REVIEW: Bang Lime Pop Drop Energy Drink

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Bang Lime Pop Drop Energy Drink can

When Bang’s Lime Pop Drop was dropped off at my door by UPS, I expected it to be a heavily caffeinated lemon-lime-flavored energy drink that would be reminiscent of such sodas as Sprite, 7Up, Starry, Mist Twst, or Sierra Mist.

Because I live under a rock apparently made of new Monster Energy, breakfast cereal, and ice cream releases, I hadn’t even heard of this drink before it ended up on my Welcome mat. But after tasting the sample Bang sent me, I quickly found it didn’t taste at all like those lemon-lime sodas. Instead, the energy drink had a way better flavor.

Much like other Bang Energy Drinks, a can of Lime Pop Drop has 300 milligrams of caffeine, has zero sugar, and zero calories. Plus, it has the usual “performance supplements,” like Ultra COQ10 and essential aminos.

Bang Lime Pop Drop Energy Drink in a glass

After cracking open the can, an alluring lime mixed with cotton candy aroma rose from it, hitting my nostrils as if I walked into a Bath & Body Works. As I took my first sip, I instantly wondered, “Wait. Is this the lime version of Bang’s Any Means Orange?” That drink, which came out last year, was an orange-creamsicle-flavored delight, and this Lime Pop Drop tastes like a lime-creamsicle-flavored cousin. It was such a pleasant and delicious surprise that I had to physically restrain myself from chugging the entire can in one go. I don’t know how my body would respond to consuming 300 milligrams of caffeine within a few moments.

I also got strong key lime pie vibes, but imagine that key lime pie was drowning under several extra-generous dollops of whipped cream. But there’s also a candy-like aspect to the lime that makes the citrus flavor sing. It definitely won’t be confused with any lemon-lime soda.

I enjoyed Lime Pop Drop every bit as much as Any Means Orange, which I gave a very high score, and I hope Bang keeps it around and never drops it.

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

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 16 fl oz can
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 40 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of protein, and 300 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Wendy’s Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger

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Wendy’s Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger whole

When I first saw promotional pictures of Wendy’s new Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger, I thought the chain was offering a value menu item—something that doesn’t take a big bite out of your wallet. However, after looking at its price in the Wendy’s app, my jaw dropped enough to fit two of these Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburgers stacked on top of each other into my mouth simultaneously, because this value-looking burger cost me $7.69.

Yes, like many of my fast food reviews, you’ll see a disclaimer that things are pricier here because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. But I was curious about how much other regions were paying for this burger, with a quarter-pound beef patty, Applewood-smoked bacon, two slices of American cheese, and cheddar cheese sauce on a premium bun. It can also be ordered with two or three patties, if you want to pay even more.

So I did some digging, and here’s what people around the country are paying for this thing:

  • $7.79 Seattle, WA
  • $7.69 Los Angeles, CA
  • $7.49 New York City, NY
  • $7.39 Philadelphia, PA
  • $7.29 Portland, OR
  • $6.69 Dallas, TX
  • $6.69 Des Moines, IA
  • $6.49 Kansas City, MO
  • $6.49 Miami, FL
  • $6.39 Ann Arbor, MI
  • $6.29 Chicago, IL
  • $6.19 Bountiful, UT
  • $5.99 Percell, OK
  • $5.79 Durham, NC
  • $5.29 Phoenix, AZ

Wendy’s Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger meat and cheeses

The $7.69 I paid lands near the top of that list, but I look at the cities paying in the five- and six-dollar range, and I still feel like it’s too much for a burger that looks so unimpressive in person. Yes, it has a quarter-pound beef patty, three bacon slices, a cheddar cheese sauce, and two slices of American cheese, which justifies Wendy’s price for it, but all of them stacked on top of each other creates a menu item that makes me feel like I got pickpocketed by Wendy.

Wendy’s Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger split

If it had a second patty, it might look more reasonable. If the cheese sauce elevated the burger’s flavor mightily, it might’ve made this taste a bit more worthwhile. While there’s a smidge of cheddar flavor, it’s not enough to make this something you must try while it’s on the menu. Overall, its flavor is pretty much what you’d expect from the bacon cheeseburger: cheesy, meaty, smoky, porky, and savory. But it’s also dinky and pricey.

Purchased Price: $7.69*
Size: Single
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 560 calories, 33 grams of fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of trans fat, 95 milligrams of cholesterol, 1180 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 5 grams of sugar, and 34 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. Or not, Seattle.

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.

REVIEW: Reese’s Marshmallow Big Cup

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Reese's Marshmallow Big Cup wrapper

While the “2026 is the new 2016” online trend dies down, Reese’s continues to time travel through the candy aisle. 2026 could be the new 2006, and we have the Reese’s Marshmallow Big Cup to prove it.

Yes, Reese’s released a limited-edition marshmallow variety two decades ago. I’m surprised that it has taken so long to return to peanut butter and marshmallow, a combination that inspired such greatness as Fluffernutter sandwiches and the best s’more you’ve ever tasted. Since 2006 was likely the last time I ate a Fluffernutter sandwich, I was eager to dive into this Big Cup.

Reese's Marshmallow Big Cup chocolate coating

The Reese’s Marshmallow Big Cup’s milk chocolate shell contains a thick, dense layer of peanut butter filling along with a thinner layer of marshmallow-flavored filling. The fillings are separated by a thin layer of chocolate, similar in structure to other recent varieties, including the Lava Cup and Caramel Cup.

Reese's Marshmallow Big Cup layers

The Big Cup’s marshmallow crème filling isn’t the fluffy stuff you find in a jar, or the gooey stuff left behind on a roasting stick. Rather, this component is thick, smooth, and a little sticky, almost like a viscous powdered sugar glaze. The flavor definitely reads as marshmallow: a creamy, sugary flavor, but with a pronounced vanilla taste that teeters on too artificial.

The crème’s artificial quality is noticeable by itself, but it dissipates when combined with the delicious-as-always peanut butter. The marshmallow flavor holds up to the peanut butter’s potency, which surprised me. Marshmallow is a subtle flavor to begin with, and I’ve found that these Big Cups with dual fillings don’t have quite enough of the secondary filling to be impactful. Even though this Big Cup’s peanut butter layer is over twice as thick as the marshmallow layer, there is Fluffernuttery goodness to be enjoyed.

Reese's Marshmallow Big Cup split

The marshmallow filling is like Timbaland in some of 2006’s biggest hit songs: not the star, but a vital featured player. Marshmallow fans may want more marshmallow crème, or even a mallow top to bolster the thin layer. I would have enjoyed an extra dose of marshmallow in theory, but maybe not in reality given the artificial tinge of the filling.

If the Reese’s Marshmallow Big Cup is our portal to 2006 nostalgia, I am ready to wear boho fashion, listen to The Fray, and take way too long to text on a pink Razr phone. Unlike most of these things, peanut butter and marshmallow will always be timeless.

Purchased Price: $2.78
Purchased at: Walmart
Size: 2.8 oz (79 g) King Size package
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (per cup) 190 calories, 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 100 milligrams of sodium, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 23 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein

REVIEW: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float

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Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float bottle

For many years now, Coca-Cola has Oreo-ified its brand model. Releasing countless drops of mystery flavors and odd combinations, utilizing cooling menthol, tropical fruits, and even a collaboration with Oreo itself. Yet the beginning of 2026 sees the company with a return to form of sorts, embracing a new but very familiar pairing for its classic soda with Coca-Cola Cherry Float in both regular and Zero Sugar.

If you have ever walked up to a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine at your favorite movie theater or fast food chain, you may be asking yourself: “Haven’t I had this?” The short answer is, yes. Coca-Cola Cherry Float is a cute name for a drink you’ve likely had before gleefully watching the newest blockbuster at AMC, with the clear distinction of a specific, calculated Coke-approved syrup ratio.

I’m sure you have experienced the varying levels of awesomeness at a soda fountain. Whether that’s at your standard restaurant or a Freestyle machine, sometimes the ratio can taste light, just right, or, less likely, heavy. Which is why McDonald’s fountains have such a stout fanbase — quality control and a unique system that keeps the Coke crispy and consistent. Without the variable of a machine-specific distribution, what does the Coca-Cola company view as the perfect cherry-to-vanilla ratio?

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float poured into glass

At first, I thought that there wasn’t enough cherry, which, as a cherry lover, alarmed me. There’s some initial cherry on the front end that finishes pretty strongly on the artificial vanilla flavor that Coke has used in the past. There’s nothing new or special about the “float” flavor other than it is a bold vanilla paired with the cherry taste you’ve known since its inception in 1985.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float bottle sitting next to glass

The more I drank the soda, the more the cherry stacked, and by the end of the bottle, an almost even, let’s call it 55/45 split, started to shine. It’s one that should please fans of both cherry and vanilla. I like this better than last year’s Wild Cherry & Cream Pepsi, which is no surprise given my general affinity for one brand over the other (although I am far from a Pepsi hater).

This is another somewhat lazy but comfortable release, akin to last year’s Holiday Creamy Vanilla, but at least it’s a more exciting one since it hasn’t been bottled or canned before. Whereas Holiday Creamy Vanilla desperately lacked some spice or a special element to make it unique, there is nothing inherently disappointing about grabbing a can of pre-mixed half-cherry, half-vanilla Coke from the fridge without having to find a Freestyle Machine. But it also suffers from what I call the “Reese’s Conundrum,” where original Reese’s, much like original Coca Cola (and Cherry Coke), are so good that is this twist really any better than the base beverage itself? And the straightforward answer is simply: no!

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: 20-ounce bottle
Purchased at: Safeway
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 bottle, 20 oz) 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 0 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of total sugars, and 0 grams of protein.

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