This post is linked to Gluten-Free Wednesdays.
Update: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Valerie, who blogs gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and usually vegan over at City Life Eats! Thanks to all who entered the giveaway. I enjoyed reading your wish lists and comments. Another gfe birthday celebration giveaway is up here.
I’m a lucky girl … in so many ways. In my Cavemen Cookies review, I mentioned that I’d first sampled the product after winning a giveaway at Gluten Free Food Rocks. I’ve won several other giveaways, too. But, honestly, it’s not that I’m extraordinarily lucky in giveaways, it’s just that someone has to win and sometimes the odds are simply in one’s favor. If you take the time to enter (usually leaving a comment is sufficient for an entry), you will win giveaways. There’s no doubt that giveaways are controversial in the blogging world and while I won’t wade too deep into that discussion, I’ll just say that as a reader I find them to be a great way to try out new products or obtain valuable services. As a blogger who hosts occasional giveaways, my intention is to offer you the same opportunity. Of course, the giveaways that I’ve entered and offered have been for gfe products and services. So I was thrilled when I won a $50 shopping spree to iHerb over at Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free where my good friend, Amy, “resides.” iHerb features so many real food, real ingredient products. I had so much fun deciding what I’d get with my $50. My order included chia seed, hemp seed, brown rice flour, millet flour, raw cacao powder, and two bags of flax seed meal. I even received a free bottle of D3 supplements. And, guess what … there’s still some left of most of these products. (Don’t worry … the food products are staying fresh in my refrigerator.)
Now as a new iHerb affiliate, I get to offer a $50 shopping spree here at gfe! (Note: This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents.) I decided to become an affiliate because iHerb has so many products I believe in. Plus, I admire the company. For one thing, their service is top notch. If you order before 1:00 pm, your order goes out that very same day, and arrives in just a few days. And, if you are in the U.S. and your order is $40 or over, there’s no shipping charge. I’d rather not pay shipping, so that’s important to me. iHerb offers many quality products, including organic and natural choices. Full disclaimer: As an affiliate, I do get a small percentage of sales (very small, which incidentally does not increase the price of your order; affiliate sales never do). But, it’s still nice when you can recommend a company that you’d recommend to a friend any time. I’ve recommended iHerb to my support group members ever since I tried its products (long before this affiliation), and the members who have ordered have been very pleased. I also like that you can take $5 off your first order when you use a valid affiliate coupon code. Just enter my coupon code, LUT179, when placing your order.
As a new affiliate and a blogger offering a $50 shopping spree, I was offered a $50 spree myself. I keep a running list of specialty items I can’t find at my own basic grocery store, so filling my virtual shopping cart was not hard. This time there was grapeseed oil, which I’ve come to appreciate for its health benefits, flavorless taste, and high heating point, plus palm sugar (also known as coconut sugar, or coconut sap, which Kelly discussed here), date sugar, and yacon syrup.
As I shared in my 30 Days to My Own Food Revolution post, I’m trying to eat dairy free (with one exception so far-—more in a minute) and refined sugar free. The grapeseed oil helps with the dairy-free commitment. Instead of using butter in baking or frying, a little grapeseed oil can be used. Elana (Elana’s Pantry) uses grapeseed oil in a lot of her baking, including her now famous gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chip cookies, which so many of us inhaled (as demurely as possible!) at BlogHer Food ’09. If you want your oil or shortening to add flavor, grapeseed oil may not be the best choice, but my doctor recommends three types of fat/oil for baking and cooking: organic butter, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil. Yes, she recommends living gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free, but she believes organic butter is part of a healthy diet unless one is completely dairy/casein intolerant. (So, I admit that I’ve still been eating some organic butter and some European butter.)
As far as the non-refined sugars, I’ve already baked with the palm sugar several times. I used palm sugar to make Cherry Upside-Down Cake and another version of that same cake, using both cherries and blueberries. I even made a version of my Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies using a combination of palm sugar and dark brown sugar, instead of granulated sugar and brown sugar, and the cookies were better than ever. I really don’t know why I waited so long to try palm sugar … I’m thrilled with this product! Palm sugar has a caramel flavor and sort of a ground coffee texture. I really like it. A lot. I’m not sure it can be used in all of my sweetening applications, but I’m going to give it a try as often as possible. Incidentally, the terms palm sugar and coconut sugar, and even palm coconut sugar are often used interchangeably. But, there are differences, as is explained here. For my eating and baking purposes, I’m not sure that the difference matters. The main thing is that I’m eating a non-refined, lower glycemic sugar (I feel better if I use lower glycemic), which provides a final product that tastes good. Finally, an FYI, technically, palm or coconut sugars are saps. Kelly shared that information in this post over at The Spunky Coconut. Be sure to see what she has to say because she also shares the “green” benefits of eating coconut sugar, as well as other nutritional benefits.
As far as the rest of my recent order, I haven’t tried the date sugar or the yacon syrup yet, but I’ll report back when I do.
Those are just a few examples of the products that iHerb offers. You may enter the giveaway following the guidelines below. Please remember that this giveaway is only open to U.S. residents, and note that the first requirement listed below is a strict one. You must be registered on iHerb’s sit to participate in this giveaway. That’s not a bad thing though; iHerb will not fill your In Box with unsolicited emails like many companies do. Oh, and the giveaway will end next Tuesday, July 20, at midnight, EST.
1. Register at iHerb website (required).
2. Leave a comment telling me what you are interested in ordering from iHerb. Are you like me? Do you have a “wish” list at the ready?
3. Subscribe to my feed either via RSS or e-mail, and leave a comment.
4. “Like” my Facebook page and leave a comment.
3. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment.
5. Tweet about the giveaway, and leave a comment saying that you did.
7. Post a message on your Facebook page about the giveaway, and leave a comment saying that you did.
8. Post about the giveaway on your blog and leave a comment saying that you did, with your link.
9. Follow iHerb on Twitter (iHerb has great, informative tweets!), and leave a comment.
Hey, you may just get a chance to go on your own $50 shopping spree. A shopping spree that involves food, but is online and free—now that’s definitely one of my favorite ways to shop! I’ll be celebrating my upcoming birthday all week long (at least!) so look for more giveaways, information posts, and, of course, recipes. 🙂 For those who want to conceive and/or have had gynecological/obstetric issues, you may want to check out this post on the gluten connection and enter to win a scholarship to Donielle Baker’s Fertility E-Course.
Shirley
Not just gf, but gfe!
Christie says
I see some of our families supplements at a much better price, Oceans of Life, and love the shipping price.
Shirley says
Hi Christie–Just wanted to say welcome to gfe! 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win, but glad you discovered some good info about iHerb.
Best,
Shirley
Stephanie Mckenzie says
I love the palm sugar! I love all the raw food products that you can buy at iherb, thier prices are the best! I would love to win the giveaway!
Shirley says
Hi Stephanie–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’ a fan of palm sugar now, too. No idea why I waited so long to try it. 😉 So sorry you didn’t win the giveaway, but thanks for stopping by and entering.
Best,
Shirley
Lacy says
I like iherb because it is much less expensive than Amazon and other places.Plus they carry Now brands of supplements.
Shirley says
Hi Lacy–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Thanks for entering the giveaway. Hope you’ll stop by again and check out other posts and giveaways. 🙂
Best to you,
Shirley
Jessica says
I love iHerb. They have most of my son’s supplements for a great price. I keep wanting to get some chia seeds, though, and every yummy flavor of sweetleaf stevia.
Janice says
already have an account with iherb…I would like to try the palm sugar, raw cacao powder, coconut oil and nori sheets
Kim says
I also have an account at iherb! Love them! I would order the Eden Dried Cherries – lots of them! 😉
Kim says
I am following iherb on twitter!
Kim says
I already “like” your FB page. 🙂
Kim says
Tweeted!!
Kim says
Posted on my FB page!!
Kahri says
Just made an account at iherb! Looks like a great place. I would love to try the quinoa and the Gluten Free Pantry Old Fashioned Cake and Cookie Mix.
Kahri says
I follow you on FB
Kahri says
I subscribe to your RSS feed
Kahri says
posted about the contest on my FB
carrie @ gingerlemongirl.com says
Posted on my FB page too! What an awesome giveaway!! I LOVE iherb!! 🙂
carrie @ gingerlemongirl.com says
i friended them on fb and twitter! 🙂
Kimberly says
I have an iHerb account– they have great products and awesome customer service! I definitely have a wish list: digestive enzymes, protein powder, chia seeds, gf flours, prenatal vitamins, the list goes on!!!
Shirley says
Hi Kimberly–Just wanted to say welcome to gfe! 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win the giveaway, but hope to see you here again at gfe. 🙂
Shirley
Kimberly says
I subscribe to your RSS feed as well. 🙂
glutenfreeforgood says
Very informative post, Shirley, but I wish you’d slow down on your posting pace. I have a hard time keeping up with you!
I have some palm sugar and have used it on occasion, with success. I like the caramel-ish taste. I also gave a bag to my diabetic mom for her birthday (in a birthday bag full of random goodies). Thanks for the info link about the differences in coconut and palm sugar. Great resource!
Keep up the good work (but slow down, would you please?).
=)
Melissa
xo
Heather @ Life Gluten, Free says
I have been ordering from iHerb since 2007! I like them because they have great prices on certain supplements that we use.
If I got a shopping spree, I would like to try the Yacon syrup by navitas naturals. Also, a CQ10 by Now.
so glad that you got to try some products from iHerb! My last order consisted of Ultima Replenisher (electrolytes), Kids Weleda Toothpaste and a couple products by Badger Balm.
Heather @ Life Gluten, Free says
I posted about the giveaway on FB!
Anne says
I’ve just used Palm sugar for the first time this weekend to make a gluten-free nectarine and blueberry crumble. Not sure about the flours I used, but it was nicely sweet.
Julie R says
I am registered at iherb & have ordered supplements from them before
Julie R says
I’d like to order from oats & i’d like to try the palm sugar you mentioned … I’d probably also get some of the supplements i order on a regular basis
Julie R says
I follow you via Google RSS
Julie R says
I like you on FB
Elaine says
Lots of things look interesting, will have to study a bit before I spend my winnings! 🙂
Evan Thomas says
I’m registered
Evan Thomas says
I follow iHerb on twitter
Evan Thomas says
I would get some cocoa powder! Always running out of that
Shirley says
Hi Evan–Belated, but I wanted to welcome you to gfe! It’s always great to find another gluten-free blogger. I like your Food Makes Fun Fuel. 🙂 And, I wholeheartedly agree on the cocoa powder! Sorry you didn’t win the giveaway, but hope you’ll be back. 😉
Shirley
CC says
I have signed up at the iHerb.com website.
Shirley says
Hi CC–Belatedly, I just wanted to welcome you to gfe! 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win the giveaway, but there will be lots of other opportunities in the future. Plus, I hope you’ll visit gfe for recipes and info, too. 😉
Best,
Shirley
CC says
If I were to order from this website, I would order many of the gluten free foods that aren’t available in my local store, such as Chocolate Truffle Brownie Mix.
CC says
I have signed up for your email updates.
CC says
I have liked you and commented on your facebook.
CC says
I am following you on twitter!
Casey says
I love iHerb – I get some of my flours there that I can’t get at my grocery, or even Amazon.
Casey says
Of course I am a subscriber! 🙂
Casey says
Got your Facebook page, too!
CC says
I posted a link on facebook!
CC says
I have tweeted about this on twitter!
Sharon says
I have an iherb account already. If I won I’d order chia seeds, hemp seeds, more sweetleaf stevia flavors, and coconut oil.
Sharon says
I subscribed to your feed.
Sharon says
I already like you on fb.
Aubree Cherie says
Uh oh… someone has a sweet tooth! That’s okay, me too 😀 Any time I have extra money (not too often of an occurrence) I like to spend it on fun things like date and palm sugar and other natural sweeteners. I’d likely buy some of those supplied from iHerb 🙂
~Aubree Cherie
Shirley says
Aubree–Belated, but LOL! These sweeteners will last me for months. 😉 But, guess what … the brand name of the organic palm sugar is Sweet Tooth! 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win the giveaway this time, but you know there will be more gfe opportunities. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Shirley
Carolyn says
You have gone and done it again. Now I am hooked on iHerb. First order is for Astaxanthin.
Shirley says
Carolyn–Still playing catch up after my birthday. 😉 Had to google Astaxanthin … you educated me!
Thanks and better luck next time on the giveaway!
Shirley
Carole says
I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE SO MUCH. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOU. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE $50.00 SHOPPING SPREE SO I COULD AFFORD THE NEW ITEMS OF BAKING GLUTEN FREE. THANK YOU.
Maggie says
Hi Shirley – Another great post. You always give us soooo much, and now another giveaway! iHerb sounds like an interesting site. I just registered. I really want to try the palm sugar (I especially like the package in your picture – I love good design!). Kelly is a wealth of information! Amazing. Thanks.
Shirley says
Hey Maggie–Belated, but thanks so much … you’re a true sweetheart! Thanks for the kind feedback on the photo, too. I actually have another one I took of my first package of goodies from iHerb, but coudn’t find it. 😉 If I do, I’ll still put it up. I like to see photos of what I’m ordering and I know others will, too. Even without a giveaway, iHerb is a great place to get products from. Yes, Kelly is the best … I love her!
Hugsss,
Shirley
Kristine Stevens says
Already registered at iHerb.com. Love it! Ordered Stevia Glycerite, MCT oil recently among other things. Would love to get Palm sugar
Shirley says
Hi Kristine–Even though I’m playing catch up, I did want to welcome you to gfe! Sorry you didn’t win the giveaway, but there will be other gfe-type giveaways in the future. Love the palm sugar. I’ve been using it a lot of late and have been really pleased every time. 🙂 Now I have to check out the stevia glycerite and MCT oil as I’m not familiar with those. 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Kristine Stevens says
Already follow you on Facebook
Kristine Stevens says
Already get your feed by email
Katrina says
Hi there! Found you from Kelly’s tweet today about your giveaway and what an awesome site! I signed up for IHerb, “liked” your Facebook, am following you on Twitter, AND subscribed to your newsletter…whew! lol I’m pretty excited! I have been wanting to order from IHerb for a while!! Our toddler (who led us to healthy eating through her allergies and medical conditions) is costing us an out of pocket of $4,000 PER MONTH right now…yes, we are dying financially, but she is finally turning the corner and becoming a healthier, happier girl! We appreciate the medical advances for her care, but are working away at helping her by researching and making dietary changes to help her along! I would order supplements, Palm Sugar, Nutiva products, Stevia and much more from IHerb! I look forward to following your blog and getting more fabulous tips! Blessings!
Shirley says
Hi Katrina–I’m a little late on this, but wanted to welcome you to gfe! So glad you found me through the kind tweet of my dear friend, Kelly. 🙂 Thanks so much for your very sweet words on my site. I’m so sorry that you didn’t win the giveaway, but stay posted for more gfe-type giveaways. My heart goes out to you and your family with your struggles, but I’m thrilled to read that your daughter is turning the corner and getting healthier.
Many hugs,
Shirley
Katrina says
OH..and I posted a message on my Facebook about the giveaway AND followed IHerb on Twitter, too!
Carolyn says
I am subscribed to your blog also.
Emily says
Hi, I have posted on Twitter and also liked your FB page. I am new to eating gluten and sugar free and I LOVE iherb and their prices on coconut flour, oil, yacon syrup and stevia. I would love to win a gift certificate as it gets expensive eating this way! Thanks so much.
Shirley says
Hi Emily–Just wanted to give you a belated welcome to gfe! 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win the iHerb giveaway, but there will always be more gfe-type giveaways. In fact being new to gf eating, you might want to check out my current giveaway here. Any one of the ebooks I’m giving away could be a good choice for you.
All the best,
Shirley
Emily N. says
I’m registered with iHerb.
Emily N. says
I’d get Gluten-Free Pantry, Chocolate Truffle Brownie Mix. Yum!
Alisa - Frugal Foodie says
I’m already registered on iHerb, I bought from them once before. I wasn’t happy with their shipping (took three weeks from order!) so I hadn’t ordered from them since, but since I haven’t found another good go-to site, I’d like to give them another go.
Yep, already have a list – Shikai Mist & Go (detangler), palm sugar, nutritional yeast, shea butter, I could go on 🙂
Alisa - Frugal Foodie says
Already follow you on twitter!
Alisa - Frugal Foodie says
Didn’t know you had a facebook page! I’m a fan now.
Alisa - Frugal Foodie says
I tweeted!
Charlene Hobot says
posted on my facebook and twitter
Arlyn says
Found your blog on The Spunky Coconut =) I clicked “like” on your FB and will post this on my wall and leave a message on your FB post.I am already signed up with iHerb and I subscribed to get email updates.Hope I win!!!
Arlyn
Shirley says
Hi Arlyn–A belated welcome, but a warm welcome to gfe nonetheless! Thanks for all the connections. 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win this giveaway, but there will be more that fit the gfe approach. So glad you found gfe through my wonderful friend, Kelly, at The Spunky Coconut.
Happy Saturday!
Shirley
Alta says
I’ve already enjoyed the wonders of iherb.com before, but I’d love an incentive to get more goods! I already bought sucanat and carob powder from there.
Wendy says
I registered at iHerb.com as glutenfreegreenie.
I could really use some more Grapeseed Oil, and I’d love to try the Stevia that Amy talks so highly of on Simply Sugar and Gluten Free.
Wendy says
I subscribe to your blog via RSS feed.
I have you on my Google Reader so I try not to miss a post.
Wendy says
I like your facebook page. I left a comment on the page today but I didn’t mention I entered this giveaway.
Wendy says
I follow you on Twitter, I’m 1artsychick there.
Wendy says
I sent a retweeted about the giveaway.
http://twitter.com/1artsychick
Wendy says
I posted about the giveaway on my Facebook Page.
Wendy says
I already mentioned the giveaway on my blog before reading this. It’s at the end of this post
http://glutenfreegreenie.blogspot.com/2010/07/flax-seed-bread.html
Along with a mention about you trying the same recipe I did.
Wendy says
I’m following iHerb.com on Twitter.
Linda says
I really like iHerb. Don’t enter me in the giveaway as I’ve already received a shopping spree from them, but I just wanted to say thanks for linking up.
Iris says
Ok, I registered. 🙂 And what would I get if I won? I don’t know…so many options to choose from! Definitely chia seeds since everyone’s blogging about them and I’ve never tried them. They also carry my favorite brand of vitamins so that might be fun.
Sharon M. says
iherb seems to be the place to shop! I too have a wish list. I think I would purchase some coconut oil, chia seed, and cocoa powder. I might have to exceed the $50 and spend more! Great giveaway.
Jessica says
I already liked you on facebook and left a comment. 🙂
Deanna G. says
I registered! 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Deanna–Welcome to gfe … albeit a little late! 😉 Thanks so much for all the connections, too. 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win this giveaway, but check back for more gfe giveaways. And, there’s a great e-book giveaway right now on my Out and About page. Three terrific e-books to choose from!
Best to you,
Shirley
Deanna G. says
I’m interested in getting the Kashi, TLC, All Natural Cheese Snack Crackers, Country Cheddar & the Garden of Life, Whole Food Antioxidant Matrix Bar, Summer Berry!
Deanna G. says
I subscribe to your feed w/Google Reader.
Deanna G. says
I “Like” your Facebook page.
Deanna G. says
I follow you on Twitter as “calidreamin87”
Deanna G. says
Tweeted the giveaway:
http://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/19006147745
Deanna G. says
I follow iHerb on Twitter as “calidreamin87”
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
I love iherb – I am registered on their site. My current wishlist is lots of Navitas items like their yacon syrup, other natural sweeteners, fish oil (love the Metagenics one) and Bob’s Red Mill flaxseeds. Thank you for entering me in the giveaway!
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
I just subscribed to your blog! Thank your for entering me in your giveaway!
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
Just found your facebook page and hit “like” – thank you for entering me in your giveaway.
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
Just found you on twitter. THank you for entering me in the giveaway.
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
I follow iherb on twitter. Thank you for entering me in your giveaway 🙂
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
I just tweeted about your giveaway. Thanks so much for all the opportunities to enter.
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
I just blogged about your giveaway: http://www.citylifeeats.com/2010/07/why-i-love-summer.html
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
I received my goodies last week and blogged about them: http://www.citylifeeats.com/2010/07/happy-friday-and-my-iherb-goodies.html
And I already put one item from the giveaway to good use: http://www.citylifeeats.com/2010/08/is-it-really-only-tuesday.html
Thanks again so much 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Valerie–Thanks for sharing these posts! I love how you got right into using your iHerb products … such fun, huh? 🙂
Shirley