Chips and dips get mixed reviews
Dips and chips are a New Year’s tradition in many homes.
But choose carefully if you’re looking for something new to put on the table this year. Hot dips from T.G.I Fridays and new chip flavors from Mission drew strong reactions from the Spokesman-Review reader food panel during a recent taste test … from opposite ends of the spectrum.
“Excellent! I’ll buy this and hide it from the rest of the family so I can have it all to myself,” Larry Inman said of the new Mexican-Style Queso Dip. “Unfortunately, a little pricey.”
Laura Hollman was determined not to like the dip when she saw it, but was forced to relent. “I never thought I’d say this, but this cheese dip tastes…. like cheese. I’m shocked! It has chunks of tasty … black beans,” she said. “Good but pricey.”
But Skip Hubbard would pass if it appeared on the buffet table. “I wouldn’t touch this with a 10-foot tortilla chip,” he said.
Donald Clegg was even more offended. “Disgusting yellow hue with a metallic aftertaste,” he said. “Send it back to the food chemists for adjustment.”
But enough of the tasters liked the dip to give it a three-star overall rating.
Food panel members were equally conflicted about T.G.I. Friday’s Spinach, Cheese & Artichoke dip.
“Spinachy and artichokey with chunks of identifiable spinach and artichoke,” Hollman said. “This does not taste too healthy or too ‘NFL party.’ For the sophisticated chip dipper.”
Clegg liked it, too. “Pleasantly garlicky and loaded with spinach. Give it a dash of Tabasco and you’re set,” he said.
The dips can be found in the freezer section of the supermarket. Pop the plastic trays into the microwave and warm for a few minutes before serving. The spinach and cheese dip earned a three-and-a-half star rating.
Mission’s new Guacamole and Salsa Roja chips both received three-stars from the tasting panel members. But the comments from most tasters were lukewarm.
“It’s green, so I guess it’s supposed to taste like guacamole? The result is salty green confusion. Guacamole has not been achieved,” Hollman said.
Peggy Kazanis agreed, saying, “The avocado green color is as close as you get to guacamole.”
The Salsa Roja chips were tasty, some said. Others said they were tasteless.
“Mexican-style chip? Nice flavor and crisp. It would be good on its own or with a dip,” Nancy Robinson said.
“Just the right amount of zing in these crunchy chips,” Tina Johnson agreed.
But Marilyn Moore said you’d have to leave a bag on the table so guests would know what flavor chips you were serving.
Clegg agreed. “Amazing, I’ve never had a straw-flavored chip before. Not good and (I have) no idea what flavor they were after.”
T.G.I. Friday’s Mexican Style Queso Dip
Price: $3.99 for 8 ounces
Nutrition per 2-tablespoon serving: 50 calories, 3.5 grams fat (1.5 grams saturated, 63 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 2 grams carbohydrate, 10 milligrams cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 180 milligrams sodium.
Taste: “ “ “
Value: “ “
Comments: “Holds more promise in the appearance than it delivers in taste. Lots of goodies in it but not real cheesy tasting.” – Tina Johnson
“I love the bean flavor to this cheese dip.” – Peggy Kazanis
“Nice and spicy… I like this one.” – Marcia Oranen
“Weak substitute for real dip.” – Andy Hoye
T.G.I Friday’s Spinach, Cheese & Artichoke Dip
Price: $3.99 for 8 ounces
Nutrition per 2-tablespoon serving: 45 calories, 3.5 grams fat (1.5 grams saturated, 70 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 2 grams carbohydrate, 10 milligrams cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 115 milligrams sodium.
Taste: “ “ “ 1/2
Value: “ “
Comments: “This has very nice flavors of spinach and artichoke and cheese. (But it would be) cheaper to make myself.” – Vicki Deschaine
“Tastes like a powder mix and has a bad aftertaste.” – Marcia Oranen
“Nice blend of spinach and cheese.” – Andy Hoye
“A full day’s vegetables in the dip. Very good warm.” – Nancy Robinson
Mission Guacamole Tortilla Triangles
Price: $3.99 for 24 ounces
Nutrition per 1-ounce serving: 140 calories, 7 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 45 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 1 gram dietary fiber, 120 milligrams sodium.
Taste: “ “ “
Value: “ “ “
Comments: “Nicely flavored little zingy green chips, but no avocado flavor at all.” – Tina Johnson
“If this is supposed to be guacamole, I don’t taste it much.” – Vicki Deschaine
“Looks to be very seasoned but does not taste that way. Crisp and tasty, but quite ordinary.” – Larry Inman
Mission Salsa Roja Tortilla Triangles
Price: $3. 99 for 24 ounces
Nutrition per 1-ounce serving: 140 calories, 7 grams fat (3 grams saturated, 45 percent fat calories) 2 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 1 gram dietary fiber, 230 milligrams sodium.
Taste: “ “ “
Value: “ “ “
Comments:
“Despite being another powder-covered chip, this one is not too bad. Despite its radioactive, glowing orange color, it at least makes an attempt at good flavor. I taste tomato and spices.” — Laura Hollman
“Average at best.” – Skip Hubbard
“Amazing, I’ve never had a straw-flavored chip before. Not good, and (I have) no idea what flavor they were after.” – Donald Clegg