🍪 Catalina Crunch Vanilla Crème HEART Exam: My Snacktime Review Adventure
Just My Tasty Opinion – Snack Responsibly!
Welcome back to my snack corner! Today’s patient is the Catalina Crunch Vanilla Crème Cookie—and you know the drill, it’s going through my playful HEART Exam 🩺. Quick reminder: I bought these myself (no sponsors here!) and everything you read is my personal experience. For your own health or snack choices, always check with your healthcare professional.
🩺 H = Health
For a cookie, these come with a few perks! Each 2-cookie serving gives me 100 calories, 6g fat, 13g carbs (including 2g of fiber 🎉), and 3g protein. Plus, a tiny bit of iron and calcium—and since I don’t eat dairy, even that smidge of calcium counts for me.
They’re labeled gluten free and keto friendly (though I don’t follow keto), and the box notes they’re made in a bakery with eggs, peanuts, soy, and tree nuts—so if allergies are on your radar, definitely double-check.
One ingredient that stood out is Allulose, a sugar alternative recognized by the FDA as safe and lower-calorie (learn more from Cleveland Clinic). I’m okay having some in moderation. For me, these cookies are more “happy treat” than health food hero—but sometimes joy is part of health too.
😋 E = Eating
Crunch alert! These live up to their name. They’re on the snappier side with a sweet vanilla flavor that isn’t too much. Compared to other gluten/dairy-free vanilla cookies I’ve tried, these strike a nice balance between crisp and flavorful. I ate them straight from the package—no dunking, no heating—just munching, and they hit the spot.
🛒 A = Accessibility
I found these hiding on the bottom shelf at Mariano’s for $6.64 a box. Price-wise, they’re definitely a splurge compared to other GF sandwich cookies (like Simple Truth). Shelf placement? Meh. They deserve better than bottom-shelf treatment!
❤️ R = Rhythm Rating
In my foodie “vital signs,” these get a sinus rhythm. Reliable, steady, enjoyable—but not racing my heartbeat. They’re tasty, but the price tag keeps me from stocking up regularly. Sometimes my budget picks the cheaper option, even if my taste buds cheer for this one.
📱 T = Tell Others
Yes—I texted my mom and sister about them (we’re a cookie-loving trio). But remember, this is just my snack story. I’m not telling you what to eat—just sharing what landed in my cart and on my taste buds.
✅ Disclaimer: This review is only my personal opinion. I’m a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, but not your NP. Please check with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to you.
💖 Safe • Happy • Healthy 💖
