Testing 1, 2, 3: Traditional Cheez-It vs. Puff'D - panel down on texture of new version
Back in the day — and I’m talking way back in the day — my go-to bedtime snack was a combo bowl of Cheez-Its crackers and potato chips.
Obviously, health and nutrition were of little or no concern to me back then.
To this day, I am still crazy about Cheez-Its, which is why they are banned from my house.
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Today, healthier options like sea-salted pita crackers sit in my pantry.
Until a few weeks ago, that is, when Cheez-It Puff’D came on the scene. Naturally, in the interest of journalistic research, I had to check them out.
So, the Puff’Ds along with the original Cheez-Its came home with me to set up a comparison taste test.
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The first hint of this newbie’s newness was its packaging, in a bag like potato chips and not in the traditional Cheez-It box, something our test panel, Brie Haag and Lorie Jackson of Loudonville along with Christina Stump of Jeromesville, immediately noted.
Stump quickly critiqued the Puff'D packaging.
“It just is not functional,” she said. Jackson backed her up, “Boxes are easier to store than a bag.”
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The ladies then considered the two snacks' aromas. Comments highlighted a heightened cheesiness for the Puff’Ds though Stump picked up a youthful Play-Doh scent.
The cheese factor also stood out for appearance. According to Jackson, “It is a different shape, puffier and it looks like it has more cheese on it, too.”
Stump was more direct. “They resemble a broken Cheetos puff. They do not look appetizing.”
That Cheetos comparison predominated in the ultimate category, taste.
“It tastes exactly like a Cheetos or one of my children’s toddler puffs. It is definitely cheesier than normal Cheez-Its and more airy,” according to Haag, whose conclusions were echoed by Jackson.
Panel deems Cheez-It Puff'D edible but not a preferred snack
Stump agreed with the overall amplified cheese flavor but noted some texture matters.
“The Cheez-It Puff’D has a similar texture to a Cheetos puff, but it does not disintegrate in your mouth, and it sticks to your teeth.”
No surprise, then, that Christine registered a definite “no” as to purchasing the Puff’Ds.
“I do not like the texture of them. ... I prefer the texture of the original Cheez-It though the Puff’D is still edible.”
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Jackson was middle of the road in her answer. “I prefer a cracker over the Puff’D. It is more enjoyable to eat. Also, the Puff’Ds are messier though I would buy them for my grandkids,” she said.
Turns out Haag was the lone Puff’D fan of the three testers.
“They taste better than the Cheez-Its, only because I do prefer Cheetos to Cheez-Its.”
And now, I have leftover Cheez-Its and Puff’Ds in my cupboard.
So far, I have only snitched once even though Cheez-Its are still my secret passion (well, not so secret anymore!).
Which is why I am gifting these to my Dayton grandsons with the hope that being out of sight – way out of sight – will keep them totally out of my mind.
But then again, maybe I should keep the two tempters home to honor humorist Erma Bombeck’s wise advice.
“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart.”
I like the way she thinks!
Until next time …
Reach Cami by email at camboh49@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Taste test: Cheez-It Puff'D lacks the right stuff to make it a hit
