REVIEW: Little Caesars Hot-N-Ready Slices-N-Stix

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Little Caesars Hot N Ready Slices N Stix Whole Thing

Little Caesars seems to always have a new scheme up its sleeve. One of the true masters of limited edition offerings – and that’s why you love this website, right?

From bacon-wrapped deep dish to cheese-stuffed crazy bread to my favorite, the undeniable pretzel crust pizza, it always finds ways to entice me back into its budget-friendly establishments. Its latest creation fuses an entree and an appetizer into one with the Hot-N-Ready Slices-N-Stix. Four pepperoni slices, eight Italian Cheese Stix, and a side of Crazy Sauce.

Grabbing my Hot-N-Ready pizza out of Little Caesars’ very cool and innovative Pizza Portal by scanning a QR code on my phone, I was surprised to see it personalized just for me. What I thought said “SES” on the outside, my initials, was actually S&S for Slices-N-Stix. A seemingly nice gesture from Caesar was just some insider employee scribble to make sure the pizza didn’t go into the wrong portal slot. I would have taken a picture of the sweet machine, but it was the most crowded Little Caesars I have ever been in, packed with customers and a line ten deep out the door. Friday night pizza night lives on!

Nine out of ten times when I order a customized pie, I get half and half, because who doesn’t love mixing up their bites? That desire to have slices of different identities made this latest creation alluring. I had to have it right away.

The only letdown was finding I didn’t get any Crazy Sauce in my box. I should have checked, but the location was such a madhouse that I didn’t dare open my glistening pizza in front of the 20 yet-to-be-satisfied people around me. Fortunately, my home is stocked with pasta sauce, so the evening went on swimmingly.

Little Caesars Hot N Ready Slices N Stix Pasta

Little Caesars Hot N Ready Slices N Stix Pizza Closeup

The pepperoni pizza half is exactly what you would expect. I’ve found LC’s quality in the last couple of years to be much better than what I remember from the early 2000s. The sauce is zesty and flavorful, the cheese is gooey and plentiful, and the pepperoni shiny and salty. With the foundation of a crust that has just enough heft to feel satisfying without being too bready.

Little Caesars Hot N Ready Slices N Stix Stix Closeup

This was my first time having the Italian Cheese Stix, and I really enjoyed them. Despite being on the same crust, the lack of sauce changes the dough’s flavor in a way that really highlights the fatty cheese. I loved the alternate cut style from the regular pizza half, which left me with a couple pieces that had no crust, just simple cheesy, bready bliss. When dunked in marinara, I get that classic parlor cheese bread flavor with just the right acidity amount. Yet, it still tastes different from the normal pizza slices with its altered ratios of toppings.

Slices-N-Stix is a really simple concept that’s executed perfectly. As usual with Little Caesars, it’s hard to nitpick the quality with its generous prices, and this limited offering delivers what it promises. Food doesn’t have to be crazy to be crazy good, and despite the missing Crazy Sauce, I can’t wait to have this one again before it inevitably disappears.

Purchased Price: $6.00
Size: One Pizza
Purchased at: Little Casears
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 pizza) 2950 calories, 141 grams of fat, 69 grams of saturated fat, 4.5 grams of trans fat, 355 milligrams of cholesterol, 6710 milligrams of sodium, 264 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of fiber, 14 grams of total sugars, and 161 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Stuffed Bagel Minis

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Dunkin Stuffed Bagel Minis Everything Seasoning

What are Dunkin’ Stuffed Bagel Minis?

Dunkin’ is finally taking a cue from Starbucks by adding mini bagel rounds filled with cream cheese to its menu.

How are they?

Before I get into that, I have to whine.

Ya know those donut holes Dunkin’ is famous for? The snackable miniature versions of its famous donuts? What are they called again?

The only reason I ask is because Dunkin’ completely dropped the bagel ball by not calling these “Bagel Munchkins,” right? Why aren’t these called “Bagel Munchkins”? Honestly, if that name is being phased out because it’s mildly offense, I’m ok with it, but why aren’t these called “Bagel Munchkins”? They had that one on a tee – Dunkin’ Bagel Munchkins.

I should probably stop saying the word just in case. Besides, it reminds me of the Secretary of the Treasury, and that dude owes me $1200.

Dunkin Stuffed Bagel Minis Coffee

Ok, so stuffed bagel minis – are they good? Yeah, sure, they’re pretty good.

The Everything seasoning-topped bagel shell had the exact texture I dig. I like a fat, chewy, room temperature bagel.

Dunkin Stuffed Bagel Minis Cream Cheese

These are a good bite, but I didn’t love the cream cheese filling. There’s too much of it, and it was burning hot, even after driving home a few minutes. I expected that but realized I definitely prefer cold, more solidified cream cheese.

Still, these are fun. The “M-word” version of a Dunkin’ bagel is much better than its regular bagels, which are trash-tier.

Anything else you need to know?

Dunkin Stuffed Bagel Minis

These come in packs of two, which is a perfect serving size.

You can also get a Plain bagel version. I was going to try those as well. But honestly, I think I can make my assumption on those from eating the undoubtedly superior Everything topped one.

Conclusion:

I would get these again 100 times out 100 over a regular bagel, but I would wait a couple of minutes to let the cream cheese lava cool down.

I hope Dunkin’ eventually uses Bantam Bagels as inspiration to try some flavored cream cheeses and more varieties of bagels.

Purchased Price: $2.49
Size: 2-pack
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2 Minis) 260 calories, 12 grams of fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 30 mg of cholesterol, 400 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of total carbohydrates, 5 grams of total sugars, 3 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte

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Dunkin Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte Cup

What is the Dunkin’ Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte?

If you’re searching for a slight remix on the typical Pumpkin Spice Latte, Dunkin’ has you covered.

How is it?

Quick, without looking, what’s today’s date?!

Yeah, I had no idea either, but I bet you’re a little shocked we’ve already reached Pumpkin Spice Season. Sure, it seems to come earlier and earlier every year, but if you told me it was June 10th, I wouldn’t put up a fight. Times and dates have become a complete blur.

If you need something to help shake that fog, might I suggest this new Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Dunkin Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte Dunkin Logo

The word “Signature” might be fogging my thought process here, but this tastes like an “upscale” iced pumpkin spiced latte. A slightly more mature tasting Dunkin’ drink if you will. The difference here is a shot of espresso and vanilla.

The vanilla flavor definitely bleeds through nicely. The espresso balances the pumpkin flavor, which prevents it from being too overbearing or artificial tasting.

Anything else you need to know?

The downside about lattes, especially at Dunkin’, is that they ultimately end up tasting more like a milk drink than a coffee. That sounds obvious, but if I told you this was some kind of NesQuik-style coffee and pumpkin-flavored milk, you’d believe me. I acknowledge how nitpicky this sounds.

Dunkin Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte Whip

I’m hot and cold on whipped topping, but the cinnamon-topped cream here was a perfect addition. I actually think I liked the last few sips of latte and melted topping best.

Oh, and speaking of hot and cold, you can get this hot or iced. I always opt for iced.

Conclusion:

So, this really isn’t an extreme departure from the pumpkin spice fare you’re used to, but it’s still quite good.

I like the thought process. Pumpkin spice is a bit played out, so why not start mixing it with other flavors and really ramp it up? Vanilla is a good start, but I want some Mocha Pumpkin Spice stuff or something weirder like Coconut Pumpkin Spice. That should be the bridge coffee from summer to fall.

It’s fall now, right? What day is it again? I forgot already.

Purchased Price: $3.79
Size: Small
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 5 gram of trans fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 20 mg of cholesterol, 160 milligrams of sodium, 43 grams of total carbohydrates, 38 grams of total sugars, 0 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Starbucks Star Drink

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Starbucks Star Drink Cup

What is the Starbucks Star Drink?

It combines the new Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher (kiwi and starfruit juice) base with coconut milk and real kiwi pieces for a sweet, creamy beverage.

How is it?

Um, yum. This drink was GOOD. Initially, I was a little skeptical that Starbucks would release a summer-y beverage so close to the return of the beloved PSL. For me, it’s never too early for a PSL. But after trying the Star Drink, I’m over here hoping summer will hang on a little longer so I can stay in the mood for this one.

Starbucks Star Drink Top

I think Starbucks does drinks mixed with coconut well, and this did not disappoint. It’s sweet, with a small hint of tartness from the starfruit. It’s much sweeter than the Violet Drink, Pink Drink, and even the Dragon Drink (also Starbucks Refresher flavors mixed with coconutmilk). But not in a “this should be a dessert drink” way. My initial thought was that it tastes like a Starburst candy… like a combined pink and yellow Starburst. Not sad about that at all!

The Star Drink goes down easy and smooth. I (coconut)milked it – see what I did there? – for a little over an hour and it didn’t get too watery from the ice or lose its flavor.

Anything else you need to know?

With just 45 milligrams of caffeine in a Grande, I’d order this drink as a small pick-me-up in the afternoon when I’ve already had my morning coffee. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing, and gives that small caffeine hit.

Conclusion:

If you’re a fan of the other Starbucks beverages with coconutmilk, give this one a try. The flavor is unique, tropical, and fun.

Purchased Price: $4.45
Size: Grande
Purchased at: Starbucks
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 130 calories, 2.5 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 65 milligrams of sodium, 26 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 grams of dietary fiber, 22 grams of total sugars, 1 grams of protein, and 45 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Del Taco Crispy Chicken Tacos

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Del Taco Crispy Chicken Tacos Sign

What are the Del Taco Crispy Chicken Tacos?

The latest addition to Del Taco’s Del’s Dollar Deals value menu, this pollo-friendly concoction features ostensibly a small-ish crispy chicken strip, slathered in creamy ranch sauce and blanketed in shredded cheddar cheese and lettuce and then thankfully wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.

And, as tasty as that sounds, for those of us that need a bit more spice in our sad lives, there’s a hot ‘n ready habanero variation, one that dutifully replaces the regular ranch sauce with an arousing habanero-flavored sauce, also best described as “creamy.”

Del Taco Crispy Chicken Tacos 2

How are they?

The unleaded Crispy Chicken Taco delivers so much more taste than I expected from a dollar item. Though somewhat small, this cut of chicken packs a mighty peck, doing more faux-Mexican flavor-ready damage than even the greenback-friendly McChicken Sandwich from McDonald’s.

Del Taco Crispy Chicken Taco Open

The warm ranch cradles the chicken and provides a nice flavor. The mainly useless lettuce and cheese do add some hefty girth to the proceedings. Though not all that crispy, the chicken does it’s clucking job, providing a hearty taste far better than most other corporate taco-competitors.

Del Taco Habanero Crispy Chicken Taco

On the other hand, the habanero variety outshines the previous one, delivering a far spicier kick that surprised even my tastebuds. With the selected ingredients utilized much of the same way as the regular crispy taco, the smooth habanero sauce’s addition is a much-needed presence. It provides a controlled flavor, one that I’d like to really see more of on the Del Taco menu.

Anything else you need to know?

In addition to these crispy chicken eats, Del Taco also has other crispy chicken menu items — the Epic Crispy Chicken and Guac Burrito and a three-piece Crispy Chicken and Fries Box, which is not really all that Mexican.

Conclusion:

Since the addition of its Beyond Meat items, we haven’t really heard too much from Del Taco lately. With these Crispy Chicken Tacos, however, that will hopefully change. And, with both tacos part of Del Taco’s value menu — each one costing only a measly dollar — it’s more than worth a summer sampling.

Purchased Price: $1.00 each
Size: N/A
Purchased at: Del Taco
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Regular), 8 out of 10 (Habanero)
Nutrition Facts: Regular – 230 calories, 14 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 540 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar, and 10 grams of protein. Habanero – 240 calories, 15 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 550 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar, and 10 grams of protein.

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