Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers

Tiffany 5 Comments

Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers Bag

What are Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers?

Goldfish’s latest limited edition drop brings Old Bay seasoning to the cracker aisle! If you’ve never had it, it’s a signature blend of 18 herbs and spices. It was invented in Baltimore, Maryland, for steamed crab, so I still immediately associate it with seafood, crawfish boils, etc. But, it’s truly the bomb on everything — including Goldfish crackers.

How is it?

Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers Inside the Bag

I expected it to be a bright orange cheddar cracker because of the image on the front. But it was actually pale and oyster cracker-esque. It still worked well, though!

While the seasoning coverage looked sparse and inconsistent, it was super flavorful. It was true to Old Bay’s aromatic start with a generous punch of salt, tempered by a backdrop of slight sweetness. It peaked at a high note of celeriac and ended with a bit of heat on the back of my tongue. This flavor journey also came with Goldfish’s gummy goodness that gets stuck in your molars when you eat ’em by the handful.

Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers Smiles

However, I noticed that almost none of my fish-shaped crackers smiled back. I truly find delight in the “snack that smiles back,” and I expect it with all Goldfish crackers. So, I dumped out the bag and flipped each one over – only to get a sad dimple or half-smile here and there.

Yes, I’m fully aware that this doesn’t affect the taste, but it does have an outsized impact on my joy of eating these crackers.

Anything else you need to know?

The simplicity of the packaging is stunning. The designers really brought forward the yellow and red colors of the Old Bay tin can. I could spot it easily five feet away from where it was sitting on display.

Conclusion:

Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers Bag Back

Since this is Goldfish and McCormick’s second collab (the first time was Frank’s RedHot), and I believe good things come in threes, I’m sure we’ll have another one to look forward to. Would French’s Seasoned Goldfish be too polarizing?

Purchased Price: $1.98
Size: 6.6 oz bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (55 pieces or 30 grams) 140 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 310 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Van Leeuwen Grey Poupon Ice Cream

Julie 10 Comments

Van Leeuwen Grey Poupon Ice Cream Pint

When social media alerts you to Grey Poupon ice cream, there are only two possible explanations: April Fools’ Day is upon us, or the mad geniuses at Van Leeuwen are at it again.

Given that it’s late May and you are reading this review, you can probably deduce that Van Leeuwen’s Grey Poupon with Salted Pretzels Ice Cream is a very real product. Considering the brand’s propensity for wacky, experimental flavors, including Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Pizza, we shouldn’t be surprised. Of all possible unconventional savory pairings for ice cream, why not choose mustard? Why not mustard that tastes so good, gentlemen request it from neighboring vehicles?

You may have a lot of answers to that question that you will share in the comments IN ALL CAPS, but I love mustard. I sometimes eat certain foods solely so they can serve as vehicles for mustard. Ice cream isn’t one of them, so the prospect of mustardy ice cream left me curious and considerably trepid. For the sake of adventure and sharing my experience with you, dear readers, I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is.

Van Leeuwen Grey Poupon Ice Cream Top

My mouth, overall, was not displeased with the purchase. The French ice cream base does not taste like mustard, but rather rich vanilla. The flavor is simple but very high quality: delicious, rich, and creamy. (According to the container, French ice cream contains double the egg yolks than standard ice cream, which contribute to its richness.)

Van Leeuwen Grey Poupon Ice Cream Pretzel

Pieces of thin pretzel sticks are generously spread throughout the base. They add a hint of saltiness, but their texture is lacking. The ultra-creamy base begs for a crunchy element, but the pretzels range from soft to soggy.

Van Leeuwen Grey Poupon Ice Cream Swirl

At this point, I wondered if the product WAS a belated April Fools’ joke, but then I hit the bright yellow swirl running throughout the base. Mustard time. However, this swirl, which has the consistency of very loose caramel, does not share the vinegary, spicy pungency of Dijon mustard. The flavor is much more consistent with honey mustard. Honey is listed as an ingredient, which is likely lending that sweetness to the swirl’s notable mustardy tang.

The honey mustard flavor is prominent in some pockets of the pint. The thinner ribbons are more subtle; they offer just a bit of bright flavor and acidity to cut the rich base. Together, all components of the ice cream give a French- fries-and-milkshake vibe, if the French fries were replaced by pretzels lightly seasoned with honey mustard powder. The flavor is certainly unusual, and while I wouldn’t want a cone full of it, I don’t regret buying it.

Van Leeuwen Grey Poupon Ice Cream with the Mustard

Van Leeuwen’s latest creation may not inspire this devout mustard-lover to ask the ice cream truck: “Do you have any Grey Poupon?” But its adventurous blur of sweet and savory defies expectations, resulting in a surprising, interesting dessert experience. When soggy pretzels are the biggest downside of a condiment-themed ice cream, that’s a win for creativity.

Purchased Price: $4.98
Size: 14 fl oz
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (per 2/3 cup) 310 calories, 18 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 100 milligrams of cholesterol, 280 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 26 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of protein.

REVIEW: McDonald’s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie

Marvo 1 Comment

McDonald s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie Cup

What is McDonald’s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie?

Just in time for the season of consistent daily double-digit UV index levels, McDonald’s has added a new flavor to its cold drink lineup — the Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie.

How is it?

It’s 82 degrees in my office, and the frozen beverage is doing a great job at keeping me cool as I suck its high-level UV index-colored goodness from a straw. But, after trying so many different mango-flavored products that have an easily recognizable mango flavor over the years, which make them so great, I have to say I don’t have a crushie on this slushie.

McDonald s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie Top

If I went up to random people on the street, asked them to try the Tropical Mango Slushie, and then asked what flavor they think it is, I’m not sure most people would say mango. Some might say peach, and others might say apricot because that’s what I taste. For those who answered with non-mango fruits, I’d tell them that they’re wrong. Then I’ll say they should never accept a slushie sip from a stranger. However, I do notice something that’s more recognizable as mango in the aftertaste. But it’s a fruity flavor that I associate with beverages that have artificial sweeteners, which isn’t optimal for a drink that doesn’t have any.

Anything else you need to know?

If you find yourself at McDonald’s and desire a limited-time slushie flavor, go for the Minute Maid Strawberry Watermelon Slushie. It’s better tasting, and it tastes like what its name says.

Conclusion:

McDonald’s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie will temporarily cool you down during the season that makes your antiperspirant work super extra hard. But if you’re a mango maniac, its flavor might not be a letdown.

Purchased Price: $2.00
Size: Medium
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 220 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 60 grams of carbohydrates, 59 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Sour Patch Kids Cola Bubbles

Vin 5 Comments

Sour Patch Kids Cola Bubbles Pouch

What are Sour Patch Kids Cola Bubbles?

It’s Sour Patch minus the Kids, and this time they’re soda flavored.

How are they?

Sometimes I eat a new snack and genuinely enjoy it, but it still ends up bumming me out for reasons beyond its control. I’ll get to that later, but first? These are really good.

I can go in-depth about Sour Patch Kids Cola Bubbles’ flavor, but it just kinda boils down to “Sour Coca-Cola.” They’re exactly as advertised.

Everyone knows Sour Patch Kids start sour and become sweet, and these are no different. The initial sour sensation is very similar to that of a lemon or lime SPK, but it mellows into a moderate level of sweetness that I’d compare to watered-down cola.

Sour Patch Kids Cola Bubbles Glass Wht

Both colored bubbles have the same flavor, which I thought would pop (no pun) a bit more, if I’m being honest. That’s not really a complaint, though.

It’s akin to when you pour Coke over ice and take that first foamy sip as the bubbles settle around the cubes. Am I making sense? I find that to be the best and least cola flavor heavy sip. There’s obviously no effervescence here, but the taste gives off that sensation.

I couldn’t help but wonder how successful a “Sour Cola” would be after eating these. Maybe Pepsi could give that a trial run. I think it would be good, especially for a cocktail mixer.

Anything else you need to know?

So, I mentioned earlier how bummed these made me, and I’m probably dating myself here, but they reminded me of a candy that hasn’t existed in close to two decades – Betty Crocker Sodalicious Fruit Snacks.

If you know, you know.

I won’t dwell on that too much, and I encourage you to Google ’em because, man, they were an elite childhood snack, and these were semi-close to what I remember Sodalicious tasting like.

I also think Sour Patch Kids Cola Bubbles are better than Haribo Happy Cola gummies.

Conclusion:

Sour Patch Kids Cola Bubbles Glass Bag

These are legit, and I’d argue the little bubble form is a more satisfying bite than the usual flat kid shape.

I think these could and really should become standard movie theater candy. You can sub ’em in for the massive Coke and family-sized bag of Sour Patch Kids you usually get and just focus on your garbage can full of popcorn.

Purchased Price: $1.25
Size: 3.61 oz
Purchased at: Dollar Tree
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (24 pieces) 110 calories, 0 grams of fat, 25 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of total carbohydrates, 23 grams of total sugars, and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Raspberry Lemonade

Marvo 5 Comments

Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Raspberry Lemonade Can

What is Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Raspberry Lemonade?

Over the past several years, Canada Dry has made our summers a bit less ginger ale-y and a bit more ginger ade-y with new citrusy flavors. So far, the brand has combined its tummy-soothing moneymaker with lemonade, orangeade, and limeade. Since there are no more single-word untrademarkable beverages that end with -ade, this year, raspberry lemonade gets to do a beverage do-si-do with the popular soft drink.

How is it?

Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Raspberry Lemonade Glass

It smells completely unremarkable. However, its flavor makes up for its lack of an alluring aroma. Though, if you’re a huge fan of lemonade, this one might be a little disappointing because it’s hard to detect it. The raspberry flavoring, which brings Lipton Brisk Raspberry Iced Tea to mind, is definitely noticeable, but it muddles everything, making the citrus flavor almost non-existent. There is a slight sourness, but that could be mistaken as the lemonade or berry flavoring. Basically, if you told me this was raspberry ginger ale, I wouldn’t doubt you. I know there has been a raspberry-flavored Canada Dry, but I haven’t tried it, so I can’t compare.

With that said, it’s a pleasant and refreshing beverage, but it didn’t blow my mind as much as Canada Dry’s Ginger Ale and Lemonade did when I first tried it. Maybe after three other vADEriations, the novelty of these citrusy ales has worn off.

Look, I’ll happily drink all twelve cans I purchased. Actually, it’s eleven due to a shipping issue that involved the twelfth can leaking while in the hands of the USPS.

Anything else you need to know?

Like all other Canada Dry Ginger Ale mixed with a citrus beverage that ends with an -ade, there’s a minuscule amount of juice and no caffeine.

Conclusion:

Canada Dry’s Ginger Ale and Raspberry Lemonade is a nice addition to the summer beverage line, but it’s not as good as the lemonade and orangeade versions (I haven’t tried the limeade one). But now I’m curious to know what -ade comes next.

Purchased Price: More than one should pay on eBay
Size: 12 oz cans/12 pack
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 140 calories, 0 grams of fat, 50 milligrams of sodium, 36 grams of carbohydrates, 36 grams of sugar (including 36 grams of added sugar), and 0 grams of protein.