Friday, October 15, 2010

Olivia's Crouton Company, Inc Review and Giveaway



We eat a lot of salads around here and when I make my salads I like to add all the works, which includes different types of cheeses, sunflower seeds, bacon bits and of course the most important salad topper of all croutons! I love croutons not only in my salad but I use them a lot of different ways such as snacking on them between meals and I like to mix them with sliced turkey and gravy to spice it up a bit so when I happened to come across Olivia’s Croutons I just had to try them out!

About Olivia's Crouton Company, Inc (Taken From Website):

Olivia’s History

I started Olivia’s Croutons in April of 1991. Our son David was almost two and daughter Olivia was three. We started in our own kitchen with the Butter & Garlic flavor, sold in brown bags, hand stamped with rubber stamps. Twenty bags was a big order and it took quite a long time to hand cut each loaf and bake the croutons in our conventional oven.
By August of that year we were dealing with about six stores, and had just signed on our first “really big store”. We did a demo and sold 200 bags or croutons in three days. This was a monumental step. We installed our first Blodgett convection oven in our kitchen and we rigged up a semi automatic cutter to help on the cutting end. Now we could really make croutons!

Since that point we have grown steadily. We started adding out of town UPS ship orders and we realized that we really had no limitations. In April of 1993 we moved out of our kitchen and into a larger commercial kitchen that we had built in our basement. In the spring on 1997 we added a new packaging machine. With our new longer shelf life, we were now able to sell our products through distributors, a whole new market for us. The new growth forced a move in July of 1999, when we purchased a perfect little building in the next town. We added a Certified Organic crouton to our line and have recently added two flavors of Stuffing.

By the end of 2005 it was clear that we again needed to find new production space. We looked and looked but couldn’t find a place that felt right. Then it happened. David was out on a back country road and he found our new home, for both the croutons and our family. After a purchase in March and extensive renovations to a 1912 dairy barn, Olivia’s has it’s new home. We live on the 50 acre homestead, are growing wheat for the croutons and producing our products in our brand new space, cleverly concealed inside the historic barn. The property is now listed on the National Historic Register. The kitchen has doubled our production capacity and we have added a new bagging line for increased packaging options and an expanded product line.

We are continuing to have fun, meeting new vendors and exploring new markets. I really enjoy what I do. I like making a product that people really love to eat and one that is unique to the market place. This product brought me into the food and grocery business. It has proven to be an education! I pride myself on being an honest, hard working, uncomplicated person. It is only logical that we would produce a wholesome, all natural, uncomplicated product. As a family, we enjoy these tasty treats and we hope you will be fond of them too.

Enjoy!

Francie (Olivia's Mom)


Our Thoughts:

We were sent a sampling of Olivia’s Croutons to review that included a package of their Organic Garlic & Herb, Butter & Garlic, Parmesan Pepper, Vermont Cheddar & Dill and Multi Grain w/Garlic.

I have to admit that Chad and I were both pretty excited to be able to give these croutons a try, because we both love to eat croutons on our salads and well we just love salads in general so this would give us an excuse to eat them more often! We have been eating on these croutons for a while now and we are absolutely in love with them all. My favorite by far is the Vermont Cheddar & Dill but my husband is quite fond of the Parmesan Pepper. I have tried all of the varieties on my salads and I’ve also used them to grab a quick and satisfying snack to hold me over until lunch or dinner and I’m am very pleased with them all!

I must say we have tried a lot of croutons in the past and I’ve even had handmade croutons from local restaurants and I have to say Olivia’s is the absolute best croutons I have every eaten! “Bug” also likes to snack on these croutons and he also likes them soaked with Italian dressing before putting them on his salad to soften them up so he can eat them better. I love, love, love to use the Multi Grain w/Garlic with my turkey and gravy meals to give it a dressing type flavor and if you want to find more delicious ways to eat Olivia’s Croutons check out the recipes on their website.

Bottom Line:

After trying out all the varieties of croutons Olivia’s has to offer we are all very impressed with the flavor and are totally in love with the croutons, of course we each have our overall favorite but all the varieties are very delicious and you can’t go wrong topping your salad with one of them!

If you are looking for a great tasting addition to top off your special salads head on over and pick up a package of Olivia’s Croutons!

Buy It:
To purchase Olivia’s Croutons visit their website!

Win It:
Olivia’s Croutons has offered one of my readers an assorted 6 pack of croutons so you can try them out yourself!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Olivia’s Croutons and tell me what recipe you would like to try or how you like to eat your croutons! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (current follower count too)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Olivia’s Croutons be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Follow Olivia’s Croutons on Twitter

6. “Like” Olivia’s Croutons on Facebook

Giveaway ends Oct 28, 2010 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the croutons mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

135 comments:

  1. I would like to eat my croutons on top of Clam Chowder in place of crackers.

    I subscribe via GFC.

    xxbowietipxx@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love eating croutons in my salad or even just as a snack.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm already a follower on Google.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm following Olivia's Croutons on Twitter. (ps152).

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would use the butter and garlic croutons the old way, on a salad. They sound delicious.
    Shaunda.Eppes at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Follow via GFC
    Shaunda.Eppes at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Follow via RSS Reader
    Shaunda.Eppes at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Follow Olivia's croutons on Twitter @Timshaun291
    Shaunda.Eppes at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Facebook fan of Olivia's croutons
    Shaunda.Eppes at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. HORTON111@AOL.COM

    Roast Pork with Butter & Garlic Croutons

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like to put them on the side of my salad and crunch them by themselves.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'd make Olivia's Wild Rice & Multi Grain w/Garlic Stuffing
    Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Public GFC follower as jennem.
    Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm following this blog! :)

    bringhamsweeps (at) yahoo *dot* com

    ReplyDelete
  15. @rkcitrus tweeted this giveaway

    http://twitter.com/rkcitrus/status/27569418968

    bringhamsweeps (at) yahoo *dot* com

    ReplyDelete
  16. @rkcitrus follows Olivia's Croutons

    bringhamsweeps (at) yahoo *dot* com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like Olivia's Croutons on FB

    bringhamsweeps (at) yahoo *dot* com

    ReplyDelete
  18. The recipe called Roast Pork with Butter & Garlic Croutons looks amazing!

    jesikawins@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like Olivia's Crouton's on facebook.

    jesikawins@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I follow Olivia's Crouton's on twitter.

    jesikawins@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'd like to try the Roast Pork with Butter & Garlic Croutons
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Follow on twitter and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/27580328811
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Subscribe via Google reader
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Follow Olivia’s Croutons on Twitter @cjwallace43
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. “Like” Olivia’s Croutons on Facebook (Cathy Wallace)
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Follow on GFC
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love croutons straight from the bag.


    vgsaxon (AT) yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would love to try the parmesan pepper

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. rss feed subscriber via google reader


    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. follower Olivia's on twitter

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'd love to try the scrumptious Roast Pork with Butter & Garlic Croutons! ;)
    Clownscrytoo@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Olivia's Sausage and Mushroom Stuffing

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  33. timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    subscribe

    ReplyDelete
  34. timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    like olivia on fb-laura deluca

    ReplyDelete
  35. timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    follow olivia on twitter-gabbylowe

    ReplyDelete
  36. I put croutons in my daughter's lunch. They're healthier than crackers or cookies.
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I follow you on Twitter as pmernick1 and tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/pmernick1/status/27736839198
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Reader subscriber
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow Olivia's on Twitter as pmernick1
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I want to make Baked Eggs with Parmesan Pepper Croutons

    ReplyDelete
  42. I would make the Vegetable Stuffing with Olivia's Butter & Garlic Croutons.

    honeybeez80@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'd like to try the recipe for Steamed Asparagus with Parmesan Pepper Crumbs.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am an e-mail subscriber.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/pmernick1/status/27883383533
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'd like to try the
    Baked Eggs with Parmesan Pepper Croutons recipe.

    couponboss at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I follow on GFC

    couponboss at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I would like to try the Simple Caesar Salad with Parmesan Pepper Croutons


    pamfreecycle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I follow via google friend
    pamfreecycle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I subscribe in google reader
    pamfreecycle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I like olivia's croutons on facebook

    pam w h

    pamfreecycle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. We eat crutons as a snack, but mostly on salads with italitan dressing!
    emilliepeters(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I follow Olivia's Croutons on twitter *emilliepeters
    emilliepeters(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I follow - gfc
    emilliepeters(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I would like to try their Steamed Asparagus with Parmesan Pepper Crumbs recipe.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Follower GFC.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Subscriber.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I “Like” Olivia’s Croutons on Facebook
    (Tamara Bennington)
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I like to eat croutons in onion soup

    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. like olivia's on fb
    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/pmernick1/status/28542566919
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love to snack on croutons right out of the box!

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. GFC follower

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I follow you on Twitter as pmernick1 and tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/pmernick1/status/28852384080
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I would love to try the Butter an Garlic flavor.

    I love eating Croutons with soup and salad.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am following via Google Friends Connect.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I am subscribed via Google Reader.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I am a fan of Olivia's Croutons via Facebook as Jill Myrick.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would like to try the Roast Pork with Butter & Garlic Croutons recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I follow you on Google Friend Connect. (Debbie C)

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would love the butter and garlic croutons on my salad. suelee1998 @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I would like to have the Simple Caesar Salad with Parmesan Pepper Croutons right now
    vabred1963@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I follow you on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/annebrooks/status/28917046322
    vabred1963@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I subscribe via reader
    vabred1963@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I follow Olivias on twitter
    vabred1963@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I like olivias on facebook
    vabred1963@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I blogged http://addictedtosavingmoney.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-olivias-croutons-from-cartoon.html
    vabred1963@aol.com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  78. I blogged http://addictedtosavingmoney.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-olivias-croutons-from-cartoon.html
    vabred1963@aol.com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  79. I blogged http://addictedtosavingmoney.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-olivias-croutons-from-cartoon.html
    vabred1963@aol.com
    #3

    ReplyDelete
  80. I blogged http://addictedtosavingmoney.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-olivias-croutons-from-cartoon.html
    vabred1963@aol.com
    #4

    ReplyDelete
  81. I blogged http://addictedtosavingmoney.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-olivias-croutons-from-cartoon.html
    vabred1963@aol.com
    #5

    ReplyDelete
  82. Vermont Cheddar & Dill on salads or grind up and use for BBQ chicken.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/pmernick1/status/28925227326
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I would like to try Baked Fish with Vermont Cheddar & Dill Croutons. It sound very tasty and healthy. LPoser1 [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Roast Pork with Butter & Garlic Croutons would be my recipe of choice!

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I want to try Olivia's Sausage & Mushroom Stuffing

    ReplyDelete
  87. Erin T

    I like to eat croutons straight from the bag as a snack.

    lunabutterfly79@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I like the recipe for Roast Pork w/ Garlic Butter Croutons.


    ms0812(at)zoominternet(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  89. Olivia’s Caesar Dressing recipe is what I would like to try
    thanks
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. like Olivia on fb-Julie S Laws
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/pmernick1/status/29003261388
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I love my Croutons in my cream of tomato soup
    Diane Baum
    esldiane@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. Sometimes on salad, a lot of times from the container into my mouth. Thanks!

    tomtwo78 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. Vegetable Stuffing with Olivia's Butter & Garlic Croutons

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love crutons on my salads!

    trippyjanet at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love croutons on my salad

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  97. follow Olivia via twitter susan1215

    ReplyDelete
  98. I eat them with ceaser salad!



    clarkmurdock@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Steamed Asparagus with Parmesan Pepper Crumbs

    ReplyDelete
  100. I Follow Olivia’s Croutons on Twitter

    ReplyDelete
  101. I Like Olivia’s Croutons on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  102. I would like to try the Olivia's Panzanella Salad with Butter & Garlic Croutons
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I would like to try the Olivia's Panzanella Salad with Butter & Garlic Croutons
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. I would like to try the Olivia's Panzanella Salad with Butter & Garlic Croutons
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. a public follower
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. a public follower
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. a public follower
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Follow on twitter
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. Follow on twitter
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  110. Subscribe to feed via a reader

    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. Subscribe to feed via a reader

    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. Follow Olivia’s Croutons on Twitter
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  113. Follow Olivia’s Croutons on Twitter
    joretta933@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I would like to try the Baked Eggs with Parmesan Pepper Croutons recipe.

    cyclona66(At) aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I am a blog follower(ginger)
    cyclona66(At) Aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I'd love to try Olivia's Panzanella Salad with Butter & Garlic Croutons.

    ReplyDelete
  117. I like to float coutons in my soup. YUm!
    Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)aol(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  118. Subscribed via google reader. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)aol(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  119. Follower GFC
    Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)aol(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  120. I love croutons on my salad thanks for the chance eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I Follow Olivia’s Croutons on Twitter @mrstinareynolds

    ReplyDelete
  122. I “Like” Olivia’s Croutons on Facebook (mrstinareynolds)

    ReplyDelete
  123. I love them on a big Italian salad!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for entering the giveaways here on my blog but please remember that if you do not have your profile public with an e-mail address to leave one so I can contact you if you win.