One of the perks of my job is that companies send me different foods to sample– everything from exotic spices to dried fruits to chicken stock. It is fun to have a mystery box waiting for me at the office and taste what is inside. I admit I have gotten some real clunkers- including more than half a dozen different horrible energy bars-but there are there are a few gems that really stand out.  These are three of my most recent faves:

Honibe Honey Drops

This one gets filed in the “why didn’t I think of that” category.  Honey drops are exactly what they sound like: a teaspoon of 100% pure honey all wrapped up in one neat and tidy dried honey drop. All natural, pure honey without the sticky mess. No more goopy spoons to wash, perfect for taking on the road and they even make for a great sucking candy. Check out Honibe’s website and see if there is a place to pick up Honey Drops near you, or, order online at www.honibe.com.

V-Fusion Juice

While I prefer (and encourage people) to consume whole fruits and vegetables, including some juice is fine too as long as you choose one that is loaded with nutrition. V8’s 100% juice V-Fusion packs a whole serving of fruit AND vegetables into one single yummy, thirst quenching 8 oz glass. It’s an especially good solution for people who think they don’t like veggies. The flavors, like Peach Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry, are unique and delicious. Just ask my husband Thom. Thanks to him and Bella I can’t seem to keep enough of the stuff in the house!

Green and Black’s Chocolate

As a congrats for winning the James Beard award which they sponsor, Green and Black’s sent me a wonderfully unexpected gift basket filled with their entire line of incredible, top quality organic chocolate bars. I am still conducting extensive “research” to identify my favorite.  So far, the Maya Gold is the frontrunner – a rich, dark chocolate with hints of orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Or, is it the dark chocolate with cherries? I may have to go try another bite……