Panera Know-No List Part V: Texture Modifiers

September 25, 2015July 30, 2019greeneyedguide

Soggy spinach, crunchy chips, moist bread – texture is as important as flavor in consumer acceptance. For the fifth and final part of the Panera KNOW-No project, we review the food science of the texture modifiers on the No-No List.

In May 2015, Panera published a list of ingredients that would be removed from their food. Several other companies have made similar commitments to simplify their ingredients, but it’s rare these announcements address why the ingredient was in the food in the first place. This is a missed opportunity to celebrate the food science. Thus, this was my inspiration for this project. For each ingredient, you’ll find a brief explanation of its purpose, safety concerns if any, and whether a natural counterpart can perform as well or better. [For Part I, Overall Response, Part II, Sweeteners, Part III, Color/Flavor Enhancers, and Part IV, Preservatives, see previous posts].

Part V of V – Texture Modifiers (and remaining miscellaneous ingredients)

[The official Panera No No List is available here; replicated below.] Ingredients discussed in this post are red. Read more →

Science Behind Elite Ops Energy Strips

September 15, 2015July 30, 2019greeneyedguide

I’ve been reviewing the Energy Drink of the Month for over two years now and each month I’ve appointed a product that beats the stereotype. For the first time, I am compelled by nerdy fascination to nominate something non-liquid for this award.

The Energy Drink (alternative) for the Month of September is EliteOps Energy Strips.

Thus far, only Fierce Arctic Mint flavored strips are available, but this product is brand-new! As of this review, the product is available online, in South Florida, and is scheduled to launch nationally in October 2015.

To truly appreciate this product, let’s review (1) The Brand and Its Values; (2) Who and what this is for and (3) What’s in it.

Energy Drink of the Month Reviews – Year 2

August 15, 2015July 30, 2019greeneyedguide

Though some media outlets continue to paint all energy drinks with the same brush, the number of “energy drinks in disguise” is growing. Unless you’re at an airport, it’s getting easier to find an energy drink with less-than-extreme amounts of caffeine, no sugar, and no artificial colors or ingredients. You might even know someone who’s tried to sell you an energy drink that can only be found online [buyer beware].

With the number of energy options increasing, it’s growing more important to learn what distinguishes one energy drink from another. Through every Energy Drink of the Month post, we review the tools you need to consume caffeine safely, and discuss how to tell if an energy drink is right for you — as in YOUR lifestyle and diet goals, and YOUR current energy needs or “Level of Fatigue”.

Energy Drink of the Month — A Year’s Reflection

Celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of the Energy Drink Guide

August 10, 2015July 30, 2019greeneyedguide

In August 2013, a book that I’d been dreaming about and working on for 10 years was finally published. As I placed it on my bookshelf next to the other authors that inspired me, it seemed unreal, and even now I sometimes forget that I have published a book.

To celebrate the second anniversary of what I still consider my first child (because of all the love and labor that went into bringing it to existence), I’m slashing prices at the Green-Eyed Guide Square Store and sharing my reading of the introduction.