A foodie's quest to turn up the heat through strength and conditioning with whole food and a hungry mind.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Chobani Greek Yogurt: Review and Free Giveaway Contest


Look what I got in the mail; Chobani Greek Yogurt!! Ok, so I actually got these about 2 weeks ago, but who’s keeping track? Don’t answer that….

I already had 2 of these....
The happy and friendly people at Chobani graciously sent me these large containers of Plain, Non-Fat Chobani to sample and review.  I requested plain as I like to control the sugar added to yogurt, and you can use it in sweet or savory applications. Or, as Kelly and I like to do, just eat it right out of the container. At only 140 calories for a cup of the plain, non-fat, you could eat half of a 32 oz container for a mere 280 protein packed calories. Sweeten with NuNaturals Vanilla Liquid stevia for an easy dessert!

Chobani has quickly become the leading Greek yogurt brand across America and is the official sponsor and provider for the U.S. Olympic Team through 2014. Of course, I’ve already been enjoying their yogurt before this news since it is affordable and offers the thick, creamy consistency I love.

Many yogurt brands claim their yogurt is “Greek” by adding thickeners and other artificial ingredients to obtain the look and consistency, but Chobani only uses what’s needed for real Greek yogurt. Here’s a quote directly from their FAQ section:

“You won’t find any thickeners, gelatins or stabilizers in Chobani. Instead we use a centuries-old straining technique to remove excess liquid. This is why Chobani is so thick, creamy and packed with two times more protein than regular yogurts.”

With their quality products, Chobani provides quality customer service since they know the consumer (us) are the backbone to a successful company. I have experienced their excellent service several times, and I am never let down by their response. Go ahead; contact Chobani just to say hi or offer praise, someone will happily respond within no time.

Since I have had Chobani before, I already knew about its superior taste and consistency (just a little tangy, very thick, and super creamy), so I decided to cook with what I received. Here are several recipes/ideas (new and old) I created using what Chobani sent me.


Sweet or Savory Chobani Protein Corn Bread


Ingredients
3/4 cup applesauce or pumpkin puree
1/2 cup Chobani plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1 large egg and 4 large egg whites (I have used 12oz of pureed Mori-Nu Silken Tofu for a great vegetarian substitute)
1 cup whole grain spelt (or other whole grain) flour
1 cup whole grain corn flour
1/4 cup all-natural stevia sweetened vanilla soy or whey protein
1/2 cup all-natural unflavored soy or whey protein
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
12-oz can Zevia Ginger Ale (Sweet) or 12-oz bottle of favorite beer (Savory)*

 
*Since I obviously had enough yogurt, I made both versions.  I Added a tsp of cinnamon to the sweet bread mixture; for savory bread, I used all unflavored protein powder and added cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, and paprika.

Directions
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan or a 12 muffin baking pan with non-stick spray
-In a large bowl, beat eggs with a whisk, add all other wet ingredients and whisk to blend
-In another bowl, mix the flour, protein powder, salt, and baking soda together.
-Add dry ingredients to the liquid mixture and mix just until combined.
-Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or when a toothpick comes out clean.

Other use - The savory batter is also great in casseroles either combined with other ingredients or poured on top after everything else is placed in your baking dish.

Icing that's ok to lick off the top!!

Chobani Greek Yogurt Icing

 With 2 cups plain, non-fat Chobani Greek Yogurt, add one of the following ingredients for desired flavor:
- 1/2 cup peanut flour for peanut butter icing
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (preferably stevia sweetened) and 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (preferably stevia sweetened) and 6 drops NuNaturals Cocoa Bean Extract
- 1 very ripe mashed banana and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger and nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp cloves
This is so good you’ll want to eat the icing as is, and since it’s healthy, you can have your cake icing and eat it too.......guilt-free!

Sweet n’Spicy Chip Dip

Take 6 oz low fat cottage cheese (pureed if you don’t want chunks), ¼ cup plain non-fat Chobani Greek yogurt, ¼ cup salsa, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon horseradish (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, Salt and pepper to taste. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let chill for 1-2 hours to let flavors meld.

Serve with sliced fruit and veggies for dipping or spread on toast for a quick, portable snack. I like to make a sandwich with this spread and sliced apples for something different but very satisfying.

Low-cal Guacamole
Take prepared guac (homemade or storebought) and add a small jar of salsa and mix thoroughly. The salsa will add to the amount of dip you have and provide more for everyone to enjoy. This way you can serve more if you have company, or just eat more yourself; it will be a big hit either way!



Use Chobani for this easy Peanut Butter Dip N’Dots recipe I posted last week. Does my mixing container look familiar?



For more great recipes and ideas, check out Chobani’s Kitchen website for healthy dinners and desserts.
Are you ready to cook with Chobani Greek Yogurt or just want to grab a spoon and eat it right out of the container? Kelley loves the plain non-fat with Annies Chocolate Bunny Grahams used for dipping, and I usually steal a few bunnies for myself.....delish!

Chobani has been kind enough to offer a sample case of their number one Greek yogurt in the U.S. to one lucky reader of my blog.

Disclaimer: Although Chobani provided the yogurt for review, I was not compensated for this review and the views and opinions are all my own.

Sorry, this contest has ended.  Thank you for stopping by and please visit often; there will be more giveaways coming soon!

 
1. Comment telling me your favorite Chobani flavor or which one you’d like to try.

2. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet the following – “I’m entering to win @Chobani Greek yogurt from @I_Love_Cayenne! Enter for your chance to win - http://bit.ly/Hbrk2U"
3. Visit Chobani on Facebook and “LIKE” their page. If you already “Like” Chobani, leave a comment letting me know.
4. “LIKE” Just Add Cayenne of Facebook. If you already “Like” Just Add Cayenne, leave a comment letting me know.
5. Help support Just Add Cayenne and subscribe to my blog. Just post a comment if you are already subscribed.

Congratulations, Irina, you won the Chobani Giveaway!  Please contact me via e-mail to provide contact information to where you would like your yogurt shipped.

If I do not receive a response withing 2 days, I will randomly pick another contestant to win.
Everyone is a winner when they request coupons directly from Chobani by submitting your info here, don't wait, do it and you'll be happy you did!

I love contests that are easy to enter, and I’m more than delighted to offer such a great product to one lucky viewer. Good luck!

38 comments:

  1. I have just started trying Greek Yogurts. I will try Chobani Cherry !!! I Liked it on Facebook too!!! from Tammy Sexson

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Tammy, I haven't tried cherry yet, but hope to soon.

      Please remember to post a comment for each action item so you are counted in the contest for each thing.

      Delete
  2. I like Chobani Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt with honey and cinnamon added. It's so good on my cereal! Karen Porterfield

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Karen. Plain and simple, but healthy and delicious!

      Delete
  3. Mmmmmmm!
    Love love love CHO. Goodness I wish my fridge looked like yours right now! It totally is CHO HEAVEN. I haven't tried any of the new flavors yet, but l am totally happy with my good ole' plain CHO, too. Recent fave? Drizzled with maple syrup and crushed with salty pistachios. Oh the salty. Oh the sweet. Oh the tart. Love it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love pistachios! If you like carrots, you should try a blend of diced carrots, cinnamon, pistachios, crunchy cereal like granola or Ezekiel 4:9, Plain 0% CHO, and sweetener of choice (I use stevia). So many good things together = ....a lot of good things!

      I wish my fridge still looked like that too. Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  4. I like your Facebook page! via my page {my eats and treats}

    ReplyDelete
  5. and already subscribed by email! I am really enjoying your blog. The recipes are original and healthy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love apple cinnamon but I'd like to try vanilla!

    jfong1130 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooo, I bet real chunks of apple and extra cinnamon would be great in....well, either flavor, really! Thanks for your posts and good luck!

      Delete
  7. following and tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/jfong1130/status/185180642923917312

    jfong1130 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like chobani on facebook!

    jfong1130 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like Just Add Cayenne on facebook :)

    jfong1130 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I absolutely love 0% plain, it's so versatile! You can make it sweet or savory. I eat it pretty much every day haha

    jordan.dunne21@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jordan. I have the plain 0% every day too....it's so easy to just keep eating!

      Delete
  11. Following you, and I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/j_mosh/status/185372863790977024
    @j_mosh

    jordan.dunne21@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like you on facebook

    jordan.dunne21@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I already like Chobani on facebook

    jordan.dunne21@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you for such a generous giveaway! I love Chobani and my favorite flavors are Plain, Vanilla and Peach!

    tra313@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm, those are all good flavors! Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  15. Thanks for hosting the giveaway! I love the blueberry chobani, and have been hearing great things about the new blood orange flavor. I'm going to have to try that one one of these days :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mmmm, I haven't tried blood orange either, but it sounds very refreshing. Might be good as it starts really warming up outside!

      Delete
  16. My favorite flavor is the blueberry! Thanks for the chance to win!
    gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I follow you on twitter and tweeted-https://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/186233281140891650

    gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like you on FB -- Crave to Save
    gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like them on FB -- Crave to Save
    gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am an RSS subscriber!
    gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Gina, hope you enjoy the blog and good luck on the contest!

      Delete
  21. My family loves Chobani! I also usually buy the large container of plain 0% and then every family members "customizes" his/her portion. Lately, I've been enjoying my Chobani with homemade strawberry preserves and some raw oats for an extra crunch. :)
    Thank you for hosting this great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for checking out my blog and entering the contest, Irina!

      That's a great way to share with the family and be economical. My wife and I just need our own large container since we both devour it so fast!

      I do have a Facebook button, but it's off and on right now since I'm trying to refresh the look of my blog.

      Thanks again and good luck!

      Delete
    2. Hi Irina! I am happy to tell you that you are the winner of the Chobani Giveaway Contest. Please send me your address where you would like to have the case delivered and what flavor you choose. My e-mail is RCrown2 AT aol DOT com

      Congratulations, hope to hear from you soon.

      Delete
    3. Hi RC! I am so sorry - for some reason, I didn't get an email notification that you replied to this comment! I had NO idea I won! Is it too late? I'll email you right now! LOL

      Delete
    4. Hi there! I received your e-mail and replied, congrats and thanks for posting!

      Delete
  22. I liked your Facebook page! Does your blog have a Facebook button? I couldn't find it... No biggie! I saw the Pinterest and Twitter buttons, so thought I'd ask! :) I really enjoy reading your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  23. And I like Chobani on Facebook, too!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Subscribed to your blog via email!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I use Chobani yogurt all the time, It is my yogurt of choice.
    chriswms48@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete