I have been attracted to the live, raw, vegan, whole foods lifestyle for many years. It just makes sense for our bodies, the environment, and the health and wellbeing of both. A grain-free lifestyle is a no-brainer for me, and the benefits of soaking and sprouting before consumption creates a list a mile-long. But, it takes work. Hard work. And, I need Lydia’s Foods to do that for me.

Our Mission is to help the planet and the next seven generations flourish by making nourishing vegan, organic, raw, cooked and gluten-free foods that cultivate a healthy and joyful life for all. Each day we strive to create environments of nourishment and community by supporting local farms, health food education and community outreach. Ultimately we want our food to become accessible to everyone on Earth.

With over 30 years of wholesome culinary practice, Lydia Kindheart carefully crafts nutritive, handmade recipes. Lydia’s small batch artisanal creations, using sprouted seeds and nuts, and low temperature dehydration, provides you and your family with truly nutritious and holistically wholesome food.

• PROTECT the planet, people and animals

• RESPECT the interdependence of human, animal, plant, soil, and global life

• PROMOTE a future emphasizing ecological sustainability

• CONTRIBUTE positively to our communities and our world

• INFLUENCE positive choices by people and other businesses

• ENABLE healthy human livelihood through cooperation, education, and community

• We take utmost care for the preservation of the living vitality and nutrition of ingredients

• We create convenient alternatives to commonly available commercial snacks

• We support organic farmers and disallow GMO’s, refined sugars, and hydrogenated oils

• We believe in fostering trust with all stakeholders, from suppliers to retailers to customers

• We mitigate our environmental impact in production, packaging and operations

• We market the most nutritious and holistically wholesome food as possible

Kale Krunchies
Of course I began with the kale chips. OF COURSE I did!
I am a kale chip lover through and through. However, I am also quite severely allergic to garlic – which means finding just the “right” chip is hard for this little goldilocks.
It has to be crunchy. It has to be crispy. It has to have depth. It has to be savory. It has to be thick and hearty. It has to have amazing flavor. And, it has to be sans-garlic.
Thank you, Lydia’s! You are miracle workers.

All flavors of kale chips – in fact the entire product line – is garlic-free!!! What’s more is that the herbs and spices used in place of garlic create a savory sensation that is just THAT much better.

Herbs de Provence
Swoon. Yes – that good.
As I mentioned before, my perfect “just right” kale chip really must have some density to it. I’m not a fan of flimsy little flakes that can blow away in a slight breeze. I need some heartiness to my chip. And, some exquisite flavor.
Organic Kale, Organic Sprouted Sunflower Seeds, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Cashews, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds, Natural Himalayan Salt, Organic Basil, Organic Rosemary, Organic Thyme, Organic Parsley, Organic Marjoram, Organic Lavender, Organic Tarragon, & ♥.
No oil, no fuss. Just good old plant foods and LOVE. ♥ is my very favorite ingredient.

Green Goddess
I was a little worried about the name – as any “Green Goddess” experience I’ve had in the past has transformed me into a garlic goddess. But remember, no vampire killing ingredients here – just kindness and love.
Parsley, cilantro, basil – that’s where the green comes from.
Oh, and did I mention the nuts are sprouted? This means health AND deliciousness to my belly.

Sassy & Spicy
No need to fear, the spice comes from a hint of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and of course, a whole lot of love.

Mega Spirulina
I have always found spirulina to be a touch too sweet for my taste buds and have been turned off. However, Lydia’s fixes this fiasco by adding a touch of cayenne and even some dill. I might venture to say that this flavor was actually my favorite – some true heartiness – but I think I might digress back to the Herbs de Provence – I dream of France frequently.

Next on my list to try were the Super Carrot Sprouted Chips. I’ve never had a sprouted carrot chip before, and I was quite excited.
You see, I am a fine cook and phenomenal food preparer. However, I lack the patience necessary to create and craft my own RAW foods. The health benefits are outstanding. The taste is always delicious. But, the labor is beyond my capacity. Soaking, sprouting, and then dehydrating. I’d rather let Lydia’s take the cake for all that work. Oh, boy do they ever. I really loved these little carrot crisps. Flaxseed and sprouted sunflower seeds bring the bulk to the business, and the carrot flavor is highlighted by red bell pepper, a zing of lemon juice, and a touch of dill. I love how thin and super crisp these little ones are. Great for snacking…great for salads!

I think Lydia’s knew I am a fan of veggie “chips.” The crunch, the crisp – it feeds my soul. They also sent me Green Garden Sprouted Crackers to try. These were amazing as well, of course, but in a somewhat different way. Again, comprised of soaked and sprouted seeds, I was able to get my fill of collards, kale, lettuce, parsley, basil, and plenty of Herbs de Provence, once again. YUM! These were thicker though. Denser. Heartier.  I liked them…and I particularly enjoyed them when “moistened” by the pleasure of cucumber slices. The extra veggie slices added a touch of softness and serenity to my palate. And, these were extra filling! I image creating canapés with cucumber, tomato, thinly sliced carrots, and marinated greens over these Green Garden Sprouted Crackers for my next bit of entertaining…or maybe just for my own personal lunch!

My next stop on my culinary journey was with the Coconut Curry Mild & “Kreemy” Sauce Mix.

“100% Vegan. Keto. Paleo. Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Allium Free (remember no garlic for me). Ayurvedic Friendly. Oil Free. Yeast Free. Peanut Free.”

Lydia’s, I love you!!
This creamy mix of cashews, coconut milk, and yummy curry spices made my dreams come true. I adore curry, but simply cannot consume it often – alliums aside. BUT, I was able to mix this dehydrated powder with a touch of water to create the most amazing dipping sauce on earth. I’m no longer on earth. I’m in heaven!

Finally, a little something on the sweeter side. The Sprouted & Grain-Free Cacao Crunch Bar. Perfect, right? PERFECT. Just right.
I really enjoy chocolate, dark chocolate – and nothing too sweet. So, again, Lydia’s, you are the best. You have the perfect flavor combination and crunch concoction going here.

The bar is a perfectly sized snack.  And, it was one of those magical moments upon first bite that made me want to come back for another bite, and another, and another.  Subtle cacao, subtle sweet, and a hint of toastiness (almost reminiscent of coffee and mocha) from the buckwheat groats. Well done!

Obviously I LOVED the products. ADORED them.
“Eat Better. Feel Better.”

Yes, and make sure things taste better. And you know what…I think the secret ingredient really IS love. I know I aspire to add that little extra to all my homemade goodness.

Thank you, Lydia’s for your kindness and grace.

You have me coming back for more.

There are SO many additional items I want to try – not neglecting to order cases of kale chips…

• Apple Crunch Cereal (you know me and my crunch)
• Berry Good Sprouted Cereal
• Lemon Ginger Sprouted Bar
• Sunflower Caraway Sprouted Bread (I love caraway)
• Herbs de Provence Sprouted Seeds and Nuts (of course!)
• Ayurvedic Herbs and Herbs de Provence Vegan Butter
• Ayurvedic Golden “Melk” (in fact, I may be ordering this one today!)

Oh, and how I will dream of the opportunity to visit Lydia’s fresh market in Petaluma some day – In fact, I will make a point to visit and delight in her nourishment with the ultimate gratitude.