SPOTTED ON SHELVES: Snyder’s of Hanover Real Peanut Butter Filled Pieces

Snyder's of Hanover Real Peanut Butter Filled Pieces

No Peanut Butter Pretzel Combos. No problem. (Spotted by Dubba at Market Basket.)

If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you’ve tried the product, share your thoughts about it in the comments.

REVIEW: Hershey’s Carrot Cake Kisses

Hershey's Carrot Cake Kisses

Carrot Cake is always a cause for celebration.

History proves it: when the Red Coats turn and ran from the Lower East Side in 1783, George Washington celebrated with a big old slice of carrot tea cake. Why? Because nothing says BOOM, ‘MURICA like sneaking vegetables into dessert. It is just our way. You can call it the best of both worlds, or having your cake and eating it too, or just a pretext to improve your night vision while not giving up the sensual pleasure of cake.

But whatever you call it, call it what it is: America’s most beloved combination of vegetables and cream cheese this side of pumpkin spice season.

Carrot Cake is also the newest seasonal Hershey’s Kisses. Non-chocolate Kisses (which are not to be confused with French kisses, which are equally as delightful as Hershey’s Kisses) are a rarity in the candy world, and in my experience, a mixed bag. Sometimes good, sometimes meh, you never know what to make of the seasonally-themed flavors until you try them. This of course is possible thanks to the miracle of capitalism, and the tireless efforts of the overnight employees stocking the Walmart candy shelves the day after the last holiday ended.

Hershey's Carrot Cake Kisses 2

I have a theory about carrot cake: aside from being an “Easter” flavor, its appeal derives from the fact that it has a little something of everyone’s other favorite cakes and flavors.

But if your idea of carrot cake is the kind of cake you eat when you really just want fruitcake, then these Kisses are not from you. There are no raisins, pineapple, or nuts of any kind in the filling, and as far as I know, they don’t have any booze in them.

Hershey's Carrot Cake Kisses 4

Likewise, if carrot cake is the kind is cake you turn to for the moist, super-carroty experience, then these Kisses don’t quite do the job, because the carrot flavor isn’t very distinct. And, finally, if carrot cake is what you’re looking for when you really just want an excuse to lick cream cheese frosting, the white center of each Kiss — which tastes like a combination of fondant and buttercream and a little bit of sour cream — leaves much to be desired.

Who are these Kisses for? They’re for people who like super sweet carrot cake with a little, but not a lot of, tang; those who enjoy the saccharine smell of fondant; people who are looking for a less assertive flavor still reminiscent of pumpkin spice during the spring; and, finally, folks who enjoy sucking on candy whose shape recalls infant memories of breastfeeding.

In all honesty the Kisses aren’t bad. While they are hyper-sweet, there’s a milky appeal to the orange layer, with an artificial spice flavor that lingers. It’s not a bad flavor though. A slightly tangy finish with the fondant and buttercream-like center leaves the tongue with the impression that you’ve eaten more than just sugar and vegetable oil.

Hershey's Carrot Cake Kisses 3

It’s not a moist and decadent carrot cake, but it’s a respectable, albeit too sweet and artificial, celebration of familiar spices and buttercream flavors in the convenient nipple-looking package of a Hershey’s Kiss. And at just under 25 calories a Kiss, it’s a bit easier on the waistline than a carrot cake. The Kisses might not be kicking the British out of Manhattan in the Revolutionary War, but my celebration standards are not quite so lofty, so I’ll go ahead and have another.

(Nutrition Facts – 9 Kisses – 220 calories, 110 calories from fat, 12 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 55 milligrams of sodium, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 23 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 9 oz. bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 6 out of 10
Pros: Enjoyable melt-in-your mouth Kisses quality. Sweet warming spices. Pretty good combination of buttercream, white-chocolate, and fondant frosting. The American way.
Cons: Lacks really deep carrot cake flavor. Cream cheese tang and richness is missing. Cloying. Doesn’t contain any of the usual carrot cake mix-ins. Awesome source of saturated fat and Yellow Lake #5.

SPOTTED ON SHELVES – 3/9/2016

Here are some interesting new and limited edition products found on store shelves by us and your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of the products, share your thoughts about them in the comments.

Trader Joe's Springtide Bark of the Finest Collection

Trader Joe’s Springtide Bark of the Finest Collection

Trader Joe's Extraordinary Eggs

Trader Joe’s Extraordinary Eggs

I’m willing to bet one dollar that there will be a Summertime Bark of the Finest Collection in a few months. (Spotted by Chris B and Sylvia at Trader Joe’s.)

Philadelphia Peach Cream Cheese Spread

Philadelphia Peach Cream Cheese Spread

Well, Philadelphia, that’s just peachy. (Spotted by Chris B at Redner’s.)

The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss Cheese Dippers

The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss Cheese Dippers

The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss with Tomato & Herb Breadsticks Cheese Dippers

The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss with Tomato & Herb Breadsticks Cheese Dippers

If this sells well, I imagine a pretzel version will show up. I also imagine that cow’s head will be the cause of future nightmares. (Spotted by Carla at Roth’s IGA and Robbie at H-E-B.)

Nestle Outshine Kids Fruit Bars

Nestle Outshine Kids Fruit Bars

Nestle Outshine Kids Fruit & Veggie Bars

Nestle Outshine Kids Fruit & Veggie Bars

Don’t fall for it kids! Your parents are trying to sneak vegetables in you! Demand ice cream! (Spotted by Carla at Target.)

Graeter's Cheese Crown Ice ream

Graeter’s Cheese Crown Ice Cream

I could Google to find out what a cheese crown is. Or I could copy and paste what it says on the Graeter’s website. “A Cincinnati bakery tradition for over half a century, the Cheese Crown danish inspired this cheesecake flavored ice cream with cinnamon sugar pastry pieces and fondant icing flakes for a wholly decadent treat.” (Spotted by Bob K at Giant Eagle.)

Peeps Limited Edition Vanilla Delight

Peeps Limited Edition Vanilla Delight

Peeps Limited Edition Strawberry Delight

Peeps Limited Edition Strawberry Delight

Oh my goodness. I totally forgot to post these a month ago. Well, it’s not Easter yet so it’s still early. (Spotted by Carla at Target.)

Thank you to all the photo contributors! If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you do so, you might see your picture in our next Spotted on Shelves post.

SPOTTED ON SHELVES: Prairie Farms Peeps Strawberry Creme Flavored Milk

Prairie Farms Peeps Strawberry Creme Flavored Milk

With all the Peeps milks Prairie Farms has been putting out during the Easter season, the company should temporarily change their name to Peeps Farms. (Spotted by Amanda at Kroger.)

If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you’ve tried the product, share your thoughts about it in the comments.

FAST FOOD NEWS: Sonic Ultimate Chicken Club Sandwich

Sonic Ultimate Chicken Club Sandwich

Late last year Sonic began offering a premium sandwich line called the Ultimate Chicken Sandwich that features a 100 percent premium all white meat crispy chicken breast and a brioche bun. The line debut with two varieties — Traditional and Deluxe. But now there’s a new limited time only variety.

The Ultimate Chicken Club Sandwich features the same crispy chicken breast and brioche bun, but it’s topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and a black pepper mayo.

The sandwich has 1000 calories, 64 grams of fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of trans fat, 100 milligrams of cholesterol, 2070 milligrams of sodium, 65 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and 39 grams of protein.

If you’ve tried it, let us know what you think of it in the comments.

(Image via Sonic Drive-In)