Dr. Kracker starts with organic whole wheat or spelt; then adds organic flax, sunflower, sesame and/or pumpkin seeds. But because it was asked for more “foodie” flavors, the company added additional ingredients to create the new Culinary Crisps line. Each serving of bite-size crisps delivers the delectable flavors of toasted seeds, plus 21g or more whole grains per serving (of your daily 48g requirement).

• The Hummus Maximus Crisps are inspired by a classic hummus recipe. They have a light chickpea flavor and just enough coriander to give our taste buds a swift, yet delicious, kick.
• The Fire Roasted Crisps aren’t as spicy as their name may sound because they’re infused with just a hint of chile and black sesame seeds. The prevailing flavor is tomato with a light kick of spice.

Snack idea: Hummus Maximus Crisps with red pepper hummus. Photo by Emily Chang | THE NIBBLE.

• For a sweet tooth, Apple Crisps are made with dried apples, brown sugar and a touch of vanilla. They were a favorite among some tasters.
• But although we like all of the flavors, the winner is Dr. Kracker’s Cherry Semolina Crisps, with dried sour cherries that give a sweet-tart bite to balance out the golden semolina and touch of fennel.
• Though the crackers add a zing to any soups, dips, or cheeses they’re paired with, they’re just as satisfying when eaten by themselves. Keep a box at work for a healthy snack. But even with all the good prognoses, there’s still a major downside to these cartons of square treasures: Something like this would never last in our desk for very long!

  Read our full review of Dr. Kracker, a NIBBLE Top Pick Of The Week.

• For a ready-made zesty mayo, check out our review of the Top Pick Of The Week mayonnaise from The Ojai Cook.
• Why not make your own mayonnaise from scratch?
• Take a look at our favorite gourmet condiments.

These four are must-trys. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky | THE NIBBLE.

There are jams of every description: blackcurrant, blackberry, black raspberry, boysenberry, gooseberry, Damson plum, fig, pluot, red currant, sour cherry, strawberry rhubarb, white peach…and if that doesn’t keep you busy, there are many more.

But it is the savories that are so spectacular, you’ll want to lay them in by the case. Gracious Garlic Gelée, Haughty Horseradish Gelée, Incredible Onion Conserve; the chutneys, the salsas…and as a nod to the sweet side, the Pindar Merlot Wine Jelly, a grape jelly from Bacchus, is worthy of all the gods on Mount Olympus.

• Read more about these treasures in the full review.
• See more of our favorite jams, jellies and preserves.
• What’s the difference between a jam, jelly, conserve, preserve and marmalade? Find out in our Jam & Jelly Glossary.

• Read our review of O Citrus Olive Oil, a NIBBLE Top Pick Of The Week.
• Take a look at more salad recipes.

The crisp little bites are great for snacking and also make terrific gourmet croutons. We loved the S.S. Sea Salt and Salty Pepper varieties, which go well with a hearty bowl of soup as well as with salads. Chez Cocoa, which adds cocoa powder, is in a curious space of being cocoa flavored and lightly sugared, yet not quite sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. It would be a good crunchy counterpoint to a sweetened beverage like hot chocolate, or a sweet pudding like tiramisu.

Better-for-you snacks may make you somersault.

• See more of our favorite snacks in THE NIBBLE’s Snacks Section.