I recently sampled Applegate natural deli meats through Moms Meet.  

 Ordinarily I really try to stick with purely organic meats, and I was familiar with Applegates organic line. I do feel that Applegate has an understanding of healthful practices I care about and I was interested in the lower price point, so I tried their Natural Roast Beef, Smoked Turkey and Roasted Turkey.

I was most impressed with the Roast Beef. I thought that was delicious. The meat had good flavor and texture and was sliced a bit thick compared to what I ask for at the deli (a more slivered cut), still for the roast beef I liked the thicker cut. One slice was perfect for a sandwich. The kids also loved the roast beef. It was moist, but not wet and had little fat.

With the Natural Honey and Maple Turkey, I liked the flavors very much, but I didn’t like the thickness of the slice. I really like turkey sliced very thin. The turkey texture seemed too moist for me and the one package had a vein running through it that ruined that package for me. I just pulled all that off and used the other half. Sometimes, that happens with deli meats, but I usually ask the slicer and if the meat is not nice, I’ll try a different one. I do think this was random, because another package I got was fine. Next time, I will check the packaging more thoroughly.

I also have purchased the pepperoni and I like that one very much. The flavor is good and the size is perfect to make a pizza or two.

The price point runs about $3.99 to 5.99 at my stores and I think these are a good buy for my family as I trust this brand more than others when it comes down to being free of nitrates, nitrites, and other artificial ingredients, and of course, without antibiotics.

My daughter and I love having lettuce wraps with Applegate Turkey slices, carrots and cheese, dipped in a bit of blue cheese dressing. I feel that a slice of deli meat is a great source of protein in the middle of the day for all of us.

In fact, one day, while running errands, we realized we had forgotten to eat. I was near our local coop store, so we ran in and grabbed a bag of Applegate roast beef and the kids and I ate that in the car. We felt much better and I was glad to have that healthy option for a quick bite.

Guess what? I get to offer a giveaway of Applegate product for two readers thanks to Applegate and Moms Meet!

To enter, visit www.applegate.com and then come back here and leave me a comment about something you learned on their site.

(The giveaway will end on October 31, 2012. Two commenters will be chosen via random.org, limited to U.S. residents only)

Find out more about Applegate online: www.applegate.com and www.facebook.com/applegatefarms

Curious about Moms Meet? Visit their website at www.greenmomsmeet.com

“I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.”