Nabisco’s Mixers boring and bland

If you’re looking for a sure-fire dish to spark some conversation at your next party, you might want to skip Nabisco’s new Mixers.

The packaging promises a party in every bag, but tasters on The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel found it “boring” and “bland.” Not the kind of thing you want people saying at your soiree. They gave the Traditional mix just two stars for flavor.

Try the Cheddar Mixers instead, panel members said. The cheesy, buttery flavor earned a slightly higher score with three stars.

“The cheese adds a lot of the flavor to this crunchy snack mix,” said Tina Johnson. “This would be great alongside a cold brew.”

There’s a cheat sheet on the back of the bag to help you identify the crackers in the mix, which showcases a host of Nabisco products: mini Cheese Nips, Cheez Mania cheese curls, whole wheat Shreddies cereal, Ritz Bits crackers and Mr. Salty pretzels.

“Nice mix – mini cheese bits are a plus,” said Andy Hoye.

The Traditional Mixers include whole wheat Shreddies, Mister Salty Pretzels, Ritz Bits crackers in regular and whole wheat and Cheese Nips Bits. After a bit of munching, panel members thought they could detect a bit of spice in the mix, but not nearly enough to keep them interested.

“I had to eat 20 pieces to taste anything – and then it was pretty boring,” Hoye said.

“Slightly sweet, slightly garlicky, but pretty darn bland. I’d use this as a base and add my own seasonings,” said Donald Clegg.

“Seemed really dry and bland for the first few bites – but I kept going, so I must like them on some level,” said Matt Quesnell. “You get some spiciness if you eat enough of them.”

Marcia Oranen gave the mixes a hearty thumbs down as well.

“Mediocre flavor…. Nothing special or different or better than what’s already out there,” she said.

Nabisco Mixers, Traditional

Price: $2.79 for 11 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 130 calories, 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 35 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 21 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 1 gram dietary fiber, 360 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • •

Value: • • 1/2

Comments: “Bland and could use some garlic salt.” – Tina Johnson

“No taste at all. Why would you waste your time when there are so much better snacks.” – Nancy Robinson

“Very flat; not enough seasoning or flavor.” – Larry Inman

Nabisco Mixers, Cheddar

Price: $2.79 for 11 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 130 calories, 6 grams fat (1.5 grams saturated, 41.5 percent fat calories) 2 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 1 gram dietary fiber, 350 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • •

Value: • • •

Comments: “The cheese adds a lot of the flavor to this crunchy snack mix. This would be great alongside a cold brew.” – Tina Johnson

“Nice mix – mini cheese bits are a plus.” – Andy Hoye

“Less crispy, melts in your mouth. Crackers are almost too soft but (it has) pretty good flavor. It grows on you.” – Marcia Oranen