Alright everyone, gather round for what I was hoping would be awesome. I mean, it really is awesome and even though I don’t think this is a product that we’ll purchase in the future, I legit LOVE this company.
Let’s start with the awesome points:
- Dedicated facility they own
- COMPLETE transparency from the owner
- Simple products without a ton of ingredients
- COMPLETE transparency from the owner
Awesome, right?
When I spoke with Josh about the products, he was so nice and open about it all. I asked the usual about facility and equipment and turns out they own it the place. So that’s a huge plus. He also let me know other products that he made in the facility when it was in season (produce, mainly strawberry).
Given how few ingredients there were, I also breeched the topic of corn. He was so honest and said he didn’t know much about a corn allergy. I filled him in a bit and he was more than happy to share with me every brand he’s using in the products. We even talked about the farms where he sources the sweet potato. Not everyone will do this for you. Such a gem!
He offered to send us some Sweet Potato Awesome for the product reviews here on RAISE, and even said, “I want to hear all the feedback, good or bad.”
Guys, I’m seriously rooting for Josh. I want to see his product become so successful because he’s doing so much right by the community.
Now, the bad news is, the product wasn’t loved by our family, yet, I’m still going to encourage everyone to give a try at least once. Not only to support Josh and his mission, but also because I think the product has potential.
For example, I think you could dip the cinnamon version in maple butter for a simple yet satisfying dessert. I also think the sea salt version could be crushed into a crumb and used on oven-baked chicken. The dill and spicy versions could each be crushed a bit for a salad, or flavouring a sauce.
The point is, if I could personally eat these, I would be experimenting quite a bit to see where they can shine, outside of snacking straight out of the bag. For the record, I did a methodical sampling over the course of a few days and I cannot consume this product.
Sweet Potato Awesome Freeze Dried Sweet Potato Fries: Sea Salt
The sea salt (basic flavour) comes in three shapes: fries, slices, and bites. The bites are not little crackers which is what we thought they’d be, but instead, more like really thin and sometimes long slices. Also, there seemed to be a lot of skin in those bags, not sure if that’s how it’s supposed to be.
The fries are the most fun shape in our opinion.
Kid Four: *Takes bite, has a look of deep thought on her face* It has a weird beginning taste, but the after taste is definitely of sweet potato, in a good way. These taste like sweet potato, but also like something weird at the same time. I don’t think I want these in my snack bin.
Kid Two: Im not a fan of the flavour. it’s not that it’s bad, but it’s not my kind of thing. There’s a nice after taste and a good salty finish. I could see someone thinking it’s nice to nibble on.
Sweet Potato Awesome Freeze Dried Sweet Potato Slices: Cinnamon
Kid Two: The cinnamon slices are nice and salty. You know how much I love salty, and it’s actually almost a tad too salty. They are good. I would eat some if they were given to me, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to go to the store to buy these. However, I really do like the salty aftertaste.
*What I’ve realized is that if you’re looking for healthier snacking and want to ditch things like chips, these could be a great replacement.
Kid Four: Since I don’t like cinnamon in general, this isn’t for me. I can appreciate what they’ve done though.
Sweet Potato Awesome Freeze Dried Sweet Potato Slices: Dill & Garlic
Kid Two: The flavour is kind of powerful. It these were eaten with something, I think some of the intenseness would be masked. Besides a salad, I can’t think of what else you’d eat this with.
i suggested a chicken meatball and he agreed. That’s when we got to talking about how these products could be used as a faux bread crumb with a range of proteins.
Bottom Line
If you’re OK with the taste of coconut AND like sweet potatoes, this is a MUST PURCHASE. We also think it could be good for cooking with when you have limited options. Also, these are a great texture for kids who can have sweet potato and coconut.
Given the transparency and awesomeness of Josh, we’re bummed these products won’t be making a regular appearance around here.
Sweet Potato Awesome Sea Salt Freeze Dried Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
Sweet Potato Awesome Dill & Garlic Freeze Dried Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
Sweet Potato Awesome Cinnamon Freeze Dried Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
Sweet Potato Awesome Chipotle, Garlic, & Dill Freeze Dried Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
