Normally I come out of Costco exhausted, and poor. Today, I came out jubilant.
The big-box giant is now carrying Mareblu Naturals, one of the most delicious, nutritious snacks around. Each nugget – one inch of dry roasted nuts and seeds held firmly together with a hint of evaporated cane juice, rice syrup and sea salt -- offers layers of flavor and an irresistible crunch. Some varieties also contain dried fruit bits
According to the package, they're All Natural, Gluten-Free, 100% Vegan, Kosher, Cholesterol-Free, Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Peanut-Free, GMO-Free, and Trans. Fat 0g.
I don’t normally get so excited over something as mundane as a packaged snack mix. But I’ve been crazy about this product ever since I discovered it several years ago at the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. (Staged by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade twice a year and open only to the trade. Read my blog about what I found at the January 2009 show.)
In fact, it was Mrs. May’s Naturals that I fell in love with at that show. But a year or two later, there were two booths in S.F.’s Moscone Center, Mrs. May’s and Mareblu, offering basically the same products. In a chat with a Mareblu founder, I learned that some members of the original Mrs. May’s team had split from that company and started the new company.
Why? Because Mrs. May’s products, yummy as they are, are manufactured in China. Mareblu products are dry-roasted and made into Crunch in the USA.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I wouldn’t dream of eating food made in China. In light of the recent scares and scandals, it seems foolhardy to me to ingest something prepared in a country that doesn’t share our concern for food purity and safety. I’ve also stopped buying dog treats and toys that are made in China.
So, now, to be able to buy a whopping 20-ounce bag of the U.S. product at Costco for just $8.89 (only $5.89 right now, with the coupon from Costco’s latest newsletter), well, that’s jubilation.
Sixteen Mareblu flavors are available, including Pistachio Pumpkinseed Crunch, Cranberry Pomegranate Crunch, Cashew Crunch and Coconut Almond Crunch. At present, Costco carries just the newest flavor, Blueberry Pomegranate Trail Mix Crunch. It has a touch more sweetness than some of the other varieties, but it’s still savory enough to accompany cocktail hour with style. (It’s really delicious with a glass of Prosecco or an Aperol Prosecco Spritz cocktail.)
In most sores, the family size (20-ounce) costs between $10 and $14 (it’s currently on sale for $9.99 at the Mareblu Web site). Small 3-ounce snack packs are offered for about $3.50.
The Mareblu snacks ounds interesting, Maureen. I'm curious — though — which of the 16 Mareblu flavors is the best tasting - the one you couldn't live without? In other words, which would you pick as a Bite of the Best?
Posted by: Bonnie Tandy Leblang | August 02, 2009 at 04:56 AM
sounds interesting.. I tried looking for it in the local Costco but didnt find it there. which section did u find it in?
Posted by: Amit Jash | September 06, 2009 at 01:07 PM
I found Mareblu in the section with snacks, such as pretzels and chips. I understand that some Costcos are offering Almond Crunch which I like even more than the Pomegranate mix! I hope that means that the company will boost its offerings of Mareblu!
Posted by: Maureen | September 07, 2009 at 01:39 PM
It's a good thing it is healthy because I am totally addicted to the Blueberry Pomegranate. My local Costco (Anchorage, AK) started also carrying the Pistachio Crunch but I love the bit of sweetness the fruit gives!
Posted by: Nina Lisa | September 24, 2009 at 05:35 AM
Thanks for posting about the split in the company. I saw the Made in China label on the back of the Mrs. May's, and almost fell over. Needless to say,I called the company and this is what they told me. While all of the nuts and berries are from CA and OR (except the cashews which are from vietnam and the sesame and poppy seeds from China), they do ship it all to china so that it can be made and shipped back here. The woman on the other end of the phone assured me of the quality and safety, but I prefer products made here in the U.S. Escpecially if most of the ingredients are from CA! I will look for the Mareblu on my next Costco run here in Santa Barbara. Thanks again for the tip.
Posted by: Paul | October 27, 2009 at 10:20 AM
woohoo! Glad to find a substitute for Mrs Mays. I was disturbed to find that their products are made in China. It'll be nice to be able to support a Made in USA version of it, hope Mareblu stays successful, 'cause I hate it when something I like gets discontinued. >:(
Posted by: Jillybean | April 15, 2010 at 03:53 PM