September means back-to-school and for kids young and old. For those who are dealing with food sensitivities and allergies, the return to classroom often means forgoing the cafeteria fare for a home-packed lunch. As a kid, one of my favorite surprise treats that my mom would periodically slip into my lunchbox was chocolate or vanilla pudding. Now that I’m older and can no longer enjoy the conventional dairy-laden form this schoolkid treat, I figured that my pudding eating days were all but over.
When stocking up my dorm food supply at Whole Foods Market Harbor East in Baltimore, I came across Shiny Spoons, a local company that makes gluten-free buckwheat pudding in four tempting flavors: dark, dark chocolate, vanilla bean cashew, salted caramel mocha, and organic blueberry jasmine. Ever the traditionalist when it comes to pudding, I loaded up with the chocolate and vanilla varieties and eagerly awaited my first taste. All of Shiny Spoons’ flavors are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free vegan and paleo which means that they can be enjoyed by diners with a wide variety of dietary needs. In addition, these impressive puddings are free from GMOs, artificial ingredients, and preservatives.
Dark, Dark Chocolate Buckwheat Pudding
As a dark chocolate devotee, the darker the chocolate, the happier I am. Shiny Spoons’ dark, dark chocolate flavor features a simple lineup of ingredients including buckwheat, organic evaporated cane juice, cocoa, organic virgin coconut oil, sea salt, organic vanilla flavor, xanthan gum, and gum acacia.
The pudding’s texture is heavy mouse-like and oh, so indulgent. Coupled with the rich, pure taste of the dark chocolate, the extra “dark” in the flavor name is completely warranted for the indulgent, decadent flavor experience. I liked that the pudding wasn’t overly sweet and was consistently thick (puddings that are too liquid-y turn me off). I relished each spoonful and was completely satisfied upon completing the four ounce portion. It’s perfectly sized for a quick snack or chocolate craving crusher. I know I’ll keep my dorm fridge stocked with these whenever I need a quick and easy snack!
Vanilla Bean Cashew
In my excitement in discovering a gluten and dairy free pudding, I did not realize that the vanilla bean flavor was accented by the addition of cashew. While not a total deal breaker, I do not like any nuts besides almonds. Nevertheless, the lure of pudding was too much to refuse so I put my hesitations aside. This flavor’s ingredients are buckwheat, organic evaporated cane juice, cashews, organic virgin coconut oil, arrowroot starch, organic vanilla beans, sea salt, xanthan gum and gum acacia.
Similar to it’s chocolaty counterpart, the vanilla bean cashew was thick and luxurious in texture. Not quite as firm, it was more traditional pudding-like, yet still as indulgent. The vanilla bean flavor is strong and unmistakable and shines through any taste of cashew that I could detect. While enjoying it, I mentally paired the flavor with granola and/or fruit for a tasty parfait. Always on the lookout for snacks and breakfasts on the go, I love the versatility of the puddings to stand alone or pair with other ingredients. Again, I felt that the 4 oz portion was perfect because it provided enough to satisfy but not over-indulge. Despite my initial hesitation, I really enjoyed the flavor and would definitely get it again.
Shiny Spoons definitely won me over as a fan with their indulgent puddings that easily fit the role of late night snack, breakfast booster, or anything in between. I love that they are free from gluten, dairy, soy, GMOs, preservatives and anything artificial which makes the indulgence all the better. Those with other food allergies and sensitivities should definitely read the labels though to check for other allergens.
For more information on Shiny Spoons, check out their website here.
Locally (in Baltimore) they can be found at Whole Foods Mt. Washington and Harbor East as well as Mom’s Organic Market and Mill Valley General Store. For other retail locations, check out their retail map here. Those living outside of the region can also order their line of buckwheat puddings on Amazon and Relay Foods (a grocery delivery/pickup service).
Disclaimer: The review provided is current to the time I bought the product. 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. I was not compensated for this review and it is a reflection of my personal opinion.
Amanda, my name is Irina and I'm the chef and the owner of Shiny Spoons. I just wanted to thank you for being a customer and creating such a well written review.
Irina-
Thank you so much for creating such a delicious and fun product that's safe for people with special diets and food intolerances! It makes my job as foo blogger totally worthwhile when I find new GF/DF options that I can share with others. Have a great day. 🙂
-Amanda
hmmmmmm