Joe and Linda were so kind to send me a care package the other day and one of the various groovy items they sent me just HAD to get a review. Why? Because it’s one of the most addicting things I’ve ever eaten. The product is Deano’s Jalapenos: Jalapeno Chips Cheddar and are basically dehydrated Jalapenos. Once I bit into the first one, my life was forever changed.

Deano’s Jalapenos: Jalapeno Chips Cheddar Ingredients: Jalapenos, canola oil, cornstarch, whey, buttermilk solids, chesses (Cheddar & Granular) whey protein concentrate, salt, sodium phosphate, citric acid, Yellow 5 & 6, lacyic acid, enzyme.

Ok, have to get something out of the way first. Artificial colors, ugh. There is no reason why anyone should use those nasty chemicals. The cheddar itself should convey enough natural color not to warrant the use of artificial color. I’m actually allergic to them and always avoid products that have them but this product is so good I had to say this is worth the reaction I’m going to have later.

Now that I got that little rant out of the way, onto the taste. When I first tried this product my eye widened and I said a slow, “Ohhhh….my…god…” outloud. The taste of wonderful cheddar cheese comes right out front and then the flavor of the Jalapeno hits. It’s not complex, it’s just so amazingly simple that it boarders being brilliant. They are crispy like a potato chip but then eventually softened up as you eat.

The heat is a little inconsistent I find. Some slices have no heat and other have a little tingle that hits the front and back of the tongue. While inconsistent, it’s at a level that you can scarf down a whole bag and not even blink….which is basically what I did.

So, Joe and Linda, thank you for sending me the care package. I am now hopelessly addicted to a product that I’m allergic to. You are evil, evil people and I love you for it! Here’s hoping the company comes out with different pepper varieties (sans artificial color). Hell, the marketing possibilities on this alone are infinite. They could even do a “Trail Mix” type blend of Habaneros, Serranos, and Jalapenos…

Taste: 10, Heat: 0.8

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