Tag: Candy

REVIEW: Reese’s Thins Peanut Butter Cups

Vin 2 Comments

Reese s Thins Peanut Butter Cups

What are Reese’s Thins?

New Reese’s Thins are not Hershey’s attempt at a “diet” food.

I was actually dumb enough to think that may have been the case for a second. A smarter person would have realized that these are simply thinner peanut butter cups.

How are they?

Reese s Thins Peanut Butter Cups Top

I’d find it a bit disingenuous to whine about any Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. They’re arguably the single greatest piece of candy on Earth, so you’d probably roll your eyes if I went on a long diatribe about how baffled I am by Reese’s Thins, right?

Well, just let me rant a little.

These shouldn’t exist.

Ok, that’s a tad dramatic, they’re still tasty enough, but Reese’s Thins are a just Cliff’s Notes of Reese’s Cups.

Reese s Thins Peanut Butter Cups Center

The ratio is off. Instead of that familiar gritty fluff of peanut butter, you just get a tiny layer sandwiched between overpowering chocolate. I don’t want chocolate to be the star of a Reese’s cup. Who eats Reese’s Cup and thinks, “I wish there was more chocolate?!”

The thinness makes these borderline crispy. I’d equate the texture to a frozen version of regular Cups.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Reese s Thins Peanut Butter Cups Wrappers

It’s not all boring. I couldn’t help but think these would actually be perfect in s’mores. I also appreciate the individual wrappers. They don’t have that oily wax paper dressing like regular Cups. Every Thin I ate was clean with no chunks coming off on the paper.

Conclusion:

You wouldn’t want a hamburger patty sliced like cold cuts would you? That’s my weird, probably nonsensical parallel here.

Why buy a bag of flat candy bars with a bit of peanut butter inside when you can get actual Reese’s Cups? Easter’s coming up, get a bag of those little foil wrapped Reese’s Cups if you want LESS Reese’s Cup –- at least they have the right peanut butter to chocolate ratio.

Purchased Price: $3.49 ($5.49 minus a $2 coupon attached to the display)
Size: 7.37 oz Bag
Purchased at: Rite Aid
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (3 Thins) 170 calories, 10 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 60 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 18 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dove Promises White Chocolate Carrot Cake

Marvo 2 Comments

Dove Promises White Chocolate Carrot Cake

What is Dove Promises White Chocolate Carrot Cake?

It’s Dove’s smooth white chocolate with artificial carrot cake flavoring and graham flavored crisps.

The first thing that pops into my mind when it comes to “crisps” is rice cereal. However, in the ingredients list they’re not labeled as “crisps.” Instead, they’re listed as “cookie pieces,” which sounds exactly 44 times more appealing than “crisps,” and it’s what should’ve been printed on the front of the packaging.

How is it?

I can tell you Dove didn’t just flavor it with cinnamon, dusted off its cinnamon-covered hands, and called it a day in the R&D department with these. It went deep into the artificial spice flavoring.

To be honest, off the top of my head, I’m not exactly sure what other spices are in carrot cake. I could Google it, but I don’t want all the display ads I see on websites to be about spices or spicy singles in my neighborhood. My tongue assumes it’s what’s in a pumpkin pie, but at different ratios. School me or scold me in the comments.

Dove Promises White Chocolate Carrot Cake Closeup

With all the spices, it does remind me of carrot cake. As for the cream cheese frosting that tops the cake, at times my taste buds think it’s there, but other times they don’t. Is there a carrot flavor? No. If there’s supposed to be some, it’s hidden it well.

The graham-flavored crisps provide a crunch that a baby carrot-topped carrot cake would have. Again, the front of the packaging calls them “crisps,” but Dove should be calling them cookie pieces because they crunch like cookie crumbs. As for the graham flavor, I don’t notice any, and I didn’t expect to with all the spices involved.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Dove Promises White Chocolate Carrot Cake Foil

According to the packaging, the candy comes wrapped in colorful, carrot-ful (Dove’s word, not mine) foils that’ll bring bites of spring to your candy dish. But do you know what else will bring spring to your candy dish? A layer of Easter basket grass.

Thank you for letting me bring out my inner Marvo Stewart.

Conclusion:

Dove Promises White Chocolate Carrot Cake is an excellent seasonal candy, and I wouldn’t be surprising if it shows up again next year with new foil designs or if the flavor ends up in another shape, like a bunny or egg.

Purchased Price: $3.99
Size: 7.94 oz. bag
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (4 pieces) 180 calories, 10 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 45 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 17 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: White Chocolate Marshmallow M&M’s

Rachel 2 Comments

White Chocolate Marshmallow M M s

What are White Chocolate Marshmallow M&M’s?

Because a bag of novelty-flavored M&M’s is easily stuffed into a bright plastic egg basket, Mars is dropping another installment of its special edition Easter flavors! This time, it’s white chocolate with marshmallow.

How are they?

You know how when you see cooking show contestants using the same batter/dough/base for multiple items, they are mostly likely not going to win? That’s what these M&M’s taste like. They’re essentially the same as the basic white chocolate M&M with the tiniest hint of another flavor zipping by at light speed.

White Chocolate Marshmallow M M s Plated

In this case, the flavor isn’t even the marshmallow advertised – it’s closer to fondant icing. You know how cooking show judges howl in disappointment when cakes or cookies get covered in fondant? It’s a polarizing flavor. Fondant is supposed to taste like marshmallow, but is more like what a replicator on the Enterprise that needs a tune-up would spit out.

The good news is there’s so little of it – and the white chocolate is dominant enough – that if you don’t know what fondant is, you might not even notice it here. I’ve been making cakes with it for 18 years, so I’d recognize that sugary dough anywhere.

White Chocolate Marshmallow M M s Pastels

While they taste perfectly pleasant (relying on the strength of their white chocolate base flavor), there’s a huge wasted opportunity here and I’m deducting points for that. Why didn’t they play around with texture? Swap out the crispy malted filling of the M&M’s Mini Eggs with a breakfast-cereal-style marshmallow center?

White Chocolate Marshmallow M M s Innards

Is there anything else you need to know?

The flesh-toned M&M’s are back in this mix, which is odd because they don’t seem to relate to the flavor here. As a color combination, I didn’t love it.

Conclusion:

If you love the white chocolate M&M’s, they’re not a bad purchase with lowered expectations. If you vehemently hate fondant and/or are a cooking show judge, proceed with caution.

Purchased Price: $3.19 (on sale)
Size: 8 oz. bag
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 oz./16 pieces) 140 calories, 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 15 grams of total sugars, 17 grams of added sugars, and 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Internationally Inspired Peanut M&M’s (Flavor Vote 2019)

Leonard 8 Comments

M M s 2019 Internationally Inspired Flavors

The flavor vote is back!

Not the O.G. one for Lay’s Potato Chips but for M&M’s, and it’s the third go round. Peanut M&M’s were a part of the first one where Chili Nut reigned supreme and last year for the Crunchy rendition where Mint came out on top.

This year, the vote has an international theme with the flavors associated with specific countries around the world. They are Mexican Jalapeno, English Toffee, and Thai Coconut.

Mexican Jalapeno

Mexican Jalapeno Peanut M M s

Let’s first go south of the border for Mexican Jalapeno where Yellow is decked out in an ornate sombrero, and the colors correspond to, uh, the Flag of Ethiopia?

I guess they match the red and green of the actual peppers with yellow for the quintessential peanut M&M of course. The flavor of this is pretty much non-existent except for a burning sensation that hits the back of my throat after swallowing.

Oddly enough it’s very variable as well. I had a handful that tasted like regular peanut M&M’s, but then a singular one gave me an intense burn. I didn’t notice any spices that would add another layer above the heat, and I feel like these are just repurposed Chili Nut ones. Kinda disappointing.

Purchased Price: $1.50
Size: 3.27 oz. bag
Purchased at: Wegmans
Rating: 4 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of Share Size Bag) 160 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 15 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 16 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.

English Toffee

English Toffee Peanut M M s

Now we jump over the pond to England for some toffee.

For these Yellow is wearing some sort of flag endorsed bowler hat but since it is Great Britain, let’s say it is a fancy fascinator so we can elevate this entire experience. These are a step above the jalapeno ones as I really get an intense kick of flavor upon the first bite.

It has a burnt caramel-y roasted sensation that reminds me of toffee. These are nice because the toffee hits, but then the milk chocolate and peanut shine through towards the end. However, the colors are probably the least exciting of the bunch – brown, yellow, and tan.

Again though I am tempted to cycle through past flavors, and I can’t help but think of Peanut Brrr..ittle. If you’re not sure what the difference is, don’t be alarmed as that is the first question that pops up when doing some internet sleuthing. There isn’t much as one seems to be just a harder crunch. So this might be another past flavor profile in shiny new packaging. Good, but nothing new here.

Purchased Price: $1.50
Size: 3.27 oz. bag
Purchased at: Wegmans
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of Share Size Bag) 160 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 15 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 16 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.

Thai Coconut

Thai Coconut Peanut M M s

Finally, let’s travel halfway around the world to Thailand for some coconutty goodness.

Yellow is drinking out of a coconut and sporting a lovely pink flower above where his ear would be if he had one. The best costume offsets the most confusing colors, though, as they are blue, lime green, and off-white that don’t match the country or the flavor. They do give off a tropical vibe and maybe are meant to mimic the leaves, water, and sand? That literally just came to me, and I have been staring at the packages for at least an hour now. Way too much brainpower on this one!

The coconut flavor comes through slowly on these and builds. But it doesn’t get too lost with the chocolate and peanut components. I’m not the biggest fan of coconut-flavored things especially when it’s artificial as I think it tastes like sunscreen. However, these were pleasant to me. It was not strong enough to reach Banana Boat status, thankfully.

The combination is the most unique out of the bunch. Just ignore the Thai part of it as it again doesn’t make a lick of sense. Thai coconuts seem to be sweeter than regular ones, but this is a candy whose first ingredient is sugar soooo… it’s a reach for sure. Anyway, there have been coconut M&M’s before, but I couldn’t find any mention of a peanut version. Score, something new for once!

Purchased Price: $1.50
Size: 3.27 oz. bag
Purchased at: Wegmans
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of Share Size Bag) 160 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 15 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 16 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.

Other Things

  • These are available in both the signature check-out lane smaller packs and also the resealable larger ones depending on if you have self-control or not with your sweets.
  • You can vote on which flavor is your favorite, and the winner will stick around in stores. Participating can potentially get you a trip around the world (code for the three countries showcased).
  • If this is the second time this promotion features Peanut M&M’s, when is almond gonna get some love?
  • Overall this flavor vote seems to be more of a clever marketing effort with repurposed flavors using a trendy international approach. I wish they would have really gone for it, though. I’m talking American Bacon, Belgian Waffle, and Chinese Red Bean.

REVIEW: Hershey’s Lava Cake Kisses

Meghan 6 Comments

Hershey s Lava Cake Kisses

Money can’t buy love, but it can buy a bag of kisses.

Such thoughts echoed through my mind as I stood in the checkout line, suddenly realizing that purchasing Valentine’s candy for myself is only one level less sad than making dinner reservations for a party of one.

Hershey s Lava Cake Kisses 2

Featuring a molten core surrounded by a shell of rich dark chocolate, Hershey’s Lava Cake Kisses are the newest holiday-themed addition to the famous family of tear-drop shaped candies. Cascading from the bag, veiled in adorable heart-stamped foil, these chocolates seem to be a reminder to all the all the single ladies (and gentlemen, I suppose) that Hershey’s is always able to provide comfort on long and lonely nights.

Out of the foil, each Kiss seems unassuming when compared to one of its milk chocolate cousins, with a slightly darker hue being the only hint pointing towards these being anything out of the ordinary. Unassuming looks aside, these are a fun riff on a classic treat.

Hershey s Lava Cake Kisses 4

While not super-dark, the chocolate is noticeably more mature than Hershey’s usual offerings and works well for building the shell of each candy. Even so, the filling of each confection completes the experience.

Hershey s Lava Cake Kisses 3

As advertised, it’s gooey, chocolatey, and makes these otherwise unoriginal goodies into a unique and delicious treat that tastes similar to their decadent inspiration.

If eating a couple of Lava Cake Kisses leaves you craving the traditional dessert, Hershey’s has you covered, being thoughtful enough to print a recipe for homemade ones on the back of each bag.

Hershey s Lava Cake Kisses 5

Hershey s Lava Cake Kisses 6

As a novice home-baker, I decided to give the recipe a whirl, and the resulting cake/brownie hybrids were even better than the chocolates used to make them! All of them turned out dense, fudgy, and perfectly molten in the middle, thanks to impaling three Kisses into each ramekin of cake batter before baking. Considering how easy they were to make, I could ultimately see baking a batch of them as a fun at-home date idea, or something to do on a rainy day.

Even if I spend this Valentine’s Day watching TV by myself, I wouldn’t mind using these Kisses to drown out my single person’s sorrows. I hope Hershey’s decides to make this a regular seasonal flavor because it’ll be disappointing if I don’t come across it next year.

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 9 oz. bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (6 kisses) 120 calories, 7 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 14 grams of total sugars, 14 grams of added sugars, and 1 gram of protein.