Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Reese’s Outrageous Bar Stuffed with Reese’s Pieces

Marvo 3 Comments

Reese s Outrageous Bar Stuffed with Reese s Pieces

Reese’s new Outrageous Bar is like a Reese’s Nutrageous Bar.

Wait. You don’t know what a Nutrageous Bar is?

Well, I can understand why. It’s a candy bar that gets lost in the Reese’s universe that’s full of peanut butter-filled treats with different sizes, shapes, fillings, and chocolates.

For those who don’t know, the Nutrageous Bar features peanut butter, caramel, and peanuts (hence the nut- prefix) coated in chocolate. And now that you know about it, you can forget about it because the Outrageous Bar, which swaps the nuts with mini Reese’s Pieces, is the candy bar you should remember.

I’ve had the Nutrageous Bar several times and it doesn’t have the same pull as a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. But then again, few candy bars do. It lacks an adequate amount of that signature Reese’s flavor. It’s one of those products that makes me wonder why it born in the first place because I’m 99 percent sure that if someone wants a Reese’s fix they’re going to reach for the peanut butter cup or Reese’s Pieces.

Reese s Outrageous Bar Stuffed with Reese s Pieces 2

Speaking of the candy-coated candy, this isn’t the first time Hershey’s has stuffed Reese’s Pieces into something else. The company added some into the filling of a peanut butter cup a few years ago. It’s a good candy, but I feel the Reese’s Pieces only provide texture and their flavor gets lost in the sugary and salty filling of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. But with the Outrageous Bar, the smaller candies are in the forefront of its flavor and texture.

Reese s Outrageous Bar Stuffed with Reese s Pieces 3

I know in the photos it looks as if there’s no advertised peanut butter or caramel, but if you look closer at the photo…

closer…

closer…

closer…

BOOP YOUR NOSE, you’ll see a skinny layer of peanut butter that boosts the flavor of the many Reese’s Pieces, but without overpowering them. Despite a high level of peanut butter goodness going on, the chocolate coating cuts through it and creates that coveted chocolate and peanut butter combo. As for the caramel, there’s a thin layer in the bar that gives it a bit of gooeyness, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference taste-wise. Although the caramel doesn’t come through, it’s still a sweet treat.

Reese’s Outrageous Bar Stuffed with Reese’s Pieces is a great candy bar. With a nice one-two peanut butter and chocolate punch and a crispiness that the Reese’s Pieces’ candy shell provides, it’s a candy bar worth remembering.

DISCLOSURE: If you’re wondering why the wrappers look so plain, I received free samples of the candy bar a few months ago. So, yes, I could’ve had a review of this months ago, but #procrastination. BOOP YOUR NOSE.

(Nutrition Facts – 1 bar – 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 70 milligrams of sodium, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 24 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 1.48 oz. bar
Purchased at: Received from Hershey’s
Rating: 9 out of 10
Pros: Another great chocolate and peanut butter combo from Reese’s. Reese’s Pieces’ flavor is more noticeable in this bar than the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup with Reese’s Pieces. More interesting than a Reese’s Nutrageous Bar. BOOP YOUR NOSE.
Cons: The caramel’s flavor gets lost among the peanut butter and chocolate.Not better than a original Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

QUICK REVIEW: Dairy Queen Cotton Candy Blizzard

Joe 5 Comments

Dairy Queen Cotton Candy Blizzard

What is it?

One of two returning Blizzard Treats available on Dairy Queen’s Summer Blizzard Menu. The Cotton Candy Blizzard blends vanilla soft serve with cotton candy-flavored topping and sprinkles.

How is it?

If you love cotton candy and ice cream then you will swoon. My Blizzard was well crafted with both the cotton candy topping and sprinkles mixed evenly throughout. That said, the occasional errant sugar surge did send my sweet tooth veering into oncoming traffic on the Candy Land Super Highway.

Dairy Queen Cotton Candy Blizzard 2

The sprinkles are crunchy but ephemeral and remind me of Pop Rocks —- hold the pop. Not once did they become uncomfortable to bite, and they added a small about of needed textural contrast. I will say that, for some, this may fall short of their expectations. While DQ almost perfectly captures the essence of cotton candy, I wish it did a little more. Another mix-in to add just a bit more texture while also dialing back the sweetness a tad would elevate this for me.

Of course, I have probably been branded a heretic for saying so by Cotton Candy’s devotees.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Fun Fact #1: Cotton Candy was invented by a dentist.

Fun Fact #2: Like vegetables in your ice cream? No? I didn’t think I did either. Interestingly enough, the Cotton Candy Blizzard uses vegetable juice, purple sweet potato, radish, and red cabbage for color. It only takes a product 1/3rd sugar by weight to get me to eat my vegetables! 

Conclusion:

Dairy Queen Cotton Candy Blizzard 3

If the idea of cotton candy flavored ice creams sounds at all appealing then you will thoroughly enjoy, if not fall in love, with this Blizzard. Sometimes simple is best, and while not my favorite flavor on the Summer Menu, I have…cottoned to this candy.

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: Mini
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Mini) 390 calories, 16 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 125 milligrams of sodium, 55 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 50 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of protein.

QUICK REVIEW: Pillsbury Grands! Limited Edition Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry & Cream Flavored Icing

Heather 1 Comment

Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls Strawberry Cream

What is it?

Pillsbury has released Limited Edition Grands! Cinnamon Rolls that are essentially regular cinnamon rolls with a specialty icing. The strawberry & cream flavored icing comes in a generous tub. Don’t be intimidated by the Pepto-Bismol coloring.

Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls Strawberry Cream 2

How is it?

If you’re a fan of Pillsbury’s normal cinnamon rolls, there’s nothing disappointing about these. The cinnamon flavor was on par, and I loved the icing. The fact it was a little difficult to scoop out of the tub was negated by the epic melting capabilities on a warm roll. The strawberry flavor is pretty authentic – it’s not too sweet or artificial – and it pairs extremely well with the cinnamon. Not sure why Pillsbury didn’t put this combo together sooner.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls Strawberry Cream 3

The tube comes with five cinnamon rolls, and although they are “pre-cut” in the dough, it was a slight challenge to pull them apart and separate. Since they’re pretty large, one is satisfying. My cinnamon roll baking method is to lay them out on a pizza pan instead of a round cake pan (for easier grab-and-go access), and I’m glad I did since these were pretty big once baked and ready. Oh, your hands WILL get pretty messy, but it’s definitely worth it.

Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls Strawberry Cream 4

Conclusion:

Looking to switch up your Sunday brunch routine? If so, these are a must-purchase. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual offerings. Good work, Pillsbury!

Purchased Price: $3.50
Size: 17.5 oz. tube
Purchased at: Meijer
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 roll) 300 calories, 7 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 520 milligrams of sodium, 56 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 24 grams of sugars, and 5 grams of protein.

QUICK REVIEW: Dairy Queen S’mores Blizzard

Joe 7 Comments

Dairy Queen S mores Blizzard

What is it?

One of two returning Blizzards available on Dairy Queen’s Summer 2018 Blizzard Menu. The S’mores Blizzard adds marshmallow-filled chocolates and graham pieces to vanilla soft serve.

How is it?

Amazing, but I’m a sucker for seasonal flavors. Be it Starbucks’ PSL, carrot cake, or whatever the heck flavor red velvet is, I’m the reason flavor scientists can spend more time at the beach than in the lab.

S’mores in particular is a weakness of mine. Run out of new flavor ideas? Slap a seasonal cliché on the package, and I’ll devour it. Cookies, gum, hell if you made it smell good enough I’d even think about it for a s’mores deodorant.

OK, maybe not, but if my Google-fu had returned a result, I’d probably be wearing it right now.

Dairy Queen S mores Blizzard 2

Back to the ice cream. The graham flavor extends beyond the chunks of cracker and is exquisitely infused into the vanilla base. Graham’s golden-brown hue and gritty texture is a component of every bite. Pleasantly numerous, the milk chocolate candy is smooth and packed with gooey, marshmallow goodness. My wife says I’m crazy, in this context not just in general, but I swear I got a hint of a toasted marshmallow vibe. Maybe it was just a heavier graham presence on occasion that provided earthier notes.

Is there anything else I need to know?

There’s marshmallow topping mixed into the base as well, but it is overpowered by the graham and seems like an afterthought. If that’s a draw for you, you will probably be disappointed by the graham-first flavor. 

Conclusion:

Dairy Queen S mores Blizzard 3

This Blizzard has me begging for s’more as it sets the standard for s’mores-flavored ice cream. DQ nailed the rarely seen graham flavored base and, for me at least, conjured fond memories of the Hershey’s S’mores Candy Bar (R.I.P.) with the marshmallow filled chocolates.

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: Mini
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Mini) 400 calories, 17 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 25 milligrams of cholesterol, 200 milligrams of sodium, 56 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 44 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Kellogg’s Limited Edition Pop-Tarts Splitz (2018)

Marvo 4 Comments

Kellogg s Limited Edition Pop Tarts Splitz 2018

Pop-Tarts Splitz first showed up back in 2007 and soon after crawled back into the Pop-Tarts vault where Dulce de Leche and Guava Mango Pop-Tarts reside.

Yes, I know exactly what you’re thinking now. Not that there were Dulce de Leche and Guava Mango Pop-Tarts, but that brands have been turning S’s into Z’s for over a decade now and they should stop.

With the original Splitz, the flavors used were so basic and one-worded — Chocolate + Vanilla, Strawberry + Blueberry, and Chocolate + Strawberry.

The 2018 version has flavors that, mostly, aren’t so basic and use more than one word — Strawberry + Cheesecake and Sugar Cookie + Brownie Batter. Like the original, they look like kindergarten finger-painting drawings of clouds or hills, depending on which side is facing you.

Frosted Strawberry and Drizzled Cheesecake

Kellogg s Limited Edition Pop Tarts Splitz Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry tastes like, well, I mean, if you haven’t had a Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tart that’s on you. You should’ve had it at least once by now. They’re good and it’s what I eat when I want to joke around with the Food Pyramid by saying, “Look, I’m going to have a serving of fruit.” As for the other side, there’s no tang. So it’s hard to consider it cheesecake. At times, I think it’s marshmallow, but it’s definitely not cheesecake.

Kellogg s Limited Edition Pop Tarts Splitz Strawberry Cheesecake 2

The flavor combo is begs to be eaten together. So maybe through food science or food magic, combining them will create a strawberry cheesecake-like flavor. They don’t. There’s a tanginess from the fruity filling, but it doesn’t help flip my mind into thinking it’s cheesecake. It tastes like a Strawberry Pop-Tart. Even toasting it doesn’t help bring out the cheesecake flavor.

Drizzled Sugar Cookie and Frosted Brownie Batter

Kellogg s Limited Edition Pop Tarts Splitz Sugar Cookie Brownie Batter

The other Pop-Tarts Splitz variety has a lighter crust than the Strawberry + Cheesecake one. I guess it’s supposed to represent the color of sugar cookies, while the darker one looks like the crust you’d find under a cheesecake.

Unlike the other variety, this combo seems more like one that shouldn’t be eat combined. Although, that’s not going to stop me from doing so because sugar cookie brownies sound magical.

Kellogg s Limited Edition Pop Tarts Splitz Sugar Cookie Brownie Batter 2

The dark filling tastes like brownie batter, but kind of loses that when combined with the crust and the icing. Its flavor wavers between brownie batter and standard chocolate. Despite that, it’s my favorite of the four sides. As for sugar cookie, it’s a variety we’ve seen before from Pop-Tarts and one that I’ve had it. It does remind me of a sugar cookie, but it’s not as exciting as brownie batter.

Sadly, combining the two doesn’t create an awesome new hybrid flavor. The stronger brownie batter overwhelms the milder sugar cookie, much like the strawberry hides the cheesecake in the other. So I guess it’s best to eat the two sides separate.

Both varieties are tasty but also aren’t mind-blowing. However, the cookie-brownie combo stands out because of its flavors and the cheesecake flavor is lacking with the other one, making it a bit of a letdown. So if you’re split about which variety to try, go for the Sugar Cookie + Brownie Batter.

DISCLOSURE: I received free samples, but doing so did not influence my review.

(Nutrition Facts – 1 pastry – Strawberry + Cheesecake – 190 calories, 40 calories from fat, 4.5 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 1 gram of monounsaturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 190 milligrams of sodium, 36 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 17 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein. Sugar Cookie + Brownie Batter – 200 calories, 50 calories from fat, 5 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 1 gram of monounsaturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 200 milligrams of sodium, 35 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 8-pack (Strawberry + Cheesecake)
Size: 16-pack (Sugar Cookie + Brownie Batter)
Purchased at: N/A
Rating: 6 out of 10 (Strawberry + Cheesecake)
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Sugar Cookie + Brownie Batter)
Pros: Brownie batter filling taste like what it’s supposed to. Better flavor combos than the previous Pop-Tarts Splitz. Sugar cookie tastes like a sugar cookie.
Cons: Cheesecake flavor not noticeable. Combining the strawberry and cheesecake sides makes it taste like a regular Strawberry Pop-Tart. Combining the sugar cookie and brownie batter sides make it taste like brownie batter. Still using Z’s to replace S’s.