18 Rabbits Organic Peanut, Almond and Coconut Gracious Granola: There's a game I like to play at Berkeley Bowl that I call "Is it worth it?" Is that bag of cheese puffs so good to warrant $5 a bag? Is that bag of Granola actually worth $7? That's the question I asked when I purchased this San Francisco-based brand of granola that contains oats, almonds and pecans, and pumpkin seeds and is flavored with maple syrup and coconut. It isn't too sweet, but it has a rich, buttery flavor (and the fat content to prove it). Opening the bag releases a fragrant c... (read more) 3.0/5.0
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Barbara's White Cheddar Cheese Puffs: More airy than Cheetos, Barbara's Cheese Puffs have a very mild cheddar flavor that is one of the least distinctive I've had. As a result, they are among the least satisfying of this junk-food classic. If you're looking for a healthier version of cheese puffs, these may be the ones. But you then have to ask yourself, what's the point? 2.5/5.0
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Calbee Honey Butter Potato Chips: Back when I lived in Cambridge, I frequently saw honey butter flavored potato chips on the shelves at HMart, and despite my proclivity for odd snacks, this is one I left untouched. Little did I know that in late 2014, honey butter chips set off a frenzy in South Korea, with convenient stores frequently sold out and single bags going for as much as $50 (a 2500% markup) on eBay (google the Munchies article to learn more). After hearing about this craze, my sister and I bought a bag from 99 R... (read more) 1.5/5.0
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Saffron & Rose Faloodeh and pistachio Turkish ice cream: Returning to this small ice cream shop after 3 years, I found Saffron & Rose has all grown up. Gone are the glass walls, replaced by an orange red drywall, and the generic white cups have been styled with their logo printed on the side. Also missing was the kind owner, who relentlessly handed me every flavor in the shop to sample (without me even asking). Luckily, the offerings remain true, with elastic ice cream in traditional flavors, many flavored with rosewater. The pistachio was creamy ... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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Mashti Malone Cucumber Sorbet: After getting a scoop from Saffron & Rose, my sister and I stopped by Mashti Malone to compare. Half of Mashti Malone has regular American ice cream, while the other has more interesting Persian options. The difference in quality between S&R and Mashti is immediately noticeable, though, even before tasting. While the cucumber sorbet I tasted had an interesting savory vegetable flavor, it was more of an italian ice than a sorbet, with a very icy texture. When it comes to Turkish flavors, ... (read more) 2.0/5.0
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Pazzo Gelato Butternut Squash Gelato: A seasonal flavor that makes me wonder if we should all be eating butternut squash pie to celebrate Thanksgiving instead of pumpkin pie. A delectable combination of spices (cinnamon and nutmeg, I'm guessing) and creamy squash flavor. Very smooth. One of my favorite desserts from this year. 4.5/5.0
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