organic Archives - MomStart

MOM Brands™ Better Oats®, Malt-O-Meal®, Mom’s Best® and Three Sisters®

September 15, 2012 by Momstart 8 Comments

A picky palate isn’t something that I deal with in my house I have two really good eaters. They love to try new things and I love serving up new things. From oatmeal to cereal to toast to eggs I try to get it all in. My kids usually just want something simple like cereal and oatmeal. I have found that that a box of cereal has skyrocketed in price in my opinion. So has the price of oatmeal for that matter. Better breakfast on a budget is the MOM Brands motto. MOM Brands’ house of well-known brands, Better Oats®, Malt-O-Meal®, Mom’s Best® and Three Sisters®, offers a better breakfast at a better price – with unique flavors to satisfy any picky palate.

I can’t argue with great taste and great price!!! The first product we are going to eat is that Lavish dark chocolate oatmeal by Better Oats. I can’t wait to dig into that box. Zoe’s been begging for me to open it too. She’s my chocolate loving girl just like me.

· Better Oats instant oatmeal comes in many delicious varieties – 23 flavors in fact, including Lavish® Dark Chocolate and MMM… Muffins® Blueberry Muffin. Kids love Better Oats because it’s fun and delicious, and parents love it because it is not only nutritious, but also earth-friendly and convenient. Better Oats uses 25 percent less packaging than traditional instant oatmeal boxes, and the pouch doubles as a measuring cup! Made with 100% whole grain oats and flax seeds, this complete line offers a simple and healthy option when it comes to instant oatmeal. If that’s not enough to get a parent’s attention, Dr. Oz included Better Oats in his list of foods he wants in your shopping cart!

· Kids and parents alike get really excited about our ready-to-eat Malt-O-Meal cold cereals, including the Cooking Light® Taste Test Awards Grand Prize winning Frosted Mini-Spooners®, as well as Cinnamon Toasters®, Marshmallow Mateys® and more! Malt-O-Meal offers great-tasting, affordable cereals priced 20-30 percent less than other national cereal brands. As an extra bonus, they use 75 percent less consumer packaging by ditching the cardboard box for a resealable bag. Just a few of the many reasons Advertising Age Magazine named Malt-O-Meal one of America’s Hottest Brands of 2011!

· For those looking for natural options, Mom’s Best and Three Sisters cereals are a delicious, affordable way to do what’s best for the people around your breakfast table and around the planet. No artificial flavors or preservatives. No hydrogenated oils. No high fructose corn syrup. Mom’s Best comes in 11 delicious cold cereal varieties plus six mouthwatering flavors of instant oatmeal. Or, try Three Sisters new Cocoa-Snapz and Naked Wheat cereals and organic oatmeal – exclusively available at Whole Foods.

samples received

Perfect Snacks from Happy Family Foods

September 8, 2012 by Momstart 17 Comments

By Christine:

I have been a big fan of the Happy Baby line of organic baby foods since my oldest daughter was a baby. Four years ago the product line was just developing and all I remember buying at the time was Happy Puffs. At the time I was was so happy finally find an organic, lower-sugar alternative to the mainstream brands.

Fast-forward to about five months ago when baby M started her first solids. I was happy to pick up some Happy Baby Puffs again, and was curious about all the new product offerings. We recently tried the Happy Munchies Carrot Rice Cakes and was pleasantly surprised that both my four year-old and ten month-old like them.

I was sent several product coupons to use to purchase other Happy Family products to try and review. I did have a hard time locating a store that carried the full line, and didn’t have much luck at mainstream grocery stores. I had the best luck at Target who seemed to carry almost all products in the Happy Times line. We ended up coming home with the following products:

Happy Times Mixed Fruit Yogis

Happy Times Veggie Pals

Happy Creamies Veggie & Fruit Snacks with Coconut Milk

Happy Tot Plus Puree

We divided up trying the products, based on age. A who is 4 years old tried the Veggis Pals Carrot, Orange & Apple Chews and the Mixed Fruit Yogis. She really liked the Veggie Pals Chews, and is looking forward to having them in lunches or in our "free choice snack bin" in the pantry. She didn’t care for the Yogis though. She thought the taste was ok, but wasn’t a fan of the melting & texture. A has always been a bit particular about foods when it comes to texture, she gets that from me. I think a younger child would like them but I didn’t try them with baby M because they contain dairy.

M who is 10 months old sampled the Happy Tot Plus puree in strawberry, kiwi, beet & pear. She really liked that flavor and ate it up. That is saying something because right now she is more interested in finger food and self-feeding, rather then any type of baby food or really anything I try to give her with a spoon. I brought the pouch in the diaper bag when we went out to diner with friends. It was so convenient to have the pouch, rather then a heavy glass jar of food to carry around.

M also sampled the Happy Creamies, which I am most excited about. As I’ve mentioned before M is dairy sensitive, intolerant, etc so it can be hard to find melting snacks for her that don’t contain dairy. I love that the Happy Creamies are made with coconut milk instead of cow’s milk or soy. We tried two flavors, and she preferred the carrot, mango & orange over the strawberry, raspberry & carrot. Next time I go to the store I’m going to pick up some of the apple, spinach, pea & kiwi to try out.

I am happy to give Happy Family foods to my girls because I know they are healthy, delicious & safe products for their growing minds & bodies. To read their complete Mission & Promise .

About Christine:

Christine is our in house baby product reviewer. She has two children that are quite adorable, one is 3 1/2 months old and the other is three and in my son’s preschool class. When she’s not taking maternity leave she works at the local children’s hospital

Beginning Bath & Beauty Skin Care Products for Baby By Maclaren

March 10, 2012 by Momstart 14 Comments

By: Ashley

It wasn’t too long ago that I became a HUGE fan of Maclaren. I was in the market for a lightweight, yet durable, stroller and quickly learned that no one (in my very humble opinion) could match Maclaren. That’s why, I was SO excited to learn about Maclaren’s line of skin products! If a company could make such amazing gear that made life easier for both parents and children, I couldn’t wait to see what that same dedication would do for a skin care line. Let me start off by saying, I was NOT disappointed!

“Maclaren makes skin care stuff? Who knew?” That was literally what I said when received the samples of products for this review. Now, a shower, some lotion, and some body balm later, I am fully supporting the Maclaren Beginning line. What makes this stuff so special? Here’s what Maclaren has to say…

(These are) products offering everyday personal care for the entire family (mothers, fathers, babies and children). beginning…everyday, a natural and gentle range of holistic bath and body care products, delivers real therapeutic benefits based on holistic aromatherapypractices, and is made from the purest ingredients safe for sensitive skin.

Now, here’s what I have to say! I’ve kind of gone back and forth about what I think of the potentially dangerous chemicals found in lotions, shampoos, soaps, etc. It’s a tough spot to be in when you want to do everything you can to keep your babies healthy but also need to be cost conscious and… well to be honest, not afraid of everything in the world. That’s one of the reasons I really like the Maclaren Beginnings line. The products are natural… but don’t cost an arm and a leg. A little more than some of the other more traditional baby products, yes… but, for high quality skin care, suitable for sensitive skin, that leaves your body and mind feeling luxuriously relaxed…? Beginning is a GREAT product line.

Product Line Descriptions:

Replenishing Body Lotion: Enriched with the moisturizing and anti-aging benefits of avocado, almond and chamomile oils, this water-based, non-greasy body lotion is specially formulated for delicate and sensitive skin. An organic essential oils blend of relaxing lavender and regenerative avocado oil, combined with moisturizing almond oil, glycerin and cocoa butter, boost the skin’s defenses against the damaging effects of UV rays while softening and soothing the skin.

Gentle Cleansing Face and Body Wipes: Made from soft organic cotton and lightly scented with organic lavender essential oil, these alcohol free cleansing wipes are gentle enough for use on body and face. Known for its anti-bacterial and soothing properties, lavender essential oil leaves skin clean, fresh and stress free.

Gentle Softening Shampoo: Created using only the mildest ingredients to cleanse and moisturize the hair and scalp, this gentle softening shampoo leaves hair shiny and silky. A comforting blend of soothing lavender and restorative mandarin essential oils, combined with hydrating aloe and glycerin, make this gentle shampoo rich in healing properties.

Gentle Moisturizing Hair Conditioner: Specially formulated to complement the beginning gentle softening shampoo, this mild conditioner is lightweight in texture, leaves hair moisturized and hydrated, and has the calming scent of lavender oil. A blend of mandarin oil, aloe Vera juice oil and glycerin provides hair with repairing and restorative benefits.

Hydrating Lip and Cheek Balm: A distinctive blend of organic Shea butter, bees wax and jojoba oil hydrates and moisturizes lips and cheeks. This balm is infused with a light lavender scent and specially formulated with natural vitamin E to protect sensitive skin.

Indulging Body Butter: A rich, buttery moisturizer providing an intensive dry skin treatment, this body butter has a lightweight texture for quick absorption. Highly moisturizing with a blend of organic Shea and cocoa butter, as well as soothing aloe Vera and almond oil, this special formulation leaves skin hydrated and soft. For ultimate relaxation, it is lightly fragranced with a blend of revitalizing orange and sensual ylang ylang.

Aromatherapy is another added plus of the Maclaren Beginning line. Whether it’s the relaxing scent of lavender, or the energizing burst of mandarin orange, they have done a great job of using just the right amount of scent. I don’t use scented things very often because I can get overwhelmed by smell. The natural scents in Maclaren Beginning are just right.

Check out MaclarenBaby.com to try out these products. You can also find them at some other online stores. Perfect for new moms, baby shower gifts, and more!

MomStart is an Ambassador for Maclaren and received products for review.

About Ashley: Ashley is the president of our local MOMS Club. Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and writes her own blog at Momicles.

HappySqueeze and HappyMorning Smoothies from Happy Baby

September 25, 2011 by Momstart 24 Comments

So here’s a true story. This past weekend was our local MOMS Club Garage Sale. To some, that may not sound like much, but for me, it meant a crazy-busy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If I was rich and famous, I could’ve just left Atticus (my little guy) with the nanny… sadly I’m not rich nor famous. That meant he had to tough it out with me. I had received some samples from Happy Baby literally one day before the mayhem began… and they came in handy to save the day TWICE!

On Thursday, I was bouncing around from place to place with baby boy in tow. He was such a trooper! Then lunchtime hit. I was out and couldn’t get back home. I wanted to make sure he got something healthy to eat though. I didn’t want to do the drive thru window, super greasy food for Atticus or myself (even though it would’ve been faster… and easier). So we pulled into a local grocery store where there is a small café. We ordered a chicken meal to share… but wouldn’t you know it? Atticus decided to put aside all veggies and proteins and not really eat (HIGHLY unusual for this guy). Lucky for me, I had the oh so handy HappySqueeze Organic Super Smoothie (Super Orange + Pumpkin W/Mangosteen to be exact) ready and waiting in my bag. He sucked that thing down in about 1 minute flat. I had to put some of it in a bowl and let him spoon it out… but whatever it took! He kept snacking on the lunch we had ordered but I felt good knowing he had gotten some “good for him” food. Sure there was a little mess, but he seemed content, full, and “happy!” I was happy knowing that he had taken in some SUPER nutrients.

The very next day, HappyBaby was there again! I was running late (of course) which drives me CRAZY! I knew Atticus needed breakfast, but I needed something FAST! I was literally in the kitchen with Atticus saying “Mmmmmm” and pointing to his chair. That meant there was literally zero time before a hunger meltdown hit. My guy is pretty happy, but when he gets hungry… look out! I still needed to load the car and a million other things, was skipping my own breakfast, but knew I had to feed my boy! “Happy Baby! One of those is for breakfast!” I honestly stopped my flurry through the kitchen and said that outloud. My husband of course had no idea what I meant, but I grabbed the HappyMorning Smoothie (Super Cinnamon to be exact). I handed it over to Atticus and within minutes (with just a little help), he had completed what appeared to be a delicious and most definitely a SUPER nutritious breakfast! I added some banana and a cupful of cereal to snack on in the car, and we were good to go! Not to mention, I was not as late as I thought I was going to be getting the garage sale that morning! Happy baby… AND happy mommy!

As you can bet on with ALL products from HappyBaby, these smoothies were filled with natural, organic ingredients and I knew my baby was getting “good stuff.” Here are some facts from the company:

HAPPYSQUEEZE, available nationally at Target, offers delicious organic nutrition on-the-go, with each pouch packing half of a serving of fruit, six grams of protein, two grams of fiber and a good source of omega-3, with 90-100 calories. HAPPYSQUEEZE will be available in three flavors: Pom, Apple + Peach, Yumberry + Apple, and Orange + Pumpkin.

Thanks to HappyBabyFood.com for product images.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and a very active member of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

Jenerations Baby Collection: Organic Shampoo, Lotion, Gel, and Conditioner

June 3, 2011 by Momstart 3 Comments

Founded by hairstylist and salon owner, Jennifer Reilly, jenerations baby enables mothers to feel comfortable in developing healthy hair and body care regimens for their children at a young age while bringing sensitive and organic products to the children’s market. The jenerations baby collection includes shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, body lotion, body wash and soap with prices ranging from $7.00 – $15.00.

I received four samples from jenerations baby and I loved the smell of each of the products.

Jenerations baby Shampoo Bodywash

The shampoo and bodywash is lightly scented completley natural and organic made with extra sensitive mild ingredients. Including extracts of comfrey, chamomile and rosemary giving it that wonderful scent. Plus, NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. Hypoallergenic and physician tested. It’s the ultimate in luxury for your little one!

Jenerations baby Head to Toe Lotion

The baby lotion keeps your child’s skin smooth and silky with a light creamy fresh smell. The lotion has the moisturizing shea butter and sweet almond oil in it giving you a non greasy easy absorbing feel. There is NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. 100% sulfate and paraben free, completely natural and organic, hypoallergenic, and physician tested.

Jenerations baby Hair Gel

The baby hair gel is a great consistency to work with. And yes, I use gel on my kids and even used it on Miles at a very young age. I loved his curls and would do anything to keep them in. This safe children’s hair gel is completely natural and organic, and 100% sulfate and paraben free. Define curls, tame flyaways, or simply create a fun style of your own! Contains NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. Hypoallergenic and physician tested.

Jenerations baby Conditioner No Tangles

Zoe loves to have her hair braided but the tangles kill us both. Or at least they kill our mood. I have to use either a detangler or conditioner. With sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and panthenol, this conditioner adds moisture and shine like none other. 100% sulfate and paraben free, completely natural and organic, hypoallergenic, physican tested, and with NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels.

Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Granola $250 Shopping Spree Giveaway

May 19, 2011 by Momstart 5 Comments

It’s really not a secret that we, at Mom Start, love Nature’s Path Organic Foods. So we’re very happy and proud to announce their Hemp Plus Granola has been nominated for the Best Granola in the Vegetarian Times Foodie Awards 2011.

Now Nature’s Path needs your help to have their Hemp Plus Granola win the Vegetarian Times BEST GRANOLA category. I’ve voted for them and some of my other favorites, and you can too. For simply voting you’re eligible to win a $250 grocery shopping spree.

If you haven’t tried Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Granola, go grab a box at your local retailer. Hemp is a green product (no pun intended) as it is sustainable resource. Hemp is very nutritious; the flax and hemp seeds enhance the Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Granola cereal nutrition with 600mg of Omega-3 fatty acids and 1800mg of Omega-6 fatty acids. Inside you’ll find –rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, soy oil*, brown rice flour*, flaxseeds*, hemp seeds* oat syrup solids* (oat syrup soilds*, topopherols), sea salt, molasses*. *organic

If you’re interested in the results then get a Vegetarian Time subscription or remember to pick up your copy of Vegetarian Times at newsstands when the Foodie Awards winners are announced in the October 2011 issue.

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Tasty Treat Thursday Nature’s Path Organic SmartBran Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe

May 5, 2011 by Momstart 7 Comments

These don’t look healthy … but they aren’t as naughty for you as alternatives. These are supposed to be coated with chocolate on top, but I feel less guilty (though I use the same amount of chocolate) stirring in all the chocolate chips to make this cake look more muffin-like.

These cakes also aren’t very sweet. I really like them (and so does my husband and his colleagues). If you’re looking for a great little snack for you and some mommy friends, this is it! Nature’s Path Organic’s SmartBran can be eaten as a cereal or used in baking. I’ve used SmartBran in the Diane Hendrik’s Strawberry Cheesecake crust I made earlier this year, and I got this recipe off the box. You can find other SmartBran recipes on the Nature’s Path Recipes on their site, as well as other recipes using their other products.

I think using Nature’s Path in cooking is an easy way to make healthier choices if you enjoy baking.

Nature’s Path Organic SmartBran Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

¹/₃ cup vegetable oil, plus ½ tablespoon for greasing muffin liners
1 cup vanilla soymilk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups SmartBran Cereal
¾ cup unbleached white flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup chocolate chips, divided
½ cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (optional)
12 walnut halves

DIRECTIONS:

1. Set the rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350^oF. Place paper liners in 12 muffin cups. Brush liners with oil.

2. Combine the soymilk and vinegar and set aside to curdle. Grind SmartBran cereal into flour in a food processor or spice grinder. (You should have a scant cup.)

3. In a large bowl, blend the ground cereal, flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using) baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips.

4. In a bowl, beat the sugar and 1/3 cup of oil together for 2 minutes. Add the soymilk-vinegar mixture and beat until well combined.

5. Fold the liquid into the dry ingredients just until blended. Do not over mix. Divide the batter among the prepared cups. Gently pat the tops with your fingers to smooth them off. Distribute the remaining chocolate chips on top.

6. Bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the pans back to front and continue baking until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 8 to 10 minutes longer. Transfer the cupcakes from the pan to a cooling rack.

7. Working quickly, use a spatula to spread the melted chips into an even coat on top of each cupcake. Gently press a walnut half into the middle.

8. Cool to room temperature. Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool place for up to 3 days.

MY CHANGES:

1. I didn’t use the extra ½ tablespoon for oil for the muffin liners. I didn’t seem to have a problem peeling the paper.

2. We don’t buy or use soy milk so I used fat-free cow’s milk. After the milk has curdled, I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

3. I didn’t divide the chocolate chips. I just poured them all into the batter and mixed. Like I’d said, this gives more of a muffin-feel than cupcake as there isn’t a “frosting”.

4. I didn’t add the espresso since I don’t like coffee, and instant is really in sin here in Seattle.

5. I didn’t add the nut to the top so that people with nut allergies could enjoy them too.

About Summer:

Talking Rain Twist A Great Organic Beverage

May 4, 2011 by Momstart 1 Comment

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) seems to be missing our spring but I’m hoping summer will hit us in full force soon. When it does I always have a park play date bag packed and ready to go. One of my must-haves is bottled water. For regular water I simply refill my own plastic bottles, but when I want something new I enjoy twist from the TalkingRain beverage company.

My husband’s company provides complementary beverages for the employees as one way of lifting company morale. When we first moved to the PNW and he began work, there was a can in the coolers I’d never seen — it was TalkingRain. It’s no surprise TalkingRain would be popular in the Seattle area since its home base is in Preston, Washington. But TalkingRain twist offers the healthier options I know our country is looking for when making drink selections. Twist is a USDA certified organic, low-calorie (less than 10 per serving), non-carbonated, preservative-free, all natural premium water. TalkingRain waters include the perfect blend of juice and fruit essences without artificial ingredients and sweeteners. For a hint of sweetness, TalkingRain twist is made with agave nectar.

twist comes in six flavors: lemon, Mandarin White Tea, Mango Acai, pomegranate Blueberry, West Indies Lime, and Wild Strawberry. These plastic bottles fill at 19oz for $1.29 – $1.49. You can purchase Talking Rain twist from Amazon or find a Talking Rain store in your area to grab a bottle. TalkingRain also offers Sparkling ICE, Botanicals, and airwater.

You can find TalkingRain on their site and you can Like Talking Rain on Facebook (They currently have only 122 fan … Can Mom Start readers get them to 200? Like them and tell them we sent you!).

About Summer:

Every Day is Earth Day Nature’s Path Cereal Giveaway

April 28, 2011 by Momstart 127 Comments

At Nature’s Path every day is Earth Day! What’s so earthy about Nature’s Path?

Nature’s Path offers only organic products. It’s in their logo!

When you get Nature’s Path you get No GMOs. Nature’s Path products have passed a rigorous, independent verification process and have the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal. (GMOs are genetically modified organisms.)

Nature’s Path is in the community by helping put organic gardens across the US by partnering with Organic Gardening magazine on the “Gardens for Good Grants” contest. The Grant is an effort to “plant it forward” in which deserving communities are selected to receive $25,000. In addition, Nature’s Path donations products to help fill the panties of local food banks. Last year Vallejo People’s Garden in Vallejo, CA and Damayan Garden Project in Tallahassee, FL were awarded the “Gardens for Good Grants”. If you’re in a place that could benefit from this year’s grant stay posted to the Nature’s Path site.

Nature’s Path box and bags are sustainable packaging –Eco-Pacs and EnviroBoxes. Both the boxes and bags are recyclable. Eco-Pacs, which is a number four recyclable plastic, use 66% less packaging than traditional cereal brands and use no cardboard. EnviroBoxes which reduces the packaging by 10% by sizing wrappings better to the product.

Nature’s Path is having a contact about what people do to make everyday Earth Day. Join in and win. Starting to eat organic can be your new thing … And it’s as easy as winning the Nature’s Path Organics prize pack (featured above) — a box of each the Crunchy Maple Sunrise, Love Crunch and Pumpkin-n-Spice Granola Bars — here on Mom Start.

Enter to Win:

Crunchy Maple Sunrise delivers an organic blend of corn, rice, flax, quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth. It is a sweet and nutritious option for those avoiding gluten, but don’t worry, with yummy maple flavor, there’s plenty of great taste for everyone at the breakfast table!

Nature’s Path Love Crunch is the perfect marriage between the whole grain goodness of flax granola; the sweetness of strawberries and the tartness of raspberries; and the decadence of coconut and dark chocolate chunks. Inspired by a true-life love story and philanthropic endeavor, Love Crunch was created by Arjan Stephens, son of Nature’s Path’s founder, and his wife, Rimjhim as a wedding favor for those who helped celebrate their marriage. In lieu of wedding gifts, the two asked guests volunteer in their communities. Now a limited edition cereal sold at Whole Foods, for every box of Love Crunch sold, Nature’s Path will donate $1 – up to $25,000 – to the Whole Planet Foundation to help empower poor women around the world to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Pumpkin-n-Spice Granola Bars are a flavorful organic snack option sure to satisfy any craving with mineral-rich roasted pumpkin seeds, Omega-3 rich flaxseeds and a dash of cinnamon. Proving good things really do come in small packages; the new bars are packaged in a more sustainable box with 36% less cardboard, saving 472,000 gallons of water and 46 tons of waste yearly.

To win:

Like the Nature’s Path Organic Foods company, tell us how you plan to celebrate Earth Day all year long in the comments section?

Extra Entries:

Enter the Nature’s Path Contest on THEIR website for a year’s worth of cereal

Like Nature’s Path on Facebook

Follow Nature’s Path on Twitter @NaturesPath

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Every Day is Earth Day with @NaturesPath & @momstart Win a Nature’s Path Cereal/Snack Package #Giveaway http://bit.ly/mztGkk

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This giveaway ends May 16th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure – Nature’s Path is continuing to fight hunger in my community. For the writing of this article Nature’s Path has graciously given my MOMS Club of Woodinville, WA chapter boxes of cereal for our “Box Out Hunger” cereal drive to end hunger for school kids not receiving school’s free or reduced meals during the summer months. The Nature’s Path donated boxes of cereal, boxes collected for the MOMS Club of Woodinville members and any boxes of cereal provided by the community will be donated to the Maltby Food Bank. However, any opinions expressed above are my own and are NOT influenced by compensation.

About Summer:

Final Organic Challenge: You Are What You Eat Giveaway

April 20, 2011 by Momstart 200 Comments

Summer and I have been participating in an Organic Challenge, and well honestly, she’s been doing most of the work. I LOVE you Summer truly I do!! Over at Baby Center, there is a forum all about living organic and feeding your baby, and children organically. They talk about all kinds of things, like formula feeding organically to buying organic produce. I haven’t participated as much in the forum as I should, because it’s a wealth of organic information just waiting for all of us. So go check out the Easy Organic Living program, that happens to be co-hosted by Healthy Child Healthy World and Baby Center with Stonyfield as the sponsor.

4/20 CHALLENGE: You are what you eat – so what are you eating?

By Summer!

Our modern diet is more complicated than ever before. More and more families are choosing natural and organic foods to protect their family’s health. You can too by taking simple steps.

Your challenge: Spend a few minutes this week learning about your food. Read a label!

Directions:

Pick at least one convenience food your family often eats.

Read the entire label. What health claims are being made? Do you know what they mean? What are the ingredients? Do you recognize them?

Next time you’re at the store, look for a product that has the USDA Organic Seal. What are the ingredients? Do you recognize them?

I am a label reader. I like to know what’s in my food and I chose whether or not I want to purchase what’s inside my food. I even read the labels provided in the books are my deli counter and bulk food bins before purchasing new products. When I first started it took a lot of time. If you’re just now starting to read labels, I recommend going to the store later in the evening without your children. There are fewer shoppers and fewer distractions, so it’s easier to have your cart sit in one place while you have 2 or more processed foods off the shelf and in hand for comparison.

My choice for this project was macaroni and cheese. This is one of the major processed food we purchase often and in bulk. My kids love it so much we purchase mac and cheese from Costco. Costco use to carry the Annie’s Classic Mac & Cheese, but my local Costco store no longer carries it so we’ve started purchasing the Kirkland Signature brand over the alternative offered at Costco, Kraft.

The first thing I inspect on a label is the ingredients. I don’t like fully or practically hydrogenated oils also known as Trans Fats. I also don’t like high fructose corn syrup also known as corn sugar. I prefer foods without dyes, added color, or flavors (unless done so naturally, which is listed on the label). Those rules stand firmer when I’m purchasing for my kids.

The ingredients:

Kirkland Signature – ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (semolina (wheat) flour, wheat flour, niacin [vitamin B3], iron (ferrous sulfate), thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], riboflavin [vitamin B2], folic acid [vitamin B9]), WHEY, NONFAT MILK, RICE FLOUR, PURIFIED SEA SALT, WHEAT STRACH, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, CHEDDAR CHEESE (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), SOYBEAN OIL, PAPRIKA EXTRACT (color), TURMERIC EXTRACT (color).*

Annie’s – ORGANIC WHEAT MACARONI, CHEDDAR CHEESE (cultured pasteurized milk, salt, non-animal enzymes), WHEY, BUTTERMILK, SALT, CREAM, NATURAL FLAVOR, NATURAL SODIUM PHOSPHATE, ANNATTO EXTRACT (for natural color).**

Kraft – ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (durum wheat flour, wheat flour, niacin [vitamin B3], ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate [vitamin B1], riboflavin [vitamin B2], folic acid [vitamin B9]), CHEESE SAUCE MIX (whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, salt, calcium carbonate, sodium tripolyphosphate, cantains less than 2% of citric acid, sodium phosphate, lactic adic, milk, yellow 5, yellow 6, enzymes, cheese culture).***

Further ingredient investigations:

What are semolina and durum flours? Semolina (Triticum Durum) is not truly a grain, but is the milled endosperm of Durum Wheat. Semolina is most commonly used in the manufacturing of pasta. Semolina is high in Gluten therefore, it is high in protein.^[1]

What is sodium phosphate? Sodium phosphate is a generic term for the salts of sodium and phosphoric acid.^[2]

What is calcium carbonate? Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound. It is a common substance found in rock in all parts of the world, and is the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, pearls, and eggshells. Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime, and is usually the principal cause of hard water. It is commonly used medicinally as a calcium supplement or as an antacid, but excessive consumption can be hazardous. ^[3]

What is sodium triphosphate? Sodium triphosphate is an inorganic compound. It is produced on a large scale as a component of many domestic and industrial products, especially detergents.^[4]

What is Yellow 5? Also known as tartrazine. A study commissioned by the UK’s Food Standards Agency found that when used in a mixture of other preservatives, increased levels of hyperactivity in children were observed. Many foods contain tartrazine in varying proportions, depending on the manufacturer or the cook in charge, although nowadays the trend is to avoid it or substitute a non-synthetic dyeing substance.^[5]

What is Yellow 6? Also known as Sunset Yellow FCF. Yellow 6 is a synthetic yellow dye, manufactured from petroleum. Although there are reports it can induce an allergic reaction, this is not confirmed by scientific research.^[6]

The claims:

Kirkland Signature – “Our all-natural cheese sauce is made from real cheddar cheese.” *

Annie’s – “Good source of Calcium; Good Source of Protein; Good Source of Vitamin B1; Good Source of Folic Acid; 0g Trans Fat; 100% real cheese”** “Made with organic pasta; NEW: Classic Mild Cheese Taste!; No Artificial Anything!”*

Kraft – “Good, sharp cheddar cheese; Mixed with macaroni and browned lightly on top; Golden rod powder sauce mix” “Now even cheesier! That’s why more kids and moms love the one in the blue box. Right down to the bottom of the bowl.” ***

Both Annie’s and Kraft offer whole wheat and organic options in addition to other dietary options such as Annie’s makes rice noodles. For this review and research I have basically compared parallel products.

For my own family we’re going to convert to homemade versions and buy less Macaroni & Cheese in bulk boxes.

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References:

*Retrieved personally from the box.
** Retrieved from the Annie’s wedsite. [http://annies.elsstore.com/view/product/popup/?id=36272]
*** Retrieved from the Amazon Fresh website. [http://fresh.amazon.com/product?asin=B000PXZZQG&qid=97271793&rank=1&sr=1-1&tag=title]

1. http://www.purcellmountainfarms.com/Semolina%20Flour.htm 16 April 2011
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_phosphates 16 April 2011
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_carbonate 16 April 2011
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_triphosphate 17 April 2011
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartrazine 17 April 2011
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Yellow_FCF 17 April 2011

About Summer: