Fé Fit: Fé Fuel Gluten Free Protein and Energy Bars #Review #FeFit

IMAG2976

When I read Gluten free on a package, I really first think does that mean flavor free too ? So many products advertise a healthier option, however your diet is more based on avoiding to eat it, versus what the product delivers.  Not the smartest way to diet and going hungry because a product tastes so bad is also wasted money.

When I was approached to review the Fé Fuel bars, I liked the flavors and ingredients but I was a little fearful of what would come.  Is it going to be a dry hockey puck like many of these date based bars of today, or is it going to be a mushy mess.  I like dates.  Many products that are gluten free use it as a base for texture, moisture content and fiber intake……many failed at making good flavorful products that I started to question my liking of dates.  I can’t understand how a moist date can become so dry that it sucks any moisture out of your mouth.  Gluten free products should not dehydrate you!
The good news, you know how so many products advertise the “Best of”, well Fé Fit did not lie!  Their Fé Fuel bars are not only great for being Gluten free but I would eat them just because they taste good and have a good amount of nutrition to combat hunger, plus keep you going.
You start with three flavors to choose from and I opted in ordering the multi-pack to keep things interesting (dislike eating the same everyday) and also so I could taste all three bars.  The flavors are not only good tasting but not the typical Peanut Butter this and Chocolate chip that.
  • Coconut Pecan
  • Cacao Nib Almond
  • Apricot Cashew

All bars deliver only 140 calories and the first ingredient is Isolate Whey protein, with 10 grams of protein.  Then comes raw pecans and organic dates.  The aforementioned is the base product and it then expands to the flavors of the bars.  Everything is kept in it’s raw state, making this a Paleo diet friendly bar or for people like me that seek no processing.  Sweeteners range from Organic Coconut Palm sugar, Organic Coconut Nectar, to Organic Coconut Sugar and Raw Honey.  Simple list and the shortest I have seen on an energy/protein bar.  You will recognize everything on Fé Fuel’s ingredient list and it’s always a plus knowing what you are eating.

IMAG2977

Out of the bars I have eaten in any class, and by this I mean gluten filled or not, to different proteins from pea to whey, the Fé Fuel bar kept me the fullest.  It’s hard to comprehend because it’s small in size but it makes an impact.  I felt full and not bloated, just energy that kept me going and a sense of satisfaction.  I was happy because I was not hungry but had energy.  I kept thinking if the bar had enough because it’s 1/2 the size than a typical bar but it kept me feeling better in all areas.  I digested easier and some bars tend to make me feel bloated as I consume water, sort f like they poof inside me as I hydrate.  Not these bars!  Pure energy is all I got with zero unpleasant side effects.  I ate them crushed in yogurt to just grabbing one and going.  The texture is pleasant when eating and each bar tastes like the combination listed in the package.  If I was craving chocolate, the Cacao Nib literally nipped that craving because it had sufficient chocolate to satisfy my indulgence.

IMAG2981

Retail Price Point: $29.99 for a box of 12 bars.  24 bars is prices at $59.98 and 36 bars at $89.97 via the website.  You can save 20% if you subscribe for monthly delivery.  I also found that via Amazon, you can order 12 bars for $19.99!

No matter the diet you follow, these bars have a place in your tummy!  I found the Fé Fuel bars are what I have been looking for because in the end I don’t want hunger to stop me or worse, cause me a headache and I could keep going.  The bars are satisfying and great tasting like they should be. Fé Fit, also has an entire site dedicated to healthier living from fitness and diet plans that break down in 90-Day combo kits.  The Fé Fit company goes beyond just providing nutrition but also a way to change your body into a healthier you that I always find is a bonus and also to look better.  With Summer upon us, you can start eating cleaner and feeling better.

 

Connect with Fé Fit at:

I received the above product(s) free of charge from FeFit.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

Advertisement

Nutraplex: Megaberry Bar #Review #Nutraplex

 

IMAG2682

We are always hunting for new nutrition, energy, supplement……well, you name it type of bars. I like to not only eat bars when I am busy but I actually enjoy eating them when they are done well. That latter part is where many companies seem to forget and it use to be because it was hard to jam real nutrition into bars.  Nowadays, that is not that difficult with so many ingredients coming in powder to liquid form without compromising their nutrition value. You can really amp a bar up without skipping in real nutrition but so many bars out there are what I call fakers! Bars that call themselves nutritional but offer nothing new than being a multi-vitamin disguised in a sugary concoction. I expect more and especially if the company is asking for more price wise.

Nutraplex is a company, which carries a variety of bars that offer energy and nutrition. Their flavors are:

  • Megaberry
  • Pineapple Coconut
  • Pomegranate Cherry
  • Mango Strawberry

I was sent the Megaberry one to try out. Nutraplex describes their product as a, “balanced macro-nutrient ratio, plenty of omegas and fiber”.

IMAG2684

Ingredients: Dates, Chia Seeds, Cranberry (with Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Cashews, Pea Protein, Honey, Raisins, Safflower Oil, Blueberries (with Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Strawberries, Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Raspberries, Acai Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Mixed Tocopherols, and Citric Acid.

IMAG2685

Let’s Break the above down:
The word “macronutrient” just means nutrition that the body needs in a large dose, so Nutraplex bars give you all your nutritional needs in what is really a small portion, which is a good thing. Feel full and have energy but you don’t need to amp calories and/or portions. The Megaberry has protein, which is derived from peas, so it at least breaks away from the soy enriched world so many bars have become. Once source of fiber comes from dates, which you can see from the picture is what makes up a lot of the bar and the word bar is it’s shape, but not exactly it’s consistency. Think of it more as a “soft bar shaped patty”. You have Chia seeds that are great for energy and also expand when wet, so you do feel full. You have acai in powder form, blueberries and strawberries to fill the antioxidant portion of the bar. Mixed Tocopherols and it’s really just an organic compound that helps preserve the bar and it’s oils. Many seeds and the oils they have tend to oxidize with air and light, so this is just Vitamin E used to help prevent (or at least slow down) this natural occurrence.

Retail Price Point: $2.99 per bar via Nutraplex’s site or $44.85 for a carton of 15 bars. I checked with Amazon and they have a price point of $39.45 for the carton.

IMAG2683

Final Verdict:
Yes, the bar is free of gluten and non-gmo ingredients, but I did not see a non-gmo certification listed on the site. Free of high fructose corn syrup, soy and dairy free. You have no dyes or artificial ingredients, plus it’s kosher. The price point is high for ingredients that are not of high value but I am still making the leap that Nutraplex is using higher grades here. Trust me not all Chia seeds are created equal! Even with that in mind, the taste and texture matter. Really matter! You are dealing with simple ingredients and I value that, just not $3 a bar that is not even organic certified. Like I mentioned the bar is in it’s shape and not so much in it’s texture. I opened it and it flops a bit because it’s just ingredients compacted to form a patty…..sort resembles a seed disc for birds. Very soft and chewy and you taste berry seeds but not a burst of berry fruit notes. Think of raspberry seeds, strawberry seeds, the chia seeds and so forth but packed into a date and maybe some raisin batter. I did not find it pleasing and I’m all for the “naked bars” out there. I don’t need a coating of faux chocolate or a oat/granola filling to respect the bar but if you say berry, I expect well a berry slap of flavor. This was too date-y for me and I like dates but when you mush, grind, pulverize and so forth…….the individual flavors start to get muted and I like energy and nutrition, but I still believe you should like what you are eating to some degree other than it’s just good for you. I would walk out with a berry bag of dried (unsweetened) fruit with the same ingredients in cluster form versus the mashed-up form any day. I only tasted the berry one and maybe the other flavors will be better at covering the the date and raisin base. I just think 190 calories (70 from fat) and at only 6 grams of protein, is not worth the exchange or will equate a bunch of energy. You also have 21 grams of sugars and the vitamin content is low with none from vitamin A, 4% of Vitamin C, 10% of calcium and 10% of iron. Sunflower oil is used in the product and with all the fats to choose from in today’s market, I was surprised and again when looking at the list……maybe my idea of “macro-nutrition” means something else because Nutraplex’s bar did not (in my opinion) offer enough macro in their Megaberry bar!  It has nutrition but pretty low for energy and the nutritional facts say it all.  I just don’t understand the price tag when so much is missing.

 

Connect with Nutraplex at:

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Nutraplex.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Teeccino: Organic Herbal Coffee in Chocolate, Dandelion Caramel Nut, Hazelnut, French Roast and Vanilla Nut #Review

IMAG0503

Like most people, I enjoy coffees, trying alternatives to old favorites, and even different flavors and mixes. So many brands, styles, fair trade, even proprietary delivery cups…..it’s not so easy just picking out what to buy. I tried several decaffeinated coffees and only one has ever been able to fool me and actually quench my craving for a real cup of coffee.

In comes Teeccino with a whole new look on what you can do with coffee. Teecino calls their large array of coffee products, an “Herbal Coffee alternative” and some come in what I what call tea bags. Most flavors are Organic and don’t shy away when you see their products labeled as Naturally Caffeine Free. I thought this was a play of words and that I would not be happy and much less satisfied to start or end my day with a Teeccino cup, but just opening a packet made me think otherwise. I was 50% a fan before I took a sip or even boiled the water. They had me hooked on just how good the packet smelled. It smelled delicious and I figured I can proceed forward because this experiment can go easily into me just finding the best smelling aromatherapy cup on the market! One way or the other, Teeccino would get used. The company sent me a beautiful assortment of flavors:

  • Chocolate in a Dark Roast
  • Hazelnut in a Medium Roast
  • Dandelion Caramel Nut in a Medium Roast
  • Dandelion in a Dark Roast

They also go beyond one-serving tea bags, as you also can get 6 cup servings. I was sent two flavors to try in the larger pack variety:

  • Vanilla Nut in a Medium Roast
  • French Roast in a Dark Roast

I began by trying a one cup serving in Hazelnut. The aroma is intense and so inviting! Just simply delicious. As the water boiled, I flipped the packet and started reading. Teeccino, states you get the same satisfaction without the caffeine and acidity from coffee. I know what they are talking about because sometimes it can be too early or even too late in a day for me to enjoy a cup and the acidity can be a turn off at those hours. My Hazelnut bag contains Organic Carob, Chicory, Dates, Almonds, Organic Figs and Natural Hazelnut flavor. Very simple and I hear the tea kettle calling me.

IMAG0775

I shake the bag and pour the water in. You can instantly smell…..well, coffee. It scent fills the room and it’s colors start filling the cup like any instant coffee would react. Still smells good, so nice to know my flavor is not just all in the packaging 🙂

I allow the cup to …….hmmm, shall we call it steep or brew? Let’s say the “tea-bag” soaks for 5 minutes, as it says in the directions to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. You make sure to dunk the bag several times in the beginning to get the best brew. You can add milk, non-dairy milk, creamers, even any sweetener you wish. I always taste before adding anything no matter what I’m drinking. I sip and this tastes like a nice Hazelnut flavored cup of coffee should taste. It’s not bland and full of burned, nutty notes but smooth. I see exactly what Teeccino means by being non-acidic. The roast was medium like listed and I added nothing to it. Yes, it was that good.  I liked not having the calories associated with sweeteners or creamers. I missed nothing and this is coming from the girl that will take out a french press to make 2 cups of coffee just right and doesn’t care if I am cleaning it at midnight. I have to clean nothing and just wait for water to boil. I’m hooked!

IMAG0780

Later that week, I had all the flavors and recommend them all! There was nothing I did not like and some I added just a touch of honey, like with the Dandelion Caramel Nut variety. Teeccino’s blends also provide benefits like antioxidants, fiber to natural sources of Prebiotics. You get heart healthy potassium and a natural energy boost from nutrients and not stimulants.

IMAG0504

Get your Herbal Coffee fix at:

  • On-line– http://teeccino.com/
  • Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/Teeccino
  • Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Teeccino
  • YouTube– http://www.youtube.com/user/teeccino

IMAG0502

I received the above product free of charge from Teeccino.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

%d bloggers like this: