Image from peta.org
‘Easy Vegan‘ is all about practicality. Sure, in an ideal world we’d prepare each meal at home, from organic fresh-from-the-field produce. But what about when you’re held up at work and get home *starving*, with no motivation to cook? And what about when you’re visiting Uncle Bob, in nowhere-ville, and there’s nothing fresh to eat? Or what about when you’ve got that ‘fast/greasy/naughty food’ itch that just really needs to be scratched? What then?
For times like those it’s good to know what’s worth grabbing – and what’s better left on the shelf. Hence, the ‘Easy Vegan‘ guide.
I recently received a small but exciting box in the mail – free nuts! (insert joke here) The nice folks at Sahale Snacks sent me their two vegan varieties to sample and review (see my Integrity Policy here, under ‘Give Me Stuff’). The cool thing about Sahale Snacks is that their nuts have been picked up by Starbucks! So, setting aside any thoughts on the coffee monolith, it’s great to know that wherever there’s a Starbucks (which, let’s face it, is *everywhere*), there’s also reliable vegan eats! (please do note there are 2 varieties that aren’t vegan – the Roasted Almonds with Honey and Sea Salt and the Barbecue Almonds with Mild Chipotle and Ranch)
Sahale Snacks: Soledad Almonds with Apple, Flax Seeds, Date, Balsamic Vinegar and Red Pepper
On the bag: “Influenced by the heat of the Mediterranean sun, this delectable snacking experience features almonds, apples, and flax seeds, tickled with date, balsamic vinegar, and cayenne.”
Our Thoughts: The ingredients sure sound like overkill, but the flavor is totally balanced and nothing overwhelms . Sweetness from the apples leads into a well-rounded and complex flavor profile. The aftertaste is just the tiniest bit of heat – a nice little kick!
Upon tasting, Damian’s eyes got real wide. “What?”, I asked, “do you like it?”. His response: “It’s just so . . . interesting!”
I agree. And we both gave our thumbs up. Would eat again!
Sahale Snacks: Cashews with Pomegranate and Vanilla
On the bag: “We think we’ve found the perfect combination of sublime flavors: pomegranate, vanilla, and cashews. Our whole cashews are teamed with pomegranate and apple, and balanced with pure vanilla beans. Our light glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness.”
Our Thoughts: Okay, I gotta admit I was skeptical at first. It was the vanilla that threw me. But wow, guys, these sort of blew my mind! Very sweet but also complex, I was reminded of the Pralines & Cream ice cream that was my favorite as a child. Such amazing flavors!
The only problem I have with these is my potential to eat the whole bag. NOM.
So guys, now that you’ve read the reviews, here’s the fun part: Sahale Snacks is giving out a gift pack just like I got, to one lucky Bonzai reader. You’ll receive both flavors of vegan nuts and maybe a little something extra as well. All you have to do is leave a comment here! I’ll use the random number generator to choose a winner later this week. Good luck!
Sandi
February 15, 2010
I love your blog!!!
Tenise Rae
February 15, 2010
I love nuts! LOL
Kelaine
February 15, 2010
All the comments I thought about leaving sound dirty.. 
eef
February 15, 2010
Those sound really good! Next time I’m at Starbucks I’ll have to grab some.
I really want to try the pomegranate vanilla ones!
Valerie
February 15, 2010
oooooh! Those sound good. I recently discovered that there are nuts besides peanuts that taste good. I hated non-peanuts when I was a kid. My new favorite is pistachios, especially pistachio and dark chocolate ice cream mixed together. Yum!
Eileen
February 16, 2010
WOW, thanks great giveaway.
Ashley
February 16, 2010
I was checking these out last time I was at a starbucks. I noticed a great new selection of snacks made with natural ingredients. Go starbucks! Now if only the plain coffee was a little better.. (I’m hooked on Stumptown!)
Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
February 16, 2010
They look and sound absolutely delicious *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Amycat
February 16, 2010
OMFG 3 of my favourite flavours are pomegranate, vanilla and cashew!! They sound freaking AMAZING!!!
Erin
February 16, 2010
Those both sound very good, although I’ll admit I’m a little more curious to try the almond mix.
Emily
February 16, 2010
I really enjoy your blog, and I’d love to try Sahale Snacks! They look great!
Neko
February 16, 2010
I’m also going to keep my eyes open for these next time I visit a S’bux, they sound delicious 
Cecily
February 16, 2010
Hooray! We just started what we’re calling “operation vegan” around our house, so this is the perfect find for me, I’m often in the studio all day on campus and there’s nothing but bagels to buy most of the day! I can’t wait to buy some to stash in my backpack.
Thanks Sayward!! ^_^
Deena
February 16, 2010
Yum yum, those nuts are delicious!
Stephanie J.
February 16, 2010
nuts! ooh lala.
wonderful giveaway.
and fabulous blog.
Erin
February 16, 2010
Hmm. The names and descriptions of both those make me skeptical, but your reviews are so enthusiastic – now I’m intrigued!
Adam
February 16, 2010
My wife is a big fan of flavored nuts. She’s in the process of going vegan and would love these new snacks.
Amy Liz
February 16, 2010
I would love to try these!
Leandra
February 16, 2010
Ooh I would sure love me some tasty nuts.
sara jane :D
February 16, 2010
those both look mighty tasty. also, your blog rocks!
Erin
February 16, 2010
YUM! I’m so happy to see vegan snacks. I’m a self-admitted snack-a-holic but it’s hard to find anything vegan!
Jenny K
February 16, 2010
Both look delicious! Even I am not chosen, I might need to stop by a starbucks to check these out!
Julianne
February 16, 2010
Wow, such interesting flavors. I never would have thought to combine balsamic vinegar and dates.
EroSan
February 16, 2010
yay! giveaways rock!
Question tho… I was sort of puzzled about the “vegan nuts” thing… I mean, surely all nuts are vegan?
Then I read about the flavors and went “oooohhh I understand now”. It is because of the honey and the milk in the ranch flavor that the other 2 flavors are not considered vegan, right?
Kate
February 16, 2010
I’m game. Who doesn’t love nuts? (insert joke here)
jenni g
February 16, 2010
thanks for the giveaway and for blogging regularly i enjoy reading
Court
February 16, 2010
if only these were in vending machines already!!!
miss ellie
February 16, 2010
i’m not vegan but on campus i am pretty much a vegetarian. i love this blog, i feel like lots of the suggestions you give on here can be applied to anyone regardless of their diet or lifestyle. <3
little deer
February 16, 2010
That brand is soo good. Please count me in!
Kelly
February 16, 2010
Nummy!
Random question: Have you read “The Omnivore’s Dilemma?”
steph
February 16, 2010
I just found you through lj and I love you. Coincidentally, I also love nuts. NOM.
April
February 16, 2010
Mmmmmmm! Vegan Nuts!!!!
Karen
February 16, 2010
Thanks for the giveaway, these sound yummy!
CharityMay
February 16, 2010
i agree with damien, they sound interesting!
Lili
February 16, 2010
Oh! what a great giveaway
Laura
February 16, 2010
Free Nuts!!!Score!!
Shelby
February 16, 2010
Those sound AMAZING! I might not be able to wait for the results of this to try them!
Lisa
February 16, 2010
I love nuts! Yum Nuts are also delicious – the cajun flavor is delectable. Coconut is not bad either. They’re a bit less complex than these sound and I would love to see how they compare to these nuts
Amanda
February 16, 2010
I always imagine making a homemade version with teriyaki or braggs, sesame seed, sea salt… mmmmm!
Ashley
February 16, 2010
The Vanilla Pomegranate ones remind me of those cream filled cookies with that sugary jam stuff in the center… love them!
Minna
February 16, 2010
Mmm-mm-mmm…., they look tasty. I’m just snacking on almonds, dates and dried figs, can’t.. get.. enough… =)
Meghan
February 17, 2010
I’m excited that they are sold at Starbucks. I’d stick to local coffee places if I lived in the Portland area still, but around here it can be hard to find non-chain coffee vendors, and even harder to find ones with vegan mochas! (Speaking of which, the other day I tried going to a starbucks and they were OUT OF SOY MILK. That is absurd. You just don’t RUN OUT of soy milk)
Julie
February 17, 2010
Free nuts? I am all about free nuts!
Suchita
February 17, 2010
yeah! They are the best!
L
February 17, 2010
those look good
mindy
February 17, 2010
these look just wonderful thanks for the giveaway
Carol
February 17, 2010
Holy Toledo, what a yummy giveaway!!
Alis
February 17, 2010
Thanks! I’m excited to try out the new recipe for dishwasher detergent.
Melissa
February 17, 2010
Your an AMAZING lady……keep up the GREAT work. Thanks for the chance to win.
Lisa H
February 17, 2010
The nuts sound great.
Fallon
February 17, 2010
These look great! I’ve been reading your blog for a year now, I love it
dawn
February 18, 2010
The vanilla cashews look delicious. I would love to try them.
susan
February 18, 2010
I love to snack on nuts they are great!
Amanda S.
February 18, 2010
Yum!! They sound delicious!
Sayward
February 18, 2010
The contest is now closed. Thanks everyone for entering, and for all the sweet comments. You guys are the best!
@ EroSan – Yup, that’s exactly right. All nuts are vegan in their natural state, but the flavors used to enhance them may not be! (in this case the honey in one, the ranch in the other) =)
@ Kelly – I have not read The Omnivores Dilemma, but I have read and reviewed In Defense Of Food. I understand Pollan’s thesis as presented in The Omnivores Dilemma and don’t feel like I need to read it.
Salekdarling
February 18, 2010
Wow, so many comments for those delicious looking nuts! *steals the cashews* Om nom nom!Good luck to everyone! ^_^
Darcy B
February 19, 2010
Yes please, I would love to try their products—Ive been drooling over them for a while.
sj
February 21, 2010
my co workers and i nom these at the store quite often! i love each of these!
66 Comments to Easy Vegan: Sahale Snacks Review And Giveaway!