11 Valentines Day Gifts for Those With Allergies

Popular Valentine's Day gifts are chocolates and flowers but what do you buy for someone who has allergies to food and flowers? Keep reading to discover some amazing gift ideas for someone who has plant and food allergies.

 Before I got diagnosed with a dairy allergy, my favorite Valentine's Day gift was a box of gourmet chocolate. My husband would buy my favorite chocolate and it was a gift of love. That all changed when I discovered that milk was the source of my severe asthma attacks. That meant no more chocolate gifts for me. 

So my husband started buying me flowers for Valentine's gifts. A few years later, through allergy testing, I discovered that I was allergic to many plants, including flowers. My husband had to get creative with my gift for Valentine's Day. I helped my husband by dropping many hints of what I wanted for Valentine's Day. 

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My favorite dairy-free and flowerless Valentine's Gifts

If you are looking for a unique gift that is perfect for those with allergies to food and plants, keep reading to discover the best ideas. 

1. Zero Sugar Dairy-Free Chocolate 

 There are plenty of options for chocolate that is made without dairy and my favorite is The Good Chocolate Vegan Chocolate. This chocolate comes in many delicious flavors and is perfect for those with food allergies and dietary restrictions. The Good Chocolate Company makes chocolate that is perfect for those on the Keto diet, low-carb diet, and low sugar diets. Their chocolate squares are also gluten-free. The yummy chocolate contains zero sugar and 1 gram of net carbs. 

About Vegan Good Chocolate 

The Good Chocolate’s delicious vegan chocolates are made with plant-based sweeteners. The zero-sugar dark chocolates and low-sugar dark chocolate coconut milk (not a low-calorie food) are made from the finest organic cacao beans and organic processed cacao. Choose from 7 unique vegan flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds – and fit perfectly with your lower net-carb diet.

2. Case of Delicious Drinks

Buy your loved one a case of their favorite drinks. These juice drinks from Loom are a delicious option for a Valentine's gift. The healthier juice drinks have only 35 calories and come in some exciting flavors. The variety case of Loom contains 12 bottles and offers a delightful blend of tastes for every preference. 

Dip into the Loom galaxy and taste all the flavors of their collection:

  + Aurora Orange, for a smooth and fresh orange taste

  + Cosmic Candy grape, combining real grape juice with a hint of cotton candy

  +   Beyond Apple, capturing the freshness of crisp apples

  + Moon Punch, with its natural fruit essence.

  + Buy Here 

3. Flavored Coffee Pods

 Treat the one you love to a variety pack of flavored coffee pods for their Keurig maker. Two Rivers Coffee offers a box of coffee pods in 40 amazing flavors. The coffee pods are made with premium arabica coffee beans and flavored with many kinds of sweet flavors.

From Andes Chocolate Mint to Eggo Waffle with even cookie and pie flavors, this is a fun box of coffee. The coffee pods are gluten-free, non-GMO, and Certified OU kosher. The Two Rivers Coffee Pod Sampler Packs allow one to enjoy an assortment of beverages. Buy on Amazon

4. Gluten-Free & Vegan Cookies

Spoil your loved one with vegan gluten-free cookies. MIGHTYLICIOUS makes the most delicious gluten-free cookies. Their vegan variety bundle also contains no dairy or eggs. So these cookies are perfect for those who avoid wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Savor the guilt-free joy of the MIGHTYLICIOUS vegan cookie bundle. With this bundle, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Vegan Chocolate Chip, the decadent delight of Vegan Double Dutch Chocolate Chip, and the wholesome sweetness of Vegan Oatmeal Raisin and Vegan Oatmeal Coconut. Crafted with plant-based ingredients and perfect for those who appreciate delicious treats made without animal ingredients. You can also buy MIGHTYLICIOUS on Amazon

5. Wellness Body Care Products

Support your loved one's skin and help them recover after their daily workouts with nutrient-rich body care products. These 1Hour-After products are amazing and perfect for those with allergies. From shampoo & conditioner to body wash and lotion, these products contain ingredients with fitness recovery benefits. All of the ingredients in the skincare products are vegan, organic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free.

1 Hour After body care products have been scientifically formulated with a few key ingredients in mind:

  + Magnesium

  + Zinc

 + Antioxidants

  + B Vitamins

  + Jojoba Oil

Designed to have the following benefits:

  + Supporting muscle recovery

  + Improving immune system function

 + Cool the skin and scalp

 + Repleting nutrients used during exercise

6. Nutrition Products to Fuel Their Goals

 If the person that you are buying a gift for is active or leads a busy life, these Huel nutrition products are the perfect gift for them. All Huel meals and bars provide 27 essential vitamins & minerals, plus a 100% nutritionally complete balance of protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. Huel drinks and meals are perfect for anyone who needs a ready-to-eat meal. They are perfect for after the gym, for lunch at your desk, or while traveling.

 All of the Huel products contain no artificial colors or flavors, and every product is 100% vegan and non-GMO, with gluten-free options available. Huel makes delicious ready-to-drink meals, nutritionally complete powder mixes, nutrition bars, and savory hot meals. They even have energy drinks. 

 Take $15 off your order with code MOMKNOWSBEST15

7. A Variety Box of Dark Chocolate Protein Bars

Instead of giving a box of chocolate, give them a box of delicious dark chocolate protein bars. The Nugo nutrition bars are gluten-free and dairy-free. These bars are perfect for healthy treats and they taste like a chocolate bar. Nugo bars come in many yummy flavors like chocolate pretzel, mint chocolate, and peanut butter cups.

When you use my special link and save 50% off a variety box of 12 Nugo Bars. This deal gives you 12 bars for $15 with free shipping. https://nugonutrition.com/momknowsbest

8. Plant-Based Milk Maker

The gift of making plant-based milk in minutes is an awesome gift. The Nutr Milk Maker makes a variety of plant milk from almonds, oats, cashews, soybeans, and more. This dairy-free milk machine makes a batch of nut milk in minutes with no messy cleanup.

The Nutr will help you save money and eliminate plastic from your home. The milk maker comes in 2 sizes and a variety of colors. 

Save 15% on your purchase with this link ~ https://thenutr.com/MOMKNOWSBEST

9. Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer 

Give the gift of eliminating ugly, unsafe bulky plugs and cords. The Sleek Socket is a flat extension cord kit that provides a sleek solution for managing plugs and cables. This unique product will help keep your space tidy and organized, giving you more sockets for your devices. The ultra-thin, wall-hugging device blends into your decor and conceals the cords.

The best part is no tools are needed for these outlet covers. The Sleek Socket is available in 4 sizes allowing you to power up to 6 devices. Buy the Sleek Socket on Amazon

10. Honey'd Heat Brownies 

Homemade brownies are the perfect gift when they are dairy-free and gluten-free. Spice things up on Valentine's Day with these decadent, rich, and fudgy Honey'd Heat Brownies. These brownies have a bold kick of heat that lingers perfectly on the palate. The brownies get their sweet heat from a Honey'd Heat Blend from Stella Foods. 

Get the brownie recipe here and make sure to make these substitutions to make the brownies gluten-free and dairy-free.

  + Use vegan butter for the unsalted butter

  + Use a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour

  + Use vegan dark chocolate chips 

About Honey'd Heat - opposites do attract with our play on heat and sweet. Aleppo and cayenne peppers bring the fever of flavor together with savory garden vegetables and spices. It's all finished with a delicate sweetness that helps to balance our blend and leave you wanting more.

11. Spicy Sweet Confections

This Valentine’s Day, ditch the chocolates and turn up the heat with Tamalitoz by Sugarox—the artisanal candy brand that's redefining indulgence with fiery, fruity, and oh-so-sexy flavors. These candies are as natural as they are naughty—vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with real ingredients. 

 Imagine a candy experience that’s not just sweet but irresistibly seductive. Tamalitoz’s spicy-sweet confections blend juicy fruits with bold Mexican spices to create treats that tantalize your taste buds and spark your senses. From fiery chili-lime lollipops to popcorn kissed with chili and salt, Tamalitoz is bringing passion to your palate. 

 Their new line of cheekily named candies is here to tease and please and flirt with your senses.  

 + Cherry It’s a Fire – A hot kiss of chili with juicy cherry sweetness. 

 + Peach Slapped – A bold burst of peach with a cheeky chili kick. 

+ Cucumber Extravaganza – Fresh, cool cucumber gets a spicy makeover. 

+ Tantalizing Tamarind – A classic Mexican flavor taken to new heights. 

+ Bite Me Blood Orange – Deep citrus flavors meet chili heat in this irresistible treat. 

Tamalitoz’s new Palomitaz popcorn line that’s pure passion takes snack time to steamy new levels. Every fluffy kernel is coated in bold, fruity flavors and rolled in chili-lime and sea salt. Perfect for sharing.   

 + Bite Me Blood Orange: Dark, tangy, and a little dangerous. 

+ Divine Watermelon: Sweet with a sinful chili kick. 

+ Lip Smacking Mango: Tropical vibes with a bold Mexican twist. 

+ Pineapple Galore: A juicy escape to Tulum with every bite. 

 + Fruity and Fabulous: A sexy mix of all four flavors for when you can’t choose. 

What is your favorite gift from this list?

Do you know someone who has food allergies?

Check out this Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Chocolate Mocha Protein Brownie Recipe

My Favorite Wheat Free Products For National Celiac Disease Awareness Day

  With over 2 million Americans who have to follow a wheat-free diet, due to food allergies, food sensitivities, and celiac disease, National Celiac Disease Awareness Day is one that deserves a celebration.

 National Celiac Disease Awareness Day is September 13 and this is a day that I will be celebrating. While I am not affected by celiac disease, I will be celebrating this day for a different reason. I will be celebrating this day due to the fact that I have a wheat allergy.

 Like someone who has celiac disease, I too have to avoid all wheat products. Just like a person who is affected by celiac disease, one bite of any food that contains wheat can harm me. I will be celebrating National Celiac Disease Awareness Day, as a way to educate others about why people follow a gluten-free diet. 

What is Celiac Disease?

 Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, but only about 30% are properly diagnosed.

Wheat Allergy Vs Gluten Sensitivity, Knowing The Difference

My Favorite Gluten-Free Products

Shopping for products that are wheat-free can be hard but thanks to Celiac Awareness Day, more companies are producing gluten-free products that taste good. When I select a product that has the gluten-free symbol on it, I know that the product is safe for me to eat. Keep reading to discover some of my favorite gluten-free products.

1. Schar Bread 

My favorite gluten-free bread is Schar Artisan Baker Bread. Schar makes wheat-free bread that is soft with a great texture. Their gluten-free artisan bread resembles a loaf of regular bread made with wheat flour. Schar artisan bread is perfect for those with multiple food allergies as it contains no wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs. It is the best bread for spreading butter on as it does not fall apart.

Schar also makes many other gluten-free products like muffins and rolls. I love that they clearly list the food ingredients on their website and that makes shopping for gluten-free products much simpler.

2. Oatsome Organic Oat Flour Blend

Oatsome Whole Grain Organic Oat Flour Blend is a versatile and healthy alternative to regular flour, perfect for those with gluten intolerance. This oat flour is perfect as a one-to-one substitute, made with only 3 simple ingredients – whole-grain organic oat flour, organic buckwheat flour, and xanthan gum for baking – it can be used in a variety of recipes from sweet to savory. Great for cookies, brownies, bread, muffins, waffles, biscuits, and pancakes, this organic oat flour is a pantry staple for delicious and enjoyable gluten-free baking.

 I love using Oatsome Oat Flour in my homemade gluten-free bagel recipe. This flour makes the best chewy gluten-free bagels. I also love using this oat flour blend in my cookie recipes. It is a one-to-one gluten-free flour substitute that makes baking gluten-free recipes so simple.

3.  Jovial Organic Brown Rice Pasta

 My favorite gluten-free pasta is Jovial Organic Brown Rice Pasta. Jovial gluten-free is similar to traditional pasta and is the best for leftovers as it keeps its texture for several days. When I bring this pasta to potlucks, my friends have no clue that it is gluten-free.

4. Maria and Ricardo’s Gluten-Free Tortillas 

Finding gluten-free tortillas for burritos can be hard as most gluten-free brands are not soft enough for folding. Maria and Ricardo’s Gluten-Free Tortillas are the best for gluten-free burritos as they are flexible. These tortillas are made with many different ingredients like quinoa, cauliflower, or almond flour. The tortillas are also Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free & Soy Free.

5. Crunchmaster Crackers 

Crunchmaster are my favorite gluten-free crackers. These crunchy baked rice crackers are gluten-free and so delicious! I just love all the seeds in these crackers. They are perfect for dipping into your favorite dips and for eating by themselves. They come in many varieties like multi-seeded and avocado.

6. King Arthur Gluten-free Cake Mix

My favorite cake mix for gluten-free desserts is King Arthur Gluten-free Cake Mix. Their yellow gluten-free cake mix makes the best strawberry shortcake. When I bake with this cake mix, everyone enjoys my dessert since it has a wonderfully moist cake texture. No one can tell that it is a gluten-free cake. I also love King Arthur brownie mix and their Measure For Measure Gluten-free flour.

7. Verb Energy Bars

 If you are looking for a healthy and delicious afternoon pick-me-up or a before-the-gym energy snack, Verb caffeinated snack bars are perfect for you. They have as much caffeine as one espresso from Organic Green Tea and come in many delicious flavors like Birthday Cake and Cookie Dough. The snack bars are vegan and gluten-free They are the perfect healthy treat to replace those sugary cups of coffee. 

Save 52% Off + Get 20 Free Bars + Free Shipping ~ https://www.verbenergy.co/TARA77427

8. Nugo Bars

 Nugo protein bars taste like candy bars but are loaded with plenty of nutrition like protein and fiber. The gluten-free and vegan bars come in so many delicious flavors like chocolate pretzel and peanut butter. You will have a hard time choosing which bar to enjoy after the gym or as a meal replacement. My teen boys love these gluten-free bars for a grab-and-go breakfast. 

Get a variety box of 12 bars for $15 - https://nugonutrition.com/momknowsbest

9. Bobo's Oat Bites 

Bobo's Oat Bites are my favorite healthy cookie snack.  These sweet bites are made with organic oatmeal and other delicious organic ingredients. They come in many delicious flavors like peanut butter and chocolate chip. They are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, wheat-free, soy-free, and contain no trans fats, refined sugars, and corn 

10. Nuzest Plant-Based Protein Powder

Nuzest is my favorite plant-based protein powder for so many reasons. This allergy-friendly protein powder is made with 3-4 simple ingredients and is gluten-free. Nuzest comes in many delicious flavors and contains 20 grams of protein per serving. I love using Nuzest protein powder as a gluten-free flour substitute in all of my gluten-free baking recipes.

Use my coupon code MOMKNOWSBEST15 and save 15% on all Nuzest products

11. MIGHTYLICIOUS Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix 

Bake the most delicious vegan and gluten-free chocolate brownies you ever tasted with MIGHTYLICIOUS Vegan Chocolate Brownie mix. These brownies are also dairy-free and kosher. The mix makes sweet and decadent brownies that are perfect for those who have food allergies. 

A few simple ingredients are all you need to make these delicious homemade brownies. MIGHTYLICIOUS also sells delicious gluten-free cookies with a couple of them being vegan. 

12. Just Meats

While I don't eat meat, my family does, and Just Meats made my list as they are gluten-free. These smoked meats are pre-cooked and just need to be heated up. My boys love them as they can make a quick meal after sports practice with no mess. These meats are premium cuts of meat with no added hormones or antibiotics. 

When compared to take-out and restaurant meals they are a more affordable option for meals. I stock my fridge with Just Meats so my family can make easy meals. 

Use code VIPMOM to save $35 off any size order at Justmeats.com. If you sign up for a subscription, you can save an additional 25%.

So many wonderful gluten-free products

These are just a few of the many delicious gluten-free products that are available in grocery stores. If you have to eat gluten-free, you need to try them. To discover other gluten-free products that I have tried, click on the below links for reviews and descriptions.

~ Healthy Gluten-Free Snacks That You Need to Try

~ 12 Gluten-Free Products That You Need To Try

~ My Favorite Finds At Expo West That Are Allergy-Friendly

How To Cook Food While Traveling If You Don't Have a Microwave

You are staying at an awesome hotel and love everything about the room. Well, almost everything. The fancy hotel room does not have a microwave. How is this girl, who has multiple food allergies supposed to cook her food?

 Traveling with food allergies can be difficult but I am not going to let that stop me from visiting Hawaii. When one has multiple food allergies, traveling comes with extra planning. From packing most of my food to looking for restaurants that are allergy-friendly, traveling with food allergies can be done. 

 The best way to travel safely with food allergies is to book a hotel with a refrigerator and a microwave. If you can find a hotel with a full kitchen, even better. Then head to the nearest grocery store and buy all your favorite allergy-friendly food items. That way you are prepared for those times when you can't find a restaurant that has meals you can safely eat.

 I usually eat at Poke Bowl restaurants when I am traveling as they always have plenty of dairy-free and wheat-free items on the menu. I like that most Poke Bowl places offer plenty of gluten-free choices and label which sauces are made without gluten. Thank goodness I never get tired of eating sushi bowls as I can easily bring them to other restaurants, so my husband can enjoy his favorite meal.

Tip: Food allergies are considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and you are allowed to bring outside food into a restaurant since the place is unable to provide food that is safe for you to consume.

My Hawaii Resort Does Not Have a Microwave

 While I usually book a hotel with a microwave, I chose to book a room at a fancy resort that was on the beach. I wanted to be able to walk to the beach and hear the ocean waves. So I had to get creative with making my food, like my oatmeal for breakfast and heating up meals from the store. 

So I packed a UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box in my suitcase. This compact lunch box is awesome for traveling with food allergies! 

 The UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box not only heats up food but also keeps your food cold when you place it in the fridge. Bring the UVI with me to Hawaii means I can make overnight oats and heat my breakfast up in the morning. I can also buy frozen meals at the store and heat them up for lunch or dinner. The best part is this remarkable meal container keeps food warm for 2 hours, so I can heat my food up at the hotel and then take it with me to the restaurant. That way my husband can enjoy eating out at all his favorite restaurants.

About The UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box

Unique, the UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box is the solution for enjoying hot and healthy meals on the go. It features a plug-in design with a powerful heat source that can heat refrigerated food in 25 minutes, cook rice, and steam vegetables. Other features include an integrated UV light that kills up to 99% of bacteria and a detachable power cord for easy refrigerator storage. The insulated liner keeps food hot for up to 2 hours without power, and the movable divider easily accommodates different foods. The durable, leakproof shell with odor-resistant liner makes UVI the smart and stunning on-the-go choice.

Why not ask the restaurant to customize your order?

 So many people ask me why I just tell the restaurant to cook my food without my food allergens. For some people with food allergies, alerting the kitchen to your food allergies may be ok for them. For me, I have had many incidents of cross-contamination when eating at restaurants, and I am very selective about which places I will trust with my food. One bite of a food that I am allergic to like cheese or wheat can cause a severe asthma attack.

When I traveled to Florida last year, my husband and I went to a Mexican place and I told the server to alert the kitchen to my dairy allergy. I requested no cheese on my food. My refried beans came out with cheese on them. While the server quickly replaced the bowl of beans, I think that they just scraped the cheese off the top of the beans. Twenty minutes later, I started reacting and my food allergy coughing started. Thankfully, the Benadryl that I took calmed my reaction and I only had a mild asthma attack.

Ways To Use The  UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box

The Self-Heating Lunch box from UVI can be used for so many meals while traveling.

  + It can heat up overnight oats for breakfast, just place all ingredients in the container the night before and place it in the fridge.

  + Great for heating up leftovers from restaurants.

  + Heat up frozen meals from the store. 

  + Heat up leftover pizza.

  + Will cook ramen noodles.

  + Heat up cheese dip for late-night nachos.

  + Great for warming up tortillas.

Self-Heating Lunch box from UVI Facts

  + Plug into any standard outlet.

  + Heats food in 25 minutes or less.

  + Store food in the fridge until mealtime.

  + Keeps food warm for 2 hours. 

  + Integrated UV light kills 99% of bacteria and keeps the container odor-free.

  + Comes with a movable divider that accommodates a wide range of food.

  + 32-oz. capacity.

  + Length 8.85 Width 4.92 Height 3.15 Weight 1.8lbs

Small in size powerful in heating up food

This travel lunch box is small enough to pack in a suitcase and only weighs 1.8 lbs! Using the lunch container is as simple as adding the food and plugging it into an outlet. In less than 25 minutes, you will have a hot meal to enjoy. Cleanup is a breeze also. Just wash the container and press the UV light button. You can even place your utensils inside to sanitize.

This meal container is my new must-have travel item that can also be used when not traveling. The UVI makes a great lunch container for those who work outside the home. I will be using it for transporting my meals when I eat at social events. If you like picnics in the park, now you can bring along a hot meal.

How will you use the UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box?

My Favorite Finds At Expo West That Are Allergy-Friendly

 Navigating Life with food allergies can be tough at times. It can be hard to find food options that are free of your top food allergens. Eating out of the home can make you feel excluded. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the allergy-friendly food that I found at Expo West. Keep reading to discover my favorite gluten-free and dairy-free products.

 I recently attended an event called Expo West. This health-related event is all about healthy food and healthy products. Expo West is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. This is the event where those who work in the natural products industry come to network, learn, and have the best time. This natural product event showcases new healthy products and I love discovering them. You can learn more about the Expo West event here.

 Attending Expo West meant that I had to travel and traveling can be hard with multiple food allergies and fragrance allergies. Traveling with food allergies requires planning ahead of time. I always pack plenty of allergy-safe food in my suitcase and look for grocery stores near the hotel to purchase additional food. 

 To avoid fragrance issues that trigger asthma attacks, I wear a face mask while on the airplane. My favorite way to travel to California is on the train and I reserve a roomette on the Amtrak sleeper car. That way I have my own space and don't have to worry about fragrances.

Expo West offers plenty of allergy-friendly food 

Expo West is the place to learn about healthy and natural food options that also include ones that are allergy-safe. What I love most about this natural food event is the transparency of the ingredients in the products. The brands want you to know what ingredients are in their products and expect you to ask questions. I know that I will be able to try products that are dairy-free, wheat-free, soy-free, and mushroom-free. 

 So this girl with multiple food allergies feels safe trying food samples at the event. Most brands have their ingredient list right next to the food and if they did not, I felt comfortable asking questions if the food contained dairy, soy, wheat, and mushrooms. The brands knew right away if their products did not contain these ingredients except mushrooms. The mushroom one had folks giving me a puzzled look as they are not on the top 15 allergy list. Mushrooms can hide in foods under many names and I have to be careful. 

New products that I discovered at Expo West that did not contain dairy, wheat, soy, or mushrooms

 Every time I attend this awesome event, I discover new foods and other products that do not contain dairy, wheat, soy, or mushrooms. The food industry keeps getting better when it comes to manufacturing allergy-friendly food. I just love learning about these food products for people who have food allergies. 

To help others, who may have dietary restrictions or just looking for healthy food products, I listed some of my favorite products below.

1. MALK Organics Plant-Based Milk

 A girl needs milk for her coffee and for dairy-free baking. A dairy-free milk brand that I discovered is MALK Organics Plant-Based Milk. This plant milk is made with only 3-5 ingredients. Unlike typical plant-based kinds of milk, MALK products have no gums, fillers, or oils.

Before the show, MALK sent me some samples of their plant milk and I enjoyed it in my coffee. The dairy-free milk was so creamy.

At the Expo, I got to sample their new Cashew and shelf-stable milk. Other MALK products include Unsweetened Almond, Original Oat, Vanilla Almond, Vanilla Oat, Chocolate Oat, and Chocolate Almond. If you want a clean plant milk, MALK is a brand that you need to try. 

Check out MALK Organics

2. Gimme Seaweed 

 I love adding seaweed to my sushi bowls and mixing it into my vegan tuna salad. Gimme’s umami-rich roasted seaweed snacks are so delicious. The sheets of seaweed are also USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified with only 30 calories per serving.

 My favorite Gimme Seaweed product is Sea Salt & Avocado Oil sheets. These big sheets are perfect for sushi rolls. I got to sample their new Korean BBQ roasted seaweed snacks and they were so delicious. This new flavor will be in stores this summer. For now, you can enjoy their other eight flavors which include Sea Salt & Avocado Oil, Teriyaki, and Chili Lime. 

Check out Gimme Seaweed

3. Dr. Prager's Purely Sensible Food

I love Dr. Prager's veggie burgers as they are made with ingredients that I can enjoy. Many of their delicious products are gluten-free, soy-free, mushroom-free, and dairy-free. My favorite items from Dr. Prager's are the Super Greens Veggie Burgers and the California Veggie Burger. 

This year at Expo West Dr. Prager's celebrated their 30th year with a birthday celebration. I was able to sample their new Birthday Cake Littles, which is a healthy cake with veggies inside it. These Littles have a sweet taste and actually taste like cake. I also sampled their new Crunchy Veggie Burger as well as their new Veggie Fries. 

Check out Dr. Prager's 

4. JAMBAR Tropical Trio

These delicious bars were created by the daughter of the original PowerBar. They come in a variety of flavors and they just release a new flavor ~ Tropical Trio. I got to sample these bars before the show and they were the perfect travel snack. I love all the nutrition that is packed into these bars. I also love that they are plant-based and gluten-free.

 Their new plant-based flavor features a bright and breezy blend of banana, pineapple, and coconut. This ensemble of island fruits is enhanced by gluten-free grains and walnut butter for a delicious nutritional punch. Not too sweet and is a good source of fiber. JAMBAR is a premium organic energy bar for today. and tomorrow with the purpose of “Fuel for Optimum Performance.”

Check out JAMBAR

5. Mayawell Prebiotic Sodas

Mayawell makes clean-ingredient prebiotic soda and is the only Mexican-owned better-for-you soda on the market. They are so delicious. I received a sampler pack of all the flavors and I had a hard time choosing which one to try first. This sampler arrived just as I was heading out the door to hop on the train to Expo West, so I grabbed the Pineapple Mango flavor. I was happy that this flavor did not contain green tea as it was late afternoon and caffeine messes with my sleep after 3Pm.

 Their carefully crafted prebiotic beverages pair sustainably sourced Active Agave™ inulin with flavorful botanical ingredients to boost gut health and keep it tasty. Unlike traditional sodas loaded with sugar, stevia, and other nasty BS, Mayawell is a natural and organic alternative that will leave you wanting uno más and feeling zero guilt about it.

The brand uses organic, hand-harvested agave from Mexico, which doubles as both a prebiotic fiber and its sole sweetening agent. In addition to its clean ingredients, Mayawell's nutritionals are also spectacular, offering 4-5 grams of fiber, 4-5 grams of sugar, and less than 45 calories per serving! 

Functional Flavors Include Pineapple Mango, Raspberry Cucumber, Watermelon Mint, Strawberry Ginger, and Pear Lime. 

Check out Mayawell Prebiotic Sodas 

6. (re)zip Reusable Storage Bags 

 I am not a fan of waste and disposable products that end up in a landfill or even in a recycle bin. So finding solutions for storage in the kitchen and traveling is high on my list. (re)zip Reusable Storage Bags is a brand that I loved checking out at Expo West. This company makes food-safe, lightweight, leakproof, freezer-safe reusable storage bags that have way better features than other reusable bags. 

 These bags from (re)zip are not only leakproof and airtight but they are easier to store than typical silicone bags. These eco-friendly bags are a green alternative to the one-time use of food wraps, such as plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap. You will love all the many different products and many sizes of lightweight bags. The storage bags are made of 100% food-grade PEVA and are great for food storage, traveling, gym stuff, baby gear, pet supplies, and more.

 My favorite products from (re)zip are the 39-cup bread storage bag that can store any type of bread, the TSA-compliant zipper quart storage bag, the tall pantry bags, and Take Me with You Bags. These bags will help me with food storage, traveling, and baking homemade gluten-free bread. One (re)zip snack bag can help you replace up to 300 storage bags.

Check out the (re)zip Reusable Storage Bags

7. Verb Bars

 I am obsessed with Verb Bars and I had to make sure to visit this booth to check out their new flavors. These caffeinated bars are my go-to energy for my morning workouts. Verb Bars are a delicious alternative to expensive energy drinks. Verb Bars are a healthy caffeine fix and have the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. 

 Verb bars are delicious and are made with healthy ingredients. These bars come in many great flavors like Vanilla Latte, lemon, peanut butter, and Birthday Cake. You will love that they are vegan and gluten-free. One taste and you will be hooked on them. 

Check out Verb Bars and save 40% with code TARA77427 

8. Olbas Inhaler 

 I discovered Olbas Inhaler at Expo East in 2021. This product has been a huge help for my asthma attacks. This pocket-size herbal inhaler is my natural asthma inhaler. When I have an asthma attack, I always use the Olbas Inhaler to open up my airways. I was not planning to visit their booth but I had to make a stop as I had misplaced my current Olbas Inhaler while walking around the expo hall. I was so thankful that Olbas gave me a new inhaler.

This natural inhaler contains pure essential oils that help open up the airways. I have several of these inhalers and stash them in my purse, gym bag, car, and bedroom. So they are always nearby when something triggers an asthma attack. I have way too many asthma triggers from smoke to fragrance to food allergies so Olbas Inhalers are a must-have product for me. 

Grab Olbas Inhaler Here

9. Wundereggs

These plant-based hard-boiled eggs are amazing! They are 100% vegan and look just like real hard-boiled eggs. They also have a similar texture and taste. I admit that I may have sampled from their booth several times, so many times that they offered me some product to take back to my hotel.

 Made 100% from plants, WunderEggs was inspired by our founder, Hema Reddy’s, desire to create high-quality, convenient, and minimally-processed plant-based foods that are good for your body, the planet, and the chickens! 

Check out Wundereggs

10. Carbonaut Gluten-free Bread

 Discovering that I was allergic to wheat was tough for me as I love eating bread and butter. Since my wheat allergy causes severe asthma attacks, I had to eliminate all wheat-containing products from my diet. The next challenge was finding gluten-free bread that tasted good and had the same texture as wheat bread. I was so happy to discover Carbonaut Gluten-free bread at Expo West. 

This wheat-free bread is so amazing and satisfying. This bread is also low-carb, dairy-free, and soy-free. They also make bagels, tortillas, and even pizza crusts. The bagels are so soft and the tortillas are flexible. Carbonaut makes being wheat-free so much easier. 

Check out Carbonaut Gluten-free Bread

11. Dude Wipes

These wipes are a must-have product for travel and at home if you don't have a bidet. They are flushable wipes that are made with plant-based fibers and keep your tushie clean. They are way better than toilet paper.

You would not wash your face with a dry washcloth so why clean your butt with dry toilet paper? Dude wipes are made with 99% water and plant-based ingredients. They are gentle on your skin and will leave you feeling refreshed after doing your bathroom business. Unlike baby wipes, DUDE Wipes are sewer and septic-safe and begin to break down when flushed. Say goodbye to toilet paper and say hello to DUDE flushable wet wipes.

Get your Dude Wipes Here

12. Just Spices

The colorful containers are what caught my eye as I walked past Just Spices booth at Expo West. Then once I noticed that that they had an Avocado Spice, I had to stop and check out their booth. I am a huge fan of everything spice and I had to sample their Avocado Spice. So I grabbed a container and tried it on the Wundereggs that I had at the hotel. This spice was finger-licking good!

 Get creative in the kitchen with Just Spice blends. These spices bring a world of new flavors to hundreds of delicious dishes in no time. I was able to sample a couple of many spice blends. 

+ Avocado Topping - Crunchy topping for avocado

+ Egg Topping - Spice up your eggs with the perfect kick of spices 

+ Pasta Allrounder - Instant flavor for all your favorite pasta dishes

+ Vegetable Allrounder - Spice up vegetables in an instant with a delicious spice blend

+ Spicy Pizza Topping- A tasty blend of garlic, pepper, and Italian herbs

Check out Just Spices 

Only had one accidental exposure

 There were so many options of safe food for me to sample. I was able to discover many products that were wheat-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. I loved the booths that had their ingredient list next to the product as that made things easy for me. Having food allergies and tasting at a big event like Expo West requires one to read the ingredient label before taking a bite. I also bring with my Epi-pen and Benadryl.

 The one ingredient that I had to always look for on a product that was allergy-friendly was mushrooms. Mushrooms are a hot new thing in the health food industry and brands are using them in everything like coffee, cookies, and even crackers. Since they are not recognized as one of the top food allergies, it can be hard to spot them in products. I accidentally took a bite of an allergy-safe cookie that had shitake mushrooms in it. 

 Thankfully, I reread the ingredients of the cookie and was able to take my double dose of Benadryl and a cup of coffee quickly. I still had a reaction an hour later but I was able to work through it with my Olbas inhaler.

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