Just a Little Longer!

I apologize for keeping you in the dark, but we are going to have to wait just a little longer before I reveal the AWESOME details of the “secret” I mentioned at the end of my last post. I promise it’s for a good reason. The post is written and ready to be published, but something occurred to me this morning, and now I’m just waiting to get the “OK” on it. As soon as I do, you will love me 🙂 Yes, I like to buy your love.

Not to worry, though – I will find a way to keep you entertained until that time comes!

1) Recently, I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of Healthy Ashley’s Smoothie King giveaway. I received the cards in the mail earlier this week with a nice note from Ashley – thanks, chica!

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The good news is, Ashley is currently hosting another contest that ends TONIGHT. So after you read this post (haha), head on over to her blog and sign up!

2) I also would like to thank Laura, a representative for the PURE Bar. She was kind enough to send me a super cool reusable bag and three different bar flavors to sample for the blog!

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I’m very excited to try these. In our email exchange, Laura and I bonded over Twilight, so already I’m a big fan 🙂 Also, I think I currently have over 100 different bars in my kitchen. I need to figure out ways to get more creative with them so that I eat them more often. I already enjoy crumbling them on top of Greek yogurt and oatmeal – any other ideas?

3) Speaking of Greek yogurt – like my transition? – how about a review? As some may recall, I received a great package of goodies from Sarah of Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt a few weeks ago. It included a v. funky beanie, which I modeled here.

Here now is my official review – it’s been a long time coming!

Note: All quoted material is from the official website.

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt

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Description:

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt has 0% fat, just 90 calories per 5.3 oz.-serving*, twice the protein of regular yogurt, and fewer carbohydrates. Because it’s organic, our yogurt is also better for the earth. And we think it’s better for you, too.

*5.3oz. plain

Oikos Organic Plain

Kind of a dramatic picture, no? I can’t find my original, so it’s one from way back!

Ingredients:

CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC NONFAT MILK. CONTAINS FIVE LIVE AND ACTIVE CULTURES INCLUDING L. ACIDOPHILUS, BIFIDUS, AND L. CASEI.

Review:

I’m using a picture of my overnight oatmeal from this post to show just how creamy and luscious this Greek yogurt can be! Oikos is hands down the creamiest of all Greek yogurt varieties, in my opinion. The plain goes well with just about anything – above, you see it paired with oatmeal, flax, banana, peanut butter and maple syrup. With so many delicious additions, this yogurt will appeal to anyone, regardless of whether or not you like the tartness of the plain! And you just can’t beat the protein content.

Nutrition Information:

  • 90 calories
  • 0g fat
  • 6g carbohydrates
  • 6g sugar
  • 15g protein

Oikos Organic Vanilla

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Ingredients:

CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC NONFAT MILK, ORGANIC SUGAR, ORGANIC NATURAL VANILLA FLAVOR. CONTAINS FIVE LIVE AND ACTIVE CULTURES INCLUDING L. ACIDOPHILUS, BIFIDUS, AND L. CASEI.

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Review:

Very tasty! I’ve mentioned before that over time, I have become a much bigger fan of plain Greek yogurt because the sweetened versions just aren’t that much different from regular yogurt (which is much cheaper). My only exception to the rule is vanilla – I think it gives just the right amount of added sweetness but still has the characteristics and texture of the plain yogurt. Plus, Oikos is just so creamy – what’s not to like?!

Nutrition Information:

  • 110 calories
  • 0g fat
  • 12g carbohydrates
  • 11g sugar
  • 15g protein

Oikos Organic Honey

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Ingredients:

CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC NONFAT MILK, ORGANIC HONEY, ORGANIC SUGAR, PECTIN, ORGANIC CAROB BEAN GUM. CONTAINS FIVE LIVE AND ACTIVE CULTURES INCLUDING L. ACIDOPHILUS, BIFIDUS, AND L. CASEI.

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Review:

Let me just preface this one by saying that I’m not a big honey fan. For some reason, I just don’t like the taste – I much prefer maple syrup. That said, this yogurt was still very creamy and overall good. It’s not Oikos’ fault that I don’t like honey, and I am willing to bet that if you like it, you will love this yogurt. As you can see from the picture above, they really do include a big dose of the real thing – and you get a little taste with every bite! Hey Oikos, maybe you should think about a maple flavor in the future?!

Nutrition Information:

  • 120 calories
  • 0g fat
  • 18g carbohydrates
  • 17g sugar
  • 13g protein

Oikos Organic Blueberry

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Ingredients:

CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC NONFAT MILK, ORGANIC SUGAR, ORGANIC BLUEBERRIES, NATURAL FLAVOR, PECTIN, ORGANIC ELDERBERRY JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE (FOR COLOR). CONTAINS FIVE LIVE AND ACTIVE CULTURES INCLUDING L. ACIDOPHILUS, BIFIDUS, AND L. CASEI.

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Review:

Would ya just take a look at that big hunk of blueberries?! I think it speaks for itself. With this yogurt, I stand corrected on what I said about the sweetened versions. They are far from your average Yoplait. The creamy texture and the high quality ingredients really set this one apart from any other flavored yogurt out there. You could taste real blueberry in every bite – it wasn’t chemically like some of the Chobani flavors could be – and I can imagine that Oikos would have a lot of success if they started to create other “berry” versions.

Nutrition Information:

  • 120 calories
  • 0g fat
  • 16g carbohydrates
  • 15g sugar
  • 13g protein

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So as you can tell, overall I was very impressed by Oikos. The only thing that holds me back from buying it all the time is that it’s quite a bit pricier than other Greek yogurt brands – but that’s because it’s organic. There’s always a trade off, eh? I think these would make a nice occasional splurge.

Have you ever tried Oikos? What did you think of it?

Keep your fingers crossed on the upcoming “secret” revelation – I hope to hear back with the final word tomorrow, but I don’t want to promise anything because I don’t want to let you down again.

Lastly, head on over to Grounded Fitness for another exciting giveaway! This week’s treat is a puffer vest from Danskin! Nice!

Tomorrow’s Friday already – have a GREAT one :mrgreen:

38 Comments

  1. Ack! I’m getting antsy waiting to find out what the secret is! You are really good at this!

    Great review!

    Have a wonderful Friday! And hopefully you hear pack from your co-conspirator of the most anticipated secret ever!

  2. Hi Jenn, Can’t wait to hear about your secret!!! I am sure it is wonderful.

    Yes, I’ve tried Oikos and I love it! I love the plain and vanilla. 😀

  3. You and the suspense, I will on pins and needles!!

    I’ve never seen the Pure bars, but I can’t wait to read your review, we always have similar tastes 🙂

    Oh Oikos, how I adore thee!! Great review, as always, Jenn!

    Have an awesome Friday!! woo hoo for the weekend!

  4. The Oikos sounds sooo good. You can make sundaes with the bars – just top them with some froyo and berries and maybe a bit of whipped cream. Yum! Heat them up first though so they’re like a warm cookie/brownie/other baked good 🙂

  5. Yayy for all the fun stuff you received today. I have only tried the Oikos with honey but…..I wasn’t a fan. Its kind of runny. I haven’t been able to find any of the fruity flavors. Maybe I’d like those better?

  6. such a complete review!!! Now, I know why they send you so many free goodies!!!
    I’ve never tried oikos for the reason that you mentioned, it’s more expensive than others which are already expensive.

    Looking forward to hear your secret! ^_^

  7. Girl, you’re such a tease!! But it’s okay because I love it!

    Next time I am deprived of my Chobani I may just have to give Oikos a try 🙂 Great reviews!!

  8. someone totally needs to come up with maple yogurt! Last year I was on a kick where I literally had a fage + (hearty) drizzle of maple syrup EVERY SINGLE NIGHT for dessert. It was heavenly.

  9. I am so jealous you guys have such a variety in the States. Here, they only recently introduced a German brand that has Greek yogurt and its limited to like 3 flavours. I tried their Honey one, and its REALLY thick!

  10. i like all of the greek yogurts i think… they each have their attributes, and you can make it work. try to go for the cheapest or on sale 🙂

    horray for goodies! as we await with bated breath for tomorrow’s revelation…

  11. omgosh thanks for the review!

    i’m always at my nearby health food market (and a regular supermarket) and can never find the oikos or chobani yogurts… do you know where they are sold i’d like to buy some samples before i order them online or etc.?

    thanks so much!

  12. WHAT ABOUT THIS SECRET?!!??! Now I’m antsy to find out!

    I’m so glad you got the cards! Enjoy! 🙂

    (I’ll b checking back for that secret!!)

  13. love the review of the yogurts! i’ve seen them but have been turned off by the price; i’m poor. but glad to know they’re scrumptious!

    can’t wait to hear about all the funness you have hiding in that unpublished post!!! i’m hanging onto the edge of my seat!

  14. Oikos yogurt is awesome! It was the first brand of Greek Yogurt I ever tried! I agree that it is really nice and creamy! I used to eat it all the time, but then everywhere started carrying Chobani (which is also really nice and creamy!)

  15. Oikos is good…but Fage is my favorite! I’m so jealous you are done with school next week!! Lucky you. I have 12 days left…ahhh! Good luck with finals!

  16. I love Oikos. I’ve only tried the plain kind.
    I can’t believe you have so many bars! I would probably just use them up gradually since they last awhile. I usually just pack them for when I’m out of the house and need a snack.
    http://www.seejessrun.wordpress.com

  17. Oh my goodness I LOVE LOVE LOVE PURE bars!!! In my humble opinion they are the best bars of any I have had, but they’re usually $2.25 a bar so I don’t buy them often 🙁 Hope you like them though 🙂

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