Barbara’s Breakfast Cereal: Puffins, Corn Flakes and Brown Rice Review

Barbara’s cereal

By Lynn:

One of the first things I noticed when my 5 year old daughter had to go gluten free two years ago was the vast number of breakfast cereals that contain gluten. Not only in those that are immediately obvious but those that have it in the ingredients any way. "Rice" or "corn" in the name but it still has gluten as a preservative or malt for flavor.
Barbara’s has made great tasting cereals without that. My daughter got to try a few different kinds (yes, I sampled them too!) She tried the "Puffins" so cute with the puffin on the box. She said she preferred the multi-grain over the honey rice, but I think that’s just personal choice. She also tried and really enjoyed the Corn Flakes. Something she hasn’t been able to have for a while.

I, of course, check to see what the ingredients are, I used to all time for myself, and the when I had children and now especially for my daughter. In the corn flakes there were just 3, yep THREE, ingredients: Corn, pear or apple juice and salt! Same with the “Brown Rice Crisps” 3 ingredients! Rice, pear or apple juice and salt. The grains and fruit are all organic. While I was typing up this review my (very fussy!) 3 year old came and sat down next to me and started helping herself to the rice crisps straight out the box. Isn’t that the best way to eat cereal?

Barbara’s Bakery has been around since 1971 and they consider themselves a pioneer in the natural foods movement. Barbara (17 at the time!) believed in “staying close to nature and keeping things simple”. And what does this mean to them? No refined sugar, hydrogenated oils, artificial food additives, flavors or preservatives.

They have a new product out too, the Snackimals Cereals. Available in two flavors: Vanilla Blast and Cinnamon Crunch. Unfortunately, like the snackimals snacks these are not gluten free but I remember tasting the snacks a while ago and they were yummy! (I guess I could always message them and ask 🙂 ).
I’m sure they’ll be in some stores soon too.

Lastly, I think it’s always good to know when a company supports charities and Barbara’s helps the National Audubon Society celebrate it’s 40^th anniversary of Project Puffin! Project Puffin is helping reintroduce puffins on their historic nesting islands – Eastern Egg Rock – in the Gulf of Maine. You can adopt a puffin for a year, visit www.barbaras.com/adoptapuffin for more info!

About Lynn:

I met Lynn in MOMS Club and she has two children. One of which is the same age as my daughter and they love to giggle and play together. Lynn Hooper is also a local Mary Kay Consultant while also being a full time mom. “A lot of what the business stands for is true to my heart. Mary Kay Inc. has a foundation that donates funds to help end domestic violence and also funds research into cancers that affect women. Mary Kay also has what’s called "The Golden Rule" which means God (faith) first, family second and business third. A great principal for me and nice to know I am part of a team that believes in this too.”