Chocolate Malted Shake, iHerb Shopping Spree & Madre Labs Review
The wonderful folks at iHerb have, once again, offered a $50 shopping spree to one lucky DDD winner! (iHerb is an online shop for all of your supplement and health-food needs. They carry an extensive array of products that you can order for delivery to your home). Read all the details about the giveaway at the bottom of this post (look down. . . .look waaaaay down), but first I want to share my review of the latest products they sent to me: nutritional powders from Madre Labs.
As soon as I read the ingredients list on the Midori Greens jar from Madre Labs, I was in love. I mean, which holistic nutritionist doesn’t want to read the words, “freeze dried marine phytoplankton”? (Okay, we holistic nutritionists are weird that way). But I’ve been taking spirulina (another type of green algae) with my flax and/or chia daily for almost a decade (what the HH calls “Green Slime,” though Chaser loves the stuff) and was more than ready for a little change of pace. And the Midori Greens offered some truly heavy-duty antioxidant superfoods.
Ingredients include organic Japanese matcha green tea (and you know how much I love my matcha tea–as I mentioned here); wildcrafted wasabi; organic ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei Koidzme), which is also known as the “king of vegetables” and “longevity herb”; organic field-grown whole grass blend (with wheatgrass, barleygrass and alfalfa); herb & vegetable leaf blend (Nettles, Parsley, Kale & Spinach); aqua-marine blend (Chlorella & Freeze Dried Marine Phytoplankton); and beet juice powder. These are all amazing ingredients with fierce antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are known to help keep your cells in optimum condition, to keep your immune function strong and to counteract health-depleting free radicals.
In fact, all of Madre Labs products are made with the highest quality whole ingredients, and it’s clear that these guys have done their homework. Their “superfood and nutraceutical” line includes “nutrigenomics”–that is, “the study of how the foods we consume affect our genes and how individual genetic differences can affect the way we respond to nutrients. . . in the foods we eat.” In other words, they believe in using “food as medicine”–exactly the way holistic nutritionists (such as yours truly) do.
The other powder I tried, Acai Heart, contains more familiar ingredients that are all superstars when it comes to supporting heart health: acai berries, pomegranate, freeze-dried beet juice, and a resveratrol blend (the antioxidant found in red wine–though of course there’s no alcohol in this powder!). Mixed with some frozen strawberries, almond milk, chia seeds and stevia, it made a refreshing afternoon imbibement:
Ah, but back to the greens powder! I must admit to you all that I wasn’t exactly enamored of the taste when I tried to drink it on its own (or mixed with simple juice or almond milk). I know that other reviewers have found the taste “neutral,” but something about my tastebuds could really sense the earthy, slightly bitter wheatgrass undertones (I actually really enjoy freshly squeezed wheatgrass juice, but the freezedried flavor doesn’t agree with me). What to do? My desire to benefit from the amazing nutritional qualities of the powder overruled my initial gustatory reluctance. I decided that I had to find a way to create a smoothie that I loved using the Midori Greens.
And guess what? I SUCCEEDED! This combination of the powder, raw cacao powder, avocado and mesquite is a perfect cloak for the greens. All you’ll taste is a slightly chocolate, slightly malted, sweet and appealing drink.
And your cells, no doubt, will thank you.
Chocolate Malted Smoothie
A great mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a rich, creamy dessert. Add ice for a cool summer sipper out on the patio.
1/2 just-ripe avocado, peeled and cut in chunks
1/2 fresh or frozen pear, cut in chunks (I used frozen for a very rich, creamy texture)
1 Tbsp (15 ml) raw cacao powder (you can use regular cocoa, but the flavor will be more bitter)
1 tsp (5 ml) mesquite powder
1 Tbsp (15 ml) chia seeds (see note)
1-1/3 cups (320 ml) plain or vanilla unsweetened almond milk or soy milk
15-25 drops plain or vanilla stevia liquid, to your taste
1 scoop Madre Labs Midori Greens powder, or your favorite greens powder
Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until perfectly smooth. Drink immediately. Makes 1 large or 2 smaller servings.
NOTE: If you don’t have a high-powered blender, grind the chia seeds in a coffee grinder before adding them to the blender.
GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely folks at iHerb are offering a $50 shopping spree PLUS a jar of either Midori Greens OR Acai Heart to one lucky DDD reader!
The contest is open worldwide, as long as iHerb ships to your country–whoo hoo! (You can check the iHerb website to see if they ship to your home country). International readers, please note: if there are any extra customs fees or duties on your prize, you will be responsible for paying them. I have received several packages from iHerb sent via air mail over the past 2 years (I’m in Canada) and have never been charged extra fees or duties).
Here’s how to enter:
First entry:
To be eligible to enter the giveaway, you’ll need to register at iHerb. It’s free and there’s no obligation to buy anything. Just go here and sign up. Then come back here and leave a comment telling me that you did so.
Second and subsequent entries:
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following:
- Browse through the Madre Labs page on iHerb, then come back here and tell me which product you think has the weirdest-sounding ingredient (I thought “freeze dried marine phytoplankton” was pretty good) [UPDATE: I've been going through the comments so far and am loving the ingredients you've all found--giggling like crazy over here!];
- Browse through the rest of the iHerb site, then come back here and tell me what you’d buy with your $50 shopping spree if you win;
- Follow me on twitter, then come back and leave a comment telling me you did so (I will receive an email notice that you signed up); or tweet about this giveaway on twitter (use @rickiheller so I’ll see it);
- “Like” the DDD page on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did so;
- “Like” the iHerb page on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did so;
- Follow iHerb on twitter, then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did so;
- Subscribe to Diet, Dessert and Dogs via RSS feed or email (email option is just below the “Choose Your Reader” box), then come back and tell me that you did so.
The contest will remain open until midnight my time on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011, after which I’ll randomly choose a winner and announce it on the blog. Please note: it’s up to you to check whether or not you won, then contact me if you did. I”m sorry, but I will not be emailing the winner. If the winner doesn’t claim her/his prize within a week, I’ll choose someone else.
Good luck, everyone!
[And don't forget--there are two giveaways of my newest ebook, Good Morning! Breakfasts without Gluten, Sugar, Eggs or Dairy, going on right now: Alta from Tasty Eats at Home is giving away a copy (open until May 14th); and Heidi from Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom, gives you three chances to win (until May 5th)! May as well enter over there, too, right? 
]
I’m submitting this recipe to Brittany’s Seasonal Sundays event. Check out all the real food dishes in the linkys (or submit your own!).
Last Year at this Time: Classic Vegan Quiche
Two Years Ago: Vegetarian Veggie Burgers that Are Made From Vegetables
Three Years Ago: Baking Like Blanche DuBois
Turkey Tail!? I hope that’s not really what it is….
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already signed up at iHerb
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already follow you on twitter! @tri2cook
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i would buy coconut flour (since i still haven’t tried it!!), mesquite powder, raw cacao powder… and maybe some lucuma and maca powders
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Brilliant combination Ricki! I hear you on that. I like greens, but have noticed that I am someone who really, really tastes bitter. Some people can glaze over the bitter taste of greens in things like this, but it is too sharp and contrasting for me.
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Wow, good looking “malt”, and a great giveaway RIcki!
I am already registered at iHerb, hooray!
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I follow iHerb on Twitter
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I follow YOU on Twitter – as you know
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I “like” your blog on Facebook (and in real life)
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I “like” iherb on Facebook
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umm, i’d like some seabuckthorn juice powder please. lol
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With my $50 gift certificate, I’d buy a bunch of the supplements I need to keep me healthy and happy: CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, digestive enzymes, Vitamin D, the list goes on. I may also order some products for my skin, such as sesame oil or rose hip seed oil. I love iHerb!
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I’ve registered at iHerb
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And finally, I totally subscribe to your feed! xo
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and… i’m not on facebook, but i do subscribe to DDD in google reader
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1 I’ve already registered on iHerb
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I would buy Udo’s Choice 3-6-9 oil blend, Garden of Life extra virgin coconut oil, Badger certified organic lip balm aaaand shelled hempseeds from Nutiva! Yay!
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Also, I already follow iHerb on Twitter. That’s it.
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I’m already registered on iHerb
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I am already subscribed to you on Google Reader!
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I would like to try Madre Labs’ Immune Punch
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If I won the giveaway, I’d stock up on some chia seeds and cacao powder.
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I’d love the chance to win, thank you Ricki and iherb!
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Cafeceps? So that’s a coffee and mushroom blend? Strange…but I’m sure very healthy!
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Really tough decisions. I know I definitely want coconut flour and coconut extract though, I could spend hours browsing the products..
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Already liked you on fbook.
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Already subscribed to you with google reader.
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I’m subscribed to you with google reader.
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I’ve registered with iherb
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I liked iherb on fbook.
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I am already a registered iherb customer.
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I have subscribed to DDD via email.
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I’m subscribed…and on FB, twitter, etc. Can’t get enough of you and the girls!
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I registered
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Many weird ingredients…I’ll choose the ”Organic Micronized Cordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps Hybrid Strain)”, lol
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I’d get the some of the Lean Dessert Protein powders (french cinnamon roll, chocolate coconut, caramel latte, mochaccino, cookie n cream…all sound good!)
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I registered!
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I subscribe!
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Like them on FB!
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I like you on FB
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I would use this to buy some sort of green superfood to mix into my smoothies. I’ve read about several different kinds but have been too afraid to try them because of the cost…would love to win this!
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While not exactly a “weird” ingredient, eating algae is still hard for me to wrap my head around! haha =)
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am new and excited about DDD! already am an iHerb customer, love their food section too, fast and cheap! followed you and iHerb on twitter and liked iHerb on facebook, thanks!
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I registered!
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I think the ResveraPhenol in the Acai Heart is a fairly odd sounding ingredient.
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I follow you in my Google Reader!
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If I won the $50, I would try the Midori Greens as well as throwing in some good old CoQ10 which I can always use more of.
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I’m already signed up with iHerb. I’ve been wanting to try Maca powder for while, so I’d probable give in and buy some.
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I follow you on Google Reader
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I have liked the iherb page in facebook.
Have really addicted to iherb recently after the first order with them, fast and reliable shipping, products offer are wide and with reasonable price!
I wanna use the $50 shopping spree to buy the organic skin products, Dessert Essence and Avalon Organics, which I have looking around in my country for so far. Iherb offer best price around, even after included shipping fee, it’s still cheaper than buy in local.
Dessert Essence is definitely the brand I wanna try out after read so many positive comments online. Hope I can get the $50 shopping spree so I can enjoy organic skincare!
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I’m already signed up @ iherb (great site) and I liked them on facebook! I would most definitely get maca powder, hemp seeds, vitamins, and try the Midori Greens!
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Funniest sounding ingredient: Micronized mushroom heteropolysaccharide complex. Phew. Really long name.
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i WOULD USE THE $50 TO BUY SOME CHIA SEEDS,AND MANY OTHER HERBS TO MAKE MY HOMEMADE CURRY.
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I’ve already signed up with iherb
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I’m already a fan of you on FB and follow you constantly
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I’ve already subscribed to DDD’s RSS
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I am registered on iherb
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I subscribe to iHerb.
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My favorite weird-sounding ingredient is dried aronia powder. It’s in Madre Labs’ Eureka! Berries powder.
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Love iherb! Already signed up!
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I registered on iherb.
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If I won the $50 giveaway, I would likely spend it all on dark chocolate, but hopefully I could resist and buy some acai juice too!
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I created an iHerb account
kate1485 at hotmail.com
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I’m following you on Twitter (@NTFancy)
kate1485 at hotmail.com
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I’m a fan of your page on Facebook (Kate Ryan)
kate1485 at hotmail.com
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I’m a fan of iHerb on Facebook (Kate Ryan)
kate1485 at hotmail.com
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I’m following iHerb on Twitter (@NTFancy)
kate1485 at hotmail.com
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I’m registered on iHerb
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I would definitely buy NuNaturals liquid stevia if I won the gift certificate – I’ve been wanting to try it for ages but haven’t been able to justify the price at WF.
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already signed up a iherb
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this ingredient sounds really weird:
Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin (CO2 extract of Haematococcus pluvialis algae)
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I like you on FB
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I like iherb on FB
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you’re in my google reader
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I follow iherb on twitter @cherrycobbler
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follow you and tweeted @cherrycobbler
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I’m registered on iherb already
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I’d get the Midori greens for sure! I’m always looking for more ways to add greens to my diet.
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Tweeted @the_vegster
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I like iherb on facebook
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following iherb on twitter @the_vegster
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I subscribed to iherb! Can’t wait to get some NuNaturals stevia ~ the stuff I bought at our co-op tastes like aspartame :/
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already registered at iherb!
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A shopping spree?? I love those! I’m already registered over at iHerb. =)
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I know for sure I’d want to try some mesquite powder, chia seeds, farro and some stevia extract. Among other things that I’m sure I haven’t even discovered yet!
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I’m already a customer with iHerb and have them on FB, I’ve added DDD to my google home page and I’ve friended you on FB… I don’t do twitter though! I have sooo much going on I can’t keep up with it all
But I think that the ingrediant that caught my attention was “contains NO No-No’s” Haha, the more No’s the better! Especially when it comes to baby products (Mild Nature for baby lotion). I would go crazy at iHerbs with a $50.00 spree. First thing I’d do is buy me som coconut oil – it seems like one of those products that you can do virtually anything with and I mean anything LOL!!! And I’ve never used it. iHerbs has sooo many great products – it will be hard to choose, but I think I can do it 
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I registered on iHerb and would be liquid stevia, hemp seeds, green powder and cocoa powder, to start…
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Registered myself with iHerb! I’d definitely be getting myself some of the different flavours of stevia from Stevita & NuNaturals. It’s really hard to find stevia in the part of Sweden I’m in, & haven’t found anything like the different flavoured varieties that are available. Oh my, to be able to play with some flavours!
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[...] Looking for a way to sneak in your greens in a delicious smoothie? Well, here’s a recipe from Ricki, blogger of Diet, Desserts and Dogs that accomplishes that task through the use of a raw chocolate powder, mesquite powder and the Madre Labs Midori Greens. To check out Ricki’s original recipe post, click here. [...]
[...] Looking for a way to sneak in your greens in a delicious smoothie? Well, here’s a recipe from Ricki, blogger of Diet, Desserts and Dogs that accomplishes that task through the use of a raw chocolate powder, mesquite powder and the Madre Labs Midori Greens. To check out Ricki’s original recipe post, click here. [...]