Ten Tastiest Stamp Albums

     Now, I often see reviews for the delicious variety of foods throughout Neopia. The Kelp restaurant in Maraqua for example is a wonderful, popular place for fine dining in Neopia. Any foodie Neopian worth their salt wouldn't turn down a Honeyed Horn Of Plenty! My hope with this article is to open everyone's eyes to an underappreciated niche in the cuisine scene. For the Grarrls and Skeiths out there, you already know what I'm referring to. That's right: I'm talking about eating stamps!

     Now I'm sure some of you just went 'what?!' That's totally valid. I understand if the idea makes some of you queasy, my dear readers. Both in your stomachs and in your wallets. Just hear me out!

     There's a certain satisfaction to knowing you're having a valuable meal, right? I'm sure most of us can agree on that front. Fine connoisseurs of food and collection alike also know that few things are more expensive than rare stamps! I can agree that it's not for everyone, but I strongly believe that everyone deserves to treat themselves and give it a try.

     This list will be friendly to newcomers and experienced stamp-tasters alike, with options available to fit every kind of budget. If you happen to own an extremely rare stamp and don't want to lose it, consider giving it a small lick just for a taste. Because there is such a wide assortment of stamps to collect, I will be evaluating them by their Album page groups. With that being said, here we go!

     *Important Disclaimer: Only use responsibly sourced stamps, freshly bought from the Neopian Post Office or shops of other Neopians for stamp tasting. I do not advocate for stealing stamps from a friend's Album at any time!

     #10: Mystery Island

     Fun fact, this was one of the first two Albums ever released! You can really feel the history when you see their unique artwork, reflecting the delightful and tropical air of Mystery Island. Try the fresh taste of a Zeenana Stamp or an Assorted Fruits Stamp to see what I mean. It's just like buying Assorted Fruit Blocks at the Chocolate Factory!

     The Nibbled Cooking Pot Stamp shows that someone's got a taste for stamps at the Neopian Post Office. While I sympathise, it doesn't seem right to do that in the middle of your job!

     Could that elderly Chia really be behind this? Are the bite marks what make them so valuable? I'd love to get the chance to try one myself...

     #9: Snowy Valley

     This is currently one of the more popular Stamp Albums thanks to the recent Advent Calendar re-release of the Candychan Stamp. Personally speaking, I was grateful for the chance to try such a delicacy for free! Tastes just like a Lemint, in my opinion. A cheaper option like the Rainbow Slushie Stamp tastes just as colourful as it looks. The Wintery Petpet Shop Stamp has delightful notes of gingerbread, as well. I would say these are good entry points for any Neopian eager to try stamp tasting!

     My only criticism is that the majority of the Album has a one-note flavour profile. Still, it's a great selection to choose from if you want some fresh breath!

     #8: Krawk Island

     Now I admit, this might be where some readers will raise their eyebrows. None of the stamps in this Album look particularly appetising. 'Really, Pattie? You want me to try a Barf Boat Stamp?' you may be asking aloud. Well... okay, I agree that isn't the best look either.

     But as the tried and true saying goes, don't knock it until you try it! Each stamp carries subtle flavours of the sea, a memorable brine on your tastebuds! A must-try for all seafood enjoyers. The Krawken Stamp tastes just like a Large Giant Squid. Thinking about it makes me want to pay a visit to Ye Olde Fishing Vortex!

     In fact, with the recent additions of the Captain Bloodhook Stamp and Feldon Dinksy Collibridge Stamp, this Album may be completed soon and grant us a new Avatar. How exciting! Can we find a way to eat Avatars, next?

     #7: Tyrannia

     Let me preface by saying this isn't some kind of Grarrl bias! Tyrannia may be my home, but Pattie always puts the dear readers first! The Chunk of Meat Stamp is a great entry point for this Album. In fact, I would argue it's one of the best stamps for every beginner taster. It has the same delicious, smoky flavour as its Tyrannian Food counterpart.

     I would recommend the Omelette Stamp, but that's too pricey for most Neopians as a casual snack. For anyone brave enough to try, please share your experience with me! My inbox is always open. To be honest, many of the stamps in this Album are on the higher end of budgets. Maybe we'll see a re-release of a stamp for this Album soon? Please? *wink*

     I do have to ask, though... what's the deal with the Flying Korbats Stamp and Tyrannian Korbat Stamp? They look the same and taste the same... so eerie!

     #6: Meridell vs Darigan

     The best part of this Album is that it features two fun yet complimentary flavour themes together: the dark, bitter taste of Darigan stamps and warm, earthy tones of Meridell stamps. Some such as the Green Knight Stamp provide both sides at once!

     If you've ever wanted to try a Draik Egg, just try a Draik Guard Stamp instead. Speaking from experience, it's the same taste with much less guilt! Consider trying a stamp featuring another connoisseur we all know and love, the Turmaculus Stamp. You would think the Turmaculus itself took a bite out of this stamp! Rightfully so, as I like to enjoy mine with a hearty bowl of Guacasymole.

     Word on the block says a Drackonack Stamp pairs great with cheese. That is, unless the cheese mysteriously disappears first. (Don't actually try this at home, kids.)

     #5: Shenkuu

     Perhaps you'll join the stamp tasting agenda once you've had a taste of the Shenkuu Album. I have yet to meet a single Neopian who would turn their nose at the idea of eating a savoury bowl of Negg Noodles. A Negg Noodles stamp is the same, but in a much smaller bite. Saving room in your stomach to eat more is a true joy of stamp tasting!

     Take the chance to enjoy a delicious Pineapple Dessert Stamp afterwards. Maybe a real Pineapple Dessert, too... though I've never seen such a thing at Exotic Foods. If anyone has the secret recipe for a Pineapple Dessert, please send it my way.

     Every stamp in this Album pairs fabulously with any tea of your choice, though I recommend a simple and classic Green Tea. Yes, that includes the Kou-Jong Tile Stamp. Tastes just as great as the real thing!

     #4: Sea Shells

     This is another popular Album, though for reasons vastly different than my own. The avatar featuring a Dazzling Blue Mussel Shell is quite a treat for the eyes. For me, I want one as a treat for my stomach.

     Can you really blame me? Sure, several of the shells feature spikes and jagged edges like the infamous Golden Shell. But look at how bright and colourful they all are! A full Album of these is just like a delicious assortment of candy-coated snacks. Like Chocolate Covered Peanuts! (I've just learned that there are Chocolate Murex Shells out there. See? It's not just me!)

     Oh, I digress. I have to admit that the taste of most of these shells isn't that special. The texture, however, is positively sublime. You won't find anything so deliciously crunchy anywhere else in Neopia! Something like the Tangerine Trumpet Shell is a good balance of sweetness and affordability. If I had tens of millions of Neopoints I'd love to eat a bunch of Tiny Golden Shells like a Bag of Peanuts!

     #3: Scarabs

     Okay, I concede that this isn't for everyone. Or most Neopians, to be honest. Scarabs are an acquired taste and have a bit of a mental barrier to break past. I, too, used to be afraid of bugs. But like the Sea Shells, once you've tried one I promise you won't want to go back!

     Scarabs can be a wonderful source of protein for anyone looking to try something new. Even if you aren't ready to begin stamp tasting, face your fears by trying a Grackle Bug on a Stick at the Lost Desert.

     A cute yet affordable option to start with is the Polkadot Collectable Scarab. The bright, tangy taste matches the adorable patterns on its carapace. The next step up would be an Uncommon Blue Collectable Scarab, with an interesting taste somewhere between a Honeyplume and a Scalemelon.

     The Rainbow Collectable Scarab is my favourite of the bunch. Its flavours are very unique and difficult to describe... I'll leave it for you to discover on your own, dear readers!

     #2: Coins

     The Coins are in a similar group as the Sea Shells when it comes to stamp tasting. They don't offer much when it comes to flavour, but provide a delightful crunch between your teeth. Sea Shells are much easier in that regard, however. Neopians aside from Skeiths and Grarrls may struggle to eat their desired Coin. Even so, I believe that anything is possible if you put your mind (and jaws) to it!

     I only have two strong and specific recommendations in this Album, the first being the Frozen Snowflake Coin. Just like a snowflake, it will begin to melt the longer it sits on your tongue. Truly a delightful treat to enjoy in the hot summer weather!

     Any stamp collector familiar with this Album should already know my second recommendation. That's right, it's the Chocolate Factory Coin! Dipped in a delicious layer of chocolate, it's irresistible to chocolate and Coin lovers alike! Trying one of these is a rite of passage among stamp tasters. All of the Chocolate Silver Coins I ate in my childhood were leading me towards this path...

     #1: Evil Coconuts

     And... drumroll please!

     Surprise! I'm rating Evil Coconuts as the best Album to eat. This might not surprise anybody, considering how edible coconuts are to begin with. Anyhow, many eyes were drawn to this Album with the recent re-release of the Flaming Evil Coconut thanks to the Quest Log.

     Anyone fortunate enough to have attended the Advent Calendar in Year 6 may have a Seasonal Evil Coconut lying around. If not, this is the cheapest Evil Coconut by far to add to your collection, or your stomach! Evil Coconuts have a beautiful range of flavour to them. They have the sweetness of toasted coconut, plus a good amount of heat for those who like their food to bite back! Some like the Monstrous Evil Coconut are a little too much fire for me, personally.

     The best part of this Album? You can win Evil Coconuts by playing at the Coconut Shy! It would be possible to finish the majority of this album solely by winning them and without buying any from the Trading Post... theoretically. You'd have to be very lucky. If anyone is actually this fortunate, know that I'm very jealous of you!

      Well I hope you enjoyed the article, my dear readers! Putting my pen to paper has really worked up my appetite! Maybe I'll start a Morphing Potion tasting article next... This is Pattie the Pastel Grarrl with a palate signing off!