‘Cuse Product: Better Brittle

I discovered this delicious snack a few weeks ago and I have had a bag of Better Brittle peanut brittle with me at all times since then. The all natural, vegan, fair trade certified brittle is locally produced in very small batches, which ensures you’ll be snacking on it as fresh as possible. An interesting thing about this specific product is its West African-based origin and inspiration. While most peanut brittle contains halved peanuts and a hard caramel texture these are almost more like thin crackers with a unique, peanuty and almost molasses taste. The peanuts are finely ground in this version providing an unexpected texture. The ground peanuts are combined with sugar to create an authentic “nkati cake” in the Ghana tradition. This is then shaped to form the final product.

As a big fan of any peanut-based snack or candy, I can say that Better Brittle is very different than I expected but even so, a huge improvement on any other brittle I’ve eaten. It has that perfect crunch without threatening to damage your teeth and lacks all the chemicals and other additives. On the back of the bag you’ll see the three item ingredient list. Just looking at the bag in front of me now it seems a miracle that something this simple can be so delicious and even complex in its flavor. We’re quite used to (and okay with) eating heavily-processed foods with book-intro-length ingredient lists, much of it difficult to identify or even pronounce and it’s great when you can eliminate all that. I’m a huge believer in simple foods, whether it’s a salmon filet grilled up with just butter and served with fresh dill or heirloom tomatoes with mozzarella. Not to go all foodie on you, but I feel this to be an extremely important value. Eating simply is not only healthy, but far more responsible and Better Brittle is a great substitute for your favorite lab-produced candy.

And now the important part, how does it taste? Take a bite of Better Brittle and you’ll see why I like it. An instant splash of sea salt fades into a gourmet peanut butter taste and a heavy (but manageable) sweetness. The flavor dissipates quickly and leaves a warm aftertaste that I can best describe as a molasses-like, brown sugar finish. There are many peanut-based food items that I love but I can honestly say that Better Brittle just took the lead.

Better Brittle has distribution over quite a bit of the northeast and in Syracuse there’s a convenient spot to pick it up no matter where you live. In Eastwood you can get it at Cafe Kubal, Fairmount/Camillus area’s Green Planet Grocery, the Syracuse Real Food Co-op near the University, Blue Danube Gourmet in Skaneateles, Wrightway Hardware in B’Ville and Cazenovia Artisans. You can also grab some at the Syracuse Regional Farmers Market on Saturdays in the “A” building, you’ll want to call ahead to confirm.

Better Brittle
Peanut brittle inspired by the West African “nkati cake” tradition.
Where to buy
For Regional Market availability: (315) 380-8877

Photo Credit: Joelle Rotella

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