CSL Tests These Viral Trends: Plant Based Milk, 3-Ingredient Bagel and Nuts and Seeds

Plant-based milk is everywhere at the moment, but they aren’t all created equal. CSL’s food team should know, having tested many over the years. Some, use a disproportionate amount of water to dilute the product, resulting in a – you guessed it – watery taste.

CSL’s current obsession is Elmhurst 1925 plant-based range of nut (walnut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, and cashew-coconut) and oat milks, which use approximately four times more nuts than other brands on market. The result is super creamy, nutty undertone without the use of gums, fillers and emulsifiers which can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Swap out for traditional dairy in everything from morning porridge to baking (a decadent chocolate cookie using walnut milk for added moisture was an office favourite). A new pantry staple.

5 Ways CSL Loves
√ Add to coffee, tea
√ Blend into smoothies
√ Use in Baked Treats
√ Make a creamy salad dressing
√ Finish soups
√ Add to bechamel for a rich sauce

Try the delicious Elmhurst 1925 strawberries and cream smoothie recipe below.

If you’ve noticed your social media feed being taken over by a 3-ingredient bagel, you’re not alone. While traditional bagels take hours to make, and involve proofing, kneading and boiling dough, before baking, this easy variation (often loaded with fibre or protein) can be made in less than an hour.

Here’s how:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. of whole psyllium husks, 1 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 tbs. baking powder and 1 tsp salt.
3. Knead dough for a few minutes until combined.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden.
5. Cool. Makes about 6 bagels.

TIP
Now Foods Whole Psyllium Husks for added fibre (454g; nowfoods.ca)

Road trips, picnics and getting outdoors, summertime was made for snacks. Here are a few of CSL’s new favourites that can be packed in lunchboxes or purses for a (healthy) energy blast.

Prana Organic
CSL testers loved the pure sweet taste of these unroasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds, packed with protein (15g per serving), iron and rich in zinc and magnesium. The organic and regenerative pumpkin seeds were developed by a grower in Quebec and because no heat is applied, all of the nutrients remain intact. Throw into salads, baked goods or home-made trail mix. We love the eye-catching green packaging and sustainable ethos of this Canadian company. (Pumpkin Seeds, 1kg, $29.99; pranafoods.ca)

Giant Tiger Partners With DoorDash
The beloved Canadian retailer has teamed up with DoorDash for same-day delivery (in an hour or less) and the same prices online as in-store, so shoppers can pick up essentials (like these Trophy Deluxe Mixed Nuts) from the comfort of home. (908g; $19.97; gianttiger.com; doordash.com)

Now Foods
One of the most nutrient-rich tree nuts, almonds are a versatile snack, packed with protein, fibre and healthy fatty acids. CSL loves these raw and unsalted treats, that retain all their antioxidants. Their addictive crunch is hard to beat and also make a delicious fresh milk. (454g, $21.49; nowfoods.ca)