In full disclosure, I do not participate in a fully gluten-free diet, but I have started to become more aware of flours and products within my foods due to digestive sensitivities.  Also, many people in my life have gluten-free diets due to reactions, restrictions (like Celiac's disease), or just know that our overly processed foods are detrimental to their digestive systems.  

I have seen a gastroenterologist for past digestive issues, and we did do various tests that look for markers for inflammatory bowel diseases, like Celiac's. One of my inflammation markers was elevated, which can mean various things, but one of the suggestions is a sensitivity to gluten. I have not gone further than this test as I've not been having many issues, but honestly, I've cut out a lot of the things that were causing issues with my body.

Those with gluten sensitivities often find out because they have some form of malnutrition and/ or digestive issues going on. Whether it's gastro irritation, fatigue, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders, there are people that can't tolerate gluten, even though it's been around as long as people have been turning wheat into bread. 

The issue is that a lot of our processed foods are so full of fillers (and yes, I love my crackers, breads, and chips ahoy like many out there), that our bodies can't digest it properly. Some folks have worse reactions than others to gluten, eventually having to cut it out or give it up altogether. Some folks don't, but still give it up anyway for whatever reason.

For me, I don't give up gluten in full, but I have been looking more into other foods to see what plays a role in my own gastro difficulties. So, when I heard about Mightylicious, I was interested in learning more about their cookies and flours. 

Mightylicious creates gluten-free cookies with simple clean ingredients. I love a good cookie, but sometimes they don't love me back. Gluten free items used to have stigma's that included lack of flavor, texture, and horrible aftertastes. There have been amazing strides to create quality gluten-free products that are also delicious, and I think that Mightylicious might be a winner.

Currently, 7 types of cookies are available for your taste buds to enjoy. I was sent Brown Butter Chocolate Chip, Brown Butter Shortbread, Salted Peanut Butter, and Double Dutch Chocolate Chip cookies to test out. 

Each package has between 9 and 10 cookies that are either individually wrapped or wrapped in two's/ threes. Creating and baking is done in hand-crafted small batches, sometimes creating cookies of varying sizes. While the shelf life is around 9 months, don't be alarmed because cookies basically go out immediately upon packaging-they don't sit around a warehouse! Cookies are freezable as well!

Ingredients include: cage free eggs, white cane sugar, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and Mightylicious' own flour creation. More about the flour below! All cookies kosher, NON-GMO, lack hydrogenated oil, are preservative free, and gluten-free. There are also vegan options available if needed. 

As far as the cookies:

In my opinion, the chocolate chip could have more chips.. but I'm a diehard chocolate lover and love my cookies to be filled with Chocolatey goodness. The flour and sweeteners give this cookie a great taste without the ugly residual effects of some sweeteners. The package of 3 is a perfect snack for Santa or mom & dad when you finally sit down for your favorite TV show or movie. 

 

Cookies are around 90 calories each, with about 7 grams of sugar and 16 grams of carbs. For a small cookie, they pack powerful flavor created by using the best ingredients that aren't full of processed "stuff". 

I think so far the peanut butter has been a clear winner for me, but I've been in a PB kick lately. They were also packaged in three's. The peanut butter taste definitely shone in these cookies, and I didn't have any problems with acid reflux. As I have learned, peanut butter can kick it up, and that is so sad, because I love it, but now.. moderation!

I haven't tried the double dutch chocolate chip yet. 

The Shortbread was smooth but didn't have the texture I love in my shortbread (that hard "bite" wasn't there), yet the buttery smooth flavor was amazing. They were individually packaged and the sizing was perfect for just one treat! I don't think I would need more than that, as the sweetness combined with the butter texture was perfect to curb my sweet tooth, which is saying a lot! 

If you are a baker, then Mightylicious has the flour for you! They have created their own blend of gluten-free flour that they use in their own baking, but that can be available for all home-baked creations. It does contain xantham gum already, so no need to add liquids or gum to your mixes. Xantham gum is an additive that acts as a stabilizer and thickening agent. 

I have heard that in traditional gluten-free flours, it is hard to bake because extra liquids or proteins are needed to hold the products together (which is the job of gluten, by the way), and it's hard to substitute gluten-free flour directly for all-purpose without altering the original recipe. 

With Mightylicious flour, it's similar to traditional regular all-purpose flour, so no alterations to recipes are needed.

The gluten-free all-purpose flour definitely worked for me. I made pancakes using it and didn't have any digestive issues like I sometimes do with regular flours. 

The Mightylicious All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour is made with white rice flour, brown rice flour, corn starch, tapioca flour, potato starch, xanthan gum and milk powder. 

This flour doesn't alter the taste of baked goods like I have experience with other gluten-free flours. 

Same with the gritty feeling as this one is milled especially fine to be suitable for baking! 

While I didn't get them because I'm not vegan, there are also vegan flours and brownie mixes available for those in need of products free of dairy. (Milk is one of the components used to make their flours). 

If you struggle with the holiday season because the myriad of baked goods isn't suitable for your digestive and dietary needs, then definitely be sure to check out Mightylicious. I know that when I cut out the processed foods and focus on homemade quality ingredients, my stomach and I certainly feel better! Mightylicious can provide quality, delicious cookies without all the junk.. and will make a great Christmas gift for anyone in your family, regardless if they follow dietary restrictions or not!

This holiday season, be sure to add Mightylicious to your stocking stuffer gift list. They are also perfect for hostess gifts, cookies to have on hand for those with dietary restrictions during parties/ school events, and are just a generally good sweet treat. Don't forget the flour too-maybe you can wake up to warm fluffy pancakes on Christmas Day, or bake your own cinnamon rolls, or whatever your holiday traditions might be!

Of course, don't forget to leave out some cookies for Santa! He will appreciate your thoughtfulness if he has had to go gluten-free due to health reasons this year! 

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