Image: .craig
Summer’s the season for self-improvement. And what better way to improve yourself than with the introduction of new health foods into your diet? On Thursday, June 26th, DOWNTOWN had the opportunity to sample some of the summer’s best new products at Trent & Co’s Trent Tasting Menu. In just one hour, we tasted bits and pieces of a full day’s worth of treats, all made with natural, health-conscious ingredients.
First we were presented Clean, Lean, and Sexy granola bars. Unlike some breakfast bars, these were dense with a consistent balance of nutty and sweet flavors throughout; they’re guaranteed to fill you up while you’re on the go. We were shocked to find out that the bars were completely gluten-free, low in sugar, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Clean, Lean, and Sexy also produces other gluten-free snacks, like popcorn and pretzels. All of the products left us wanting more…luckily we were allowed to take some home!
We washed down our treats with juice provided by Red Jacket Orchards. Hailing from a family-owned orchard, these juices have a sweetness unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. Perhaps this flavor is due to Red Jacket’s unique method of production: they ‘cold press’ their organic fruits, as opposed to the more inexpensive mass-production methods used to make so many other juices on the market today. This process ensures that the juice is fresh, clean, and full of healthy nutrients. A little extra effort makes an enormous difference. For a guilt-free dessert, we were served a delectable frozen fruit treat made with the Yonanas Ice Cream Maker. If you think magic is for kids, think again. This unique food processor transforms frozen fruit into a creamy, irresistible dessert. The machine seems simple enough: the frozen fruit enters through one end, and exits as a swirl of fruity goodness out the other. Somehow, with fruit alone (that’s right, no added sugar, ice, or flavoring), the Yonana machine created ice cream – and good ice cream, at that.
We also enjoyed some GoodPops all-natural popsicles. Like the Yonana ice cream, these popsicles are made with all natural ingredients, to satisfy a sweet tooth without the calories. We also watched as these pops transform into fruity cocktails by simply dunking them into a vodka-tonic mix.
There’s no better way to cleanse your palate than with a sip of hot tea. Pukka Herbal Teas do that, and much, much more. Our favorite flavor was the Peppermint and Licorice tea, but Pukka Teas offer a variety of other flavors including Mint Green Tea and Vanilla Chai. Pukka Teas also offer invigorating health flavors like Cleanse, Detox, and Relax. But eating healthy isn’t just in the food. Portion control is also an important part of a balanced diet. We had the opportunity to view the next big thing in dining: Livliga plates, bowls, glasses, and cups. Using artful designs, this dishware marks the recommended amount of each food group so that home chefs can serve their guests the perfect portions with ease.
This summer, test out these healthy products. Your body will thank you later.
-Linda Tell
-Photography by Sarah Santos
