Snack Review: Kellogg’s Special K Blueberry, Special K Crackers, and FiberPlus Antioxidant Bars

In the wide world of snacking, the people at Kellogg’s are definite rockstars. I mean, they make most of the country’s favorite cereals. Sure, cereal is a tasty and simple-to-prepare breakfast. But most people in my acquaintance agree that the crunchy, highly-sugared goodness of Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes are just as satisfying - if not moreso - at three A.M., in the aftermath of a wild party, than before school or work.

Because of this legendary greatness, I was surprised, and flattered, when I heard Kellogg’s wanted to send l’il ol’ me a sampling of their newest products to review. When I received a package from the company’s headquarters in Battle Creek, MI, and accepted that the offer wasn’t a put-on, I began to worry. What if I didn’t like the samples I was sent? Would I be blacklisted by the crunchy conglomerate? Labeled a “cereal killer” and banned from major grocery stores for all eternity? Would I awaken at some ungodly hour to find the Honey Smacks Frog pelting me with poisonous goo while Tony the Tiger mauled me to death?

I gave these loathsome possibilities, and countless others, careful consideration. In the end, I squared my shoulders, gulped, and made the braver and morally sound decision. Supermarket snubbery and killer mascots be darned - in the name of journalistic integrity, I’d offer my honest opinions.

Read more

Snack Review: Medora Snacks

With the harried and hectic lifestyle demanded by the modern world, just finding time to eat feed yourself can be a luxury. Sitting down to eat with the family? That’s a pipe dream for most of us. Still, those of us blessed-slashed-cursed with others who depend upon us for sustenance (kids, husbands, Manorexic boyfriends, etc.) like to know that everyone is properly fed. All too often, that means frequent trips to the drive-through, Chinese takeout, or - when all else fails - bags of chips or cookies.

With all of the recent media attention paid to childhood obesity, it’s only natural for a parent to feel guilty about feeding greasy, preservative-packed snacks to his or her family, and to wish for a healthier alternative that’s just as easy. Enter Rockville, NY-based Medora Snacks. Medora (literal translation = a Mother’s Gift) has a noble mission:

“To bring to the world wholesome, great tasting snacks made from the very best, all-natural ingredients. To be true to our brand values of delivering better-for-you snacks that mothers can feel good about eating and sharing with their family and friends.”

Read more

Snack Review: Terra Kettles Chef-Inspired Flavors

Okay, when you read this review’s title, how many of you asked yourselves “what the heck is a Terra Kettle?” Believe me, if I hadn’t seen the name on a package, I would have wondered the same thing. The image that springs immediately to mind is some mythological Greek god, hovering over a cauldron as he summons the elements to shape the developing Earth. It would also make a great name for a post-apocalyptic, time-traveling Hollywood blockbuster. I can imagine the tagline, spoken during the trailer in the booming, omniscient voice of that guy who always seems to do the honors: “Terra Kettle: Can they destroy the Earth before it destroys itself?”

As you see above, Terra Kettles are neither the lore of ancient societies nor another sign of Hollywood’s impending demise. “Terra” simply refers to the brand; longtime producers of creative chips made from all sorts of root vegetables. Craving yucca, yams or ruby taro along with your spuds? Terra serves ‘em all up, deep-fried, crisp and super-salty. “Kettles” are Terra’s cutesy abbreviation of “Kettle-cooked Potato Chips”. I’d tasted kettle corn, but didn’t recall tasting kettle chips, which gave no reason enough to try Terra Kettles. That, and the store sold them in two creative “chef-inspired” flavors I’d yet to see elsewhere in a potato chip. As you all know by now, I’m oddly attracted to “different” - okay, obscure to downright bizarre - flavors in my snacks.

Read more