PRODUCT NAME: Cashew Diamonds w/SaffronBRAND: Shakti Sweets of India
COST: $4.99
SIZE: 7.5 oz
COST PER OZ: $0.66/oz
CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE: NO
CERTIFICATION AGENCY: NA
ORGANIC: NO
CERTIFICATION AGENCY: NA
VEGAN: YES
GLUTEN FREE FACILITY: NO
LOCATION OF FACILITY: NA
SHELF LIFE: 2 months
*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging. We cannot verify the accuracy of this information. For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.
REVIEW:
Taste:
Again we are presented with an extremely simple treat-like dessert to review. Shakti Sweets of India has introduced a product simply called “Cashew Diamonds with Saffron”. The ingredient list is extremely short (cashew, sugar, pistachio, cardamon, and saffron) and it tastes just exactly like the sum of its parts. Despite the potential surprises the combination of the aforementioned could present, this product tastes just exactly like a mishmash of those few things sounds like it would. No nuance. No surprise.
Upon first bite, I was a bit excited by the texture. The pistachio chunks were pleasant and the slight grit of it had a very Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (minus the chocolate) feel. On first impact, it flooded my mouth with memories of being a kid and picking the outside of my Reese’s cup off so that I may enjoy the peanut butter-y goodness unadorned. If that isn’t exciting I don’t know what is. Sadly, upon further chewing my delight began to fade. Once a chomp or two takes place on these little treats the grit turns to paste. Although I love the childhood memories, I certainly don’t want to recall Play-Doh while trying to eat dessert.
Because Saffron, cardamon, and pistachio are all very powerful flavors the subtlety of the cashew is a bit lost. Even the little punches of flavor you do get from the spices eventually fall flat due to what seems to be a very high sugar content. All and all, its pretty disappointing. The flavor fizzles out immediately, which combined with a mediocre texture, left me unenthused.
There was no nutrition information presented on the packaging and so I decided to do a little research. I found out that traditionally these products are called “Kaju Kathli” and are enjoyed after meals in India. Generally they are made of just cashews, sugar, and water. Although it is clear that Shakti was aiming to be a creative with this traditional treat, I almost think a simpler manifestation might be more satisfying. A typical traditional recipe packs about about 68 calories per diamond. As I mentioned this is NOT the officially provided nutrition information but if it is anywhere close (which my experience has lead me to believe it probably is) then its not really worth it. I’d honestly rather eat 68 calories worth of plain cashews!
Labeling: Labeling on this product was not sufficient. I find it unreasonable to not be able to include nutrition information on a product, especially when there are plentiful websites that will calculate a label for free. If I can do it, so can companies selling products!
Packaging: The packaging of this product was recyclable plastic container. 7.5 ounces is actually quite a few cashew diamonds, and the freshness level declines rapidly. The short shelf life could probably vastly be improved by having smaller packages of a different material. The moisture these diamonds produce makes them prone to spoilage.
Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…
RATING:
Texture: 2.5
Taste: 2
Value: 3
OVERALL: 2.5
Reviewed by Lacy D.
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