Review and Giveaway: Peter Rabbit Organics CLOSED

I love fruit. Bananas. Apples. Oranges. Pears. Peaches. Mango. Kiwi. Strawberries. Blackberries. I pretty much love them all. Naturally, I assumed my son would inherit my fruity love but alas, he is uninterested. Unless of course, it is part of a cocktail drowned in sugary syrup. Not so good. I wanted to find a fun, healthy way to make fruits irresistible to Nate. And Peter Rabbit Organics does just that.

Peter Rabbit Organics, named for the beloved literary character, has one simple mission: to provide healthy, organic snacks for all to enjoy. Their squeezable organic fruit pouches were such a hit in their home country of the U.K, that they had to bring it overseas into the U.S. Their fruit snacks contain 100% organic fruit with no added sugar and nothing artificial. They list every ingredient, so there are no undeclared colors, flavors or preservatives. Peter Rabbit Organics sources only USDA-certified organic ingredients and, whenever possible, they use local suppliers in Oregon. All pouches are BPA-free to keep the contents fresh and free of leaching contaminants. They currently offer three delicious flavors: Apple and Grape, Strawberry and Banana, and Mango, Banana and Orange.














Peter Rabbit Organics was kind enough to send me a sample of each flavor to review. We actually stuck them in Nate's Easter basket in lieu of candy! As soon as I saw the ingredients listed on the back, I knew this was going to be good:



No added salt. No added sugar. Not even water. Just fruit! And I could even see the proportions of each variety, so I knew exactly what my child was eating.

I love that they use a familiar character to promote a new concept. We have several Peter Rabbit books so Nate could recognize the bunny in the blue jacket right away. The design of the pouches is perfect for children like Nate who are particular about textures. Because he can't see what's inside, he is more inclined to try it without being turned off initially by the look or consistency.

Even though he could grasp it himself, I knew a full, squeezable pouch could spell disaster for my mess-making toddler. So, I turned it into a game, where he would say "aah" and I would squeeze it on his tongue for him. Once the pouch was halfway empty, and the likelihood of a giant pureed mess was lower, I allowed him to handle it himself.

I was shocked to see him gobble it up! He seriously couldn't get enough. He was even tilting it upside down to suck the last few drops out of the pouch. Not a bit to be spared. (Shh! Nobody tell him it's fruit!):



And can you believe that none of it made it's way onto his clothes or the floor? That in itself is a miracle!

The Strawberry and Banana flavor was his favorite, although the Mango, Banana and Orange flavor was a close second. He didn't care for the Apple and Grape flavor, but then again he's not too fond of apples in general, so I know it's just his inner food critic. I tasted it and thought it was quite yummy! What does he know? *wink*

I love that the pouches are easy to store or throw in a diaper or lunch bag for convenient travel. No worries about spoons or spills. I also love the choke-free caps, which won't pose a hazard to my baby. Not only can you eat the fruit straight from the pouch, but you could also mix it in cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. Each 3.5 oz. pouch is one serving of fruit so I feel good offering this as an alternative to the usual Cheerios or crackers. And if your little one doesn't finish off the pouch, you can refrigerate it for up to 48 hours after opening. No waste, no fuss!

The only disadvantage I could find with this product is the price. At around $1.50/pouch, this can really add up for a one-income family. So, we will only be able to buy these sparingly. I'd also like to see a few more flavors, like Pear, Melon or a Mixed Berry (Blueberry/Blackberry/Raspberry).

Bottom line: Who says rabbits only like carrots? For a healthy, natural, convenient fruit snack, Peter Rabbit Organics is an ideal choice for adults and children of all ages.

BUY IT: You can find Peter Rabbit Organics products (ARV $15.08/case of 10) online at Amazon.com, at Buy Buy Baby - even Starbucks! You can use their handy store locator to find the retailer nearest you.

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a mixed case of 10 pouches!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Peter Rabbit Organics and tell me what you love most about this brand or product. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Peter Rabbit Organics on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Need a healthy snack for your picky toddler? Win a case of @PR_Organics fruit pouches from @kris10chumley! Ends 5/17 http://bit.ly/bDRxIS

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Peter Rabbit Organics on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on May 17, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received three pouches from Erica at Peter Rabbit Organics to facilitate a candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.