An Honest Review of Trader Joe’s Norwegian Sour Dough Rye Chips

If rye chips have one million fans, I’m one of them. If rye chips have one fan, then I’m that one. If rye chips have no fans, that means I’m dead. I take my love of rye chips very seriously. My ideal scenario for eating Gardetto’s snack mix is one in which I can lay out the contents of a bag on a table and then make sure all rye chips are saved for last. If that’s not possible, I will eat around them as best as I can until a pile of rye chips is left and I jump in head first to devour them. I really love rye chips! I’m not certain Trader Joe’s had a staunch rye chip lover like me in mind when they made their Norwegian sourdough rye chips, but I was willing to see whether they can stack up to the perfect chip.

Because these Norwegian rye chips are made with sourdough, the chips have an airy quality to them. They are dry, brittle, and crispy, but there are noticeable pockets of air that you can actually see through. It’s a creative concept that I’m not against! You’ll also spot sunflower seeds and flaxseeds nestled in the chips. Because of the plethora of seeds, these have a nice nutty, earthy flavor that’s complemented by just a touch of salt. If you’re expecting these to be a savory flavor bomb like Gardetto’s rye chips, you might be a little disappointed, but they have their virtues. Let’s discuss!

New Product!

Trader Joe’s Norwegian Sourdough Rye Chips

Trader Joe’s

Pros: Weirdly enough, I think the greatest thing about Trader Joe’s Norwegian Sourdough Rye Chips is their lightness. It feels like a whole ordeal to eat a Gardetto’s rye chip because they’re so dense. Dense enough that I worry I might be hearing the crunch of my teeth chipping instead of the actual chips. Not with TJ’s, though! The pockets of air make eating them a crunchy experience that won’t weigh you down. Still, they’re sturdy enough that you can use them to transport a big ol’ dollop of your favorite dip to your mouth without fearing for the front of your shirt.

Cons: Flavor-wise, these chips are very, very basic. Beyond the nutty, earthy rye flavor and touch of salt, there isn’t much else going on. Normally, I wouldn’t deduct points for simplicity, but I fear people see “rye chips” and assume they’ll be bursting with savory flavor like Gardetto’s. TJ’s does recommend using the chips as croutons in a salad and pairing them with smoked salmon and cheese on a snack platter. They definitely seem like crackers that should be eaten with other accoutrements rather than on their own. It’s just a shame that I won’t be giving them the Gardetto’s treatment by going feral for them anytime soon.

Rating:

7/10

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