Manna Organics - Sprouted for Life

I wanted to start 2016 out with something that I felt really passionately about, and there's no better way to do that than with Manna Organics. 

A couple of months ago I stumbled upon the company Manna Organics. I was initially attracted because they had sprouted grain bread, which I had tried from other companies before. But Manna was different. They had everything from multi-grain to carrot raisin, not to mention gluten free and sour dough breads. 

But Manna isn't just a bread company. They have organic nut butters, kale chips, and other snacks. So I pretty much wanted to eat the whole food index, but I decided to start with some of their sprouted bread that initially drew me in and their toasted coconut cashew Manna butter. 

The sprouted grain bread is nothing like other sprouted breads I've tried before. With other breads, they're pretty similar to a standard loaf of bread. Manna sprouted bread is more of a cake-like consistency. It's more moist and a little sweeter which lends itself perfectly to some of their amazing flavors. It's vegan and yeast free with no salt, oils, sweeteners, or leavening agents. I've only tried the carrot raisin and multigrain so far, and they are both phenomenal. I have every intention of trying a different flavor each time that I go to the super market, but I've been having some trouble steering away from these two because they're just that delicious! I've used them to make French toast (highly recommended), as toast on the side of soup, and topped with some nut butter as a part of breakfast. You really can't go wrong with this bread.

Which brings me to the Manna butter. I've had plenty of nut butters, and I've also had coconut butters. But I haven't had anything quite like the coconut cashew Manna Butter. I don't feel like I can even put into words just how good it is. It's a delicious cashew butter with actual pieces of coconut in it. It is the perfect combination of salty and sweet and pairs so well with the carrot raisin bread. I could eat that combination every day. 

So would I recommend Manna Organics? I think the answer is pretty obvious - of course! Their products are delicious, healthy, and organic. They have something for everyone whether you're vegan, gluten free, or have no food restrictions. You will find something, and trust me you will love it!

Essentially Coconut - It's Like a Vacation in a Jar

I recently had the pleasure of getting my hands on a few flavors of Essentially Coconut's coconut butters. They are made from coconut meat and nuts (minus the original coconut flavor), and that's about it. This is exactly what caught my eye about them. They're made in small batches with straight the point ingredients. I'm starting to feel overcome with emotions to slather some on an RxBar as I write this because these coconut butters have no B.S. 

I tried the original coconut flavor and the sweet almond flavor. They are the consistency of coconut oil, so at room temperature (especially in the fall/winter weather) they're hard. You can easily soften them by running the jar under warm water, or my go to trick is putting them in a mug of hot water to soften while I cook the rest of my meal. 

I had each flavor multiple ways, on the breakfast wrap pictured above, in yogurt, in a smoothie, on waffles. So what's my verdict? Drop everything and go order some right now! These coconut butters are life changingly delicious. Skip the syrup on your pancakes and waffles, slather some on a piece of toast, even add it to your coffee. These are amazing. They add the perfect sweetness without the processed junk.

The coconut flavor adds a nice sweetness that pairs well with almost anything. And the sweet almond flavor is a great nut butter replacement. I actually REALLY loved it paired with pumpkin spiced waffles. But they'd both be good as a sweetener, syrup, or nut butter replacement in basically anything.

All in all, the only reason I would say don't buy these is if you don't like coconut because, well, duh they're made out of coconuts. But otherwise I give two thumbs up to these delightfully tasty coconut butters. 

If you'd like to learn more about Essentially Coconut's story and products you can go to their website here.