The News Appears True

Twitter & the gluten-free community has been buzzing the past day or so about the news that Starbucks is discontinuing the Valencia Orange Cake, the only gluten-free food offering on their menu.  They are replacing it with Kind Bars (a fruit & nut bar), which are rumored to be less expensive for the consumer.  This message from a Starbucks employee came across the Celiac Listserv this afternoon:

Hello ___________,

Thank you for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company.

I apologize, the gluten free Valencia Orange Cake has been

discontinued. Many factors go into the decision to remove something

from our stores, but I understand how frustrating it is when a

product you know and enjoy goes away.

 

I am sharing your desire to bring gluten free Valencia Orange Cake

back into our stores with the Food & Beverage team. I want you to

know that we listen to what our customers have to say and this can

affect change to our product line up. I appreciate you taking the

time to write and share your concerns.

 

I would also like to invite you to visit www.MyStarbucksIdea.com.

This website is a forum where you can share your ideas, tell us what you think of other people’s ideas and join the discussion that will help shape Starbucks future. Many of the ideas shared have already been turned into action. If there are any questions or concerns that I have not been able to

address, please don’t hesitate to call us at 800 23-LATTE (235-2883), we are here Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM (PST).

Thank you again,

Shawn H.

Customer Relations

Starbucks Coffee Company

I have also read that they were discontinuing the cake because it seemed like more of a “treat” as opposed to a healthy snack/breakfast.  I kind of thought that was the point, but I could be wrong.  I carry Kind Bars in my purse almost all the time for emergency purposes, I don’t need to go to Starbucks to buy one. 

I am going to make sure to voice my opinion to Starbucks.  Lots of voices make changes.  If you are unhappy about this, make sure to let Starbucks know. 

Update:  Sign this petition to help bring back the Valencia Orange Cake!

LiveJournal Tags: gluten-free,starbucks valencia orange cake

Product Review: Betty Crocker’s Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix

Hip hip hooray!!!  Another gluten-free product from Betty Crocker!!  This was the last mix in their new line that I hadn’t had a chance to review.  I have had it for a while, but time just gets away from me sometimes.  I hate that!

This cake was super easy to make.  I took the butter out & set it on the counter this morning and then made the cake at lunch time.  It took less than 5 minutes to mix up & put into the oven.  I baked for 37 minutes at 350.  I used an 8 x 8 pan.  The cake came out great!!

Once the cake cooled, I frosted it with “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Frosting.  By the way, this frosting makes enough for 2 cakes this size.  When I made the Devil’s Food Cake a few weeks back, I froze the extra frosting and then defrosted it today by placing the container in cold water (thanks Mom!).  The frosting tasted just as good as it did a few weeks back!

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.  **From the back of the Hershey’s Cocoa Can.

I want to start my review part of this post by saying that yellow cake is probably my least favorite of all cakes, however, nothing a little chocolate can’t fix, right?  This cake mix really impressed me.  On top of being really easy to make, it was really moist!  I normally add sour cream or Greek yogurt to my cakes to make them extra moist.  I did not do that today, because I wanted to follow the exact box directions for the review.  Now I can play around the next time I make it.  The taste was great, texture just like a “normal” cake.  Miss Picky Sassy Pants (aka Hannah) asked for a bite of mine before asking for a piece.  She ooooohhhed & aaaaaahhhhed over how good it was!  Now, that is saying something!  Jon also loved it.  Another hit from Betty Crocker!!  All thumbs up here from our household! 

Note for Ohio peeps or those who have Giant Eagle….these mixes were on sale yesterday for $3.99.  Not sure how long that sale is lasting.  Normal price at Giant Eagle is $4.29. 

LiveJournal Tags: dessert,gluten-free,cake,betty crocker