Tag: Fast Food

REVIEW: Burger King Whopper Melt

Vin 14 Comments

Burger King Whopper Melt Toast

Before I stepped foot in the hallowed Home of the Whopper to try its new Melt, I took a quiz on the Burger King app to figure out which version was perfect for me.

Said app proceeded to tell me to get the regular Whopper Melt because I was “the anti-social one.”

Burger King Whopper Melt Anti Social

Sure, I haven’t interacted with another human being since 2019, but I don’t need a burger joint to remind me. Here I thought I was a glutton for fast food, but turns out I was also a glutton for punishment.

Nevertheless, I was undeterred. I didn’t exactly appreciate that little jab, but I wanted to try the burger. You win, King.

The new Whopper Melt is a double patty burger smothered in melty cheese, “Stacker Sauce,” and caramelized onions layered between two pieces of toast.

I wouldn’t say mine was particularly “toasty,” but I love this style bun, and it was easily better than the BK norm.

Burger King Whopper Melt Under the Bun

For a burger called a “melt,” I was genuinely happy the cheese wasn’t as “melty” as I expected. I thought this thing would be extremely messy, but the cheese rested nicely between regular slice and nacho sauce, giving it a texture that fit the name, but also didn’t drip all over the place. It was perfect.

Speaking of perfect, Stacker Sauce was the star of the show. I know it’s been used in the past, but this was my first time trying it.

The caramelized onions sprinkled throughout the sauce gave it the flavor and texture of diced sweet pickle relish in a Thousand Island dressing. I think I may have found my new favorite burger sauce.

Burger King Whopper Melt Bite

As for the beef, they’re not my favorite fast food patties, but they do the job. It’ll all depend on whether or not you like flame-broiled patties. I couldn’t help but wish this was a Wendy’s burger, as the entire concept and appearance felt more like its speed.

The Whopper Melt is basically a Whopper in name only. I hadn’t had a Whopper in years, but I know this was unequivocally better.

You can get your Whopper Melt with bacon, but it doesn’t seem necessary. There’s also a spicy version with jalapenos and a “creamy spicy sauce,” which I’m sure is good, but I loved the Stacker Sauce so much, I can’t imagine it possibly topping it.

Burger King Whopper Melt Wrapper

If I have one minor complaint, this sandwich is somehow pretty… small?

I expected a behemoth, but was done with it in no time. There are two patties weighing 1/4 of a pound, but I don’t even think this stacks up to a regular Whopper in size. It’s like a double Whopper Jr., but ya know what, I didn’t get fast food fatigue, so that’s a plus.

The Whopper Melt might legit be the best BK burger I’ve had since, I don’t even know, the original Rodeo Burger from the 90s? It’s impressive.

My new plan is to get some actual friends together and try the Spicy Whopper Melt, which I assume is only for cool kids.

Purchased Price: $5.79
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 604 calories, 35 grams of fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 93 milligrams of cholesterol, 981 milligrams of sodium, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 29 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Burrito

Marvo 6 Comments

Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Burrito Split

What is the Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Burrito?

It features the returning Nacho Fries with steak, tomatoes, reduced-fat sour cream, cheddar cheese, chipotle sauce, and nacho cheese sauce inside a warm flour tortilla.

How is it?

Well, it depends on how tired you are of Taco Bell’s creamy chipotle sauce. I’m fine with it because it’s still tasty to me, but it sure seems as if it’s been in every product the chain has put out over the past six months. So I wouldn’t be surprised if there are folks whose taste buds have grown bored of it. Last September, it came with the Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco. Last November, it was in the Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito. In January, it was nestled in the Chipotle Cheddar Chalupa. And, last month, it was squirted into a Cantina Crispy Chicken Taco. But if you’re like me and still enjoy that smoky, slightly spicy sauce, then there’s a great chance you’ll like it in this burrito.

Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Burrito Split 2

Along with the creamy chipotle sauce, the other highlight of this menu item was, and this is going to be hard to believe, the tomatoes. Yes, they’ve been in DOZENS of previous products, and I don’t think I’ve ever considered them a highlight. But the bites I enjoyed the most were the ones where the acidic explosion from a tomato happened on the backdrop of the chipotle and nacho cheese sauces, which created something like tomato queso.

The flavors of the headlining ingredients – the steak and Nacho Fries – come through with most bites, but the sauces stand out the most. The steak was, as usual, unusually tender. And, despite hanging out with three different sauces in the flour tortilla, the handful of fries surprisingly had some crispiness to them.

Anything else you need to know?

You’re not alone if you thought to yourself, “Is the Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Burrito new?” I confused it with the Loaded Taco Fries Burrito I had last summer that had seasoned beef, Nacho Fries, crispy red strips, lettuce, nacho cheese sauce, spicy ranch, tomatoes, and cheese.

Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Burrito Size

Also, while we’re comparing burritos, I felt that this one wasn’t as hefty as the Loaded Taco Fries Burrito because it appears to have fewer fries stuffed in it. Of course, your fry stuff-age may vary.

Conclusion:

If you want to celebrate the return of Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries, its Steak Nacho Fries Burrito is a delicious way to do so.

Purchased Price: $4.59*
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 520 calories, 27 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 1140 milligrams of sodium, 53 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar, and 17 grams of protein.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

REVIEW: Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard

Denis 2 Comments

Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard Cup

What is the Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard?

It’s the March Blizzard of the Month with brownie pieces, choco chunks, and mint flavor combined with Dairy Queen vanilla soft serve. It’s not technically new, as DQ had the more accurately named Choco Mint Brownie Blizzard with the same ingredients back in 2012. But I don’t remember what I had for breakfast today, or even what day it is, so I’m counting this as new since there’s no chance of me remembering if I’ve had it before.

How is it?

Classic, simple, and really good. This Blizzard is not extreme or outrageous like some past combinations, and DQ even made the name more basic than the last time it was offered. Even though it includes three common Blizzard elements, they all work together perfectly.

Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard Brownie

The brownie pieces are amazing creations that can maintain a perfect chewy texture even while bathing in ice cream. I assume one of the words I cannot pronounce in the list of ingredients on the DQ website is responsible for that. Then the choco chunks add some crunch to go with the soft brownies, and the mint flavor is complementary instead of overpowering like in some mint ice cream treats. Mint is not even one of my favorite flavors, but I still enjoyed this Blizzard and will miss it when it’s gone.

Anything else you need to know?

Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard Closeup

I originally thought it would be easy to order this Blizzard any time of year because DQ always has mint flavoring, brownies, and choco chunks available. It turns out I was wrong. According to the never-wrong internet, DQ stopped making mint flavoring available year-round in 2015, so now they only have it sporadically when there’s a Blizzard containing it. It makes me wonder if somewhere there’s a big warehouse full of DQ mint flavor just waiting for the chance to be called into action. Clearly, I have too much time on my hands to sit and wonder about such things.

Conclusion:

I’m not going to tell you to run to DQ to get this Blizzard. Running is hard, and I don’t want you to get tired. But this one is worth picking up, or even overpaying a delivery service to bring it to you.

Purchased Price: $4.99
Size: Medium
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Medium) 910 calories, 35 grams of fat, 22 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 65 milligrams of cholesterol, 380 milligrams of sodium, 137 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 110 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

Jenna 4 Comments

Dunkin Salted Caramel Cold Brew Cup

This was a hard review to write, and by that, I mean I gave in to the temptation to take a tiny taste of cold foam immediately after leaving Dunkin’ and then had to exert a downright colossal amount of willpower to make the suddenly-excruciating three-minute walk home without downing the entire thing.

First, I need to shine a spotlight on the lid that delivered this sweet sneak peek. If you’ve had a drink with cold foam before, you’re probably already familiar with its wider-than-usual opening that serves a mouthful of intact foam with each no-straw-required sip (before the foam inevitably melts, anyway).

Dunkin Salted Caramel Cold Brew Foam

Next, I need to thank said lid for allowing me to experience such a delicious flavor. The Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew name is predictably accurate, as right off the bat, the foam packs a mix of salt, caramel, and cream flavors. Interestingly, though, while I don’t usually think of either salt or caramel as being subtle, they were not what stood out to me in my sampling. That honor goes to the foam’s creaminess, and I don’t just mean its soft, luxurious texture. The flavor that it most reminded me of was actually Twinkie filling. Sure, its rich, sweet taste played a large part in that, but so did the sheer feeling of comfort it brought me. Coffee tends to get a bad rap through its association with the stressed out, overworked, and under-slept, but this saccharine cold foam had me feeling childlike wonder.

Dunkin Salted Caramel Cold Brew Half Full

The cold brew (which I ordered black, though you can opt for cream) felt pretty standard with its dark, almost chocolatey flavor profile. While it was velvety and milder than a brew of the non-cold variety, I didn’t get much of the tang of saltiness nor the buttery richness of caramel from the drink itself. Notably, it performed a bit of color-changing magic. Remember that inevitably melty foam? The coffee started out a very deep brown but ended up practically tan from foam seepage, which presumably contributed to its rich, silky taste. I’ve witnessed the occasional schism between “serious” coffee drinkers who prefer a plain and simple experience and those like myself who welcome every frilly flavor out there, but I don’t think this offering is any less elegant for its sweetness, achieving a middle ground that can appeal to both sides.

I will say, I’m not sure why this is specifically a spring menu item. Maybe I’m just distracted by the thought of caramel apples, but the flavor strikes me as autumnal, if anything. So it’s a bit of a seasonal stretch, but eh, tomayto, tomahto (or cair-a-mel, car-mel).

Ultimately, if you’re not already a cold brew fan, I don’t think this will be the drink to convert you. But if you are a curious connoisseur — or if you’re just looking for some extra pep in your step and want a smooth, multifaceted flavor to help you achieve it — I’d recommend checking this one out.

Purchased Price: $5.00
Size: Small (12 oz)
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 140 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 75 milligrams of sodium, 28 grams of total carbohydrates, 27 grams of total sugars, 0 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Arby’s Spicy Fish Sandwich

Brandon 7 Comments

Arby s Spicy Fish Sandwich Whole

I am not a super-regular consumer of fast food fish sandwiches. That’s not to suggest that I never have them, though. The ratio is probably just something along the lines of, for every fish sandwich I have, I probably eat ten non-fish sandwiches (aka a chicken sandwich or a hamburger). That number may be off a bit, I don’t know. I mean really, who charts what sort of animal their fast food meal came from? (As I typed this out, I realized that I actually kind of like this idea. So, I mean, I guess I might start.)

Anyway, it’s prime fish sandwich season, what with the Lent and so forth, and so all of your favorite purveyors of drive-thru delectables are either offering deals on their existing pescatarian products or coming up with new ones. Like this — the new Arby’s Spicy Fish Sandwich.

What you’ve got here is the standard Arby’s fish sandwich base— crispy fish fillet, shredded lettuce, and tartar sauce on a sesame seed bun — but you’re adding a tomato slice, fiery seasoning, and diced jalapeños to the mix. And the result? I cod eat this every time I order Arby’s. (Get it? Cod is a type of fish. We like to have a good time here at The Impulsive Buy, right?)

Arby s Spicy Fish Sandwich Split

The sesame seed bun was pretty standard and bland, but it was soft and held up well. The lettuce was crunchy and fresh, but the tomato was a bit mealy. It still served its greater purpose, I believe, which was to help cut down some of the fieriness of this sandwich. And was this thing fiery? Boy howdy.

Arby s Spicy Fish Sandwich Top

There is a duality to the heat here that stems from the “fiery seasoning” as well as the diced jalapeños. It’s hard to say which packs more of a punch because your mouth is pretty much engulfed after the first bite. I will say, though, that isolating the two gives two distinct heats; the jalapeño (the fresh, bright green kind, not pickled) is an instant tongue-punch while the seasoning on the fillet — which contains chili powder and cayenne amongst other things — is a slow burn.

It’s hard to know if this heat is too much for an average pallet. I feel like my receptors are abnormal and therefore unreliable; I can have Thai-hot and be fine, but other times an unassuming “spicy mayo” will be almost too much. I found this to be a perfectly acceptable level of hot, but I’m not going to refund your money if you get it and can’t take more than a bite or two. (Nor will I be shocked if you get it and you tell me that, I don’t know, your two-year-old tried it and loved it.)

What WILL surprise me, however, is if you get this sandwich and don’t enjoy it. Arby’s crispy, crunchy, light and tasty fish fillet is elevated by the spice, but it’s never too much; the tangy tartar sauce and cool veggies counterbalance the heat in a delightfully pleasant way. It’s a shame that this won’t become a regular menu item, because I cod order it ever … wait, did I already do the cod joke? Hang on, where are you going?

Purchased Price: $4.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 580 calories, 25 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 1200 milligrams of sodium, 68 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar, and 21 grams of protein.