The Showdowns!

Choices and choices of brands to taste test

Here’s a searchable collection of all the taste tests (Food Showdowns) we’ve held.  If there’s an item you want to learn the results about how we ranked it, simply use your find function (because the list will get long) to search for that food below.

Before the list, let us tell you how we run a Food Showdown:

  • We test foods/products that we purchase from our local stores.  We are in Laramie, Wyoming, so aside from a few “western” specific brands, it feels safe to say that if you are located in America, you should also be able to get the brands that are tested.
  • Each panelist ranks the items based on the criteria they see fit.  We always assume everyone is using flavor as their number one criteria, but the look, texture, overall experience, etc. may also play a part in how they judge. This makes sure that they always feel free to rank their favorite as their number 1!
  • Every food is removed from its packaging, and if there is something visually obvious (I’m looking at you, pizza and natural peanut butter.) we do our best to remove that aspect too.
  • Every food is served in the same manner: identical bowls/plates, same temperature, same manner of “delivery to the mouth,” (for example, homemade bread for butter – because although we do love butter… not so much by the spoonful.) etc.
  • If any food needs to be prepared, we follow the instructions exactly as prescribed by the manufacturer.  For instance, when we tested boxed mac and cheese, “boil for 7 minutes” means a timer is set, and removed at 7 minutes exactly, so this way it’s exactly as the manufacturer says it should be.
  • The foods are labeled A – X, (and we don’t even label in alphabetical order, so the panelist aren’t subconsciously encouraged to taste them in a certain order.) and then a cheat sheet is made and kept hidden.
  • What brands are available are not disclosed until after everyone has completed their rankings.
  • All taste tests are conducted by adults (we have attempted this with children… the results are questionable).
  • All taste tests follow these rules unless otherwise stated in the write up for each test.

This obviously ignores how the food was collected, i.e. responsibly raised, organic, etc.  However, we are including those options in our tests. This way if this is important to you, you can pay attention to those results, and are able to choose the best from the criteria that you care about.

The Food Showdowns (taste test list):

PANTRY:

SNACKS:

MEALS:

  • Pizza
  • Mac and Cheese (Coming Soon)

DRINKS:

DESSERT:

PRODUCE: