Reviews: A Snackable Spin On Thai Noodles & True Dates’ Candy Copycats
Mee krob is a traditional Thai dish of deep-fried, thin rice noodles coated in a sweet and sour sauce. Thai frozen food maker Green & Sunny has created a snackable spin on the dinner staple, offering crispy cubes of fried rice noodles in four flavors including Original, Larb, Pad Thai and Shoyu & Nori. We tasted the latter offering, made with Japanese soy sauce and seaweed.
Things that stand out:
- Savory, unctuous and satisfyingly crunchy, these bite-size blocks would elevate a variety of dishes as a stand-in for croutons or crackers.
- The ingredient deck is simple, with just rice noodles, rice bran oil, coconut sugar, glucose syrup, soy sauce and roasted seaweed. Plus, the products are gluten-free and vegan.
- The packaging clearly showcases the product’s unique texture while explaining its cultural and culinary roots.
Things to consider:
- As a relatively unfamiliar concept to American consumers, the product will require some thoughtful merchandising. Should it be stocked in the snack aisle or next to salad toppings? Perhaps next to noodles?
Rating: 
True Dates is a line of packaged chewy dates coated in classic candy flavors ranging from Sour Cola and Sour Watermelon to Sweet Peach and Peanut Butter. Manufactured in Denmark, the product contains no added sugar, relying on the fruit’s natural sweetness, and is crafted with coconut oil, inulin, malic acid and natural flavor.
Things that stand out:
- These dates are a dead ringer for chewy candy in texture and taste; the sour options stand out in particular as a nutritious indulgence as well as a source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- The products are gluten- and dairy-free and packed in compostable pouches.
Things to consider:
- The package design and branding lack the eye-catching attributes of many modern brands in the candy aisle. An updated look would help True Dates truly stand out on the shelf.
Rating: 
