Restaurant Review: Shake Shack

This is not a review about burgers and fries from the beloved +SHAKE SHACK . Yes, the juicy hamburgers and crisp French fries may be what many people salivate over at the fast food joint. I am not one of them.

However, I do really like hot cocoa during the cold winter months as seen here and here, and I stopped in for a salted caramel hot chocolate during the latest winter storm in D.C. Shake Shack makes a mean hot cocoa, in addition to its famed selection of meat patties, hot dog variations, two types of fries, several creamy shakes, frozen custards, and soda floats.

Are you drooling yet?

It may not be healthiest food option, but the chain restaurant does do an excellent job explaining allergen information contained in each menu item. On its website, the company lists menu items based on vegetarian criteria, and if it contains milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, shellfish, tree nuts, fish, gluten, sesame seeds, soy, or sulfites. To indicate that the ingredient may not contain an allergen but was processed in a facility where possible cross-contact occurs, a “P” is clearly displayed. 

As for the salted caramel hot chocolate: soy-free with a possibility of cross-contamination during processing.

Overall grade: B. Not all of the menu items at Shake Shack contain soy. Yet, to be truly soy-free it’s best to avoid the famous hamburgers and fries, because their website shows them to contain the allergen. Most of the frozen custards, shakes, and beverages or soy-free.

Whole Foods 365 Vanilla Almond Milk

Wow. Can you believe it is the end of September? I can't. It seems like yesterday that sandals, swimming, and sunscreen were a common denominator of the season. Now, autumn decorations are for sale, pumpkin-flavored everything are in grocery stores, and leaves are changing. Here's a fun fact. Did you know the color of which leaves change is based on the amount of sugar found in each tree? The next time someone comments on fall foliage, you can whip out that tidbit like the boss you are.

Speaking of fall and sugar, it's time for warm beverages to replace the cold. Why not use some vanilla almond milk to knock your tea up a notch? It's full of calcium, tasty, and makes you feel good when you talk about how healthy you are with friends. Because, who still drinks cow's milk? That is so old school. Just kidding, I still love getting a latte created with bovine milk, organic, of course.

Let's see how the generic brand of almond milk from +Whole Foods Market , 365 Vanilla Almond Milk, performs on the Sans Soy taste test, shall we?

Quality: Compared to cow's milk, the almond milk is thick with a yellow tinge. The thickness and texture is not as smooth and lustrous as premium brand almond milks such as Silk or Pacific Foods. This almond milk is sweetened with organic cane sugar, and it is necessary to shake the box before pouring to ensure the  contents are properly mixed. Nobody would like a glob to plop out into their newly brewed tea, would they? The liquid easily combines with others. When added to chia seeds, it makes a great vegan pudding. The emulsifying ingredient is sunflower lecithin, not soy lecithin.

Taste: This almond milk is sweetened and enhanced with vanilla extract. It is delicious, and will give you a slight sugar high if you drink too much. However, who says that is bad thing. I find the sweetness to be just right, yet others I know believer it to be too much. A one cup serving contains 15 grams of sugar.

Price: I can't say the price of this almond milk because I took it from my mother's pantry. What? Sharing is caring, people. However, I suspect it costs around $2.00 based on the price of other generic brand non-dairy beverages.

Overall grade: B. Yes, this almond milk was good. Will I buy it again? yes. Why doesn't it deserve an A? Well, the thickness and texture could be better. I would like the almond milk to have a rich texture that adds a creamy element lacking in the Whole Foods 365 Vanilla Almond Milk.

3 Ways to Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

Wow! The unthinkable has happened: spring has arrived in Washington, D.C. Woohoo! No more (hopefully) snowy days and layering up to venture outdoors. Now, days can be filled wandering streets, dining on patios and even picnicking. Coinciding with this gorgeous spring weather is the annual debut of the cherry blossoms. Although the blooms still have a few days before the flowers really burst with pink, it is relaxing to take an early morning stroll around the circumference of the Tidal Basin at the National Mall to appreciate the blooming trees.

In D.C., it feels like the cherry blossoms have invaded and moved from just flowers on trees. Many shops and restaurants boast cherry blossom-themed food and beverages. However, it can be difficult to decipher if prepared food contains soy allergens. Here are three soy-free products to relish along with the cotton candy-like blooms.


1. Harney & Sons Cherry Blossom Tea
Warm up on a crisp spring night by sipping a warm cup of cherry blossom tea. This tea from British tea empire +Harney and Sons Fine Teas, has a slightly sweet and floral fragrance that will leave you content. The plump cherry blossoms are added to green tea, and are available only in sachets. If drinking tea at night is not your cup of tea, why not brew the cherry blossom green tea in the morning and enjoy while appreciating the sakura on an early morning stroll?

2. Prunotto Cherry Blossom Honey
Honey paired with a cherry backdrop is a heavenly combination! This Italian honey magically combines the honey and sakura flavors so well you will wonder where it has been your whole life. Add the cherry blossom honey to your cherry blossom tea, drizzle on yogurt, or top a warm biscuit with the sticky stuff. 

2. Capitol Kombucha, Cherry Blossom Flavor
For those wishing to detox from an indulgent lifestyle or would just like to stay healthy, kombucha is a beverage with superpower benefits. Kombucha, a fermented tea drink infused with enzymes, amino acids and probiotics, helps the body detoxify toxins. Capitol Kombucha is made with organic tea, and the cherry blossom flavor also has ingredients of cherries, rose water and honey.

Cava Mezze Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Have you ever wondered how hummus became popular with a cult following in the last few years? It seems it is on every menu, a staple party food, and coveted work snack. In fact, there is even this Buzzfeed article explaining hummus obsessions, and I relate to many of the claims.

Pureed chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice and a healthy dose of tahini paste are the building blocks of hummus. But the opportunities for the spread creations are endless. Cilantro, roasted garlic, and jalapeno are the tip of the hummus-ingredient-choices iceberg.

Similar to most people, I, too, have a slight obsession with hummus. There is something about the creamy and satisfying texture that I love. It is satiating without feeling heavy, velvety without using dairy, and zesty without using synthetic flavorings. Although, I do recommend reading ingredient labels because some generic hummus brands sneak in soybean oil, those cheats!

Cava Mezze brand does not use soybean oil in its hummus, and it is delicious. How does the roasted red pepper hummus perform in the Sans Soy test? Let's see.

Quality: In case the bright orange color did not alert you, the thick texture and garlic aroma make an authoritative stance to show this hummus means business! Tiny, crimson specks of roasted red pepper swirl around the dip. Moister than competitor's hummus, the spread is dexterous, and does not fall off carrot sticks or slip out of a makeshift tortilla.

Taste: As a result of the roasting procedure, the red peppers create a delightful sweet undertone. This perfectly complements the fiery garlic presence. As the main ingredient in hummus is a garbanzo bean, hummus may have a tendency to have an earthy undertone. Yet, this hummus is vibrant.

Price: One 8-ounce tub of hummus costs $3.99 at my local Whole Foods Market.

Overall grade: B+. This is a great hummus, and I enjoyed dipping, smearing and sandwiching it between bread. Although I liked the sweet, roasted red pepper flavor, the intensity of the flavor could be a bit much after awhile. Bonus points are given because Cava Mezze has local restaurants in the D.C., area, and are always wonderful to grab some nibbles, a glass of wine and catch up with friends.

Goldilocks Goodies Double Chocolate Pecan cookies

Once upon a time there was a little blonde girl named Stephanie who was on the quest to find the perfect cookie. Her expectations were high, but she was positive the ideal cookie would be found. She ventured into her local grocery store to search the endless aisles of healthy junk food. "But, these cookies are made with soy," she exclaimed when looking at one box. "And these cookies taste like glorified dog treats," she thought after tasting a sample of other treats. Disappointed, she left the supermarket. 

On her way home she decided to grab a cup of tea at a local coffee shop that also sells food products from small businesses. What did Stephanie find at the coffee shop? She found the cookies that were just right: soy-free chocolate cookies. 

Goldilocks Goodies is a bakery company creating small batches of sweets in Lancaster Country, Pennsylvania. The sweets are a dream for those wishing to avoid allergies as every product is gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, corn-free, vegan, and made with natural, wholesome ingredients. 

Let's see if these cookies would satisfy a particular Goldilocks in the Sans Soy test.

Product: Goldilocks Goodies Double Chocolate Pecan cookies

Quality: Density is the name of the game with these cookies. As they are gluten-free and dairy-free, the cookies do not contain wheat flour, butter or eggs. To compensate, the cookies are made from a batter comprising finely ground peanuts, almond meal, and almond butter. As a result, the texture is very chewy and the consistency is on the sticky side. Eating a few cookies is a major jaw workout. The chocolate chips are made soy-free from a mixture of chocolate liquor, vegan cocoa butter, and evaporated cane sugar.

Taste: Finely ground peanuts are the backbone of these cookies and replaces the flour used in traditional baked goods. The combination of this with the chocolate results in the cookie version of dark chocolate peanut butter I previously reviewed. Following the nut and chocolate flavors is a strong cinnamon undertone. The visible salt crystals on the exterior of the cookie help to offset the sweetness from the sugar and cocoa.

Price: One pouch of six cookies of about two inches in diameter cost $7.75.

Overall grade: B+. Yes, Goldilocks Goodies Double Chocolate Pecan cookies were just right for a soy-free, vegan, gluten-free treat. An extra effort of jaw power is needed to power through the cookies because they are dense. I feel the cookies are pricey at almost eight dollars for six small cookies. Overall, the cookies are a tasty and somewhat healthy treat that would please even the most food allergy-laden critic.

Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams

We are still in the month of February. This time of year seems to move at a glacial pace. Short days, cold weather, and dark winter skies do not assist with the enthusiasm I find myself lacking mid-winter. However, as I keep attempting to eat well and drink hot tea, I have been on the lookout for a soy free, sweet way to cheer myself up from the “blahs.”

One way I like to treat myself without feeling too guilty is by pairing my indulgence with a healthy partner. Yesterday, it was +Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams with a side of fresh, Fuji apple. The chocolate satisfied my sweet tooth, and the apple was fresh. In my book, that is a win-win scenario.

Previously, I wrote about my experience with another Peanut Butter & Co. product, White Chocolate Wonderful. The peanut butter and white chocolate spread performed well in the Sans Soy test, but did its dark chocolate sibling fare the same?

Product: Peanut Butter& Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams

Quality: The peanut butter has a consistency that is thick and velvety. A chocolate aroma with peanut undertones quickly fills the air once the jar is opened. As previously noted with the white chocolate spread, this butter does involve extra effort to smear on bread. Unlike more common peanut butter brands, the ground peanuts and oil do not separate to create an unsightly top layer when initially opening the jar.

Taste: Peanuts are detected in this spread, after all, it is peanut butter. However, the shining star is the chocolate. Ever so sweet, and slightly bitter, the chocolate enables the spread to be sweet without rotting teeth. A faint taste of vanilla rounds out the flavors.

Price: One jar of the dark chocolate peanut butter costs $6.00 from the Peanut Butter & Co. online store.

Overall grade: B+. I enjoyed the pairing of dark chocolate with peanut butter. The consistency, even being thick, was easy to blanket my apple slices without fear of slipping off. Also, it would be delicious topping a banana. In line with organic nut butters found at health food stores, the price is reasonable. But, this is not a product made with organic ingredients, which would be an addition I would happily enjoy.

P.S. The Dark Chocolate Dreams Sandwich at the Peanut Butter& Co. NYC Sandwich Shop looks delicious. A sandwich made with dark chocolate peanut butter, cherry jam, and shredded coconuts? Yes, please! 

Five Soy Free Treats to Enjoy this Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! In keeping with the commercialization theory about the basis of the holiday, here are five, soy free sweets. Though all of the items may not be healthy or organic, none of the items contain soy, and many are vegan! It is the day of love, so why not treat yo self? 

1.  Theo Chocolate Bars: Two Flavors

Just in time for Saint Valentine’s Day, Theo Chocolate has produced two limited edition flavors perfect for the holiday. My Cherry Baby is a 45% milk chocolate bar sprinkled with dried cherries and vanilla bean. Cinnamon Love Crunch is a chocolate bar comprising 70% dark chocolate and the spicy crunch of cinnamon brittle. Both would be excellent to share (if you are generous) or keep for yourself. 

2. Butterscotch Peanut Butter from Mimi’s Cookie Bar

Decadent with a savory side, the Butterscotch Peanut Butter is divine to spread on a saltine cracker, smother an apple slice, or even plop on a bowl of oatmeal. Although the peanut butter is not vegan, it does not contain soy.

3. Fuego Salsa from La Fundidora

Even if Cupid did not add spice to your love life, you can add some pizazz to Valentine’s Day by diving into a jar of salsa. Created with tomatoes, tomatillos and a variety of chiles, the Fuego salsa makes chips, eggs or tacos more exciting.

4. Buddha Chocolate BuddhaCup

Made with love in Brooklyn, New York, the chocolate at Buddha Chocolate is raw and sweetened with coconut palm crystals. No need to feel guilty after consuming a Buddha Cup, each treat is filled with almond butter and surrounded by dark chocolate. What a tasty way to fill up on protein and antioxidants, no?

5. inFUSED Spreads Strawberry Lavender Jam

Perfect to befriend afternoon tea or breakfast toast, this jam contains simple, soy free ingredients: strawberry, sugar, lemon juice and lavender flowers. On an ordinary day, this jam would be great, but why not sweeten up Valentine’s Day by adding it to your mid-afternoon snack routine.

Restaurant Review: Pei Wei Asian Diner

Happy {Chinese} New Year! For many, the new year began on January 1. However, last weekend was the celebration of the Chinese New Year, marking 2014 as the year of the horse. In honor of the Asian celebration, I decided to look at a popular American Chinese restaurant chain, Pei Wei Asian Diner, and evaluate their menu for Sans Soy. Chinese food is delicious, but it is also a well-known fact that the dishes oftentimes are full of additives such as MSG and soy sauce. 

Growing up, I enjoyed plenty of food from my neighborhood P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, only to sacrifice my health for the following days. It took me a while to connect (one of my slower moments) the swelling and crankiness I endured after Chinese food consumption to the ingredients. Now, I rarely consume Chinese food. However, a brand new +Pei Wei Asian Diner, the little brother of +P.F. Chang's, opened in my Dupont Circle neighborhood in the District. As I walked by the diner, I started to think about the ingredients which must go into their wonton soup, steaming noodle bowls and crispy spring rolls.

Reviewing the menu for Pei Wei is not surprising: almost every dish and condiment offered contains soy. However, the Chinese fast food restaurant does an excellent job clearly indicating allergens through its nutritional info chart. In addition to labeling menu items containing soy, other allergens that are marked include corn, mushroom, sesame and sulfites.

Overall grade: C-. The Chinese food chain gets major points for easily displaying food allergens to its customers. However, someone who wishes to avoid soy would have difficulty doing so at Pei Wei Asian Diner due to the limited number of soy free plates. The sweet chili sauce may be soy free, but it is hard to enjoy when the vegetable spring rolls, crispy potstickers and Vietnamese chicken salad rolls are laden with soy. I would gladly eat here if there were a wider array of soy free food choices.

Wasa Sourdough Crispbread

Hello readers! Cold season has arrived in full force here in Washington, D.C. I have been blessed with two monstrous colds in the past month, which has resulted in countless hours in bed, plenty of mugs overflowing with tea, and, sadly, a bland diet of soup. Out of desperation to find a snack with equal amount of crunch and flavorlessness to keep my stomach happy, I found Wasa Sourdough Crispbread. These Swedish babies offer a minimal ingredient list, all which are soy free! The brain baby from the Swedes—people who live in a country much colder than Washington, D.C.—I hoped the crackers could help me kick my colds to the curb.

Let's see how Wasa Sourdough Crispbreads performed in the Sans Soy test.

Product: Wasa Sourdough Crispbread

Quality: Initially, I was unsure what to expect prior to opening a package of Wasa crackers. I am ignorant about Swedish culture and foods; I insultingly think a main food group must be meatballs as a result of the meals available for purchase at IKEA. Dark brown in color, each rectangular cracker had a light dusting of leftover baking flour. Crisp and crunchy they were, almost reaching the staleness state. Nary a grain of salt was present on the crispbreads. However, when paired with a bowl of hot soup, the dry and crisp cracker was perfect for absorbing the simmering liquid without becoming a pile of mush.

Taste: True to its description as a sourdough crispbread, a small amount of tang is present in every bite. The tang, however, is the only exciting attribute possessed by the crackers. There is a lack of salt, spice or anything else nice, and the crackers are best enjoyed when supporting a decadent dip. I cannot help but dream of using a crispbread as the backbone for a goat cheese and smoked salmon tartine.

Price: One package of crispbreads cost me $2.98 at my neighborhood grocery store.

Overall grade: C+. Lacking flavor with questionable freshness, these crispbreads are the perfect accompaniment when unable to fathom much food. However, what the sourdough crackers lack in flavor, they make up by serving as a supporting character with soup, creamy spreads, or a sinful dip looking to be in the spotlight.

Trader Joe's Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar

Who does not love chocolate? Not me, that is for sure. At times, I can have a humongous sweet tooth. This sugar craving is the reason why an organic chocolate bar landed in my shopping cart at Trader Joe's. I was doing well eating clean as I stocked up on fresh produce such as kale, apples and avocados, but the chocolate arrived in my basket while I impatiently waited in line to check out.

Oftentimes, chocolate is made with soy lecithin, an emulsifying agent. For those who suffer from a soy allergy, this is detrimental. After reading the ingredients on my organic chocolate wrapper, I was pleasantly surprised to see a lack of soy. But, does a generic brand of organic, soy-free chocolate hold up well in the Sans Soy test?

Product: Trader Joe's Organic Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar

Quality: For those with willpower and are able to consume solely one quadrilateral of chocolate at a time, the chocolate bar is portioned out into small rectangles, The color is a creamy brown, and melts easily. However, there is a bit of grittiness to the chocolate, as if the sugar did not completely dissolve before hardening.

Taste: A strong chocolate presence is missing from this chocolate bar. At times, I could not decide if the mellow flavor was a bonus, or if it was reminiscent of chalk.  The word "truffle" in the product title had me expecting a luscious chocolate and dairy combination, yet the mix was reminiscent of hot chocolate I drank at school—diluted and dull. There were, however, lovely undertones of caramel and vanilla which complement the rich cocoa flavors.

Price: One chocolate bar costs $1.99 at Trader Joe's.

Overall grade: C+. This bar of chocolate did not mesh well with me. I found the taste to be incomplete, and the texture to contain grit. Compared to another soy-free chocolate bar I reviewed, this generic one is lacking in depth of flavor. However, it is organic, and the price can't be beat.

Palais des Thés: Thé du Hammam

J'aime bien la France. Immediately following my college graduation, I moved to France to teach English in a lycée.  The weather turned cold and dreary, and I spent a lot of time defrosting in salon des thés, or tea houses. Choosing une tasse from the large selection of herbal loose leaf teas soon became one of my favorite activities to do when escaping the frigid temperatures.

A few days ago I was feeling nostalgic for my time in France, and decided to attempt to relive it by drinking a warm cup of flower-infused liquid. Reading the tea ingredients was when my walk down memory lane turned sour. Rosehips. Magnifique! Hibiscus. Génial! Orange peel. Merveilleux! Soy lecithin. What the oh la la?! Oui, soy lecithin is commonly used as a binding agent in herbal teas. Quelle horreur!

Luckily, I bought a tin of flavored tea from the French tea house, +Palais des Thés , on a recent trip abroad. The tea is soy free, but how does the Palais des Thés green tea, Thé du Hammam, perform in the Sans Soy test?

Product: Palais des Thés green tea: Thé du Hammam

Quality: The tea is a simple blend of green tea, rose, green date, berry and orange flower water. A blossomy aroma first hits the nose with notes of rose and orange. Individual dried rose petals are prevalent throughout the blend. Once combined with hot water, the tea turns the liquid a light brown color with warm green undertones.

Taste: Slightly sweet and floral, the flavor is delicate much like a diluted aromatherapy candle. A sip warms the belly while tasting like an edible flower. A steep time of three to four minutes is all that is needed to make the floral notes sing, and any longer creates a bitter taste.

Price: Purchase loose leaf or sachets of the tea from the Palais des Thés Web site. Prices range between $13 and $19. This may sound pricey, but one tin of loose leaf tea lasts months, and the quality is top-notch.

Overall grade:  A. I have many good memories with not just the Thé du Hammam flavor, but with many other Palais des Thés teas. The teas are some of the most flavorful filled with quality ingredients to make pleasurable tea-drinking experience. My only criticism is that I wish Palais des Thés was sold in the United States. Does anyone know of any place where I can find this brand in the U.S.? Maybe I will have to move back to France.

**Update: Palais des Thés has informed me that there are two shops selling the tea in New York.

So Delicious Mint Chocolate Coconut Milk

A colleague of mine is on a vegan kick. She tells me about her latest meat-, dairy-, and egg-free adventures and recipes. The creation and innovation that goes into making some vegan foods amazes me. Although I am not a vegan, I do appreciate the lifestyle and oftentimes find myself eating without any animal products at all. From time to time we, my colleague and I, share vegan treats. To get in the holiday spirit, I bought a nut milk, So Delicious Mint Chocolate Coconut Milk, that was sworn to taste like liquid peppermint patties. The selection of So Delicous products were on sale at the time, and, in addition to the coconut health benefits of fewer calories and fat, it seemed like the perfect nondairy treat for Christmastime. The name sounds impressive, but how did the So Delicious Mint Chocolate Coconut Milk do in the Sans Soy test?

Product: So Delicious Mint Chocolate Coconut Milk

Quality: The milk is thick and even has a beautiful, creamy brown color. Initially, I did not adequately shake up the beverage before pouring which led to a translucent khaki-colored liquid to dispense. However, I shook the carton with more vigor and all clear liquid disappeared. When I sniffed the milk, I scented a peppermint explosion—the smell was strong! I was unsure of what to expect about the texture of the coconut milk, however the liquid was smooth as silk. 

Taste: Peppermint is a powerful component of the coconut milk’s taste, quickly followed by chocolate. The two flavors work well together, creating a harmony without overpowering the other. Added sugars made the milk to be saccharine and syrupy on its own, most likely due to the use of stevia. Yet, the sweetness was excellent when combined with some coffee to make a holiday twist on the traditional mocha drink.

Price: The mint chocolate coconut milk is available in the size of one quart. On sale at my local Whole Foods Market, I paid $2.99 for one carton.

Overall grade: B. The flavored coconut milk did not hit the ball out of the park in my book, but this is due to personal taste bud opinions. The texture was not bad, but not outstanding, either. I recommend giving the bad boy a hardy shake prior to each use. Once opened, the milk turns sour in seven to ten days.

Restaurant Review: FroZenYo

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they want to be empowered to make their own choice. Maybe the choice is of life altering status, perhaps, deciding to move to a new country. Other times, the choice is minuscule, on the same scale of choosing the color of socks to wear. No matter the decision size, the ability to choose is a wonderful privilege. Last Sunday, I had a moment of selection insignificance. I was hot from biking around the District, and I was hungry. I rode past a ubiquitous frozen yogurt shop, +FroZenYo , and elected to cool down from the unseasonal warm weather.

For those who thrive on the ability to choose—sometimes referred to as control freaks—a joint like FroZenYo is ideal. This type of place was made for the strong-willed. All of the yogurts are soft-serve, allowing customers the ability to choose precisely how much cake batter-flavored yogurt they would like to straddle their generous swirl of peppermint frozen yogurt, complete with a dollop of caramel-flavored yogurt. A generous topping bar further gives customers the gift of selection by allowing guests to sprinkle their cold treats with garnishes including sugary sauces, fresh fruit, nuts, gummy candies, chocolates and more. 

Although the self-serve frozen yogurt is not organic, and loaded with chemicals to create alluring flavors such as snickerdoodle, salted caramel pretzel, and nondairy raspberry pomegranate sorbet, FroZenYo clearly displays in its stores common allergens found in each flavor. The yogurt flavors containing soy have an "S" displayed on the nutrition chart, which easily allows customers to avoid soy products if they wish. 

Overall grade: B. The self-serve frozen yogurt allows guests to customize their yogurt sundae exactly to their liking. This increases customer satisfaction due to their nearly complete control over their frozen yogurt masterpiece. Nutritional and dietary information is clearly displayed in each store, although this knowledge is lacking from the FroZenYo Web site. Filled with synthetic flavorings and chemicals, the frozen yogurt is a far cry from a healthy dessert, but would do when in a pinch.

Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate: Chocolate Chocolate

The cold, arctic air has returned to Washington, D.C. Within the past week, work and school delays have been common. Wool hats, chunky scarves and heavy, waterproof boots have been pulled from hibernation and now serve their primary purpose: warmth retention. When the weather turns as is, despite my best efforts to stay warm and snug, I find myself drinking more hot liquids than one would find in a hot spring.

After sweaty gym workout which resulted in a very frosty walk home, I needed a warm drink to defrost and remind myself that I am a warm-blooded human. A steaming hot chocolate did the trick. Not only was the drink toasty, the new mix from Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate was a home run. Silly Cow Farms sells hot chocolate in an array of flavors to include Marshmallow Swirl, Peppermint Twist and Chocolate Chocolate. Not all of the flavors are soy-free, however the ingredients are clearly labeled. Now that I have thawed out, let's see how Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate performed in the Sans Soy test.

Product: Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate: Chocolate Chocolate

Quality:  The cocoa is finely ground to create a tawny mound of powder. Tiny granules fragments of granulated sugar are mixed in with the cocoa. After stirring a spoonful or two into a mug with warmed milk, the cocoa mix quickly dissolves, leaving only the faintest trace of chocolate at the bottom of the cup when all consumed.

Taste: The flavor of this hot chocolate mix has a deep and rich piquancy with a slight hint of vanilla. Along with coffee undertones, there is a meager whiff of bitterness from the cocoa. Although this may sound unpleasant, it helps to complement the sweet taste.

Price: One bottle of the hot chocolate may be purchased here for six dollars. I bought mine from Whole Foods for around the same cost.

Overall grade: A+. Congrats, Silly Cow Farms, on being the first brand examined by Stephanie at Sans Soy to receive a top note! This hot chocolate mix was high quality, outstanding in taste and reasonably priced for the amount received. Extra points given for an array of soy-free flavors from which to choose, and the adorable and eco-friendly packaging that is a short glass milk jar helps to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals transferred to food.

Restaurant Review: Panera Bread

We have all been there.  Appointments are filled to the brim, and you are searching for a place to grab a quick and healthy lunch while finalizing an e-mail to send. Thankfully, Panera Bread delivers in such situations. Fresh bread, a wide array of salads, sandwiches, and soups from which to choose, in addition to edible pastries, caffeine concoctions, and free wi-fi.

Although, oftentimes, the casual diner is filled with groups of soccer mothers, +Panera Bread offers tasty food that satisfies hunger pains, wanes fatigue and can serve as a productive off-site office when need be. It may come as shock that not all of the food and beverages available at Panera are soy free. However, the website for Panera may be easily navigated to find full lists of ingredients.

To access the nutrition and dietary information, select the "Menu Items" tab at the top of this Web page, and choose your category that you would like to learn more. Scroll to the middle of the page and select "Get the Facts." This will allow you to see the ingredients, or, you can click here for easy redirection to the Panera Bread nutrition Web page.

Some popular menu items including soy:

• Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
• Rustic Penne Bolognese 
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• White Balsamic Fuji Apple Salad Dressing
• Caramel Latte

Overall grade: B+. Panera joins the top ranks of Chipotle as a fast food restaurant that discloses nutritional information to its customers. Menu selections not containing, but are processed in close proximity to soy are clearly labeled. However, it is important to double check ingredients for small amounts of unlabeled soy, such as miniscule amounts of soybean oil.

Peanut Butter & Co. White Chocolate Wonderful

When I grocery shop I try to be organized. I attempt to plan ahead and make lists. But, when I enter the doors of my local grocery store, I become a marketer's dream as catchy advertisements and labels distract my well-organized intentions from reaching their final destination. Hence, I rarely come home with all of the items I meant to buy and a few newbies have appeared in my shopping cart. That is how I ended up discovering a new peanut butter brand: Peanut Butter & Co.

Based out of New York City, Peanut Butter & Co. has a slew of different peanut butter flavor from which to choose, all made without soy! Yipee! Less than ten total, natural ingredients compose the nut butter, one of which is an emulsifier that is derived from sunflowers. The particular flavor I picked up is a combination of white chocolate and peanut butter. Sounds interesting and decadent, right? Let's see how +Peanut Butter & Co.  White Chocolate Wonderful peanut butter performed in the Sans Soy test.

Product: Peanut Butter & Co. White Chocolate Wonderful

Quality: My first impression is how smooth is the peanut butter. The consistency resembles common peanut butter brands like Jif and Skippy. Nevertheless, the spread is thicker than the latter peanut butters, and would require some light elbow grease and attention to spread evenly on a piece of bread such as white Wonder slices.

Taste: A strong peanut butter taste with a decadent underlying flavor from the white chocolate is present. The white chocolate taste is not overpowering, but exerts enough oomph to notify the eater that it is sweet, buttery and means business. I appreciate the fact that it is not too sweet, and would be delicious smeared on a banana or an apple slice.

Price: At six dollars a jar, this is on the pricey side of peanut butters.

Overall grade: B. The peanut butter was very smooth, but it was thick. I liked, but not loved, the white chocolate flavor, however, this is personal preference. I would like to taste other flavors; The Bee's Knees, Mighty Maple and Cinnamon Raisin Swirl look tempting.

Whole Foods 365 Hot Cocoa

The holiday season is quickly approaching in conjunction with cold Arctic air in the Washington, D.C., area. Crisp and frigid weather is indicative of the arrival of heavy, wool coats, fluffy blankets and warm drinks to stay toasty and snug. What better way to relax on a grey weekend afternoon than with a cup of piping hot cocoa? Other major brands of hot chocolate contain synthetic, ‘natural’ flavors, hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, and oftentimes, soy. However, the store brand from Whole Foods, 365, contains organic ingredients easily pronounced by those who have yet to obtain a Ph.D. degree in agrochemistry. Will this affect its performance in the Sans Soy test?

Product: Whole Foods 365 Hot Cocoa

Quality:  Upon opening a packet of this hot cocoa mix, I first noticed a pale powder with a smell more natural than a traditional hot chocolate mix loaded with fake flavorings and sugars. In fact, closer inspection of the contents revealed small, square sugar crystals. No synthetic sweeteners in my hot cocoa! The mix dissolves well in a pan of warm liquid, leaving little chocolate residue behind.

Taste: In one word, I describe this hot cocoa mix to be comforting. It is thick and luscious and sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth without causing a toothache. Although rich on its own from nonfat dried milk in the mix, I like to be extra naughty by combining the hot chocolate mix with warmed milk. The result tastes like liquid chocolate velvet.

Price: Currently, a box of 10 organic hot chocolate packets is on sale for $3.99 at my local Whole Foods market.

Overall grade: A. The superb quality and deep chocolate flavor are quite impressive for a dry ingredient hot cocoa mix. Real sugar cubes, plus all organic ingredients allow a cold weather beverage to be enjoyed without the worries of food chemicals. Brownie points for a reasonable price and all organic ingredients.

P.S. Check out Whole Foods' awesome hot chocolate smackdown comparison. 

Shiloh Farms Spelt Pretzels

Ah, the pretzel, a beloved snack that serves as a perfect accompanist to a midafternoon break,  watching Netflix, and parties. For me, it is the crunch that makes the pretzel a satisfying and enjoyable bite. Shiloh Farms creates handmade pretzels made from spelt flour. There is no soy or soy byproducts in any of the ingredients, which are organic spelt flour, yeast, soda and salt. Let's see how the spelt pretzels performed on the Sans Soy test.

Product: Shiloh Farms Spelt Pretzels

Quality: Exceeds expectations. Looking at the pretzels through the transparent packaging, it is is clear these pretzels are an artisanal products and are not produced in a factory. Each pretzel is unique with different widths and thickness. A nice crispy crust was present on each pretzel.

Taste: The first detail I noticed when first munching on a spelt flour was the texture. The pretzels are denser than a typical baked good made with all purpose flour. In addition, the spelt flour created a bit of an earthy, excess flour taste that took a little time to acclimate my taste buds. A liberal sprinkling of fat, white salt grains on top of the baked goods was a welcome detail.

Price: Excessive. One bag containing 10 pretzels set me back $4.99 (plus tax).

Overall grade: B. The spelt pretzels had a taste that was unusual and, at times, was seemed as if too much flour was made. However, I appreciate the individuality of each pretzel because they made me feel as if they were homemade in a friend's kitchen. The price is on the pricier side of baked goods, which would limit how often I purchase a Shiloh Farms product. But, I would certainly consider buying more if I am feeling generous with my spending   their sprouted grains are tempting me!

Restaurant Review: Chipotle

Spicy, fresh salsa? Check. Cilantro-herbed rice with lime? Check. Freshly made guacamole? Check. Decent vegetarian options? Check. Free range meats and cheese created from animals raised without the use of synthetic hormones? Check. Olé-tastic atmosphere? Check.

Have I made it clear that I am a fan of Chipotle? That is why it saddens me to write that not all of the food options at the Mexican joint are suitable for those with soy allergies.

After enjoying a meal at Chipotle, I have frequently experienced a flare up of symptoms which I have come to associate with soy consumption: swelling, water retention and headaches, to name a few. I decided to look around on their website, and found an informational chart listing common allergens found in Chipotle meal components.

Chipotle does a superb job maintaining the honesty about its ingredients. In fact, Chipotle proudly states the belief, “food with integrity is our commitment to finding the very best ingredients raised with respect for the animals, the environment and the farmers.” That, in my opinion, is a refreshing statement to read from a company once owned by McDonalds.

Here is a list of which ingredients contain soy or soy byproducts:

• soft flour tortilla
• cilantro-lime rice (white & brown)
• fajita vegetables
• chicken
• steak
• sofritas
• vinaigrette

Saddened? Yes, me too. However, Chipotle has taken the initiative to communicate which foods contain soy, allowing customers to choose something that better suits their dietary needs. This is a step further than several other common restaurants.

Overall grade: B+. Although not the healthiest food to eat, Chipotle it delicious, cheap and fresh. Displaying food allergens in an easily accessible place makes it easier for customers to enjoy their Chipotle visit without having unfortunate adverse allergy reactions. Olé, indeed!