Sunkist Naturals

As a busy mom of two, it’s not uncommon for me to either skip meals (bad!) or go way too many hours in between meals.  I’m always open to trying new foods, provided they are healthy and natural.  Smoothies are one of the things I love to make and give my son for snack time.  I like making smoothies at home because I can control the ingredients I use.  However, I also like to save time and energy, so I’ll purchase ready-made smoothies, particularly when we’re on the go.

I recently heard about and had an opportunity to try Sunkist Naturals, a line of premium, all-natural smoothies and juices.  The smoothies and juices don’t contain added sugar, preservatives or artificial ingredients and they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients.  I had an opportunity to try a variety of their smoothies and juices, courtesy of the company. I definitely have my favorites including Strawberry Dream, Orange Cream, Golden Mango, and 100% Valencia Orange.  Both the juices and smoothies taste fresh and smooth.  I like the fact that they don’t contain dairy so my son can drink them.

The company blends whole fruit, and flash pasteurizes it to ensure safety and preserve freshness and nutritional content.  Because no preservatives are used, the juices and smoothies must be refrigerated.  Each bottle lists the ingredients found in the juice or smoothie and the nutritional benefits.  Depending on what nutrients you’re looking to consume or what benefits you want to achieve, you could pick your juice or smoothie based on that info.  Some are rich in protein and fiber, others in B vitamins and Omega 3′s.  Personally, I choose smoothies based on the fruits and flavors I enjoy.

I have to admit that whenever I try a product, and I learn that the product is available at Whole Foods, it gives me a good perspective on how “natural” it really is.  Whole Foods has high standards for the foods they sell in-store and I trust the products sold there  I was very excited to learn that Sunkist Naturals are available at Whole Foods and I’d love to see the company come out with an organic version.

As with most smoothies, be sure to read the nutrition information because each bottle actually provides two servings and the caloric and sugar content is quite high if you consume the entire bottle (despite the fact that there is no added sugar).  The company also offers Sunkist Light, 80 calorie smoothies with 40% less calories and carbohydrates.  Right now they’re available in Strawberry Banana, Blackberry Blueberry, and Pomegranate Cherry.

For information on where you can purchase Sunkist Naturals, just visit their site.

You can download a coupon to try the product for yourself on their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive product samples, courtesy of the company, in order to facilitate my review.

Cool Off This Summer With a Hamilton Beach Thermal Cooler Blender

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Jenny Martin.  Congrats!

When summer temperatures soar, I cool off with ice cream shakes and smoothies!  I prefer making them at home because I can pick and choose which ingredients I want.  Ingredients like French Vanilla Ice cream and frozen organic strawberries make for awesome smoothies and shakes.  I like the ability to control how much fat and sugar are in the drinks I make and I know that they’re fresh and natural.

If you’re looking for an easy way to make smoothies and shakes at home, check out the blenders from Hamilton Beach.  We received a Thermal Cooler Blender to check out and it’s awesome!  I’ve never considered the possibility of blending up drinks and taking them with us to the beach or the park.  But what a fabulous way to cool off and save money this summer! Maybe you blend up smoothies or shakes and then transfer them to another container that will keep them cold for a longer period of time.  With the Thermal Cooler Blender, you blend right in the 48 ounce thermal cooler, take it off the blender, and you’re ready to go.  Plus, it will keep your drinks cold for up to 8 hours.  Now that’s cool! The cooler also has an easy-pour spout so you don’t spill and make a mess!   When you’re at home, use the glass jar for blending up your favorite drink.

You would think that a blender is a blender, right?  This blender actually has 10 speeds and 500 watts of power which means you can blend drinks to your desired consistency.  What I really like is that the different speeds have labels like “smoothie,” “milkshake,” and “icy drink.”  It makes it really easy for me that way!  I’ve also experienced blenders that claim to blend ice, but leave huge chunks in my drinks.  This blender does not do that.

Here’s a fun, simple recipe that I use often:

Frozen Strawberries, Frozen Peaches, Vanilla Yogurt, Orange Juice (add slowly until desired consistency is reached)

If you’re looking for a blender that will get you smoothies and shakes on the run, check out the Single Serve Blender. Just blend and sip from the same cup!  And with 2 jars/lids, that’s one more day you can go without doing the dishes!  Buy it for approximately $20.

Win It! One of you will win a Single Serve Blender with 2 jars and 2 lids.  Simply head over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and either leave me a comment with another product you like (other than the 2 mentioned here) OR your favorite smoothie or milkshake recipe!  Comments will close on July 2, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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