Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Flamin’ Hot Cool Ranch Doritos

Erin 10 Comments

Flamin Hot Cool Ranch Doritos Bag

Look out! Chester Cheetah and his mischievous buddy Sparky are unleashing their wild sides again, this time blasting fiery clouds of spicy, neon red Cheetle all over poor, unsuspecting Cool Ranch Doritos. What exactly is fueling this fire? Did the folks at Frito-Lay accidentally make way too much Hot dust and the solution to this abundance is to dump it on everything?

Okay, I’m a little biased. I enjoy spicy foods but just can’t get behind Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. It isn’t that they’re too hot, but I find whatever the hot stuff is detracts from my enjoyment of the classic Cheetos taste. I acknowledge that I’m in the minority here because Flamin’ Hot Cheetos have a fierce and loyal following, and Frito-Lay knows it. It’s no accident that they’re sprinkling this seasoning on every product they make. More red dye 40 means more sales. Hot is popular and it’s my own fault I’ve never warmed to the concept.

Flamin Hot Cool Ranch Doritos Compare

With probable disappointment in mind, I still couldn’t help but pick up the familiar blue Cool Ranch bag, now featuring its corny triangle engulfed in flames. A peek inside revealed the expected aggressively red powder, and I figured I knew what I was in for. Some of the chips are liberally coated, but others seem almost like regular Cool Ranch Doritos that were spared the dousing of hell pollen.

Flamin Hot Cool Ranch Doritos Closeup

I ate one. Then three more. These chips still taste like Cool Ranch! In fact, Cool Ranch is the first thing I taste and continue to taste, even if my fingers are bright red. I have to eat several of them before the heat starts creeping in, and when it does make its presence known, it doesn’t overwhelm. It’s a pleasant pepper heat, and the ranch flavor never takes a back seat to it. I actually like these. I like them a lot.

Flamin Hot Cool Ranch Doritos Plated

How hot are they? I’m not sure I’d call them Flamin’ because I have to eat a lot of these before I even begin to feel the need to reach for a cooling beverage, and they certainly aren’t so hot that I ever need to take a break from eating them. My almost empty bag can attest to that. I think a pretty perfect balance has been struck here. These taste like the chips everyone already loves but pack just slightly more of a punch. I can’t say that I prefer them to regular Cool Ranch Doritos, but I can embrace them in a way I’ve never been able to with Flamin’ Hot editions before.

Now that this door has been opened, does it mean I should finally make that box of Flamin’ Hot mac and cheese that’s been sitting in my cupboard for a year and a half? If I do, you can be sure I’m going to pour these Dorito crumbs on top.

Purchased Price: $3.99
Size: 9 1/4 oz bag
Purchased at: Mariano’s
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (28 grams – about 12 chips) 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 190 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, less than 1 gram of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: KFC Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets

Holly 9 Comments

KFC Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets Plated

I am still shocked by how ubiquitous meatless has become, especially at fast food restaurants. As the quality of meatless proteins has improved, the cost has also come down enough to make it more commercially viable. Plus, with the social media popularity of #MeatlessMonday, you’ve got a lot more people seeking out a meatless option when going through the drive-thru. KFC recently rolled out its entry into the meatless market: Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets.

Starting with regional testing in 2019, KFC has taken its time to tweak the nuggets to be uniquely KFC. After trying the Beyond Chicken Tenders last year and being fairly underwhelmed, I was worried these nuggets would be more of the same. Thankfully it seems KFC and Beyond spent three years of research and development to deliver an absolutely delicious product. While these particular items seem to be the most expensive of the fast food meatless options (12 nuggets cost $13.99), considering their special nature, it makes sense. They are a one-of-a-kind product that can’t be found in stores like most other fast food meatless items can.

It has been quite some time since I went to a KFC. With the plethora of fried chicken options available, the chain never seems to fall into our rotation. If these Beyond Chicken nuggets become a standard menu item, that will change.

The first thing I noticed was the strong, familiar smell of KFC while opening the box. This was a promising sign. As I mentioned, I was worried these would be just a deep-fried version of what you can get in the store. Thankfully, they weren’t.

KFC Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets Closeup

The breading has that unique flavor of 11 herbs and spices, accented with grease that makes these about as authentically KFC as possible. The “meat” was what we’ve come to expect from meatless items: firm and, sometimes, tough. I think your mileage will vary when it comes to these nuggets, and it’ll depend on the location. One of the difficulties with meatless is they are easy to overcook. I know the store employees are doing their best, but just know your nuggets might end up more on the tough side.

For me, these ended up being a home run. I don’t mind the firmer texture of the meatless proteins. The breading is the absolute star and, when paired with the KFC Sauce, it hits all the right notes.

KFC Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets Split

Much like other meatless fast food products, these aren’t going to fool you into thinking they are real meat. But they are absolutely worth trying if you go in with that expectation. They aren’t a cheap option, but their uniqueness justifies the price tag for me. They are also extremely filling and were easily split between myself and my husband. I’m already planning my next outing to get them and maybe see if I can substitute the popcorn chicken on the Famous Bowls with the Beyond Fried Chicken.

Purchased Price: $13.99
Size: 12 Pieces
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 960 calories, 54 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 2880 milligrams of sodium, 60 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 72 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Oreo Cakesters (2022) and Nutter Butter Cakesters

Marvo 11 Comments

Oreo Cakesters Nutter Butter Cakesters Boxes

Oreo Cakesters look like what would happen if you accidentally let a regular Oreo slip from your fingers while dunking it in a glass of milk and letting it sit and swell in the dairy while you design and build a Rube Goldberg machine to retrieve it from the glass’ bottom.

I could give you a history lesson of these soft-baked Cakesters that’s as bloated as the cookie itself. But all you need to know is that they debuted back in 2007, were available for several years, had a few varieties, and then disappeared from shelves while we were probably all enamored with shiny, new limited edition Oreo flavors.

But now Oreo Cakesters are back, and they brought along a Nutter Butter version.

Oreo Cakesters Cookies

After allowing my taste buds to experience Oreo Cakesters after a decade-long absence, I reread my very positive Oreo Cakesters review from 2007. My thoughts about their flavor haven’t changed, but I like them less now than I did back then.

Oreo Cakesters Split

Overall, they’re a nice sweet treat that tastes like icing-less Hostess CupCakes, Ho Hos, and Ding Dongs, but in a better portion control size. However, the cakey cookie’s slight greasiness and/or the fact they don’t taste like Oreo cookies might deter first-time eaters from becoming second-time buyers.

Nutter Butter Cakesters Cookies

The Nutter Butter version smells and tastes like the original cookie, which, again, I can’t say about the Oreo one. There’s a nutty taste in the soft cookie that enhances the creme, which is made with real peanut butter.

Nutter Butter Cakesters Split

While I enjoy regular Nutter Butter, and these taste similar, I find myself wanting the Oreo ones slightly more. Also, I don’t know if it’s just me, but the light-colored cakey cookie is as greasy as the dark one but has a drier texture.

Oreo Cakesters and Nutter Butter Cakesters New and Old

Even though they were on shelves for longer than the original runs of Crystal Pepsi and Pepsi Blue combined, I can’t believe there was a lot of interest in bringing back Oreo Cakesters. They don’t taste like regular Oreo cookies and the half dozen new Oreo flavors released every year are far more interesting.

Although, the “in” thing right now is bringing back discontinued products. Plus, it has been 10 years since they disappeared from shelves, and I guess if there’s a good time to bring back something, whether it’s cookies, TV shows, or pets, it’s a nice round 10 years after they cease to exist.

Purchased Price: More than one should pay on eBay
Size: 5 packs
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Oreo), 6 out of 10 (Nutter Butter)
Nutrition Facts: (1 pack) Oreo – 260 calories, 13 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 220 milligrams of sodium, 36 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 21 grams of sugar (20 grams of added sugar), and 2 grams of protein. Nutter Butter – 260 calories, 12 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 210 milligrams of sodium, 35 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 22 grams of sugar (21 grams of added sugar), and 3 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Bacon & Cheddar Omelet Bites

Vin 13 Comments

Dunkin Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites Tray

I’ve eaten many an egg bagel in my day, but eggs shaped like little bagels?! What is this madness?

Yeah, I’m not gonna lie, Dunkin’ got me to try its new Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites mostly because of the shape. Seeing egg bites with a donut hole somehow filled the massive hole in my ever-aging heart.

It takes a lot to get a dedicated Bread Head™ like myself to order eggs without some kind of carb surrounding it, but I had to find out if these were as good as they looked.

As it turns out, I’m a fan. Sure, the expectation of the menu picture didn’t quite match the reality of what I got, but I still found the presentation to be pretty fun.

Dunkin Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites Both

The bites come in a serving tray with a fork, but have enough structural integrity to hold in your hand if you wanna be a weirdo and eat them like the holed out treats that preceded them.

The egg is cooked sous vide, and it made me realize that I’ve never had eggs that way. I’m not sure I’ve ever had anything sous vide, and I honestly don’t even know if I’m using it right in a sentence – I uh, I don’t know how to write sous vide. … Sue me. I’m what the French call, “les incompetents.” I’ll just be an uncultured dummy and use the English translation, “under vacuum.”

Guess what? “Under vacuum” eggs taste pretty damn good.

Dunkin Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites Fork

They had a slightly mushy almost potato-like texture that might not be for everyone, but I genuinely enjoyed it. It was as if they took the filling of Pillsbury Breakfast Scrambles (the savory Toaster Strudels) and rolled it into a patty. The flavor was very similar to me, but it was also right in line with what you know and love from Dunkin’ or most other fast food breakfast menus.

The cheddar and bacon definitely pop. The cheese is blended perfectly into the egg, so there’s no ooze to worry about. I’d say the bacon leans towards that artificial “bacon bits” taste, but it’s fine. Those are good too.

Dunkin Bacon Cheddar Omelet Bites Single

I’m glad they used this gimmicky shape, because I’m not sure I would have gravitated towards them without it. I’ve seen omelet bites at other places like Starbucks, but never gave them a second thought.

So yeah, these are fun and satisfying. They’re a really good source of protein also, which I appreciate.

Dunkin’ is also selling an egg white and veggie variety. I might try them at some point, but I’m definitely going back for the Bacon Cheddar bites. Even though they stand on their own, I’d like to see if I can try to slide these between two little biscuits. It might end up being an overwhelming starch bomb, but I know it’d be delicious. Hopefully they release more of these with some crumbled sausage next time.

After the speed bump that was the Mini Pancakes, it’s good to see Dunkin’ innovating the “mini” food game once again. You’ll never go wrong with a Munchkin, a mini bagel ball, or a couple of these new Omelet Bites.

Purchased Price: $4.14
Size: 2 Bites
Purchased at: Dunkin
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 280 calories, 19 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of trans fat, 185 milligrams of cholesterol, 520 milligrams of sodium, 7 grams of total carbohydrates, 2 grams of total sugars, and 17 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Plentifull Peanut Butter Cereal

Marvo 10 Comments

Plentifull Peanut Butter Cereal Cluster Box

Plentifull Peanut Butter Cereal looks like it’s for grown-ups.

No puffs. No rings. No marshmallows. No cartoon mascots. No toys. No puzzles on the back of the box. But its name does have a misspelling that’s the equivalent of replacing plural S’s with a Z or chopping off the E in the word “extreme” that you might find on products meant for younger palates.

This mature-looking cereal has flakes that seem as if they are plentiful with fiber and whole grains, which they are. It also comes with nut and seed clusters, which sound like stuff doctors recommend adults eat more of.

While Plentifull Peanut Butter Cereal appears to be a product for those whose ages are well into the double digits, it tastes like a product that would appeal to those who watch PAW Patrol or PJ Masks. It’s wonderfull.

From the moment I opened its bag to the last sip of milk at the bottom of my bowl, I got a nutty experience I was not expecting. It does peanut butter better than most cereals with cartoon mascots on them. Is it the reincarnation of Post’s discontinued Nutter Butter Cereal? It could be. I don’t know how transmigrations work, so I don’t know if a cereal from one company can be reborn into one from another company. I should ask Buddha, I guess.

Plentifull Peanut Butter Cereal Cluster Bowl

Its potent peanut butter punch comes from the coated flakes, which not only provides flavor but also help prevent the rice and corn flakes from getting soggy quickly. I was surprised by the coating’s slight saltiness when I first tried the cereal, but after the second spoonful, I was more enthralled by its nutty knock. The layer on these flakes does a better job at presenting flavor than what Kellogg’s did with Frosted Flakes. But, oddly, the milk at the bottom of the bowl didn’t have much of a nuttiness.

Plentifull Peanut Butter Cereal Cluster

As for the nut and seed clusters, which are made of oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, they provide a Honey Bunches of Oats cluster-like crunch that’s slightly different from the flakes’ crunch. The seeds’ flavors are noticeable among the peanut butter, but if I happen to buy a box that didn’t have them due to a production error, I’d be happy with that flawed box because it’s the coated flakes that make this so great.

With a flavor and aroma that would appeal to kids, a decent amount of protein, and a whole lot of fiber and whole grains, Plentifull Peanut Butter Cereal is a product this adult recommends.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free product sample from General Mills. Doing so did not influence my review at all.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 15.7 oz box
Purchased at: Received from General Mills
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 cup without milk) 270 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 4 grams of monounsaturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 310 milligrams of sodium, 47 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber, 16 grams of sugar (including 15 grams of added sugar), and 6 grams of protein.