Knockoffs of popular foods don't frequently beat the originals, Taster's Choice has observed.
However in the situation of stoneground wheat crackers -Known globally as stoned wheat thins, his or her inventor calls them -- an imitator won, by a proper margin.
These large, usually square, white-colored-ant and somewhat pasty-tasting crackers, happen to be party staples for a long time.
They are sturdy mules for lots of cheese or meaty spreads. They are not intended as showoffs by themselves, but to supply a pleasantly toasty, crunchy undertone having a spark of salt.
We found six brands that suit the course. The panel sampled them plain, and were surprised to locate they selected Whole-foods 365 Golden Stoneground Wheat Crackers ($1.65 for 11 ounces) because the champion.
These crackers are available in the standard lengthy, square box because the originals. "Nicely salty and wheaty, with a decent grainy crunch," stated one taster. "Nice flavor, salty visual appearanceInch and "ideal stoned wheat thin in flavor and texture," stated two others. Some panelists reported a "slightly stale finish," that is sign of this sort of cracker and it was noted along with other brands, too.
Three panelists would buy this brand, one might and something wouldn't.
Second place visited Wheatsworth Stone Ground Wheat Crackers ($2.99 for 11.5 ounces, Mollie Stone 's), that are smaller sized squares. One taster found their flavor "nice buttery, salty," but another stated it had been "sweet and salty by having an uncomfortable flavor from fat or shortening." Some panelists found them "too salty" and were not keen on their sweet finish. Three would purchase them two wouldn't.
Third-rated Trader Joe's Stone Wheat Crackers ($1.69 for 10.6 ounces) were built with a "good grainy texture," "mild wheat flavor" and "classic crunch," but additionally a "stale" taste. Three would purchase them, one might and something wouldn't.
Monet ($2.89 for 8.8 ounces, Mollie Stone's), in 4th place, were "more tender than theseInch but were built with a "raw grain" or "card board" flavor. A "mild caraway flavor is enjoyable, otherwise traditional," stated one taster. Two would buy this brand three wouldn't.
Arriving fifth was the initial, Red Oblong Farms Stoned Wheat Thins ($3.39 for 10.6 ounces, Mollie Stone's), which discovered as "bland -- for a cracker." Three might purchase them two wouldn't.
Stoned wheat crackers:
Whole-foods 365. 73
Red Oblong Farms 42
Health Valley 39
Panelists were Linda Anusasananan, food author and consultant, San Mateo John Carroll. cook book author, Bay Area Stacy Finz. Chronicle Food staff Shelley Handler. consultant, Bay Area Emily Luchetti. pastry chef, Farallon, Bay Area. All goods are sampled blind an ideal score could be 100. Prices listed would be the cheapest found, but products might be offered at other stores.
