FOR MOMS, MOMS-TO-BE, & TODDLERS 2 YEARS+*
THE COMPANY: Wai Lana, the face behind the brand, started out as a modern-day yoga advocate who is highly energetic and a prolific artist. Famous for making it easy and effective, Wai Lana excels at making the ancient art of yoga a life-enhancing experience for anyone who practices along with her, and has grown her following into an internationally aired TV series; all of which has played a key role in yoga’s skyrocketing popularity.
As one of the most well known yoga teachers in the world today, Wai Lana’s daily yoga TV shows are regularly watched by millions of people around the globe on five continents, including in the United States, where her shows appear nationwide on many PBS stations. She has also produced several yoga videos and DVDs for people of all levels, published books, designed kids’ products, recorded music and meditation albums, and produced and hosted nearly 200 half-hour television programs of yoga instruction.
Wai Lana’s product range has also expanded to a high-quality line of delicious and nutritious, all-natural, gluten-free snacks – which is what we are reviewing today.
THE PRODUCTS: Wai Lana understands that eating right can sometimes be challenging, especially when on the go, and is why she’s created her line of healthy foods, including Wai Lana Pop Chips and Wai Lana Bars.
Wai Lana Cassava Pops: Made using Cassava (a potato alternative that is native to Central and South America), Wai Lana Cassava Pops are gluten-free chips that have been popped with a little heat and pressure, not baked or fried. This process allows these Cassava Pops to contain 30% less fat than regular potato chips do, and have a great airy and crispy feel that you don’t normally find in chips.
They’re also free of GMOs and contain no cholesterol, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Available in six flavors, we’ve tried the Natural and Barbeque and think they are fantastic! Light and delicate with just the perfect amount of crunch, Wai Lana Cassava Pops are definitely a healthier way to satisfy your chip craving.
Containing around 120-125 calories per 1oz serving, 25-30 of which come from healthy fats, you will also find around 1 gram of fiber and 1-4 gram of sugar, depending on the flavor you choose.
Wai Lana Bars: For those looking for something sweet without added sugar, Wai Lana has developed a delicious line of gluten-free Wai Lana Bars. Made with raw fruits and nuts, these bars are free from trans fats and hydrogenated oils, and come in six delicious flavors, including Apricot Cashew, Autumn Apple, Cherry Pomegranate, Cranberry Almond, Nana Banana and Tropical Macadamia.
Containing around 110-120 calories per serving (a ½ of bar), 20-50 of which come from healthy fats, you will also find around 3-4 grams of fiber, 1-3 grams of protein, and 11-17 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor you choose.
*Wai Lana Cassava Pops are a great snack for kids who love chips but whose parents want them to have a healthier option than your typical potato chip. Wai Lana Bars are also a healthy treat for kids, as long as they are OK eating foods that are both chewy and a little crunchy (thanks to the added nuts – although they are in pretty small pieces).
Furthermore, you will notice that there is quite a bit a sugar in the Bars because of all of the fruit, although the fiber and healthy fats from the nuts help it digest more slowly and therefore won’t affect blood sugar like added sugars normally do. However, I would be careful as to not give my child the whole bar in one sitting because that would double the amount of sugar grams – and 34 grams of sugar for a child is way too much for one meal, in my opinion.
WHERE TO BUY: You can conveniently buy Wai Lana snacks on their Online Store, or to find the retail location that sells them nearest you, please visit their Store Locator (you’ll see it on the left).
PRICE: Chips cost around $1.39/1 oz bag or $2.99/3 oz bag. Bars cost around $2.99 each, although they are currently on sale for $1.79.
FINAL THOUGHTS: I had never experienced Cassava chips until trying the ones from Wai Lana, but have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. With a light and airy crunch, and just the right amount of salt and flavoring, Wai Lana Cassava Pops are the perfect alternative to your traditional potato chip. Plus, I’m a sucker for anything Barbeque flavored, so these are great – especially since most BBQ products have milk, so I can’t eat them anyway…
The Bars from Wai Lana are also extremely delicious, and take me back to my Babymoon on Hawaii’s island of Lanai. (Can I go back now, please?!) Filled with tropical fruits and crunchy nut pieces, these bars really are a little bite into paradise. Plus, they are simply made with fruits and nuts, and no added fillers, so you know you are doing something good for your body when you eat them.
Try and or all of Wai Lana snacks today and see for yourself how delicious these tropical locale-inspired snacks can be!
For more information on Wai Lana snacks, please visit their website and check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact Healthy.Fit.Fab…Moms today to learn more about helping you and your family live a healthy, fit, and fabulous life!
And please Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay connected!
