If last month’s throwdown told us anything, it is that I remain very much a potato chip addict. And while we here at GrubGrade already have another potato chip throwdown in the works for the coming weeks, I thought I’d spend today highlighting a chip from a company that wasn’t featured in last month’s taste test.
Ok, so a lighthouse in the Northeast does not exactly scream BBQ, but...
That’s right Sox fans, I’m heading up to Massachusetts and checking in with the seaside chip makers at Cape Cod in an effort to broaden my potato chip horizons past the usual (but always awesome) suspects of Herr’s and Utz. Actually, the chip makers at Cape Code are coming down to me, as the company graciously agreed to let me sample some of their products, including the brand spankin’ new Sweet Mesquite Barbeque flavor.
Let’s start with the basis; texture and taste. These are kettle cooked chips, and I found the texture of the chips to be simply outstanding. There is definitely a solid crunch in each bite, but not to the point where it seems like you’re biting down on something old and stale. Likewise, they seem more moist than oily, a definite plus when in stage two of “finger lickage” goodness. Meanwhile – over in the flavor department – let’s just say I was completely blown away. The first flavor I get when I bite in is the sweetness. I guess they weren’t lying when they labeled it as a “sweet mesquite” chip, and I do in fact catch a hint of mesquite in the seasoning. It’s definitely a “traditional” barbeque seasoning blend, but at the same time it comes across as deeper and bolder than most barbeque chips. There’s also an element of sweet tomato flavor that most chips don’t include in their seasoning. There is a great balance in the ratio of sweet to salty, and unlike many barbeque flavored chips the salt doesn’t overwhelm the sweetness here. Rather, it’s complimentary, and adds to the overall tasting experience. The thing I really like about these chips (outside of the complex barbeque flavor) is the “back flavor,” which unlike a lot of chips still manages to retain the flavor of the actual potato used in the cooking process. There is, in fact, a progression of taste with these chips, and it’s by far one of the best I’ve ever experienced in my entire life as a snacker!
The distribution of sweet spice is just right. At only 140 calories and 6 grams of fat (0.5g saturated) per 18 chip serving, these are actually some of the healthiest potato chips you can find on the market. Cooked in “100% Canola Oil,” the chips not only retain the delicious flavor of the actual potato, but they apparently provide a good source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (at least, you know, according to the package label). My only regret is that I’ve been unable to find a local grocer that carries these chips, although their website does show that Cape Cod chips are available in numerous states across the country. Unfortunately for our good friend Bear, they aren’t available in California, once again confirming that the West Coast is painfully out of touch when it comes to the world of snackage. Oh well, more for me I guess.
- Pros: I think I already said it all. These were outstanding, and by far the best kettle-cooked barbeque potato chips I’ve ever had in my life.
- Cons: Admitting I like love something that was made in the state of Massachusetts, and the sad realization that I may be dangerously close to selling out on my beloved Mid-Atlantic roots.Great texture.
GrubGrade: 9.25/10 (Exceptional)
Price: $3.49 per 8 oz bag
Nutrition Facts: Cape Cod Sweet Mesquite Barbeque Chips
Serving Size: 1oz (Approximately 18 Chips)
Calories: 140
Calories from Fat: 60
Total Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 2 g