Nutelling What I Think
I keep things in my life–including my blog–free of controversy. I don’t confront people a lot, and always try to respect others opinions while keeping my own. At the same time, I love a good rant 😀 So skip down to the end for me blowing my top on a not-so-nutty topic.
Soy Yogurt With Milk Chocolate Peanuts
I wanted to eat up this soy yogurt so it would be one less thing to carry back to school with me. Of course, what’s soy yogurt without a milk chocolate topic? Irony is tasty. I love how the peanuts taste a little roasted and salted; that contrast definitely helps bring out the sweetness of chocolate. I tried throwing myself back in to Heroes since it looked like the only new thing on television, but since I haven’t seen any of the 2010 episodes I was a little confused. Claire has daddy drama again? That can’t be healthy.
I decided the night would be perfect for a new nut butter. This was one of the ones I bought from Justin’s online store with my Christmas money. It’s similar to Nutella in concept, but the stats are much better as I’ll go into later.
Pumpkin Oatmeal With Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
Mmmm, yum! It melted so well over the oatmeal. This one’s a keeper. It didn’t taste too chocolatey; it more tasted like hazelnuts sweetened up. But that’s what I hope for in a hazelnut butter. And, unlike Nutella, this is vegan! I hope it reaches store shelves before I go through it(I hear it’s already in Colorado!). I ate this watching the star from NCIS on Leno. That was possibly the least interesting interview I’ve seen; oh Conan, we’ll miss you and your wit! I ended up tuning out early, going to bed, and waking up to a sweet surprise.
Box Of Q.Bel Chocolate
I mentioned yesterday that I won a Facebook contest for reviewing Q.Bel. Well, apparently they have Speedy Gonzalez running deliveries for them because I got my prize at 7:20 am from FedEx. Look at that chocolate! I can’t wait to try out the 2 new flavors. That’s definitely one way to start the day. That excitement aside, I started doing my core and did that through. When I got to the cardio(stairs), I grabbed something with protein and carbs.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Luna Protein Bar
I wish I had time to review this now; I will sometime soon and I’d give it a 7.5/10. But I think I say it all when I ate about 1/3-1/2 and just threw the rest out. And I HATE wasting food. It just tasted OK. But it almost was more like a candy bar and definitely not a whole food. I figured, if I wanted to eat a candy bar at the time I should have a Q.bel and if I wanted peanut butter I should have peanut butter. After I finished all the flights, I made a breakfast to “redeem” chocolate and peanut butter.
Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Oatmeal With Chocolate Peanut Butter
Ok. I’ve made my peace with chocolate and peanut butter now. I assure you, the dollop of peanut butter was big; it just got “nestled” into the oats after I popped it back in the microwave for 15 minutes(doesn’t that sound delicious :-D). For the yogurt, I just mixed full fat and 0% with some vanilla stevia and vanilla powder and it was nice and clean tasting. Once again, Justin’s nut butter made me happy 🙂 That was such a good purchase with my Christmas money.
Not Nutella
I’ll admit it: There was a time I adored Nutella and kept it in my pantry. There was also a time I had a Barney plush and thought about tearing out all my teeth if it meant I’d get a dollar under my pillow. But I’ve grown older, and wiser, and just cannot stand Nutella or its marketing. Have you ever noticed how they call it a “Hazelnut spread”? That’s because, legally, they cannot call it a hazelnut butter. The ingredients and statistics of it are so poor, I’m amazed they can get that far.
INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, MODIFIED PALM OIL, HAZELNUTS, COCOA, SKIM MILK, REDUCED MINERALS WHEY (FROM MILK), SOY LECITHIN: AN EMULSIFIER, VANILLIN: AN ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR.
What’s more appropriate would be “Chocolate Pate” or even “Palm Oil Spread”. But would you top your oatmeal with something called “Palm Oil Spread”? Probably not. But there it is, higher on the ingredients than hazelnuts. And modified to boot! And the list is rounded out with vanillin, which I just can not stand and am happy to have out of my diet. Is it going to hurt you? Not at all. It’s just the hallmark of a cheap product. Now let’s look at Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter:
Ingredients: Dry Roasted Hazelnuts, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Cocoa Powder, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Natural Vanilla, Sea Salt.
That looks 10 times better to me. No, 100x. It’s a legitimate hazelnut butter–not a chocolate spread. The ingredients are straight forward and organic. And the nutritional information reads like a nut butter. I’ll leave you with a good rule for buying a flavored nut butter: If the grams of sugar are more than the fiber and protein, look at it with a skeptical eye; if the grams of sugar are more than the fat, put it down and walk away.
I SO agree with you on the way they market Nutella! Covering a piece of whole wheat bread with “hazelnut spread” does not make for a well balanced breakfast!
greensandjeans
January 26, 2010
Hehe I know Nutella is not, err, the healthiest of spreads, but I still eat it in moderation.
The Q.bel products are sooo yummy, I can’t wait to try the mint-chocolate flavor!
Have a nice Tuesday:)
Ada
January 26, 2010
I’ve never even look at the nutrition facts on Nutella. Interesting!
Jessica @ How Sweet
January 26, 2010
I completely agree with you about your Nutella “rant!” The stats on Nutella are terrifying – pure saturated fat and sugar! Aaaah! *running away* I’m so excited to learn about Justin’s chocolate hazelnut butter, though – my Dad grew up with Nutella as a kid (it’s super popular in Israel, where he’s from), and he loves the taste, but doesn’t eat it anymore because of the total lack of nutrition, so now I’ll be able to surprise him with some healthful chocolate hazelnut butter! YAY! Thank you so much!
Astra Libris
January 26, 2010
I’ve never seen that flavor of Justin’s but it looks AWESOME
eaternotarunner
January 26, 2010
no offense but i’m all about the CHOCOLATE SPREAD!!!
I bought a jar for my friends ice cream pie – I managed to use up most of the jar when I made the pie but I believe there is SOME left. nutella =weakness and tasty 🙂
Sarah W.
January 26, 2010
Have you seen the new Nutella commercials where it markets it as a healthy option for kids? Drives me nuts!!!
Kristie
January 26, 2010
oooo awesome. I used to eat Nutella alot but recently in the past years just kinda gave it up. Im with you though. Id rather eat products that are waaay more natural. Plus I try to avoid alot of added sugars too. I havent seen this hazelnut spread yet but it looks awesome. Im gonna have to order some to give it a try! Thanks so much for the awesome review of these products. I hope you have an awesome day!
Chrysta
January 26, 2010
The first time I ever had Nutella was about 6 months ago…and eh…it was alright. Nothing I would ever crave or feel like I need. But I DO think it is interesting that sugar and palm oil are listed before hazlenuts on the iingredient label! Very interesting!
Kelly
January 26, 2010
Of course Nutella isn’t health food. It is mighty tasty though 😉
Matt
January 26, 2010
I agree with you on the Luna – I had such high hopes too!
By the way, I loved your comment about being pissed at someone if they don’t get out of your way to the refrigerator when you’re hungry. Haha, I’m going to have to remember that one!
ksgoodeats
January 26, 2010
I totally need to get that kind of justin’s nut butter…iv’e always been a nutella fan but since becoming more health conscious have sworn off of it…
and sad you didn’t like that luna. i thought it was awesome! if you have others leftover you can always send them to me…
tryingtoheal
January 26, 2010
i’ve never had nutella before. i know i know: a sin in and of itself! everyone i know is obsessed with it or despises it but that’s okay because i’m perfectly content with my skippy extra crunch pb 🙂
marathonmaiden
January 26, 2010
i too used to be a nutella fiend. in crepes, whatever, i was there. of course along with an ED it fell out of my favor, but i still love that combo of hazelnuts + chocolate. i just can’t get around how much added sugar there is though, so i don’t eat it anymore. i’ve found great nut butter + choc products, mara natha makes one that is great! lol i was expecting some massive controversy, but i guess anything involving chocolate is of utmost importance! SO JEALOUS of your qbels, wow they were fast!
Stef @ moretolifethanlettuce
January 26, 2010
I’ll admit, nutella is tasty, but the ingredients don’t sound so hot. I love Justin’s nut butters though. In fact, I just ate some of the plain peanut butter with an apple
caronae
January 26, 2010
BUT…BUT…I LOVE Nutella!!! Don’t rain on my Nutella parade!!!!!
Seriously though, I haven’t eaten Nutella in a few years, so no telling whether or not my “matured” taste buds would still dig it 🙂
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
January 26, 2010
have you seen the ads pegging nutella as a healthy addition to your kids breakfast? crazy…
shannon
January 26, 2010
I hope Justin’s versions hits stores really soon! You always have the best looking eats and products 🙂
Ashlei
January 26, 2010
i had my first qbel bar yesterday and def thought about you! it was DELISH!! tasted like it would be so bad for you!
i gota find that justins butter!! never was quite a nutella girl
you gota try the cheese crackers and fage..freaking awesome, promise!
kbwood
January 26, 2010
Sorry about the chocolate! How disappointing! I wish I liked hazlenuts, but I really don’t…however I do love all things JUSTIN’S, so maybe I should give this a try.
Katie
January 26, 2010
Chocolate Peanut Butter Luna Protein Bar and the Q Bel…and the speedy delivery! nice!
The Nutella. It aint healthfood, that’s for sure! I look at it as one step above like HFCS or Hershey’s chocolate. Not that it’s gonna kill you, but make no mistake, not really “healthy” in the least. However, it tastes good 🙂
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
January 26, 2010
I love Justin’s Nutbutter! And you know what? I’ve never even tasted Nutella because I hear it’s like crack! 😉
Joanna Sutter
January 27, 2010