacks nowadays.


So, when I was given the opportunity to review their Soy Bites mini breadsticks, which come in a variety of flavors, I jumped at the opportunity.  Having already sampled their trail mix,  pancakes and a few other Crum Creek Mills products, I knew that they would be good...and, they were! :-)

Just the other day I received a variety pack of Soy Bites to try out.  In total, I received 20 bags, which came in a handy 1.5 oz snack size bag, perfect for throwing into your child's lunch bag, for keeping in the car for an on-the-go snack, or even putting out in a basket on the counter, so that everyone can grab one when they are looking for a healthy snack.  Like I said, Soy Bites come in a variety of flavors, which include: Sesame, Everything (A scrumptious blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion, garlic and salt), Rosemary and Garlic and Onion.  I was sent 4 bags of each to sample, which is good as there are 4 people in our house, so we each got to have our own bags to snack on. :-)

   * Completely nutritious without sacrificing taste
   * Vegan
   * Made with non-GMO soy protein
   * No artificial flavors or preservatives
   * Conveniently packed in single-serve bags
   * A very healthful snack for kids in their lunchbox or at home

Soy Bites Ingredients:

Unbleached Wheat Flour, Soy Protein, Expeller-pressed Soy Oil, Yeast, Malt Syrup, Baking Powder, Wheat Gluten, Salt PLUS FOR ROSEMARY AND GARLIC: Dried Rosemary, Garlic Powder FOR SESAME: Sesame Seeds FOR ONION: Onion Powder. FOR EVERYTHING: Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Yeast, Corn And Malt Syrup And Dried Brewer Yeast.

There are so many ways to enjoy Crum Creek Mills Soy Bites. You can dip them in your favorite hummus, cream cheese spread, peanut or almond butter, jelly, etc.  The possibilities are endless, which makes finding fun and new ways to enjoy this healthy snack that much more fun. You know how everything tastes better with chocolate, well Savannah put that to the test as she went to town dipping the "Everything" Soy Bites into a jar of chocolate spread we have.  All we could hear was "Yum, Yum" intermixed with crunching of these Soy Bites. Last night Bella and I sprinkled a bag of the Sesame Soy Bites over a mixed green salad that I had made.  When you see these mini breadsticks, they will remind you over oversized croutons.  And, similar in crunch of a crouton these Soy Bites added a nice touch to the salad.  You could even dip these Soy Bites into soups or crumble over pasta dishes for added texture and flavor.  Or, simply grab a bag, open and enjoy.  However you choice to enjoy Crum Creek Mills' Soy Bites, you will love them!  Full of flavor, packed with protein and non-GMO, you can't ask for a better snack option for your family. And, seeing that they come in these handy 1.5 oz. bags, they are great to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

To learn more about Crum Creek Mills and their product offering, includes the Soy Bites I talked about above, visit their website at http://www.crumcreek.com.

--BUY NOW--

Want to try Soy Bites with your family?  Just for Inspired by Savannah reader, the folks at Crum Creek Mills is offering readers 50% off their sampler variety pack.  Simply use promo code "USFG50" when ordering through their secure online checkout, on any of the Soy Bites products you see here -- http://www.crumcreek.com/category-s/1868.htm.

From individual bags, to packs or 10 bags or even a sampler pack to try out all 4 flavors, you can enjoy 50% off your order of Soy Bites, for a limited time.  So, what are you waiting for?  This is an amazing savings -- 50% off.  I am definitely placing an order to stock up for this fall/winter.  Heck, these would even make for great non-candy Halloween treats or to add to the kids' stockings at Christmas. :-)

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

Read more »