You may have seen the news that Pepsi Co.’s Frito Lay division issued a cease-and-desist letter to World Peas Brand defending its trademark against World Peas’ use of a tiger paw print and claim that “Tigers Live Longer Than Cheetahs.” The promotion of it is a bit of well-timed, aggressive marketing by an upstart looking to take marketshare from a category leader. Peatos‘ value proposition is built on being a healther snack option made from a blend of pea flour, lentil flour and fava bean protein.
Legal wrangling aside, I wanted to see what Peatos bring to the table. I tracked down the Classic Cheese and Fiery Hot flavors at my local QFC and put down $2.99 for each 3 oz. bag. (By comparison, an 8.5 oz bag of Crunchy Cheetos will run you $3.79 retail).
Typically, Cheetos-like chips are able to improve the nutrition picture either through baking or creating a cheese puff. It’s a different animal from the denser, substantial crunch that classic “Crunchy” Cheetos have. It’s why I’ve never been a fan of Trader Joe’s Baked Cheese Crunchies. Peatos, while a smaller, extruded snack have the dense crunch I’m typically looking for. Buttermilk, onion and garlic powder are further down the ingredient list, but those flavors come through strongly. Peatos’ Classic Cheese flavor reminds me more of Cheddar and Sour Cream chips than Cheetos’ cheese flavor.
Although I don’t usually eat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, I picked up a bag of Peatos’ Fiery Hot. They’re spicy, but not mouth numbingly hot. It’s almost like a spicy barbecue flavor with a nice hit of vinegar and smoke. Between the two flavors I tried, I preferred the fiery hot. Both would be great additions to holiday Chex Mix.
Peatos are higher in protein and fiber and offer a slightly different flavor profile than Cheetos. They won’t outright replace the Cheetos for me. That said, Peatos are plenty tasty and they offer Pirate’s Booty fans new options. In addition to Classic Cheese and Fiery Hot, World Peas also offers Peatos in chili cheese and masala flavors.
If you want to try Peatos’ for free, Kroger stores are offering loyalty card holders 1 oz. bags as a Free Friday Download this Friday, August 31, 2018. Visit your store’s Free Friday Download page and download the digital coupon between 12am-11:59pm. You can view your coupon under the “My Coupons” section of your digital account or the store’s mobile app.
Participating stores include Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Jay C Food Store, Owens Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, QFC, Ralphs, and Smith’s Food and Drug.
Peatos are also available for purchase online from Amazon.