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Natural gluten-free dessert snack company, Hail Merry LLC, wins the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) 2013 FABI Award for Innovation. An independent panel of experts selected Hail Merry’s Chocolate Miracle TartÔ Mini for their taste and high marketability to satisfy consumer lifestyle trends, including gluten free, vegan and raw diets with perfect portion control.  According to the NRA, gluten-free cuisine will continue to be the hottest trend in restaurant menus for 2013.  A recent survey by consumer research firm, NPD, reports 30% of Americans are interested in avoiding or cutting down on gluten in their diet.  In addition, with the number of diagnosed Celiac cases rising beyond three million in just America alone, the need for certified, cross-contamination free menus is a paramount necessity for the industry, and one that is proving to be a profitable niche.

Hail Merry CEO/Partner and 2011 Women’s Foodservice Forum Entrepreneur of the Year, Sarah Palisi Chapin, “The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America estimates a 10-14% increase in yearly profits for restaurants offering a gluten-free menu.   Hail Merry's experienced team is committed to sourcing the highest quality natural ingredients and delivering the freshest, most convenient products safely thereby eliminating the guesswork and risk of serving gluten-free for food service operators.  Omni Hotels & Resorts found Hail Merry Snacks to be ideal for all healthy travelers participating in its Select Guest frequent traveler program, regardless of gluten-intolerance.  Hail Merry Snacks are especially appealing for their great taste and being on trend.”

Founded in 2008, Hail Merry LLC is America's best selling refrigerated dessert company in the natural channels.  The privately held company offers desserts and snacks that provide operators not only an easy way to meet special diet requests, such as gluten-free, dairy-free and kosher, but also great tasting products made from pure, mostly organic Non-GMO ingredients for all customers with discriminating taste and demands. The full product line includes Miracle Tarts™, Macaroons, Grawnola, Seasoned Nuts and Seeds.

In addition to winning the 2013 FABI Award, the women-led manufacturer won the 2013 Sherbrooke Award for Excellence in Innovation at The Natural Products Expo West.  In 2011, VegNews Magazine awarded the Miracle Tart ™ Chocolate Raw Almond Butter Best New Vegan Product at The Natural Products Expo West. In 2010, Hail Merry won Best of Expo Award at The Natural Products Expo West. Hail Merry has been featured on The O'Reilly Factor, Good Morning America and is available on Virgin Airlines, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Google's Micro Kitchens, Whole Foods Market, and many other regional grocery chains.  

About the Product

Hail Merry’s Miracle Tart ™ - Chocolate Minis (.81 oz each) are unique because they are filled with a heavenly chocolate ganache made with organic extra virgin coconut oil (instead of heavy cream), Fair Trade dark cocoa, and sweetened with organic maple syrup. The crust is made with natural raw almond flour and a hint of sea salt. The product is never baked and is free of any grains, soy, corn and dairy.   These mini tarts are also great for customers who are looking for portion control.

The award winning tarts are also available in a 3.5 oz size in six flavors for variety and long lasting customer appeal: Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Raw Almond butter, Coconut Vanilla Crème, Meyer Lemon and Persian Lime. Operators will enjoy the convenience, quality, consistency and versatility of both the mini and the 3.5 oz ounce tarts, which are certified gluten-free to the highest standards in the industry at less than 5 parts per million.

Hail Merry will be sampling the Miracle Tart ™ and Mini tarts along with Macaroons and Grawnola at the NRA 2013 Show in Chicago May 18 - 22.  Booth #9345.

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If you would like more information about Hail Merry LLC, or to schedule an interview with any of the partners please call 214 207-7984 or email Susan at suobrien@hailmerry.com

Are you looking to shape up and slim down for summer? This deliciously nutritious gluten-free, dairy-free Cream of Broccoli Soup makes 6 cups of soup at 100 calories per cup.  And as an extra bonus, this healthy vegetable soup may help reduce stress related molecules due to its potent antioxidant levels of Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. Research suggests that antioxidants give strong protection against the damaging effects of inflammation and oxidative stress that prematurely ages the body. Eat more plants to Feed Your Body Royally.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

makes 6 cups                     prep time= 35 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup red onion, peeled and chopped coarsely

4 cups soup stock (low sodium)

1 lb broccoli, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

10 oz sweet potato or butternut squash, diced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence (or thyme)

1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon seas salt

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/3 cup coconut milk

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Line a small baking sheet with foil. Toss the olive oil and red onion in a small bowl and then spread evenly on sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

2. While the onion is roasting, prep other ingredients. Add remaining ingredients (except for the parsley, coconut milk and nutmeg) to a medium stockpot. Bring to boil, add roasted onion and simmer for 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Cool 10 minutes uncovered.

3. In a food processor or blender, puree soup with parsley little by little, until smooth. Pour soup back into stockpot.

4. Stir in coconut milk, nutmeg and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently until warm and serve.

If you're anything like us, you've got summer vacation on the brain.  The weather has turned and before you know it that beach, golf course or mountain holiday will be beckoning, so it's time to think about how to stay healthy and stress-free while traveling. Here a 7 tips for healthy, stress-free traveling.

According to a research survey conducted by Trip It (the absolute best travel organizing app out there, in our opinion), it seems that eating healthy and exercising on the road are the #1 cause of stress for travelers (even more so than airport security!)  "When asked how stressful certain travel-related activities are, 67% of frequent travelers said exercising was either somewhat or very stressful; while 66% said eating healthy was stressful."

April is Stress Awareness Month so here are our top tips to help you stay healthy and stress-free en route:

1. We know it's tempting to hop on that escalator or moving sidewalk, but resist the temptation and take the stairs or walk on the regular floor - after all you just got off a plane where you were sitting for a while.

2. Ask the hotel concierge for a map of local running/walking routes, or if you're traveling for pleasure look into the walking tours available in that particular city.  If you want something less formal, check out the EveryTrail app on your smart-phone. This GPS app will guide you on an easy-to-read map as you walk, providing street names, a compass, audio guides, POI’s, and details of your average speed, elevation and duration.  Get to know the city at a faster pace.

3. If you don't have regular access to a pool at home and your hotel has one, take advantage!  Because of the water resistance, you'll burn more calories doing simple moves than you would on dry land.  Water is also easy on your back and joints.

4. There are plenty of simple yet effective exercises you can do in the comfort of your hotel room.  Try doing 50 of any or all of the following moves: jumping jacks, squats, lunges, push ups, mountain climbers, long jumps, chair dips, crunches or box jumps.  You can do it!

5. Stay hydrated!  Drinking lots of water is key and will keep you from bloating after flying and your skin from drying out.  It also helps balance out all those umbrella drinks you might be consuming because "you're on vacation!"

6. Eating healthy snacks between meals will keep your blood sugar in check and boost your overall energy and mood.  Packing snacks might be the last thing on your mind when you're frantically throwing your toiletries in your carry on, but you will be so thankful later when you're standing in the airport surrounded by greasy french fries, pretzels, ice cream, etc.  Carry healthy, portable snacks, like an apple or banana.  Or better yet, throw some Hail Merry Vanilla Maple Almonds or Grawnola in your bag.

7. As business and pleasure travelers ourselves, Hail Merry understands how hard it is to live a healthy lif

estyle on the road. And we are not alone in our desire for healthier-in-room options and on-the-go snacks. For this reason, Hail Merry is proud to be part of the health and wellness programs at Omni Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, CIBO Express Gourmet Markets and Virgin America Airlines, . Please look and ask for our certified gluten-free, vegan, kosher and NonGMO snacks and desserts next time you are on the road.

Overall the takeaways here are to be mindful and be active and you'll be a happy camper.  Or beach goer.  Or mountain climber.

Are natural foods free of toxins? Do some organic foods contain GMO's? You have a right to know what is in the food you are feeding your family but, food labels are confusing and often misleading.  Read this article by Claudia Pillow, PhD, about the  the difference between "natural", "organic" and Non-GMO?

Many Americans think the term “natural” is fairly similar to “organic, and in fact many think “natural” labels are more meaningful than “organic”.  This thinking is not correct.

What does the label “NATURAL” mean to you?

The term "natural" applies broadly to foods that are minimally processed and free of synthetic preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors and other artificial additives, growth hormones, antibiotics, hydrogenated oils, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Unlike, organically labeled foods, most foods labeled natural are not subject to government controls beyond the regulations and health codes that apply to all foods. Exceptions include meat and poultry. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSTS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires these to be free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and ingredients that do not occur naturally in the food. Natural meat and poultry must be minimally processed in a method that does not functionally alter the raw product.  However, under these guidelines, it includes animals that have received antibiotics and hormones to promote rapid growth. 

“We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.” ~Alfred E. Newman

Outside of the meat counter, the FDA makes no stipulation about the use of the term "natural," leaving manufacturers to abuse it however they see fit. Therefore “natural” cereals may contain Genetically Modified Organism’s (GMOs), high fructose corn syrup, and partially hydrogenated oils. Buyer beware- most consumers believe "natural" implies "absence of pesticides" and "absence of herbicides." Sixty-one percent of Americans believe "natural" implied or suggested the "absence of genetically modified foods." On both scores, they are wrong.

What does the label “ORGANIC” mean to you?

"Organic” refers not only to the food itself, but also to how it was produced. Foods labeled organic must be certified under the National Organic Program (NOP), which took effect October 21, 2002. Despite rigid organic certification procedures, organic certification is about the *process* of growing food, not about the actual resulting food. There is no required testing process for organic ingredients. The NOP regulations prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms, prohibit commingling or contamination during processing and handling, and require preventative practices to avoid contact with GMOs. Organic agricultural products should have minimal if any GMO contaminants; however, organic food products do not have a zero tolerance for the presence of GMO material and remember, there is no required testing process for organic ingredients. 

In addition, the USDA oversight of organic food has been lax since the program was launched in 2002. It can take nearly three years for a manufacturer who illegally uses the term “organic” in their labeling to be noticed, reported, investigated, and forced to amend their label. The oversight of organic manufacturers falls short of assuring standards are met. Once again, buyer beware- shop locally whenever possible and support manufacturers who are dedicated to ingredient integrity.

Currently, there are three “organic” labels classifications:

100% Organic: Must contain 100% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). This is the only label that certifies a completely organic product AND completely GMO-free ingredients.

Certified Organic / USDA Organic / Organic: At least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt). The <5% remaining ingredients must consist of substances approved on the USDA’s National List. GMOs are NOT on this list, so these products are also usually GMO-free.

Made with Organic: Up to 70% of the ingredients are organic. These products can NOT carry a “USDA organic” label and are NOT typically GMO-free.

What does Non-GMO mean to you?

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.

Are GMOs safe?
Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs.

One of the most common concerns about the prevalence of GMOs in North America is whether they are safe for children and families to be eating. Many of the foods that are most popular with children are at high risk for containing GMOs, such as cereals, snack bars, snack boxes, cookies, processed lunch meats, and crackers. Over 80% of U.S. processed food contains GMOs.

What are the most common GMOs?

The most common GMOs are soy, cotton, canola, corn, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, alfalfa, and squash (zucchini  and yellow). Many of these items appear as added ingredients in a large amount of the foods we eat. For instance, your family may not eat tofu or drink soy milk, but soy is most likely present in a large percentage of the packaged foods in your pantry.

GMOs may be hidden in common processed food ingredients such as: Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products.

Is there a certification process for GMO-free food?

Yes. When you see the Non-GMO Verified label on a product, it means the producer took the time to go through a certification program similar to the one used to obtain organic certification; only it’s designed to focus on GMO-free processes.

Started initially by retailers, the Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program (PVP)‘s core requirements include “traceability, segregation, and testing at critical control points.” Compliant products bear the Non-GMO Project Seal shown above  indicating that the product has been produced in accordance with the best practices of the Non-GMO Project Standard. However, the Non-GMO Project says directly that its label does not guarantee that a product is 100% GMO-free, because contamination is an ever-growing threat.

How Does Contamination Occur?

Contamination can happen any number of natural ways: 1. via cross-pollination between GMO and non-GMO crops; 2. from trace amounts of GMO ingredients found in animal; 3. from seeds traveling by wind or by migratory birds that take root in the soil of an organic farm; and 4. from ingredient suppliers that co-mingle various sources.

So, where does that leave you and your family?

1. Read ingredient labels and look for the Non-GMO Verified logo to ensure your foods are as free from GMO’s as possible.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask the manufacturer about how a product is grown or produced.

3. Just because a product has a lot of certifications, doesn’t mean it is healthy. Fair Trade, Certified Gluten-Free and Certified Vegan do not mean organic or non-GMO.  It may still contain artificial sweeteners and colors, synthetic fillers, trans fats, pesticide residue, and GMO’s.

In the United States, mattresses are required to describe the fabric and filling on a label with the intent to inform the consumer of the hidden contents, or “filling materials” inside bedding & furniture products. The law label was born in the early 1900s to prevent these articles from being further manufactured with contents such as horse hair, corn husks and whatever else a manufacturer could find to use that the consumer would never see, similar to food labeling. Why should we expect anything less in the labeling of our food?

Hail Merry is proud to announce that all snack and dessert products are Non-GMO! Verified!