BBMReview

All Hail Whole Grain Pop-Tarts

When the opportunity came up to review Whole Grain Pop-Tarts, I jumped at the chance.  I used to love Pop-Tarts...the way you toast them up and get that hot, gooey, sugary filling (okay, that usually burns your mouth, but it just doesn't matter...) and the way you eat mostly the inside where the filling is and the yummy icing on top and leave the "crusts" for the birds.  I haven't had one in years and my son has never experienced them.  Mostly because we eat too much sugar throughout the day, I just didn't want to start his day with that.  But, when you add Whole Grain to the package, I'm willing to be persuaded.

Sometimes, adding the whole grain element can change the texture and flavor for the worst.  In this case, well, it's just not the case.  I like the Whole Grain Pop-Tarts far better than the classic Pop-Tarts.  The icing is drizzled on the top and not in one solid chunk of sugar...the less sweet flavor makes the rest of the Pop-Tart taste delicious.  The best part of them?  When you toast them up, they get kind of crispy and it really brings out the taste of the filling.   

We tried both the Brown Sugar Cinnamon and the Strawberry.  I am a huge cinnamon fan with anything, so this was my favorite, but the Strawberry was yummy, too.  My son, who usually favors strawberry, liked the Brown Sugar Cinnamon more, too. 

The biggest negative to the product is that the second and third ingredients are corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup.  If you're trying to avoid those, you're out of luck on this one. 

Although I haven't yet looked in my local grocery stores for them, you can search on their website, www2.kelloggs.com, to find a store near you.  In my area, the local chain grocery store carries it as well as our local Target.  So, it's apparently out there and easy to get.  And I will be getting...

So, while it still may not be the most healthful breakfast food on the market, with 1 1/4 servings of whole grains in it, it's a better alternative to much of what is out there.  Just talking about it makes me want one and I think I will indulge. 

I give Whole Grain Pop-Tarts Brown Sugar Cinnamon and Strawberry a

Breakfast Breaks

I admit...at three years of age, we are already doing breakfast on the go.  Well, not on my watch, but when I am at work and my Hubby has to do the morning duties, breakfast is more often than not on the go.  Usually it consists of dry cereal or a waffle, no syrup.  This phenomenon may be a thing of the past.

Breakfast Breaks is here.  This nifty new product is perfect for families on the go (or daddies who sleep too long and don't have time to fix their kiddos breakfast).  Packaged in these cute little briefcase-like boxes, my son loved playing with the box and pretending to be daddy.  Included in each box are a variety of breakfast foods.  We received two boxes...one had a strawberry Fruit & Grain bar, a package of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and an Minute Maid Apple Juice box.  The other contained an Apple Cinnamon Fruit & Grain Bar, Honey Nut Cheerios, and a Minute Maid Apple Juice Box.   These are all staple breakfast foods for us so to have them all in the same place is super convenient.  Each box also includes a spoon, a napkin, and a moist towelette. Great for eating and cleaning up on the go!

The downfall to these little packs is twofold-the juice is warm and there's no milk for the cereal.  While these are problems, my son didn't comment on the juice's temperature and we more often than not eat cereal dry in our house.  I also think that school-age children would be able to buy milk before school since most schools have a breakfast program now. 

I'm excited to have the Breakfast Breaks for any road trips.  My little guy is not a morning person and usually waits to eat breakfast.  When we leave on an early morning trip, he won't eat and then will be "so hungry" once we are on the road.  This is the perfect way to have breakfast without having to stop and take more time out of our travels. 

You can get lots more info on the Breakfast Breaks website http://www.breakfastbreaks.com/.  You can check out where to buy Breakfast Breaks and the kids can even play some games.  This is a great concept, but because of the couple of downfalls, I give it:

Hooray for Yoplait!

We love Yoplait in our house.  I have always been a fan of the Custard Style, now called Thick and Creamy, yogurt in my lunches.  When my son moved out of the whole milk phase in his life, we moved over to Yoplait Kids yogurt.  It was an easy transition.  I recently was lucky enough to receive a box of yogurt and yogurt drinks-it was a happy day.

I have tried yogurt drinks in the past when they first came out.  They always kind of grossed me out.  The texture was thick and chunky and the  yogurt taste was just plain weird in drink form.  Yoplait Kids yogurt drinks have changed all that.  I think that my son and I are probably going to be fighting over these in the fridge.  The drinks come in four flavors with four characters on the bottle to help entice finicky children.  Dora markets the Strawberry flavor, Diego the mixed berry, The Backyardigans the banana, and Blue's Clues the strawberry-banana.  We tried the mixed berry-the smell was wonderful and the taste was very flavorful.  You could barely tell it was a yogurt drink.  Since then, we have bought the Strawberry-Banana and it's just as delicious.  We're anxious to try the other two.  The drinks are a great on-the-go snack.  It's sure to fill up your kiddo and keep them going until their next meal.

Our fridge is always stocked with the Yoplait Kids yogurts.  I take them in my lunch...people at work always chuckle a little, "Oh, need to go to the grocery store, huh?  Stealing from your kid's lunchbox?"  My lunch buddies think they're pretty funny.  Truth is, I buy them for both my son and myself.  I love that they have less suger in them.  This less sugary taste tastes so much better than regular yogurts.  Besides the appealing 9 grams less of sugar than other brands, they also contain vitamins A and D, protein, and Omega-3 DHA.   The yogurts come 2 flavors in a pack of 6-strawberry/strawberry vanilla, vanilla/banana, and peach/strawberry banana.

What I like the most about these yogurts is the texture.  My son is super-sensitive to texture.  It is very difficult to find yogurts that don't have fruit chunks in them.  Yoplait has clearly thought of this, too.  The texture is thick and creamy and no chunks!!  For beginning eaters, the thick texture makes it a lot easier to keep on the spoon.  And yes, it makes it easier for me, too. 

You can get a free coupon for Yoplait Kids just by going to www.yoplaitkids.com.  There is also a ton of information on there to help you understand their product and feed your children nutritiously.  Check it out and get a free coupon while you're at it!

Because I love this product not only for my son, but also for myself, I give it a:

Breakfast Breaks

For kids, anything new is exciting.  Anything that comes in its own carrying case is especially enthralling, especially when that box contains food.  My girls. . . they can eat.

Breakfast Breaks are these handy packages, complete with carrying handle, that contain most of what your child needs to have a nutritious breakfast.  Each package contains a sealed cereal bowl, a juice box, an additional item like a breakfast bar or package of raisins, plastic utensils, a napkin and a moistened wipe. Breakfast Breaks come in four varieties: Cheerios, Honey-nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  Each package has varying items that accompany the cereal. 

My girls tried the Honey-Nut Cheerios and the Cinnamon Toast Crunch boxes.  They both thought it was really cool that their breakfast came in a handy box. 

Breakfast Breaks are being marketed as an on-the-go nutritious breakfast.  One does have to make some compromises in using them though.  First, since refrigerated breakfast bars and cereal aren't really standard, one must accept the fact that the juice will be lukewarm.  My kids didn't really seem to mind this, and I doubt most would.  I just thought that might be a slight thumbs down for the Breakfast Breaks.

The other issue is that each box comes with dry cereal.  One has to provide milk in order to make the whole thing work.  Granted, many kids will gladly eat dry cereal, but milk isn't really an on-the-go drink and combined with cereal?  The only place I want a bowl of cereal going for my kids is on the table with a sink and paper towels nearby.

I'm guessing that those marketing Breakfast Breaks are planning on kids taking them to school in the morning and purchasing a milk to use with their Breakfast Breaks.  They would also be handy to take along in the car when you have to get moving in the morning, without the milk of course. 

Although my kids found them to be wildly exciting, I'm not sure that I really do.  I think it would probably be just as easy to throw a juice box, a baggy of dry cereal and a breakfast bar or raisins in a paper back or lunch box.  I'm not sure what the cost breakdown would be to put one together yourself versus buying a Breakfast Break, because I'm not all that into math, but I'll bet you I could put my own together for less money.  Breakfast Breaks sell for $2.49/package for 2 for $4.  Of course, one has to remember that you're paying for the convenience of not having to put something together. If you'd like more information or to find out where you can purchase them, you can do so here.

Although my kids were overjoyed, I'd have to say that I'm sort of lukewarm on the whole Breakfast Breaks thing.  I can see using them time to time, but I don't really see the necessity to use them on a daily basis.  For these reasons, BBM gives Breakfast Breaks. . .

Froose Juice

Or is that Froose Joose?  I won’t lie that the mere name of this makes us giggle here at our house.  The silly name along with the cute little moose mascot, Milton, on the box made my skeptical three year old take the juice box without hesitation.   I watched closely for any reaction that precedes the usual gagging and spitting out of any offensive edible material—I am happy to report that none was found. 

My son happily gulped down drank the 4.2 fl. oz. juice box filled chockfull of nutritious ingredients.  The difference between Froose and other juice boxes is the ingredient list.  Froose is low in sugar, containing organic brown rice syrup (who knew this even existed?!) instead of the devil of sugars, high fructose corn syrup.  The 3 grams of fiber are great in our house where, well, we need a little extra fiber to assist with our adventures on the potty.  The all natural ingredients make a mom feel better in an increasingly scary food world.  And there seems to be very little of that “other stuff” that I can’t pronounce which is never a good thing.

My son’s favorite was the Cheerful Cherry (his exact words, "Yummy in my tummy!"), but all three flavors, Cheerful Cherry, Playful Peach, and Perfect Pear, were readily sought out.  I myself tried the Perfect Pear and Playful Peach and thought both tasted almost exactly like the real fruit-no fake candy-like taste here.  The texture was a bit thick, but not enough to stop a texture-conscious three-year-old. 

There are two problems with Froose.  Currently, it is only sold via the Internet at www.froose.com .  To offset the costs for you, the company provides free shipping on cases of two or more, and really, why not go for two or more?  The other downfall is the price.  For 40 boxes, you will pay $30.  I am willing to pay more for a better product, but for me, I’d rather just give my son water rather than anything with sugar, especially if I am paying $ .75 a box.  This is not to say I won’t buy, just that I will probably think twice. 

Overall, I was delighted with this product.  I hope the Froose people are looking into selling in stores sometime in the near future.  They have created a kid-friendly, mom-loving product!  I give it a:

Yoplait Kids Yogurt

I would like to be able to tell you from personal experience how delicious Yoplait Kids yogurt is, but I can't do that.  I can't tell you because I have absolutely no clue.  My kids ate every last bit of those yogurts before I had a chance to get even a taste.  I'm not sure if it was the Diego packaging or the yummy flavor, but my kids absolutely adored the yogurt. 

The yogurts come in three different variety packs with three different themes.  Dora features strawberry vanilla and strawberry yogurt.  Blue from Blue's Clues features vanilla and banana.  Diego features peach and strawberry banana. 

The best thing about these yogurts is that they have bragging rights by using 25% less sugar than other kids yogurts.  They also contain DHA, one of the essential building blocks of brain power.

Despite my missing out on the yogurt, I did manage to snag one of the yogurt drinks before my kids could chug all of those down.  Diego doesn't really do anything for me personally, but that drink was great.  I've never been a fan of drinkable foods, but Yoplait Kids manages to make a drink that doesn't feel or taste wrong.  It's very much like a smoothie and I enjoyed it greatly, as did the girls. 

The drinks come in strawberry, banana, mixed berry and and strawberry banana flavors.  We tried the mixed berry and there was not a single complaint, not even from me.

To find out more about Yoplait Kids Yogurt, go here.  If you'd like to try the yogurt for free, go here.  For nutritional information, click here. 

For the sheer fact that Yoplait Kids performed a complete vanishing act in this house, BBM gives Yoplait Kids Yogurt. . .

Froose

I made a decision that was going to effect the entire family a few months ago.  There would be no more high fructose corn syrup in this house.  None. Zero. Zilch.

Easier said than done. 

High fructose corn syrup, recently linked to the development of type 1 diabetes (which is why I made my decision), is in just about everything.  It's inexpensive, and works as a sweetener in everything from juices to soda to bread.  Yes bread, even the whole grain variety we had been eating in my house for years. 

There are simply not very many good options when it comes to providing nutritious things for your children, especially when it comes to beverages.  Now that has changed, and I couldn't be more excited to tell you about it.

Froose is a new beverage for kids that is just about as fantastic as you can get.  It comes in three flavors that my kids adore.  They tried Cheerful Cherry and thought it tasted just like a "slushie."  They tried "Perfect Pear" and from that point on, Lil C has been begging for a "green one."  They also tried "Playful Peach" and thought that flavor was pretty fabulous too.

      

Because you can't completely believe a 6-year old and a 2-year old without trying it yourself, I did.  I have to agree with the girls.  The cherry does taste like a slushie and the pear is just plain awesome.  Personally, I wasn't that fond of peach, but I'm not much of a peach fan to begin with.  The girls liked it just fine. 

So here's the cool part about these little fabulous drinks.  They are made with all natural whole food ingredients.  They are naturally low in sugar because they are sweetened with organic brown rice syrup which happens to be a complex carbohydrate.  For those lacking carb knowledge, this basically means that your kid isn't going to get the sugar rush spazz out that often follows other sugary snacks and drinks.  See for yourself:

   

There's more good news too.  Froose contains 3 grams of fiber, lots of vitamins and minerals, and it's even supposed to aid in digestion.  They're also gluten-free and kosher certified. 

The only difference that I could really tell, is that Froose is slightly thicker than your average juice box beverage.  I'm assuming this is from the brown rice syrup used to sweeten it.  It's not super thick nor unpleasant, and it's not noticeable to children.  We only have a couple left in the refrigerator and we got them on Friday! 

My only criticism of the product is that they come in a rather small size (4.23 ounces per box).  Their website states that this is the appropriate serving size for kids and prevents waste.  I can see that.  I just have little slurpers here, so we'll go through quite a few after a strenuous play date. 

The only other issue is that Froose is not yet available in stores.  To purchase, you must go to their website.  A variety pack containing 12 boxes costs $9.00.  A case of 40 juice boxes costs $30.00.  If you order two or more cases, shipping is free.  If you want to order a sample pack or only one case, you'll pay just $4.95 for shipping.  Not bad.

There is finally a healthy alternative to the juice box.  For that reason, BBM gives Froose:

My Fruit Roll-Ups

***Contest give-away!!!  Keep READING for one of three chances to win!"

February 14, 2008.

Mark that date on your calendar, because that is the date that I officially become a "cool mom." Every single holiday, my daughter brings home these special treats from kids in her class.  For Christmas, we do nothing; they send home bags and bags of candies and treats.  For Valentine's Day, we did simple Valentine cards; they send home ornate Valentine's complete with bags and bags of treats.  This year, I've got the answer, and it's not even time-consuming or bank-breaking.  It's just plain awesome.

What kid doesn't love a fruit roll-up right?  I mean, they are the freak of nature fruit snack that every kid loves (as do parents because they're not messy).  Now you can customize fruit roll-ups to make them say anything you want them to say.  Wait, I know what you're thinking and yes, they do have Valentine's themed fruit roll-ups.

Here's how you get them.  Go here and start having some fun.  You can design your very own fruit roll-ups.  You can use pictures, choose your font and even choose the color of the writing and pictures on the roll-up.  My daughter's design features little cupids, hearts that say "be mine" and "Love, Big I."  She is thrilled that she's giving these out and together we just saved a ton of time writing out Valentine's and putting together gift bags.

The customized fruit roll-ups come in packages of 30 and cost $29.99 (plus tax, where applicable).  There's also a nominal shipping fee.  BUT WAIT!

Three lucky readers will be able to get a box of 30 customizable roll-ups for FREE!  Here's what you need to do.  Simply post in the comments below the sweetest Valentine's message you've either sent or received (or, you know, just send me a super sweet Valentine's message).  Three of the sweetest entries will be chosen and you'll be given a promotional code to get your own box of customizable fruit roll-ups (complete with free shipping)!   

You have exactly one week to post your sweet message.  Winner will be notified by Friday, February 1st so that you can get your code and place your order in time for Valentine's Day. 

For making the life of a busy Mom a whole lot easier, and for finally getting me a coveted spot amongst the "cool moms," BBM gives "My Fruit Roll-Ups":

GoYin

When I was contacted to try GoYin, a new herbal infused drink that is about to hit the market, I had flashbacks of Market America-ish beverages.  Years ago, my husband and I were dragged (kicking and screaming-ok, that was me, not him) into Market America and were made to believe that this OPC stuff was the best thing ever.  It wasn't bad.  During college, it was a hangover pick-me-up, consisting mostly of grape seed extract.  The taste was a bit much to handle though.  It was gritty, and had a bite to it.  I expected GoYin to be the same. 

GoYin is not like that at all.  It has a pleasant, albeit very fruity taste, that reminds me of a drink I used to like in college called "papaya punch."  I don't think I would choose it over my cup of coffee in the morning or my iced tea (must always have 14 gallons in the house because if I run out I get cranky), but it is a nice alternative to fruit juices.

The literature included with my samples says that GoYin is a product "based on 5,000 years of Traditional Asian Medicine designed to put our bodies and lives back in balance." Being married to a Clinical Research Manager, he had some "issues" with the study and whether or not there was a placebo effect since the article does not state whether or not the study was done blinded or randomized.  If you'd like to read the study for yourself, you can find that information here.

GoYin boasts the following superfruits and herbs in their product: gac and cili for antioxidant support, rhodiola and schisandra for oxygen-blood levels, mangosteen and durian for cellular communication, tangerine peel and lycium (goji) for enzyme levels, astragalus and coriolus for immune function, seabuckthorn and ginger for inflammation, euphoria longan and lychee for neurotransmitter levels and finally, hawthorn and jujube date for blood flow.  If you would like more information on the herbs, superfruits and their properties, you can find it in the GoYin literature.

With all of these superfruits and herbs, GoYin literature says that consumers decrease tension, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion, while increasing vigor.  Personally, I didn't notice any of these things happening during the few days that I tried the sample product.  The product literature does say that consumers will need to drink GoYin over an extended period to really begin to see the health benefits.  Unlike a lot of other health/wellness/energy drinks, there is no added caffeine, so there are no jittery side effects. 

While it tastes pleasant enough, I was shocked to find out how much it costs.  A 25 oz. bottle sells for $38.00 plus shipping and tax. (AHH!  For that price, I was sort of hoping that it would grow me a new in tact ACL.) Preferred customers and customers using the product monthly are given reward points and free products throughout the year, although I'm not sure how many free products or rewards are given.  If you are interested in finding out more about GoYin, please visit here. You can also contact Jenn Jantzen at jenn at experienceTAM dot com for information about the product.

As far as a juice goes, it has a mild fruity taste that isn't overwhelming or too sweet; but the price of the product is the thing keeping me from giving GoYin a better rating.   

BBM gives GoYin . . .