Author: Vin

QUICK REVIEW: White Castle Impossible Slider

Vin 8 Comments

White Castle Impossible Slider 1

What is it?

The White Castle Impossible Slider is an abomination of science!

Nah, it’s actually pretty ground-breaking. We’re talking about a plant-based (wheat, coconut oil, and potato protein) “burger” that somehow manages to mimic beef. Has the future arrived?

How is it?

It’s interesting.

The flavor is too smoky and reminds me of bad BBQ. I could have been convinced this was mushroom-based, so I guess this is that “umami” flavor I still don’t quite understand. The lingering flavor I kept thinking of was “fake bacon.” Kinda like the powder you’d get on those Potato Skin chips.

White Castle Impossible Slider 2

White Castle Impossible Slider 4

The patty is really just clumps –- kinda like a pulled beef. I can’t tell if it succeeds texture-wise, but it’s not like a regular veggie burger or tofu, it toes the line between those. It is definitely “meat-adjacent.”

I can’t explain it. It’s somehow spongy and crumbly, but also moist and meaty. It’s like the Impossible Foods folks invented a new form of matter. It still tastes “fake,” but not as fake. Make sense?

These sliders come with smoked cheddar and fire-roasted onions, which are a slight spin on the usual White Castle toppings you’re used to.

Is there anything else I need to know?

White Castle Impossible Slider

I’d say they are about 1.5 times the size of a normal slider, and they grill ’em fresh for you on order.

The thing that kinda bugs me is for a plant-based alternative to meat, they aren’t even that healthy. I feel like that kinda defeats the entire purpose. Who are these for? What Vegetarian is regularly going to hit up White Castle anyway?

White Castle Impossible Slider 5

Impossible Sliders are only available in Chicago, New York, and New Jersey right now, but don’t get too upset, you’re not missing anything life-changing.

Conclusion:

While I didn’t enjoy the taste all that much and the nutrition numbers make this a one-time novelty purchase, I do think it’s on to something. Impossible Burgers could very well be the future, but they haven’t quite cracked it yet.

I had a regular cheeseburger slider too, and there was no contest which was better.

Purchased Price: $1.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 4 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 300 calories, 150 calories from fat, 17 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 870 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of protein..

QUICK REVIEW: Yoo-hoo Chocolate Peanut Butter Drink

Vin 1 Comment

Yoo hoo Chocolate Peanut Butter Drink

What is it?

Every now and then I crave chocolate milk. While I peruse the beverage section’s numerous options, there always seems to be one beacon, one brand living up to its name by calling out to me – “Yoo-hoo.” So, why wouldn’t I pounce on the newest flavor in Yoo-hoo’s chocolate “drink” arsenal? As far as I can tell this is the first time Yoo-Hoo has ever added peanut butter to its classic recipe. What took so long?!

How is it?

Yoo hoo Chocolate Peanut Butter Drink 2

Are you a fan of Yoo-hoo like I am? If so, it’s right on par. I imagine there are many people that prefer chocolate milk to Yoo-hoo’s thinner, more watery “drink,” so I can tell you this version is a tad creamier than normal Yoo-hoo, but still nowhere near the consistency of milk. As a skim guy, it has never bothered me. This tastes like Yoo-hoo with a pronounced peanut flavor. I wouldn’t describe it as super “peanut-buttery” per se, but it’s still tasty. There’s a delicious aftertaste that made me feel like I just ate peanut brittle.

Is there anything else I need to know?

This doesn’t contain actual peanuts so you can pack one in your kid’s lunch with no worries. This was the first time I’ve had a drink in box form in probably two decades, and it’s small, so they went down super easy. I had two at a time. They are low in calories, a good source of vitamins, and actually curbed my appetite a bit so they make for a good snack.

Conclusion:

If you like Yoo-hoo, I see no reason why you wouldn’t dig this. It’s a slight remix on a successful formula. Don’t expect to be blown away with peanut butter flavor, and since these are tiny and aimed at children, know that you’re probably gonna breeze through a 12 pack.

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 10-pack/6.5 oz. boxes
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 Box) 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 170 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 20 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Hershey’s Flavor of California Chocolate Covered Strawberry Kit Kat

Vin 6 Comments

Hershey s Flavor of California Chocolate Covered Strawberry Kit Kat

When I ask you to associate one food with California, what comes to mind?

Excuse my ignorance, but I don’t know. Wine? Fish tacos? I’ve only been to Southern California once and it was a culinary melting pot.

With that ignorance, I decided to roll with Hershey’s “Flavor of California” – the chocolate covered strawberry.

Yeah, strawberries, fine, that makes sense. Delicious California strawberries – the number one food I associate with California. Everybody loves sweet California strawberries!

Now, what if I told you Hershey decided to inject some California strawberry flavor into their world-famous Kit Kat bar? I bet that would interest you, right? Luckily, I’m here to let you know if it works.

Hershey s Flavor of California Chocolate Covered Strawberry Kit Kat 3

As I broke off an awesome smelling stick at took a bite, nothing seemed to differentiate from a normal Kit Kat, but fear not because the strawberry flavor snuck in almost immediately, and man, it was nice!

There isn’t a HUGE strawberry flavor, but that’s exactly why I dug it. They could have easily made it artificial and overbearing, but there’s a delicious, light strawberry flavor that lingers. It’s a perfect mix, acting as almost an inverse of a real chocolate covered strawberry. Once you get through the chocolate shell, the freakishly huge strawberries usually become the dominant flavor.

You’re obviously not gonna get the juicy refreshing element of a real strawberry, but you’re also not gonna get that tartness of the fruit either. I’ve always found that unless you’re eating perfectly in-season California(!) berries, they can be a bit of a buzzkill.

Hershey s Flavor of California Chocolate Covered Strawberry Kit Kat 4

I ate a chocolate covered strawberry for comparison, and maybe I’m just a child with an unrefined palate (I am), but I’ll take the Kit Kat all day, every day.

I haven’t had a ton of chocolate/strawberry flavored candies, but as far as I’m concerned Kit Kat is the new top dog. This is easily better than Strawberry Nut M&M’s.

If I was basing my review on the smell and the taste, I’d consider giving these a perfect score, but I gotta nitpick a bit.

Hershey put out miniature white chocolate strawberry Kit Kats last year that were much cuter, for lack of a better word. We’re probably better off without chemical dyes in our food, but I would’ve really enjoyed it if this was also pink or red, and not typical brown. Japan has like 874 different Kit Kat flavors and they toss some cool colors at ya. Why make these so boring?

Hershey s Flavor of California Chocolate Covered Strawberry Kit Kat 2

While I’m whining, I also expected more off the wall ingredients from Hershey’s “Flavors of America” line. Chocolate covered strawberry is pretty tame, no? Good, but tame. Last year, I reviewed a Texas-style Pay Day with BBQ peanuts and was hoping for more weirdness like that.

So yeah, I can sit here and pine for all the weirdness of Japanese Kit Kats, or petition Hershey for some Philly Cheesesteak-infused Whoppers or something, but that would be a disservice to this sweet flavor of California. Pick these up if you see them.

(Nutrition Facts – 1 package – 210 calories, 11 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 30 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 21 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: $1.25
Size: 1.5 oz.
Purchased at: CVS
Rating: 8 out of 10
Pros: Perfect balance of chocolate and strawberry. No artificial taste. Smell amazing. Best chocolate/strawberry candy bar I’ve had to date. Giving me a California food association. Hershey’s “Flavors of America” line in general.
Cons: Boring appearance. Idea is a tad bit lazy. North America’s lack of Kit Kat flavors. The Kit Kat jingle which is now stuck in your head. This dude actually said “Philly cheesesteak Whoppers?”

REVIEW: My Oreo Creation Kettle Corn Oreo Cookies

Vin 4 Comments

My Oreo Creation Kettle Corn Oreo Cookies

Remember those Looney Tunes episodes where an old lady would put a pie on a window sill, and an offscreen character would literally be lifted off the ground by the heavenly aroma and summoned to it?

That’s me with kettle corn.

I pretty much only attend Street Fairs with one objective in mind – acquire kettle corn.

I love it. It’s God’s perfect food. Ambrosia. The only snack I eat by the duffel bag.

So, now that Nabisco has decided to dedicate one of its 436 Oreo flavors (unofficial count) to this amazing confection, you know damn well I had to try them.

I wouldn’t call these the most eye-popping Oreo cookies. It’s a Golden Oreo with off-white kettle corn flavored cream sprinkled with little tan morsels of millet – beige and boring, but in fairness, true to popcorn.

Again, kettle corn stands have a distinct aroma that I can pinpoint within a two-block radius. These cookies attempted to get there, but I got more of a pancake/waffle vibe from the smell. That’s cool though. Who doesn’t love the smell of pancakes?

The first step to eating any Oreo is to remove the top wafer and scrape out half the crème with your teeth. We all eat em that way, right? Not like the weirdos in the commercials who open it, lick it once then inexplicably put it back together?

My Oreo Creation Kettle Corn Oreo Cookies 3

The crème tastes buttery at first, but there is an underlying sweetness. I wouldn’t necessarily say they hit on the “salty” aspect of kettle corn, but that’s probably a good thing. I couldn’t shake the pancake thoughts while eating these. I never tried the waffle-flavored Oreo but could’ve been convinced these were them if blindfolded, because of the butter. The sweetness bordered on maple, also.

If I had one word to describe the kettle corn flavor, I’d say “inconsistent.” Every few bites I’d get a brief but perfect combo of cookie, crème, and millet that had a texture similar to kettle corn, and also that burnt sugary amazing flavor only a kettle could create.

My Oreo Creation Kettle Corn Oreo Cookies 2

I won’t lie, I wasn’t 100 percent positive what millet even was. I’ve never had straight millet cereal, but the little puffed additions were a smart decision. They’re not quite Rice Krispies, but the spongey, stale texture mimicked popcorn nicely. Oreo adding little pieces to the crème is a trend that I hope continues.

These are pretty tough to nail down. I like ’em, but I don’t know if they met the expectations of the flavor, although I was able to convince myself the aftertaste was “popcorny.”

To wrap it up, I’m going with this as my description – buttery pancakes, with a hint of syrupy sweetness, that tastes like weak kettle corn but only when you get that perfect bite. That make sense?

My Oreo Creation Kettle Corn Oreo Cookies 4

Try ’em out, then vote for your favorite #MyOreoCreation. I still need to try the other two before I submit mine, but something tells me these won’t prevail over Cherry Cola or Pina Colada.

(Nutrition Facts – 2 cookies – 150 calories, 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 80 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 12 grams of sugars, and less than 1 gram of protein..)

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 10.7 oz.
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 6 out of 10
Pros: It’s kettle corn, kinda. If not, it still tastes and smells like freezer brand pancakes. Definitely goes well with the Golden Oreo. Adding the millet pieces was a great idea. No kernels!
Cons: Didn’t quite nail all the aspects of kettle corn. Millet pieces might be a tad spongy and stale for some. There are so many Oreo flavors I probably haven’t had a standard Oreo in three years.

REVIEW: Hershey’s S’mores Crunchers

Vin 5 Comments

Hershey s S mores Crunchers

Hey folks, it’s your resident “S’more Connoisseur,” and I am BACK for more.

Today’s review comes compliments of Hershey’s new snack line, “Crunchers.” You might’ve already seen the Reese’s and Cookies N’ Cream versions in your local convenience store. I’ve tried and enjoyed both, so I had to pounce on these S’morsels (what they should have been called) as soon as I saw them.

So, what the heck is a “Cruncher?” Well, they’re basically little globs of chocolate with crunchy ingredients tossed in. As you would imagine, S’mores Crunchers have mini marshmallows, graham pieces, and graham cookies. I’ll touch on that redundancy later.

I opted for the larger sized bag. Let’s see if I made the right choice.

Hershey s S mores Crunchers 2

Well, right off the bat, they didn’t smell very good. Does chocolate spoil? It smells like what I assume old spoiled chocolate would smell like. Whatever, I can get over that if they taste good.

I mean, I guess? There’s just too much chocolate. I realize that sounds stupid because if these were in bar form, it might be the same ratio, but they tasted like a regular Hershey’s bar.

The graham and marshmallow peak through as you chew, but the overwhelming chocolate always took over. It’s like eating misshapen Kisses with random bits mixed in.

You probably read that and thought, “Ah, that doesn’t seem so bad.”

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Unfortunately, I have a major problem with S’mores Crunchers, and it has to do with the little marbits clumped amongst the chocolate.

The marshmallows are HARD AS A ROCK. I’m serious. Take this as your warning. It’s not pleasant.

There are some pieces that have just graham, which lived up to the “Cruncher” name, but any clump with a marshmallow was like chewing on a pebble. I may have dental paranoia, but I had to chew with extreme caution. These things taste like they’re Rocky Road flavored, and literally made with bits of a rocky road.

I isolated a few of the tiny marshmallows to confirm it was them. I was expecting that crunchy, spongey, powdery texture you get from hot cocoa marbits, but nah, these are rough. They melt in your mouth in time, but I doubt you’ll take solace after cracking a crown.

The bag boasts these are “A delightfully munchable crunchy snack.” I counter that they are a “decent, terrifying dentist visit waiting to happen.”

The graham pieces and cookies were also irrelevant. I guess they wanted two different shapes because there is no taste or textural difference between them.

I could see these as a snack mix ingredient, not a standalone. Since there is so much chocolate, there needs to be something savory, like pretzels, to balance it out. That’s how I’m finishing this bag, if I even bother.

The Reese’s and Cookies N’ Cream varieties of these Crunchers are considerably better, so choose those or go for the Hershey’s Snack Mix. They’re usually on the shelf right beside these anyway.

(Nutrition Facts – about 10 pieces – 140 calories, 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 70 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, 16 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: $4.19
Size: 6.5 oz. bag
Purchased at: CVS
Rating: 4 out of 10
Pros: Well on its way to being a pretty good snack mix ingredient. It’s still Hershey chocolate. Pieces with just graham are fine.
Cons: Marshmallows are a textural nightmare. Not a good standalone snack. Too much chocolate. Two types of graham for nothing. Worst of the Cruncher varieties so far. Bit of a lazy concept.