My Honest Review: Are Partake Cookies as Good as Everyone Says?
An in-depth, taste-tested review of Partake's vegan, allergy-friendly cookies, blending real experience with an inside look at the brand's inspiring story.
If you’ve given up on plant-based cookies, you’re not alone. After years of flavorless and crumbly attempts from the health-food aisle, most snackers resign themselves to conventional treats. But Partake, a vegan and allergy-friendly cookie brand, may just rewrite those expectations—and perhaps change the way you enjoy cookies forever.
What Is Partake?
Partake is a groundbreaking snack company founded by Denise Woodard, who started her brand after realizing her daughter Vivienne’s multiple food allergies made safe, enjoyable snacks nearly impossible to find. Resigning from her corporate role, Denise set out to create treats free of the top nine allergens—wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame. Through a focus on thoughtful ingredient sourcing (like cassava flour and gluten-free oats) and small-batch baking, Partake delivers certified vegan and gluten-free cookies claimed to taste as good as they are safe.
Partake is proud to be Black woman-owned, and the brand’s story has inspired many food lovers to give it a try, even those skeptical about plant-based snacks.
The Allergen-Free Advantage
- Top 9 Allergen-Free: Free from wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
- Certified Gluten-Free & Vegan: Completely free of gluten and animal products.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives: Uses simple, understandable ingredients.
- Non-GMO & Kosher: All products are Non-GMO Project Verified and OU Kosher certified.
- Baked in a dedicated facility: Ensures no cross-contamination for allergy safety.
The Founder’s Story
Partake was born out of worry—and love. When Denise Woodard’s daughter was diagnosed with severe food allergies, Denise was shocked at how few snacks on grocery shelves offered both safety and genuine flavor. Her frustration fueled her passion, leading her to quit her corporate job and launch Partake. The brand quickly grew, thanks to Woodard’s relentless advocacy, meticulous ingredient standards, and hunger for flavor and inclusion. Every box that leaves the facility is a small victory for families navigating dietary restrictions and those simply looking for healthier, more inclusive snacks.
The Flavors I Tried
To get a broad view of what Partake has to offer, I sampled three of the most popular varieties:
- Crunchy Chocolate Chip
- Crunchy Birthday Cake
- Soft Baked Cookie Butter
Each variety targets a different kind of cookie lover, ranging from nostalgic classics to fun, seasonal-inspired sweet treats. The question: does the taste live up to the inclusion mission?
Flavor by Flavor: Taste-Test Results
1. Crunchy Chocolate Chip
First Impressions: This is the brand’s “icon”—a classic cookie reimagined. The cookies come in small, thick discs with visible chocolate chips dotted throughout. Many allergy-free or vegan cookies suffer from a dry, gritty texture, but Partake’s held together surprisingly well.
The Bite: These cookies are delightfully crisp—think snappy bakery cookies rather than traditional chewy chips. The flavor is buttery, if a bit subtle, with a good chocolate-to-cookie ratio and no strange aftertaste (a common vegan pitfall). While a touch less sweet than classic Chips Ahoy, the balanced flavor and satisfying crunch made them addictively snackable. You taste actual oats and a clean sweetness, not artificial notes.
What Sets Them Apart:
- They contain no soy, a rare feat for gluten-free cookies.
- Wholesome ingredient blend: Oat, cassava, buckwheat, and no rice fillers.
- Allergy-friendly facility: Reduces cross-contact risk for those with multiple sensitivities.
Nutrition (per 3-cookie serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Sat. Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
Nutrition values reflect an emphasis on simple ingredients and a better-for-you profile, without relying on processed substitutes.
2. Crunchy Birthday Cake
If you love a hint of nostalgia, Birthday Cake is the flavor to try. These cookies are also crunchy and dotted with colorful confetti morsels—think funfetti but much lighter and more grown-up in sweetness. The cookie offers strong vanilla and subtle buttery notes, recalling classic cake batter. While very sweet, they manage to avoid any overwhelming artificial flavor, and the sprinkles add subtle texture and fun. The crunch is on par with the Chocolate Chip, but there are subtle undertones of oat and cassava.
Standout qualities:
- Great for kids’ parties or anyone who secretly loves a sprinkle.
- Less greasy, less rich—these won’t leave you with a heavy aftertaste.
- Suitable for multiple age groups (satisfying both adults and children).
3. Soft Baked Cookie Butter
This option diverges from the classic cookie into soft, tender territory. The Cookie Butter flavor balances warm cinnamon and ginger notes reminiscent of speculoos (think the taste of graham crackers or Biscoff cookies).
As a soft-baked cookie, it offers a slightly cake-like, chewy bite—perfectly moist without being oily. This was by far the most decadent-tasting of the trio. As with the others, the flavor is deeply satisfying with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s ideal for those who love traditional spiced cookies without the allergens, and makes a comforting treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredient Quality & Transparency
Partake’s ingredient lists avoid anything artificial or undecipherable. Some notable highlights include:
- Natural sweeteners: Organic cane sugar, no high-fructose corn syrup or stevia aftertaste.
- Whole grains: Gluten-free oats and buckwheat add texture and sustained energy.
- Cassava flour: A root vegetable known for its easy digestibility and mild flavor.
- Sunflower oil: Instead of palm oil or hydrogenated alternatives.
What’s not included:
- Absolutely no dairy, eggs, or animal products for vegan compliance.
- No soy, peanuts, or tree nuts, making them accessible to anyone with even the most common allergies.
- No synthetic gums (only small amounts of xanthan/konjac for texture in select versions).
Who Are Partake Cookies For?
Partake cookies aren’t just for allergy sufferers or vegans. Their blend of safety, taste, and nutrition makes them a fit for:
- Families with food allergies: A reliable, cross-contamination-free indulgence.
- Vegans and plant-based eaters: Ethical snacking with mainstream flavor appeal.
- Office snackers and lunchboxes: Single-serve packs offer on-the-go convenience.
- Anyone seeking lighter desserts: Reduced processed junk, more of the real goodness.
- Fans of women- and Black-owned businesses: Support a mission-driven company that walks the walk.
How Do Partake Cookies Compare?
| Cookie Attribute | Partake Cookies | Traditional Cookies | Other Vegan Cookies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergy-Free | Top 9 allergens free | Usually contains allergens | Varies, often contains soy/nuts |
| Texture | Crisp or soft, not gritty | Chewy or soft, can be oily | Frequently crumbly, dry |
| Flavor | Natural, subtle sweetness | Sweeter/strong artificial notes | Can taste ”off” or bland |
| Ingredient List | Simple, whole food-based | Often contains preservatives | Mixed, sometimes highly processed |
| Transparency | Clear, dedicated facility | Limited allergy info | Variable ingredient clarity |
Where to Buy Partake Cookies
Partake cookies are available nationwide and online. You can find them at many major grocery chains, health food stores, and direct from the Partake website. Retailers frequently stock rotating flavors and also offer baking mixes, expanding the lineup beyond cookies to pancakes and brownies.
Customer Reviews and Community Reception
User experiences with Partake are overwhelmingly positive, especially for those who have struggled to find safe snacks that don’t taste like compromise. Many reviewers express relief at finally ”being able to enjoy a treat without worry.” The chocolate chip variety especially gets high marks for taste and texture, though some find the cookies a bit dry depending on personal preference. For others, the crisp snap and the wholesome flavor are precisely what they’re seeking in a cookie that’s less processed yet still indulgent.
Final Thoughts: Do They Live Up to the Hype?
Partake cookies are an easy recommendation for anyone craving a better-for-you, inclusive treat. They are a testament to what can be achieved when allergy safety, taste, and social impact go hand in hand. While perhaps a little pricier than mass-market alternatives, each bite supports a small-batch, founder-driven mission and an expanding conversation around food inclusivity. If you’re skeptical about vegan, gluten-free treats—or think flavor is always sacrificed—these cookies may just surprise you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all Partake cookies vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, every Partake cookie is 100% vegan and gluten-free, in addition to being free from the top nine allergens.
What allergies are covered by Partake’s guarantees?
The products are free from wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, and are made in facilities designed to prevent cross-contact with these allergens.
Are these cookies suitable for children?
Absolutely. Partake cookies are designed to be safe and enjoyed by kids, especially those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
Is there a difference in taste compared to classic cookies?
There are subtle differences—Partake cookies are generally less sweet and sometimes less rich, but retain natural, satisfying flavors and are praised for their texture over most vegan/gluten-free rivals.
Where can I purchase Partake cookies?
Find them online at the brand’s website and in major grocery chains as well as specialty stores across the U.S.
References
- https://www.purewow.com/food/partake-cookies-review
- https://www.purewow.com/home/women-owned-brands
- https://www.kroger.com/p/partake-gluten-free-vegan-chocolate-chip-cookies/0085276100700
- https://partakefoods.com/products/chocolate-chip-cookies?bvstate=pg%3A22%2Fct%3Ar
- https://www.purewow.com/food/black-women-owned-food-beverage-brands
