Trader Joe's Crispy Rice Bars

Trader Joe's Crispy Rice Bars have been around for a few months now. Sometimes I'll deliberately avoid reading online opinions about a product so I can go into my review as blind and as objective as possible. However, sometimes it's just not practical, and sometimes curiosity gets the best of me and I'll read others' thoughts before sampling a product myself. This is one of those instances.

I didn't find there was one overwhelming majority opinion on this product. It's got its fans, for sure, as most TJ's products do, but it's got its fair share of detractors, as well. Similarly, Sonia and I are split on this one. Let's break it down into positives and negatives and then the parts we don't agree on.

The first thing that jumps out at the beautiful wifey as a positive is the texture. I won't argue with her on that point. It's very similar to classic Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats in terms of density and chewiness but maybe even a tad softer—I'm talking about the pre-packaged ones, not ones freshly made in your kitchen at home. Homemade is (almost) always best. Trader Joe's offering is very easy to bite into and pleasant to chew.

The product is also very convenient and modestly priced at $2.99 for eight bars. The format is perfect for school lunches or brown bag work meals. Again, a thumbs up from both of us.

What we're both not fans of: some of the ingredients. Pork gelatin. Sonia and I both avoid pork when possible. It also alienates the kosher crowd from the product. May contain wheat. That counts out the gluten free folks, who may have otherwise turned to this product since it's rice and tapioca-based. And finally, carrageenan and seed oils might eliminate people with inflammation issues.

What we disagree on: the taste. Sonia likes it and enjoys it quite a bit. I taste something odd and off-putting. It's sweet. Sure, you can taste toasted rice and sugary marshmallows but underneath it there's something I'd call a chemical flavor. One Redditor describes it as "a very artificial marshmallow taste." I certainly don't disagree, but I can't tell if that industrial flavor is attached to the marshmallows or something else. Sonia kind of tastes it but isn't really bothered by it as much as I am.

In the end, Sonia would consider a repurchase while I would not. I've had two from the box and I'll let the beautiful wifey finish the rest. No need for a return, but if it were just me alone, I would have at least thought about it. Product of Canada. Seven and a half stars from Sonia for Trader Joe's Crispy Rice Bars. I'll throw out five and a half. FYI this isn't the first time TJ has done Rice Krispies Bars. 

Nathan's score: 5.5 out of 10.

Sonia's score: 7.5 out of 10.