The Impulsive Buy

REVIEW: Stuffed Puffs Big Bites Cinnamon Toast Crunch Filled Marshmallows

November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 Marvo 2 Comments

Cinnamon Toast Crunch is one of the greatest cereals of all time. The original Stuffed Puffs is what happens when graham crackers realize it’s the third wheel and lets chocolate and marshmallow finally be alone together.

As a fan of both, my eyes got as big as marshmallows when I first saw the promo photos for Stuffed Puffs Big Bites Cinnamon Toast Crunch Filled Marshmallows. Even before trying them, I thought a Cinnamon Toast Crunch-coated marshmallow with a Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavored creme would be epic. But after trying them, my eyes are as puffy as marshmallows from all the crying about how NOT epic they are.

Okay, I didn’t cry, but I’m a little disappointed with these.

Although the cereal is pulverized into dust, I expected some crunch from the coating. There is a crunch, but after getting up close and personal with these, it turns out it doesn’t come from the cereal.

Instead, it comes from opaque crystals dotted across the surface. The light crunch is similar to the sugary coating on Peeps, but because those crystals aren’t everywhere, like on Peeps, the cereal dust’s soft texture gets exposed. Cinnamon Toast Crunch’s lowercase crunch is part of what makes it so great and to not have it here is saddening.

Also, the coating lacks a noticeable Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor. I think there’s a hint of it, but I’m surprised it doesn’t stand out for something that covers so much surface area. So lack of crunch and flavor makes it seem like the cereal is really there for looks and not much else. If the crushed cereal wasn’t so smashed, the coating might have had an authentic cereal crunch and a bit more flavor.

While the exterior doesn’t remind me of the popular cereal, the creme filling somewhat does, and it provides all the cinnamon flavor. Although, I get more of a cinnamon roll vibe (and aroma) than a Cinnamon Toast Crunch vibe. But I’m not complaining about that because the filling is scrumptious. There are also crumbles in the creme, and I do notice them, but they have a soggy oat texture, and I’m wondering what’s the point of them.

I’ve enjoyed most Stuffed Puffs I’ve stuffed into my mouth, and, of course, every morning, afternoon, and evening is a little brighter after a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but this mashup of the two is just good and not great. Maybe I shouldn’t have had such high expectations, or I’m being a Snack Scrooge. I don’t know. But I’m just closing my eyes and shaking my head at what could’ve been.

DISCLOSURE: I received free product samples. Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 5.9 oz pouch
Purchased at: Received from Stuffed Puffs (but are exclusively available at Walmart)
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 piece) 80 calories, 2 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 40 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 10 grams of sugar (including 10 grams of added sugar), and 1 gram of protein.

NOT FOOD: Swag Snack and Cereal Boxer Briefs

November 29, 2022November 27, 2022 Marvo 6 Comments

Swag Boxer Briefs have been around for a couple of years, but were brought to my attention only recently. These Hostess Ho Hos Boxer Briefs appear to be the newest style. Yes, there is a Ding Dongs version, if you’re wondering.

Also new this year are these Kellogg’s cereal boxer briefs with the Halloween designs of the boxes. Yes, they also come in the original box designs.

I think what also fascinates me about these is the packaging. The cereal ones come in small cereal boxes and the Hostess one comes in the rectangular shape of Hostess boxes. And here’s a Pop-Tarts variety that comes in a Pop-Tarts-shaped box.

Not only that, but a Cheetos version comes in a bag instead of a box.

(Spotted by Robbie at Burlington and Marshall’s)

REVIEW: Limited Edition Spam Figgy Pudding

November 29, 2022November 28, 2022 Mark 7 Comments

I have reviewed some weird things during my six years at The Impulsive Buy.

But I’m pretty sure this new Spam Figgy Pudding is the weirdest. When I learned of its existence, I knew it would be so delightfully, seasonally unusual that I had to try it. I’m generally indifferent about regular Spam, but I’m a sucker for anything with a holiday theme.

(Spam’s website consistently treats its name as SPAM, but Merriam-Webster opts for Spam, so I’m going with that. It’s easier to type.)

Here’s how the website describes it: “SPAM Figgy Pudding brings a blend of warm spices and seasonal ingredients that will be the star in many wintertime recipe favorites. With notes of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with fig and orange flavors, you’ll taste true holiday comfort that will have you caroling all season long.”

Now, I’ve never had a figgy pudding for at least three reasons:

I’ve never stepped foot in the UK.
The authentic recipes sound unreasonably complicated.
I am not 200 years old. (Yet.)

Therefore, I can’t compare it to a real figgy pudding. But with that caveat, how is it?

Well, there’s definitely a seasonal vibe to it. I taste spices (though I’m not sure I can pick out specific ones), and I taste fruit, especially orange, making it a little sweeter. If you like Spam, this is a fun, festive variation! My dad eats Spam regularly and doesn’t like this version as much as the classic, but he said it’s fine if you want a different flavor.

Now, I didn’t know what to do with a brick of the stuff, but fortunately, the website has several recipes. I opted for the Spiced Dutch Baby Pancake. I followed the instructions as well as I could, except I didn’t have a 10-inch cast-iron skillet like the recipe called for. I ate it with the recommended cranberry butter (thanks, Thanksgiving leftovers!), maple syrup, and powdered sugar.

This was a weird dish, to be sure. But I’m a fan of mixing sweet and savory, and the Figgy Pudding Spam paired well with the sweeter elements and the spices of the pancake. I mean, it’s still Spam, so there’s something mildly off-putting about it. But I had no problem finishing the pan.

Spam Figgy Pudding is only available in a two-pack (mine came in a cardboard sleeve that fell apart in transit). I’m still trying to figure out what I’ll do with the second can, but I’m sure I’ll find a good use for it!

Because this is a novelty food, it’s more expensive than the original Spam. As far as the food itself goes, it’s not worth the price. But if you are a die-hard Spam fan, or you just like trying weird products, go for it!

Purchased Price: $14.13 plus shipping
Size: 2 12-oz cans
Purchased at: Walmart.com
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2 oz) 180 calories, 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 600 milligrams of sodium, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar (including 4 grams of added sugars), and 7 grams of protein.

SPOTTED (SEASONAL EDITION): 11/28/2022

November 28, 2022November 27, 2022 Marvo 7 Comments

Here are some new seasonal products found on store shelves by your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of them, share your thoughts in the comments.

*Great Value Holiday Macaron Assortment*

(Spotted by Robbie at Walmart.)

*Great Value Holiday Chocolate Mocha Cocoa Bombs*

(Spotted by Tommy at Walmart)

*Great Value Holiday Vanilla Christmas Tree Ice Cream Bars*

(Spotted by Robbie at Walmart.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Big Lots.)

*Nice Sweet Holiday Yogurt Covered Holiday Pretzels*

(Spotted by Robbie at Walgreens.)

Member s Mark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds — *Member’s Mark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds*

(Spotted by Robbie at Sam’s Club.)

Sheila G s Limited Edition Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Brownie Brittle — *Sheila G’s Limited Edition Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Brownie Brittle*

(Spotted by Robbie at Big Lots.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Big Lots.)

*Dr Seuss The Cat in the Hat Sugar Cookie Mix*

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

PRIZE DRAWING: Accumulated Swag Mystery Box Giveaway (Fall 2022 Edition)

November 28, 2022November 27, 2022 Marvo 292 Comments

It’s another Accumulated Swag Mystery Box Giveaway!

In two previous giveaways, I attempted to drum up some excitement for the mystery box by mentioning that a white plastic bowl would be included. If you didn’t participate in those giveaways because of the white plastic bowl, I’m happy to announce that this box does not have one. Instead, it has a blue plastic bowl! Blue! How cool is that?

Of course, there are many other things inside the box, and to have an opportunity to find out what they are, you should enter our Accumulated Swag Mystery Box Giveaway.

RULES:

To enter this prize drawing for the Accumulated Swag Mystery Box, leave a comment with THIS post, and that comment MUST include the word “huitlacoche.” It’s a fungus that grows on corn, and cooks in Mexico use it to flavor food.

Remember to fill out the email field because we’ll be emailing the randomly selected winner for their mailing addresses.

We will stop accepting entries on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Only one comment is allowed per person, and it’s only open to U.S. residents.

JUST A FEW OF NOTES:

If you post a comment and it doesn’t show up, it ended up in our comment spam or trash folder for some strange reason. There’s no need to attempt to post another comment because I’ll be pulling those out of the comment spam vortex regularly.

Do not leave your comment using the blue REPLY button at the bottom of other comments. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave your comment in the section above the blue POST COMMENT button. You might think it’s a lot of scrolling, but it’ll be worth it if you win that blue plastic bowl.

Good luck!

FINE PRINT:

The Impulsive Buy won’t use your email address to send you emails regarding cryptocurrency or use your mailing address to send you the cereal sand from the bottom of a Cheerios box. Bribes will not be accepted. The Impulsive Buy will not be responsible for lost mail, damaged mail, or you not getting a white plastic bowl.

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