Tag: Candy

REVIEW: Snickers Cool Coconut, Cool Lemon and Cool Peach (China)

Rachel 5 Comments

CoolSnickers1 pkg

What Snickers Cool Coconut, Cool Lemon and Cool Peach?

Again, China is working overtime to woo me with novelty junk food flavors and I’m happy to let them.

These are basically the previously-reviewed Japanese Snickers White with fruit flavors added – coconut, lemon and peach – and a “cooling” effect. I was excited for peach Snickers anyway, but COOL Snickers? Let’s do it – I already lit this mouth up with Fiery Snickers.

CoolSnickers2 bars

How are they?

While not the best Snickers I’ve tried, these were really interesting. The caramel and peanuts were the same as a regular Snickers. The white chocolate was over-the-top sweet and the nougat bland, both like the Japanese White version. Yet each flavor was a slightly different experience.

The coconut bars had a subtle, surprisingly-authentic aroma. The flavor closely resembled sweetened coconut flakes you’d buy at the grocery store. The cooling effect was least prominent in this flavor – it’s like the sensation of menthol without the mint flavor.

CoolSnickers3 size

The lemon had a less appealing smell – a little fishy. Thankfully, once out of the wrapper, it dissipated.

The flavor was a tasty sweet lemon-meringue-type lemon. There was more of the menthol cooling effect than the coconut. I was warming up to these “cool” bars.

CoolSnickers4 inside

The peach was also fishy, but again disappeared out of the package. I really liked the peach flavor – it was strong and not too synthetic. This was the “cool”-est of the bars – the menthol was kicking! It was a really fun sensation (a little cool AND warm), and not as medicinal as it might seem.

All three flavors could have benefitted from actual fruit mix-ins – coconut flakes, lemon zest, peach chunks. Often a visual or texture element goes a long way to convince us something could be real.

CoolSnickers5 cans

Is there anything else you need to know?

The pack I purchased consisted of four small bars (each made up of two 1.5-inch squares) in containers that looked like soda cans. Slaying me. “Things that look like other things” is the third-best way to get my money – right behind “miniature things” and “animals dressed like people.”

CoolSnickers6 contents

Conclusion:

Between the unusual flavors and cooling effect, Cool Snickers were fun and were pretty tasty. If they come stateside (summer – perfect time – just sayin’), they’re worth a try. Probably only worth overpaying for them on eBay if you’re a hardcore novelty junkie.

Purchased Price: $28.99 (free shipping)
Size: 480g pack of (12) 40-oz bars
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Cool Coconut), 7 out of 10 (Cool Lemon), and 8 out of 10 (Cool Peach)
Nutrition Facts: (per 100 grams), 501 calories, 27.4 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 252 milligrams of sodium, 53.6 grams of carbohydrates, and 9.6 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Peanuts & Reese’s Pieces Bar

Ann 2 Comments

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar

I feel it’s accurate to say Reese’s is having a cultural moment.

Over the past 18 months, that tantalizing yellow, brown, and orange color combination has popped up across a multitude of sweet treats, whispering perfect peanut butter promises into our ears. In the never-ending (not a bad thing) parade of every conceivable ratio of peanut butter to chocolate (Peanut Butter Lovers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with Reese’s Pieces, the Take5 rebranding, etc.) comes the GIANT sized Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Peanuts & Reese’s Pieces Bar.

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Comparison

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Comparison 2

We reviewed the original 1.55 oz. Hershey’s & Reese’s Pieces bar in November 2018 (shout out Denis). This new GIANT version is different in that it’s, well, GIANT, and includes both Reese’s Pieces and peanuts. Knowing that the concept of ratios would be important here, I also picked up the “King Size” version of the peanut-less bar to compare. What can I say, I’m empathetic to a middle child.

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Comparison 3

The GIANT bar is clearly still using mini Reese’s Pieces. And, on cross-section, I can definitely also see the peanut pieces. There was the same delightful crunch from the candy pieces and the higher ratio of chocolate to inclusions in the GIANT bar made the overall flavor more balanced. The peanuts didn’t come through as strongly as the Reese’s Pieces.

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Back

My biggest issue with this bar is that I’m not sold on the graphics and description. Based on the packaging, I would expect the chocolate in this bar to be Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, but it definitely tastes different. There isn’t a clear ingredient line culprit to prove my suspicions, but the chocolate in the GIANT Peanuts & Reese’s Pieces bar is lighter in color and has WAY less cocoa flavor.

The chocolate in this bar is a lot more reminiscent of a Mr. Goodbar, but I’m not sure if that’s a flavor difference from the added peanut pieces, or if Hershey’s actually used different chocolate.

Overall, I think the GIANT version of this new(ish) candy mash-up is the best ratio of the three available sizes. If you’re looking for that true Hershey’s milk chocolate flavor, you’re not going to be completely satisfied. But, if you think the Mr. Goodbar is underappreciated, you might just love this.

Purchased Price: $2.24 (Giant)
Size: 7 oz. bar
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/6 of bar or 33 grams) 160 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, less than 5 mg of cholesterol, 40 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 19 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Cookies & Creme Twix (2019)

Mike 9 Comments

Twix Cookies Creme 2019

What is Cookies & Creme Twix?

Even ‘90s kids may not remember Cookies-N-Crème Twix, released for a short time in 1990. While not as cheeky as Oreo releasing a cookies and crème flavored Oreo a few years back, I have to wonder if Mars R&D had some real inside-the-box thinkers working there back in the 90s. Can a cookies and crème flavored cookie bar distinguish itself in the crowded modern candy market?

How is it?

Twix Cookies Creme 2019 Out

These mini Twix are the perfect size for popping whole into your mouth, and but I restrain myself and bite one in half. There’s a nice crunch from the chocolate cookie and chocolate flavor from the coating, but the crème doesn’t make much of an impact.

Twix Cookies Creme 2019 Innards

There are little cookie bits inside it, and that seems wrong. There’s already a cookie base! It may seem I’m making a sharing-sized issue out of a bite-sized matter, but it seems representative of the problem with this bar. Instead of making a great creme filling, Mars threw a typical cookie-and-crème filling in and called it a day.

Is there anything else you need to know?

I may razz Mars for its conservative approach to the Twix brand, but in truth I appreciate it. At a time when many manufacturers are in a race to wow consumers with more and more outlandish offerings (did anyone really want Swedish Fish Oreo cookies or Pecan Pie Pringles?), I like that Twix can be counted on to keep it with simple with various combinations of chocolate, cookie, caramel, and maybe peanut butter if we’re feeling frisky.

The problem with Cookies & Crème Twix is that the crème is unremarkable. If it had been able to distinguish itself in some way, this candy bar might work. As it stands, I’d rather have some caramel or peanut butter.

Conclusion:

Cookies & Crème Twix are unexceptional and actually offer a lesser taste experience than the brand’s more typical offerings.

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 9.7 oz. Sharing size bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 3 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (3 cookies) 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 65 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar (including 12 grams added sugar, and 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate

Elaine 4 Comments

Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate

What is Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate?

This is Kit Kat’s newest permanent U.S. flavor. This is a big deal for American Kit Kat lovers since it’s been a very long time since a new variety has made a debut with plans to stay (i.e., not seasonal or limited time). This bar is Kit Kat’s crispy wafers with the milk chocolate replaced with mint crème on top and dark chocolate on the bottom. The result is supposed to be a “duo” of two flavors.

How is it?

Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate Fingers

It smells like mint chocolate, and it tastes like mint chocolate. So if you like mint chocolate and Kit Kat’s iconic wafers, then this is your candy bar. You’ve probably now noticed that I’ve used the word mint a lot (seven times now if you count headings and titles), and that’s because mint is the dominant flavor of this Kat Kat variation.

I’m a fan of both mint AND dark chocolate and was hoping this duo would be an equal pairing, but it is unfortunately not. I think a mint + milk chocolate duo might be preferred to help increase the prevalence of chocolate taste.

Is there anything else you need to know?

It’s not minty enough to be an actual after-meal mint (it’s just that mint > dark chocolate flavor). If you need a breath freshener, then you should go for something else.

Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate Split Fingers

It’s also not quite as creamy as an Andes Mint, which makes sense as it is a Kit Kat bar with crispy wafers. For me, Andes Mints set the standard for mint chocolate (and also represent the end of a carb-loaded, satisfying meal at the Olive Garden…which I now want).

Conclusion:

It’s a mint Kit Kat and still a solid candy bar choice. Like most Kit Kats, this product separates well and is good for sharing, although I don’t typically share my candy bars.

Lastly, despite the uneven pairing in this DUOS bar, I still have high hope for future DUOS flavors.

Purchased Price: $1.39
Size: 1.5 oz.
Purchased at: Walgreens
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1.5 oz) 210 calories, 12 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 19 grams of total sugars, 18 grams of added sugars, 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat

Sam 2 Comments

Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat

What are Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat bars?

Have a break, have a Kit Kat, have a Cinnamon Dolce Latte?

The newest flavor in the Kit Kat lineup is Sweet Cinnamon. In an attempt to coincide with the holidays and bring something new besides candy cane or chocolate mint, the gang at Hershey’s has been “spicing” things up.

Kit Kats in America aren’t as extreme as some of its international counterparts, but sweet cinnamon offers a subtle, yet enticing option that’s around for the holiday season. But does the warm spice ever really go out of season?

How are they?

Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat Top

The second I unwrapped the elfish-decorated minis, the fragrance wasn’t so much like opening a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but instead a bag of cinnamon marshmallows.

After the first bite, I was a bit concerned. There was neither a robust nor subtle cinnamon flavor. So, was this basically a milk chocolate Kit Kat? Not that those aren’t great, but when I expect some cinnamon, I want that delicate balance of sugar, spice, and everything nice!!

Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat Innards

However, as I kept chewing, I eventually got a subtle and sweet flavor, almost like a particular Starbucks latte I know well.

Is there anything else you need to know?

The light, crispy wafer of a Kit Kat blends perfectly with the mild cinnamon and milk chocolate, but could you imagine if they were made with white chocolate? Think horchata.

Also, I do wish these weren’t limited time only, because they could do well any time of year.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a light cinnamon flavor that doesn’t overwhelm, these are for you. My facial reactions after eating these are like that of the elves on the wrappers.

Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat Elves

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 9 oz. bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (34 grams – 4 Pieces) 170 Calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, 17 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.