Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack, Roost Fries, and Chocolate Croissant Bites

Marvo 1 Comment

Jack in the Box has added several new, limited time only items to its menu — the Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack, Quad Bacon Cheesy Jack, Jack’s Classic Roost Fries, Jack’s Spicy Roost Fries, and Chocolate Croissant Bites. Because I kind of value my health, I’ll skip the Quad Bacon Cheesy Jack and Spicy Roost Fries in this review.

Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack

Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack Whole

The Jack in the Box website says the Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack has three beef patties, three kinds of cheeses, and three kinds of bacon on a buttery bakery bun.

Don’t get excited about “three kinds of cheeses” because it’s just American, Swiss, and a cheddar cheese sauce. Also, don’t let “three kinds of bacon” blow your mind as if there are applewood-smoked, hickory-smoked, and brown sugar glazed pork strips. Instead, lower your expectations because it’s just bacon mayo, bacon pieces, and smaller bacon pieces. No, really. Below is a screenshot from the Jack in the Box app when I tried customizing it.

Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack Custom

So what do three beef patties, three kinds of cheese, bacon mayo, and two bacon sizes taste like? Well, it tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. There are no nuances between the cheeses, and there’s definitely none with the bacon. I’m sure it would taste the same if this was a Double Bacon Cheesy Jack or the Sextuple Bacon Cheesy Jack.

If you’re into numerology and believe the number 3 is artistic and creative, you might find some interest in this. Although, you might be dismissing this burger because it lacks a third bun, and it’s not very creative.

Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack Split

The Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack is definitely not a bad burger, but it doesn’t have a unique flavor. It’ll satisfy your meaty, porky, cheesy, and salty cravings. But I can also get that from Jack’s Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger or Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger.

Purchased Price: $6.99*
Size: N/A
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 810 calories, 57 grams of fat, 20 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of trans fat, 120 milligrams of cholesterol, 1410 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 42 grams of protein.

Classic Roost Fries

Jack in the Box Classic Roost Fries Full

I spent more time than I’d like to admit wondering if the “Roost” in Jack’s Roost Fries is short, cool slang for a rooster or the place where birds come together to rest at night. If it’s the former, then cool. But if it’s the latter, that’s morbid. Thinking the pieces of 100% all-white meat chicken coming together for the ultimate rest after being battered and deep fried is quite gloomy.

Anyhoo, along with the cut-up pieces of what appears to be one Crispy Chicken Strip, Roost Fries also come with fries, of course, cheddar cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of Mystery Sauce. There’s also a spicy version that comes with sliced jalapeños.

Jack in the Box Classic Roost Fries Closeup

The Mystery Sauce is what makes this unique. I enjoyed the sweet, tangy, and peppery sauce on Jack’s Cluck Sandwich, and I also like it on these chicken and cheese topped fries. The sauce is such a tasty condiment that I found myself scraping off whatever I could find with the fries at the bottom of my container. Maybe Jack should offer it as a dipping sauce for its mediocre chicken nuggets.

As for the cheeses, they add a creamy texture and a burst of saltiness, but there isn’t a strong cheddar flavor because of the Mystery Sauce.

Overall, Jack’s Classic Roost Fries are a tasty side, thanks to the Mystery Sauce. Maybe there will be a version someday that comes with bacon slices and smaller bacon slices that’ll be called Sty Fries.

Purchased Price: $4.00*
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 700 calories, 41 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 1680 milligrams of sodium, 66 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of protein.

Chocolate Croissant Bites

Jack in the Box Chocolate Croissant Bites 3 Pack

Made with Hershey’s chocolate and a flaky exterior, the Chocolate Croissant Bites are a sweet and satisfying treat, although the warm, two-inch pieces are not as crispy as I hoped. As you can see, after cutting them in half, there’s an ample amount of filling, but, oddly, there were some bites that taste less chocolatey than others.

Jack in the Box Chocolate Croissant Bites Filling

Although cutting the bites in half is probably something most people won’t do, might I suggest doing so that you can use that melted filling for some French fry dipping. That’s a Pro Tip right there, my friends. Also, I imagine these would be a pleasure to dip into one of Jack’s shakes. But that’s not a Pro Tip. That’s just common sense.

If three pieces aren’t enough, there’s also a six-piece order, which is what I’ll order next time.

Purchased Price: $2.49*
Size: 3-pieces
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (3 pieces) 320 calories, 15 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 130 milligrams of sodium, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of protein.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

REVIEW: Lemon Creme Pie Pop-Tarts

Julie 9 Comments

Lemon Creme Pie Pop Tarts Box

What are Lemon Crème Pie Pop-Tarts?

Pop-Tarts has experimented with inventive flavors like sodas, cupcakes, and even Jolly Ranchers, but this time the brand is keeping it classic with a toaster pastry inspired by the summertime favorite, lemon cream pie.

Lemon Crème Pie Pop-Tarts join a lineup of new flavors hitting shelves, including Peach Cobbler, Banana Crème Pie, Tropical Mango, and the limited edition Mister E Flavor.

How are they?

Although lemon is a simple (and, to me, underrated) flavor, Lemon Crème Pie Pop-Tarts dressed up for their debut. Each tart features a swipe of pastel icing and crunchy golden sprinkles that lend extra sweetness and flair.

Lemon Creme Pie Pop Tarts Split

The pastry carries a subtle lemon taste, like a flavored shortbread. Thinking about the inspiration dessert, I expected the filling to be lighter and creamier, the sort of texture found in a Strawberry Milkshake variety. Instead, the filling is that of a standard fruit Pop-Tart: concentrated and a little jam-like.

Lemon Creme Pie Pop Tarts Frosting

The lemon flavor is sharp and citrusy but artificial, with a hint of vanilla mixed in. The filling tastes good, but the vanilla flavor doesn’t represent a cream element that well. A streak of vanilla or even marshmallow cream filling would have helped to recreate the experience of enjoying a fluffy, creamy pie.

Lemon Creme Pie Pop Tarts Filling

While I have bigger dreams for the filling than Pop-Tarts realized, I still wish there were more of it. The thin layer sits in the center of the tart, as the thick edges protect all of the lemony goodness. More filling, please, Pop-Tarts! This is how the “Is a Pop-Tart a ravioli?” debate got started!

Anything else you need to know?

Fresh from the toaster, these are still enjoyable, but I found the pastry lost its lemon-tinged flavor when heated. (I tend to prefer my Pop-Tarts untoasted, an opinion that others react to as though I’ve just spit on the graves of their ancestors, so I was surprised to see that the box suggests serving them frozen. Does eating frozen Pop-Tarts classify as deviant behavior?)

Conclusion:

Lemon Crème Pie Pop-Tarts deliver scant filling and simpler flavor than their name suggests. They won’t replace your favorite variety but are tasty enough to satisfy a citrus craving.

Purchased Price: $2.19
Size: 13.5 oz box / 8 pastries
Purchased at: Wegmans
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (per 2 pastries) 380 calories, 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 340 milligrams of sodium, 69 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 28 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Mexican Street Corn Cheetos

Sean 20 Comments

Mexican Street Corn Cheetos Bag

Mexican Street Corn, often referred to by its proper street name, elote, which roughly means “corn cob” in Spanish, is grilled corn covered in mayonnaise or sour cream, topped with chili powder, Cotija cheese, and lime.

Growing up in California’s Bay Area, I came across this savory delight every week, oftentimes from street vendors also peddling Chicharones de Harina, fried orange wheel chips soaked in lemon juice and Valentina hot sauce, and on a lucky day, mango adorned with a generous sprinkling of Tajín. Needless to say, these are good eats.

I’ve also come across a more modern trend where the traditional Cotija cheese that cakes the outside of the grilled corn is replaced with crunched up Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which brings me to the natural progression and potential dream creation of Mexican Street Corn Cheetos.

The bag boldly states “TANGY – SPICY – CHEESY” on both the front and back, so before digging in, even though I’ve had actual elote, I know exactly what I’m expecting. The aroma from the slightly slime-colored but eye-catching green bag nails those three elements. I get a citrusy tang flirting with spice and a general fried smell wafting up from the uniquely yellow-tinted crunchy Cheetos.

Mexican Street Corn Cheetos Pour

The first thing I notice in the flavor is the cheese, but it’s not the typical cheddar-meets-nacho kind of artificial cheese that defines Cheetle seasoning. It’s sharper with a touch of that umami quality you get from parmesan with its earthiness and slight funk. Not only is it cheesy, but it’s also creamy, with the distinct tang of sour cream that really stands out with a hint of buttery richness as well. Cotija cheese is really similar to parmesan when dried and aged, and I’m impressed with the depth and uniqueness of this cheesy flavor that is truly as luscious as something that’s crunchy can be.

Mexican Street Corn Cheetos Closeup

The cheesiness is followed quickly by the taste of lime and rounded out by spice, but it’s far from the type of spicy usually associated with the brand. It’s a much more of an ancho chili powder taste than heat, and the flavor does a pretty good job of emulating the balance of an elote experience, which isn’t particularly hot. There are also notes of garlic and onion floating in the background.

Since the first ingredient in Cheetos is enriched corn meal, it goes without saying that the corn-flavored chips have an inherent corniness to them that permeates every bite. The only thing absent from the profile of an actual elote stick is the sweetness of fresh corn, which Trader Joe’s added to its sensational Elote Organic Corn Chip Dippers (my favorite chip of all time). But I don’t really mind that missing element here. The cheesiness’s depth and tang are impressive, and they make these Cheetos unlike any that I’ve had before.

Purchased Price: $1.99
Size: 3.25 oz bag
Purchased at: 7-Eleven
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (21 pieces – 28 grams) 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 200 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Cookies ‘n Creme Stuffed Puffs

Holly 3 Comments

Cookies n Creme Stuffed Puffs Bag

What are Cookies ‘n Creme Stuffed Puffs?

The food (mad) scientists at Stuffed Puffs have introduced a new cookies and creme variety to its permanent flavor lineup of stuffed marshmallows. This flavor takes the familiar vanilla marshmallow and wraps it around a white creme and chocolate cookie crunch center. ??

How are they?

The cookies and creme flavor is always so tricky to me. It’s a seemingly simple combination that can fail spectacularly. Sometimes they are spot on, but other times it almost feels like they got close and said, “Meh, good enough.” Luckily, in the case of these marshmallows, they nailed it.

The marshmallow exterior is a standard sweet, vanilla flavored marshmallow. Fluffy, squishy, and perfectly delicious on its own. However, it holds a sweet treasure within: a nugget of creme blended with bits of crunchy chocolate cookie.

Cookies n Creme Stuffed Puffs Innards

The center is gray in color due to the blending of the creme and cookies. It can be jarring if you’re accustomed to a very defined black and white presentation when you think of cookies & creme, but in the words of the singing candelabra Lumiere: “Try the gray stuff, it’s delicious!”

The center’s flavor is very reminiscent of the Oreo branded candy bars/chocolate eggs. There’s a good balance between the very sweet creme and crunchy chocolate cookie bits.?

Anything else you need to know?

When I first tried them, they had been sitting in a box outside my house for a bit which made them slightly warmed and soft. I tried to replicate this in my microwave to varying degrees of success. Next time I’ll just put them in a cardboard box into the Florida sun for an hour to get them perfect.

Conclusion:

Cookies n Creme Stuffed Puffs Split

After finally trying my first Stuffed Puff, I have to say I’m impressed. Even though they didn’t make it past just eating them straight from the bag, they are certainly good enough to try in other ways. There’s a “krispie treat” recipe on the back of the bag that is calling to me.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample of the product. Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 8.6 oz bag
Purchased at: Received from Stuffed Puffs
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2 pieces) 140 calories, 4 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 30 milligrams of sodium, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 19 grams of sugar, and 1 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites

Julie 3 Comments

Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites Pouches

What are Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites?

General Mills extends its Muddy Buddies line with crunchy pretzels covered in sweet coating and powdered sugar. Pretzel Bites come in two varieties: Peanut Butter & Chocolate and Cookies & Cream.

How are they?

A decade after introducing Chex Muddy Buddies, General Mills has asked, “What else can we muddy, buddy?”

The answer to that question (and countless life dilemmas, really) is “When in doubt, add salt.”

Thus, Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites were born. With their flavor, texture, and ability to be eaten by the bowlful before you realize what you’ve done, pretzels seem like a natural swap for Chex cereal pieces as vehicles for sweet coating.

Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites CPB Pour Size

Tearing into the Peanut Butter & Chocolate variety first, I was surprised by their small size. The pebble-sized pretzels are made for nibbling rather than biting. They could easily blend into a trail mix or masquerade as a dessert topping.

Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites Chocolate Peanut Butter Split

Although the bites are small and the coating looks thin, the peanut butter and chocolate taste is big, complementing the pretzel taste and texture well. While the pretzel salt isn’t discernible on its own, it seems to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter. This was a welcome change from the Chex version, which I’ve found to lack flavor despite its sweetness.

Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites Cookies Cream Pour

The Cookies & Cream variety delivers the same size and satisfying crunch, but this time with a white cream coating and chocolate cookie crumb speckles. The bites smell and taste like the inside of an ice cream shop: that sugary, creamy vanilla that is somehow both rich and refreshing.

Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites Cookies Cream Split

While the chocolate cookie crumbs don’t contribute much to the flavor, the saltiness is much more noticeable than in the Peanut Butter & Chocolate variety.

Anything else you need to know?

For the uninitiated, the homemade version of muddy buddies has long been a staple of holiday parties and other celebrations, especially in the Midwest. (In northwestern Pennsylvania, where I live, the delicacy is most commonly called puppy chow, a name that I admit is not particularly appetizing but to which I have a begrudging loyalty.) As social media has made the treat and its several variations more popular, it’s exciting to see “muddiness” being embraced.

Conclusion:

Muddy Buddies Pretzel Bites deliver big flavor and crunch in a tiny bite. Sweet and salty fans might prefer Cookies & Cream, while Peanut Butter & Chocolate traditionalists will enjoy the twist on the original product.

Purchased Price: Free
Purchased at: Received from General Mills
Size: 4 oz (113 g) bags
Rating: 8 out of 10 (Peanut Butter & Chocolate), 7 out of 10 (Cookies & Cream)
Nutrition Facts: (per 1/3 cup) Peanut Butter & Chocolate – 130 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 240 milligrams of sodium, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. Cookies & Cream – 130 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 250 milligrams of sodium, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 11 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.