Archive for the ‘*Crackers’ Category

Product Review: Goldbaum’s Natural Foods Crispinis - plain and salt & black pepper flavors/ all natural/ kosher

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

More crispini flavors from Goldbaum’s Natural Foods!

I was so impressed with their onion and garlic gluten free crackers, that I had high hopes for their other two flavors. I was happy to discover that these rice crisp-like crackers were thick and sturdy, and perfect for on-the-go snacking.

These crackers came in a single serving sized package and appear exactly like the Goldbaum’s Onion & Garlic flavor- same color, texture and size. Both flavors are also low in fat ( 1 gram) and lower in calories at 110 calories per bag.

*****

Plain flavor: These had a light and mildly sweet flavor accented by the sea salt. These crackers are simply perfect by themselves, but would pair well with any flavor dip. They are also thick enough to handle a hearty dip if you wish. Ingredients: Rice, sugar, rice bran oil, sea salt, yeast extract, natural vitamin E oil, citric acid

Rating: 5 stars

*****

Salt & Black Pepper flavor: These gluten free crackers are similar to the “plain” flavor thanks to the additional of sea salt, but were less sweetness and also boast a kick of black pepper ( in powder form). This makes for a stronger, but controlled flavor that is different and interesting. Ingredients: rice, rice bran oil, sea salt, sugar, yeast extract, black pepper powder, natural vitamin E oil, citric acid

Rating: 5 stars

*****

Something esle I like about these crackers is that the single serve bags only cost $1.11! They also make a perfect travel snack since they are packaged well enough so prevent any crushing or breaking of the rice crisp crackers. These flavors are also available in larger multi-serving size bags.

To try these for yourself, click the links below:

Goldbaum's Natural Foods Plain Gluten-Free Crispinis (Snack Pack)

Goldbaum’s Natural Foods Plain Gluten-Free Crispinis (Snack Pack) from the Gluten Free Mall

Goldbaum's Natural Foods Sea Salt & Pepper Gluten-Free Crispinis (Snack Pack)

Goldbaum’s Natural Foods Sea Salt & Pepper Gluten-Free Crispinis (Snack Pack) form the Gluten Free Mall

For more of my Goldbaum’s Natural Foods product reviews, click HERE

For more of my gluten free cracker product reviews, click HERE

Goldbaum’s Onion & Garlic Crispinis gluten free crackers - wheat free/ kosher/ low fat

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Goldbaum’s sent me these kosher, gluten free crispini crackers to try, and I have to admit, I was skeptical. I have tried many rice based gluten free crackers, and wasn’t expecting much.

However, I was pleasantly surprised- these gluten free snack crackers are really great!

I sampled their 3.5 ounce bag of onion & garlic crispini crackers, and marveled at how many crackers the bag actually contained- definitely enough for two to share.

The baked crackers are quite thick compared to other rice thin crackers I have sampled and provide a hearty crunch without crumbling. The texture is slightly bumpy  and the base flavor of the cracker is a mild rice blend. The onion and garlic flavor comes through from a fine powdered coating on the crackers that will eventually coat your fingers. A gentle sweetness comes through as well. These crackers do not taste salty , which I really liked.

My six year old daughter- the ultimate picky eater- absolutely loved these crackers and begged for me to buy them for her school lunch.  These crackers are definitely a winner at my house!

Rating: 5 stars

Pros: great flavor and texture, baked not fried, low fat (1 gram per serving)

Cons: I need a bigger bag!

Want to try these gluten free crackers for yourself? Click the link below:

Goldbaum's Natural Foods Onion & Garlic Gluten-Free Crispinis
Goldbaum’s Natural Foods Onion & Garlic Gluten-Free Crispinis from the Gluten Free Mall

Ingredients: Rice, rice bran oil, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, yeast extract, natural vitamin E oil, citric acid

Please check out my other Goldbaum’s and gluten free cracker reviews, too!

Product Review: Mary’s Gone Crackers Sticks n Twigs gluten free crackers

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Mary’s Gone Crackers sent me these gluten free crackers to try out in the following gluten free flavors: sea salt, chipotle & tomato, and curry. I thought the flavors sounded unique and was curious what they would taste like.

Fresh out of the bag, I took the above photo. Quite honestly, I thought the chipotle tomato ( reddish) and curry (yellowish green) flavors looked really unappetizing and gross- the weird colors and lumpy shapes did not appeal to me at all.

All three flavors provided a satisfying crunch like a pretzel, with very little crumbling. Some pieces were almost hallow, like they took the circle of the original crackers, rolled them up and repackaged them. These seem ideal for travel and snacks on the go and would also be perfect for dips and appetizers.

This is what I thought of these three flavors:

Mary’s Gone Crackers Gluten-Free Sea Salt Sticks & Twigs: These, I actually really, really liked. The taste and texture closely resemble the Mary’s Gone Crackers original flavor with the added sea salt flavor. I felt the sea salt enhanced the natural flavor of these hearty and healthy tasting crackers, and was a winning combination. Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Mary’s Gone Crackers Gluten-Free Chipolte Tomato Sticks & Twigs: This flavor tasted a bit spicier, but I really couldn’t place it- it didn’t seem like tomato, and the chipotle was mild, but lingering- very intriguing. To me, this flavor was “ok”. Rating: 2 1/2 stars

Mary’s Gone Crackers Gluten-Free Curry Sticks & Twigs: Ok, if you like curry, you might like these. Unfortunately the color and appearance of these crackers looked so unappetizing that I am sure it affected my perception of the flavor. I didn’t like them at all, even though the curry wasn’t overpowering. Rating:  1 star

Mary's Gone Crackers Gluten-Free Sea Salt Sticks & Twigs

Have you tried these gluten free snack crackers? What did you think?

Edited after publication . . I reduced the rating of the curry and chipotle flavors one star  because the more I thought about it, the more I realized I really, really did not like them. The revised rating accurately reflects that.

Product Review: Mary’s Gone Crackers! gluten free crackers - organic/ kosher/ vegan/ dairy free/ wheat free/ nut free

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Mary’s Gone Crackers send me a sample pack of their crackers. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think. I mean, I like healthy foods, but I am not a foodie by any means, even though sometimes I wish I was. These gluten free crackers almost looked too healthy and I was worried they would taste too healthy as well.

Boy, was I in for a surprise! Not only do these crackers look different than a traditional, flaky, starchy cracker, but the taste was completely unexpected. I found these gluten free crackers to be crisp and flavorful with wonderful texture and a strength to hold up under any type of spread or topping. They also did not have an unpleasant aftertaste, as some gluten free products do. My gluten consuming husband even likes them- especially the black pepper flavor.

I sampled three flavors:

Mary’s Gone Crackers Original flavor: A wholesome, hearty, whole grain flavor that pairs well with any spread. A great all purpose crackers that satisfies hunger in a yummy way. Definitely my favorite with laughing cow cheese.

Mary’s Gone Crackers Onion flavor: This cracker looks like the original flavor, but definitely has the aroma and strong flavor or onion blended in. It is good, but I was unsure what to pair it with. i htink twith his flavor, you will either love it or hate it.

Black Pepper flavor: This Mary’s flavor definitely has a kick- the strong black pepper really shines through and adds a punch for those that like a little something “extra.”

The Mary’s Gone Crackers website describes their crackers as a crisp delicious cracker with a rich nutty flavor. Wheat-free, Gluten-free and organic. Made of organic whole grain brown rice, organic quinoa (keen-wa: a high protein seed/grain), organic flax seeds and organic brown sesame seeds, with no added fat. Surprisingly satisfying on their own or with your favorite toppings. Always hold their crunch; unlike any other cracker you’ve ever had–they will soon become a staple in your cupboards.”

I agree- these crackers are surprisingly different- and good!

Pros: Whole grain, doesn’t crumble

Cons: onion and pepper can be a bit strong for a more sensitive palate, you’ll either love these crackers or hate them.

Rating:  4 1/2 stars

Wanna try these crackers for yourself? Click the link below to check them out and see the ingredients:

Have you tried these gluten free crackers? What did you think?

Hoffner’s Garlic Sticks

Sunday, May 27th, 2007

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These garlic sticks come in a 7 ounce box. I paid $5.39 at my local natural foods store.

These garlic sticks are fairly small (3-4 inches) and moderately crunchy. Initially, I thought these sticks would be comparable to a small crispy breadstick. Nope. Wrong. They are, in fact, excatly what the title implies. The sticks have a good crunch when bitten into, however, the texture and consistency is almost powedery when chewed. The flavor is of good strong garlic with just a hint of sesame.

These garlic sticks make a great companion for a fresh crisp salad, but I probably wouldn’t consider them a snacking option to eat alone. Initially I didn’t like them, but they have since grown on me enough to be saved from the dreaded garbage can. However, I doubt I will purchase them again.

Pros: great garlic flavor

Cons: strange crunchy/powedery consistency

Rating: 2 1/2 stars

Ingredients: corn starch, potato starch, eggs, vegetable fat, water, yearst, salt, emulsifiers, stabilizers, garlic sesame

Where can I buy these garlic sticks?

 *Check local natural foods sections and stores, I couldn’t find a current online source as of 5/26/07)*

Blue Diamond Natural Cheddar Nut Thins- Nut & Rice Cracker Snacks -gluten & wheat free

Friday, May 11th, 2007

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*cracker photo coming soon!*

I bought these crackers for $2.89 at my local grocery store. Since I love the other Nut Thins crackers, I thought these would be fun to try.

Like other nut thins crackers, these crispy snacks have a light and subtle almond taste with a great texture and satisfying crunch. The cheese flavor is from a powder like substance on the crackers- it is not baked into the cracker itself. I was also surprised at the lack of “fake cheese taste” that most cheese crackers and snacks have. There is only a slight aftertaste, but overall these are pretty darn good. I think I would buy them again, even thought the country ranch flavor is still my favorite.

Pros: great crunch, light and flavorful

Cons: cheese flavor is good, not not great

Rating: 4 stars

Ingredients: Rice flour, almonds, cheddar seasoning [cheddar cheese powder (cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), disodium phosphate), salt, maltodextrin, natural cheese flavor, (cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), yeast extract, xanthan gum), cultured whey, onion, extractive of turmeric, garlic, extractive of annatto, lactic acid, less then 2% soybean oil (processing aid)], potato starch, expeller pressed safflower oil, soy lecithin (processing aid

 

Where Can I Buy These Crackers?

Amazon.com

Blue Diamond Natural Almond Nut-Thins - Country Ranch Nut & Rice Cracker Snacks - gluten free

Tuesday, April 24th, 2007

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 I think these have to be my all time favorite gluten free snack cracker. Seriously, they are so good!

These crackers come in a 4.25 ounce box and sells for $2.89 in my area. These ranch flavored crackers are a  flavorful snack that successfully balances the nutty cracker with the ranch flavor. The crackers are perfectly crispy, but not too much so. Just right.  The light ranch flavoring that coats the thin crackers is also perfect. It almost remind me of the cool ranch flavor Doritos I used to enjoy, but without the heavy, greasy taste. Even my non-celiac husband loves these crackers- that’s how you know they are good!

Pros: Great flavor and crispness, decent price,

Cons: The size of the box is deceptively larger than the 4 servings it contains inside.

Rating: 5 stars

Ingredients: Rice flour, almonds, seasoning ( salt, natural buttermilk flavor (buttermilk, whey, maltodextrin, skim milk), sour cream powder (sour cream [cream, non fat milk, and cultures], cultured nonfat milk, citric acid, tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate [maintains freshness]), garlic powder, cultured whey, onion powder, spice, yeast extract, parsley, lactic acid and natural flavors), potato starch, expeller pressed safflower oil and soy lecithin (processing aid).

ranchnutbox.JPG

Where Can I Buy These Crackers?

Amazon.com

JO-SEF Gluten-Free Graham Crackers- gluten, wheat & egg free

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007

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Ok, this was the first gluten-free graham cracker I have ever seen, and I just had to try it. I found it tucked away on the bottom shelf of the natural food store near my home. And for $5.59 for a 6 ounce box- it better be good!

First of all, the packaging is very deceptive. The crackers are packaged in spread out stacks in a plastic tray for a total of 12 crackers. The crackers are aprox 3 or 4 inches square and are quite thick compared to a traditional graham cracker. Upon opening the package I was treated to a wonderful cinnamon smell that actually smelled like a cinnamon graham cracker. Yum!

I found the crackers to be crispy, but not brittle. The cinnamon flavor was perfectly balanced & not too strong, just right. The crackers are slightly sweet, just enough to make the taste pleasant. The texture was also great- not too crumbly or  gritty. The first cracker I ate, I thought it was wonderful. However, the more I ate the more that the “rice flour” flavor kicked in. (Really, it wasn’t all that bad, but I thought I should mention it)

Overall, I was happy with my purchase, I think these crackers are good for an ocoasional snack or maybe used in a recipe.

Pros: Nice flavor and texture

Cons: expensive, deceptive packaging

Rating:  3  3/4 stars

Ingredients: Soy flour, tapioca flour, sugar, non-hydrogenated shortening (palm oil), brown rice flour, potato starch, white rice flour, water, cinnamon, honey, natural vanilla, baking powder, xanthan gum

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Where Can I Buy These Crackers?

Locations  coming soon!

Hol-Grain Crackers: Brown Rice Onion & Garlic Flavor with a touch of salt- gluten free

Thursday, March 22nd, 2007

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I wouldn’t suggest eating these crackers alone, but with a spread they are pretty good.

These crackers come in a lightweight 4.5 ounce box and consist of two seperately wrapped mini-boxes. I like this because it keeps the crackers fresher longer. The crackers have a whole-grain, almost nutty texture to them. They are coarse and rippled, not smooth and overprocessed. The crackers are very thin and easy to break, so use caution when using a spread or topping on them. 

 As for flavor, the crackers themselves aren’t very good. They are very bland and just don’t taste that great. I can’t even taste the natural onion and glarlic that are supposed to be in/on them. However, I found that their blandness is actually a great pairing with soft cheeses, like laughing cow swiss cheese with a bit of fresh tomato. This has actually become one of my favorite snacks!

Pros: Great base for spreads and toppings, light and airy

Cons: bland flavor , don’t eat them straight from the box

Rating: 3 stars

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Glutino Gluten-Free Breadsticks- Pizza favor

Monday, March 12th, 2007

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 OK, from the photo on the box, I had high hopes for this product. The 5. 3 ounce box was purchased for $6.20- it’s a pretty tall box and is jam packed with light 3 inch “breadsticks.”

I use the term “breadsticks” loosely- these small sticks are more like crackers. They are very crunchy- no soft parts in sight. And they are so light, it was hard to even decipher that there was actual pizza flavor on them, as the flavor was very mild and took a back seat to the satisfying crunch of the stick. 

I used these as a side for a salad and to dip in a marinara sauce. They were actually quite tasty for dipping, as they did not get soggy crumbly with the sauce. They would be better with a salad of they flavor was stronger.

 This product is mostly made from corn starch, potato flour and rice starch

 PROS: mild flavor ideal for dips, not soggy when combined with other foods

 CONS: More like a cracker than a breadstick

Rating: 3 stars

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