Nairn’s Oatcakes

Just by looking at the packaging, I already knew that I would be taken down memory lane with the taste that was to come. Having followed a low carb diet plan for several years, items like oatcakes have long been eliminated from the weekly shop

Nairn’s are a Scottish heritage bakery brand that has been making food from oats for over a hundred years.  In recent times, they have expanded their range from the traditional oatcakes to other oat-based snacks and breakfast products.  The product I was given to review was the cheese oatcake which comes packaged as a variant in the traditional oatcakes range.

Everything about this product is traditional; the packaging design looks as though it hasn’t been updated in years.  While that may add to the heritage feel, it does little to bring excitement to the expected taste experience.  I find oatcakes one of those food types that people either love or hate.  I have always been one, quite partial to an oatcake or two, served with a cheese board and pickles.  As I opened the outer box, I wondered if I should nip out and get a variety of cheeses to go with the tasting.  My eagerness to take a bite soon took over and I pulled a packet out of the box.

The biscuits are conveniently packed in 6s in cellophane, which keeps each portion nice and fresh.  The cheese smell was subtle and the oatcakes much thinner than what I was expecting.

Without any topping, they could be accused for tasting of cardboard although this variant with cheese, did help add a bit of depth to the flavour.   Despite what it says on the packaging, oatcakes are rather boring eaten on their own.  I topped the second with cream cheese and suddenly the textures and flavours came to life.  The nuttiness of the oatcake coupled with the freshness of the cream cheese was simple but extremely delightful.

I had forgotten how filling oat is and found three oatcakes plenty as a mid afternoon snack, which I shared with a friend.  Six in a packet would be great for bigger appetites, maybe for lunch with a robust soup or cheese platter.

These oatcakes are a versatile cupboard staple that can be used creatively to knock up some tasty snacks to unannounced visitors.  They would be great topped with houmos, guacamole or smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Samples were provided complimentary by the Organic Foods and Café.