Gingerbread Granola and NuZest Protein Powder Giveaway
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Nuzestgranola

In my last product review roundup, I mentioned that I had tried and been impressed with the Clean Lean Protein from NuZest USA. It’s a pea protein, available either in a neutral flavor or in subtle varieties of vanilla, cappuccino or chocolate. Clean Lean Protein is nut free, soy free, gluten free, vegan, non-GMO, and rich in complete protein (more info here).

I come across a lot of allergen-free, vegan protein powders, but what impressed me about this particular one was the taste. Clean Lean Protein uses thaumatin, a stevia alternative that’s harvested from the katemfe fruit (native to West Africa). I don’t particularly care for artificial sweeteners, even these so-called natural ones, but as far sweeteners go, I found the taste of Clean Lean Protein to be much less sugary and artificial than a lot of the stevia-flavored proteins I’ve tried. And this is the vanilla flavor–I haven’t yet tried the natural flavor, which contains no sweeteners at all.

So far, I’ve used Clean Lean Protein primarily in smoothies.

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It adds flavor and texture without overpowering the fruit. And the vanilla flavor is really reminiscent of vanilla bean.

It’s very rare that I use protein powders in any other way than as a smoothie add-in, but lately I’ve been meaning to branch out. When the folks at NuZest, who are sponsoring today’s giveaway, asked if I’d be interested in peeking at a few of their recipes for the protein powder, I said yes. One that immediately stood out to me was this delicious recipe for gingerbread granola.

Nuzestgranola

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Gingerbread Granola Recipe from Nuzest (gluten free, soy free)

Author - Gena Hamshaw

Ingredients

  • 2 cups gluten free rolled oats
  • 1 scoop Smooth Vanilla or Just Natural Clean Lean Protein
  • 1/3 cup chopped almonds
  • 2 tbsp raw pepitas
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1/2 tbsp raw sesame seeds
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger or try 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger for a stronger, spicier taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla powder or extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tbsp brown or coconut sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup dried fruits e.g. cranberries, goji berries, white mulberries, raisins, chopped crystallized ginger etc

Instructions

  • 1. Heat oven to 325 F.
  • 2. Add all ingredients, except the dried fruits, in a large bowl and mix until well combined.
  • 3. Line a tray with baking paper and spread mixture into a thin layer.
  • 4. Bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  • 5. Remove mixture from oven & allow to cool before stirring through dried fruit.
  • 6. Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

 The one hesitation I had when I reviewed NuZest originally was the cost ($43.95 for 500 grams). In order to give my readers a chance to sample Clean Lean Protein, and decide for themselves whether or not it’s a worthy investment, the folks at NuZest are offering free full serve samples of the protein powder to the first 200 of my readers who sign up to their mailing list. Anyone who signs up today will have samples on the way next week.

Anyone who signs up will also get a 30% discount on his or her first purchase through the NuZest website. And finally, one lucky winner who signs up will get three large jars of the protein, in whichever combination of flavors you prefer: chocolate, vanilla, cappuccino, strawberry, or natural, as well as a NuZest shaker. Pretty sweet!

Nuzest Giveaway Collage

To sign up and take advantage of this cool offer, click here to be taken to the NuZest site. Good luck, and I hope you’ll enjoy checking the product out! In the meantime, I think that granola recipe is enticing whether you add protein or not; I’m hoping to whip up a batch soon.

Speaking of giveaways, I was of course tardy announcing the winner of my Veestro frozen meal giveaway. That lucky winner was #1272, Sarah H. Congrats, Sarah!

I wish everyone a nice Saturday afternoon. I’ll be back tomorrow with weekend reading.

xo

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Categories: Recipes, Granola, Snacks
Method: Oven
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegan
Recipe Features: Meal Prep

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    8 Comments
  1. I love granola! And always struggle with how to use protein powder. Would love to try this recipe!

  2. Impeccable timing! I’ve been eyeing this protein for purchase, but as you somehow anticipated, I just couldn’t justify the cost for a pea protein powder when other comparable – and good tasting to my palatte – supplemental powders are more appropriately priced ($12 for shipping…whoa!) So, thank you for negotiating this trial deal and sample giveaway on our behalf, Gena!

    Here’s to months of glorious smoothie weather ahead…

    xo

  3. woohoo, i just signed up for the mailing list! i hope i’m one of the first 200…lol. after several years of being a sun warrior devotee i’m trying to branch out in terms of vegan protein powders. i also just recently bought some vega protein powder to try.

    hope you’re having a good weekend!

  4. i have been looking for a good vegan protein powder! and that granola sounds devine!

  5. I haven’t tried any pea protein powders yet but I know we have a couple of vegan brands here in the UK with a good reputation.
    I don’t think I’ve ever used protein powder in anything other than smoothies either but that granola sounds delicious!