When the time came to commence taste-testing the assortment of Alive & Radiant foods kale chips I received for review, I was in the midst of a busy day at home with no other people around. I tore into the the Original Quite Cheezy: rich cheddar flavor without the cheese and I said aloud, “Now that’s good.” I don’t generally talk to myself, it’s just that I love cheesy kale chips and these were impressive enough to warrant an audible exclamation.
Robust, sizable leaves of curly kale dehydrated and generously smothered with the cheesiest of non-cheese concoctions I ever did taste, I had to convince myself to put it away so that I could resume my taste-test.
Next up was the Original Cheezy Chipotle: rich smoky cheddar flavor without the cheese.
All of a sudden the kitchen became a little more crowded when someone who is also a fan of kale and nutritional yeast sauntered in to investigate. I shared a crumb, but will be keeping the rest to myself. Obviously this product isn’t intended for dogs and it’s too good to share! As advertised, it was just as cheesy, but with a noticeable, flavorful spice.
Then it was time to try the Organic Southwest Ranch: with just a little kick. I haven’t eaten ranchy snack foods in quite some time and I couldn’t even remember if it was something I liked.
Um, yeah it is! Under the watchful eye of 89, kitchen supervisor, I was reminded that ranch is indeed something I enjoy and need more of in my life: particularly in the form of Kale Krunch.
I had purposefully waited on trying the seemingly plainer Superfood: with spirulina, maca, and chia because, well…it sounded all healthy-like (i.e. not necessarily my style mkay).
It even looked all healthy-like! Neither of us knew quite what to make of it, but I dug in recklessly and am happy to report that it was actually really delicious in a simpler, “I want a kale chip but not a snacky, flavored kale chip” sort of way (it could happen).
I saved the chocolate for last. “Chocolate and kale? Yes, try it!” I actually didn’t wanna. I mean, I really didn’t. But, of course, I did. [Abby is a scientist and pro journalist]
I will admit that when I opened the package it smelled solely of really delicious chocolate. I took a bite and confirmed that, indeed, it was. But, it was missing the saltiness that I’d hoped would remind me of chocolate covered pretzels and so I didn’t have any more. What can I say? As a lover of most things green I just can’t psychologically get past greenery in my sweets.
Later that same day I found these two new flavors from Alive & Radiant in the supermarket, so obviously I’m in the minority:
Have at it, weirdos! More Quite Cheezy, Cheezy Chipotle, and Southwest Ranch for me.