Best New Snacks 2014
The Best of the Best New Supermarket Snacks of 2014
Snacks shouldn't just be OK — they have to be absolutely crave-inducing. The type that make you shamelessly shake every crumb from the bag and scrape every ounce from the jar. That's why we seek out and review hundreds of new products to bring you only the best of the best. From a new way to enjoy naan to a genius cookie brought to you by the Oreo and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup teams, these snacks, released in 2014, received the highest scores from our tasters and deserve to be snagged on your next trip to the grocery store.
Photo: Nicole Perry
Lays Pico de Gallo ($4) is like a ketchup-y, spicy chip with lime zest. We're thinking it must be a rebranded international Lays flavor, perhaps a salsa flavor from Mexico!
— Anna Monette Roberts, assistant editor
Snappers Peanut Pretzel ($5) is strangely addictive with the crunchy, salty pretzels and taffy-textured caramel topping.
— AMR
When it comes to Goldfish I'm a bit of a purist — cheddar, parmesan, or bust — except for the latest addition to the Flavor Blasted line: Goldfish Flavor Blasted Queso Fiesta ($4). While they don't taste exactly like queso, they are deliciously bold thanks to a generous dose of cayenne, garlic, and onion powder.
— Nicole Perry, assistant editor
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
Imagine Funfetti frosting stuffed inside Chewy Chips Ahoy! cookies . . . that's exactly what Chewy Chips Ahoy! Birthday Frosting Filled ($6) tastes like. We were afraid the icing would make the cookies too sweet, but it adds an intense buttery, vanilla-y flavor to the mix. Plus the rainbow sprinkles are a fun touch.
— AMR
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
Nine times out of 10, I prefer buttery popcorn; the exception: Quinn Popcorn California Olive Oil ($4). Subtly grassy thanks to the olive oil and just salty enough, it's easy to like.
— NP
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
Wheat Thins Popped Sea Salt ($3) are like Popchips meets Pringles. The crispy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is addictive, plus the flavor is reminiscent of something you can't quite put your finger on, like childhood cereal.
— AMR
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
One of my all-time favorite "yogurts" — quotes necessary, as this fermented-dairy delight is actually a fresh cheese, not a yogurt — is Siggi's Orange & Ginger. So I wasn't terribly surprised to find that I have a crush on their latest seasonal flavor: Pumpkin & Spice ($2). Its thick, tart, Greek-yogurt-like texture is a great foil for a nutmeg-heavy dose of pumpkin spice.
— NP
Photo: Nicole Perry
Let's just say I hope that Chobani's latest limited-batch yogurt isn't put out in such a limited release after all (please Chobani folks, are you listening?). In all honesty I was a bit skeptical of this new addition to their line; grapefruit can be a tough flavor to nail given its bitter nature. But the yogurt giant did it right! The flavor of Chobani Grapefruit ($2) is in between that of fresh grapefruit and marmalade (neither too sweet nor too bitter), and there's plenty of pulp so you can tell you're getting the real article.
— NP
Photo: Nicole Perry
Comparing Noosa's Pumpkin Yoghurt ($2) to Siggi's is like comparing apples and oranges. I adore both, but the two couldn't be more different. Where Siggi's is more austere and spice-heavy, Noosa tastes like you took yogurt and swirled in pumpkin pie. Admittedly it's a bit indulgent (the yogurt base is bolstered by cream!), but the dreamy pumpkin-butter swirl makes it worth your while.
— NP
Photo: Nicole Perry
I'll admit that I was a bit reluctant to try Nabisco's cookie hybrid, Chips Ahoy! Oreo Crème Filled ($4), but was pleasantly surprised by this chocolaty mash-up. While they don't really taste like Oreos (there's no chocolate wafer cookie component to speak of), the crème center makes these taste like chocolate chip cookie dough, which is pretty much always a win in my book.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
If you've ever found yourself elbow-deep in a bag of Kettle Brand's Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper Potato Chips, you're already well aware of the addictive quality of this seasoning blend. While in all honesty I prefer the seasoning on the thickly-ridged chips, Kettle's latest, Kettle Brand Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper Popcorn ($4) comes in at a close second; granted, you have to love pepper to enjoy this snack.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
These chips nail the balance of spiciness, sweetness, and saltiness, and best yet, they actually taste authentic. Who knew Japanese flavors and chips would be such a lovely match? Wasabi Ginger Lay's are a breath of fresh air in the snack world, especially when compared to their flavor competition: Bacon Mac & Cheese, Mango Salsa, and even Cappuccino. These flavors are only available in stores until Oct. 18, so snag a bag now!
— AMR
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
The Monchie Bar ($8) is going to be your new sweet snacking go-to. While you might not be able to find it at your run-of-the-mill grocery, it's worth the online purchase. The packaging alone hypes up this white chocolate bar, but it's the inside that really counts. Loaded with gummy bears, Sour Patch Kids, and Fruity Pebbles (yes, the cereal you spent the '90s eating by the handful), the bar fuses fruity flavor, salty-sour spunk, and creamy white chocolate with overwhelming success.
— AMR
Photo: Hilary White
Soon to hit store shelves as a permanent Doritos Jacked ($4) offering, this blend of sriracha, taco spices, and sour cream flavors was very popular with testers in a mystery taste contest. Now that this flavor has passed the chip test, we'd love to see it as the next Doritos Locos flavor at Taco Bell!
— AMR
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
You might assume that Stonefire Original Naan Crisps ($3) are a cousin of pita chips, but that's not quite the case. Rather, these ethereally light crisps are more like a cracker that channels naan's buttery, twangy flavor thanks to the inclusion of buttermilk and ghee.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
If you like garlic parmesan pita chips, you'll love Stonefire Garlic Parmesan Naan Crisps ($3). These crunchy, airy crisps taste a little bit less like naan than the brand's original flavor, but we're not complaining, as they're delicious in their own right.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
Some might pair sliced red pepper with classic hummus, but why not double up on flavor and dip sliced red pepper in roasted red pepper hummus? Boar's Head Roasted Red Pepper Hummus ($4) is tangy, smooth, slightly smoky, and totally snackable.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
To enjoy Boar's Head Roasted Chipotle Pepper Hummus ($4), you need to like it hot (and smoky), but provided you do, you'll be quite smitten.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
Imagine if you took the puffed corn base from Pirate's Booty (without the cheesy powder, of course) coated it in caramel and then tossed the whole lot in coconut; that, in essence is Cosmos Creations Coconut Crunch ($5 for 6 ounces). Airy and snackable, its a great alternative to caramel corn, and won't leave you with pesky popcorn kernels stuck in your teeth.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
It's a no-brainer that Reese's Oreos ($5), chocolate cookies stuffed with peanut-butter-cup-flavored cream, would make the masses extremely happy. The flavor actually reminds us most of Girl Scout peanut butter patties (Tagalongs), and that's a good thing.
— AMR
Photos: Anna Monette Roberts
If you beeline for the Doritos bag when late-night cravings kick in, then we suggest switching over to these Near East Cheese & Herb Multigrain Chips ($4) for a similar fix. With just the right mix of feta, cheddar, herbs, quinoa, and lentils, these addictive crisps are great to munch on with a delicious dip but can also hold their own solo.
— Hilary White, editorial assistant
Photos: Nicole Perry, Hilary White
When we set out sriracha-flavored snacks for a taste test, it never fails to draw a large, eager crowd. That said, most attempts at channeling sriracha's vinegary chile-garlic flavor have been OK, but nothing to write home about. The exception: Popcorn Indiana Sriracha Popcorn ($4) which truly captures the Thai hot sauce's characteristic twang and fiery burn.
— Nicole Perry, assistant editor
Photos: Nicole Perry
Not only does the shape of Lay's Kettle Cooked Lattice Cut Roasted Garlic & Sea Salt Chips look fancy, but the precise waffle cut also makes each chip extracrisp and light, never greasy. Great texture aside, what really sold us on these waffle chips was their authentic just-sweet-enough roasted garlic flavor.
— NP
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
If you're not much of a sour-candy fan, Peeps Minis Watermelon ($4) aren't likely to please. On the other hand, if you're powerless before a container of Sour Punch Straws or Watermelon Jolly Ranchers, these pint-size Peeps are a must try. More of a Peeps traditionalist? Try the minis in one of its other two flavors: strawberry or chocolate.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
Three Twins Organic Ice Cream recently released Land of Milk and Honey ($5 a pint). Our taste testers unanimously agreed that the milk and honey combo is subtle though satisfying. We loved how floral and fresh the honey was without overpowering our taste buds.
— AMR
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
While we love the crunch of classic Triscuits, there's no denying that they're a little bland. Triscuit Thin Crisps Wasabi & Soy Sauce eliminate that problem and then some. Wasabi tingle gives way to a deeply savory soy sauce note for a boldly flavored bite. Basically, if you like Asian rice crackers, you'll love these.
— NP
Photos: Anna Monette Roberts
Imagine crispy, buttery cinnamon toast in cracker form, and you're not far off from Trisket Thin Crisps Cinnamon Sugar ($3). Though made from brown rice and sweet potato, the crisps have the same texture as original Triscuits. Dip them in cream cheese or almond butter.
— AMR
Photos: Anna Monette Roberts
Ben & Jerry's Salted Caramel Core ice cream ($4) received a lot of love from tasters who gushed over the sweet-salty flavor and giant depot of caramel in the center. "Yes! So much yes!" was all one could muster. The bits of blond brownie and salty caramel complemented the sweet cream ice cream, and none of the flavors overpowered each other.
— AMR
Photos: Anna Monette Roberts
Stacy's Pretzel Thins Honey Dijon ($4) have a thick dusting of honey mustard powder, which tastes more tangy like mustard than sweet from the honey. The thick, sturdy chip makes them excellent for dipping, but we'd also top them with cheddar and ham slices.
— AMR
Photos: Anna Monette Roberts
Chunky, chewy, and nibble-sized, Fruit Vines Bites Strawberry ($3) are a great option if chewy licorice-like treats are your thing. Like many candies, the flavor is less strawberry and more generic red fruit, but we don't really see that as a negative.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
In short, these are our hands-down favorite Oreo flavor. Why? Well, think back to the last time you had a bowl of Lucky Charms (hopefully it hasn't been too long). You know how the milk tastes after you've devoured each and every marshmallow? Well, Marshmallow Crispy Oreos ($3) taste like that. Not only do they nail the Rice Krispies Treats flavor, but they crunch like them too, thanks to a sprinkling of rice cereal in the icing sandwiched between two Golden Oreo wafers. Marshmallow Crispy Oreos, you complete us.
— NP
Photos: Nicole Perry
Hershey's Chocolate Spread ($4) tastes like Hershey's chocolate syrup but in butter form. Dip strawberries in it for chocolate-covered strawberries, minus the laborious effort. Or for something crazier, try pickles. Yes, it's totally weird. No, it's not just for pregnant ladies. We were completely skeptical but could easily snack on this all day long. The brininess with the sweet chocolate just works.
— AMR
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts