I get a lot of gluten-free products sent to me from both big and small companies. Some are from huge corporate behemoths reintroducing an old favorite as gluten-free — others are from small companies or individuals trying to create a product that can compete in a hugely competitive gluten-free marketplace. The products range from unbelievably good to unbelievably bad (you’ll never see the bad ones here) and everything in between.
One day last month, I found a package waiting for me at the office — it was a small box from Zenergy Powerballs. I had never heard of these and I had no idea what to expect. After reading the ingredients, my first impression was that they sounded like a really fancy Larabar in the shape of a ball. They’re made from dates, nuts, and Chinese herbs. I’m usually not one to be bowled over by things like Chinese herbs, but I’m open to just about anything when it comes to food.
The three flavors that were in the box were coconut, almond, and goji berry, all with Chinese herbs such as He shou Wu, Schizandra, Cordyceps as well as South American superfoods like Maca, Cacao, Lucuma and Mesquite (all come with some extraordinary health claims). Again, these aren’t things that I typically look for in my food, but with the way these tasted — it didn’t really matter. The flavor was excellent without being overpowering. A very subtle sweetness and a perfect soft and chewy texture, perfect for a snack or an emergency meal anywhere. The hardest thing for me was not eating the entire package — they were really that good. Regardless of your views on holistic medicine, new age philosophy, or any of the other things that these Powerballs might represent — they are for you. I promise you that if you try them once, you will be addicted.
Peggy Sue Honeyman-Scott
Zenergy Powerballs is owned and managed by Peggy Sue Honeyman-Scott of Santa Monica, California. She is the co-author of the cookbook Rock N Roll Cuisine. No surprise by her love of Chinese herbs, she’s a jin shin jyutsu practitioner and certified yoga instructor. After talking with her for about an hour, she gave the impression of someone who is not only passionate about what she does, but someone who really cares about the quality and integrity of her product — this is something that is sorely needed in a gluten-free community that is fraught with charlatans trying to sell us all sorts of junk food repackaged with a gluten-free label attached to it. Thank you Peggy Sue!
Zenergy Powerballs are available at many Whole Foods stores throughout Arizona and California. You can also buy them online from the Zenergy Website. Either way, just do it and you will be happy you did.
FYI: for all of you paleo/primal fans, these are perfect for you too. They’re nothing but dates, nuts, and herbs.
