There’s A New Cereal In Town

A new cereal has found its place on the shelves of Friendly City Food Co-op. Quinoa Queen is a cereal from a start-up company that values ethically sourced and healthy food. The start-up company began in Ecuador and is making its way to the United States. The lucky customers of Friendly City are some of the company’s first American customers!

The ingredients are simple: whole unrefined quinoa. Quinoa is a great source of fiber and vegetarian protein. The grain is higher in protein than other grains such as rice, wheat, or barley. Quinoa also does not contain gluten, so it’s safe for anyone with a gluten allergy or Celiac’s disease to consume. It is an excellent source of zinc and magnesium, while also containing iron and some antioxidants. Overall, the grain is an excellent food to incorporate into the diet.

For anyone living with multiple food allergies, finding nutritious and convenient foods that fit the diet can be a challenge. Quinoa Queen cereal is completely free of dairy, nuts, and gluten making it an ideal choice for someone with one of these common allergens. There are three types of the cereal; Citrus Bliss, Unsweetened, and Lightly Sweetened. I recommend tasting the lightly sweetened version first. All the cereals can be used to make granola bars with dates, chocolate chips or nuts and used as bread crumbs or croutons!

I highly recommend picking up a box of Quinoa Queen at Friendly City. The earthy and nutty flavor of quinoa varies from cereal’s usual refined wheat taste. Try adding a sliced banana, blueberries, or strawberries for extra sweetness. This cereal is perfect for anyone with gluten allergies or sensitivities, general food allergies, or someone looking to taste a new and nutritious food.

 

Madeleine Wirth

Madeleine is a senior at James Madison University, studying to be a registered dietitian. She loves exploring recipes with fresh and nutritious ingredients. As a native to the Shenandoah Valley, she passionately supports the local food economy in Harrisonburg.