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Newtons Fruit Crisps declared dry, flavorless

By Lorie Hutson lorieh@spokesman.com(509) 459-5446

Fig Newtons they are not.

The new Newtons Fruit Crisps eked out two and a half stars on our five-star scale, but tasters on The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel didn’t have many kind words for the new snacks. Tasters ate both the Apple Cinnamon and Mixed Berry flavors.

Only Tina Johnson managed to be half complimentary. “I like this crispier version of a Fig Newton. The texture is a little dry, but that helps make it crispy.”

Others were not so forgiving.

“The filling cannot overcome the parching tragedy of the cardboard crust,” Andy Hoye said.

“Water! I need something to drink these are so dry! These won’t be on the market very long. Pop-Tarts are better,” said Vicki Deschaine.

Others made similar Pop-Tarts and cardboard comparisons.

“Why even invent these when we have Pop-Tarts?” asked Nancy Robinson.

Peggy Kazanis said, “This has very little flavor – cardboard comes to mind.”

Some had trouble distinguishing between the flavors served together.

“Tastes just like the other flavor, I didn’t even notice a difference,” said Larry Inman.

Tasters were even less impressed with the price. A box with eight 1-ounce packages of the bars sells for about $4.29. Panelists gave the crisps two stars for value.

Newtons Fruit Crisps, Apple Cinnamon

Price: $4.29 per 8-ounce box

Nutrition per serving: 100 calories, 2 grams fat (no saturated fat, 18 percent fat calories), less than 1 gram protein, 20 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 90 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • 1/2

Value: • •

Comments: “Cinnamon? I can’t tell, there’s too much crust. (It) overpowers the filling.” – Nancy Robinson

“Cinnamony filling with a crunchy pastry – almost seems a bit dried out. Overall, lacks flavor. Filling lacking substance.” – Lindi Messenger

“Light and airy shouldn’t describe Pop-Tarts. Really quite pointless.” – Skip Hubbard

“Bulk. Very little flavor. Toddlers would probably love them.” – Larry Inman

Newtons Fruit Crisps, Mixed Berry

Price: $4.29 per 8-ounce box

Nutrition per serving: 100 calories, 2 grams fat (no saturated fat, 18 percent fat calories), less than 1 gram protein, 20 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 90 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • 1/2

Value: • •

Comments: “I can’t tell what flavor this is.” – Tina Johnson

“Berry filling tastes artificial with a chewy texture; pastry too crunchy and dried out. Needs more filling to pastry.” – Lindi Messenger

“Chewy and tasteless. Certainly won’t replace the old standby.” – Skip Hubbard

Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.