Gluten Free Snacks: Nutty Bean Co. Pepper & Spice Chick Pz

PRODUCT NAME:                      Pepper & Spice Chick Pz

BRAND:                                     NUTTY BEAN CO

COST:                                        $3.75

SIZE:                                          3 OZ

COST PER OZ:                           $1.25/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:         NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:          N/A

ORGANIC:                                  NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:          N/A

VEGAN:                                      YES

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:            NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:            SAN JOSE, CA

SHELF LIFE:                               1 YEAR

*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:
I was very excited to try Nutty Bean Company’s ChickPz Pepper and Spice flavored snacks because I love chickpeas in hummus, on salads, or straight out of the can and I had never tried chickpeas roasted as a snack. Usually, when I crave a protein rich snack, I reach for raw almonds or mixed nuts and ChickPz provides a unique alternative. ChickPz are naturally filled with all the good stuff like protein, fiber, iron, and other vitamins and minerals, so they are very healthy. They are also low fat and convenient to eat on the go.

Nutty Bean Co is a local, bay area company, based out of San Jose and creates chickpea based snacks in a variety of eclectic flavors, from savory to sweet. Although counter-intuitive, the chickpea may function better as a roasted, sweet treat than a savory and spicy one. The Pepper and Spice variety had a great flavor which made me nostalgic for savory, wheat-filled chips like Sun Chips or Wheat Thins, which I am unable to enjoy with a wheat free diet, but was a little too chalky for my taste. While some would find these snacks to be somewhat dry straight from the bag, you can’t go wrong to use them as a protein packed addition to a leafy, raw vegetable salad with your favorite gluten free dressing.
 
Taste: These chickpeas were tasty and slightly spicy, flavored with cumin, pepper, and sea salt.

Labeling: The graphic design was cute and presented these snacks as healthy and natural. There was a label on the back containing the ingredients, allergen information, and nutrition facts. Although these snacks are safe for celiacs, there was no obvious statement or seal proclaiming the ChickPz as a gluten free snack.

Packaging: The ChickPz were in a plastic zip-lock style bag with three, 100 calorie servings inside.

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

Taste:                    3

Value:                   4

OVERALL:             3

Reviewed by: Jennie L.

Gluten Free Snacks: Nutty Bean Co. Sesame Crunch Chick Pz

PRODUCT NAME:                        Sesame Crunch Chick Pz

BRAND:                                       Nutty Bean Co. 

COST:                                          $3.75 

SIZE:                                            3oz (Net Weight)

COST PER OZ:                             $1.25

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:           NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

ORGANIC:                                    N/A

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:            N/A

VEGAN:                                        NO

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:             NO

LOCATION OF FACILITY:             San Jose

SHELF LIFE:                                12 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:

The deliciously understated chick pea has been given a makeover with Nutty Bean Co’s Chick Pz snacks.  These unique snacks were the result of a husband and wife team trying to create a snack that was both healthy, full of flavor, and a fusion of different elements from many cultures around the world. They discovered that roasted chick peas were already a popular snack in the Mediterranean, India, and Latin America. After figuring out how to roast chick peas themselves, they were also challenged with the task of creating recopies that would make these crunchy snacks flavorful and healthy. From the encouragement of family and friends that were  the initial guinea pigs to these unique snacks, Nutty Bean Co. launched in early 2010.

With the company still in its infancy, each package is hand-made, and served in small portions. The mission of the Nutty Bean Co. is to, “provide the healthiest all natural products by using the freshest highest quality ingredients that meet or exceed the needs of today's health conscious consumer”. I fully believe this is a testament they hold true, as their products are simple, yet high in quality which makes for a delicious and nutritious snack.

Taste:  The sesame crunch flavor is sweet and crunchy on the outside, with a burst of roasted chick pea earthiness on the inside. Since the sesame seeds are toasted and the chick peas are roasted, they provide a smoky layer of flavor to the sweet honey and sugar. These opposing characteristics to the spectrum of flavor complement each other very well, and provide a unique flavor that will keep your taste buds on their toes.

Labeling:  Sticker with logo and product name on front, sticker with nutritional value on the back.

Packaging:  small, clear plastic ziplock bag. Serving size is 1oz with 3 servings per bag. 

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:               4                             

Taste:                   4                             

Value:                  4             

OVERALL:            4             

Reviewed by Allison R.