8 Smarter vegan Cookies, waiting to be devoured
The nice folks at Smarter Cookies sent me samples of their vegan cookies to review. Since they tout the treats as being healthy [aka,"smarter"] and since the labels say they have up to 10 grams of protein per cookie, I was intrigued. After a rest, I am back to building up my running base, working my way up to 50+ miles per week, and that means protein, protein, protein. Endurance athletes, vegan or not, practically need an IV-drop of protein to help their overburdened muscles recover. Protein in a cookie? Win, win!
Good stuff in.
I like the fact that these fiber-packed, low-glycemic index cookies are made from all pronounceable/GMO-free and mostly organic ingredients. They also contain 6 foodstuffs proven in clinical trials to help lower cholesterol. The motivation for this was personal; when the company's founder, longtime brain-cancer survivor Richard Harvey, was on chemo, the drugs caused his cholesterol to surge and so the smarter cookies were born as a partial dietary response. Talk about making something good form something bad.
Extreme Smarter Vegan Cookie close up: Look at those nuts and seeds.
The company stresses that these are made fresh and so you need to eat them fresh. But no matter how good a cookie sounds on paper, the real test is the flavor.
Taste test.
Smarter Cookies are subtly sweet, in the style of many Italian desserts. So if you have a serious Jo-Jo's or Oreo addiction or a serious sweet tooth, they may not be your cup of tea. Personally, I like that the sugar does not dominate: your palate can – gasp! – actually discern most of the ingredients. All flavors pair nicely with a cup of coffee. Not surprisingly, they are sold in cafes.
My favorite flavor was the Vegan Oatmeal Raisin, followed by the Vegan Original. After a long run, I would totally prefer either of these cookies and a glass of soy milk to a cardboard-like power bar. I was not as keen on the Vegan Peanut Butter or Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, but then again, I am generally not keen on any peanut butter cookies or cakes, so at least I'm consistent.
Good points: Good-for-you, protein-packed cookies, super-fresh and loaded with healthful ingredients. Delicious with coffee.
Not-so-good points: Texture can be a tad crumbly. Subtly-sweet flavor may not appeal to everyone.
Win Smarter Cookies! Giveaway Contest
Smarter Cookies is giving away a free dozen cookies to one lucky Urban Vegan winner. All you have to do is to leave a comment telling us which flavor do you think you'd enjoy most. To get another shot at winning, leave the same comment on the Smarter Cookie Facebook page, mentioning my blog. I'll choose a random winner and will announce the name the lucky cookie monster early next week. US residents only, please.
If you can't wait til then, Smarter Cookies is offering a $15 discount off the posted purchase price and shipping rates for a Vegan Sampler pack. That's a significant saving if you want to try them or get them as a gift for your Just type in the discount code "gratitude" when you order.