Product Review: Mary’s Gone Crackers “N’Oatmeal” Raisin Love Cookies

The gluten free cookie crusade continues this week as we explore “N’Oatmeal” Raisin Love Cookies from Mary’s Gone Crackers. I have noticed that most of the reviews I’ve sent your way over the last couple of months have been for cookies. I guess this is because there are so many different kinds of gluten free cookies. The prevalence of choices leads me to believe that there are a lot of people out there looking for cookies to nosh. It never hurts to have an idea of what kind to grab, right?

These cookies are a whole new breed. The idea is to mimic the flavor of an oatmeal cookie without using any oats. This way people with extra sensitivities don’t have to miss out on anything.

That’s not the only sensitivity that these cookies are made for - check out this list of have nots. “N’Oatmeal” Raisin Love Cookies are organic, kosher, non-GMO, wheat free, dairy free, certified gluten free and vegan. They are made with low glycemic sweeteners and contain chia seeds. They also contain no hydrogenated oils and no trans fats…. Whew! That’s quite a list of credentials!

All of that is very important to a seasoned snacker like myself, but eventually everything comes down to taste.

At best, I can say that “N’Oatmeal” Raisin Love Cookies are okay. They are spiced like an oatmeal cookie but the similarity ends there. The cookies taste like a mix between gingerbread and a bran muffin (I think, it has been several years since I’ve had a bran muffin). There is not a whole lot of sweetness. Even the raisins lack the sweet tang I love.

On the other hand, the flavor is not bland, just not cookie-sweet. The texture is nice - soft and chewy with a firm bite.

The biggest problem for me was with the aftertaste. It was bad enough to send me clamoring for a cup of coffee. Even so, it lingered for a long time. The odd thing was that even though the taste was bitter it was also very clean and natural. Overall, the effect was a bit unsettling.

I’m sure it’s clear by now, these cookies just aren’t for me. They are not bad enough, though that I could tell anyone to avoid them. If you are looking for a cookie with warm spices, natural flavor and mild sweetness then these are for you.