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Published on Leave a comment on Spice World Chili Onion Crunch

This Spice World Chili Onion Crunch came from Amazon. The ingredients sounded promising, and, at only $3.49 for a 6oz. jar, we couldn't resist trying it.

Spice World Chili Onion Crunch jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Chili pepper
  • Sugar
  • Citric acid
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: Fairly high (~80%)
  • Flavor Enhancer: N/S
  • Potential allergens: Sunflower
  • Storage: Not specified
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Medium-low
  • Texture: Pleasant medium crunchiness
  • Saltiness: Low (110mg. per 15g.)

Points off to Amazon for shipping our jar unprotected in the ways we've come to expect. Not bubble wrapped, no proprietary styrofoam container, just loose in the box with a crumpled piece of brown paper. Luckily, it arrived intact and not leaking.

Some photos online show the jar packed to the brim with solids. Not so the case in reality, as there is about 3/4 of an inch of headroom in an actual jar. We attribute this to it being 6oz. of product in an 8oz. container.

The flavor is, as expected, primarily onion and chili, but it is by no means one-dimensional. The garlic plays a welcome part, and the addition of citric acid gives a brightness that enhances the moderately warm chili pepper.

The texture is good, with a pleasant crunch of toasted onion and garlic that haven't lost their crispness. The chili pepper solids are finer, but their seeds add to the overall crunch.

A lot to like here. Everything is well-balanced and the promised flavors and more are delivered in an accessible combination that should appeal to most anyone.

Compare to Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion. But we liked this one from Spice World better.

Packaging Change
Spice World Chili Onion Crunch jar, old label

The jar we received was in the new packaging, but you may still see the old version pictured here. They dropped the "Kickin'" and the "Cooking &" but the product appears unchanged other than that and the new, slightly altered color scheme.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil, dried onion, toasted onion, dried garlic, crushed chili pepper, crushed sweet chili pepper, sea salt, citric acid, sugar, smoked paprika.

More Information

Brand: Spice World
Style: Crunchy oil
Price paid: $3.49 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website: https://spiceworldinc.com/seasoning-blends/kickin-chili-onion-crunch/
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Published on Leave a comment on Roland Foods Spicy Chili Onion Crisp

This Roland Foods Spicy Chili Onion Crisp came from a local supermarket. It was the only such product they stocked, I'm sure only because Roland is pretty much a supermarket brand. That and the store in question is more of an old-school family-run operation which caters to an older clientele. You rarely see any trendy stuff in the international sections there.

Roland Foods Spicy Chili Onion Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Chili
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower, sesame
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Crispy crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (125mg. per 18gm.)

We were pleasantly surprised by this one. It's onion-forward, but the chili pepper and garlic play well into the mix. The aromatics aren't as obvious, unless you're really looking for them, but they round out the overall flavor profile nicely. The salt level is low, and, for those who appreciate it, there's no MSG.

We thought the texture was really good. The mixture is thick with medium-weight solids that provide a satisfying crunch.

We categorize it as a crunchy oil, but in reality, it has a lot in common with a Japanese taberu rayu. If it were more garlic-forward and a little saltier, a blind taste test might mistake it for one.

Compare to Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion, similar in style and price.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil, dehydrated onion, garlic and red bell pepper, chili pepper, sesame oil, salt, spices (star anise, sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cloves, fennel)

More Information

Brand: Roland Foods, LLC
Style: Crunchy oil
Price paid: $5.99 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website: https://rolandfoods.com/product/87723-spicy-chili-onion-crisp
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Published on Leave a comment on Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion

This Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion was purchased at the same time as their salsa macha. We didn't think that jar was truly representative of the condiment, as it was mostly nuts and seeds in oil, with little chili heat. This jar however, comes closer to a real chili crisp, and, curiously, doesn't choose to call itself that. Let's see what it tastes like.

Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Olive
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Crunchy
  • Saltiness: Low (150mg. per 18gm.)

As expected, the primary flavor profile favors the garlic and onion. The level of crunch is satisfactory, at least for a product without nuts. The heat sits nicely in the background, keeping things warm and spicy. Even though listed as somewhat low, we found the saltiness acceptable.

We couldn't help thinking that if only this jar had more chili pepper flakes, it should be the one TJ's calls salsa macha.

Of the two Trader Joe's offerings, we preferred this one for the added heat. And at $4.49 a jar, it doesn't break the bank.

Ingredients

Olive oil, dried onions, dried garlic, dried red bell peppers, crushed chili peppers, toasted dried onions, sea salt, natural flavors, paprika oleoresin (color).

More Information

Brand: Trader Joe's
Style: Crunchy oil
Price Paid: $4.49 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
Social media: