Author: Vin

REVIEW: Reese’s Chocolate Lovers and Peanut Butter Lovers (2019)

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Reese s Chocolate Lovers and Peanut Butter Lovers 2019

I love me some Reese’s, but it’s been on a bit of a cold streak with me lately.

I can’t say I’ve “loved” any of the Reese’s products I’ve reviewed recently, (Thins, Good Humor Bars, Whipped Topping) and it’s left me wondering if I even still “love” the iconic brand I grew up on.

Previous disappointments aside, I figured there was no way Reese’s Chocolate Lovers and Peanut Butter Lovers Cups could let me down, right?

Reese’s Chocolate Lovers

I was tentative about these. I ranted in my Reese’s Thins review about how pointless having more chocolate than peanut butter is, but I’m happy to report Reese’s Chocolate Lovers Cups blow them away.

I initially thought these were dark chocolate, but according to Hershey’s official site, they’re an “extra thick layer of extra-rich milk chocolate.” Some may taste a difference with the “extra rich” chocolate, but it tasted like a thicker Reese’s cup to me.

Reese s Chocolate Lovers Innards

The chocolate shell (I don’t know what else to call it) has a similar crispy bite to Reese’s Thins. Since they have more chocolate, the candy’s texture is harder than a standard peanut butter cup.

There’s still plenty of peanut butter, but since the ratio is off, I felt like it melted in my mouth quicker and left me with an intense chocolate aftertaste that set this apart from regular Reese’s Cups. The back of my tongue still had that lingering peanut butter residue, but everywhere else tasted like I ate a Hershey bar.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Lovers

I didn’t think there was any way I’d like Chocolate Lovers more than these, but here I am, admitting I liked Chocolate Lovers more than these. That’s not an indictment – they’re pretty damn good – I just thought they were the runner-up.

The idea of having the cup itself made of peanut butter is a great idea – in theory anyway.

Reese s Peanut Butter Lovers Innards

They could have called these “Reese’s Chocolate Haters Cups” because outside of the thin layer coating the bottom of the cup there’s hardly any chocolate. I certainly didn’t taste much of it. The outer peanut butter and what’s inside have contrasting textures but identical flavors. That was fun for a couple of bites, but then the novelty wore off.

Without the chocolate, these are really dry. The peanut butter caked my mouth to the point I wanted to chug a bottle of water after eating one cup. It’s the Nutter Butter effect. Try eating a few of those without a glass of milk. Your mouth will turn into the Sahara.

Still, I can’t complain too much because I love Reese’s peanut butter. Just gotta remember to keep a bottle of water nearby.

So yeah, these are both winners. If only Hershey’s could find a happy medium between Chocolate Lovers and Peanut Butter Lovers, we’d be in business folks.

Sarcasm aside, Reese’s Cups are a ten, so I’m judging these off of them. They’re both worth picking up, but you can’t top perfection.

Purchased Price: $1.39 each
Size: 1.5 oz.
Purchased at: Quick Check
Rating: 9 out of 10 (Chocolate Lovers)
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Peanut Butter Lovers)
Nutrition Facts: (1 package) Chocolate Lovers – 210 calories, 13 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 135 milligrams of sodium, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 21 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein. Peanut Butter Lovers – 200 calories, 12 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 150 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 19 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Blueberry Cheerios Cereal

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Blueberry Cheerios Cereal

What are Blueberry Cheerios?

After decades of Honey Nut and the occasional new flavor of Cheerios, it seems like we’ve gotten at least 20 new varieties in the past couple years, with Blueberry being the latest to hit shelves.

How are they?

Blueberry Cheerios are not quite up to snuff with the previous fruit inspired flavors, but that’s not to say they’re bad.

Blueberry Cheerios Cereal Dry

First off, the scent is pitch perfect. I bet you could name this cereal in a blind sniff test with no hesitation. The cereal pieces appear to be caked with a purplish dust with little bits of actual pureed blueberry.

The flavor is not as strong as I expected. The first few bites give you a quick blueberry hit, but it soon fades as the dust dissipates into the milk.

Blueberry Cheerios Cereal Games

There are no artificial flavors, which I assumed and appreciated. That said, when it comes to blueberry, I think I prefer a regrettable sugary start to my morning. This is the adult’s Blueberry Toast Crunch, which is odd considering a toddler could master the games on the box.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Blueberry Cheerios Cereal Wet

It’s almost two cereals in one. You start with purple o’s and white milk, but within a minute you have an almost normal looking bowl of Cheerios floating in a purplish run-off.

The milk ends up being the tastiest part as the cereal pieces get blander. I drank the second half of the bowl, cereal pieces and all.

Conclusion:

I’ve tried most of the fruit Cheerios (Banana, Peach, Berry, etc.) and I honestly think they’re all superior. Blueberry is still a solid cereal, but I’d put it near the bottom in terms of Cheerios flavors.

I know we’ve had Fruity Cheerios in the past, but I would love a “Fruit Medley” mix consisting of all the previously mentioned flavors. Blueberry would make a great supporting player.

Purchased Price: $3.99
Size: 10.9 oz
Purchased at: Shop Rite
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (3/4 cup) 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 125 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 8 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Peeps Marshmallow Flavored Coffee

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Dunkin Peeps Marshmallow Flavored Coffee

What is the Dunkin’ Peeps Marshmallow Flavored Coffee?

Well folks, it appears the Easter season is upon us.

I mean, why else would Dunkin’ be selling Marshmallow Peeps flavored coffees?

How is it?

I fully expected the sweetness to be out of control, but I’m happy to report my worries were overstated. I guess I figured a syrup created to mimic a sugar dusted marshmallow would be overwhelming, but I really enjoyed the flavor.

Dunkin Peeps Marshmallow Flavored Coffee Top

Sure the “drop” of milk I requested (which was more like a cup) probably diluted the sweetness a bit, but if that’s the case, props to the Barista for the happy accident. (Are they called Baristas at Dunkin’?)

I picked up a pack of Peeps to compare the flavor, and I’ll say they got it about 75% there.

I wouldn’t necessarily say the coffee screamed “PEEPS,” but it definitely tasted like marshmallow and vanilla. I might even say I liked it a bit more in drink form than the sand and memory foam, I mean, sugar and marshmallow form of a standard Peep.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Dunkin Peeps Marshmallow Flavored Coffee Topped with a Peeps Chick

I floated a Peeps chick in the coffee just for the hell of it, and it added a whole lot of nothing to the experience.

The aforementioned Barista (?!) made me take a sip of the coffee in front of her and report if I liked it. I toyed with spitting it out in disgust, but just simply said, “it’s good” and pretended it wasn’t an odd request.

I skipped the Peeps donut because it just looked like standard sprinkled fare with a Peeps chick on top.

Conclusion:

This is a winner, and I’ll probably get it at least one more time this month.

It wouldn’t shock me if Dunkin’ just rebranded the flavor syrup as generic “marshmallow” and snuck it on their full-time menu once Spring has come and gone. It would definitely be a worthy addition to its flavor swirl lineup.

Purchased Price: $2.65
Size: Small
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Small without dairy) 120 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 45 milligrams of sodium, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 25 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein, and 178 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Pillsbury Limited Edition Marshmallow Cookies with Marshmallow Bits

Vin

Pillsbury Limited Edition Marshmallow Cookies with Marshmallow Bits

What are Pillsbury Limited Edition Marshmallow Cookies with Marshmallow Bits?

Stick with me here folks; these are (supposedly) marshmallow-flavored cookies with little hot cocoa packet-style marbits.

How are they?

They’re fine, but if you’re expecting BIG marshmallow flavor, I’ve got bad news.

The cookies smelled like yellow cake mix in the oven, and I convinced myself they were going to taste like marshmallows. They ended up tasting like a sugar cookie, unfortunately.

I had to convince myself the cookie was marshmallow flavored, and it still never really seemed true. Although, on some bites, I felt like I was tasting extremely subdued cotton candy, which made little sense but was welcomed.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Pillsbury Limited Edition Marshmallow Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Raw

Pillsbury Limited Edition Marshmallow Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Baked

I ate these three different ways – as dough, hot from the oven, and cooled down.

Eating raw dough may not be recommended by that giggly punk the Pillsbury Doughboy, but we all do it. It was worth it. Don’t sue if you get sick.

They’re generic sugar cookies fresh from the oven. The marbits were so melty that they just blended in with the soft cookie and any flavor was lost.

I know the joy of baking cookies is eating them hot, but give ’em time to cool, because the marshmallows harden into a nice crisp, and that’s where the overall cookie shined brightest.

Pillsbury Limited Edition Marshmallow Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Bitten

While they didn’t taste like these specifically, the texture of the marshmallow reminded me of Linden’s Butter Crunch cookies. You know, those little yellow three cookie pouches at the convenience store? I’ve loved them since I was a kid.

I added chocolate chips to a few cookies, and they overpowered any alleged marshmallow flavor.

Conclusion:

I’m no baker, so I appreciate how simple these pre-made Pillsbury cookies are. I can pretend I baked without having the mix ingredients or clean up.

They’re good enough, low priced, and require no work. Why not try em?

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: 14 oz (12 cookies)
Purchased at: Wegmans
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 cookie) 140 calories, 6 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 85 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Lay’s Turn Up the Flavor Potato Chips

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Lay s Turn Up the Flavor Potato Chips

After the success of the regionally-inspired “Do Us a Flavor” chips, Lay’s is back with something new – chips inspired by genres of music.

ARE Y’ALL READY TO TURN UP THE FLAVOR?!

I’ll take that tepid response as a “yes.”

Like snack preference, musical taste is subjective, but I’m gonna try to compare each new chip flavor to a song from the genre they’re inspired by.

Tonight’s opening act is Classic Beer Cheese.

I guess Lay’s took the classic “rock” inspiration literally by making these “hard as a rock” kettle chips.

The chips smell like cheese, but not much like beer. The initial taste is that of flat pilsner followed by a muted indiscriminate cheese taste. I was hoping for a sharp cheddar flavor, but it’s dulled down a bit by that faint hint of a beer you may have consumed ten minutes prior.

Lay s Turn Up the Flavor Classic Beer Cheese Potato Chips

As with every kettle chip I’ve ever had, they tasted kinda stale, and I wished these were just a regular chip, but I know people love this style. They’re fine but didn’t rock my socks off like I thought they would. I prefer Kettle Brand’s Cheddar Beer flavor, which are the only other beer cheese chips I’ve tasted.

Inspired by the classic rock genre, the beverage featured, and the lightning bolt in the name, I’ll compare these to a solid rock song I never need to hear again in my life – Have a Drink On Me by AC/DC.

Whatever, no one comes to see the opening act anyway.

Next up to the stage is, Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Remix!

Here we have a Hip-Hop inspired continuation of Frito Lay’s brand-crossing Flamin’ Hot line, and they’re exactly as advertised.

Lay s Turn Up the Flavor Flamin Hot Dill Pickle Remix Potato Chips

The smell from the bag is amazing. There’s heat as well as that aroma of popping the lid off a pickle jar. The chips may be a mess, but they taste like pickles. Imagine dipping a pickle in hot sauce, and that’s essentially what you get. The heat is a nice complementary Hype Man for the pickle. I mean, these may have been slightly better without the Flamin’ Hot element, but that wouldn’t be very “hip-hop,” now would it?

I’ll compare these to a classic hip hop track that fires me up so much I can only listen in small doses – Ante Up by M.O.P.

And now ladies and gentlemen, give it up for your headliner, Electric Lime & Sea Salt!

So, upon opening this bag, there were some technical difficulties.

I was taken completely aback by the scent of expired cold cuts took me completely aback. It was confusing, to say the least. Most pop music stinks, so maybe I didn’t realize how literal they were with the inspired genre?

Lay s Turn Up the Flavor Electric Lime Sea Salt Potato Chips

Despite the smell, I trudged on, and I am glad I did. The initial smell cleared a bit and I was left with a nearly flawless potato chip. I like these better than any single “Do Us a Flavor” release.

There’s nothing crazy here, it’s just a wavy chip flavored with lime and sea salt, and it works so damn well. If you’ve ever had Tostito’s Hint of Lime (the best tortilla chip in the aisle, IMO), it’s that except it somehow works even better on a ridged potato chip.

I polished off the bag in two sittings.

I tried to think of a pop song I initially thought was a giant fart bomb but almost instantly changed my mind on. There’s only one fairly recent pop song I could recall that hit me, and it CAME IN LIKE A WRECKING BALL.

“Did he just hype Miley Cyrus while basically calling AC/DC average earlier?”

He did. Wrecking Ball is great. You like it, and you know it. You’ll like these chips too, even if they’re a guilty pleasure.

I wouldn’t be upsetting if any of these become mainstays, but Lime & Sea Salt is elite. Now that the former King of Pop is “canceled,” we should pass the name on to these chips.

Lay’s needs to expand on this new line. Gimmie a country-inspired flavor. Classical. Whatever you call that electro-techno music. Bring ’em on. Here’s hoping they turn up some more varieties. We need an encore.

Purchased Price: $2.50 each
Size: 7.5 oz. bags
Purchased at: Wegmans
Rating: 5 out of 10 Classic Beer Cheese)
Rating: 8 out of 10 (Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Remix)
Rating: 9 out of 10 (Electric Lime & Sea Salt)
Nutrition Facts: (15 chips) Classic Beer Cheese – 150 calories, 9 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 150 grams of sodium, 165 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Remix – 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 200 grams of sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. Electric Lime & Sea Salt – 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 135 grams of sodium, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.