Where would you like to see us?  Please comment below!

In my mind, no matter the allergies one has (I have a lot), and no matter your dietary preferences, there should always be options for delicious fare made available.  These days, I believe the best food joints are places that have well-trained employees who can quickly reference all ingredients to identify any potential allergens) and can offer delicious options for anyone who comes in the door.  Since I’m a Colorado girl, here are some of my favorite places:

VG Burgers :: vgburgers.com :: Boulder, CO

• VG Burgers offers the convenience of fast food, but defies the common ‘you can only eat cardboard, salad and roasted vegetables’ assumptions of vegetarianism.  I’m surprised that Boulder of all places doesn’t have LOADS of vegetarian restaurants, but I’m glad that VG Burgers is here.  They serve 7 different veggie burgers (the bacon cheeseburger and the chicken ranch blow minds), falafel wraps, and burritos.  The latest addition to their menu is a quinoa bowl, and I’m definitely going to order one next time I’m there.  Although it’s not right on Pearl Street (VG Burger’s is at the intersection of Arapahoe & Broadway, across from Whole Foods), it’s a nice walk from our GoodBelly offices, and certainly worth the walk when I can come back slurping up one of their shakes made with coconut milk!

Illegal Pete’s :: illegalpetes.com :: Boulder, CO

• This place is downright delicious.  Since I’m gluten-intolerant and very allergic to onions, Mexican food is not always conducive.  However, the crew here knows what I can eat; they offer me up fantastic burrito bowls with black beans, a fresh medley of greens, loads of cilantro and poblano pesto, and corn tortillas on the side.  Tasty? I’d say so.  P.S. They offer a 10% discount when you show them your eco-pass. Score.

Lucha Cantina :: luchacantina.com :: Breckenridge, CO

• Let’s move to higher altitudes for a second.  I was in Breckenridge, CO over the weekend, and my friends wanted to go to Lucha’s, another Mexican restaurant.  I was hesitant, since as I said, Mexican isn’t always the friendliest of places for my needs.  It was hands down the best Mexican food I’ve ever had.  Hands down, really.  I told the server, Eric, my allergies, and he didn’t flinch.  ‘So what are my options?’ I asked. ‘Anything you want. We make it from scratch.’  My mouth watering, I ordered a burrito bowl with cabbage, spinach, rice, black beans, and a seriously tasty cucumber dill dressing with corn chips.  It was made from scratch, was 100% organic, and out of this world.  I’m also a bit obsessed with their design skills.  I stared at their menu even after ordering, because my thirst for good design was satisfied in a major way.  I’m dreaming that they’ll expand to Denver, Boulder, and wherever you live so that everyone can get a taste of this amazingness.

So cheers to well-informed employees, allergy-friendly foods, and real options for vegans and vegetarians.  What are your favorite places near you?  I hope you’ll comment on this post so we can get a wide array of suggestions around the country.

Happy Thursday,

Ariel at GoodBelly

GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drinks Provide a Delicious Dairy-Free Probiotic Choice.

Boulder, CO, April 2010:  NextFoods, manufacturers of innovative probiotic drink line GoodBelly, will introduce three probiotic products into Canada this month. GoodBelly is the leader in non-dairy probiotic offerings in the US and expects a successful introduction into Canada as the first dairy-free probiotic drink on the market.

GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drink contains 20 billion live & active cultures per serving of the beneficial probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum299v (Lp299v^TM), clinically tested in over 15 years of use and 17 clinical studies to promote core digestive health and support the immune system with daily use. Made with nutrient-rich organic fruit juices, GoodBelly products are dairy-free, soy-free, vegan and now newly Kosher certified.

“If you are going to drink a fruit beverage, make sure it’s giving you all the nutritional benefit it can.  Select a drink that’s really going to work for you,” suggests Todd Beckman, NextFoods co-founder.  “Delicious and easy to drink, GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drinks work hard delivering 20 billion live and active cultures in order to help keep you healthy.”

Why Are Probiotics Good For Us?

Good health starts with a good belly. Our intestines are home to a large and diverse number of bacteria (over 100 trillion) called intestinal microflora.  When the microflora balance tips out of balance, we are more susceptible to getting sick.  And when our microflora tips in favor of harmful bacteria, we experience diarrhea, constipation, pain, gas and bloating. Each day our intestines are under attack from pathogens that prevent our systems from operating at their full potential. Our microflora is often tipped out of balance, because of aging, diet and exposure to germs.  The good news is that we can balance the microflora with the help of a daily probiotic.  When the microflora is in balance, it forms a protective barrier in the digestive lining, helping to prevent bad bacteria, toxins and viruses from passing into the blood stream and causing many illnesses.  Probiotics relieve common digestive discomforts and naturally support our immune systems.

Product Description and Availability:

Available in Canada in three delicious flavors: Blueberry Acai, Pomegranate Blackberry and Mango, GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drink is made with organic fruit juice.  GoodBelly is created with the whole family in mind, in a family friendly quart size which everyone can enjoy.  GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drink is 100 percent dairy-free, soy-free and vegan.

Available in April 2010, GoodBelly is being offered exclusively through Horizon Distributors for Western Canada and Ontario Natural Food Coop for Eastern Canada. Look for GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drinks in the refrigerated section of your natural, specialty and grocery food stores, including Whole Foods Markets.

For more information about GoodBelly products please visit: www.goodbelly.com.

About NextFoods:

NextFoods is a functional foods company formed by Steve Demos, natural foods pioneer and the Founder and former President of WhiteWave Inc., and industry veteran Todd Beckman, former Vice President of Business Development and Operations at WhiteWave, the largest producer and marketer of soy-based products (Silk^® brand) in the United States.  Based in Boulder, Colorado, NextFoods adheres to a mission, which fosters the continuous improvement of human nutrition while demonstrating the values of “Right Livelihood” for responsible and conscious capitalism. The team at NextFoods is comprised of seasoned and passionate industry pros committed to developing a series of world-class, highly nutritious, functional, “next generation” foods while using sustainable, socially responsible organic practices whenever possible.  To learn more about NextFoods and GoodBelly products, please visit us at www.goodbelly.com.

Contact: Wendy Goldner

Director of Marketing, NextFoods

303-443-3631 x110

wendy.goldner@nextfoods.net

2 weeks ago we challenged our GoodBelly fans to a giveaway.  The person who could communicate his/her love of GoodBelly best would receive a GoodBelly Messenger Bag stuffed with our very favorite product samples that we collected at the Expo West Food Show in Anaheim, CA.  While there were so many great submissions, we do believe Dave Dudek was our well-deserving winner.  We’ve included his poem below.  Congratulations, Dave, and thank you to everyone else for participating.  Runners up, Kari Ann and Rowena Flanders Ramos, will receive coupons for a week’s supply of free GoodBelly!

oh goodbelly, you’re the one for me,
with your sweet tasting goodness,
you keep my belly germ-free.…

with the happy containers,
bringing a smile to my face,
whenever I open it up,
it fills the room with grace.

the best flavors,
keep us coming back for more,
we can’t wait to find
what else you have in store.

I hope you had fun
during your time at expo west
and that you spread the word to everyone
that goodbelly is the best!

by dave dudek

Boulder, CO, March 19, 2010: Probiotic fruit drink line GoodBelly^TM, a product of NextFoods, has announced its Kosher Certification by the Orthodox Union (OU), the world’s largest kosher certification agency.

GoodBelly is a delicious probiotic fruit drink line that features the highly beneficial probiotic strain Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v (Lp299v), which has been clinically shown to promote digestive health and support the immune system when eaten regularly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drinks are juicy and delicious, made with antioxidant-rich fruit, and are uniquely dairy-free, soy-free, wheat-free and vegan.

All aspects of GoodBelly production are scrupulously monitored by the Orthodox Union. It supervises the process by which GoodBelly is prepared, examines the ingredients used, and regularly inspects the processing facilities to make sure that its standards are met.

GoodBelly is the first brand introduced by NextFoods and offers four certified Kosher products. Daily choices include GoodBelly Plus, a 2.7-ounce single serving probiotic “drink shot” with an additional 17 essential vitamins and minerals in Blueberry Acai, Strawberry, Mango and Pomegranate Blackberry and GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drink in a family-friendly 32-ounce quart in Black Currant, Cranberry Watermelon, Blueberry Acai, Mango and Pomegranate Blackberry. GoodBelly BigShot 50 in Lemon Ginger and Vanilla Chamomile is a 2.7-ounce single serving containing an extra boost of 50 billion probiotic CFUs per shot, developed for those times we need extra support. This month, GoodBelly announced the newest addition to its line up, GoodBelly Splash, a 10-ounce grab-and-go probiotic fruit drink in three delicious flavors, found in your grocer’s refrigerated case. With 20 billion probiotics per serving, it’s the perfect beverage for lunch or a snack on the run.

Products are available nationwide at Whole Foods Market, independent natural products and gourmet food stores and at select grocery chains across the country including King Soopers, Safeway, Wegmans, HEB and Albertsons.

“We take great pride in producing an organic, dairy-free, soy-free, and wheat-free fruit drink with probiotics that have been clinically shown to improve core digestive health and support the immune system. Obtaining our Kosher Certification from OU will allow an entirely new consumer base to enjoy our product on a daily basis,” said Wendy Goldner, Director of Marketing for GoodBelly.

For more information about GoodBelly products and NextFoods, please visit www.goodbelly.com.

About NextFoods: NextFoods is a functional foods company formed by Steve Demos, Founder and former President of WhiteWave Inc., and Todd Beckman, former Sr. Vice President of Business Development and Operations at WhiteWave, producer and marketer of the Silk® brand of soy-based products. NextFoods adheres to a mission which fosters the improvement of human nutrition while demonstrating the values of “Right Livelihood” for responsible and conscious capitalism.

Contact:

Wendy Goldner at GoodBelly, Director of Marketing
303-4433631 x110
wendy.goldner@nextfoods.net

Tonight’s special:  The GoodBelly Belly Dancer.  Yes, we’d love to share the concoction for those of you who aren’t able to join us.  Although our bugs certainly may not thrive when mixed with alcohol, sometimes we can’t resist mixing them into a friendly concoction.  And as always, drink responsibly

INTRODUCING NEW GOODBELLY ToGo POWDER
Pack Your Bags…This Probiotic is Ready to Hit the Open Roads

Boulder, CO, March 12, 2010 — NextFoods proudly introduces GoodBelly ToGo Powder, the perfect probiotic for the road warrior. Whether you’re frequent flying to the end of the earth for work or wanderlust, GoodBelly To-Go Powder is the ideal travel companion.

GoodBelly ToGo Powder contains a proprietary blend of live probiotics to keep your tummy ticking whether you land in Boston or Bangkok. Probiotics need to be taken regularly in order to maintain digestive health and boost the immune system. The challenge is that most probiotics require refrigeration in order to keep the active cultures alive, and that can be a tall order when you’re traveling. GoodBelly ToGo Powder activates when it gets wet, so it can travel with you to see family in Iowa or to the deep reaches of India. Simply stir the single-serve packet into a glass of water and GoodBelly’s blend of 20 Billion (at time of manufacture) active cultures including Lactobacillus Plantarum (Lp299v), Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Lactis come to life to help keep you healthy on your journey. GoodBelly ToGo Powder is also fortified with an extra 500 milligrams of Vitamin C for extra roadside protection.

“Travel is one of my greatest passions, but globetrotting comes with digestive difficulties,” explains NextFoods Founder, Steve Demos. “I was eager to travel with GoodBelly to keep my digestion and health in order. GoodBelly ToGo Powder has accompanied me to a dozen countries over the past year, and I’ve been a happy, healthy, adventurous eater. We’re pleased to be able to offer it to our consumers this spring.”

Why Pack a Probiotic?

Good health starts with a good belly. Seventy percent of our immune system is located in our intestines. The intestines are home to a large and diverse number of bacteria (over 100 trillion) called intestinal microflora. When the microflora balance tips in favor of harmful bacteria, we experience diarrhea, constipation, pain, gas and bloating. Each day our intestines are under attack from pathogens that prevent our systems from operating at their full potential. And sadly, as we age, our microflora is often tipped out of balance causing tumultuous tummy problems including gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

The good news is that we can stop our bellyaching and help balance the microflora with the help of a daily probiotic. When the microflora is in balance, it boosts our immune system by forming a protective barrier on the digestive lining which helps to prevent bad bacteria, toxins and viruses from passing into the blood stream and causing many illnesses.

Availability

GoodBelly ToGo Powder is packaged in single-serve packets and comes in two delicious flavors: Blueberry Acai and Mango. Like all GoodBelly probiotic products, it is 100 percent dairy-free, wheat-free and vegan. It is available on-line at www.goodbelly.com and will be launching nationwide this month in Whole Foods Markets and other select grocers, natural and specialty retailers nationwide. Please visit www.goodbelly.com/store-locator for the stores nearest you.

About NextFoods: NextFoods is a functional foods company formed by Steve Demos, natural foods pioneer and the Founder and former President of WhiteWave Inc., and industry veteran Todd Beckman, former Vice President of Business Development and Operations at WhiteWave, the largest producer and marketer of soy-based products (Silk® brand) in the United States. Based in Boulder, Colorado, NextFoods adheres to a mission which fosters the continuous improvement of human nutrition while demonstrating the values of “Right Livelihood” for responsible and conscious capitalism. The team at NextFoods is comprised of seasoned and passionate industry pros committed to developing a series of world-class, highly nutritious, functional, “next generation” foods while using sustainable, socially responsible organic practices whenever possible. To learn more about NextFoods and GoodBelly products, please visit us at www.goodbelly.com.

Contact:
Wendy Goldner at GoodBelly
303-443-3631 x110
wendy.goldner@nextfoods.net

INTRODUCING GOODBELLY SPLASH
A grab and go probiotic fruit drink that works as hard as you do

Boulder, CO, March 11, 2010 –NextFoods, the makers of GoodBelly probiotic products, proudly introduces delicious new GoodBelly Splash, a convenient grab and go single-serve fruit drink that can improve your health right down to the core.

GoodBelly Splash is a light and refreshing probiotic fruit drink that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Packaged in a 10 oz serving bottle, GoodBelly Splash, is the ideal beverage to drink at the office, in your car or accompanying any meal.

GoodBelly Splash delivers 20 billion live and active probiotics per serving that are clinically shown to improve core digestive health and boosts the immune system when taken daily. Packed with organic juices as well as vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A, B6 C, E, Zinc and Selenium, GoodBelly Splash offers a big antioxidant package for additional nutritional benefits.

“If you are going to drink a fruit beverage, make sure it’s giving you all the nutritional benefit it can. Select a drink that’s really going to work for you,” suggests Todd Beckman, NextFoods co-founder. “Delicious and easy to drink, GoodBelly Splash works hard, delivering 20 billion live and active cultures per serving in order to help keep you healthy.”

Why Are Probiotics Good For Us?

Good health starts with a good belly. Our intestines are home to a large and diverse number of bacteria (over 100 trillion) called intestinal microflora. When the microflora balance tips out of balance, we are more susceptible to getting sick. And when our microflora tips in favor of harmful bacteria, we experience diarrhea, constipation, pain, gas and bloating. Each day our intestines are under attack from pathogens that prevent our systems from operating at their full potential. Our microflora is often tipped out of balance, because of aging, diet and exposure to germs. The good news is that we can stop our bellyaching and balance the microflora by taking a daily probiotic. When the microflora is in balance, it forms a protective barrier in the digestive lining, helping to prevent bad bacteria, toxins and viruses from passing into the blood stream and causing many illnesses. When taken daily, probiotics can help relieve common digestive discomfort. GoodBelly Splash contains Lp299v, a patented probiotic which clinical studies have shown help to strengthen digestive health and boost the immune system, helping us to stay healthy.

Product Description and Availability:

Available in three delicious flavors: Blueberry Acai, Pomegranate Blackberry and Mango, GoodBelly Splash is made with organic fruit juice. GoodBelly Splash is only 70 calories per serving, so it is a light and efficacious alternative to many other juice options. GoodBelly Splash is 100 percent dairy-free, wheat-free, soy-free and vegan.

Available in April, 2010, look for GoodBelly Splash nationwide in the refrigerated section of Whole Foods Markets and other select grocers, natural and specialty retailers nationwide. Please visit www.goodbelly.com/store-locator for the stores nearest you

About NextFoods: NextFoods is a functional foods company formed by Steve Demos, natural foods pioneer and the Founder and former President of WhiteWave Inc., and industry veteran Todd Beckman, former Vice President of Business Development and Operations at WhiteWave, the largest producer and marketer of soy-based products (Silk® brand) in the United States. Based in Boulder, Colorado, NextFoods adheres to a mission which fosters the continuous improvement of human nutrition while demonstrating the values of “Right Livelihood” for responsible and conscious capitalism. The team at NextFoods is comprised of seasoned and passionate industry pros committed to developing a series of world-class, highly nutritious, functional, “next generation” foods while using sustainable, socially responsible organic practices whenever possible. To learn more about NextFoods and GoodBelly products, please visit us at www.goodbelly.com.

Contact:

Wendy Goldner at GoodBelly
303-443-3631 x110
wendy.goldner@nextfoods.net

INTRODUCING NEW GOODBELLY KIDS ORGANIC
A probiotic fruit drink packed with nutritious goodness for tiny tummies

Boulder, CO, March 11, 2010 — NextFoods, the makers of GoodBelly probiotic products, proudly introduces delicious new GoodBelly Kids Organic Probiotic Fruit Drink, made especially for children to keep tiny tummies in good health.

Why Probiotics Are Important for Kids

Children’s health begins in their belly, and the foundation for life-long good health is shaped during these formative years. The intestines are home to a large and diverse number of bacteria (over 100 trillion) called intestinal microflora. Infants acquire microflora up until about the age of two. Good bacteria consumed during this time can actually promote the colonization of healthy bacteria, which can lead to a stronger immune system.

A healthy digestive tract is important for kids of all ages. When the microflora balance tips in favor of harmful bacteria, children may experience diarrhea, constipation, pain, gas and bloating. When the microflora is in balance, it forms a protective barrier in their digestive lining, helping to prevent bad bacteria, toxins and viruses from passing into their blood stream and causing many illnesses.

GoodBelly Kids Organic keep tummies (and quite frankly, mommies) happy by delivering 10 billion live and active cultures that have been clinically shown to strengthen core digestive health and boost the immune system when taken daily. A thriving digestive system also means that children can absorb the nutrients in their food better.

What’s In GoodBelly Kids?

With Vitamins A, B6, C, E and Selenium, each GoodBelly Kids Organic serving is packed full of the essential vitamins and minerals they need to support healthy growth. Plus each serving has extra calcium and Vitamin D to promote strong bones and teeth. GoodBelly Kids includes the live probiotic cultures Lactobacillus plantarum299v (Lp299v) and Bifodobacterium lactis (Bi-07) which have been shown to be safe and effective in more than 15 years of use.

When Should Children Drink GoodBelly Kids?

GoodBelly Kids Organic should be taken daily to help strengthen digestive health and provide extra immune system support. GoodBelly Kids is especially important to replenish the good bacteria that are lost during or after a course of antibiotics, and should be taken two hours after taking antibiotics in order to restore the good bacteria that is depleted by the antibiotics.

Product Details

GoodBelly Kids Organic Fruit Drink comes in grape and cherry, two flavors that kids love, and, GoodBelly Kids is 100 percent dairy-free, soy-free and wheat-free. GoodBelly Kids Organic will be available in April 2010 nationwide at Whole Foods Markets and other select grocers, natural and specialty retailers nationwide. Please visit www.goodbelly.com/store-locator for the stores nearest you.

About NextFoods: NextFoods is a functional foods company formed by Steve Demos, natural foods pioneer and the Founder and former President of WhiteWave Inc., and industry veteran Todd Beckman, former Vice President of Business Development and Operations at WhiteWave, the largest producer and marketer of soy-based products (Silk® brand) in the United States. Based in Boulder, Colorado, NextFoods adheres to a mission which fosters the continuous improvement of human nutrition while demonstrating the values of “Right Livelihood” for responsible and conscious capitalism. The team at NextFoods is comprised of seasoned and passionate industry pros committed to developing a series of world-class, highly nutritious, functional, “next generation” foods while using sustainable, socially responsible organic practices whenever possible. To learn more about NextFoods and GoodBelly products, please visit us at www.goodbelly.com.

Contact:

Wendy Goldner at GoodBelly
303-443-3631 x110
wendy.goldner@nextfoods.net

Emmet from our GoodBelly team was just strolling into PCC when suddenly something in his peripheral vision caught his eye.  What did he see?  A GoodBelly+ shot cup was officially serving as an antenna topper.

That’s right, an antenna topper.  We don’t know who this creative soul was, but we’re hoping Emmet can find him/her in the store. If you’re reading this and are the proud owner of this personal creation, we hope you’ll let us know.

What this brings to mind is that while our containers are recyclable in towns that recycle plastic #5, we do understand that a lot of you don’t live in these areas.

So what do you do when your little shot cup’s smiley face is looking back up at you?  When you choose not to throw them away, how do you use them?  We want to hear from you!  Please respond to this post with suggestions so that everyone else can benefit from your ingenious ideas.