Chrilynhawk's Reviews Thread

[SheThrowsDown]

**If you are interested in a product but are worried about the yum vs. yuck factor, let me know. I'll try any (human) product (food, bodycare, etc) as long as it's vegan. Then I will report back here with a review**

((In my queue of things to try:Galaxy Foods Vegan Mozerella, Tasty Bite channa masala, Nayonnaise, Tofurky® Roast, Any hummus in a can, Sequel Vega Whole Food Energy Bar (natural flavour), Tom's of Maine Deodorant,Tofutti better than cream cheese))


KEY
(+) : Would buy again
(-) : Would *not* buy again

Click on the item's name to be taken directly to the review.*

*-Review will open in a new tab or window.
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Food
Meat Substitutes
WestSoy - Vegetarian Stir-Fry Seitan Strips (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205046&postcount=6) (+)
Tofurky - "Philly Style" Deli Slices (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205049&postcount=8) (-)
Yves - Spicy Italian Sausage (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2243261&postcount=31) (+)

Mixes, etc, etc
Fantastic Foods - Taco Filling (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205049&postcount=17) (-)

Pastas and Rice
Nissin - Top Ramen Oriental Flavor (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205146&postcount=11) (+)

Other
Amy's - Black Bean (& Vegetable) Burrito (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205146&postcount=26) (+)
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Snacks
Sweet
Enjoy Life - boom CHOCO boom dairy-free rice milk bar (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205040&postcount=4) (+)
Cherry Brook Kitchen - Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205043&postcount=5) (+)
Purely Decadent Coconut Milk Icecream - Chocolate (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205043&postcount=18) (+)

Salty
Good Health - Veggie Stix (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205417&postcount=12) (+)
Robert's American Gourmet - Pirates Veggie Booty (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2221224&postcount=15) (+)
Robert's American Gourmet - Tings (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2205417&postcount=16) (++)
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Body & Tooth Care
Soaps
The Soap Works - Cucumber and Comfrey soap (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2221205&postcount=13) (+)

Shampoos/Conditioners
The Soap Works - Shampoo & Conditioner bar (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2221206&postcount=14) (+)

Other
Vicco - Ayurvedic Toothpaste (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2221206&postcount=21) (+)

[fadeaway1289]

I think that's a cool idea. I'm always searching the internet for reviews of products, especially before I consider buying them. I also like to know other people's opinions on products.

[Tori~CL]

Try Jason's products.

[SheThrowsDown]

Enjoy Life - boom CHOCO boom dairy-free rice milk bar
Rating : 5/5

This chocolate is great for all those who have allergies! Enjoy Life brand specifically makes sure their products are free of all 8 of the common allergens and their processing facilities are "dedicated to being nut- and gluten- free". Amazing!
You would never begin to think this is a dairy free product! The taste itself is right on. It did crumble a bit more than other chocolate bars, similar to the way TerraPass Climate Change's dark chocolate does for those who have had it. I don't think that this took away from the delicious experience whatsoever. I also found that if you leave it open on the counter for about 5 minutes this is no longer even an issue.
The packaging on this product was full of bright colors and the product name was in a fun font. What's not to love?

For more information on Enjoy Life's line of products you can visit:
http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/

[SheThrowsDown]

Cherrybrook Kitchen - Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Rating: 4/5

Even my husband loved these cookies, and he is a cookie snob! They didn't flatten up as much as other cookies such as Tollhouse (not vegan lol), but they still tasted really great. I took away 1 point only for the fact that they didn't flatten out like many other cookies would, even homemade ones usually flatten a bit. I personally prefer when mine get thinner, not just a big "puff cookie" haha. But the taste was still spot-on! The directions are simple, all you need is some softened margarine (I used Earth Balance) and some water. I substituted vanilla rice milk, but I can tell they'd be tasty even with just water.
The packaging is pretty cute. A little boy in a baseball outfit on top of some cookie staring at a sky that has a bird, plane, and a cookie. Not sure what it's supposed to be about, but that doesn't make it any less cute. I would DEFINITELY buy these again!

For more information on Cherrybrook Kitchen's line of products check out:
http://www.cherrybrookkitchen.com/

[SheThrowsDown]

WestSoy - Vegetarian Stiry-Fry Seitan Strips
Rating: 4/5

I mostly buy these for my husband, he loves having a meaty-textured item without actually adding meat. And you can't beat the protein content! It contains 22g of protein in just one serving! Both times I've used this I've put it into a stir fry. I am taking away one point only because I think the strips are too long and sometimes too thick for a good stir-fry, and they're specifically touted as being stir-fry strips. The shortest one I've found was probably 2 inches long which I can work with, but most are closer to 4-5 inches which like I said, I believe to be too long.
The texture is great, definitely good for those who miss the taste and texture of meat. This brand also sells a chicken-like seitan which I will be buying the next time I go grocery shopping.

For more information on WestSoy's line of products check out:
http://www.westsoy.biz/index.php
(site for some reason only has info on their milk-substitute products)

[SheThrowsDown]

Try Jason's products.
Will do *thumbs up*
I have some of their deodorant, I should write a review. I'll do that in a bit :) Thanks for the suggestion!

[SheThrowsDown]

Tofurky - "Philly Style" Deli Slices
3/5

Alright guys and dolls, I have to be honest with you on this one. I really disliked these. I asked other people's opinions and got some great reviews so I tried them. I went in thinking, "Okay, these won't taste like actual turkey deli meat so just remember that you should try it for what it is - not what you want it to be." Still disliked it. I would give it less than 3 out of 5, except that my son loved them. He is a little over two years old and just kept eating slices of it until I told him that he couldn't have any more. That means that these have real potential and many other people may like them, I'm just not one of those people. I think that the texture isn't something I personally like and they're too thick for me. I also bought the original flavor, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm hoping that one will be a little better tasting to me. I'm not huge on peppers and onions so it may be those flavors infused to the Philly Style tofurky slices that make me dislike them. We'll find out after I try the original flavor!
Packaging wise this is a nice product, really makes you want to bite into a tofurky sammich!!

For more information on Tofurky (Turtle Island Foods)'s line of deli slices check out:
http://tofurky.com/products/delislices.htm

[fadeaway1289]

I've never seen any product besides milk by westsoy. I had no clue they made other things.

As for the cherrybrook kitchen cookie mix , I totally agree with you. I made their cookies, brownies, and chocolate cake for a friends bday party. Both my friend and I are vegan and her aunt has celiacs but the rest of the people attending were omni's and loved all the things I made. But the most impressive was the cherrybrook kitchen chocolate cake w/ their chocolate frosting of course. People couldn't get enough of it and preferred it over a non vegan cake that was also served. It had to be the best cake I've ever had (and made). I'm making it again next week for my bday. So yeah, I definetly recommend checking out their cake mixes sometime.

[SheThrowsDown]

I've never seen any product besides milk by westsoy. I had no clue they made other things.

As for the cherrybrook kitchen cookie mix , I totally agree with you. I made their cookies, brownies, and chocolate cake for a friends bday party. Both my friend and I are vegan and her aunt has celiacs but the rest of the people attending were omni's and loved all the things I made. But the most impressive was the cherrybrook kitchen chocolate cake w/ their chocolate frosting of course. People couldn't get enough of it and preferred it over a non vegan cake that was also served. It had to be the best cake I've ever had (and made). I'm making it again next week for my bday. So yeah, I definetly recommend checking out their cake mixes sometime.
If I didn't already have a ton of other cake and cookie mixes to try right now I'd be going back to Amazing Savings (the discount organic grocer) and see if they had more from this company. I may do it anyways lol, I love my veg sweets! :pibo:

[SheThrowsDown]

Nissin - Top Ramen Oriental Flavor
3/5

I've had this before, but still wanted to put up a review. Nissin's oriental flavor Top Ramen is tasty by itself or paired up with some vegetables and beans. A meal yesterday consisted of these with Azuki beans and broccoli thrown in - and I must admit it tasted pretty good! The points I took off this product are for the following reasons:
1) the fact that it contains MSG and 2)the nutrition, or lack thereof.
You can beat something so fast, easy, and cheap when on a tight budget. These economical times are hard on our wallets, and Ramen is always the ever-faithful standby.

[SheThrowsDown]

Good Health - Veggie Stix
4/5

These things are DELICIOUS! There are three kinds of "stix". Potato, tomato, and spinach. I could eat a whole bag at once. If they're so good then why did I take away a point you ask? Because both bags I've gotten so far have been a little greasy. Not so greasy that I couldn't eat them, but I just hate reaching my hand into a bag and my knuckles coming back out all shiny from the grease :(. Other than that, these are a favorite in my book.
The packaging is also attractive, pictures of great vegetables just make you want to close your eyes and pretend they're actually healthy. Healthier than regular chips sure - but not healthy lol.

For more information on Good Health's line of products check out:
http://www.goodhealthnaturalfoods.com/

[SheThrowsDown]

The Soap Works - Cucumber and Comfrey soap
5/5

This soap ROCKS. It doesn't have a label when you buy it, but there is a little card describing it. All it said was vegetable based so I went home to look it up first to make sure it was vegan. It didn't list anything on the site so I e-mailed and got a super quick reply that most of their items are vegan except for obvious ones like bee pollen and emu oil (I would rather buy from an all vegan company, but decided to try these and see how they go because the price was EXCELLENT at the co-op here). I was so pleasantly surprised. It smells great, it lathers amazingly.
I have to just say it - this is officially my favorite soap. I HIGHLY recommend checking out their site and seeing if it's sold anywhere near you!

http://www.puresoapworks.com/bar_soap.htm

[SheThrowsDown]

The Soap Works - Shampoo & Conditioner bar
5/5

Another amazing product by The Soap Works. This is a bar that you can use as shampoo and conditioner. I used it last night in the shower and my hair was *literally* squeaky clean! This morning when I woke up, hair standing straight off my head, my husband said..."Your hair looks really good, I mean...it's a mess, but the actual hair looks amazing. What did you do?"
He didn't even know I had used a new shampoo, but he DID know my hair looked amazing. This smells great, gets all nice and sudsy and leaves your hair feeling fresh. If there is a place near you that sells it (I don't see a place to buy it via online) then BUY SOME!

http://www.puresoapworks.com/bar_soap.htm

[SheThrowsDown]

Robert's American Gourmet - Pirates Veggie Booty
5/5

Green spotted deliciousness in a bag. Arrr matey these be what dreams are made of! I was iffy on them when I first read the ingredients because me and kale and me and spinach sometimes don't get along, but these are really tasty! If you're having a craving for something crunchy with a little saltiness (not too much like chips) these are fantastic. Also I love the bag, I love me some pirates!

For more information on this and other Robert's American Gourmet products check out:
http://www.robscape.com/

[SheThrowsDown]

Robert's American Gourmet - Tings
10/5

^You like my rating there? That's right, I'm rating these off the charts at a TEN out of FIVE :). According to the back of the bag, I'm officially a "ting head". Tings remind me of the crunchy cheetos, except nix the cheese and add yummy nutritional yeast. I've never used Nyeast that much because I tried it once and didn't like it...I think I may be changing my mind.
These are by far one of my favorite new products, and how could they not be? With a resounding *CRUNCH* with each bite and a tasty cheese-ish salty taste there's nothing you can't love. I ate the entire bag on my way home from the co-op! Not one of those small 1oz bags either, a full 4oz bag. These things are delicious and if you haven't tried to, I command you to.
These even deserves a dancing trio:
:pibo::nana::bobo:

For more information on this and other Robert's American Gourmet products check out:
http://www.robscape.com/

[SheThrowsDown]

Fantastic Foods - Taco Filling
2/5

I had high hopes for this. I bought two brands of vegan taco filling at the store, decided to give 'em a try. I usually use beans in my tacos, but sometimes use some crumbles or TVP so I decided to change it up.
Well, I'm glad i had some black beans on back up. Not only did this smell and look really gross, like really bad quality dog food, but the texture was really gross. My husband, who typically likes all the veg-friendly things I buy, said "That's pretty freaking nasty". And continued on to tell me I finally found a dud. He was right though, this stuff...not good.
The only reason I gave it a 2/5 instead of 1/5 is because I liked the imagery on the packaging...that much was good.

For more information on this and other Fantastic Foods products check out:
http://fantasticfoods.elsstore.com/

[SheThrowsDown]

Purely Decadent Coconut Milk Icecream - Chocolate
Rating : 5/5

I've never been big on soy icecream, and I like rice milk icecream but really wanted to try something new. I saw this at my co-op and decided to try it! Oh man, their name is perfect...purely decadent. I almost rated this a 4/5 because of the strongness of the coconut flavor and me not being a big fan of coconut however, I know that many people LOVE coconut so I won't put my bias about it in this review. The icecream itself is delightful. The coconut really compliments the chocolate. I think the price is a bit steep, really expensive even at the co-op...but as an occasional treat it is completely worth it. If you love coconut this is especially for you!

For more information on Turtle Mountain's of products you can visit:
http://www.turtlemountain.com/products/purely_decadent_Coconut_Milk.html

[jeezycreezy]

Any product I can get my hands on I'm willing to try as long as it's vegan.

Cool. Try this (http://www.nexternal.com/vegane/Product1933).

[SheThrowsDown]

Cool. Try this (http://www.nexternal.com/vegane/Product1933).
LOL, I should probably edit that. But you know what, if it were dog food I'd let my dogs try it and add a review (^_^)

[SheThrowsDown]

Vicco - Ayurvedic Toothpaste
Rating : 4/5

At first taste I wasn't so happy with this, the taste is something that takes some time getting used to. But with how great my teeth are looking, I have to give this 4/5! As the package states, "Every tube of Vicco contains 20 pure herbal extracts long established by Ayurvedic herbal tradition to be good for teeth, mouth, and gums..."
And I believe it! My gums have always bled after flossing. I was once told I didn't floss enough but I do it more than once a day so I knew that wasn't right. After using this stuff my gums haven't bled even ONCE. My teeth feel smooth and look amazing. And as for my mouth, it feels great :). I thought this stuff was a crock when I first bought it, but decided to try it anyways.
As I said, the taste can take some getting used to, and so can the consistency. But you soon get used to it and it works so great that the taste doesn't even matter to me anymore.

[jeezycreezy]

Please try:

Yves Spicy Italian Sausage

Galaxy Foods Vegan Mozerella

Amy's Black Bean Burrito

Tasty Bite channa masala (http://www.nextag.com/Tasty-Bite-Bengal-Lentils-57059301/prices-html )

Nayonnaise

Tofurky® Roast

Any hummus in a can

Sequel, Vega Whole Food Energy Bar (natural flavour)

Tom's of Maine Deodorant

Tofutti better than cream cheese

In that order.

[SheThrowsDown]

Please try:

Yves Spicy Italian Sausage

Galaxy Foods Vegan Mozerella

Amy's Black Bean Burrito

Tasty Bite channa masala (http://www.nextag.com/Tasty-Bite-Bengal-Lentils-57059301/prices-html )

Nayonnaise

Tofurky® Roast

Any hummus in a can

Sequel, Vega Whole Food Energy Bar (natural flavour)

Tom's of Maine Deodorant

Tofutti better than cream cheese

In that order.

:rockon:
I'll see what my grocer and co-op have and get right on it!
It may be around the 23rd when we get paid again (I can try the Yves sausage probably this upcoming week though since I still have some money in my grocery budget).
Which Amy's burrito btw? I'll write up a review when I can but I honestly love ALL of Amy's burritos. When I was omni I also liked the ones with cheese, just don't eat those now obviously :).
Thanks for the suggestions, I'm psyched to try some of these. :D

[jeezycreezy]

Which Amy's burrito btw?

[SheThrowsDown]

Oh those are GOOD. I'll post a review for them today or tomorrow.