Stubb's Bar-B-Q Sauces Review and Giveaway

I was thrilled when a representative from Stubb's Bar-B-Q Sauces contacted me to introduce their products and ask if I was interested in trying them by sponsoring a giveaway for my readers. After learning about their products, I was beyond excited to get the package in the mail and start trying Stubb’s Bar-B-Q products.

Now that warm weather has arrived, my husband and I love to grill out for dinner, attend cook-outs with family and friends, and use my husband’s new smoker. As I've mentioned on my blog before, my husband is a condiment-lover. I, on the other hand, have only recently stopped enjoying my plain-Jane foods (burgers, salads, hot dogs – all plain) and now enjoy condiments. But, I'm picky with my condiments. In addition to using gluten free condiments, I prefer to buy condiments that are free of high fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients. For as much condiments my husband consumes, this is key criteria.

Stubb's Legendary Bar-B-Q sauces, rubs, and marinades meet and exceed all of my criteria - on ingredients and taste! They are all natural, certified gluten-free, and contain no high fructose corn syrup. Don't worry, they do not lack flavor. Stubb's makes small batch sauces that retain their deep-rooted, authentic Texas tastes and barbecue cook-off credibility. Seriously, how did I not know about a way to add flavor to sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meats, fish, and veggies and avoiding fat, calories, gluten, and artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives that are often found in the condiment aisle? You can find more information on Stubb’s products at the end of this post.

Review:

Pictured above is the amazingly delicious and flavorful chicken my husband smoked last weekend for a family cookout. This trio of tender and juicy chicken was prepared using the Chicken Spice Rub on boneless chicken breasts, the Chicken Marinade on a whole chicken, and the Bar-B-Q Spice Rub on boneless chicken breasts. Mike applied the rubs and marinade the day before, and let it marinate overnight before smoking at 225° in an electric smoker for two and half hours.

The outcome was amazing – the flavor was phenomenal and we devoured the chicken. The chicken prepared with the Chicken Rub had flavor notes of honey, mustard, and turmeric. The chicken smoked with the Chicken Marinade was slightly sweet with flavors of citrus, garlic, and a hint of mustard. The Bar-B-Q Rub chicken had a smoky, Paprika flavor. It’s impossible for me to pick my favorite as they were all delicious.

We’re looking forward to trying the rest of the varieties Stubb’s sent me. I’ll be sure to share our recipes with you; I’m confident they will be delicious. I’m excited for grilling/smoking/BBQ season – my husband can enjoy his love of condiments and I can enjoy gluten-free condiments, while resting at ease knowing they are made with healthier ingredients I feel good about eating and serving others.

Giveaway:
Just in time for Bar-B-Q season, Stubb’s is giving away three free Stubb’s coupons to one lucky reader. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post with your favorite thing to grill or eat at BBQs. When you enter your comment, please include your email address or a way for me to contact you if you win.

Congratulations, Dana! You are the winner of the Stubb's Bar-B-Q coupon giveaway!

Guidelines: Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only (sorry, international friends and readers). Giveaway will close on Monday, June 17. Winner will be notified by email and their name will be updated on this page. Winner has until June 21 to respond, or another winner will be chosen.

Product Overview:
Stubb's Bar-B-Q products are sold in 85% of grocery stores nationwide. Here's a product rundown:

Sauces: The line-up includes Original, Spicy, Hickory Bourbon, Sweet Heat, Smokey Mesquite and Honey Pecan. At an average of 20 calories, 110 mg. of sodium per tablespoon and no high fructose corn syrup (the #1 or #2 ingredient in most bbq sauces), Stubb’s is a healthier option on the condiment aisle with no sacrifice on taste. Stubb’s sauces can be enjoyed throughout the year on sandwiches, as a dipping sauce for proteins, or as a key ingredient in slow cooker creations.

Marinades: From light and tangy Chicken Marinade with brown sugar, onion, garlic and citrus, to zesty Beef Marinade, made with soy, lime, ginger and red pepper, Stubb’s adds interest to everyday cooking whether on the grill, in the skillet or the slow cooker.(Other flavors include Steakhouse and Pork marinades.) Stubb’s Injectable marinades inTexas Butter or Chipotle Butter, which have no fat and just 10 calories per tablespoon, come with their own injector and help create moist, flavorful roasted chicken or turkey, summer briskets, weeknight beef and pork roasts and more.

Rubs: Stubb’s savory spice blends in Bar-B-Q, Pork, Beef, Chicken and Steak can be used to prep meats for the grill or used to boost flavor and add a kick to any dish.


Disclaimer: Stubbs Bar-B-Q provided the product for me to review and is sponsoring the giveaway. However, my review and opinions written above are my own.

Balance Bar Dark Review and Giveaway

BalanceBar contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I’d like to try their newproduct line - BalanceBar Dark and share it with my readers. To be honest, I didn’t know muchabout Balance Bar before I was contacted; I researched the brand beforeagreeing to do this review and giveaway. After learning that the new line of Balance Bar Darkis certified gluten free, high in protein, and are made with decadent darkchocolate (my favorite), I decided itis a product I would definitely love to try and share with you.

AsI shared last week, breakfast/snack/nutrition bars are my go-to breakfast as I driveto work during the week. What interested me in trying Balance Bar Darkbars is that not only are they decadentand indulgent, but they are also healthy and meant to boost energy and satisfy hunger.The new Balance Bar Dark bars are high in protein, certified glutenfree, an excellent source of antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E),certified kosher dairy and contain 4 grams of fiber per serving.

I also learned a new nutritionprinciple that all Balance Bars follow (including the new Dark line) –40-30-30. Balance Bar claims 40-30-30 is a proven formula developed byscientists to help stabilize blood sugar levels that represents the caloricratio the body needs to enjoy lasting balanced energy and satisfy hunger forlonger; 40% of total calories from carbs, 30% from quality protein and 30% fromdietary fat.

 

Review:
My husbandwas just as excited as I was to receive the box of goodies in the mail fromBalance Bar two weeks ago. He couldn’t wait to try Dark Chocolate Coconut, andI couldn’t wait to try Dark Chocolate Peanut. To my surprise, we both absolutely LOVED the Dark Chocolate Coconutbar. The flavor reminded me of German Chocolate Cake, and the texture wasgooey and crunchy – a perfect combination!

I alsoenjoyed the sweet and crunchy Dark Chocolate Crunch bar. I was disappointedwith the Dark Chocolate Peanut bar – it tasted stale and didn’t have enoughpeanut flavor for me (I’m a peanut butter-holic). If you are looking for abitter dark chocolate flavor, I didn’t pick up on it in these bars. Instead,they have a deliciously sweet dark chocolate flavor.

All threeof the bars did keep my hunger satisfied throughout the morning. I’m hooked onthe Dark Chocolate Coconut bars and already have them on my grocery list. I’llhave to “hide” them in the pantry from my husband, as I know they’ll disappearquickly between the both of u

Giveaway:

Just in time for Earth Month, BalanceBar Company, maker of one of America’s original nutrition bars, is excitedto share the new Balance Bar Dark line – the first nutrition bar line on themarket to bear the well-respected Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal with one lucky reader. The line is availablein three flavors -Dark Chocolate Crunch,Dark Chocolate Coconut and Dark Chocolate Peanut.

To enter the Balance Bar Dark giveaway, you needto like and follow Balance Bar on Facebook & Twitter. Then, leave a comment on this post with the flavoryou are most excited to try. Be sure to include your email address in yourcomment so I can contact you if you win.

Guidelines: One winner per household, email address or home address. If youhave won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again. Giveawayis open to U.S. residents only (sorry, international friends and readers).Giveaway will close on April 18, 2013. Winner will be notified by email and their namewill be updated on this page. Winner has until April 23, 2013 to respond, or anotherwinner will be chosen.

Giveaway is closed. Congratulations Manda!

Disclaimer: Balance Bar provided the product forme to review and is sponsoring the giveaway. However, my review and opinionswritten above are my own.