Snack #144- Pringles Extreme Torchin’ Tamale Artificially Flavored Potato Crisps

Pringles Extreme Torchin’ Tamale Artificially Flavored Potato Crisps

So this is a snack-sized bag of MINI Pringles. I don’t know why Pringles need to be any smaller than they were before but I suppose the traditional can isn’t always the most convenient form of packaging so now Pringles enthusiasts can have the option of pocket Pringles storage. Anyway, they are smaller but still the same shape (reconstituted dried potatoes are really very malleable, shockingly) but they are thicker than the original can-style, presumably because the can crisps are very fragile and wouldn’t stand up to being packaged in a bag. I will say that a thicker Pringle is not an advantage…the unpleasant flavor and texture of a potato snack that started as a powder is accentuated and they really don’t taste like any kind of freshly fried potato. The front says artificially flavored which is weird because there are actually a number of natural flavor ingredients listed. They do taste like hot peppers and salt but they are not particularly spicy. Really I just hate the taste of the thicker Pringles and I can’t really accurately review the spices. I think the flavor profile is pretty fitting for a tamale-flavored snack but the texture is gross.

Rating on the Spice-O-Meter: 2.5/10

Bottom Line: Extra gross Pringles with some cayenne added.

Buy them here:

Pringles Extreme Torchin' Tamale Grab AND Go, 1.41-Ounce Packages (Pack of 8)

Snack #145- Vitarroz Plantain Chips Chili Jalapeño

Vitarroz Plantain Chips Chili Jalapeño

So Plaintains are like a starchy mix between a banana and a potato and therefore a nice alternative for frying into chips. They can be pretty crispy but do tend to do that thing where they gunk up in your teeth. They have to be cut a little on the thicker side so they are pretty dense. These chips are cut on the thinner side and do have a nice crunch. As for the flavor…I’m having a hard time discerning any chili jalapeño. It’s clear that there was an attempt at seasoning these but they are far from spicy and the flavor is really muted. I just looked at the back of these chips (purchased at Market Basket) and they are a product of Costa Rica. If you’ve read this blog with any consistency, you’ll be aware that every ‘spicy’ snack from Costa Rica is NOT spicy (or look in the archives and see the 20+ reviews to support that statement). So I am not surprised that even exported snacks fail to impress.

Rating on the Spice-O-Meter: 0.5/10

Bottom Line: Faintly jalapeño flavored plantain chips.

Snack #143- Trader Joe-San Wasabi Peas

Trader Joe-San Wasabi Peas

Wasabi peas are pretty standard, and most of the brands taste pretty similar. The main variation is the level of spiciness of the wasabi. These are one of the less spicy wasabi peas I have tasted. They are nice because you can really taste the pea flavor before you get a little kick of wasabi burn at the end. But on the scale of wasabi pea heat they definitely rank pretty low. The heat dissipates quite quickly which is bad for a spice lover but good for someone who wants to rapidly eat many wasabi peas!

Rating on the Spice-O-Meter: 3/10

Bottom Line: Short-lived wasabi spice.

Snack #142- Majans Bhuja Cracker Mix

Majans Bhuja Cracker Mix

This cracker mix has those little Asian rice snacks as well as some d

ried noodles, peas, and beans. The package calls this mix a blend of “spicy snack nibbles” but I have to say these are NOT spicy AT ALL. They definitely have spices on them that are pretty yummy but they need to have more flavor and definitely more heat. The mix is crunchy and has nice textures with the crispy rice pieces and the smoother peanuts and chickpeas. It’s a nice mix but really needs more powerful spices.

Rating on the Spice-O-Meter: 0.5/10

Bottom Line: Tasty Indian spice mix but not spicy.

Buy it here:

Majans Bhuja Cracker Mix: 7 OZ