I'm really glad I got a single box of these flakes at the health food store before buying a multi-pack online because I can't repurchase. In fact I shouldn't have purchased it at all after reading the box label at the store, but wanted to check the product out tastewise.
Buckwheat's not a grain, but a seed, and straight buckwheat is relatively low in carbohydrates, which is why it's great for diabetics or people who eat low carb. Unfortunately as a pseudo-grain it lacks binding properties which is why manufacturers tend to add a secondary grain product to help whatever it is hold together. A true buckwheat udon noodle would be lovely, for example, but too often there is more wheat flour than buckwheat and the final product gets carb-heavy.
Unfortunately, the case is similar here. Though this cereal is very tasty, buckwheat is coupled with rice flour (second ingredient) and sugar cane juice (third) and maple syrup (fifth). By the time they're done making this, it's 35 carbs in a cup (and less than a gram of fiber). That's like drinking a non-diet cola.
This could be fixed by the manufacturer lowering the rice content, and eliminating the sugar and maple, allowing us to choose our own sweetener, but I understand the world doesn't revolve around people restricting carb intake. Just wishful thinking.
But if you're a gluten intolerant person and have no blood sugar issues... this is your cereal... and I'm jealous.
Arrowhead Mills products are outstanding, and their buckwheat flour is one of our kids all time favorites especially in buckwheat pancakes where we do little more than add water, a little vanilla, water, and stir... so we figured 'what could be better than our favorite buckwheat pressed into flakes'? Well... almost.
These flakes have a great texture and are very crispy, and they do not lose their crispiness quickly when in the bowl with milk. There is also a hint of maple glaze about them that might add to keeping them from getting soggy.
They are really great with ripe, sweet peaches cut up and added to them, and they are excellent with strawberries and raspberries. However, by when served alone, with no fruit to sweeten the offering, they just do not get an A+ grade from us. Again, the texture and crispness is excellent, but the taste just falls flat -they do not scream "Buckwheat" at all... instead, they are kinda like a better frosted flakes product without the added sugar.
In our humble opinion, buy these instead of buying store bought frosted flakes but make sure that you have a nice, sweet, natural accompaniment to go with them. If you don't expect the earthy buckwheat flavor to really show itself, then you will not be disappointed. Glad we tried them and would do it again if another free shipping deal comes along.
Buy Arrowhead Mills Organic Maple Buckwheat Flakes -- 10 oz Now
The cost is two time of what you should pay for this! On iherb.com it cost under $5 for the same 10 oz box.
Read Best Reviews of Arrowhead Mills Organic Maple Buckwheat Flakes -- 10 oz Here
Delicious and easy to prepare. I could not find it locally so am glad to be able to order from amazon. I use it for a side dish with butter, as a pilaf base and as a cereal.
