Category: Spotted on Shelves

Spotted on Shelves is showing off what was in the aisles at this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show (FFS) in New York City. I scoped out new products from familiar brands and interesting things from up-and-coming companies.

As is the nature of trade shows like this, I was plied with free samples and the occasional tote bag. This did not affect what was chosen to appear in this column or my opinions of the products, but it did affect my waistline.

One of the biggest product groups at the Fancy Food Show were chips, puffs, and popcorn. It felt like there were 100 or more varieties of baked, fried, puffy, crunchy things vying for my attention – most of them screaming their health benefits. Less fat! High protein! More Fiber! Less carbs! Plants! Superfoods! Animal friendly!

Personally, I’m not in the chips game for the healthy eating – I’m in it for the yum. So I compiled some of the tastier snacks from the show, regardless of their health status.

Xochitl chips – Sprouted Red Corn & Multigrains and The Dipper

Tired of losing your Xochitl chips in a heavy salsa? Personally, I like sending out chip rescue parties for those left behind. But these new chips are stronger and won’t break as much as the original – delicate – Xochitls. These taste like the basic Xochitl, but thicker. The Sprouted came off to me as slightly more textured than the original and a bit earthier flavor, but not a huge departure.

Available in grocery chains nationwide starting September/October.

Fuller Foods Serious Cheesy Puffs – Asiago & Black Pepper, Blue Cheese & Jalapeno and Sriracha & Cheddar

These are billed as “absurdly large” cheese puffs. They were longer than most, but not insanely. I live in New York, I have an extremely high bar for the word ‘absurd.’ They were tasty, though. More nuanced flavors than the standard day-glo orange dust. The Sriracha was hot! Asiago Black Pepper was a solid, mild cheesy flavor. My favorite was Blue Cheese Jalapeno – a great combo of umami and low-level heat.

Available now in grocery stores nationwide.

SunTropics Banana Chips – Maple, Sweet Chili, Salted Caramel

On the sweet side, these banana chips had a great hard sugar crunch. I tried the maple because I’m a maple fiend, but was skeptical because it’s a flavor that can go very (artificially) wrong. These were pretty true to nature, however, and didn’t overpower the banana base.

Launching late 2018/early 2019, first on Amazon, then select retails stores.

Sun Tropics Mochi Rice Bites – Sriracha, Tokyo Curry, Tamari Soy Sauce and Sea Salt

These had the usual texture and feel of a puffed rice snack, but with unusual flavors. The Tamari Soy Sauce bites were sweeter and far less salty than I expected. Tokyo Curry were saltier (a good thing in my book) and had a strong curry powder flavor with a low level of heat.

Available at West Coast natural grocers & specialty stores within the next 2 months, wider distribution to follow.

Epic Provisions Oven Baked Pork Rinds – Chili Lime, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, and BBQ Seasoning

Epic Provisions, best known for their jerky, are introducing new varieties of their pork rinds – baked this time. I’m not much of a pork rind eater – I only tried them for the first time ever this year. I tried Epic’s Pink Himalayan & Sea Salt and Chili Lime flavors. The salt version was tasty but not overly-salty. Chili Lime definitely had chili – slightly more than I like (keeping in mind I’m a lightweight) but I couldn’t detect the lime. Both were far less greasy than the standard pork rind.

Available now in select Cost Plus World Markets, select Whole Foods starting this week.

Beanitos Bean Chips – Zesty Ranch and Red Hot Cajun

Beanitos Bean Chips Dippers – Sea Salt, Twist of Lime, and Sea Salt & Pepper

Beanitos Baked Bean Crunch – Mac N’ Cheese, Jalapeno Con Queso and Fuego N’ Lime

These read as bean-based alternatives to your usual tortilla chips, nacho chips and cheese curls. I thought the Dippers were the best of the lot. The Twist of Lime flavor could have passed a blind taste-test with Tostitos Hint of Lime Chips. The Zesty Ranch and Red Hot Cajun did taste like Doritos, but with less of the over-the-top zest of the originals (could be good or bad depending on where your taste lies). The Baked Bean Crunch curls had good flavor – the Fuego N’ Lime in particular, but had a denser, softer texture than a Cheeto.

Available in grocery stores starting in September/October.

Popsalot California Popcorn – California Almond, Brazilian Cashew, Southern Pecan, Hawaiian Macadamia, Saigon Cinnamon, Clandestine Caramel, London Kettle, Costa Rican Cocoa, and Moroccan Harissa

I tend to gravitate towards popcorn before chips or cheese puffs, so I was happy to find a company at the Fancy Food Show that had an extensive and thoughtful variety of caramel and kettle corns. They were all delicious and exactly as described, but two flavors stood out as particularly unique. The Costa Rican Cocoa was a dark, earthy chocolate – only a little sweet. The Moroccan Harissa was a unique flavor for a mass-market popcorn – spicy and savory, but not cheesy.

Available now in select grocery stores, department stores and Amazon.

Vegan Rob’s Dragon Puffs and Creamed Spinach Puffs

I’m not vegan, but Vegan Rob’s vast flavor array caught my eye. Turmeric, Jackfruit, Brussel Sprouts – if it grows in the ground or on a tree, I think Vegan Rob can make a puff of it. I did not try his latest – Dragon Puffs – I guessed from the flame-kissed bag that it was gonna be a hot one. I did try a prototype they were showing for a Popeye-themed Creamed Spinach Puffs. They had a subtle spinach/salad greens flavor with a hint of cream. The texture and crunch were just right – in line with a Cheez Doodle. I liked them.

Dragon Puffs available now online, coming soon to grocery stores and health stores.
Popeye Spinach Puffs were a prototype product for testing at the show.

Aree Crisp n Chips Almond and Rice Snack Mixes – Black Pepper & Honey Mustard, Sriracha & Cheese, Butter & Corn, Rosemary & Tomato, and Barbecue & Salt Vinegar

From the makers of Danielle fruit & veggie chips, these were combos of an almond-based flat chip and a puffed rice cake, meant to be eaten together. Each element is a separate flavor designed to pair with the other. The standout varieties for me were the Butter & Corn and Rosemary & Tomato. The corn was a typical corn chip and the butter was a bright, dominant flavor, but not in a fake ‘movie theater butter’ kind of way. While the rosemary was hard to find, the tomato was an authentic and pleasant flavor.

Available online starting in Fall/Winter, retail availability TBD.

Update: We reviewed the Reese’s one! Click here to read our review.

I look forward to shooting these into my mouth. (Spotted by @tro_aesthetics at Family Dollar.)

If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you’ve tried the product, share your thoughts about it in the comments.

Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.

Here are some interesting new and limited edition products found on store shelves by your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of the products, share your thoughts about them in the comments.

Devour Single Serve Hot & Melty Nacho Mac & Cheese

Devour Single Serve Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Tom Thumb.)

Utz Baseballs White Cheddar Cheeseballs

(Spotted by Brian M at Giant.)

Tevana Sachets (Earl Grey Creme, Imperial Spiced Chai, and Youthberry)

Teavana Sachets (Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility)

Teavana Citrus Lavender Sachets

(Spotted by Carla and Amanda Y at Walmart.)

Larabar Kid Brownies (Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Mint Brownie)

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Kroger.)

Marvel Spider-Man Evian 12-Pack

(Spotted by Robbie at Target.)

Vlasic Snack’mms Spicy Minis and Sea Salt n’ Vinegar Bites

Mt. Olive Munchies (Kosher Dill and Bread & Butter)

Mt. Olive Munchies Zesty Kosher Dill and Sweet Heat Bread & Butter Chips

Mt. Olive Simple Vidalia Pickled Onion Strips

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Tom Thumb.)

ThinkKids Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bars

ThinkKids Vanilla Cupcake Protein Bars

We covered the chocolate chip one a little while ago. (Spotted by Sarah R at Target.)

Thank you to all the photo contributors! If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you do so, you might see your picture in our next Spotted on Shelves post.

Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.

A quick internet search tells me Wawa also has an ICEE Wild Cherry Donut. (Spotted by Michael F at Wawa.)

If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you’ve tried the product, share your thoughts about it in the comments.

Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.

Spotted on Shelves is showing off what was in the aisles at this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show (FFS) in New York City. I scoped out new products from familiar brands and interesting things from up-and-coming companies.

As is the nature of trade shows like this, I was plied with free samples and the occasional tote bag. This did not affect what was chosen to appear in this column or my opinions of the products, but it did affect my waistline.

Chocolate – it’s everywhere, it’s been on shelves for 171 years now, there’s a million forms and flavors. Yet, there’s still more to do with it. I was happy to find some innovative and fun twists on chocolate at FFS.

Chuao Chocolatier Sprinkle Dreams Bar

I’m a big fan of Chuao’s chocolate bars – I like their flavors and their mini bars keep me portion controlled. So I was delighted to see them at FFS with a new bar – with sprinkles! EEEEE! LOVE SPRINKLES! Sprinkle Dreams was a delicious milk chocolate bar with waffle cone bits and hazelnuts and sprinkles, but I wished it had one more whimsical element. Maybe mixing in something like Dippin’ Dots to complete the ice cream theme?

Don’t get me wrong, I will be buying these in mini-bar form, but I’ll always sprinkle-dream of something just a little extra magical.

Available now at grocery stores, drugstores and retailers nationally.

Jelly Belly Harry Potter Chocolate Wands, Chocolate Crests, and Chocolate Creatures

I’ve never seen a Harry Potter movie or read the books, so I don’t fully understand these products in the context of that universe, but I’m guessing many of you do?

There weren’t samples to try, but the consistency and flavor of the chocolate aren’t really the appeal here. The question I have is…milk chocolate wands? This seems like a parent’s nightmare – a handheld meltable object. Small, delicious handprints – coming soon to your walls and sofa! The chocolate creatures are mystery items – you won’t know which one you’ve got until you open it.

Available starting in October.

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Craft Mini Bars – Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel, Milk Chocolate Waffle Cone Caramel, and Milk Chocolate Cookie Butter Cookie

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate – the most literal company name ever – has release some tiny chocolates chocolates chocolates into the world! The sea salt caramel varieties of these bars had a surprising amount of salt in them. If you prefer a light salt touch, pass on these. I liked it, however. The waffle cone caramel bars were studded underneath with chunks of cones, and the cookie butter bars were dusted with speculoos cookie crumbs and a ribbon of speculoos filling. They were pretty delicious and the small size is good for lunch boxes or secret stashes.

Available now in specialty retailers.

jcoco Boharat Middle Eastern Spice Dark Chocolate bars

This collaboration with noted chef Tarik Abdullah combines dark chocolate and black peppercorn, cumin, cinnamon and cloves. With this list of ingredients, I expected to be hit over the head with spices. It was much more subtle, however. The cumin and cinnamon were the flavors I picked up most, but even those aren’t overpowering. The chocolate itself was soft and just a hair on the dry side, which was a nice compliment to the flavors of this very ‘adult’ chocolate bar.

Available now online, coming soon to specialty retailers & gourmet shops.

Let Them Eat Candles – milk and dark chocolate candles

Edible candles! Made of real chocolate and everything. These babies only flame long enough to sing Happy Birthday – the wick doesn’t go all the way into the chocolate base. They’re interesting novelties for parties, and certainly better than sending Great-Grandpa Jimmy into cardiac arrest with those candles that won’t blow out. And they tasted pretty good, too.

Available now online and in select bakeries and specialty markets nationwide.

Hands Off My Chocolate – Red Velvet & White Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Hazelnut Seasalt & Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate

These chocolate bars are designed to break into round pips, which is something I haven’t seen before. I was told this shape fits our mouths better. Makes sense – you can see by the anatomically correct artwork on the package. They were all delicious but I thought the Cookie Dough was the best of the bunch. Each round is printed with the word “mine” except for one “yours,” which is X’d out. So you have full permission the eat the whole thing yourself.

Available at CostPlus World Market and select retailers starting in July.

Seattle Chocolate Mexican Hot Chocolate Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar

While not a revolutionary flavor, I really enjoyed the packaging and taste of this bar. It was spicy, but balanced with the dark chocolate and vanilla. I loved the artwork and the inner wrapper was a matte black foil, which was new to me. I feel like some of the magic of Mexican hot chocolate is lost on something that’s not steaming hot on a cold day, but on a steaming hot summer day, this was still pretty good.

Available starting in September/October in gourmet grocery stores.

Appletinies Flamingo Love and Unicorn Food

This Austrian brand caught my eye with beautiful packaging. They have a full line of chocolate-covered dried apple bits, but of course the trendy, colorful Unicorn Food and Flamingo Love limited editions were my favorites.

The bright orange Flamingo white chocolate coating was reminiscent of an orange Creamsicle. Unicorn Food was a mauve hue with elderberry white chocolate. As elderberry isn’t a readily familiar flavor to me (outside of Monty Python quotes), it read simply as a light, fun berry taste that paired well with the apple underneath. Most unicorn-branded items are strawberry or raspberry flavored, so I liked that this one was a little outside the norm.

Availability TBD.