Smuckers Uncrustables

This post is also on my So Called Wife blog :)

I am involved in a thing called Bzz Agents. From time to time, I get invited to join campaigns to try out new things and tell people about them. The most recent one has been the Smuckers Uncrustables. These have been around for at least a few years, so it doesn't fit the NEW that I usually am a sucker for, but it was something new to me, so still fair game. Now, I had seen these before, and thought it seemed really handy, but wasn't sure it it was convenient enough for the price tag and the amount per box. Well, when the invite for this campaign came along, I thought it would be a great time to try it out.

After I signed up for the campaign, the Bzz Agents sent me a coupon for one free box, plus some coupons for .75 cents off. I also got a uncrustables shaped container for using in a lunch box or for other travel purposes. Awesome! So on my next shopping trip, I got a couple boxes. I picked the Grape and Peanut Butter variety for the kids, and the whole wheat PB and Honey for myself, and maybe the kids too, if they will eat it.

First impressions before tasting: the regular size comes with 4 to a box, which seems almost useless when you have two kids. With two kids, I will go through that in two days if I am using them daily. But, I see they also offer a larger box now, so that could be a better value. Plus, sometimes I would cut them in half, and make them more of a small snack.

The Uncrustables come frozen, and need to be left out at room temperature for about a half hour to thaw before eating. I found that they seem to need a tad bit more time than that to be fully thawed in the middle -which I discovered when cutting them in half. However, this just means they would stay cold longer when packing in a school lunch. It would stay nice and fresh, and could also help keep other lunch items cool at the same time.

For the first taste test, I took a thawed sandwich and cut it in half for my kids to eat as a snack-partially to keep them from getting too full, partially in the event they didn't like them. Both my k-gartner and her (almost) 2 year old sister gobbled it up - no complaints. It was great that I was able to instantly produce a snack for my daughter after picking her up from kindergarten and that I had ZERO mess to clean up. This worked out well for me since I need to try and give her a snack asap on our arrival home to ensure she is still somewhat hungry for dinner later, but without making her starve until then. I used the other 3 sandwiches within the next few days because it was so convenient.

I also did a taste test myself of half a sandwich that I split with my toddler for her pre-nap snack. I was pleasantly surprised. The bread was soft and smooth, but not at all soggy. The peanut butter was creamy, the jelly still jelly-like; neither were watered down as a result of having been previously frozen. It was as delicious as a fresh made PB and J would be.

Now, here's the nutrition and ingredients for the Grape PB and J:

Calories 210 Calories from Fat 80 Amount/Serving %DV * Total Fat 9g Saturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 260mg Total Carbohydrate 25g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 10g Protein 7g Vitamin A Vitamin C Calcium Iron 14 % 9 % 0 % 11 % 8 % 7 % 0 % 0 % 2 % 6 % *Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Calories: 2,000 2,500 Total Fat Less than 65g 80g Sat Fat Less than 20g 25g Cholesterol Less than 300mg 300mg Sodium Less than 2,400mg 2,400mg Total Carbohydrate 300g 375g Dietary Fiber 25g 30g Calories per gram: Fat 9 . Carbohydrate 4 . Protein 4 Ingredients BREAD: ENRICHED UNBLEACHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, YEAST, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL AND/OR SOYBEAN OIL, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: WHEAT GLUTEN, SALT, DOUGH CONDITIONERS (MAY CONTAIN ONE OR MORE OF: DIACETYL TARTARIC ACID ESTERS OF MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES (DATEM), MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, ETHOXYLATED MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE, CALCIUM PEROXIDE, ASCORBIC ACID, AZODICARBONAMIDE, L-CYSTEINE), YEAST NUTRIENTS (MAY CONTAIN ONE OR MORE OF: MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, CALCIUM SULFATE, AMMONIUM SULFATE), CALCIUM PROPIONATE (MAINTAIN FRESHNESS), CORNSTARCH, ENZYMES (WITH WHEAT). PEANUT BUTTER: SELECT ROASTED PEANUTS, DEXTROSE, VEGETABLE MONOGLYCERIDES (FROM PALM OIL), SALT. GRAPE JELLY: GRAPE JUICE, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CORN SYRUP, PECTIN, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE ADDED AS A PRESERVATIVE.

I am impressed that the calorie count and fat is relatively low considering how fatty Peanut Butter can be. I was also impressed with the amount of fiber - something that is tough to get into the picky eater kids. It would be nice if the bread was enriched with a little more calcium and vitamins. But, serve it with a glass of milk and maybe a fruit of some kind, and you've got a well-balanced meal.

Since the response for the Grape PB and J was so good, I was anxious to try out the grilled cheese ones they have, which were also pretty darn good. They come with a microwave toasting sleeve, so no thawing required here. The bread is 'pre-toasted' and the sleeve just crisps it back up. It was a little soggier than a regular grilled cheese, but still had the toasty flavor. The cheese was that processed imitation-y tasting stuff you'd expect from any american cheese slice product, and the kids ate it up just as fast as the PB and J ones.

Nutrition-wise, Grilled Cheese Uncrustables, the calcium level goes up, but the fiber content goes down. If you want the full nutrition of those visit Smuckers website: http://www.smuckers.com/fg/otg/uncrustables/prod-cheese.asp?groupid=3&catid=46&prodid=455

I have to admit, that I have yet to try the honey and PB on whole wheat. Its on my list. But, after trying the other two, I have gotten an overall opinion on the product in general. If I have something that applies specifically to the honey on wheat to mention after I try it, I will update this :) Or do a new post.

Pros and Cons in conclusion:

Pros
-Taste
-Convenience
-Kids love the shape and flavor
-I thought they were pretty tasty, too!
-Good source of fiber (for PB& Grape only)
-Good source of calcium (for grilled cheese only)
-Great for quick lunches
-Good protein value in both Cheese and PB & J varieties

Cons
- They look small; but seem to fill up the kids just fine
-Few to a box
-Lots of High Fructose corn syrup in the PB & J version; also part of the bread ingredients for grilled cheese version
-Cost is a bit high per sandwich
-PB and J, you have to plan at least a half hour in advance for thaw time

For me, I will probably buy a box maybe once every couple weeks or so to have on hand for those days where convenience is a higher than usual priority. Prime days would be when I am running late, am sick, need to study, or just feeling plain old lazy! Since the cost for a box of 4 was around 2.99-3.50+ (if memory serves), and that breaks down to almost dollar a sandwich, I can't see making this a weekly regular item. For the price of a box, you could make a whole loaf worth of PB and J's. Plus, there really isn't a huge amount of time or mess involved in making a homemade PB and J, especially if you have one of those sandwich cutters that remove the crust for you. Still, I know I have some days when even that feels too time consuming, so having this option is great. However, it may be possible that one could make some PB and J's, wrap them well, freeze them, and have their own version of a pre-made Uncrustable. I know I don't have time to bother to do that, so I will stick to the Uncrustables for my hectic moments and lazy days!

Though, when I have to start packing lunches daily for my daughter to eat in school next year, I might just change my mind and make them a part of my regular shopping list. But for now, I think it will be an occasional quickie meal item.

Review on the HoneyMaid Delight Bars - Cheesecake & Chocolate flavors

While grocery shopping the other day, I noticed the HoneyMaid 100 calorie Delight bars sitting on the shelf with that all powerful flashy red NEW! slapped on the box. The words NEW on the box, of course, initially caught my attention, as I am always looking for undiscovered low-calorie treasures. The delicious looking bar in a cheesecake and a chocolate flavor prompted me to actually pick up the box for a closer inspection.

First things first, I read the nutrition information and hemmed and hawed about whether or not to purchase them. They certainly looked delicious, and as stated on the box, there was none of the evil High Fructose Corn Syrup in the ingredients. They were also a good source of fiber, something that can be hard to sneak into your diet. On the other hand, I had been fooled by some yummy looking 100 calorie treats before only to be disappointed by size, texture or taste. Some of those things are rock hard, teeny tiny, or taste so fake its not even worth it.

I was also concerned about the words "artificially flavored" underneath the words cheesecake and chocolate. Were these even going to satiate a craving for the real thing? Or just make a desire for the real thing worse? Also, I had boxes full of 100 calorie items at home that had yet to be polished off yet. Did I really want to add to my overcrowded cupboard? Eventually I gave in to my inner impulse shopper, and tossed a box of each variety into my cart.

Of course, once I have something 'new' to try, I can't be expected to be patient enough to wait very long to try it out. So, after I arrived home and all the groceries were put away, I dived into a box of the chocolate bars - chocolate is a major weakness of mine. Right away, I was impressed that the size of the bar was large in comparison to many 100 calorie items. Tearing open the wrapper I was greeted with a lovely aroma. The soft smell of the graham crust was wonderful. To my Delight, ( yes, pun intended), it was also very tender and moist and slightly crumbly.

The top layer on the chocolate filling seemed a little firm, so I was worried it might be hard. But once I bit into it, it gave way to a very smooth filling. The taste definitely had some chocolate to it, and didn't seem to be too terribly fake. The ingredients did list cocoa for this flavor after all. I detected something in the flavor of the filling that hinted at coconut, though I didn't see any type of coconut ingredient listed on the package. I am not sure where that coconut flavor came from, but I rather enjoyed it either way.

For me, it was a pretty good way to fill a chocolate baked good craving. The best part of all was that after eating the whole bar, I was left feeling satisfied versus feeling like I had to have a second one to fill my tummy. I actually had to wait to try the cheesecake one the following day.

I had less faith in the cheesecake flavor. I didn't know how an artificial cheesecake flavor could possibly be good. Again, I found myself pleasantly surprised. It had the same great graham crust, and same consistency to the filling. The filling did actually have that slight bite of cheesecake flavor, so I was impressed. The ingredients for this flavor did list Neufatchel cheese and cheese cultures in the ingredients. Neufatchel is a low free/fat free substitute for cream cheese, and tastes pretty close to the real thing. So, for being artificially flavored, it still resembles the real thing somewhat.

Both of the flavors of Delight Bars are a good source of fiber as well. As you may know if watching your weight, fiber is a good way to feel fuller, longer. Unfortunately, other than the fiber, there isn't much of anything else beneficial in there. A little bit of calcium and a little bit of iron. But, as far as snacks go, its still better than having a brownie or a piece of cheesecake due to the low fat and calories, and the decent amount of fiber.

My vote, due to the size, soft texture, good source of fiber, low fat and tasty flavors, this is a good option for a 1oo calorie item. Worth the money and the calories. Be nice to have a little more calcium to go with that, but, its hard to find any 100 calorie item with any valuable nutritional value. Maybe I liked them so much because I had such little expectations up front for them. Either way, I have purchased second boxes of each flavor since my first experience. If you've tried them, please let me know what you think of them!

A quick summary and some additional info:

HoneyMaid Delight Bars -Cheesecake and Chocolate flavors

The good:

• Only 100 calories and 3 grams of fat
  
• Are a good source fiber -12 DV%
• No High Fructose Corn Syrup
  
• Many recognizable ingredients - cocoa (chocolate flavor) neufatchel cheese (cheesecake flavor)
• Yummy taste
• Good size bars
• Soft crust
• Pretty good value ( I paid 3.19 for each box of 6 bars)

The not so good:

• Artificially flavored
• Lots of chemically sounding ingredients
• Not much for other vitamins or minerals beyond the fiber
• Filling is a little on the dry side - grab some fat free milk to go with yours!
  

THE FACTS:
100 cal,
3 g fat,
0 trans fat,
3 g fiber (12% Daily Recommended Value),
7 g of sugar,
3 g protein
2% iron,
2% calcium
sodium 60 mg (3%)
purchase price at my local large grocery store retailer :3.19 ( not a sale price/coupon purchase)

Any questions or comments are welcome!

Until next time,

Amber

Feed Me! What its all about...

I like to try new foods. I am one of those impulsive shoppers who sees those big pretty red letters screaming NEW!!! on a package of something, and feel like I have to buy it. Now, I have often ended up wasting good money on something that was new and disgusting. I have also been pleasantly surprised many times as well. So, I wanted to create this blog to let every one out there what I think of some of those NEW things I am trying. I am also trying to watch my weight, so I try a lot of reduced fat things and those wonderful 100 calorie items. So, I will probably also include my take on some of those items, even if they aren't necessarily new anymore. This way, maybe I can help others know what's worth it and what's not. And help other weight watchers know what's worth the 100 cal hit to their calorie intake for the day, and what's not.

If there is something you want me to try, let me know. I will try and find what ever it is your requesting, sample it, and post a review. If you happen to work for a place with a new product, and feel up to sending me a sample, let me know. If you send me a free sample, I will definitely try it and post about it.

I may also throw in an occasional recipe review, or restaurant review. Especially if trying a new dish at a local restaurant. Same applies here. I will try a new food out there if asked, and I will definitely try and post if given a free coupon for a restaurant to try a certain dish.

I may also just talk about some things that are new to me, but may have been around for awhile already. Or I may talk about some of my favorites.

To give you an idea what's in store, some things on my list to post about are the new 100 calorie Brownies by Little Debbie, the A&W Root Beer Float Soda, Whole Grain Pop-Tarts, Hostess 100 Calorie Muffins/Cupcakes, Hot Pockets Brand Paninis, Honeymaid Delight bars in Chocolate and Cheesecake, and Blueberry Muffin flavored Mini Wheats. That's just a few of the things I have tried recently and can offer up a review on. See, I told you I am bad with the impulsive shopping on all things NEW!

One thing I have seen and want to try soon are Entemann's 100 calorie bites and the new Liv Active cereals. The Entemann's product looks similar in concept and choices to the Hostess brand, so I am eager to test those out. I have a box of the Liv Active cereal in my cupboard ready to go.

So, if any of the things I mentioned are something you are curious about, let me know, and I will start with that for the next posting. Now, I am a stay at home mom to 2 young kids, so I may not be as speedy as I would like, but I will try to be as expeditious as possible, and not let too much time lapse between posts or with requests.

That's all for today, I'll be back soon with a review on one of the items I mentioned above. Unless I try something else new soon that begs to be posted about right away.

Good eating to you!