Dandies Marshmallows!

Whoever thought that vegans had to miss out on the good things in life was sadly mistaken.  Thanks to Chicago Soy Dairy, creator of these magnificent Dandies, vegan marshmallows, those of you cutting animal products from your diet can still enjoy the taste of a classic Rice Krispie Treat^tm or a campfire s’more.

Don’t believe me?  I’ll even show you the ingredients list!  NO animal products, here!:

Nutritionally speaking, they’re not much different than a regular marshmallow either!

I’m not saying they’re some kind of “good for you, superfood“, because, let’s be honest, marshmallows are NOT packed with vitamins and minerals, but these are a great vegan alternative so that if you’re a practicer of ethical eating, you won’t have to miss out on your old time favorites!

I was a little sketchy about whether the taste and consistency would be the same as the “Jet Puff” variety I had been raised on, but I was pleasantly suprised!  They are pillowy, sweet and dissolve in your mouth just the way our childhood favorites do.  Next test?  BAKING with Dandies!

As you may remember, I used them in my “Indoor S’mores” recipe to take along to State College for the boyfriend…

These babies passed each test with flying colors!  They melted just like a normal marshmallow and mixed well with the other ingredients.  I was super impressed!

Check out how ooey, gooey, and delicious they turned out?

No one even knew any difference!  They tasted JUST like the real thing, too…and didn’t last more than ONE weekend in the boyfriend’s dorm…Haha.  I’m glad he liked them!

Check here where to find your very own bag of Dandies Marshmallows!  Or, you can order them online at any of THESE PLACES.  Thanks so much to the company for sending me some to review!

Bora Bora Bars

With all the traveling I’ve been doing lately, I’ve been SO thankful to have some portable dessert-like bars that taste delicious, but are made with all-natural, wholesome, organic ingredients.  Thanks to Bora Bora Foods and Nicole who hooked me up with a few of their newest flavored bars:  Volcanic Chocolate Banana, Exotic Coconut Almond, Pacific Mango Macadamia Nut, and Paradise Walnut Pistachio! 

The bars each have a stellar ingredients lists that get your butt in gear and leave you feeling wonderful and energized due to the superfoods and antioxidants! 

We’ll start off with my favorite of the bunch

 

Coconuts contains coconut oil, which studies have shown may be helpful in boosting the immune system and even promoting weight loss.

Almonds have been shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels, are rich in antioxidants and have properties to support weight loss.

Honey contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants

 

Check out the chunks of coconut and almonds!  They give the bar a wonderful crunch and a sweetness from the honey that rocks your socks off.  You can tell that these bars include ZERO junk, because after you eat them, instead of feeling sluggish, they leave you refreshed with a spring in your step.

This medley of whole grain crisp rice, almonds, and honey provides 6% of your DV Iron for 210 calories and is LOADED with healthy fats and 4g protein.

Next on my list is the

 

Walnuts are considered “brain food” because they are high in omega-3 fats. They also have prebiotic effects.

Pistachios are a rich source of antioxidants and may help lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Raisins are known for their unique phenol content, which has antioxidant activity. Raisins are thought to promote better bone health and may protect against macular degeneration.

 

This salty, sweet combination was a real winner in my book.  The chewy raisins were a nice contrast to the crunchy walnut and pistachio.

Not bad for dessert, eh?

Third on my list was great too, but I was expecting a bit of a different taste. 

 

Cocoa Powder contains high levels of antioxidants and magnesium and is also a good source of essential fats.

Bananas are natural energy boosters. They may help build bones and support immunity.

Walnuts are considered “brain food” because they are high in omega-3 fats. They also have prebiotic effects.

 

It was SO good…but in a way different than what I thought…I was thinking a chocolate covered banana flavor was going to be a result of the title, but the flavor had a bit of a cake or pie taste?  I’m not sure how to describe it.  Maybe like a German Chocolate Banana cake?  Court & Whit thought so too!

This bar gave me a TON of energy.  I would’ve SWORN I just ate a candy bar.  But then again, there was NO sugar crash.  Those cocoa covered banana hunks were so sweet, I could’ve mistaken it for a chocolate bar.

Lastly, the

Mangos have prebiotic effects and are rich in phytochemicals and Vitamins A, C and E.

Macadamia Nuts are high in antioxidants and are thought to help lower cholesterol levels.

Coconuts contain coconut oil, which may be useful in weight loss and boosting the immune system. Coconuts provide other health benefits too.

This colorful combination of tangy mango, rich macadamia nuts, and tropical, toasted coconut OBVIOUSLY did not taste bad, but in comparison to the other flavors wasn’t my fave.  For some reason, the mango tasted a little too tart for my preference, but there was enough sweetness to win me over anyway. 

This was the lowest cal bar, clocking in at just 160 calories and 5g fat, but it also had the least amount of protein and MOST sugar.  55mg of Potassium, though!

You can buy your own Bora Bora Bars online, or check the store locator to see where you can pick some up in your area!