Celebrating Non-GMO Month with Bestowed {and a Coupon Code}

Bestowed Boxes - Image Courtesy of Bestowed
Bestowed Boxes

I was provided a Bestowed box at no cost to me. I did not accept monetary compensation for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. 

Thanks to the folks at Bestowed, I now know that October is Non-GMO Month, and since I've reviewed their monthly subscription box before, I was given the opportunity to check out the items in their October box ahead of time (i.e. ahead of members). GMOs ("genetically-modified organisms") are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plans and animals. Unfortunately, these organisms have found their way into a lot of the foods available in the grocery store, including snack foods, making these items the not-so-healthy options out there.

That's why I'm really excited to share the contents of the October Bestowed Box. All of the items were hand-selected by Bestowed founder (and nationally-recognized nutritionist and author) Heather Bauer and are 100% GMO-free!



Simply Beyond Black Bean Tortilla Chips from Way Better Snacks | Taste As You Go
Simply Beyond Black Bean Tortilla Chips from Way Better Snacks

Simply Beyond Black Bean Tortilla Chips from Way Better Snacks
Simply Beyond Black Bean Tortilla Chips from Way Better Snacks

When I opened the box, I was in the mood for a crispy snack, so I reached for the bag of Simply Beyond Black Bean Tortilla Chips from Way Better Snacks. Packed with protein and omega-3s and made with flax, black beans, and quinoa, these chips had a rich flavor and perfectly crunchy texture. I paired them with some black bean and roasted corn salsa and went to town. Unfortunately (for me), I reached the bottom of the bag way too quickly.

Smoky Chili & Lime Chickpea Snacks from The Good Bean | Taste As You Go
Smoky Chili & Lime Chickpea Snacks from The Good Bean

Smoky Chili & Lime Chickpea Snacks from The Good Bean | Taste As You Go
Smoky Chili & Lime Chickpea Snacks from The Good Bean

I tried the Smoky Chili & Lime Chickpea Snacks from The Good Bean next. While I loved the slight heat to the chickpeas and the touch of citrus from the lime, the smoky flavor was too much for me and I ultimately wound up passing the bag to Stephen. Smoky notes are more up his alley than mine.

Beach Bash Seed and Fruit Mix from Enjoy Life | Taste As You Go
Beach Bash Seed and Fruit Mix from Enjoy Life

I also had to pass along the Seed & Fruit Mix from Enjoy Life to him since the snack mix included cranberries.

Damn you, cranberry allergy!

Although I couldn't taste this treat, I really liked the idea behind it. A lot of trail mixes out there include nuts because they're a great source of protein. But this Seed & Fruit Mix is not only GMO-free, but it's also gluten-free and nut-free, so it's safe for those with nut allergies.

Stephen really enjoyed the mix and told me he'd "eat that again... and again and again." Sounds like a winner to me.

Dark Chocolate Macaroon Granola from Nature's Path Love Crunch | Taste As You Go
Dark Chocolate Macaroon Granola from Nature's Path Love Crunch

I wasn't as generous with the Dark Chocolate Macaroon Granola from Nature's Path Love. I ate about half the bag by myself before I even thought to share it with my husband.

Dark Chocolate Macaroon Granola from Nature's Path Love Crunch | Taste As You Go
Dark Chocolate Macaroon Granola from Nature's Path Love Crunch

Now, normally, I don't like the combination of chocolate and coconut, and I was actually a little hesitant to try the granola because that. But I was really surprised by the overall taste. While the coconut flavor was definitely there, it was subtle and didn't overpower the chocolate.

I chose to skip eating the granola for breakfast and kept the bag on my desk in my home office so I could snack on it when I came home from work. And because there are 13 whole grains per serving, I didn't feel guilty about doing a lot of snacking.

Also included in the October Bestowed Box were samples of Hemp Pro 70 Plant-Based Protein Supplement from Manitoba Harvest, samples of Ultima Replenisher, a Cinnamon Raisin Bar from FiberLove, a package of UNREAL Peanut Butter Cups, and a one-year subscription to Women's Health.

Pretty generous, right?

Tasting these non-GMO products made me stop to think more about the foods that Stephen and I eat. While I try to cook meals that are balanced and healthy and made with quality products, our kitchen isn't entirely free of processed foods. And while we're label-readers, I know we can do a better job of it to ensure we're being good to our bodies.

At least now I'm aware of some really tasty snacks that we can buy that I know are healthy for us.

Try Bestowed for Yourself

For a limited time, the folks at Bestowed are offering Taste As You Go readers, fans, and followers 50% off the first month of their Bestowed subscription ($10 instead of $19). To take advantage of this generous offer, follow these instructions:
  1. Go to bestowed.com/join.
  2. Use the coupon code HELLOTEN103.
And that's it! Be sure you sign up soon, though, because this code is only good through 11/20!

Two Cents

It's time for you to weigh in with your thoughts and opinions. How do you feel about GMOs? Are they something you actively think about? Do you have some more non-GMO snack suggestions?

Sound off and let me know if the comments below!


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