Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Shake Shack Chocolate Spice Shake

Mark 5 Comments

Shake Shack Chocolate Spice Shake Cup

What is the Shake Shack Chocolate Spice Shake?

Chocolate Spice is one of three holiday shake flavors at Shake Shack this season. Its website describes it as “holiday-spiced chocolate frozen custard blended with crumbled chocolate cookies, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.”

How is it?

As I sipped my shake, I thought, “This is a sophisticated chocolate shake!”

In my first sip, I did get a bit of cinnamon. But overall, this shake tasted like dark chocolate. It’s certainly unlike any other chocolate shake I’ve had.

Honestly, I didn’t realize that the cookie pieces were cookies. I just thought they were a special kind of chocolate that quickly dissolved in my mouth, like chocolate candies that don’t get hard when they’re cold. They didn’t clog my straw (thanks for the compostable straw, Shake Shack!), and they were a wonderful addition to the shake.

Shake Shack Chocolate Spice Shake Top

The only element that was lacking was the cinnamon. I detected it at first, but then it just blended in with the “sophistication” of the shake. After I finished, I could taste it lingering in my mouth, but the chocolate overpowered it.

I live for seasonal things. This shake was amazing, but it just didn’t seem very seasonal to me.

Anything else you need to know?

This was my first time ever going to Shake Shack, and if there was one closer to my house, I would totally go more often. But my wallet and my body are thankful that I don’t have one nearby.

Conclusion:

Shake Shack’s Chocolate Spice Shake is a classy take on a classic shake. Just don’t expect a ton of spice.

Purchased Price: $5.79
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: Not available on website. At least 840 calories.

Click here for our previous fast food reviews.

REVIEW: Kellogg’s Froot Loops Candy Canes

Mark 9 Comments

Froot Loops Candy Canes Box

What are Kellogg’s Froot Loops Candy Canes?

Rainbow-colored candy canes that taste like Froot Loops! Should we start referring to Toucan Sam as Toucane Sam?

Uh, sorry.

How are they?

Froot Loops Candy Canes Necklace

After the disappointing Froot Loops Peeps this past spring, I didn’t have high hopes for the candy canes. Do they actually taste like Froot Loops?

Yeah, they really do!

My brain keeps expecting there to be some Froot Loops dust or Froot Loops milk around. But nope, it’s just a typical candy cane that tastes like Froot Loops.

I expected these to be fruitier, like the ubiquitous, multicolored cherry candy cane. But these are first and foremost a cereal-flavored candy. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true! I will forever be a mint-thusiast, but these are as good as any non-minty candy cane. (Well, except for those Life Savers Butter Rum Candy Canes, if they’re still being made.)

Anything else you need to know?

Froot Loops Candy Canes Tree

Besides being eaten, candy canes are best used for decorating trees or gingerbread houses. The rainbow stripes would make these ideal for various decorating themes: tropical, children, pride, psychedelic, whatever makes your days merry and bright. But just like the cereal, the colors are a little muted.

Also, there’s a caution label on the back: “Hard candy may contain sharp edges that can cause injury. Please enjoy carefully.” If you’ve ever had a candy cane before, you already knew that.

I believe these are only available at Kroger stores and online.

Conclusion:

Froot Loops Candy Canes Cereal

Kellogg’s Froot Loops Candy Canes are surprisingly true to their namesake cereal. If you like the cereal and you like candy canes, go for ’em.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample of this product. Doing so did not influence my review in any way.

Purchased Price: Free
Size: 5.93 oz. box
Purchased at: Received from Kellogg’s
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 piece) 60 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 milligrams of sodium, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of sugar (includes 11 grams of added sugar), and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich with Mystery Sauce

Marvo 12 Comments

Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich with Mystery Sauce Pouch

Update 9/8/21: We also tried the BBQ version! Click here to read our review.

I don’t hang out with a gang of teenagers and a dog in a van who rip fake monster masks off the heads of conniving folks. So I’m probably not going to solve what the Mystery Sauce is in Jack in the Box’s new Cluck Sandwich.

It features Jack’s new thicker and crispier 100% all-white meat fried chicken fillet, pickles, and the chain’s Mystery Sauce on a toasted brioche-style bun. There’s also a Deluxe version with cheddar cheese, guacamole, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo on a brioche-style bun.

Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich with Mystery Sauce Closeup

As you can see, I decided to go with the regular version since the Deluxe doesn’t come with the Mystery Sauce. Why? That might be the real mystery here.

The first thing I noticed after pulling the Cluck Sandwich out of the pouch that all post-Popeyes Chicken Sandwich chicken sandwiches seem to come in now is that it’s less like a cluck and more like a cheep. The previously mentioned Popeyes offering is noticeably larger. But thank goodness Jack’s new fillet is thicker. Or is it?

Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich with Mystery Sauce Split

I mean, is Jack counting the breading as part of the thickness like how I use the top of my spiky gelled hair to determine my height? To be honest, I really can’t say it’s noticeably thicker than Jack’s previous chicken. But thank goodness Jack’s new fillet is crispier. Or is it?

Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich with Mystery Sauce Crunch

Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich with Mystery Sauce Crispy

Just kidding. It is, but only at the edges of the fillet. It’s not a hearty crunch, but it’s better than what came before. Taking a closer look at the breading, there’s some seasoning in it, which gives the fillet a slightly peppery flavor when eaten separately. It’s not Popeyes-great, but it’s a step above Jack’s previous chicken.

Now I’ll attempt to solve the Mystery Sauce. I thought it was a combination of peppery barbecue sauce and Thousand Island dressing (minus the chopped bits) with my first taste. But after a few more bites and licks, I realized its flavor is like a less zesty Burger King Zesty Sauce, which is the only excellent dipping sauce at Burger King. And that sweet, tangy, and peppery condiment gets enhanced with the pickles’ tang and slight sweetness from the brioche bun.

With all of that said, Jack in the Box’s Cluck Sandwich is the best tasting chicken sandwich I’ve ever had from the chain and I’d be happy if it ended up being a permanent addition to the menu. Is it better than a Popeyes Chicken Sandwich? No, but while I think the current king of chicken sandwiches has better tasting chicken and a better bun, I prefer Jack’s Mystery Sauce over Popeyes’ mayo.

Purchased Price: $4.99*
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 490 calories, 22 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 1260 milligrams of sodium, 54 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 10 grams of sugar, and 23 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.

Click here for our previous fast food reviews.

REVIEW: Kellogg’s Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal

Julie 14 Comments

Kellogg s Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal Box

What is Kellogg’s Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal

Spiced oatmeal cookie cereal pieces with a creme-flavored coating.

How is it?

Like many of you, I have several oddly specific, debatable food opinions. For example, cereal is better at night, and Reese’s cups are best consumed edge first. However, there are few beliefs that I hold more closely than this: Oatmeal Creme Pies are the best — and most underrated — Little Debbie product.

What makes the convenience store delicacy so irresistible? The tender molasses cookie, enhanced by raisin paste? The generous creamy filling? A mix of nostalgia and the undeniable allure of the forbidden? (Rarely allowed packaged snacks as a kid, I instead enjoyed them at my best friend’s house, with Little Debbie as the third member of our junk food girl gang. FYI: We are now accepting new members.) Either way, I was thrilled to learn that Oatmeal Creme Pies were coming to my breakfast table.

The big question: Does the cereal taste like Oatmeal Creme Pies?

Not quite.

The second big question: Does it taste good?

Absolutely!

Kellogg s Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal Bowl

Alone or with milk, this cereal is flavorful and satisfying. The pieces are large, bagel-shaped puffs made of corn and oat flours, resulting in a light and crispy texture. The dominant flavors are cinnamon and nutmeg with a faint hint of molasses. Each piece is coated lightly in a sweet vanilla powder that complements the spice nicely. I liken the flavors to those of a cinnamon bun or doughnut, especially with the vanilla powder, which tastes like a simple glaze that could coat either pastry.

Kellogg s Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal Closeup

Yet, the cereal’s main strength — its warm spice flavor — is what makes it less successful as a substitute for your Creme Pie cravings. The strong cinnamon is not really reminiscent of an Oatmeal Creme Pie’s dark, caramelized molasses flavor, and the sweet vanilla notes don’t do enough to create a much-missed creamy element. More molasses or even a cream filling (a la Fillows) would bring the cereal closer to resembling a Creme Pie.

Anything else you need to know?

While Post and Hostess brought us Honey Bun, Donettes, and Twinkies cereal, Kellogg’s is the first to team up with Little Debbie, coinciding with the brand’s 60th anniversary.

Conclusion:

Kellogg s Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal Creme Pies

Kellogg’s Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal does not convincingly recreate the flavors or texture of its inspiration. However, the result — a mix of warm spices, subtle vanilla, and a little molasses — is still delicious.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample of this product. Doing so did not influence my review in any way.

Purchased Price: Free
Size: 9.1 oz. box
Purchased at: Received from Kellogg’s
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (per 1 1/4 cup) 170 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 125 milligrams of sodium, 33 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 17 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

Click here for our previous cereal reviews.

REVIEW: Ben & Jerry’s Limited Batch Punch Line Ice Cream

Marvo 11 Comments

Ben Jerry s Limited Batch Punch Line Ice Cream Pint

Cherry Seinfeld.

That’s what I want to call Ben & Jerry’s and Netflix’s Limited Batch Punch Line Ice Cream as sort of a callback to Cherry Garcia. Because, according to the pint’s packaging, the flavor has a “chuckle of cherries.” It also has brown butter bourbon and almond ice creams with roasted almonds.

But naming it after Jerry Seinfeld wouldn’t be fair to the zillions of comedians who also have stand-up specials or shows on Netflix. The same can be said if this variety was named Bill Burrbon or Dave Cherryppelle.

Like almost every Ben & Jerry’s flavor and Netflix comedy special, this limited batch offering brings a smile to my face. Although, I have to admit it’s not a huge smile.

Let’s start with the ice cream bases. When I eat the almond-flavored one on its own, I can’t help but think of pistachio. I experienced the same thing with a Magnum flavor that also had almond-flavored ice cream. Not even the almond bits, which were plentiful, do anything to make me think otherwise, but their mild snap does contrast the softer parts in the pint.

The brown butter bourbon base isn’t as alcohol-y as I remember Ben & Jerry’s other bourbon-flavored variety. The ice cream also has a slight butteriness, but overall, the flavor is a bit muted when tasted on its own, which makes it hard to notice among the other ingredients.

Ben Jerry s Limited Batch Punch Line Ice Cream Closeup

The pint’s headliners are the sweet and slightly tart cherries that complement the almond ice cream exceptionally well. I’d be happy if Ben & Jerry’s sold a flavor with that combo and perhaps called it Cherry Galmondcia (yes, I’m available for freelance work, Ben & Jerry’s marketing department). Although the cherries are the headliners, the amount in my pint was lacking. But when my spoon did find one, they tend to almost overwhelm everything else, so much so that, at times, it kind of tastes as if I’m eating a spoonful of Cherry Garcia without fudge flakes.

Look, I dig the combo that the kids from Vermont have put together with this pint, and I’ll dig my way through the entire thing. But it’s not a flavor that makes me want to binge eat the whole container in one night.

While Ben & Jerry’s Punch Line seems like a random combination of components, I think there’s a deeper meaning that ties in with stand-up. The almond-flavored ice cream and roasted almonds represent the nuttiness of comedy, the cherries are the redness in one’s face when laughing too hard, and the brown butter bourbon base is, um, the alcohol served at comedy clubs? I got nothing with the last one.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample of the product. Thanks, Ben & Jerry’s! Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 1 pint
Purchased at: Received from Ben & Jerry’s
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2/3 cup) 310 calories, 19 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of trans fat, 90 milligrams of cholesterol, 80 milligrams of sodium, 29 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber 25 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of protein.