Welcome to Snack Drop, a column where we give you the lowdown on all of the best new(ish) to market snacks that have come across our desks this month.
This month: some favorite discoveries from Thrive Market, like nostalgic fruit leather circles and the peanut butter-stuffed pretzel sticks we can’t stop eating.
Thrive Market x Lesser Evil The Dynamic Duo
I love a snack that distracts me and keeps my hunger at bay when it’s too early for dinner, but I’m already starving. Like other LesserEvil popcorn, you get that hint of coconut oil, though, in my opinion, it’s less intense in this flavor. This Dynamic Duo flavor (which is kind of a riff on kettle corn) is sweet without being sticky, with a subtle saltiness that’s kind of dangerous because you never feel overwhelmed, so you just keep going. —Cristina Correa, social media manager
Quinn Peanut Butter and Honey Filled Pretzel Sticks
Consider this a collective recommendation from the whole BA commerce team, who polished off a bag of these filled pretzel sticks from Quinn in one sitting. They’re like the filled pretzel nuggets you’re probably familiar with (and are, in my opinion, already a perfect food), but the novel shape somehow makes them even more appealing. Quinn makes a regular peanut butter version, too, but why not go peanut butter and honey when given the option? Like the rest of Quinn’s products, these are gluten-free, made with a wholesome blend of sorghum and brown rice flour that makes them feel a touch more nutritious than the average pretzels. —Alaina Chou, commerce writer
Thrive Market Fruit Circles
Fruit by the Foot stans, have I got a snack for you. Thrive Market’s Fruit Circles are exactly that: coin-size circles of dried fruit leather, which are as satisfying to peel and eat as they are delicious. Made with real fruit and available in three flavors, these are definitely marketed as kids’ snacks, but they won over my fellow staffers and me instantly. They’re chewy, they’re just sweet enough, and they taste refreshingly real—no weird sweeteners or unnecessary added supplements here. I love a snack with an interactive element, and cracking open a pack of these after lunch feels like a fun activity to do while I’m catching up on emails. —A.C.
Biena Chili Lime Edamame
I know, I know: beans seem to be everywhere these days. They’re in your soups, your salads, and have even made their way into your cheese puffs…. But I’m not complaining, especially when they show up as Biena’s Chili Lime Edamame. Roasted until crispy, they hit like a satisfying chip but pack 12 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per handful. The zippy combo of lip-puckering lime and smoky chili makes them seriously addictive, and they’re substantial enough to actually tide you over until your next meal.—Olivia Tarantino, senior commerce editor
Caulitos Lentil, Rice, and Cauliflower Chips
I love cauliflower. Roasted, fried, in soups or purées—you name it, I’m sold. So it isn’t entirely surprising that I quickly became obsessed with Caulitos’s chips, which feature a blend of cauliflower, red lentils, and white rice that gets baked into ridged little triangles. They’re certainly cauli-forward in flavor, which is a pro or a con depending on your stance on cruciferous vegetables; but it’s their delightful flaky-meets-crispy texture that keeps me coming back for more. —A.C.
Rustic Bakery Herbs de Provence Crackers
Rustic Bakery’s sourdough-based flatbreads have long been my favorite crackers to put on a charcuterie board, but I’d never seen the Herbs de Provence variety until recently. The mix of thyme, savory, oregano, parsley, rosemary, marjoram, and lavender tastes great on its own but plays exceptionally well with cheese—not to mention the fact that it feels particularly seasonal at the moment. Pair these with honey and a few cured meats to round out your board. —A.C.