Almond milk yogurt. Heard of it? Amande just recently launched their almond milk yogurt.

I was pleasantly surprised to see this (and sample) at a recent food show, but also felt a tad frustrated with myself.  How could I have missed this? I scour the aisles at Whole Foods and the Coop! I feel that finding and reviewing products such as these is my civic duty! So you know what I did the minute I left the food show? I walked up and down the aisles of Whole Foods. Just to be sure I wasn’t missing anything else. Can you tell that I’m meant to be in the natural food business?

I sampled the coconut yogurt which I was very surprised with – when I’ve tried soy and coconut yogurts in the past, they have struck me as being a bit runny and not very thick, but this yogurt had almost the consistency of greek yogurt. The coconut flavor was profound and felt like a sweet treat!

Like:

• thick yogurt texture
• sweetened with fruit juice
• dairy free/soy free/gluten free
• made with live cultures
• great alternative for those on a diary free diet

Wish:

• there was more protein (only 3 grams)
• it wasn’t so sweet! (I must be accustomed to plain, tart yogurt!)

I’m really glad there is another alternative for those who can’t digest dairy. Try it out!

I’m a huge fan of coconut oil. And it always helps when it is organic and fair trade like Kelapo. I have a little more work before I’ve completely convinced my Dad that it isn’t as bad as it might outwardly appear (he works in Cardiac Rehab and they really don’t take too kindly to those high saturated fat levels) but I’ll be patient.

On the outside, coconut oil has gotten kind of a bad rap, but it’s rather dated information in my opinion. Many studies have been done and show that coconut oil can actually promote heart health, act as an antimicrobial, absorb nutrients and minerals and help fight the signs of aging. (And you know I’m a believer in everything in moderation anyway.)

I use coconut oil in many different ways – for popping pop corn, on Hemp Bagels, in baked goods, in stir-frys as well as in smoothies.  The flavor is slightly sweet and the texture luxurious. Summer is a perfect time for a tropical-tasting smoothie, full of good fats, don’t you think?

Orange Strawberry Smoothie

• 3/4 cup frozen strawberries
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil

Blend ingredients together until somewhat smooth. The coconut oil will harden in little chunks, but I kind of like them while drinking my smoothie. When I’ve made it with a banana instead of berries it reminds me an orange julius.  :)

Have you tried coconut oil? Like it?

Disclaimer: Kelapo sent me coconut oil to review. The opinions are my own.