Stellar Pretzels

Regular readers of my blog know that I am an avid snacker (hence, why Fridays are exclusively dedicated to snack food reviews).  Popcorn (flavored) is my number one probably, followed closely by snack mixes, but, I do go through pretzel phases.  The thing is, I'm super fickle about pretzels.  I dislike probably 90% of the pretzels on the market.  I strangely often prefer gluten-free ones.  I also, as you may expect, tend to go for yogurt or chocolate coated, heavily seasoned, etc.  But every once in a while I do appreciate a more standard pretzel, which lead me to try Stellar pretzels.

Stellar snacks is a high end snack brand, started by a mother and daughter who had a "dream of crafting pretzels infused with passion."  The use high quality flour (grown and milled in the US), fancy salt imported from Italy, natural seasonings, etc, etc.  And they make pretzels.  Just pretzels.

The pretzels currently come in 3 savory flavors (salted, French dijon, or herby) and 2 sweeter (Maui monk, sweet & sparky). All are braid style (besides one simple salt variety of thins).  The form factor, 1-2 bite braid shaped pretzels with two strands, it turns out I like considerably more than simple sticks or common twists.  For the flavored varieties, the double strand twist serve to catch even more coating between the folds, which is a huge plus in my book.  Bring on the seasoning!

 

Another point to know: all are vegan, which is notable as they have such a strong (vegan) buttery taste.

Simply Steller.

"Classic pretzels with a wholesome twist. Simply Stellar pretzel braids are infused with naturally rich vegan butter and sprinkled with the perfect pinch of sea salt. Delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dip, these vegan pretzels are a canvas for flavor."

To form my baseline opinion, I started with the basic plain pretzel, dubbed "Simply Stellar".  As noted above, I really liked the bite size braid shape.  The flavor of these was shockingly buttery, buttery even for a regular, let alone vegan, pretzel.  You definitely need to be in the mood for a buttery style, rather than more bland plain base.  Salt level average.  Basically, a pretty decent, specifically buttery, pretzel, if that is what you want. 3/5. 

Sweet & Sparky.

"Taste the spark in our signature zesty buffalo seasoning. A delicious flavor combination of sweet and then heat, these vegan pretzel braids pack a punch. Be warned that each crunchy bite will leave you craving more! If you're a fan of spicy snacks, look no further."

Next I moved on to one of the sweeter and more savory offerings, the "Sweet & Sparky".  These were a very fascinating, complex, flavor.  Same base pretzel, some base high butteriness, but also lots of savory notes (cayenne, vinegar, garlic, paprika, onion, garlic, red pepper), and sweetness, particularly in the aftertaste (from both regular cane sugar and monk fruit).  Very complex, although more just savory than spicy, I wouldn't call them buffalo nor spicy, as they describe.

3.5/5.

Maui Monk.

" Loaded with the savory taste of Maui onion and finished with a hint of sweetness, these vegan pretzel braids satisfy crunchy cravings with their irresistible flavor. Maui Monk is beloved by serial snackers and culinary connoisseurs alike."

Next, the sweetest offering, Maui Monk, although this one still has quite a substantial savory component from the Maui onion (and garlic).  

They did have a slightly onion flavor, and were slightly sweet, but the buttery flavors really overwhelmed. The butter is just a touch too strong for me; I really wanted to taste more of the Maui onion. Grumpy at the promise of onion but barely tasting it, so, low 3/5.