Veggie Made Great muffins are a delicious and nutritious snack made with wholesome ingredients like veggies, grains, and fruits. They come in a variety of flavors like blueberry, chocolate chip, banana nut, and more. Veggie Made Great aims to sneak veggies into treats kids and adults love without sacrificing any of the taste. Their muffins are made with real, recognizable ingredients and are free from artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that go into these yummy muffins!
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in Veggie Made Great muffins include:
Whole Wheat Flour
The muffins are made with 100% whole wheat flour instead of processed white flour. Whole wheat flour contains the nutrient-rich germ and bran that are removed during processing of white flour. It provides the muffins with extra protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Vegetables
Each Veggie Made Great muffin contains at least 1 full serving of vegetables, adding important vitamins like A, C, and K. Some of the veggies used are carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, zucchini, and beets. The veggies boost the nutritional value and also make the muffins extra moist.
Fruits
Fruits like bananas, blueberries, and apples provide natural sweetness and flavor to the muffins. They also contribute beneficial antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
Eggs and Oil
Eggs and oil like canola or olive oil act as binders and provide structure, moisture, and richness to the muffin batter and crumb. The eggs also add protein.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed contributes omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a nutty flavor. It acts as a substitute for butter in the muffins to keep them vegan.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These leavening agents help the muffins rise high and achieve a fluffy, tender crumb. They create air bubbles when mixed with the acidic ingredients.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Flavorings
Depending on the muffin variety, other flavoring ingredients may include:
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder gives chocolate flavor and color to chocolate chip and chocolate muffins. It also provides antioxidants and magnesium.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and dimension to muffins like apple cinnamon and banana nut. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract provides aromatic vanilla flavor. It enhances sweetness without added sugar.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice gives brightness to lemon blueberry muffins and allows the use of less sugar. It acts as the acid needed to react with the baking soda.
Nutmeg
Warm, sweet nutmeg accentuates flavors in pumpkin muffins and carrot cake muffins.
Sweeteners
Veggie Made Great muffins are sweetened with minimal amounts of natural sweeteners like:
Honey
Honey adds floral sweetness and moisture. It has a lower glycemic index than sugar.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup provides earthy, robust sweetness. It contains antioxidants like polyphenols.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar supplies deeper molasses sweetness compared to white sugar. It also contains small amounts of minerals.
Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar has a caramel-like, subtly coconutty flavor. It is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar.
Common Add-Ins
Depending on the muffin variety, you may also find these add-ins:
Chocolate chips
Chocolate chips melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness in flavors like chocolate chip, mint chocolate chip, and mocha chip.
Nuts
Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and nutty flavor to muffins like banana nut, apple cinnamon walnut, and lemon blueberry almond.
Dried fruit
Raisins or dried cranberries provide chewy texture and additional sweetness.
Shredded coconut
Shredded coconut gives tropical flair and crunch to coconut flavored muffins.
Streusel topping
A streusel topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and oats adds sweet crunchy contrast on muffins like blueberry streusel.
| Muffin Variety | Main Flavors and Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Blueberry | Blueberries, lemon, vanilla |
| Chocolate chip | Semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla |
| Pumpkin spice | Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger |
| Banana nut | Bananas, walnuts, cinnamon |
| Carrot cake | Shredded carrots, cinnamon, raisins, walnuts |
| Apple cinnamon walnut | Apples, cinnamon, walnuts |
| Lemon blueberry almond | Blueberries, lemon, almonds |
| Double chocolate | Cocoa powder, chocolate chips |
Nutritional Profile
Here is an overview of the nutrition found in Veggie Made Great muffins:
Calories
One muffin ranges from 130-160 calories depending on the variety. This is lower than most regular muffins which can range from 400-500 calories.
Carbohydrates
There are around 24-28g net carbs per muffin. The carbs come from the whole grains and naturally sweet fruits and veggies. The fiber content helps slow absorption of the sugars.
Fiber
With 4-5g of fiber per muffin, these provide more fiber than your average bakery muffin. The whole grains and fruits contribute insoluble and soluble fiber.
Protein
You’ll get around 4-6g of protein in each muffin thanks to ingredients like whole wheat flour, eggs, nuts, and flaxseed.
Sugar
The muffins contain 9-12g total sugars compared to 30-40g in a typical muffin. Natural sweeteners like honey and fruit provide sweetness instead of refined sugar.
Fat
There are around 5-7g of fat per muffin, primarily from the oil and eggs. This is much less fat than traditional butter-laden muffins.
Sodium
With 115-165mg sodium per muffin, these contain minimal added salt and are a lighter sodium option compared to many baked goods.
Vitamins and Minerals
Standout vitamins and minerals based on the veggies used include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.
Ingredients to Avoid
Here are some ingredients you WON’T find in Veggie Made Great muffins:
Refined Flours
No bleached or processed white flours are used. Only 100% whole wheat flour.
Refined Sugars
There is no table sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Only modest amounts of natural sweeteners.
Trans Fats
Veggie Made Great muffins contain no partially hydrogenated oils high in trans fats.
Artificial Ingredients
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are added. All real food ingredients.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
No high fructose corn syrup is used to sweeten the muffins.
GMOs
Veggie Made Great muffins are made without genetically modified ingredients.
Where to Buy
Wondering where you can find Veggie Made Great muffins? Here are some places to check:
Grocery Stores
Many major grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Stop & Shop, and Harris Teeter carry them in the bakery section.
Target
Target stocks Veggie Made Great muffins near the other bakery items and breakfast foods.
Walmart
You can find selections of Veggie Made Great muffins in the bakery department of your local Walmart.
Amazon
Various multipacks and individual muffin packs can be purchased online through Amazon.
Instacart
Instacart allows you to order Veggie Made Great muffins for delivery from local stores that carry them.
Brand Website
You can use the store locator on the Veggie Made Great website to find nearby stores selling their muffins.
Cost
Veggie Made Great muffins typically cost around $4.99 for a pack of 4 muffins. Sometimes they go on sale for $3.99 or BOGO specials. Their price point is similar to other premium bakery muffins like Whole Foods bakery muffins. While pricier than basic grocery store muffins, you’re paying for quality ingredients and nutrition.
Taste Reviews
Here’s what people have to say about the taste and texture of Veggie Made Great muffins:
Moist and tender crumb
Many reviews mention the muffins are incredibly soft and moist, not dry or crumbly. The veggie purees and fruits help retain moisture.
Sweet but not overly sugary
The natural sweeteners provide sweetness but aren’t cloying. The muffins satisfy cravings without being too sweet.
Subtle veggie flavor
While packed with veggies, most say you don’t taste an overwhelming veggie flavor. The veggies blend well with the fruits and grains.
Great texture from add-ins
Chocolate chips, nuts, coconut and fruit add nice textural contrast and complement the soft crumb.
Kid approved and family friendly
Many parents say their kids love and devour these veggie muffins, unlike other health foods. The flavors appeal to adults too.
Nutrition Compared to Regular Muffins
Veggie Made Great muffins deliver more nutrition in a sensible portion size compared to giant 400-500 calorie bakery muffins. Here’s a nutrition comparison:
| Nutrition Facts | Veggie Made Great (1 muffin) | Regular Bakery Blueberry Muffin (1 large muffin) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 500 |
| Total Fat | 5g | 19g |
| Carbs | 24g | 76g |
| Protein | 4g | 5g |
| Fiber | 4g | 2g |
| Sugar | 9g | 32g |
As shown, Veggie Made Great muffins are lower in calories, fat, carbs, and sugar. They also offer more satisfying fiber and protein.
Benefits of Veggie Made Great Muffins
Here are some of the biggest benefits you’ll get from choosing Veggie Made Great over traditional muffins:
Lower in Calories
With just 130-160 calories per muffin, it’s easier to enjoy them guilt-free and keep portion sizes in check.
Higher in Fiber
The extra fiber from whole grains, fruits, and veggies helps fill you up, steady blood sugar, and promote digestive health.
More Protein
The protein from plant and egg sources provides sustained energy and satisfaction.
Natural Ingredients
You can recognize every ingredient on the label unlike artificial bakery muffins. Real, minimally processed foods provide more nutrients.
Hidden Veggies
You get an effortless full serving of vegetables in each muffin for a nutrition boost.
Lower Glycemic Impact
Despite being sweetened, their lower glycemic load helps prevent spikes and crashes.
No Artificial Ingredients
No fake colors, flavors, or preservatives are used, only real food ingredients.
Conclusion
Veggie Made Great muffins manage to sneak in servings of wholesome fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, and seeds into irresistible baked treats. Their most common ingredients include whole wheat flour, bananas, carrots, spinach, blueberries, eggs, oil, baking powder, and natural sweeteners like honey. You won’t find any refined flours, sugars, trans fats, GMOs or artificial junk. These nutrient-dense muffins taste amazing thanks to their tender, moist crumb and well-balanced flavors. With fewer calories, carbs and sugar, plus more protein and fiber than typical muffins, they offer a healthier way to indulge your sweet tooth and get in extra nutrition. Veggie Made Great muffins provide the best of both worlds – a delicious muffin packed with good-for-you ingredients.