Trek Bars

Since starting my masters course I have been trying out different vegan snacks as I am in University for long days and need filling food to keep me going. 

Trek bars have been a firm favourite so far as they are filling, energy bars which help me get through the long days of research projects and group assignments. 

I found these bars in Aldi which is becoming a great place to find offers on vegan products. Make sure to stock up when you see them as the special buys don't always last long but they are also available in most shops and supermarkets. 

The Peanut Power is one of my favourite flavours as I am a big fan of peanut butter. This is great with a green tea. It is also packed with protein giving you an energy boost when working out your brain power. These aren't just snack to have before the gym or hiking they work well for a busy day at work, university or school. It is a great on the go snack for vegans with a busy day ahead. 

Mallows- Vegan marshmallows

How cute is the new packaging for Freedom Mallows. These vegan marshmallows are delicious I have eaten them before but this packaging is new. I love the cute little character and packaging design. I love great illustrations on packaging and it seemed like a good enough reason to buy them, not that I needed much persuading as they are the perfect accompaniment to hot chocolate which is one of my favourite things.

They are labelled vegan and also suitable for many other diets as they are gluten free, dairy free, fat free, soy free and GMO free as well as nut free. Making them a really versatile snack for many people. This is another great vegan product. Check out more here: http://www.freedommallows.com/

Quorn Vegan Fillets

There's another addition to the Vegan Quorn family in these Fillets. I like to try new products so I was keen to see how these would taste. You have to cook them in a sauce which is a little awkward as you need to make sure they are covered to get cooked. I made them in a curry sauce and served it with rice. They taste nice and are a welcome change but it is not something I will have each week, at the minute I prefer to eat more whole foods but it is always handy to have something in the freezer when you want something quick and easy. Despite the fact that I won't buy these regularly I like that Quorn have more vegan options to choose from and this is another great vegan product. 

There are so many amazing vegan options for chocolate. This is another one of my favourite brands. Plamil have a range of non-dairy options to choose from and are available from many health food shops. This is definitely my favourite bar (so far) from this brand as it is mint flavoured which is a personal favourite of mine. The chocolate is dark and decadent and the mint flavour is delicious. I have always been a fan of mint chocolate so this is perfect. You also only need a small amount of it as it is so rich so this bar is perfect to share or eat over a few days. That's the great thing about vegan chocolate you eat less as it is so rich in flavour so it lasts longer and is healthier than eating lots of milk chocolate which doesn't have the same high quality and intense flavour. I recommend this brand as they have a wide range of products. Check out the range here: https://www.plamilfoods.co.uk/chocolate

Gosh! Naturally Free-From Range

Gosh is a new range which I am loving. They make simple foods with natural ingredients. They are free from the top 14 allergens which include eggs, milk, gluten, soya, fish, nuts and celery. This is great for vegans but also for anyone with an allergy as it can be hard to find foods which are safe to eat when you have a food intolerance. 

I like this companies minimalist ethics and back to basics idea. I hate looking at ingredients in food products and seeing things I can't pronounce or things I don't recognise, there are too many chemicals in most processed food and who knows what these kinds of things do to your body. The good thing about the Gosh range is that you know what you are eating and it is like having a home cooked meal without the need to cook. 

I hope their range gets bigger as the two different types of burgers I have tried so far have been delicious. I had them while staying away from home but still felt like I was eating healthy, hearty food which I was! I simply ate them with a couscous and salad, it was a really quick meal to prepare and delicious. 

Check out the full range here: http://goshfreefrom.co.uk/about-us/ 

Yo Yo Bear

So these snacks are probably meant for kids but it's pure fruit, in a yo yo shape in mango flavour so I couldn't resist. These are perfect hiking snacks, they are healthy, sweet and easily carried. They would also be good for packed lunches or a snack to keep in your bag when you are out and about, I try to go for healthy snacking options where possible and this is perfect as you can satisfy a sweet tooth while eating one of your five a day. 

Look out for these products in shops as well, there has been a move away from having unhealthy options near tills as the government is trying to encourage people to choose healthier options. If you were wondering why things like Yo Yo Bears and dried fruit were on show in shops where you queue to pay this is why. I'm all for this move as I think any opportunity to help people live a healthier life is important. Although I happily choose this product without any prompting- it's mango and has a cute bear on the recyclable packaging, what more could you ask for! 

Alpro Soya Chocolate

If you haven't tried this chocolate milk from Alpro yet give it a go. It is delicious and will remind you of being a kid enjoying a chocolate milkshake. It is available in supermarkets in packs of three and is perfect for adding to a lunch for work or a picnic, drink it chilled for the unbelievably chocolate taste. You'll appreciate it at work when you are fed up of pretending to be an adult and it's healthier than you think as it contains adding vitamins such as calcium and B12, it is also low in calories and a source of protein so there's no need to feel guilty about this treat. A word of warning though when my nephew drank this he was full of energy and didn't want to go to sleep, maybe keep this one for yourself, it's far too good to share! 

Booja Booja Fine De Champagne Truffles

Booja Booja is a brand which I have reviewed before, I love the high quality products and the beautiful packaging and design. This brand is definitely my go to place for gifts as you know you will get something beautiful that anyone will love whether vegan or not.

These Champagne truffles are another amazing product from Booja Booja, they are delicious and filling with a beautiful taste from the champagne. As with other chocolates I have tried from Booja Booja a little goes along way and the rich taste means you don't end up eating the whole box in one go, making them perfect to share or eat over a few days. 

It is clear to see that this is a luxury brand. The packaging is beautiful, making it a wonderful gift. Who wouldn't want to open this chocolate box up. 

I love the little message that comes with the chocolates, what a lovely idea. I think these might be different in every box, that's a good excuse to buy more! 

I love that fact that Booja Booja products are made in a completely dairy free environment, this is a vegan company who obviously put a lot of love and thought into their products. Everything is well thought out and looks amazing. The chocolates, along with all their products, are also organic which is great for anyone living and organic lifestyle, you don't have to give up chocolate to be healthy. 

When you finally get to the chocolate truffles, you feel like you deserve a chocolate. These look almost too good to eat. Almost. They were simply delicious and the champagne was a nice addition. Another amazing product from Booja Booja. 

Hemp Protein- Vegan protein powder

If you are looking for a vegan protein powder to add to smoothies or food Hemp Protein is a great option. This product from Pulsin is suitable for vegans, is a natural products which provides a lot of protein. This is good for anyone wanting to increase their intake of protein as it can be added to smoothies giving you a boost before or after working out. These powders last a long time as well as you only need a small amount so it is value for money. Hemp is a great choice as well as it has many other nutritional benefits, it is high in fibre and is a source of Omega 3, making it healthy choice to add to your diet. 

Check out more protein powder options here: http://www.pulsin.co.uk/pulsin-protein-powders

Eat Real Chips

For a vegan snack try Eat Real's selections of chips. They are a healthier version of crisps made from different grains in a variety of flavours with many of them being gluten free as well. These are great for guilt free snacking and perfect on the go or maybe you might even share them? 

The hummus chips are nice although very plain. These are great if you prefer ready salted crisps over stronger flavours. This is also a gluten free choice. Products like this are especially great if you are trying to get healthy, you can still have treats but opting for a product like this over other crisps allows you to eat something tasty which also has less fat. 

These quinoa chips are delicious and full of flavour. They remind me of quavers, they definitely had me double checking to make sure they were definitely vegan as the sour cream flavour is so realistic. These are perfect if you feel you are missing out on cheese flavoured snacks as very few on the market are vegan. 

These are a perfect choice for a healthier way to snack and are a vegan guilt free treat. 

For more information on the Eat Real product range click here: http://eatreal.co.uk/index.html

Beech's Chocolates

I got these amazing chocolates as a birthday present. They are Pineapple flavoured creams covered in dark chocolate and are an amazing vegan find. 

I had never heard of this brand and was excited to try them. They are delicious, the flavour is nice but not overpowering and they come in a lovely box making it a perfect gift. 

I was impressed with the packaging and the taste of these chocolates. I am happy to have found another vegan product. Beech's make a range of chocolates not all of them are vegan but they do have many other vegan flavours to try and a dedicated vegan section on their website which makes it easy to find suitable products. 

Check out the amazing choice at: http://www.beechsfinechocolates.com/vegan_chocolate_products/

Agave Nectar the vegan alternative to honey

Agave nectar from the Groovy Food company is a great alternative to honey. It can be used instead of sugar and is a natural, fat free sweetener. You can add it to drinks and toast just like you would have used honey. It is also great in baking, I used it in my flapjacks- the recipe is on the blog. It is also an organic product and most importantly vegan. This sweetener comes from a plant and the nectar is gained from the middle of the plant. This product has a low GI so doesn't effect your sugar and energy levels so is a healthier replacement for sugar. I am going to try this alternative in baking without sugar next time to see the difference but it is looking like a healthier way to bake.  

Unboxing a parcel from V Essentials

I am on a Facebook page giving vegan offers. Here I found out V Essentials were having an offer of free delivery in February. I decided to use this offer and see what the company was like. 

They had a good selection of vegan products from brands such as booja booja, Moo free, Biona, and ten acre. 

I ordered some items and the parcel arrived three days after I placed the order. There was also the option to pay via paypal which was a nice option as I feel safer using Paypal on-line. 

I was impressed with the speedy delivery, the box was delivered by a courier. The convenience of online shopping is great and having a website that caters just for vegans is ideal. 

I clearly stocked up on vegan snacks. They weren't all for me though promise! I put in a few orders for my family. This is a good idea if you want to save postage costs when you can't get free delivery, order items for several people family and friends and share the postage price. 

Of course vegan chocolate was ordered! And these organic Leek and Potato soups are perfect for bringing to work. I replaced my Orgran Egg replacer as I love to bake and this is one of the best egg replacers I have tried so far it is convenient to have in for making those delicious vegan cakes. 

There was one problem with my order, I ordered two Hummus chips and only received one. Having contacted the company I received an email back instantly and a refund for the missing item was done in minutes. This was seriously impressive. Mistakes happen so this wasn't a problem but how a company deals with a problem is key. Customers are won or lost through the customer service. I was happy with the response I received so I will definitely use this company again as it's handy for stocking up on treats. 

The store also sells toiletries and essentials like pasta. Overall I am very pleased with the company, I am glad I tried it as it is somewhere I will use again. 

Check it out at https://vessentials.co.uk/ and if you do use the site let me know what you think. 

Raw Halo- Artisan Raw Chocolate

The flow box was one of the best gifts I have ever been given as it just keeps on going. It's nice to have a handy supply of vegan treats for when you feel like something sweet. 

This Raw Halo bar is Dark and Sour Cherry and Almond flavour. I admit to not immediately thinking I would like it. However it was a pleasant surprise. The chocolate is heavenly (excuse the pun), it really lives up to its Artisan name. There are pieces of sour cherry which were nice but I would prefer a plain bar, but the Flow box is all about finding new products and getting a random selection. The almond flavour wasn't strong at all, I'd say it is more of a subtle addition to the chocolate which was really lovely and something I have never seen in a chocolate bar before. 

I definitely like this brand, the halo imprints on the chocolate are a nice touch and the bars can be bought in gift sets which look amazing. This isn't an every day chocolate bar but it would make a beautiful gift, I am looking forward to trying more flavours and buying gifts from this brand as the brands really are beautiful. 

Find out more and shop here http://rawhalo.com/

M&S Tomato and Basil Soup

Good news M&S have a vegan tomato and basil soup. This is perfect to have in the cupboard for a quick lunch option. 

The soup is delicious, it tastes really natural and is full of flavour. The basil is a nice touch as most tomato soups can be plain, the added herbs makes it taste authentic and gives it a natural Italian taste. 

This is a perfect option for when you don't feel like making a big meal or need something to eat quickly. I had this for lunch after a 5 mile walk- it cooks quickly, tastes amazing and fills you up, eat it with bread or crackers for an easy lunch. And keep a can in your cupboards for those days when you don't want to cook. 

Crazy Rumors- Vegan lip balm

Christmas shopping was a struggle this year, it was my first Christmas being vegan and even though not everyone I was buying presents for is vegan I wanted to make sure all my gifts were. I did this so I could share my lifestyle and not accidentally buy something that was testing on animals or contained animal products as I avoid any products like this on a daily basis I obviously do it when buying presents. 

I was happy to find Crazy Rumors lip balms on sale in Holland and Barrett as they made the perfect stocking fillers. I picked flavours based on what I thought people would like, My sister has a sweet tooth so I got her bubble gum, my mum loves chocolate so I got her mint chocolate and my best friend is a coffee addict so the mocha was an obvious choice. The amaretto was a cheeky gift to me from me because I love amaretto and what's better than having the flavour of your favourite drink in a lip balm?

I have wanted to try this brand for a while so it was a chance to see if it lived up to the positive reviews. I am pleased to say it does! The lip balm is great especially in winter when my lips have felt constantly chapped and the flavours are amazing. They make your lips incredibly soft while the beautiful smell is a nice bonus. 

I can't wait to try some others! There are so many options everyone will find one to suit them. They also use all natural ingredients, are certified organic and vegan. I like how fun these lip balms are they will be a nice addition to your make up bag. They really are perfect presents as picking a lip balm that reminds you of someone is a nice touch to any gift. With mother's day coming up this could be a great little gift idea. 

Heavenly Organics- Vegan, Natural, Handmade Skincare

At the Northern Vegan festival last October I bought lots of random products to test and try. There were companies I had never heard of, brands that only sell on-line and lots of independent sellers. 

My favourite find was definitely Heavenly Organics. Bought on a whim because I needed a new lip balm I purchased the lip balm with a hint of orange and a solid hand balm in Lavender because I liked the smell. 

The products are organic, handmade and have minimal ingredients. 

I liked the smell of the lip balm, they come in different flavours such as mint and orange. The products also have the vegan logo and are made by a vegan. I like this as you support someone who also follows a vegan lifestyle and she will obviously know what ingredients are safe to use. 

The solid hand balm was by far the best purchase I made at the festival. Not only does it look amazing, it smells great is a handy size perfect for keeping with you at all times and is a lot more convenient that using a moisturiser that takes time to soak into your hands. 

The packaging is also lovely. Plus when you are finished with the balm you can -purchase re-fills rather than having to buy a new tin which is better for the environment and more cost effective. 

The solid balm looks great and the best part about it is after using it for a few weeks it has massively improved my eczema to the point where my hands which have been sore for years are nearly completely healed. I have never found a product which has cleared my skin so well! I had actually given up trying and this natural balm has helped so much I will definitely be buying again. 

I would recommend these products to anyone. They are organic and don't contain chemicals and ingredients you have never heard of meaning it is better for your skin and if you suffer from eczema give it a try and hopefully it will work for you too.   

Shop on-line at http://www.heavenly-organics.com/shop/4558241444