Tasty Bite Tasting Party and Giveaway

I first came across Tasty Bite packaged sides and entrees when I began shopping at HEB shortly after I moved to Texas. In fact, when I worked nights I used to buy them for Chris so she wouldn't starve in the event that she didn't feel like cooking for herself! When she was trying to reduce her gluten intake, she ate a lot of them for lunches as well. All of their products are vegetarian and most of them are vegan. As a regular and satisfied customer, I was excited when they contacted me about sending me samples and hosting a giveaway for my readers with their products at center stage.

I received a box of six Tasty Bite items from the manufacturer; Punjab Eggplant, Channa Masala, Thai Lime Rice, GInger Lentil Rice, Kung Pao Noodle, and Pad Thai Noodle.

The noodle packs are a new product. Chris and I tried these first. Both were flavorful and spicy and we would both purchase them again. They made excellent lunches. As they are newer, though, I have not been able to find them being sold locally. Alas.

For the other items, I decided to have a Tasty Bite "tasting party," and made an evening out of enjoying the Indian items they sent us. I made a batch of garlic naan using the recipe in one of my favorite ethnic cookbooks, Vegan Eats World, and the two of us sat down to sample the Punjab Eggplant, Channa Masala, and Ginger Lentil Rice.

My first impression after beginning our sampling was that we had sat down to an excellent combination of flavors. The spiciest of the bunch was the Ginger Lentil Rice. Next, the Channa Masala was sweet with just a dash of spice. It had a hearty texture and a slightly sour taste, almost like a curry. The Punjab Eggplant, meanwhile, was sweet and spicy at the same time. The eggplant flavor was pronounced yet enjoyable and it had a smooth, creamy texture. Chris, who usually hates eggplant, cleaned the bowl with her naan. This was my favorite of the three, too.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed my meal! And I'm looking forward to having the rest of that eggplant for lunch!

Tasty Bite's products are great in a pinch and are very vegan friendly. Chris refers to them as vegan MREs (she was in the army). As mentioned before, they make great lunches and side dishes. In the past, we've enjoyed them with plain steamed rice and even on baked potatoes. And if you're on the road or traveling, a couple of Tasty Bites in your luggage may make finding a meal a whole lot easier. For first time buyers who are new to ethnic food, Tasty Bites are a great introduction. They offer varying levels of spiciness which will encourage you to try new things!

So, like I said, the folks at Tasty Bite are giving me the opportunity to hook up one of my readers with a box of samples like mine. Note, they provided me these items but are not paying me for my time or review. And one of my readers will be sent one package of six vegan Tasty Bite products to enjoy similar if not identical to mine sent to them from the manufacturer. Are you interested in being the winner? Here's how to enter.

Just like previous giveaways, all you have to do to enter is COMMENT ON THIS BLOG POST. I'd like to know if you've tried a Tasty Bite product before! What is your favorite one? If you haven't, what is your favorite type of ethnic food? When you make your comment, you must USE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS. I will enter everyone's names into a hat and pick one at random. I will then contact the winner via email (which is why you have to use a valid one) in order to get them their package. For ADDITIONAL ENTRIES, comment on this photo for the giveaway on Facebook and this post for the contest on Google+. You may comment once per day on each of these social networking sites. Your initial entry MUST be on this blog post, though. A comment on Google+ or Facebook will be meaningless without a comment here. You will have until 11:59PM Central Standard Time on August 17th to enter.

In the meantime, if you'd like to try a few Tasty Bite items before you potentially win, you will find them in a number of grocery stores. I have found the most variety at Sprouts in Austin, with HEB trailing close behind. You can even find them in New Hampshire (I'm looking at YOU, relatives) at Shaw's and Hannaford supermarkets. For more store locations, visit the Store Locator on their website.

Thanks for reading! And I hope you win!