Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Dairy Queen Nestle Drumstick Blizzard

Denis 3 Comments

Dairy Queen Nestle Drumstick Blizzard

What is the Nestle Drumstick Blizzard?

It’s the ultimate timesaver! Have you ever wanted to enjoy a Nestle Drumstick and a Dairy Queen Blizzard but simply could not find the time for both in your busy schedule? Your problem is solved with the Nestle Drumstick Blizzard. Crowned as the Blizzard of the Month for July, it contains chocolate-covered Drumstick pieces, peanuts, and, of course, vanilla soft serve.

How is it?

Dairy Queen Nestle Drumstick Blizzard Top

We all know that the best part of a Drumstick is the butt piece. Sure, that doesn’t sound very appetizing, but you know what I’m talking about — that last bite at the bottom of the cone filled with solid chocolate. For me, that’s really the only reason to eat one because the ice cream part is not great, and it’s not even ice cream but rather “vanilla frozen dairy dessert.”

Dairy Queen Nestle Drumstick Blizzard Nugget 1

The “Drumstick pieces” are chocolate-coated sugar cone, just like the butt chunk! I did manage to rescue a couple of them intact from my Blizzard for your viewing pleasure.

Dairy Queen Nestle Drumstick Blizzard Nugget 2

Technically they are Drumstick pieces, but DQ isn’t smashing up full cones here. Instead, it is using small square pieces. I’m sorry to say that the rescue of the two pictured above was short-lived, and I’m not sorry to say they were quite delicious on their own.

Dairy Queen Nestle Drumstick Blizzard Spoon

The peanuts didn’t add much to the taste, and their texture is similar enough to the cone pieces that they kind of get lost in the mix. They don’t detract from the overall taste, but don’t expect a strong peanut flavor.

Anything else you need to know?

Apparently, the Drumstick Blizzard was available at Dairy Queens in Canada for a time in 2015, but if you want to know why it took five years to make it to the United States, I have no answer for you.

Also, the Drumstick was invented in 1928 by one of the Parker Brothers — not the Parker Brothers responsible for Monopoly and a bunch of other board games, though. The two sets of Parkers were both around about the same time (Monopoly came out in 1935), so I wonder if they knew of each other and had some sort of rivalry. It seems, however, I’m the only one to wonder that because the internet has nothing to offer on the topic.

Conclusion:

This Blizzard tastes exactly how you’d expect if you chopped off a bunch of Drumstick end pieces and blended them with peanuts and DQ soft serve. In other words, it’s awesome.

Purchased Price: $4.09
Size: Medium
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Medium) 1,030 calories, 53 grams of fat, 37 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 60 milligrams of cholesterol, 350 milligrams of sodium, 116 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of dietary fiber, 93 grams of sugar, and 22 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Life Cuisine Egg Bites

Elaine 5 Comments

Life Cuisine Egg Bites

What are Life Cuisine Egg Bites?

The Life Cuisine brand (from Nestlé, who makes Lean Cuisine) was launched earlier this year to cater to “every lifestyle” with low carb, meatless, high protein, and gluten free options.

These egg bites are part of the low carb lineup and the only traditional breakfast items in the entire Life Cuisine line (although I would eat the gluten-free pizzas or the high protein taco bowl for breakfast). These sous vide egg bites come in two varieties: 1) Tomato & Spinach Egg White (also comes with mozzarella) and 2) Uncured Turkey Bacon & Aged White Cheddar (also comes with cottage cheese).

How are they?

Life Cuisine Egg Bites Frozen

Life Cuisine Egg Bites Plated

Most frozen products don’t look particularly appetizing when pulled from the freezer and the same goes for these frozen mounds. After being prepared for two minutes in the microwave, the aesthetics of the product do not increase as the egg bites keep their shape, but do puff out a little. The puff foreshadows their fluffy and light taste, which is consistent with what one might expect from a sous vide-prepared product.

Both varieties have predominantly an egg taste with a hint of other flavors.

Life Cuisine Egg Bites Egg White

The Tomato & Spinach Egg White one naturally lacks some of the creaminess that yolk provides. I could faintly taste the tomato and spinach, but there is not nearly as much tomato and spinach as shown on the box, which is a little misleading. However, the mozzarella cheese does come through. I would also add more pepper and salt to this one.

Life Cuisine Egg Bites White Cheddar

The turkey bacon in the other variety is prevalent, which also adds some saltiness. This one is higher in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium (see nutrition facts below). There’s more bacon and cheese in this egg bite and they’re better distributed, which results in a slightly more flavorful product.

Anything else you need to know?

These are light tasting products, which is a nice way to start your day if you are eating these for breakfast. After eating two of them (one of each variety), I thought I might need to supplement my breakfast, but I was surprisingly not hungry. Thanks, protein!

However, it should be noted that I am a smaller-framed individual and I can definitely see others needing more than two egg bites or adding items to their breakfast to feel satisfied.

Conclusion:

Life Cuisine Egg Bites do the trick if you are looking for a light and adequate tasting, quick, easy, and relatively healthy breakfast. At the same time, you can probably also just scramble an egg.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free samples of the products. Doing so did not influence my review in any way.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 4.5 oz (1 package of 2 egg bites)
Purchased at: Received from Life Cuisine
Rating: 6 out of 10 (Uncured Turkey Bacon & Aged White Cheddar), 6 out of 10 (Tomato & Spinach Egg White)
Nutrition Facts: (1 package) Uncured Turkey Bacon & Aged White Cheddar – 280 calories, 18 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 185 milligrams of cholesterol, 810 milligrams of sodium, 12 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 0 grams of added sugars, and 18 grams of protein. Tomato & Spinach Egg White – 190 calories, 9 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 610 milligrams of sodium, 12 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 0 grams of added sugars, and 15 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Starbucks Impossible Breakfast Sandwich

Vin 15 Comments

Starbucks Impossible Breakfast Sandwich

What is the Starbucks Impossible Breakfast Sandwich?

Starbucks has entered the plant-based sausage revolution with its new Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

How is it?

Burger King’s reign on top was short, because one week after claiming the Impossible Croissan’wich was my favorite plant-based breakfast sandwich, Starbucks has already dethroned it.

I’d put the new Starbucks Impossible Sausage on par with any breakfast meat – cow, pig, chicken, or plant – currently on a fast food menu.

Right out of the gate, I was relieved that the sausage patty didn’t have that “vague sagey Stove Top” flavor I always whine about.

Starbucks Impossible Breakfast Sandwich Top

Flavor-wise, I’d say it toed the line between a standard breakfast sausage and Italian butcher shop spiral sausage links, or as my mother would call them (my apologies for the phonetic spelling) “Shiv-a-lots” (pronounced with a bastardized Brooklyn Italian accent).

I took a bite of the patty isolated, and while the texture is still not 100% where I’d like it to be, it was less chewy than the others I’ve had to this point.

I give Starbucks credit for its eggs as well. It’s a fried egg, but the yolk was closer to soft-boiled, and the whites weren’t plastic, like the stuff McDonald’s serves.

Anything else you need to know?

Starbucks Impossible Breakfast Sandwich Split

I expected the bread to be the downfall because I usually think ciabatta is a trash-tier sandwich bun, but it was perfect. The shell was crispy while the inside was pillowy soft. It was like eating a bagel that came out of the oven two minutes before you ordered.

I could have easily just caught them at the right time, but every ingredient, including the aged cheddar, paired perfectly to make a delicious and perfectly sized sandwich. It curbed my hunger without that immediate fast food regret we all know so well.

Conclusion:

I won’t pretend I get a lot of food at Starbucks, but this is easily the best savory menu item I’ve ever ordered there.

We’re now at the point where you won’t even notice you’re not eating meat, and I continue to think that’s an exciting prospect for the future. Not to push an agenda, but if science can further distance plant-based proteins from real meat nutritionally, we’re all gonna be better off in the long run.

Absolutely pick up one of these next time you get a coffee.

Purchased Price: $4.95
Size: N/A
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 430 calories, 23 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 830 milligrams of sodium, 36 grams of total carbohydrates, 4 grams of total sugars, 3 grams of fiber, and 22 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Del Monte Veggieful Pocket Pies

Marvo 8 Comments

Del Monte Veggiefuls Pocket Pies

What are Del Monte Veggieful Pocket Pies?

Last year, Del Monte Veggieful made its debut with pizza roll-sized snacks. This year, the veggie brand has moved up to Hot Pocket-sized foodstuffs. There are four varieties: Broccoli Potato Cheddar, Spinach Artichoke Parmesan, Rosemary Garlic Plant-Based Chicken, and Plant-Based Philly Cheesesteak.

Not only are there veggies in the pocket pies, but the crust is also made with cauliflower. All of it equals one serving of veggies per pie, which doesn’t sound like a lot if most of the ingredients are vegetables.

How are they?

Del Monte Veggieful Plant Based Philly Cheesesteak Split

The Plant-Based Philly Cheesesteak comes stuffed with bell peppers, onions, provolone cheese, and plant-based beef made from soy. The ingredients list also mentions something called Rochester sauce, which, after a quick Google search, I learned is a tomato-based sauce used on Garbage Plates and hot dogs. It all smells like a sizzling fajita plate.

Do I think Philly Cheesesteak when I eat it? No, I don’t think anyone will. I think vegetables in terms of taste and texture. There were times when I mistook the plant-based meat as a piece of bell pepper, and the provolone doesn’t seem to add any flavor.

Del Monte Veggieful Rosemary Garlic Plant Based Chicken Split

The Rosemary Garlic Plant-Based Chicken comes with plant-based chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and mozzarella cheese. The texture of the “chicken” is similar to the “steak” in the Philly Cheesesteak one. But it’s the mushrooms that seem to make up most of the flavor. With most bites, it tastes like a lite version of cream of mushroom soup.

Del Monte Veggieful Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Split

With the Spinach Artichoke Parmesan one, I was expecting it to taste exactly like any spinach artichoke dip I’ve ever had. While it does have all the flavors of a spinach artichoke dip, and I could even feel the chew of the artichoke, it’s not as flavorful as any store-bought or homemade dip I’ve had.

Del Monte Veggieful Broccoli Potato Cheddar Split

While Broccoli Potato Cheddar ended up being my favorite, although not by a lot, I feel as if it could’ve been better.

After being microwaved, the green vegetable still has some snap, while the potato has some give instead of turning into complete mush. Unlike the provolone in the Philly Cheesesteak one, the cheddar cheese is a bit more noticeable here. With that said, I do wish there was more of it so that it’s creamier like I’m eating cheddar broccoli potato soup in a pocket pie-shaped bowl.

Anything else you need to know?

Unlike Hot Pockets, these do not come with crisping sleeves. There are two ways to prepare them: 1) microwave for 2 minutes and 15 seconds. 2) Stick in an oven for 27-32 minutes (varies between varieties).

If you prefer a crispier crust, go with the oven preparation. But after trying all four varieties both ways, I’m not sure getting a crispier and firmer crust is worth the wait. Plus, all the ones I’ve prepared in my toaster oven ended up slightly burnt.

Also, even though they’re made with vegetables, they aren’t like Lean Pockets, and they have as much protein as regular Hot Pockets.

Conclusion:

With all four Del Monte Veggieful Pocket Pie varieties, I wish they were a bit more flavorful. I feel as if they need something else, like a sauce, or more of an ingredient they already have to improve their flavors.

DISCLOSURE: I received free samples of the product from Del Monte. Doing so did not influence my review in any way.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 2-packs
Purchased at: Received from Del Monte
Rating: 6 out of 10 (all varieties)
Nutrition Facts: (1 pie) Broccoli Potato Cheddar – 270 calories, 12 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 20 milligrams of cholesterol, 430 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein. Spinach Artichoke Parmesan – 280 calories, 12 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 15 milligrams of cholesterol, 450 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of protein. Rosemary Garlic Plant-Based Chicken – 260 calories, 10 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 450 milligrams of sodium, 33 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of protein. Plant-Based Philly Cheesesteak – 260 calories, 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 450 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa and Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam

Heather 1 Comment

Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam

What are Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa and Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam?

Starbucks continues to add drinks with non-dairy alternatives to its menu, but it now has a new cold foam made with almondmilk. You’ll find it on two new cold brew concoctions: The Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam (almondmilk cold foam, mocha sauce, and cocoa powder) and the Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam (almondmilk cold foam, cinnamon, and vanilla syrup).

Starbucks Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam

How are they?

I really wanted to love these drinks, but I have to say I just like them. They’re good, but nothing special. I have two main reasons for the ratings I gave:

Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam Top
Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam

1. The texture and look of the almondmilk foam is NOT anything close to the regular cold foam we know and love. I think it has to do with almondmilk being the base, but the foam was more of a liquid – it quickly sank into the drink and didn’t look bubbly and light like the foam we’re used to seeing. It seemed more like the Vanilla Sweet Cream, which gets poured on top of the cold brew and gradually mixes it in. It was a much different experience than with the dairy version of cold foam.

Starbucks Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam Top
Starbucks Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam

2. The flavors fell flat. I was expecting the cocoa and cinnamon to shine through and really jazz up the cold brew, but neither did. The taste of the almondmilk was far more overpowering. If I do try these again, I might add more pumps of the corresponding flavors.

Anything else you need to know?

At only 40 calories each for a grande and with minimal sugars, this is a good choice if you’re looking for a lower-calorie alternative.

Also, I maintain that the cold foam beverages are a better experience with the straw-less lids…I got these on two different days from two different Starbucks. When I got the Cinnamon, that Starbucks was out of those lids. With the straw-less lid, there’s a better foam to cold brew ratio with each sip.

Conclusion:

I’ll stick to the regular cold foam beverages when I want to add pizzazz to a cold brew. If you steer clear of dairy and always go for almondmilk in your coffee, I’d be interested to know how others feel about the foam and flavor.

Purchased Price: $4.75 each
Size: Grande
Purchased at: Starbucks
Rating: 4 out of 10 (Dark Cocoa), 5 out of 10 (Cinnamon)
Nutrition Facts (16 oz) Dark Cocoa – 40 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 0 milligrams of sodium, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of sugars, 1 gram of protein and 210 milligrams of caffeine. Cinnamon – 40 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 35 milligrams of sodium, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of sugars, 1 gram of protein and 205 milligrams of caffeine.)

Click here to read our previous Starbucks reviews.