Mum’s Original Review and Giveaway
[Disclosure: Mum's Original provided products for me to sample at no charge. They were not promised a review in exchange for the products, and all opinions written here are entirely my own.]
[Yes, these Raw Caramel Cupcakes with Banana-Cacao Frosting are bursting with superfoods ingredients!]
As many of you know, I spend some quite a bit a crazy amount of time every day on twitter. I love that I’ve been able to strike up acquaintances with other bloggers, writers, nutritionists and companies that way. Well, several months ago, I began to notice tweets about a new (to me) company, Mum’s Original. I was intrigued by how many people were waxing poetic about it. Since the products are carried at my local health food store, I purchased a bag of their hemp seeds and gave them a try. And they were, indeed, great! So when the folks at Mum’s asked if I’d be interested in sampling a bunch more of their products, I jumped at the opportunity.
I’m already a proponent of “superfoods”–those foods that confer health benefits beyond the usual vitamins, minerals, fiber and the like. So even though I was previously famliar with the actual foods themselves, I hadn’t yet tried all of the Mum’s versions. And there were a couple of very pleasant surprises, too!
Here’s what they sent to me:
This amazing stash includes Raw Cacao Powder, Delores Hemp Hearts, White Chia Seeds, Coconut Sugar, Goji Berries, Coconut Cacao Nibs, and Banana Powder.
One of the things I loved about the company was the integrity with which they source and manufacture their products. As they write on their website, their superfoods “are grown with care at our sustainable family owned partnership farms using traditional and artesian methods of cultivation and processing,” even using heirloom seeds whenever possible. In addition, their products are never GMO, are organic, and are free of any man-made toxins in the way of pesticides or chemicals. The company’s owner, Ann Barnes, is herself a mother of two children, and concerned about her kids’ futures and providing healthy foods grown in an ethical manner. And let me tell you, their products are really top-notch!
I was already an avid consumer of cacao, hemp, chia, coconut sugar, goji berries and cacao nibs, so the product that intrigued me most was the banana powder, dehydrated and finely milled vine-ripened organic bananas. I immediately got to experimenting to create a pipe-able banana frosting that would hold up at room temperature (which I piped atop raw mini-cupcakes, as pictured at the top of this post). Of course, those of us on the ACD don’t consume bananas, but at this stage of the game (more than 3 years on the program), I knew that a single bite wouldn’t really affect my condition–and that the HH would be more than happy to polish off the rest (which, lo and behold, he was, in record time!). 
The results were stellar, with an incredibly intense fresh banana flavor. I bet you will love them, too. I’ll share that recipe tomorrow, so please come back to check it out!
After the cupcakes, I began to work my way through the other products as well. I used the Coconut Cacao nibs as garnish on the banana frosting (see top photo). These are truly ingenious! They’re cacao nibs enrobed in coconut sugar, sort of the way sugared almonds or coffee beans are coated in sugar. I use cacao nibs occasionally, but have always found them a bit too bitter on their own. Mum’s solved that problem perfectly with the cacao-coconut sugar combo! I’d use these in place of chocolate chips, sprinkled on granola, or even as a snack on their own. Again, it’s not something I’d consume on a regular basis on the ACD, but at the later stages, or for anyone looking to minimize their refined sugar intake, this is a brilliant solution.
I had read about the Delores Hemp Hearts, a uniquely Canadian-born form of hemp that an ingenious Manitoba farmer developed. And there’s even a love story involved. . . read about it here. Apart from the story behind it, what I loved about the Delores hemp seeds was that they offer more protein per volume than other types of hemp. And they were, indeed, delicious!
The HH and I dug into the goji berries next. Honestly, these were the biggest, plumpest gojis I’ve ever seen! They were eagerly approved by The Girls as well. (What? Doesn’t everyone give goji berries to their dogs?). I’ve still got the chia seeds and cacao waiting to be used. . . I’ve been kind of hoarding them, since I know they will be exceptionally delicious, too! Overall, I was incredibly impressed by the quality, care, and thought that went was behind each and every one of the products.
“Mum, I agree-those gojis were delicious! Just look at this smile on my face!”
Now I want you to try out these superior products as well! And Mum’s has graciously agreed to provide TWO readers each with this same stellar pack of their superfoods, each worth more than $65!
This giveaway is open to anyone in the US or Canada (so sorry, International readers! I’ve got another giveaway coming up for you, too, next month!). And there are six ways to enter! For this giveaway, I’m trying out a new widget (the box, below) to make entering/picking a winner easier. To begin, just leave a comment on this post. It’s easy–just follow the instructions, below. What do you think of it? Let me know!
And if you just can’t wait for the giveaway. . .SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR DDD READERS!!
Mum’s has offered a special 15% discount for any online orders for all Diet, Dessert and Dogs readers!! Just order your products via the Mum’s website and key in the code “RICKI” upon checkout. [This is an affiliate discount, so your orders will send a small amount of money my way.]. Go to the Mum’s product page to make your selections and start your purchase.
GOOD LUCK!!
NOTE: YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT FOR THE GIVEAWAY OR YOUR ENTRY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
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Great blog – Would love the white chia seeds to try because they are different from the normal chia seeds I have.
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Hey Ricki, I knew Mum’s had sprouting seeds but none of these other goodies. Most appealing product would have to be their cacao nibs.
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I have yet to try Goji berries. If the girls love them, I’m sure I will too!
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I’d love to try the goji berries. I’ve heard so much about them but still never had them.
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Hi there the Goji Berries appeal to me the most because i am all out of them!
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Have always wanted to try hemp hearts – can’t find them anywhere around here !
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Have never tried any of these product’s.Curious about the goji berries and the cacoa nibs .
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I’m crazy curious about that banana powder, but I’d sure to love to play with all of the ingredients as well!
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The idea of the banana powder really intrigues me. I’d love to be able to create that frosting!
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Sounds intriguing! I hope to try some of them soon, though I’m not sure I have seen them in my local stores. I’ll keep an eye out.
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Wow, those cupcakes look great! I’d love to try all of the products but the cacao nibs and banana powder sound most intriguing!
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I would love to try the banana powder. I’ve been being a few of the Mum’s products (hemp hearts, cacao nibs, etc) but it seems there is still lots of superness to try.
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Those cupcakes look fabulous! I am dying to try the banana powder and the hemp seeds.
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The hemp hearts. I’m always looking for more protein, especially as legumes and I don’t get along.
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These products belong in my kitchen!! Would love to try the banana powder because I *must* make those raw caramel cupcakes!!
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Great blog!
I would love to try banana powder, never heard of it before.
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I work at a natural foods store in BC and have seen the Mum’s products around. I’ve tried a few of their products (LOVE the cacao nibs!), but have never gotten around to picking up the banana powder despite my curiousity. Can’t wait for your frosting recipe!
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I would love to try out the banana powder! What an interesting product.
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I find Goji berries are usually too tough and chewy, so I’d be interested to see how these ‘plump’ ones compare!
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The White Chia would be fabulous…I want to try it in their Choco-Strawberry Chia Jam and superyumful Choco-Banana Pudding. Thanks!
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I have the hardest time trying to find Gogi berries so I am looking forward to winning those!
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I love cacao nibs in raw chocolate chip cookies. The coconut cacao nibs would be awesome!
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The most appealing products for me are the hemp hearts, because I love hemp seeds as a topping for my salads, and the coconut sugar, since I have never tried it before!
Ana
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I hadn’t heard of Mum’s Original before, but it looks like a great company with awesome products. I love cacao nibs and am intrigued by the coconut cacao ones!
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I’ve never tried the goji berries. Would love to win! Thanks!
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I LOVE cacao nibs .. and I’d love to try the goji berries (I don’t think I’ve ever actually had any).
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They all look great, but I love bananas and the banana powder looks like it would be a great addition to alot of dessert recipes!
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I have heard a lot about hemp and chia and would like to try. I stick to flax for the moment as it is cheaper :O)
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…i have tried mom’s cacao nibs with coconut sugar before and they were fan-freaking-tastic…i have a very dark chocolate tooth and these absolutely satisfied it. they taste amazing with anything pumpkin
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Ricki Reply:
July 14th, 2012 at 11:00 am
Oooh, hadn’t thought of the pumpkin-cacao combo–that sounds incredible!
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Oh the the good things I could make with these products. My husband just recently joined with me to be more healthy. His blood pressure was high. He is only 38. Much to young to be dealing with this. Well, with eating better, he has already lost 14 pounds. I am so proud of him. I would love to try these products!
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I haven’t tried anything from Mum’s and would love to!
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Banana powder! That’s something I have NEVER heard of! I want to try that!
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I didn’t know they had a banana powder! I love bananas.
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I just got back to the US 3 weeks ago, and I’m just
Amazed at all the delishious tummies to be had!
I would love to get to know this brand, as I love and use
All the things listed , and I am making all this new and
Totally delishious new food these days!!!
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I’d love to try the coconut cacao nibs. I’m a big fan of cacao nibs anyway, and I’ve tried a few lightly sweetened ones – which I love – but they typically use cane sugar. The coconut sugar sounds fabulous!
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I am in love with all of their products! Delores Hemp (and most definitely the coconut cacao nibs) is life-changing, extremely creamy and doesn’t have that earthy taste. I have yet to try their goji berries, so I’d love to get my hands on those!
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Can’t wait to use these products as there are a few I have never tried..!!!!!
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I would love to try the Organic Criollo Arriba Cacao Nibs, since I’ve always wondered where chocolate came from.
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Cacao NIbs!!!!
I am an addict of healthy, vegan chocolate.
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I’ve been wanting to try chia seeds. All of these products sound amazing! Awesome giveaway!
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would love to try these!
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Never heard of banana powder before, but sounds super intriguing. would also like to try the coconut cacao nibs and coconut sugar-I love all things coconut, but have never tried either of these.
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Mmm I would love to try the cacao beans! I’ve had the nibs before, but I feel like this would open me up to so many fun new recipes!
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I would love to try the cacao beans…I recently saw them made into coffee at a farmer’s market…no coffee…I mean a hot beverage like coffee. It was so tasty.
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I don’t know why, but those Goji berries are calling to me.
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Ricki Reply:
July 14th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Erica, they were fabulous!
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Great giveaway. yum at all that stuff.
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I would love to try the coconut sugar because I love all things coconut!
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I would love to try all of these products, not sure my local health food store carries them.
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I would love to try these products!
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Whoops, I didn’t see that we were supposed to list our favorite item. I would love to try the raw cacao powder.
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I am most intrigued by the hemp hearts. I don’t much about them and their nutrition value
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I’m dying to try them cocoa nibs!!!
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Ricki Reply:
July 14th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Cristina, they are amazing! If you can find them in Montreal, you should really give them a try!
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The banana powder sounds interesting but I’ve just discovered I have problems with candida and I’m still learning what I can and cannot have. I guess bananas isn’t one of them. I would love to try the goji berries and chia seeds though! So glad I found your blog!
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Ricki Reply:
July 14th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Hi Roanne,
However, I didn’t have gojis at the beginning, either. You can find more info about the diet I followed and see readers’ questions on my Candida FAQ page (and feel free to add your own question(s)!). Chia seeds are awesome at any stage, though! 
Welcome to the blog–and sorry about the candida! You’re right, bananas are off the menu for the time being.
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Love those superfoods!! But I’m new to banana powder!! Oh the possibilities!!! Coconut sugar cacao nibs???? Wish I had those NOW!! Mmmm. Thanks for sharing ! Those cupcakes sound amazing!
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I have never heard of Mum’s, but I would love to try those products–they sound fabulous!
I am confused by the widget/new entry thing…I hope this enters me!
Courtney
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I would love to try the coconut cacao nibs! They sound delicious! I do enjoy cacao nibs and usually add them to raw cookies, or chocolate bark I make at the holidays.
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Love this chance to win….such great super foods!
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I’ve been Vegan for 12 years and have never tried any of these. Your cupcakes look amazing!! Love your blog. Thank you for all you do
God Bless~
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I used banana powder when I made my banana cupcakes for Clean Eating recently – except I made it myself by grinding freeze dried bananas! Had no idea it was actually sold as a product
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Ricki Reply:
July 14th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
I actually thought of your cupcakes when I made mine–I remembered that you had ground your own!
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All the products sound delish! Would love to try them all.
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I think I’m most interested in the banana powder because what on earth is that??? Sounds awesome!
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White chia seeds? I’ve never heard of them! But they sound amazing, so I think that’s the highest on my list to try. As a new healthy eater, I’ve never had hemp, as well. I know, I know, I got to try that ASAP. One healthy new choice at a time…
PS – Love the blog!
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I’m intrigued by the banana powder–great addition to smoothies or my sunflower seed butter toast/sandwiches. I also can’t find white chia anywhere here. Bonus!
Great giveaway.
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Thank you for the giveaway! I’ve never heard of banana powder…so interesting!
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I would love to win the cacao nibs or the banana powder. Or even both!
I don’t eat many sweets, but when I do, they are home made. These would be really fantastic ingredients in a home made treat!
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I love MUM’s products!
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Never tried white chia seeds. Almost out of raw cacao. And hello sugar coated nibs?? I’m in!
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Those all seem so cool, I am intrigued by the raw cacao.
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I want to try the chia seeds in my overnight oats!
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that banana powder blows my mind! the possibilities are endless! mixed with pb2 perhaps?
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The cookies and the banana powder seem delicious!
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As one just discovering the wonderful world of raw cuisine, I’m extremely intrigued by the array of products in the giveaway pack! I’ve made delectable puddings with black chia seeds and would love to try them out with white ones – and just the thought of banana powder has got my culinary imagine going already! Thanks for sharing info about all these fabulous products and how to use them in deliciously healthy ways!
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Mum’s is new to me, but I’m all about the superfoods! Chia seeds, gogi berries, and caoco nibs are favorites, but I’d love to try something new, especially the banana powder! I’d love to win!!
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Ive yet to try most of those but intrepid experiments (ofter Ricky inspired) in recipe options by my diabetic daughter would gleen something wonderful pretty quick I think.
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Ricki Reply:
July 14th, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Thanks, Ellie!
I’m sure you’ll both love these. . . absolutely wonderful quality products. 
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I’m extremely intrigued by the banana powder – so many uses running through my head!
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I would love to try the hemp hearts first, then the cacao nibs next, then the gogi berries etc.
I love superfoods!
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Thank you for the great review.
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Ricki Reply:
July 14th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
My pleasure! Your products are truly remarkable. Loved them!
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This is awesome! I would love to try the coconut sugar!
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Hi
I have never heard the Mum’s products before. Would love to try the coconut sugar and goji berries. Have never used coconut sugar as a sweetner. But have heard great things about it.
thanks
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I would love to try the coconut cacao nibs, two of my favorite things together in a healthy yummy way!
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cacao powder!
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Those Goji Berries would be delicious! Thanks!
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I think I’d try the hemp seeds first, but everything sounds delicious.
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I would like to try the cacao powder. We are still trying to find a cacao powder that is allergen free!
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The cupcakes look amazing. I can’t wait to try all of MUM’s products, but especially the Coconut Cacao Nibs & the Banana Powder. I’ve heard of MUM’s from Heather Nauta at heathyeatingstartshere.com She recommends their sprouting seeds. I’m heading over to Mums site right now to check out these other products. I hope they are available at my local Whole Foods. Thanks for sharing.
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Linda W Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 12:53 am
Oops…I made a mistake. MUM’s mentioned here is not the same as the MUMM’s company that supplies sprouting seeds. Sorry for the mixup…now I’m heading back to Mum’s to check out all their super products.
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Hi Ricki – I’ve been reading your blog for a while but I think this is the first time I’ve commented. First, thanks for a great blog and such helpful information. Second, thanks for the opportunity to win such a wonderful prize package! I am very new to this new way of eating and can use all the help and products I can get. And finally, give those adorable girls an extra hug for me.
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PS – The cocoa nibs appeal to me the most because I am a dark chocolate addict!
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The coconut cacao nibs really call out to me. Love a mix of coconut and chocolate.
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Oh dear golly, I think I can enter this, maybe, because I’ll be in the US and Canada soon? I can’t wait to have access to hemp as far as the eye can see!
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I cannot wait for that cupcake recipe! They look amazing!!
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I think the Banana Powder looks the most fun! The Cacao looks awesome too!
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Goji Berries for the powerful superfood antioxidants!
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The cacoa nibs I’ve heard raw cacao doesn’t have caffeine!
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I am just starting to work on eating healthier and limit my sugar intake. There are so many products out there, that reading your blog, where you review foods and companies like you do, is a huge help. I look forward to enjoying all of your blogs. Thank You.
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Is the recipe available for those cupcakes?? I searched and searched…
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Those cupcakes look delicious!
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Never seen banana powder before, bet it would be good in baking!
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Thank you for the opportunity to win! Really enjoy your blog
.
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i’ve really wanted to try with hemp seeds and goji berries since i’ve seen some really cool recipes with them lately!
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I must confess that I’ve given goji berries to my Senegal Parrot, and promptly discovered that he seems to get high as a kite after eating them! I don’t know how else to describe it and I’ve never seen him react to another food this way. Now I rarely give them to him because he’s already got enough energy and rambunctiousness to keep me on-my-toes!
So if I win, I will find other treats to share with him and keep the gojis for myself and my human friends.
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Ricki Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:29 am
Melanie, that story is hilarious! Chaser is already pretty high strung and energetic, so we don’t really see any difference when she eats them–ha ha!
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