Author: Vin

REVIEW: Pringles Wavy Halo Moa Burger Potato Crisps

Vin 8 Comments

Pringles Wavy Halo Moa Burger Can

What are Pringles Wavy Halo Moa Burger Potato Crisps?

Is Master Chief a Master Chef?!

Pringles is here to answer the question only I was asking with new Wavy Halo Moa Burger Crisps.

How are they?

These are one of the tastiest Pringles varieties I’ve had in a long time, but I’m baffled by the flavor.

Pringles Wavy Halo Moa Burger Spill

Just for a little background – a “Moa” was an extinct flightless bird native to New Zealand that apparently still “exists” in the Halo video game universe? I assumed this was a beef burger flavor, but it’s based on a long-dead bird?

I figured “Moa” was just an acronym for “mother of all,” considering the can shows a deluxe four patty hamburger, but is it actually poultry?

Well, no, it actually is beef. Ok.

Pringles Wavy Halo Moa Burger Closeup

Pringles describes it as savory beef, garlic, and sweet ginger, and they definitely deliver on all of those flavors. These have a really delicious beef teriyaki-ish flavor to them that I can’t recall tasting in a chip – Excuse me, a “crisp.”

Forgive my ignorance, but I could be convinced these are based on a number of Asian-inspired dishes. If you told me this was some kind of Korean Beef flavor, I’d believe it. Some sort of garlic dark chicken dish? Yeah, I can see that. I’m stumped, so let’s just stick with gingery beef teriyaki.

I don’t like to lump multiple countries under one umbrella, but I’m about as good at nailing this flavor as I was at Halo, which I ultimately stopped playing decades ago out of frustration.

Anything else you need to know?

The crisps have a slight heat brought on by chili peppers that really brings the indecipherable flavor all together.

Pringles Wavy Halo Moa Burger Too Many Patties

The photo has cheese, but I didn’t really taste that. I did get a pinch of crisp, vinegary pickle and slaw flavor, though, especially on the nose, which reminded me a bit of Carolina BBQ chips.

Conclusion:

So, it’s a flavor based on a giant bird that tastes like beef. That’s certainly unique.

I guess they’re using “burger” in the same way the UK calls a chicken sandwich a “burger?” These are “crisps,” after all. Then again, we’ve established my international ignorance.

All that aside, this is a fresh flavor that everyone should try. Pair it with the newest Mountain Dew Hyper Sugar Blast or whatever for the ultimate gamer snack.

Purchased Price: $1.48
Size: 4.8 oz
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (About 12 Crisps) 150 calories, 9 grams of fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 290 milligrams of sodium, 16 grams of total carbohydrates, <1 gram of total sugars, <1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Chocolate Stout Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam

Vin 4 Comments

Dunkin Chocolate Stout Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam Full

What is Dunkin’s Chocolate Stout Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam?

Ever wanted your cold brew to taste more like a cold brewski? Well, Dunkin’s got you covered.

How is it?

I drink more stouts than I should admit.

Seriously, here’s a list of stouts I’ve had since Christmas – Coffee, Cacao, Russian Imperial, Chai, “Rainbow Cookie,” Peanut Butter, “Almond Joy,” S’mores, Coconut, Peppermint, Banana, Maple Cinnamon, Cookies n’ Cream, and one with hot peppers. Yup, I’m one of those annoying craft beer guys.

Does that make me an authority on stouts? Yes. It absolutely does. I felt it was my duty to review Dunkin’s new Chocolate Stout Cold Brew for you good folks.

Dunkin Chocolate Stout Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam Top

It actually started out looking like a nitro stout, with syrup streaks cascading down the side of the cup. I tried the cold foam before mixing it in, and it tasted like a very light typical cream topping with a hint of saltiness. Weird start.

The first full sip tasted like some prankster bartender put ice in a chocolate stout and let the cubes melt before serving. It was like a watered-down ghost of a chocolate stout.

The stout-flavored syrup insisted on clinging to the bottom, so it did get more and more stouty as I sipped on but never really came close to the flavor I was hoping for.

Dunkin Chocolate Stout Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam Bottle

I wasn’t expecting it to be spot on, as “stout” is an acquired taste, but it wasn’t malty or even very roasty, which caught me off-guard because it’s coffee, after all.

The chocolate flavor wasn’t bursting either. I kept tasting a Fudgesicle, but not even a good one, like one of those reduced-fat Fudgsicles.

Anything else you need to know?

The cold brew itself got lost. It definitely didn’t taste like a chocolate coffee stout to me. The coffee may have been the least discernible flavor. I love a sweet cold brew, but I still wanna taste the coffee. This was neither too sweet nor too coffee forward. It landed in a watery limbo.

Conclusion:

If you want chocolate, just get a pump of mocha. If you wanna pretend you’re drinking booze at Dunkin’, just get a shot of Irish crème flavor instead.

I can appreciate the effort, but this is not replacing my usual Dunkin order, or furthering my stout obsession.

Purchased Price: $3.00
Size: Medium
Purchased at: Dunkin
Rating: 4 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (with cream) 270 calories, 11 grams of fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 35 mg of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 39 grams of total carbohydrates, 37 grams of total sugars, 0 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Ruffles Double Crunch Spicy Cheddar Jack Potato Chips

Vin 3 Comments

Ruffles Double Crunch Spicy Cheddar Jack Potato Chips Bag

What are Ruffles Double Crunch Spicy Cheddar Jack?

Double your pleasure, double your crunch, that’s the statement of the great chip, in Ruffles Double Crunch Spicy Cheddar Jack.

Ok, that intro didn’t work at all, but remember that fun gum jingle?!

How is it?

I’m a fan of any cheese with “Jack” in the name, whether it be Monterey, Pepper, Colby, or the titular Cheddar. If I see any of those as a menu option, it’s my burger cheese of choice, so naturally I liked the flavor of these chips.

I admit I don’t actually know what the “Jack” means, but the ingredients list Blue Cheese, Swiss, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack along with Cheddar and almost every powder in your spice rack.

Ruffles Double Crunch Spicy Cheddar Jack Potato Chips Bowl

They all merge into a flavor that’s about 2/3rds of the way to “Queso.” If I was blindfolded, I’d probably throw my hands up and guess “Jalapeno Cheddar,” so they deliver on their namesake.

As for the heat, I judge all spicy snacks on the “Flamin’ Hot” scale, and these are just below that. There’s an evenly dispersed, tolerable dry heat that smacks every inch of your mouth with the same intensity.

Anything else you need to know?

I live in constant fear of cracking a tooth, so take this with a grain of salt, but I don’t need my Ruffles to have double the crunch.

Ruffles Double Crunch Spicy Cheddar Jack Potato Chips Closeup

If Ruffles have ridges, these things have mountains and valleys. Who exactly was clamoring for more crunch from a Ruffle?

I know these aren’t the first Double Crunch Ruffle boasting “2x the crunch,” but they’re too hard and borderline stale tasting to me. It’s as if someone in the Frito-Lay factory screwed up while making Wavy Lay’s and just rolled with it.

If you broke down chip ridges by size, these would be a large, Wavy Lay’s would be medium and Ruffles would be a small. I like normal Ruffles best.

Conclusion:

I don’t think Ruffles needed to go the “Double Stuf Oreo” route, but if you’re in the mood for a chip with a kick that won’t leave you chugging Pepto, these are probably for you… and if you’re adventurous and like playing Russian Roulette with your molars, these are definitely for you.

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 7.25 oz
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (About 20 Chips) 140 calories, 8 grams of fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 190 milligrams of sodium, 17 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of total sugars, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Sonic Extra-Long Ultimate Cheesesteak

Vin 17 Comments

Sonic Extra Long Ultimate Cheesesteak Full

I haven’t had a cheesesteak since I made a pilgrimage to Geno’s and Pat’s in Philly almost a decade ago.

I remember nervously asking for my “whiz without” like an apprehensive George Costanza ordering soup, and enjoying both sandwiches about the same. It was a tasty little trip, but I drove home feeling like an absolute slob.

Two cheesesteaks in one sitting?! Gross, dude!

I mean, one wasn’t quite enough, but two was definitely overkill. If only someone nearby could just make one, I don’t know, extra-long cheesesteak? That… that would be the ultimate cheesesteak.

As it turns out, I’ve somehow managed to miss the cheesesteak on Sonic’s ice cream truck style menu for years now. It took them introducing the “Extra Long Ultimate Cheesesteak” for me to finally notice.

So, what exactly makes a cheesesteak, “ULTIMATE!?” You take a foot-long bun and stuff it with sirloin steak and grilled onions, then drizzle them with “melty” cheddar and a “zesty” cheese sauce! Oh, and hold the side of tots, because they’re inside the sandwich now!

I was a bit skeptical about the idea of a fast food cheesesteak, but ten years is a long time, and I was ready to dive back into the whiz.

That sounded better in my head, and to be honest, this menu item looked better in my head.

Sonic Extra Long Ultimate Cheesesteak Meat

I could tell immediately the onions weren’t grilled well, and there might not be enough cheese. Also, the steak looked like dry greyish shawarma shavings they wouldn’t even serve on a street corner. Should I have just made the two-hour drive back to Philly?

I can happily say I’m glad I didn’t because this is actually pretty damn good.

Sonic Extra Long Ultimate Cheesesteak Cross Section

That crumbly sirloin ended up being well-seasoned and moist, and there was just enough “whiz” to lubricate each bite.

The bun’s soft texture was ideal for a cheesesteak, and just long enough that it didn’t feel excessive.

Sonic Extra Long Ultimate Cheesesteak Meat Tots

Adding tots into the sandwich was a real “why didn’t I think of that” move that added a perfect amount of crunch and salty starch that tied everything together.

Despite it tasting good, I couldn’t really distinguish between the cheddar and the so-called “zesty” cheese sauce. It was just a generic Cheez Whiz flavor, which was fine, but I was hoping for maybe a little added provolone bite or something along those lines.

Sonic Extra Long Ultimate Cheesesteak Long view

The onions were basically raw as expected. I appreciated the flavor, but the texture was a minor buzzkill.

Even with those flaws, I found it to be a completely substantial and satisfying meal. It’s not Pat’s or Geno’s, or any of the other Philly spots I’m sure are better, but it’s really solid for a fast food cheesesteak.

I’d say definitely give it a try, but maybe check out the app and see if you can’t hack in some fried onions and extra cheese. There’s also a spicy version you can try, but hurry up because the Extra Long Ultimate Cheesesteaks are only available through the end of February.

Remember to tip your carhop!

Purchased Price: $4.29
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 970 calories, 63 grams of fat, 19 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of trans fat, 110 milligrams of cholesterol, 2240 milligrams of sodium, 62 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 8 grams of sugar, and 40 grams of protein.

Click here to read our previous fast food reviews.

REVIEW: Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Cheddar & Sour Cream Goldfish

Vin 10 Comments

Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Cheddar Sour Cream Goldfish Bag

What are Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Cheddar & Sour Cream Goldfish?

Pepperidge Farm has added a new blasted flavor to the Goldfish tank – Cheddar and Sour Cream.

How are they?

I’m a big fan of Goldfish. I’m an even bigger fan of Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles, so consider me stumped.

These are pretty bad.

I don’t really understand why. Cheddar Goldfish are delicious and iconic. I remember loving Flavor Blasted Sour Cream and Onion, so why did I find this flavor so off-putting?

Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Cheddar Sour Cream Goldfish Bowl

I mean, they do deliver on the premise. They taste like cheese, and they taste like sour. That’s it, sour. I wouldn’t necessarily say “sour cream.” Not really sour cream and onion. They just tasted like sour cheese to me. If the flavor dust of the aforementioned Ruffles could rot, they’d taste similar to these.

I found the flavor to be very sharp. I’m not even talking sharp in the “sharp cheddar” sense, it was just a jolt of aggressively gross flavor that made me recoil, and it took a few more handfuls to mellow out.

Anything else you need to know?

Ok, I’m a total hypocrite because they did get a little more appetizing as I went along. I still managed to eat the bag in three sittings as opposed to my usual one.

Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Cheddar Sour Cream Goldfish Fishie

Goldfish might be the most addictive snack on this watery rock we live on. I can eat ’em every day, and my mom says that’s ok. Sorry, I just wanted to get that old commercial jingle stuck in your head. I love the fishes ’cause they’re so delicious!

Seriously though, I eat way too many Goldfish. I’m practically up to my gills in Goldfish! My supermarket sells them for two bucks a pop, so I’ve probably had every flavor, and I’m pretty comfortable calling Cheddar and Sour Cream my least favorite. That includes the sweet varieties.

Conclusion:

There are probably five better Flavor Blasted styles of Goldfish on shelves right now. Just get the Flavor Blasted Cheddar. If they have the Sour Cream and Onion, grab those and eat both flavors independently because they don’t seem to mix.

Don’t get lured in by Cheddar and Sour Cream. They should join Luca Brasi and sleep with the fishes.

Purchased Price: $1.99
Size: 6.6 oz bag
Purchased at: Stop and Shop
Rating: 4 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (51 Pieces) 140 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 260 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of total carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of total sugars, less than 1 gram of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.