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Published on Leave a comment on Somos Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisp

This Somos Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisp came from Whole Foods. It has a bit of an identity problem, or maybe it's just covering all the bases calling itself a salsa macha chili crisp. Or is it a chili crisp salsa macha? It's from Mexico, so we're going to go with salsa macha.

Somos Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Sesame
  • Pepitas
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Avocado
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderately high
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigeration not recommended
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Mild
  • Texture: Sesame seed, pepita and sliced almond crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (15mg. per 5g.)

We could see right away through the clear jar this one was loaded with sesame seeds and pepitas. The pepper content looked powdery and was settled to the bottom of the jar. Some vigorous shaking mixed things back up temporarily.

Even though guajillo and usually-hot chile de arbol pepper are listed, their contribution to the flavor profile is minimal. We also thought it could have been a little saltier.

As salsa macha or chili crisps go, this one doesn't really have much in the way of either the macha or the crisp. But, if you like sesame seeds and pepitas, this one has plenty. For the price, though, we likely won't be buying it again. We'd recommend instead the Cholula as a better value.

Ingredients

Avocado oil, roasted sesame seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted sliced almonds, garlic, guajillo peppers, sea salt, arbol peppers

More Information

Brand: Somos Amigos, Inc. Austin TX
Style: Salsa Macha
Price paid: $11 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: eatsomos.com
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Published on Leave a comment on S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil – Mild

S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil is from Japan. While similar in many ways to traditional Chinese chili crisps, it has its own sensibility that is distinctively Japanese.

S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil label
S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil - Mild sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili pepper
  • Fried garlic
  • Sesame oil
  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Soy sauce powder
  • Chili paste
  • Fried onion
  • Almond
  • Ground sesame seeds
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Corn, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: MSG IMP,GMP
  • Potential allergens: Soy, wheat
  • Storage: "Consume soon after opening"
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Mild
  • Texture: Satisfyingly crunchy
  • Saltiness: Moderately high (540 mg. per 30 gm.)

As with many taberu rayu, the crunch is the thing, and this one's got it. As expected, the main flavor here is garlic, and there are plenty of crunchy fried slivers in the mix.

The crunch to oil ratio is quite high, similar to that of the Lao Gan Ma chili crisp. Refrigerated, it almost turns into a solid.

What we enjoyed about it most was the combination of ingredients giving it a peanut-y character, even though there are no peanuts in it. We also found this to be true of the Momoya Chili Oil with Fried Garlic, which we very much liked. Both are similar, although the S&B has a tad more chili flavor.

As the label notes, heat-wise it is mild. A "spicy" version also exists for those who want a little more heat.

Ingredients

Corn oil, Chili pepper, Fried garlic, Sesame oil, Monosodium glutamate, Onion powder, Salt, Sugar, Soy sauce powder (Soy sauce [Soybeans, Wheat, Salt], Dextrin, Salt), Chili paste (Chili pepper, Salt, Rice), Fried onion, Almond, Ground sesame seeds, Disodium guanylate, Disodium inosinate, Mixed tocopherols.

Revised Formula

A "new formula" of the S&B Mild version removes the almond in favor of extra onion and an adjustment of the ratios of some of the other ingredients. It has the same UPC code, so it is a replacement, not a new variant. It will also be about 11% lower in sodium. Fortunately, it doesn't appear to detract from the satisfying level of crunch. Jars with "best by" dates of November 11, 2026 and after will contain the new formulation.

Available on Amazon.

More Information

Brand: S&B Foods, Inc.
Style: Taberu rayu
Price paid: $7.49 / 3.88oz.
Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer website: https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/lp/us/umamitopping/
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