As a gluten-free college student, I am running from classes, to work, to my internship with little time left in the day for actually preparing a full meal three times a day. Although I prefer home cooked meals, the reality is that I rely on the convenience of microwave food most nights to save precious time for studying.
Microwave food gets a bad rap for being unhealthy and bland, but at Expo East last year, I found a brand that is anything but: Path of Life organics. Their line of organic, gluten-free vegetables and grains can stand alone for a meal, or serve as substantial side dishes. They cook in four minutes, and have an easy (and short) ingredient list.
When Path of Life offered to send me some samples for a review, I agreed without hesitation, because I couldn’t wait to check out their full line of products. Not only were they fun to try, but they fit seamlessly into my weekday routine- a real win/win. With real vegetables, grains, and mixes of both, the meal possibilities are truly endless.
All of Path of Life products are gluten-free, and are tested to confirm the absence of gluten (they are working on certification). The best part, is that they are naturally so- since they are grain and vegetable based, the food is naturally safe to start with. Except for the dairy-containing product, all the products are vegan too, so they are perfect for pleasing anyone with a restricted diet. In addition, most of the products are soy and dairy-free too, except for the ones mentioned at the bottom of this review.
Vegetable Side Dishes
My review: The garlic game is certainly strong here, but as a bonafide garlic lover, I loved every bite. The cauliflower are perfectly steamed (not too limp), and have the perfect touch of salt. This was definitely one of the finalists for my top picks of the products I was sent.
My Review: the most substantive of the vegetable-only offerings, this mix was hearty and packed with plant-based protein. I liked how it was filling and had diverse textures, which was satisfying.
My review: Unlike the others, the cauliflower are unflavored, which makes them perfect for incorporating into recipes. Like with their garlicky cousins, the cauliflower cook perfectly, and are visually pleasing- perfect for Mardi Gras! I used them in a pesto pasta salad, in which they performed beautifully.
My review: of all the Path of Life products I tried, this was my least favorite. It wasn’t terrible, I am just not a butternut squash or a raisin person, and the combo didn’t win me over. This is definitely a case of my pickiness, not the product, as my family gave it their approval.
Quinoa Side Dishes
My review: this grain mixture is a perfect base for homemade burrito bowls or standing alone as a side. The brown rice and quinoa re cooked to tender perfection, and are flavored by healthy amount of garlic. I liked the ease and convenience of not having to cook the grains, which is a real time saver.
My review: of all the products, this one has the most bang for your buck in terms of variety. I liked how each spoonful was chock full with different vegetables, and that the garlicky, flavored seasoning made eating them a delicious endeavor.
My Review: Of all the blends, this one was my favorite because it had a great ratio of quinoa to kale, and proved to be the best of both worlds: vegetable and grain. Garlicky and flavorful, I ate this as a main course- not a side dish. (Bonus: find this at Costco!)
Ingredients: white/red quinoa, mango, fire-roasted corn, black beans, EVOO, fire-roasted tomatoes, poblano peppers, cilantro, lime juice, sea salt, black paper
My Review: this quinoa was fun and festive, as it was savory with a hint of spice and sweetness. I liked how the mix included black beans, but would have liked a bit more vegetables in the blend to even out the ratio. Nevertheless, it was among my favorite of the side dishes.
Other Products
To help me celebrate the awesomeness that is Path of Life, they have teamed up with me for a giveaway for you- my readers! I am giving away five prize packs, which feature a Path of Life grocery tote and a few of their frozen side dishes. The giveaway ends March 6, 2017 at 12:00 am.
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Disclaimer: This review is current to the original publication date. Updates will be noted. Ingredients and manufacturing processes can change without notice. Each product should be reviewed for individual nutritional needs. Feel free to to contact me with any questions or comments. Path of Life sent me samples free of charge for review purposes, but the review is a reflection of my personal opinion.
I can't pick just one! The roasted garlic, the kale/butternut squash (I love butternut squash), the southwest and the rainbow cauliflower all sound really good!
I would love to try the Quinoa and Kale or the Rainbow Cauliflower. I definitely don't eat enough vegetables, mostly do to time constraint (three kids) so this would be amazing for us!
The Superfood and Quinoa sounds delicious and perfect for any Dinner meal. I would add other vegetables to this.
The quinoa and brown rice is my favorite so far but I'm excited to try the garbanzo and lentils!
the southwest quinoa!
I would love, love to try the garbanzos & lentils as well as the tex mex corn & mukimame but they all look great and i would eat them all. hahaha :3
Can't wait to try the superfood pilaf!
I love ALL of them, but still haven't tried the Superfood Pilaf. Looking forward to trying that.
I love Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
The garbanzo and lentils sounds delish, as does the rice and quinoa!
I want to try the Roasted Garlic Cauliflower! That sounds so delicious!