Chocolate-covered graham crackers delight judges
By Kathy Saunders, Special to the Times
Published September 26, 2007
Chocolate-covered graham cracker ranking:
1. Starbucks
2. Hannaford
Keebler (tie)
3. Great Value
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When I stop by Starbucks for a caffeine fix, I usually pick up a couple of chocolate-covered graham crackers for my children. They are a nice lunch box treat and, although they are drenched in chocolate, they pass the school's no-candy rule.
I have tried other brands, but the coffee shop variety has always been our favorite. Taster's Choice judges put six chocolate-covered grahams to the test and reached the same conclusion.
The treats usually found at the Starbucks checkout counter $1.70 for a two-pack blew away the competition. Judges gave them 85 out of 100 possible points and all four said they will buy them on their next trip to the coffee shop.
Judges particularly liked the Starbucks grahams' large size and heavy coating of chocolate. They also were the prettiest, with a nice drizzled design on the chocolate.
"These have loads of crunch and chocolate and a big cookie taste," said one judge. Another said they were fit for a party platter.
Two brands found at Sweetbay tied for second place, each receiving 75 points. Judges loved the Hannaford chocolate-covered grahams ($1.85 for 12.5 ounces) and the Keebler brand ($2.50 for 12.5 ounces) for their "delicate crunch" and petite size. They used words like "assertive" and "winning" to described the treats.
"These are like pillows" said one judge of the Hannaford desserts.
Another said the Keebler cookies were "seductive." He also liked the color, saying the chocolate was "smooth and a little intimidating."
All four judges said they would buy the Hannaford and Keebler chocolate grahams.
Great Value's grahams from Wal-Mart (94 cents for a 13-ounce bag) were the next favorite, scoring 61 points. Three of the four judges said they would buy the brand.
"These are very sweet, with a good crunch," said one panelist. "They have a nice shape that reminds me of the Pentagon. Yes, I trust this cookie to deliver, and it does."
Publix grahams ($2.49 for a 12.5-ounce bag) and Mrs. Fields ($2.99 for a box of 12) didn't score as high but they were, nevertheless, eaten. And judges took the leftovers home for future lunch box fare.
All foods were tasted blind. Send suggestions for product tastings to Taste, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 or e-mail them to jkeeler@sptimes.com. Please put TEST SUGGESTION in the subject line. To read past columns, go to www.sptimes.com/food.