Other Things I Consumed — March 20, 2026

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Joyburst Gummy Bear Sparkles Protein Soda picked up at Target

Joyburst Gummy Bear Sparkles Protein Soda

For these posts, I just grab whatever looks mildly interesting off the shelf and put it into my shopping basket. I don’t notice details until I actually consume them. That’s the case with this protein soda. I was surprised it had only four grams of protein. I expected an explosion of protein that’ll help make my muscles explode, but nope, just an amount I can count on one hand. Maybe I’ve been spoiled with all the double-digit protein sodas and shakes I’ve been drinking recently.

It’s sweet and tart, but its nondescript fruitiness doesn’t bring gummy bears to mind. Doesn’t remind me of soft Albanese gummy bears or Haribo Goldbears that give my jaw a workout. It’s a decent-tasting, zero-sugar drink that has some grittiness from the added whey protein isolate. Oh, there’s also bovine collagen peptides that help with skin and joints. It’s not bad, but again, the amount of protein is underwhelming. But I guess four grams is better than zero. 6 out of 10

Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura Energy Drink

Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura Energy Drink picked up at Target

I wasn’t planning on picking this up because I’m pretty sure I had the Japanese version many years ago. But our reviewer Vin wrote in his review of the sugar-free version that it tasted like strawberry banana to him. The banana got my banana-senses tingling, so I purchased a can, but the regular version. And, yes, I also tasted strawberry banana. However, I also asked @lookatbradsjunk on Instagram what he thought of it, and he said it tasted like a slightly sour ICEE to him.

I didn’t taste any cherry. Or maybe my taste buds didn’t want to taste cherry and instead wanted to enjoy the strawberry banana. I love this flavor. 9 out of 10

PBICK Caramel Rusk

PBICK Caramel Rusk from CU

I know. I thought it said “PRICK” too. Anytoo, these are from a Korean convenience store called CU that has locations here in Hawaii. Now, salad eaters might be thinking, “Um, are those croutons?” Well, they look like croutons, but have a slightly denser crunch and, of course, they’re sweet. No, they’re not coated in gooey caramel. Instead, they have on one side a thin caramel layer that gives the crouton-looking snack a strong caramel sweetness.

I really liked the crunch and flavor of these. My wife thought they were too dry and bland. So I ended up eating the two bags she bought for us. I kind of regret not being adventurous by putting them on a salad. 8 out of 10

Barebells Berry Milk Drink

Barebells Berry Milk Drink, available at Target

I’ve had my share of Nesquik Strawberry Milk and a variety of strawberry milks from Japan, and this is definitely not as tasty as those. Of course, this has only two grams of sugar, so I shouldn’t expect something that smacks my taste buds with sweetness and berry flavor. There’s something kind of medicinal about the drink’s aftertaste, but that might be because of the artificial sweeteners—sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

I can somewhat look over its aftertaste because the ultra-filtered milk provides 24 grams of protein and 50 percent of my daily calcium intake in one can. Holy bone strengthening, Batman! ONE CAN! If only a particular gummy bear-flavored soda could provide that much protein. 5 out of 10

Nurri Chocolate Milk Shake and Mocha Milk Shake

Nutri Chocolate Milk Shake purchased at Target

Okay, 24 grams of protein, 50 percent of my daily calcium, and two grams of sugar is impressive, but these Nurri Milk Shakes have 30 grams of protein, 60 percent of my daily calcium, and one gram of sugar. Holy one upping, Batman!

Nutri Mocha Milk Shake at Target

But not only do they have higher protein and calcium levels and 1 gram less sugar, but they also taste much better than the previously mentioned milk drink. Like the Barebells product, these Nurri drinks use ultra-filtered milk to deliver more protein than regular milk. They also use the same artificial sweeteners, but they have a great chocolate flavor. But it still blows my mind how much protein and calcium they have. Also, the mocha one has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. 8 out of 10

OTHER THINGS I CONSUMED: 2/20/2026

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Slice Apple Healthy Soda

Slice Apple Healthy Soda

There needs to be more apple-flavored sodas on shelves. Sure, I could stick some apple juice into a Sodastream, but that might void its warranty. One of the best apple sodas I’ve had was from Slice way back when. But then Slice got sliced out of the market. But as we all know, Slice made a comeback last year, and now that we’re a year or so into its resurrection, the brand has brought back its apple flavor, but, um, a healthier version with prebiotics and probiotics.

This isn’t the first apple-flavored soda with gut stuff. Olipop makes a delicious Crisp Apple flavor that is a top-tier Olipop variety. If this Slice version is as good or as good as the original Slice Apple, we’ll have a winner here. However, while its aroma is enticing, its flavor unfortunately pales in comparison to Olipop’s Crisp Apple, which has a fruitiness that, well, um, pops. This Slice soda? Not so much. It’s very underwhelming. I’ll stick with Crisp Apple.

Stiller’s Shirley Temple Soda

Stiller’s Shirley Temple Soda

If you asked me what celebrity would come out with a soda line, I’d probably rattle off a bunch of YouTubers. Didn’t expect Ben Stiller to have one. Much like a lot of new sodas nowadays, it’s a “better for you” soda. Now you might be thinking, “Oh, so it’s like Olipop and Poppi.” Well, I’m going to pop that thought because there’s nothing in this that your gut microbiome will appreciate. No fiber. No apple cider vinegar. No pre- or probiotics. There’s just some fruit juice and natural flavors, along with a bunch of sweeteners: cane sugar, stevia, and monk fruit. The soda has only 30 calories.

The can claims its “The World’s Refreshing-est Soda.” I’m going to follow that with the World’s Eye Rolling-est Eye Roll. Because it’s a soda, by nature it’s most likely going to be refreshing, but “World’s Refreshing-est”? Nope. It smells nice and there’s a mild cherry taste with a bit of citrus in the background. But its flavor doesn’t strike my taste buds as hard as others. Plus, there’s an earthy twist in the aftertaste that makes an okay soda a little less okay. Sorry, Mr. Stiller. I’ll rewatch Severance, but I won’t repurchase your soda.

Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers

Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers

Am I in another timeline? Because I’m pretty sure ranch-flavored Wheat Thins have been a thing for a very long time. Long enough that I’m sure it has gone through box design changes. But here we are in 2026 with Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers with a “NEW” banner on the box. I guess it must be a new and improved version.

Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers close up

I’m 100 percent sure I’ve had the previous version on multiple occasion, but I can’t quite remember what it tastes like, so I’m unable to compare. But I won’t forget these crackers because they are wonderful. Every bite definitely says “ranch.” Their seasoning is tangy, creamy, slightly herby and garlicky, and every cracker is well seasoned. I hate to admit this, but I ate two-thirds of the box while rewatching Severance. I stopped myself once my fingers realized they were hitting the bottom of the box. Okay, I didn’t stop just then. I mean, my hand was still in the box, so why not take out a couple more before closing it. They’re that good.

Poppi Amaya’s Island Colada

Poppi Amaya's Island Colada

I have no idea who Amaya is. Pop singer? Siri and Alexa’s cousin? The can says something about “Love Island.” I have no idea what that is. Is it like a reboot of the TV show “The Love Boat,” but on an island? I’m so out of it in terms of American pop culture. All I do is watch anime and Asian dramas with quirky characters, and listen to 90s rap and Japanese and Korean pop and rock.

However, I do know that Amaya’s Island Colada is a tasty prebiotic soda. It might be in my top 5 favorite Poppi flavors. It starts off with a sweet pineapple flavor that pleases my taste buds, and then it’s followed by a creamy coconut flavor that, thankfully, isn’t overwhelming. The pineapple gets a tad sour in the aftertaste, but not enough to make me pucker because the creamy coconut helps prevent that. Also, unlike some other Poppi flavors, I didn’t notice the apple cider vinegar.

It’s a limited edition flavor, so set sail to pick one up if a piña colada-flavored prebiotic soda interests you.

OTHER THINGS I CONSUMED: 2/9/2026

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Don't Quit! Root Beer Protein Soda

Don’t Quit Root Beer Protein Soda

I finally found this! I don’t know if it’s the quaint-looking can or my desire to drink 15 grams of protein in root beer form, but I didn’t quit looking for it. Are you proud of me? Others might’ve quit, and others might’ve shaken their heads over disbelief that anyone would put so much effort into finding a protein soda. But I believed in myself and the stores around me. In the end, it all paid off. That’s what not quitting will get you.

With that said, I will be quitting from buying any more Don’t Quit sodas. While it does have a familiar root beer taste, it’s doesn’t have the same bite as Barq’s, doesn’t mug my taste buds with the root beer flavor of Mug, and doesn’t have something close to the always winning flavor of A&W. I don’t know if it’s because it has zero sugar, no artificial flavors or colors, or the whey protein, but its root beer flavor is a bit toned down from other popular root beers. Yes, it does have the same texture as other protein beverages that use whey protein. Also, $4.50 for a can is a bit hard to swallow.

Khloud Cinnamon Roll Protein Popcorn

Khloud Cinnamon Roll Protein Popcorn bag

I liked the first Khloud Protein Popcorn flavor that I tried, but this one is underwhelming. It has a pleasant cinnamon flavor, but there’s nothing about it that makes me think of a cinnamon roll, like a tangy cream cheese frosting flavor. It’s pretty much just cinnamon, which isn’t necessarily bad. However, that cinnamon flavor is also relatively mild. Maybe because the spice is listed last?

Khloud Cinnamon Roll Protein Popcorn kernels

Also, I don’t know if I got a bad bag, but the popped kernels looked smaller than the ones in the Olive Oil and Sea Salt flavor I tried last year. One last thing, there were two unpopped kernels at the bottom of my bag. That just seems weird to me because I’m pretty sure every bag of Smartfood and Skinny Pop I’ve consumed didn’t have unpopped kernels.

Starbucks Lime Watermelon Refreshers Concentrate

Starbucks Lime Watermelon Refreshers Concentrate

It’s about time for us to be able to make Starbucks Refreshers at home. I mean, I haven’t been clamoring for it because I’m too addicted to coffee triple-digit caffeine amounts, but ever since Starbucks came out with its bottled coffee concentrate, I wondered if there would ever be one for the chain’s fruity drink.

A serving is very simple to make. The instructions say to pour six ounces of the concentrate over ice, then add six ounces of water, mix, and voila, you’re a Starbucks barista! Instead of plain water, you could use lemonade, coconut water, or sparkling water. I ended up using plain water. FYI, a serving has 35-40 milligrams of caffeine.

When I drink it, there’s something about it that makes my mouth wonder if it’s apple juice. It’s definitely not apple juice because when I close my eyes and swish it around my mouth like an expensive wine or mouthwash, I get the lime’s sourness and a watermelon flavor. It’s pretty good, and I’m sure it would be even better if I had tried it with another mixer.

I could only find this flavor, but I’ll be on the lookout for the others.

Lays Baked Roasted Garlic & Herbs Potato Crisps

Lays Baked Roasted Garlic & Herbs Potato Crisps bag

New Lays Baked flavors are rare, but there have been two recent additions: Loaded Baked Potato and these Roasted Garlic & Herbs. Between the two, I was more excited about the former. However, after trying the latter, I kind of forgot about the Loaded Baked Potato one.

Lays Baked Roasted Garlic & Herbs Potato Crisps closeup

Not only do they have garlic and herb flavors, but they’re also made with olive oil, all of which creates a tasty combination. If you told me these were pizza-flavored potato crisps, I’d believe you. I love pizza-flavored snacks, though these don’t quite have the same flavor profile. However, they still bring it to mind.

Now, I guess the only issue is whether you enjoy the texture of Lays Baked Potato Crisps. I’m okay with it, but the flavor of these makes me even more okay with it.

OTHER THINGS I CONSUMED: 1/23/2026

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Liquid IV Hot Chocolate

Liquid IV Hot Chocolate

It’s cold here on this rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I’m talking high 60s to low 70s. BRRRRR. Fortunately, I had this hot chocolate mix to warm me up, which was on the clearance shelf for 50 percent off or five dollars.

Unfortunately, I used only one of the six packets in the box to keep me warm and gave the rest away because this hot drink mix is a hot mess. It smells and tastes like I’m drinking watered down hot cocoa next to a busy perfume section at Macy’s. Is that hard to believe? Yeah, it is hard to believe Macy’s is busy nowadays. There’s also a slight sourness in the aftertaste, which is what I expect from fruity Liquid I.V. flavors, but not from a hot chocolate-flavored one.

Maybe Liquid I.V. should stick with only cold drink flavors?

Swoop Peanut Butter Chip Blitz High Protein Dessert

Swoop Peanut Butter Chip Blitz High Protein Dessert

After opening the top, I saw a shimmer that made it look icy, but once I started scraping away at the top, a regular ice cream-looking level appeared.

I’ve never been a fanboy of high protein ice creams, like Halo Top and Enlightened. They were okay tasting, but didn’t wow me. However, this pint of Swoop did wow me. Not just because it’s a high protein ice cream, but it’s an ice cream that has a decent texture despite not having milk, skim milk, or cream. The only “dairy” listed is from whey protein isolate, and the first ingredient is water. It’s also made with avocado oil, and dates sweeten the chocolate. I know, all that sounds like it should be an awful product, but it’s not.

Swoop Peanut Butter Chip Blitz High Protein Dessert close up

The pint features peanut butter swirls, dark chocolate flakes, and a maybe-vanilla base. While there are some peanut butter swirls going through the middle of the pint, they were mainly on the outer rim of the dessert. But with every scoop, there was a pronounced peanut butter flavor. The chocolate flakes were plentiful, and it’s hard to believe Swoop used unsweetened chocolate, dates, and coconut oil to make them.

Like any great ice cream pint, I could’ve eaten this in one sitting.

Alani Nu Cherry Bomb Energy Drink

Alani Nu Cherry Bomb Energy Drink

I didn’t have high hopes for this zero sugar energy drink because when I searched the Target website to see if the nearest store had it in stock, I noticed its product page had an overall 3-star rating from shoppers. However, like other Alani Nu products I’ve tried, this one is great as well.

According to the brand, this energy drink is a “twist of cherry, vanilla, and cola flavors.” But it really should be rearranged to cherry, cola, and vanilla because the cherry is definitely the most prominent, followed by the cola, and somewhere there’s vanilla. However, my tongue didn’t notice it. Think of it as Cherry Coke or Wild Cherry Pepsi, but the cherry initially dominates the taste buds, then the cola comes through for a bit, and then the cherry fully rushes back in, which might be too much for some.

The Cherry Bomb name is definitely fitting. Also, I think it’s The Bomb. And with 200 milligrams, it’s also a caffeine bomb.

Dark Chocolate Reese’s Puffs Cereal

Dark Chocolate Reese’s Puffs Cereal

Our reviewer, Tiffany, covered this cereal earlier this week, and gave it a glowing review. After trying the sample General Mills sent me, I have to agree with a lot of what she said.

This cereal has a better balance between the chocolate and peanut butter flavors. It definitely makes the original Reese’s Puffs taste too peanut butter-y. I also agree with her that this should be the default Reese’s Puffs cereal. I don’t think General Mills would lose any money by doing that. Also, we don’t have to get rid of the original completely. General Mills could bring it back every so often with a graphic that calls it the “Retro Recipe.”

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OTHER THINGS I CONSUMED: 1/16/26

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Unwell Cherry Lime Energy Drink

Unwell Cherry Lime Energy Drink

This energy drink is um, well, unawesome. While it has a strong cherry aroma, its cherry lime flavor doesn’t pop. Its flavor is muted, which is surprising because that wasn’t the case when I tried Unwell’s Frosted Cranberry Energy Drink several weeks ago.

But that’s not all that’s disappointing. There’s something mid-sip that I can only describe as a somewhat thick texture that’s similar to what I experience with protein beverages. That would be fine if this had protein, but it has none. It’s not a deal breaker, but again, I don’t recall Unwell’s Frosted Cranberry having it.

The beverage has 150 milligrams of caffeine from natural sources, 745 milligrams of electrolytes, doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, and is made with real fruit juice (although the can says just 4 percent). Also, the can brings Airheads candy to mind.

Barebells Wild Strawberry Protein Soda

Barebells Wild Strawberry Protein Soda

While Barebells, known for its protein bars, calls this a “soda” with 200 milligrams of caffeine, the can should really say “Protein Energy Drink.” Along with Wild Strawberry, there are also Sweet Cherry and Pineapple Sunrise varieties.

The “soda” has a pleasant strawberry aroma and a mild strawberry flavor. There’s also a slight creaminess, which I guess could be from the whey protein isolate, which provides 10 grams of protein. It contains no strawberry juice but does have artificial sweeteners. Not surprisingly, because it’s a protein “soda” with whey protein isolate, it has the same slightly thick texture as other protein beverages.

It’s an okay-tasting drink with a high caffeine content and a decent amount of protein. It’s tasty and caffeinated enough that I might try the other flavors.

A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda

A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda

Yes, this came out more than half a year ago, but I came across it during a visit to 7-Eleven. Actually, I passed by it a few times during previous 7-Eleven visits. However, I finally decided to pick it up because of FOMO and YOLO, and because the bottle and soda colors reminded me of Chewbacca and Han Solo.

Back in August, our reviewer, Amber, gave it a 5 rating because of its artificial chocolate aroma and the way it mostly tasted like a cream soda, with no chocolate flavor. While I could definitely smell its artificial chocolate aroma, I thought it had a pronounced chocolate syrup flavor with a bit of cream soda behind it. That artificial chocolate flavor is not for everyone, but I liked it a lot. Since it’s a limited edition flavor, I might have to pick it up again the next time I’m at 7-Eleven.

H-E-B Limited Edition Bread and Butter Pickle Sweet & Spicy Wavy Potato Chips

H-E-B Limited Edition Bread and Butter Pickle Sweet & Spicy Wavy Potato Chips

Reigning Spotted Photo Champion, Robbie, sent me a box of stuff from H-E-B to try because he knows I’m so enamored with the grocery store. He asked me what I would like to try, and I told him H-E-B’s limited edition potato chips. So he delivered with this flavor and a Korean BBQ, which unfortunately did not survive the USPS.

Having tried those Lay’s Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle chips from a few years ago, I expected these to be as potent and fiery as those. However, I was surprised to find that these chips were neither potent nor fiery. They have a pleasant pickle flavor that’s not overpowering and a “spiciness” that’s almost nonexistent. I loved them so much that I ate more than half the bag while watching a Korean drama episode on Netflix.

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