I have not tasted these little guys but I would be remiss in not sharing this information with you:
They tell me the Sunshine Burger is one of the only companies that offers a gluten-free, soy-free, vegan and
USDA certified organic veggie burger. Only organic whole food ingredients are used, such as raw ground sunflower kernels, brown rice, fresh carrots, herbs and sea salt, all of which (the company is proud to say) consumers can pronounce. Yay!
They went on to share that Organic Sunshine Burgers come in several flavors: Garden Herb, Barbecue, South West, Breakfast and Falafel. All Sunshine Burgers are fully cooked and browned in the oven and come frozen to preserve freshness. Sound easy to me!
You can find these burgers at Whole Foods as well as in many other health food stores and co-ops across the country. They have been busy getting their products out for us consumers.
For more information or recipe ideas, please check out www.sunshineburger.com
Tina Turbin
Uli Mana is a successful company with nothing but positive energy in every handmade product, founded by single mom Theresa Green. My L.A. and Florida gluten-free test group and I had the wonderful opportunity to test these delectable little morsels of yum. Each and every product has the capability to tease one’s taste buds and offers a smooth taste. They are a delicious treat for anyone needing a gluten-free chocolate fix. Who doesn’t have one of those cravings now and then, especially us women! Sorry men, I don’t mean to leave you out of this but there are just those times of the month- “Hey honey, don’t you dare touch MY Uli Mana.”
Not to side track you, but take a peek at the video review of their company.
Theresa Green started her career with Nirvana Manna (renamed later Maca Manna) after expected success with a home recipe passed to a friend at the Natural Foods Expo 2005. Word spread, and she could only grow and expand to incorporating UliMana. Her made-up name is semi-Huna—a Polynesian and Hawaiian science practiced by the aboriginals of those regions. It means asking the goddess Uli, the “Goddess of Serenity,” for the blessings of life force, energy, and vibrant health—“mana.”
All the chocolates used are raw as well as all of her ingredients, offering the raw food community the opportunity to take advantage of the many health benefits of raw chocolate, which reduces blood pressure, contains antioxidants, relaxes muscles (due to the mineral content), and increases insulin activity.
Theresa’s initial products were all sweetened with raw honey, and she featured many Cacao mixes. Two years ago she developed new products as a result of introducing agave into her test kitchen. The result was new versions of truffles, such as Goji Cherry Truffles, Dark Cacao Truffles, and her to-die-for Truffle Butter.
The new truffles were an immediate hit. As Theresa explains, they were an “eat-now” food and did not require any mixing or processing by the consumer except the process of hand-to-the-mouth-and-enjoy. Sales soared.
The manufacturing facility is generously supplied by Blue Ridge Food Ventures, founded by Advantage West, funded by the State of North Carolina to help business. She has access to storage space, a loading dock, shipping and receiving, and even legal and accounting advice. She credits much of her ease in the business’s evolution to the opportunities her state offers through this facility, stating she’s never needed to take out a loan or sell shares of the business.
With the incorporation of UliMana strategically placed on a positive astrological day, Theresa continues to hire only positive people with positive energy, and all products continue to be raw and made by hand. I asked her what we can expect in the coming future, and she openly said a rice syrup version of new delectables to cater to the needs of the macrobiotic consumer, who will be very pleased, she’s sure.
We testers are still raving about Uli Mana and all the handmade treats which passed our palates.
Tina Turbin
This food company is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended by my entire team here at www.GlutenFreeHelp.info
Don’t forget to look at this company’s video review.
We all know Buffalo is gluten-free, but when it comes to sausage patties, beef jerky, and more, we never know exactly what’s in the ingredients. Gluten? Preservatives? The list goes on.
The Buffalo Guys is the best-ever preservative-free buffalo jerky I have ever tested in my test kitchens. It was nice to taste the flavorful blend of spices, meat, and no preservatives! I had no idea what I was missing, and I’m a lover of jerky and have been since I was a child. The products are gluten-free, easy to cook or prepare and absolutely safe for anyone on a gluten restricted diet, celiac of gluten intolerant.
Please see the incredible video review now.
The Buffalo Guys offers a variety of sausages, again without preservatives. I’d say my favorite was the Buffalo Bratwurst. We tested the sausages in a variety of ways—alone, as a side dish to accompany eggs, in a quiche, in a stew, and tossed with grilled vegetables, and in each dish, they added just the right flavor and proper balance of protein. See buffalo recipes we have shared on this website.
Worth mentioning is the fact the meat has far less fat, so it’s cooking properties are different than we’re accustomed to. We found the need to cook on lower heat (and noticed it cooks faster), or else the meat would toughen. In a 100-gram portion of buffalo, there is 2.42 grams of fat. In beef, that number is 11.73 and for pork and chicken, 18.19 and 3.87 respectively.
The filet mignons, New York strip, short and back ribs, and rib-eye were delicious. Each cut had its own unique flavor. The taste is unlike beef, so don’t expect a similarity in flavor. It’s unique, truly worth a try, and we loved it.
The owners of Buffalo Guys take care of their buffalo (aka bison) and have a work ethic and approach based on an education in Alan Savoy’s principle of Holistic Resource and Management, using wildlife-friendly fences, rotational stock grazing, stock water developments, prohibition of non-organic chemical means to solve what could be otherwise managed organically, and never force-feeding any buffalo, for example.
Ken Klemm, one of the owners and m y new friend, explained that the buffalo (technically bison) is to this date is the largest mammal on North America since the Ice Age. It is estimated that before European settlers arrived, there were 30-70 million bison, yet in 1899 less than 1,000 were remaining. The American Bison Society was formed to protect the bison and their land. The National Bison Society and Canadian Bison Society are today carrying forth these efforts to success. The Bison number is over 350,000 and growing.
Ken and his partner chose to raise buffalo because of their ability to naturally forage, their resistance to disease, and they way they naturally balance their own diet, resulting in little to no waste and, hence, the “minimalist system.” Ken goes to say that the ecosystem and buffalo are a harmonious pair. For example, the grassland and the buffalo are in perfect balance, each depending on the other. He states that hogs, sheep, chicken, and cattle are not as suited to the natural world, so they aren’t suited to the “minimalistic system.”
At just one year a typical bison weights 450 pounds, and by 5-6 years a cow weighs nearly 1,000 pounds and a bull 1,500-2,000 pounds. Bison are survivors and Ken and his partners as well as the many other ranchers all recognize and respect this massive animal. Through a business of no waste, they bring to our homes the opportunity to enjoy the Buffalo Guys delicious buffalo products, knowing their healthier, preservative-free, and absolutely delicious. Be sure and try the jerky—out-of-this-world!
Please see the incredible video review now.
Tina Turbin
This food company is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended by me and my testers in my own kitchens as well as my field testers. This is saying a lot! We all loved it. If you have a favorite Bison/Buffalo, please recipe share it now!
After my personal success with Bio-K+, which has their home base in Canada, I reached out to find out more about this company.
Bio-K+ started with two people and a vision, which all merged into a reality. Dr. Francois-Marie Luquet and Mr. Claude Chevalier met over twenty years ago at a dairy industry conference and discussed the health benefits of probiotics. Fast forward many years and their paths crossed again. Dr. Luquet shared his new strains of acidophilus with healing and health benefits. A company evolved.
Dr. Luquet is by no means new to this business. He brought many years of research and development with him from well-known names as Dannon and Activia. This new “strain” and concept was new, unique, and allowed the strains to live in high dosages before getting to work in the body, unlike its predecessors.
Each product contains a proprietary type of L. acidophilus and L. Casei. I was well-informed each behave different—acidophilus more antibacterial, and L. Casei more antiviral, yet when together they can antagonize one another. Bio-K+ has developed a way these strains can survive together, in the manufacturing, in combining, and in refrigerator storage—all until it reaches our system, producing effects well-documented over and over in individual, clinical, and hospital studies. Nothing comes close to these studies in what products I’ve tested and what I’ve read thus far. I am impressed.
The company currently has less than sixty high-quality people in the facility itself overseeing the two-week process it takes to make each and every batch. Currently it’s available in soy (mango flavor), original (unflavored), and fruity (pineapple and vanilla flavor), and soon a rice-based vanilla will be available.
Bio-K+ has a minimum of 50 billion L. acidophilus and L. casei per 3.5-oz. little bottle. Compare for yourself—nothing comes close. I was also sent (and you can read on their website) a number of clinical results and hospital testimonials. The company’s products are superior, and so is its staff.
Note: It was explained to me that the number CL1285 after the name Bio-K+ simply indicates the specific C strain and is just arbitrary, but that the strain is unlike any other available.
This product is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended and I will be on the radio with BioK PLus as well as an supporting an product give-away for four days.
Tina Turbin- founder of www.glutenfreehelp.info.
I have a new absolutely favorite dessert. I feel like I am in the snow and eating clean bright snow as this ice-cream touches my tongue. This magic is the Decadent Coconut Milk Mint ice-cream from Turtle Mountain. No casein and no dairy!
Tonight I was on my way back to my studio in the car, fighting no traffic as my husband and everyone else in the USA ( or so it seemed) was tucked behind the TV watching the SuperBowl. I stopped for a few necessities, such as a dessert to dive into before walking the puppies when I go there. I have tried Turtle Mountain’s Chocolate( delicious) and Vanilla, as this is what my husband always gets us. Tonight it was my choice. I never knew they had Mint! My hubby has been holding out on me. My oh my! How did they know MINT is my absolute favorite ( besides a delicious GF carrot cake with thick cream cheese frosting). I then stopped for a quick meeting with their manager at the Health Food store discussing a GF event I will do and then I had to stop at one other store for another necessity, not so glamorous as a dessert- for Swiffer Sweeper wipes. The puppies are forever tracking in dirt everywhere from the yard with a smile as if this is their job and I appreciate all their hard work.
Anyhow, I got home about 35 minutes after grabbing that little pint of yum- my mint ice-cream. I opened the top, I knew it would be slightly melted but what the heck. Ice-cream is good no matter what. Well, let me tell you, it was perfectly creamy, soft-serve style and the best darn ice-cream I have had in years. No dairy reaction ( all coconut milk) and no sugar shock. It was so minty and had this large very thin shavings of curled chocolate all throughout. Oh my, I can not even describe the experience and I was not even hungry, so that gives it even a greater rating.
This is not a technical food review. This is a moment of bliss that I am still on a high from and had to run in to my studio and share this with you. Please do yourself a favor and take a moment for yourself one day and give this a try. Let me know what you think.
The company has a number of other types of ice-creams but this is by far the BEST one for any mint lover, like me.
Tina Turbin
Good news ! We have gluten-free options at Starbucks.
When Starbucks announced the cancellation of their cake via Twitter this started a petition to bring back the cake. They listened and acted upon this petition and the many calls they received.
All of the gluten-free items they now have offer a longer shelf life. This they hope will lead to less waste and less profit loss. For the full Starbucks gluten-free product list, check out Gluten-Free Philly’s post. There are nut free and dairy free options this time around too.
Starbucks has shared that after the discontinuation of their Valencia Orange cake the gluten-free consumers really expressed a desire for more healthy snacks so they decided to accommodate this need. Yay Starbucks!
It’s is a smart move for Starbucks to accommodate gluten-free, vegan and organic minded consumers with these new food options. Many people will enjoy these products.
I have stopped at a few Starbucks to check them out. I have found ones that do not have the GF items yet. I was told they are getting them, the one in Texas airport told me that it has to do with the heightened security on getting new products in and the one in Clearwater, Florida at Barnes and Noble just did not have them delivered as of yet.
Let me know what you guys find out and if they have Oats or not as I know that Lucy’s ( above) does have oats, be it gf oats though. I still prefer to stay off the oats as much as I can.
ENJOY! Tina Turbin
Watch my video of the JK Gourmet food and book review by clicking here.
Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet is a cookbook offering a clarification to and simplification of the grain-free diet and its health benefits. It also clarifies some specific points regarding the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and offers some well-researched and documented history and evidence concerningthe diet.
Bestselling authors Jodi Bager and Jenny Lass met one day while on a trip to meet with then author Elaine Gottschall, creator of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and started talking recipes and food. They soon collaborated and found that their individual styles complimented each other perfectly.
Jodi says her style is simple and she’s a mom and on the other hand Janet is more scientific and a medical writer. They even like opposites. Jodi prefers family meals and recipes to serve her kids, while Jenny has a bit of a sweet tooth and loves ice cream—hence, the basis of a wonderful assortment to not only satisfy the palate, but an array to fill the many basic needs from breakfasts to dinners, desserts, and kitchen staples, all with a great homemade taste.
For anyone wanting to absorb the premise behind the SCD, this is the book for any reader. You are presented with just what you need to grasp the concepts. I, for one, now understand Elaine’s original book as a result of Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet’s well-written explanations.
The recipes produce without a doubt top-of-the-line, high-quality foods. (Try the cashew butter cookies—with almond flour!) They are packed with nutrition thanks to Jodi’s interests and loaded with “yum” thanks to Jenny.
Don’t forget to watch my video of the JK Gourmet food and book review by clicking here.
Please read more about JK Gourmet at http://www.glutenfreehelp.info/review-food/gluten-free-food-review-jk-gourmet/
Tina Turbin
Bestselling first book
Delicious recipes for healthy living
Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet by Jodi Bagers and Jenny Lass
Can you imagine a sublime brownie-meets-truffle without overpowering sweetness and presented as a piece of art? Well, you can now indulge in this vision in your very home.
Gotta Eat Sweets provides for those with allergies, embodies the aesthetics of Japan, tempts the palate with the finest European chocolate, and has been inspired by the eco-friendly movement. Two unique women united on a golf course to marry their individual talents to produce Truffipops and Truffibites. Oh my, it is truly “food-art,” as I have termed it.
Win a free Gotta Eat Sweets gift on the Contest Page.
All the ingredients are made from scratch. Gotta Eat Sweets roast their own organic nuts, create their own brittles and fruit rinds, grind their own butters, and puree their fruits for their multitude of fruit flavors. You won’t find chemical names listed in any of their ingredients—ever!
The presentation arrived in an earth-tone box with a peek-window on the top, all tied with a satin brown ribbon. I opened the box to behold my first sight of triangular Truffipops. Each unique, large “pop” was perched on a carved bamboo stick. Included were the Truffibites, in well organized bags with fine details of handmade truffles about 1 inch in diameter. I tenderly opened the first bag and had my first bite of Truffi-heaven, unlike any I have ever tasted prior to this moment.
Each flavor of “pop” or “bite” satisfied a taste I didn’t even know I had been longing for and was healthy, lightly-sweet, and beautiful. Search no more for gift-giving ideas! I can’t say enough about this company, these two women, and what they offer—quality, beautiful gluten-free delectables, offering seasonal choices and an abundance of flavors, not one alike. My LA taste team FULLY agrees. Click the following link to watch the full GlutenFreeHelp.info video/review of Gotta Eat Sweets.
Tina Turbin
This FEATURED food company is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended by award-winning author Tina Turbin and founder of www.GlutenFreeHelp.info. Truffihearts from Gotta Eat Sweets is her February 2010 give-away on the Contest Page.
ALLEGAN – Perrigo Co.’sannouncement Monday it will be the first manufacturer in the United States to label more than 200 of its over-the-counter drugs gluten free is drawing mixed reactions.
The problem is the Food and Drug Administration has not come out with a standard for what is considered gluten free, said Elaine Monarch, executive director of the Celiac Disease Foundation in Studio City, Calif.
“It’s not as cut and dry as people think it is,” she said, adding people can have different tolerances to even a small amount of gluten.
But two local allergists call the announcement a step in the right direction.
“When a patient is really looking at everything they are consuming, it’s nice to know that a product doesn’t have wheat in it,” said Dr. James Bishop, who treats respiratory and food allergies in his Holland practice. “I really applaud them for increasing awareness.
“You can argue both sides of it, but what harm is it in labeling it?”
Perrigo says its program is based on gluten thresholds of less than 20 parts per million, the same standard under consideration by the FDA.
The new initiative will include all of Perrigo’s best-selling categories, such as pain relievers, cold and allergy, and antacids. The company already has more than 200 dietary supplements that are part of a similar labeling program.
It’s not the medicine that’s the concern, but the filler, capsule or coating that might contain the gluten, said Dr. Sara Uekert, of Grand Rapids Allergy PC.
“The drawback is that until there is an awareness of what is an acceptable threshold, it’s a moot point,” Uekert said. “Just because it’s on the label doesn’t mean it might not be problematic for more sensitive individuals with lower thresholds.
“It’s Perrigo putting its own limits, but at least it is a step in the right direction.”
Perrigo spent almost three years working through its manufacturing process and supply chains to establish that the products met the new standard.
“It’s an assurance program,” said company spokesman Art Shannon.
Perrigo initiated the labeling program in response to an increasing market demand for gluten-free products. Consumer questions about the gluten content of Perrigo-manufactured products have recently ranked among the company’s top call center inquiries.
Perrigo supplies products carried by many retailers as store brands — although its name is not on the packaging.
“We are excited about the program,” Shannon said. “We believe we are the first manufacturer in the U.S. to do this.”
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. In this country, an estimated one in seven people have a gluten intolerance, and 3 million suffer from celiac disease. Those with the disease cannot eat gluten because it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that damages the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed, according to the foundation’s Web site.
Thank you Shandra. You can e mail Shandra at: smartinez@grpress.com
Tina Turbin