Free from Selection boxes/Advent Calenders/Xmas Treats

Yes it's creeping up on us again that time of year where there is an abundance of sweet treats, cakes, chocolate and all that stuff that is a nightmare to anyone with allergies or intolerances. 

So over the next few weeks I will be checking out alternatives so no one will be left out. 

Prices will vary so shop around if you can to find the best deal. 

I will start with the Moo Free selection which I think are fab as they are Soya free too and if you are anything like me trying to find anything that is dairy & Soya free chocolate wise is a mission. 

Ingredients are listed please note some are may contain and listed in bold along with the main allergens

MOO FREE 

Moo Free Advent Calender

ADVENT CALENDER

Ingredients: 

Cocoa Solids*[45%] (cocoa butter, cocoa mass), Sugar* [35%], Rice Powder* [20%], emulsifier (sunflower lecithin) & natural flavoring. *Organic ingredients. 

May contain traces of Hazelnuts

SELECTION BOX 

Moo Free Merry Moo Selection Box

'A selection of four delicious Mini Moo treats from Moo Free. This box contains an Original Bar, a Bunnycomb Bar, a Minty Moo Bar and a Cheeky Orange Bar'

Ingredients: 

Original Bar: Cocoa Solids [45%](Cocoa butter, Cocoa mass), Sugar [35%], Rice powder [20%], emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin) & natural flavourings.

Bunnycomb Bar: Cocoa solids [39%] (cocoa butter, cocoa mass) Sugar [31%], Rice Powder [18%], Honeycomb toffee [12%] (sugar, glucose syrup, sodium bicarbonate), emulsifier (sunflower lecithin) & natural flavourings.

Minty Moo Bar: Cocoa solids [39%] (cocoa butter, cocoa mass), sugar [30%], rice powder [17%], mint [13%] (sugar, ethically sourced palm oil, natural flavour), emulsifier (sunflower lecithin) & natural flavourings.

Cheeky Orange Bar: Cocoa Solids [39%] (cocoa butter, cocoa mass), sugar [30%], RICE POWDER [17%], orange [13%](sugar, ethically sourced palm oil, natural flavour), emulsifier (sunflower lecithin) & natural flavourings. 

May contain traces of Hazelnuts 

Moo Free Santa Bar

SANTA BAR 

Ingredients: Cocoa Solids*[45%] (Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass), Sugar*[35%], Rice Powder*[20%], Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin) & Natural Flavouring. 45% Cocoa, *Organic Ingredients 

Available From:

Some local health food shops, Amazon, Sainsbury's, Holland and Barrett, Large Morrison's, Asda, Vegan Store. 

There is also a store and online retain locator on their website www.moofreechocolates.com go find a stockist.

HOLLAND & BARRETT RANGE

Holland & Barrett Dairy Free
Vegan Advent Calendar

DAIRY FREE VEGAN ADVENT CALENDAR

Ingredients: 

Cane Sugar [35%], Cocoa Butter, Rice Powder (Rice Syrup Powder, Rice Starch, Rice Flour), Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin)

May contain traces of Soya

Holland & Barrett Dairy Free
Red Advent Calendar

DAIRY FREE RED ADVENT CALENDAR

Ingredients: 

Cane Sugar [35%], Cocoa Butter, Rice Powder (Rice Syrup Powder, Rice Starch, Rice Flour), Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin) 

May contain traces of Soya

Holland & Barrett Dairy Free
No Added Sugar Advent Calender

DAIRY FREE NO ADDED SUGAR ADVENT CALENDAR

Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Soya Flour, Cocoa Mass, Xylitol, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin)

Contains Soya, Naturally Occurring Sugars 

CHOICES (AT HOLLAND & BARRETT)

CHOICES DAIRY FREE CHOCOLATE SELECTION BOX

Ingredients: 

Choices Dairy Free Chocolate Selection Box

Choc Bar: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Choc 'N' Orange Bar: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Coconut Oil, Rice Four, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Choc 'N' Crispie Bar: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Crisped Rice [5%] (Rice Flour, Sugar, Cocoa), Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Choc Rondellos: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavouring, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

White Rondellos: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Maize Flour, Coconut Oil, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin) 

CHOICES DAIRY FREE CHOCOLATE SANTA'S

Choices Dairy Free
Chocolate Santa (White)

Ingredients:

White Chocolate Santa: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Powder (Rice Syrup, Rice Starch, Rice Flour), Inulin, Natural Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Milk Chocolate Santa: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Powder (Rice Syrup, Rice Starch, Rice Flour), Inulin, Natural Flavouring, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Plamil Organic Fairtrade
Milk Choc Alternative
Santa Bar

PLAMIL

ORGANIC FAIRTRADE MILK CHOC ALTERNATIVE SANTA BAR

Ingredients: 

Sugar*[36.5%], Cocoa Butter*, Rice Powder*(Rice Syrup Powder*, Rice Starch*, Rice Flour*)[16.3%], Cocoa Mass*, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Cocoa solids 45% min, *Organic Ingredients.  

May contain traces of Soya

Organic Dairy Free
Selection Box

ORGANIC DAIRY FREE SELECTION BOX 

Ingredients: 

Organic Fairtrade Milk Choc Alternative Santa: Sugar*[36.5%], Cocoa Butter*, Rice Powder*(Rice Syrup Powder*, Rice Starch*,Rice Flour*)[16.3%], Cocoa Mass*, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Cocoa Solids 45% min

Organic Dairy Free Alternative to Milk Chocolate with Orange Flavour Snowman: Sugar*[36.5%], Cocoa Butter*, Rice Powder* (Rice Syrup Powder*, Rice Starch*, Rice Flour*)[16.3%], Cocoa Mass*, Flavouring (Orange Oil*), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Cocoa Solids 45% min. 

Organic Dark Chocolate Sweetened with Coconut Blossom Sugar: Cocoa Mass*, Coconut Blossom Sugar*[33%], Cocoa Butter*. Cocoa Solids 67% min

Organic Dairy Free Alternative to White Chocolate with Mint Flavour Snowman: Cocoa Butter* [48%], Rice Powder* (Rice Syrup Powder*,Rice Starch*, Rice Flour*)[39%], Sugar*, Flavouring (Mint Oil*). Cocoa Solids 48% min. *Organic Ingredients 

May contain traces of Soya

Organic Fairtrade Milky
Dairy Free Advent Calendar

ORGANIC FAIRTRADE MILKY DAIRY FREE ADVENT CALENDAR

Ingredients: Sugar*[36.5%], Cocoa Butter*, Rice Powder* (Rice Syrup Powder*, Rice Starch*,  Rice Flour*)[16.3%], Cocoa Mass*, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Cocoa Solids 45% min. *Organic Ingredients

May contain traces of Soya

No Added Sugar
Milky Chocolate Advent Calendar

NO ADDED SUGAR MILKY CHOCOLATE ADVENT CALENDAR

Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Soya Flour [31%], Sweetener: Xylitol [20%], Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Cocoa Solids 47% min. 

ORGANIC FAIRTRADE ALTERNATIVE TO MILK CHOCOLATE SNOWMAN TRAY & 125g PACK 

Organic Fairtrade Alternative
to Milk Chocolate Snowman Tray

Ingredients: Sugar* [36.5%], Cocoa Butter*, Rice Powder*(Rice Syrup Powder*,Rice Starch*, Rice Flour*)[16.3%], Cocoa Mass*, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Cocoa Solids 45% min.

No Added Sugar Alternative
to Milk Chocolate Snowmen
125g Pack

NO ADDED SUGAR ALTERNATIVE TO MILK CHOCOLATE SNOWMAN TRAY & 125g PACK

Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Soya Flour [31%], Sweetener: Xylitol [20%], Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Cocoa Solids 47% min

Plamil products available from www.plamilfoods.co.uk

D & D

Dairy Free Chocolate
Christmas Snowman Shapes 120g

DAIRY FREE CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS SNOWMAN SHAPES 120g, FATHER CHRISTMAS SHAPES 120g & NOVELTY SHAPES 120g

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Flavouring (Natural Vanilla). Cocoa Solids 55% min.

May contain traces of Soya

Chocolate Tree
Decorations

CHOCOLATE TREE DECORATIONS

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Flavouring (Natural Vanilla). Cocoa Solids 55% min

May contain traces of Soya

Chocolate Hollow
Father Christmas

CHOCOLATE HOLLOW FATHER CHRISTMAS

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Flavouring (Natural Vanilla). Cocoa Solids 55% min

May contain traces of Soya

Chocolate Minty Snowmen

CHOCOLATE MINTY SNOWMEN x12

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Natural Vanilla. Cocoa Solids 55% min

Fondant: Sugar, Glucose, Water, Natural Oil of Peppermint Invertin 

May contain traces of Soya

D & D Chocolates available from www.danddchocolates.com

EDITED TO INCLUDE;

TESCO FREE FROM

FREE FROM SELECTION BOX

Tesco Free From Choc Selection Box

Ingredients:

Free From Choc Bar: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Free From Choc Buttons: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Free From Choc N Crispie Bar: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Crisped Rice [5%], Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin) CRISPED RICE CONTAINS: Rice Flour, Sugar, Cocoa

Tesco Free From Choc Discs

Free From White Choc Buttons: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Maize Flour, Coconut Oil, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Flavourings

Free From White Choc Bar: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Maize Flour, Coconut Oil, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Flavourings

FREE FROM CHOC DISCS

Tesco Finest Fondant
Truffles

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

TESCO FINEST FONDANT TRUFFLES

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Fondant, Invert Sugar Syrup, Cocoa Mass, Rice Syrup, Inulin, Water, Coconut Oil, Rice Flour, Flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin) FONDANT CONTAINS: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Water 

Tesco Free From
Make and Decorate
Bauble Kit 

FREE FROM MAKE AND DECORATE BAUBLE KIT

Ingredients: Gingerbread Mix [66%], Icing Sugar, Multi Coloured Sugar Decorations
Gingerbread Mix: Rice Flour, Sugar, Potato Starch, Corn Starch, Ginger, Cinnamon, Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum)
Icing Sugar: Icing Sugar, Anti-Caking Agent (Tricalcium Phosphate) 
Multi Coloured Sugar Decorations: Sugar, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Spirulina Concentrate, Colours (Tumeric, Anthocyanins, Paprika), Glazing Agent (Carnauba Wax)

CHOCOLOGIC

Chocologic Free From
Advent Calendar

FREE FROM ADVENT CALENDAR

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soya Flour, Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin). Solids 30% Min.

Available at larger Tesco stores and from Tesco online. 

OTHERS

Most of the major superstores will no doubt release their own range of free from Christmas goodies weather it be an advent calendar, selection boxes or just treats. But being early November it may be a bit early for them to be on the shelves or available online (even though they decorate for Christmas in July). I will add them when I find them. 

Also over the past few years Kinnerton have done a lovely range of Dairy Free Advent Calendars and therefore it might be a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for them. 

There is enough above to keep you going for a bit. I'm off to munch my big Moo Free Cranberry and chocolate bar.

Coming up....

More Xmas goodies and treats 

If you have any great recipes, information or feedback please share in the comments below or on our Facebook page where you can find some useful and handy information, recipes and tips. (www.facebook.com/motherwblog)

Citric Free Baby Wipes

For the best part of the last year I have learnt a lot about what goes in food, where to find great free from foods and everyday foods people don't realise are allergy friendly. But I have also realised that having an intolerance or allergy doesn't always appear in food as some things that are used in food like acid regulators and stabilisers are also present in cosmetics. I'm not talking about lipstick or eyeliners (they do appear in these too) but shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and yes even baby wipes.

I have also found that most baby wipes contain citric acid - a weak organic tribasic acid that occurs naturally in citric fruits - and for a son who is IGE to citric it is not good news. So I went on a mission to find baby wipes that were safer for my little one. Below are just a few I have managed to source and use with no or little reaction. Of course there may be more out there but these are the ones I have found locally to myself. Please comment or let me know if you do find others. Prices vary from shop to shop and area to area so no prices quoted. Shop around to find the best deal. 

Toujours Sensitive Baby Wipes
80 Pack
From Lidl

Toujours Sensitive Baby Wipes 80 Pack 

Available from Lidl supermarkets

Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauriminodipropionate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil.

These wipes are thick but not too thick, they hold together well and don't fall apart with stubborn sticky stuff most allergy nappies contain. They don't have a strong perfume smell just a hint of aloe and are soft on the skin. I tend to stock up on these as you get a lot in the pack for a decent price too. 

Simple Baby Moisturising Wipes
64 pack
From most major stores

Simple Baby Moisturising Wipes 64 Pack

Available in most Wilkinson and larger supermarket stores

Ingredients: Aqua, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Pantolactone Liquidum, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic acid 

OK not so many in this pack and the individual wipes are not so thick but they do the job well. They are soft enough to not fall apart when using and they smell nice too. The pack is obviously smaller than the Toujour wipes which make them easier to store in you bag.

Baby Dream Original Wipes
72 Pack
Available from B&M

Baby Dream Original 72 Soft Baby Wipes 

Available from B&M stores  

Ingredients: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Capryl Capramidopropyl Betaine, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol Sodium Citrate

These are great at holding their moisture and feel soft against the skin. Again these are thick enough to do the job well but not to thick. There is no real smell to these but if used constantly these still mildly irritate my son. 

Little Big Gentle Cleaning Wipes
64 Pack
Available from Morrisons

Little Big Gentle Cleaning 64 Sensitive Baby Wipes

Available from Morrison's 

Ingredients: Aqua, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carbomer, Benzoic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hydroxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Chamomilla Recutita Flavour Extract. 

I love these they are soft, not to thick, smell amazing, work well and leave my sons skin soft. I stock up on theses everytime I pop into morrisons and have some in nearly every room of my house. 

Mamia Sensitive Fragrance Free Baby Wipes 64 Pack

Mamia Sensitive Fragrance
Free Wipes
64 Pack
Available from Aldi 

Available from Aldi 

Ingredients: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid

These double Loved by Parents award winning wipes are gentle & soft with a hint of Aloe Vera and Camomile are one of my favourites and are a great price too. They leave my sons skin soft and gentle. Well worth a go. Another empty the shelf bulk buy everytime I go to Aldi.

Water Wipes 60 pack 

Water Wipes
60 Pack
Available from larger Tesco stores

Available from larger Tesco stores 

Ingredients: Aqua (99.9%), citric grandis seed extract (0.1%) 

These multi award wining wipes (loved by babies winner 2013, infant awards winner 2013, parent tested parent approved winner & allergy friendly products) these wipes are as pure as you get as they don't use chemicals to bind the wipes you do need to squeeze the water back to the top of the pack to stop them drying out. Although you could argue that the citric grandis (grapefruit) seed extract could be classed as citric, but it is from the seed and a minimal amount so these don't seem cause any reaction in my little one. The wipes are the right thickness and are soft and extremely gentle. There is no scent as they are predominately all water. Only drawback is that they are very expensive. 

Jackson Reece Kinder by Nature 
Natural Baby Wipes 
64 Pack 
Available in larger Tesco stores

Jackson Reece Kinder by Nature Natural Baby Wipes 64 Pack 

Available in larger Tesco stores

Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Betaine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Citrate

Another multiple award winning wipes (Tips best unscented baby wipes 2014, Mother and Baby gold award 2014) they mostly contain natural occurring ingredients and are meant to be unscented but have a distinct Aloe smell that is stronger than other wipes. They are soft, gentle yet strong at the same time. They are smooth on my sons skin. They are expensive but not as expensive as the Water Wipes. However, after constant use they still give my son a mild rash.

Huggies Pure Baby Wipes
56 Pack
Available from major supermarkets

Huggies Pure Baby Wipes

Available from major supermarkets

Ingredients: Aqua, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Coco-Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Malic acid, Sodium Citrate

These are by far my least favourite, I find them too thick and don't wipe stubborn nappy mess up without starting to fall apart. They don't seem to moisturise as well as other brands and leave my sons skin red.

Little Angels Sensitive Cotton Soft Baby Wipes 64 Pack

Little Angels Sensitive Cotton
Soft Baby Wipes
64 pack
Available from Asda

Available from Asda

Ingredients: Aqua, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carbomer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Caster Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Gluconate, Polyquaternium-7, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide

These are  lovely thickness, don't fall apart, leave my little ones skin feeling soft and moisturised. They are also quality approved by Mumsnet mum's. However, the draw back on these is that they are full of synthetic chemicals and the least pure of this list. 

Earth Friendly Baby, Gentle Aloe Vera Wet Wipes 72 Pack

Earth Friendly Baby
Aloe Vera Wet Wipes 72 pack
Found in a local independent
Health Store 

Found in a local independent health store.

Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyglyceryl-4-Caprate, Glycerin, Benzyl alcohol, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Calendula Officinalis extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate 

These Mother & Baby 2014 Gold award winning wips are on the thin side (even though on the packet they say soft & thick) but are super strong. They smell divine and leave the skin soft and smooth, however, they start to irritate my son after constant use. 

There may be more citric free wipes out there. My favourite wipes so far have to be the Water Wipes purely because they are the purest wipes out there and they do not have and synthetically made preservatives or emulsifiers. They don't fall apart like other well known brands they are not to thick and do the job really well. The only down side is the price tag. My personal least favourite of the citric free wipes are the Huggies but that's my preference because they are too thick and fall apart like bad kitchen roll does when mopping up spills. Some big brand wipes like Johnson & Johnson, Pampers, Beaming Baby Organic Wipes, Tesco's own, Superdrug's own, Boots own, Wilko's own all have citric acid in so just double check labels. I even check the ones listed above in case they change the ingredients. I now have a house full of baby wipes to last me over a month. 

It has been interesting testing them all out. Below I have listed the more common names and a brief explanation to some of the re occurring ingredients to help you out. But after putting together this list I am shocked at what actually goes into baby wipes. They may say sensitive on the packet but over half of the ones listed here contain an inorganic ingredient that is used in paint strippers. So I think I am going to look for a completely different more natural type of wipes. I might give cheeky wipes (reusable cloth wipes) a go.

• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract - Cosmetic ingredients derived from the Aloe Vera Plant. 

• Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil - is a form of Chamomile oil from the Anthemis Nobilis Flower 

• Aqua - Water

• Benzoic Acid - is a preservative that is derived from gum benzoin which comes from certain tree barks. However, it can be synthetically made.

• Benzyl Alcohol - is a colourless liquid with a mild, pleasant scent. It is commonly used as a preservative. The natural version is found in many plants, fruits and trees but it is now more commonly made synthetically.

• Betaine - is an amino acid that was originally isolated from sugar beets and has been praised for it's health benefits. 

• Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone- is a certified surfactant skin conditioning emulsifying emollient

•  Bisabolol - is a colourless viscous oil that increases the skins penetration of cosmetic ingredients. 

• Calendula Officinalis Extract - is an extract from the marigold plant

• Capryl Capramidopropyl Betaine - is a mild amphoteric surfactant used as a conditioning agent

• Caprylyl Glycol - is a skin conditioning agent that could either be plant derived or synthetic 

• Carbomer - is a series of polymers made from acrylic acid. It is used in cosmetics to give it texture.

• Chamomilla Recutita Extract - is Chamomile extract

• Citric Grandis Seed extract - is an extract from a grapefruit 

• Coco-Glucoside - is a surfactant, foaming agent, conditioner and emulsifier derived from coconut oil

• Dehydroacetic Acid - is an organic compound and is used as a preservative

• Dimethicone - is a silicone based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent 

• Disodium EDTA - is a chelating agent and used as a penetration enhancer

• Glycerin [Glycerol] - is a compound that can be made from natural products such as vegetable oil. It can also be synthetically made. It's effects are healthier and more natural looking skin. 

• Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil - is the fixed oil expressed from the seeds of cotton.

• Hydrogenated Polydecene - is a synthetic polymer used as an emollient and skin moisturiser 

• Levulinic Acid - is an organic compound 

• Malic acid - is an organic compound that is made from all living organisms

• Methylparaben - is an anti fungal agent.

• Octyldodecanol - is a clear, odorless oil with excellent solvent properties. It is used as an emollient or emulsifier.

• Panthenol - is the alcohol from the B vitamin.  

• Parfum - is a mixture of essential oils or aromas

• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Caster Oil - is an emollient ingredient that is a mixture of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) [a polyether compound used in medicine] with Caster Oil

• Phenoxyethanol - is  being increasingly used in cosmetic as a preservative  and as an alternative to Parabens. 

• Polyglyceryl-4-Caprate - is a vegetable derived emollient

• Polyquaternium-7 - is a synthetic emulsifier

• Polysorbate 20 - is a surfactant, emulsifier and fragrant ingredient

• Potassium Sorbate - is a potassium salt version of Sorbic Acid, a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fat

• Propylene Glycol - is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water

• Propylparaben - is a natural substance found in many plants and some insects but is synthetically manufactured for use in cosmetics

• Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil - is an emollient, non-fragrant oil from the Jojoba seed

• Sodium Benzoate - this is a synthetically made preservative from Benzoic Acid. It is essentially the sodium salt derived from a reaction of Benzoic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

• Sodium Citrate - is the sodium salts from citric acid 

• Sodium Gluconate - is the sodium salt of Gluconic Acid, produced by fermentation of glucose. It is used as a chelating agent.

• Sodium Hydroxide - is an inorganic compound and is used in most things from paint strippers and cleaning products to food and cosmetics. 

• Sodium Lauriminodipropionate - is a partial sodium salt of a substituted propionic acid and is used as a cleansing agent

• Sodium Levulinate - is the sodium salt of Levulinic acid and is used as a preservative and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics and personal care products.

• Sorbic Acid - is a natural organic compound that is used as a preservative. 

• Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate - is a non-toxic vegetable based ingredient commonly used as a chelating agent in personal care products.

• 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol - is a crystalline solid used as an effective preservative agent in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products 

**I used these main sources to find out what the main ingredients were and what they are used for. Source B4 brands, Wikipedia, Cosmetic info, Contact Allergy.**

Coming up....

More recipes, everyday items that are free from that we never realised and how some companies have dealt with allergies. 

If you have any great recipes, information or feedback please share in the comments below or on our Facebook page where you can find some useful and handy information and tips. (www.facebook.com/motherwblog)

Cinnamon muffins using an egg replacer

My allergy and intolerant son turned one this week and for several months I have been experimenting in the kitchen with food treats and meals. I have put off several times using an egg replacer especially in cakes but decided to give one ago.

Since there are so many egg replacers out there I was stuck as to where to start until I heard great things about a new product on the market that is ment to be as close to real egg in taste and consistency as you can get. You can even use it to make omelettes and scrambled egg but I have yet to try this.

Follow your heart VeganEgg can be purchased from the USA from www.veganessentials.com. They are selling out  fast so when stock is available I buy in bulk.

So using the Follow your Heart VeganEgg I made some vegan cinnamon muffins. My son loved them, so did the girls, people at a friends party and so do I. They are worth a go. I have posted the recipe below. Let me know if you try them and how they come out.

The most amazing thing about this recipe is it is so adaptable you can use real eggs instead of an egg substitute, you can use sweetener instead of sugar and yes any type of alternative milk or cows milk. You can also add flavours other than cinnamon like nutmeg, cloves and even add fruit and vegetables. This is why I love this recipe it's so adaptable.

Vegan Cinnamon Muffins

INGREDIENTS:

2 vegan egg portions (or any other egg substitute)

125g vegetable oil

250ml alternative milk (I used alpro coconut original) 

200g caster sugar

400g plain flour 

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 180°c fan, line 2 muffin trays with muffin cases. Mix up 2 portions of vegan egg (as per instructions) pour into a large mixing bowl,  add the oil and milk alternative and whisk till just combined then add the sugar and mix until you have a smooth batter. Sift in dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt & cinnamon), then mix until smooth. Don't over mix as it will make the muffins tough. 

Vegan Cinnamon muffins 

Fill the muffin cases 3\4 full and bake for 20 - 25 mins, until risen, firm to touch and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Once out of the oven leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Eat and enjoy xx


Coming up....

More great recipes, everyday items that are free from that we never realised, restaurant experiences and how they handled the allergens. 

If you have any great recipes, information or feedback please share in the comments below or on our facebook page where you can find some useful and handy information and tips. (www.facebook.com/motherwblog)