Monday, February 22, 2016

My Favorite Finds from the Gluten Free Allergy Free Expo and a Nuttzo #GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday my friends!  I am a little embarrassed to tell you that I ran ZERO miles this week.  But I will tell you - I feel good.  I have been sleeping the full 7 and resting.  Which means, when I come back, I will be refreshed and energized!  Right?!


I did get a chance to squeeze in a haircut and head to the Gluten Free Allergy Free Expo on Saturday. I won tickets thru SunButter and my eyes are now WIDE OPEN!  If there is one near you, I highly recommend it!  The best thing about these fairs is being able to try products that you normally wouldn't find in a store near you.  



The fair happened at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and was held Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  I was recently diagnosed with a moderate wheat allergy and a mild peanut allergy so this fair was perfect for me!



So I am going to walk you through my experience at the fair and highlight my favorites.  



And read all the way through for the GIVEAWAY at the end.



They had goody bags for every single attendee.  (Single day tickets started at $15 for adults)



And a photo booth...of course!



My first stop and my newest peanut free love - SunButter!

1.  SunButter

I met the super awesome Juli at the booth.  Which means - GIVEAWAY coming soon!


Have you ever tried SunButter?  It tastes just like peanut butter except a little saltier.  Ever since we replaced peanut butter in our house, the kids have LOVED it and ask for it even when PB is an option.  (Both my kids' best friends have peanut allergies and they have to have an alternative if they want to sit with them at lunch)



This time it is pumpkin seeds and not sunflower seeds.  I tasted these SuperSeedz for the first time after the Phoenix Marathon. I think back then they had three flavors.  Now they have a ton including Tomato Italiano.  Great alternative to eating nuts.  They are gluten and tree nut free.


I buy mine at Sprouts but they are available on Amazon.


One of the things I miss most about being wheat free is soy sauce.  And with soy sauce comes my favorite - Chinese food!  I miss pot stickers and egg rolls.  No worries any more!


How good do these look?  And the veggie versions are vegan too!



These are not new but they are delicious.  When you need a snack or a delicious crunch, these are awesome.  They have 6 grams of fiber and 5grams of protein.  They are vegan and gluten free.


Lots of fun flavors including Pico De Gallo, Nacho and Salt & Pepper.  (I am a sucker for salt & pepper anything!)


This isn't really a peanut or wheat substitute but it is a healthy alternative to soda.  Kombucha is a fermented average which means it has tons of good gut bacteria in there.  LIVE makes their kombucha taste like soda and makes different flavors including my three favorites - Cola, Ginger and Root Beer.


And yes, they taste like their soda counterparts.  I get mine locally at Jimbo's.


Remember when I aid I miss Chinese food?  Well, I am so thankful for San-J's tamarin based products including their Tamari (wheat free soy sauce - side note: traditional soy sauce is wheat based.  Check your labels!).  We use the Tamari Ginger or Tamari Sesame at least 1-2 times a week.  Their sauces are delicious and gluten free.  


They are also peanut free with the exception of the Tamari Peanut.  I buy them locally at Ralph's Grocery.  


Of course the food that every newly minted Gluten Free person misses is Pizza!  Well, Smart Flour was my favorite of the three different pizzas we tried at the Expo.  They use a blend of amaranth, teff and sorghum to create a pretty darn good facsimile of pizza.


My favorite flavor was by far the Tuscan Two Meat.  It had peppercinis in it!  It is available locally at Sprouts, Bristol Farms and Ralphs.


So during really long runs, Jenn likes to eat pretzels.  And before I was diagnosed I would always beg her for some.  A salty carby snack while running is key!  Thanks to Glutino's I won't have to go without pretzels.  


This was one of the foods I ate where I was surprised they were gluten free.  "These don't taste gluten free."  Whatever that means!  These are available locally pretty much anywhere.


This was probably the best savory new thing I tasted at the Expo.  Holy YUM!  You couldn't tell it was gluten free at all.  Really good flavor, cheesy and delicious.


I couldn't get a picture of the actual food because there was a crowd around the booth but suffice it to say that the food looked and tasted better than it looks on the package.  I get mine locally at Target.


Carrot Cake.  Don't let them fool you and call this a loaf.  It is cake and it is delicious and all the words that cake should be.  Yes, like MOIST!  


This one is available locally at Whole Foods but there isn't one real close.  Luckily, they do an online sales too!


I have loved these forever and I have been DYING to try their gluten free version.  And yes, they are every bot as delicious as their regular variety.  I think their maple flavor is my favorite.  


I like to have 1/2 a waffle about 1 hour before I work out and the other 1/2 at the halfway point of a super long run over 20 miles.  

12.  Potapas

These are amazing!  When I was in law school, we went to a bar called Nick's in Pacific Beach and they had these amazing potato quesadillas.  That is what these taste like except no cheese and gluten free.  A little healthier and made out of potatoes and garbanzo bean flour.  So more protein than a regular tortilla.


They are a local San Diego company and I love them.  The people are super nice and their tortillas make me want to cry with joy!  They even have a sweet potato version.  You can find them locally at Jimbos and Sprouts!

There were so many other awesome products there.  I wish I could go back again and again to make sure I give each booth fair time.  But I think I tasted everything once and the above 12 are my favorite takeaways.  BUT WAIT!  A little tiny story about Nuttzo.  

Bonus: Nuttzo

For 2014-2015, I was lucky enough to call myself a Nuttzo Ambassador.  Unfortunately, since I was diagnosed with my peanut allergy, I had to step down.  Not fair to promote a brand that I couldn't eat. (Yes, Nuttzo has a peanut free version made in a completely peanut free facility!).  


I am heartbroken.  The stuff is delicious.  Especially my Peruvian chocolate Nuttzo.  But my loss is your gain.  I am giving away 3 jars of Nuttzo for you to enjoy!  (I will be sending coupons so there should be a store that sells Nuttzo near you.  In my area, Sprouts and Whole Foods sell them)  Enter on the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest runs 2/22/2016 to 2/28/2016 at 11:59 P.M. PST
No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited. 1 winner will be selected via the Giveaway widget.  Open to Residents of the US 18 years of age or older.  Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address.  Winner must have a valid email address.  Winner will receive the 3 coupons for 3 free jars as mentioned above.
Winner will be notified via email (if available) and/or blog post and/or Rafflecopter display, and will have 24 hours to claim prize.  If original winner does not claim prize within 24 hours, an alternate winner(s) will be selected.
Contestants must enter on the Giveaway widget in order to win.
All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn.  Winner will be provided the prize directly from SD Mom.  SD Mom not responsible for failure of the US Postal Service to deliver product.

I am again linking up with the Weekly Wrap hosted by HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin.  And also with Megan!  

So tell me about your weekend?  Are you tapering?  Have you found any wheat or peanut free products you want to share with me?  Have you tried any of the above?  What is your favorite Nuttzo flavor?

As always, I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom

69 comments:

  1. I have not tried but would love to try the choc peanut butter or crunch fuel

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  2. I would get Chocolate Power Fuel • Smooth.

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  3. i love going to expos but I haven't found any in my area in a while. It looks liek you had a great time! I always love the opportunity to try new products - I still have to try the new Honey Stinger waffles! I dont have a gluten allergy but the flavors look amazing!

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  4. I have found, for me anyway, that staying as close to nature is the best way. I do keep Garden of Life Raw Meal on hand for quick GF & DF meals.

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  5. I would love to try the Nuttzo Original Crunchy blend as that sounds like a yummy classic. No new products come to mind to share but Nuttzo would be lovely!

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  6. I love NuttZo, especially the peanut-free power fuel!

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  7. I love love love Nuttzo! I can't ever have enough :)

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  8. I am a sucker for anything chocolate!

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  9. I love Glutino pretzels! And would love to try any of the nutzo flavors (I'm a PB addict)!

    - judith

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  10. i love Nuttzo! i've only tried one flavor, i didnt even know they had more than one YAY! so i'd pick the ones I havent tried ;)

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  11. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Nuttzo!

    My newest fave gf snack was the Honey Stinger wafers. Yum!!!!

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  12. OMG HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS!?!?!?!!!? I can't have wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, or seafood for the foreseeable future!!!!

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  13. I am a newbie and just getting into gluten free. I have a lot to learn!

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  14. Sounds like a great expo to find some new gluten free foods! I love sampling new foods! The chicken parm sounds yummy!

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  15. My daughter has been recently diagnosed with a wheat allergy so I feel like a deer in the headlights. Thank you so much for all these great food ideas!!

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  16. I love sunbutter! And pumpkin seeds are a favorite snack!

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  17. I love love love Nuttzo! I can't ever have enough :)

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  18. I love feel good foods egg rolls soo good!I would like to try NuttZo Power Fuel they all sound yummy though! :D

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  19. Chocolate!! Ok thats out of the way, i love the cookies from Enjoy Life right now

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  20. I am GF and the products youve mentioned are most of the ones I have tried. But I typically just buy whole fresh foods (meat, veggies, fruits and nuts) Love incorporating kombucha into my daily habits too.

    Would love to try Nuttzo chocolate power fuel, never have tried it before and sounds delicious!

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  21. Wow what a cool event! How long were you there Smitha I think it would take me half a day cause I would not want to miss anything! I entered the giveaway, thanks for that and I shared it now and before it ends! Oh and I saw the picture of your hair, so very cute! I bet it feels great! Congratulations on your marathon finish too!

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  22. I really enjoy Barney's Almond Butter! I prefer the smooth, of course! I would choose the Original Peanut • Smooth! Thanks for an AWESOME giveaway!

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  23. I eat gluten but really like the gluten free pretzels- they taste great. I would get the original crunchy Nuttzo.

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  24. What a great event! My boys both have tree nut allergies, and my oldest has dairy, so I'm well acquainted with the allergen free world. Things have come a long way in 18 years. I'd enter your giveaway but we don't have nut products in our house.

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  25. Nutzo original crunchy but would try them all! I can't think of any one item that I love that is wheat free

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  26. That sounds like a great expo. We don't have events like that around here. It would be nice to try all of the different products before you buy. I think I'd like to try the Nuttzo Power Fuel since it's a mix of different nuts. Thanks for linking with us SD.

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  27. I would love to try the chocolate power fuel. I LOOOOVE sun butter, for those with a peanut allergy

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  28. i don't have any other suggestions. I would get the Power Fuel crunchy

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  29. I would totally like to try the dark chocolate Nuttzo. I do like these gluten free crackers from Costco. They are called...taken right from the box...Harvest Stone Toasted Sesame Brown Rice & Chickpea crackers. I do not buy a lot of gluten free products but I love how salty these crackers are and they must also be a great deal since they're from Costco so now I am hooked on them!

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  30. Um, your post is making my mouth water. I tried Sunbutter when I did my first Whole 30 and love those little snack packs. Also love Enjoy Life products. Great finds!

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  31. I've only ever tried the Chcolate Crunchy Nutzo - and that was because it was on the clearance table of our local Green Planet Grocer when we lived in Syracuse. I haven't seen it around locally since we moved back to TN and I just was thinking about it the other day after my run... I would have given my right arm for a big scoop of it on my apple slices!

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  32. We used to use sunbutter all the time before my son's friend was diagnosed with a seed allergy too

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  33. I don't mind soy nut butter. I just add a little extra jelly and it tastes just like peanut butter. I really want to try the Nuttzo with chocolate. :-)

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  34. I have not discovered anything to share. I'd like to try the Power Fuel • Crunchy!

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  35. I've never tried Nuttzo, so I'd love to try any flavor!

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  36. Chocolate power fuel! Nuttzo is my favourite though, whatever variety.

    I have to say, I discovered the making of chia-pumpkin seed butter, and using NOW Foods raw seeds, I've been having a gluten free, peanut free blast ^__^
    CJ
    Https://tumblingglutenfree.blogspot.com

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  37. Chocolate peanut butter please!!!

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  38. oh man, that is so sad to hear about your peanut allergy! i am a nut butter junkie of sorts so that would be heartbreaking news to me. everything you posted from that expo sounds and looks amazing. one of my favorite gf snacks are Nut Thin crackers! i had never heard of nutzo before but after perusing their site, i'm smitten! i'd love to try "chocolate power fuel" one!

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  39. I like GlutenWize's cookies - they remind me a lot of Famous Amos cookies, which of course I can no longer have. :(

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  40. I would love to try chocolate power fuel

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  41. usually blend pecans in my blendtec and like to try the chocolate one

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  42. The Chocolate Nutzzo is the best!

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  43. I love Gerbs snack mix, especially the spicy pub mix. I would like to try the NuttZo power fuel crunchy.

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  44. I've heard the most amazing things about Nuttzo and am dying to give it a try :)

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  45. Would love to try!!!! I would choose original smooth!
    ~Katrina J

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  46. I don't really have any new products to share, but I would try either the Power Fuel Smooth or the Chocolate Original Peanut Smooth first.

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  47. Nuttzo has a flavor that's like 6 different nuts in one. I had a sample in a Vegan Cuts box last year and loved it, so I would buy that!

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  48. I've never tried nutzo but would love to! I hear the mixed nuts one is good

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  49. I don't have to eat gluten free, but I like that many gluten free items are also good for you! I love making date-based energy balls for hiking. I haven't tried Nuttzo. All the flavors look fantastic. The chocolate is certainly what my kids would pick!

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  50. Never tried Nuttzo, but have always wanted to! I'd go with the power fuel!

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  51. gluten free bread has come a long way! I'm excited to always try new brands that are much closer to "real" bread and not white pieces of cardboard! I love nuttzo!

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  52. Definitely Original Crunchy for me. Thanks!

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  53. I like snacking on Glutino pretzels and the crunchy in origins would be my pick.
    Georgiana

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  54. So many delicious snacks! *-* That sounds like an awesome event! I'd want to try the Chocolate Power Fuel! :P

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  55. I'd like anything chocolate or the crunchy power fuel. I've been loving Mary's Gone Crackers lately.

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  56. I am going to a GF expo in April! And this just got me sooooo excited :) I would love to try Nutzo..I don't make it to Whole Foods much but this would give me an excuse to start ;)

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  57. Our family loved smart flour pizza too! Yum!

    Gotta pick chocolate! :)

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  58. chocolate power fuel sounds incredible! Thank you for hosting such an awesome giveaway :)

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