The Product
The story behind Spokes Puffed Potatoes Snacks charmed me into saying yes to product testing them:
“Created by a Canadian Mom who wanted a Better-For-You (BFY) snack for her family, SPOKES was born as a result of many years’ work refining product development and consumer research….” says Dave Pullar, CEO of Left Field Foods.
Air puffed, never fried, lightly oil misted and “Free of the 11 major allergens including dairy, gluten, wheat, soy and egg, no artificial preservatives or colours, and no trans fat or cholesterol, SPOKES are a potato snack everyone can love.”
OK, I admit, the marketing got me. It is all good and great that they are super non-evil but how do they ACTUALLY taste?!
The Taste Test
When asked for which flavours I would like to test I asked for Dill Pickle, Sea Salted Caramel and/or Sea Salt and Vinegar. I received the Barbecue and Salt and Pepper.
Made with potato flakes, Reg immediately realized there was a good chance the texture would remind us of Munchos and he was right. They sort of stick to your tongue in a fun way and are definitely crispy.
I wish in the press release or on the website they would share the story behind the actual “spokes” shape, like, did it remind her of riding bikes with her kids? Was there a symbolic reason for it or was it just a fun whimsical design? I have no idea.
The flavour of the barbecue was very light and more sweet than savoury. No heat going on there but it was pleasant. I just found it a little one note and a little subtle. That meant, of course, that Reg really liked them.
Salt and vinegar usually give a nice little bang to the tastebuds and it was there but…
Again, I was hoping for more extreme flavour. It was fun to eat though and a treat, for sure. At just 40 calories per cup, you definitely feel like you are enjoying a treat without paying a huge caloric fatty price.
Foodie Review
The two bags of Spokes I got to try were a lot of fun to eat, had good flavour and for $3.99 a bag are a pretty good deal for those who want something healthy but flavourful. Would I buy them myself? Probably not. If I have a treat I am willing to pay for it as long as there is huge flavour behind it and these are just too middle-of-the-road for my taste buds but for most people they will be extremely impressed.
I love that they have nine flavours to choose from (impressive) and are available across Canada in most natural, conventional and independent grocery and drugstore retailers including: Whole Foods, Kardish, Goodness Me!, Planet Organic, Blush Lane, Safeway, Sobeys (Western Canada), Thrifty Foods, Metro (Quebec), London Drugs and Bed Bath & Beyond.
These are a perfect crunchy treat for health nuts but I want more foodie flavour bang for my personal four bucks. I give this product four out of five wooden spoons.
I’m a big flavour fan myself, when it comes to crispy, savoury snacks. I think I’ll give these a shot, but usually, I need a burst of flavour – especially for salt and vinegar!
Vicky, you can enjoy these without feeling guilty! The salt and vinegar are very good, I just like them extra vinegary but they’re quite good.
Did you get to try the Fiesta Salsa ones? They’re my favourite. They have a bit of bite to them.
I have no tried those nicolthepickle but if they have a bit of a bite to them I might! Thank you for your comment and letting me know.