Phantom Gourmet: Cheddar-Flavored Pretzel Taste Test

BOSTON (CBS) -- Phantom recently purchased four bags of cheddar-flavored pretzels from a local supermarket. The cheesy contenders were Combos, Rold Gold, Snack Factory, and Snyder's of Hanover. All brands scored well in Phantom's taste test, but only one salty snack can end up at the top of the food chain.

First up is Snack Factory. Despite their small size, these cute thin pretzel crisps deliver quite a crunch. Packaged in a convenient resealable bag, they're easy to eat by the handful, and definitely a bit addictive. Unfortunately, the pretzel flavor far outpaces that of the cheddar, so Phantom thinks they ought to pour on a little more cheesy coating at the snack factory.

Next up is Snyder's of Hanover. These cheddar cheese-flavored pieces of hard sourdough pretzel come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, making for a fun eating experience. The thick chunks provide a massive crunch, but when it comes to the neon orange cheese powder, some pieces are completely coated, while others are nearly naked. Those that do have enough cheese burst with pungent aged cheddar, but Phantom just wishes the coating were more consistent.

The runner up is Combos. A favorite of college kids everywhere, these baked pretzels nuggets are stuffed with a creamy cheddar cheese flavored filling. The pretzel is surprisingly soft, while the cheese is pleasantly tangy, and the interplay of the contrasting textures provides an exciting mouthfeel. But what Phantom finds most fascinating is how these combos are somehow addictive yet also unsatisfying at the same time.

At the top of the food chain is Rold Gold. These cheddar flavored twists burst from the bag with a classic pretzel shape and bright orange color. Despite their thin form factor, they deliver a satisfying snap and bold cheese flavor up front, followed by a wonderfully savory aftertaste thanks to the addition of onion powder in the ingredients. This is one cheese-covered treat Phantom doesn't mind ruining his purple gloves for, which is why Rold Gold is at the top of the food chain.

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