Reviews: Quinn Filled Pretzel Sticks and KrackCorn

Quinn Filled Pretzel Sticks

Quinn’s Filled Pretzel Sticks are a strong extension of the brand’s gluten-free lineup, bringing clean ingredients and no-compromise execution to a format that feels both familiar and fresh. Available in Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter & Honey, both varieties deliver satisfying crunch, creamy filling, and broad snack appeal.

Things that stand out:

• Taste is the biggest strength. Peanut Butter is more savory and salty, while Peanut Butter & Honey adds a mild sweetness that gives it a slightly wider appeal.
• The texture is excellent. The crunchy shell and creamy center make this feel indulgent, without sacrificing Quinn’s better-for-you positioning.
• Packaging is attractive and effective. The large product imagery, especially the broken-open stick showing the filling, clearly communicates the concept and enhances shelf appeal.
• Quinn’s clean-label ingredient story remains a key asset. The product fits well within the brand’s wholesome, approachable identity.

Things to consider:

• The flavor differentiation between the two SKUs is modest. Consumers looking for more contrast between SKUs may find the lineup a bit narrow.
• The packaging is cohesive, but the two varieties look quite similar at a glance.

Rating:

KrackCorn Popcorn

As the name implies, Denver-based KrackCorn really doesn’t seem to want to be mistaken for anything but the maker of a so-sweet-it’s-addictive caramel corn. We got three different flavors, all of which featured the brand’s core coating of crunchy, savory caramel; in addition to the Original Caramel flavor, we tried the With Cheese! and Jalapeno Heat! varieties. Each came in a cereal box-sized gusseted stand-up pouch, all the better to dominate on-shelf. Original was 11 oz., and the flavored varieties were 8.5 oz., with really very little discernible difference in bag size, so maybe the company added less product to smooth over the higher ingredient costs. Despite callouts that the corn is non-GMO, gluten-free, and doesn’t use high-fructose corn syrup (all characteristics of crack, as well) KrackCorn doesn’t really aim to be anything but a pure indulgence product. To that extent, it largely succeeds (just like crack!).

Things that stand out:

• Sweet. So sweet. In its original format, this product is basically ideal caramel corn, with a nice, snappy, audible crunch. The coating also holds up when bombarded with other flavor varieties. Sooner or later, you’re back to that sweetness.
• Incredible consistency in the popped kernels: they are like clones of each other. Seriously.
• The pouches keep the product nice and fresh.
• If you don’t like peanuts in your Cracker Jack, this is the stuff for you.

Things to consider:

• The Jalapeño Heat! version features a very accurate jalapeño flavor. That’s impressive but not necessarily a good combo – the bell pepper aspects of the blend are offputting against the caramel. Perhaps a different heat source?
• The design on the front of the pouch doesn’t really scream “tasty” – instead it looks a lot like a car crash involving some kind of noxious brown rain hitting popcorn kernels and wedges of cheese. In the case of Jalapeño Heat!, the rain appears to have caused a jalapeño pepper to burst into flames, and it is surrounded by what look like candy versions of jalapeño slices. Come to think of it, that’s a highly accurate description of that version’s flavor. Consumer mileage may vary.
• The extreme sweetness of the base product means the cheese gets a little lost in the mix; balance would be achievable, but the cost of the cheese to get there might result in only an ounce or two of product in the bag.
• Still, except for the pepper variety, they are GOOD. We couldn’t stop going back. Once you get a taste for it, you know…

Rating: