Saltier Than My Attitude

Jul 25

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I love cheese puffs.

So now, I’m officially on a mission to find the ultimate cheese puff: the one with the best flavor and the best ingredients.

Not in a "sure, I'll have a few" kind of way. In a "don't talk to me while I'm counting how many are in a serving" kind of way.

So, when I spotted The Good Crisp Company's Cheese Balls claiming "All Taste. No Guilt." my hand was already halfway in the virtual bag.

They're $3.89 for a 4 oz. bag on Thrive Market, or you can order them by the truckload on Amazon if you plan to feed a party—or yourself on a Tuesday.

These cheesy spheres are non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free. Free of everything except sodium.

One serving is 30 puffs, containing 140 calories, 7g of fat, 250mg of sodium (which can raise blood pressure), and just enough protein to keep your conscience quiet.

Now, before I dive into flavor—let's talk aroma.

Y'all. The smell.

I opened the bag and immediately wondered if someone had hidden a damp towel in there. It was giving "forgotten laundry at the bottom of the hamper" vibes. I love cheese, but this scent had me second-guessing every life choice that led to this moment.

Thankfully, they taste better than they smell.

These cheese balls are light and airy, with a subtle, medium cheddar flavor. It's not nearly as intense as your standard orange-fingered Cheeto experience, but enough to scratch the itch.

Here's the kicker, though: they're salty. Really salty. Like, "someone lost the lid to the salt shaker" salty. I enjoy a good savory snack, but after about half the bag, my mouth felt like I'd been licking the rim of a margarita glass for three hours. That raw, burning feeling? Yeah. It's real.

They also don't leave your fingers totally dusted in neon powder, which is a plus when you're sneaking snacks during Zoom calls or trying to avoid the "why aren't you sharing" face from your 5-year-old. (Am I not allowed to enjoy my own snack?)

Overall, if you love cheese puffs but are trying to avoid preservatives, gluten, or finger shame, these might hit the spot. But if you're a flavor-forward gal who lives for a bold cheddar moment or if your body starts swelling at the mere thought of salt, keep browsing.