Ayam Coconut Milk Powder

Ayam Coconut Milk Powder: The packet contains 3 sachets of air dried coconut powder and with only three (3) ingredients listed on the label it certainly seems to meet 1 major criteria of only a few ingredients. Coconut milk solids are 94% but the next ingredient is Maltodextrin ( a form of MSG) and the last is Milk Protein. Maltodextrin does enhance the flavour of the milk & all forms of MSG are linked to hyperactivity, depression, mood changes, sleeplessness, nausea or migraine. Asthmatics would be wise to avoid this additive. Why can't they just leave this additive out?

Kraft Dunkers sour cream & chives

These children's snacks are normally around $4.49 & are available in your local supermarket near the cheese slices. The box contains 4x26g units and  states 'No Artificial Colours or Flavours'. It's great to see that there are no artificial colours. However, 4th on the ingredient list is Maltodextrin ( contains MSG)- not an artificial flavour but an artificial FLAVOUR ENHANCER. This is called 'Advertising by omission'.

Next on the ingredient list is 'Natural Flavours' - most of you now realise that this is one of the 52 aliases for MSG. The preservative used is Sorbic acid (200)- may be a skin irritant & cause behavioural problems. Asthmatics should avoid this preservative.
It was disappointing to see 2 forms of MSG listed in the crackers- malted barley & yeast extract.
A very expensive snack with too many forms of MSG included for it to be considered a safe choice for young children's lunch boxes.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: Pascall White Marshmallows. I can't say how relieved I was to finally see a packet of white marshmallows without the artificially coloured pink marshmallows! To date, I have only seen these packets available at ALDI. However, avoid if you have a wheat allergy. Otherwise, enjoy in moderation- may be a good idea for Halloween!

Swisse Active Recover Protein Powder

 Swisse Active Recover Protein Powder (Chocolate).
 According to their advertising this protein powder is of a premium quality and is scientifically formulated with fast and slow release proteins which assist muscle development after exercise. Assuming this is true it is disappointing to see an artificial sweetener on the label.  Sucralose (955) has been linked to neurological and immunological disorders, and has caused kidney and liver damage. Researchers state that more research is needed and advise to regard it with caution and avoid it.
Hopefully, in time the Swisse company will  replace Sucralose with Stevia.

Ingredients listed are:Swisse Proprietary Protein Blend [Whey Protein Concentrate, Skim Milk Powder, Whey Protein Isolate, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin)], Inulin, Cocoa (4%), L-Glycine, Flavours, Magnesium Citrate, L-Glutamine, L-Carnitine, Sweetener (955), Ubiquinones (CoQ10).
Look for protein powders that have NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS in them. I will keep you posted.

Preservatives- Sulphites (220-228)

This week I read an article that stated that 2/3 of parents don't realise there is a link between sulphites and asthma. The sulphur dioxide gas ( a major irritant to asthmatics) contained in sulphites is released and inhaled when the food is swallowed. Sulphites (220) may be found in dried fruit and mince. Sodium metabisulphite(223) is sprinkled on fresh fish and seafood to keep it looking fresh. This is an odourless white powder which you cannot see so, if in doubt, ask.

Naturally preserved apricots are brown. Visit your local health food store or market for sulphite free dried fruit OR dry your own in a dehydrator. I buy sulphite free mince from my local organic butcher.

Lean Cuisine Satay Chicken Noodles

When looking at the range of frozen meals available in the Lean Cuisine range I noticed that only some have the Heart Tick (more on the criteria that need to be met to be granted this tick of approval later this week).
I decided to analyse the ingredients on a product which has been granted the Heart Tick- Satay Chicken Noodles, $5.69 (300g).First on the list are noodles (36% ) which means that they are the main ingredient. Cooked marinated chicken content is only 10%, beans 7%, capsicum 7%, peanut butter 3.5%, and onions 2%. A total of 65.5%. However, the 10% 'chicken' is a mixture of chicken, water, salt, sugar, mineral salts 451,450,452, vegetable fibre, natural flavour (i.e. MSG), & chicken fat.

So what ingredients make up the other 34.5%? Thickeners 405,466,415, Annatto (160b), coconut milk powder, yeast extract (MSG), salt, stabiliser (451), spices, fish sauce powder, garlic, natural colour caramel & chilli flakes.  Together with Caramel (150), Annatto (160b)  is marketed aggressively as a natural colour. Although this is true, it gives the impression it is safe when in fact, it can cause headaches in adults and children, irritability & inattention in children. Their safety is still being evaluated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Bioceuticals Isowhey (banana flavour)

There are a myriad of protein powders available in health food stores, chemists and supermarkets. Due to numerous enquiry's in regard to these powders I will aim to feature one such item per week.

Today's protein powder is Bioceuticals Isowhey (banana flavour). There are only 5 ingredients in this powder: whey protein concentrate (high quality according to their advertising), Xylitol, Maltodextrin, Banana flavour, whey protein. Unfortunately, the natural sweetener Xylitol is a suspected carcinogen and may cause diarrhoea, stomach upsets and has caused tumours in animal tests. Maltodextrin is a form of processed free glutamic acid (MSG) and if you have been following my blog for some time you will know that when you see the word 'flavour' on a label  it is a mixture of chemicals formulated by a food scientist/ technician to artificially create that 'flavour', e.g. banana, strawberry etc.

Apricot Chicken

Finally here is the Apricot Chicken recipe! Serves 4.
Ingredients
1Tb coconut or rice bran oil                                     2/3Cup water
2 onions                                                                  2 Tb apricot jam
2 cloves garlic- crushed                                           650g chicken breast fillets (slice into 3cmx3cm pieces)
1tspn cumin                                                             420g tin of pie apricots (Ardmona)
1/2 tspn cinnamon                                                   100g dried apricots (optional)
1/2 tspn salt
1/2 tspn ginger
pinch of pepper

Method
1. In a large frying pan or saucepan place oil, onion & garlic. Stir with a wooden spoon, over a med-high heat until the onion is translucent.
2. Add cumin, cinnamon, salt, ginger and pepper. Mix well for 2 mins.
3. Add one third cup of water and apricot jam. Mix well. Simmer 2 mins.
4. Add chicken pieces, stir well and simmer for 5-8 mins.
5. Add apricots and the remaining one third cup of water. Stir well.
6. Place the lid on the frying pan, turn heat down to medium-low and simmer for 15 mins. Stir 3-4 times, or until chicken is cooked. Dried apricots may be added 5-7 mins  before chicken is cooked.
7. Serve with brown rice and steamed vegetables.

Healthy Choice Apricot Chicken

I am amazed at what seems to be the constant increase in the number of frozen meals available in our supermarkets of today. So I have decided to feature one brand per week. This week I have choosen  Healthy Choice Apricot Chicken as this is a recipe I have cooked from scratch on numerous occasions.
 I realize consumers are willing to pay for convenience, but  I personally find the cost of  $6.17 for 350grams to be an excessive price for what I suspect to be in the packet- very little real chicken , MSG & water!
The chicken component is a mere 15% followed by water, salt , sugar pea starch, stabilisers 451,339,452, natural flavour (i.e. MSG!), and spice extracts (likely to contain MSG).

The sauce component contains 18 ingredients- 40% water, apricot puree (15%), water, sugar, 330,300, natural flavour (i.e. MSG!), 412,415, apricots 5%, flavours (wheat flour, Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (MSG again), sugar, salt, malt extract (MSG!), spice, herb, spice extracts & thickener.
This product may have the heart tick but is far from a 'healthy choice'.

Vaalia yogurt squeezie pouches

When I visited Woolworth's supermarket yesterday there were 2 flavours available in the Vaalia yogurt squeezie pouches. They were banana and strawberry. It was pleasing to see that both didn't contain any artificial flavours or sweeteners. The banana contained  the natural colour 160a Carotene, which is far more desirable than 160b, Annatto. This colour can cause headaches in both adults and children as well as restlessness, irritability, inattention & sleep disturbances in children.

The strawberry contained another natural colour Grape skin or blackcurrant extract 163. This is safe for the majority of people but should not be consumed by asthmatics. The only ingredients that I was disappointed to see was Fructose (7th) and Flavours (8th).

Vita-Wheat Original

Vita-Wheat Original- I have been enjoying Vita-Wheat original with a variety of fresh salad produce for numerous years. There are only 4 ingredients- Wheat (91%), vegetable oil, salt & sugar. 'No Artificials, no numbers', is one of the statements on the back of the packet. This marketing phrase is there as the food manufacturer is aware of the paradigm shift amongst consumers. More consumers are finally becoming aware of the fact that not all food items on our supermarket shelves are safe.

Recently there is a smaller version available in the supermarket. They are called Vita-Wheat grain snacks, Original with sea salt. Sounds as if they would be safe to eat?  However, there are 10 ingredients & the 2nd last one is a form of MSG- Malt Extract. Although this is not at the beginning of the list it is a shame to see this ingredient in an otherwise reasonable snack food. 

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: I have been intending to feature Aussie Drops Eucalyptus for quite some time. The burst of another cold spell throughout the Southern states of Australia & indeed, even here in Queensland has prompted me to talk about these little gems. They are definitely something our grandmothers would recognise &  it is pleasing to see an ingredient list of only 5. There are no artificial sweeteners & a healthy dose of Eucalyptus & Menthol is added by hand at the end of the cooking process. This ensures a strong, distinctive unique flavour.

The packet contains 6 convenient purse or pocket size small bags- use them when suffering from a sore throat & experience the pleasant flavours. You can find them in Woolworth's on the bottom shelf where the cough lollies are found -confectionery aisle. Enjoy!

Supermarket Secrets

In this video clip Michael Pollen, author of the "Ominvore's Dilemma' & numerous other best sellers, exposes some of the 'Supermarket Secrets'. He also makes some helpful suggestions as to how to avoid purchasing overly processed food- or should I say- 'food -like products'! Enjoy!

Brookfarm bar

Brookfarm bar- this is a 35g bar which is gluten free & contains both macadamias and cranberries. Best of all it is GM free and a Product of Australia. (Byron Bay, N.S.W.) Ingredients listed are: buckwheat, organic tapioca,dried cranberries (13%), puffed rice, rice bran, honey, macadamia nuts (8%), pumpkin kernels, macadamia oil, sunflower kernels, soy flour, currants, puffed buckwheat, puffed amaranth, prune juice, cinnamon.
Part of the proceeds from every bar sold goes to Rainforest Rescue to help preserve rainforest in the Daintree area of North Q'ld. Available in health food stores and some juice bars. Enjoy!

Sanitarium One Square Meal

Sanitarium One Square Meal (Cranberry) consists of 2 bars & costs $3.98.  It does tick some boxes- no artificial flavours, no artificial colours, no trans fats, and is low GI. It was pleasing to see coconut oil & manuka honey in the ingredient list. However, 5th, 12th, 22nd, and the last 2 ingredients are all forms of MSG (isolated soy protein, maltodextrin, natural flavour, natural flavour & malted barley). Not a good idea to consume this as a meal replacement or even a snack.
My next blog will feature an alternative snack bar that qualifies as a 'slow food for fast people'!

Orange & Rosemary Chicken

A quick & easy dinner dish: Orange & Rosemary Chicken

Ingredients:

1 Tb olive oil
2kg chicken wings (substitute 1.2 kg chicken legs if preferred)
4 Tb tamari soy sauce
2 tsp dried rosemary

 (use fresh if available)
zest of 1 large orange

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200C.
2.Line a baking dish with baking paper. Drizzle oil over the bottom of the dish.
3. Using a large sharp knife cut the chicken wings into 3 pieces each at the joints. Place chicken in baking dish.
4. Drizzle chicken with tamari sauce and sprinkle with rosemary and orange zest.
5. Cook in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn & cook a further 15 mins.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a green salad. (recipe by Collette White) ENJOY!

See More

Tamari soya sauce

Tamari soya sauce: this is a wheat and preservative free Soy Sauce.
Ingredients are whole soybeans, filtered water and sea salt. It is made from natural fermentation and is a unique sauce with a delicate aroma and colour. Enjoy!

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: 100% True Fruit, Apricot & Apple. I used to include these bars occasionally in my own children's lunch boxes many years ago. It was pleasing to see that they are still around. There are no additives or colours, no fat, are low GI & high in dietary fibre and protein. Ingredients listed are 100% Dried Fruit. Apricot & Apple. If you children suffer from asthma however, it may be wise to avoid these bars as I suspect the dried fruit that is used may be preserved with sulphites. Remember there is a 5% loophole in Australia- i.e. food manufactures are not obliged to tell us everything on the label!
They are made by Sun Valley, N.S.W and available in the health section of Woolworth's supermarkets.

Brooklea Squishy Yogurt

Aldi sell Brooklea Squishy Yogurt in their dairy section so, upon request, I investigated the ingredient list on their packaging. I am so pleased to say that the Vanilla and Tropicana have absolutely no colours or other nasty additives in them! Banana has 160a, Carotene, which is safe.
 However, it would be wise to avoid the Strawberry as it has Colour 120, Carmines or cochineal which has been linked to hyperactivity. Otherwise, the first 3 flavours are safe eating for your young children. Enjoy!

Yoplait Squeezie Yogurt (Strawberry)

Squeezie Yogurt- this form of yogurt was not available when my children were young. However, I thought it was about time I looked at this product more closely as our children deserve 'safe' foods.

The 2nd ingredient is sugar & the 7th is fructose! The 11th ingredient is 'natural flavours (i.e. MSG) whilst the next ingredient listed is 'natural colour Cochineal'- i.e. 120 Carmines or Carminic acid. This additive is linked to hyperactivity. Malic acid is listed towards the end of the list. Notice how there are no ingredients listed as numbers. This is there to confuse the consumer who is becoming more familiar with numbers!
 Malic acid is in fact, No.296. This is regarded as an additive that is not suitable for children as it is unknown if they can digest it fully. Allergic reactions and skin irritations may also occur. Far from the best choice for our next generation of children.