"Crackers" really isn't the first word that would come to mind upon sampling one of the new Trader Joe's Everything but the Gluten Crackers. There's nothing about it that conjures up the classic "cracker" prototype in my head, which admittedly looks pretty much like a round Ritz. I'm sorry, it's just the way I was raised.
My lovely bride agrees, though, so I can't be too far off. But she fully embraces the second descriptive title, "Norwegian crispbread." Ugh. "Crispbread." She says that's a different kinda deal than a cracker, which I can get aboard with, but I just don't like how it sounds. Too fancy schmancy.
Yet I have no other ideas what to call these thumbsized tombstone shaped thingies. "People suet" sounds wrong too, although it's about the closest with all those seeds. So I guess crackers it is. I digress.
Dear goodness, there's a bunch of seeds, namely sunflower and sesame. If you're familiar with sesame sticks as a snack, these guys are pretty similar tasting, except maybe crunchier. Some oatflake bits, quinoa flour and corn flour kinda hold it all together and add an extra crumbly crunch. Upfront the taste is all earthy seeds, all the time, especially the sesame, but what lingers is the garlic. It's not a lot of garlic - nothing too roasty and boasty - but it's kinda that sneaky type that develops only after a couple chews but then just stays...and stays...and stays. Not in an unpleasant way, mind you, but it's absolutely there.
All that being said, pretty much everyone in the family loves these TJ's gluten free snackies. We've been chewing them down just straight, but man, they'd be awesome with a variety of dips or toppers. Sharp cheddar? Hummus? Cream cheese? Salsa? A little nut butter of some type? Yes, to all of those. Hmm, maybe they are more crackery than I give them credit for. And for $2.99 for the package, they've already been repeat purchases here...and we're not gluten sensitive folks in the least. Double fours!
Bottom line: Trader Joe's Everything but the Gluten Crackers: 8 out of 10 Golden Spoons
"People suet" put water in my nose. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteIs this the same item as the Gluten Free Norwegian Crispbread, but just smaller?
ReplyDeleteThanks - I rarely get into TJs these days with the lines - will need to look for these and stock up on the GF waffles - my kid has celiac, so I appreciate the review.
ReplyDeleteI am gluten free and love these. Hope they stay around.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised by the double fours! I thought you were setting us up for a disappointing review.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I couldn't bring myself to buy these, when I got to the store - they really looked like Suet. Pass, but thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing!
ReplyDeleteNo these are not the same as the Gluten Free Norwegian Crispbread - I loved the originals because I'm off grains in my diet. But they had to ruin this cracker by dumping in onions and garlic. I'm slightly allergic to garlic and onions, and the original ingredients tasted fine to me.
ReplyDeleteA cracker should be more neutral in flavor. I'm trying to imagine creamcheese with almond butter, a little orange marmalade and ... garlic and onions??