REVIEW: McDonald’s Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry

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McDonald s Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry Cup

What is it?

McDonald’s newest McCreation is the Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry. The sweet treat features chocolatey-coated pretzel pieces and caramel topping blended with vanilla soft serve. It’s available for a limited time at participating locations.

How is it?

The dessert is creamy, chocolatey, crunchy, caramel-ly, and cretzel-ly, um, I mean pretzel-ly.

McDonald s Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry Spoon

First off, let’s talk about those pretzel pieces with a chocolatey coating. For the most part, they’re crunchy. The cocoa coating dampens the crunch a tad, but that’s better than uncoated pieces getting soggy in melting soft serve. I was expecting some saltiness from the pretzels, which would’ve made this more of a sweet and salty treat. But I’m fine with their crunch and whatever pretzel flavor comes through, which I’ll admit is not a lot. However, there are a lot of pieces. Every spoonful I dug up had a few. As for the coating, it has a mild chocolatey flavor that’s more noticeable than what’s inside it.

McDonald s Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry Top

The caramel in the Mount McFlurry crater in the middle of my cup is gooey and sweet. But, unlike the pretzel pieces, it’s not as noticeable in every spoonful after I’ve stirred everything a few times. Also, while it adds butteriness and more sweetness, it might’ve been better if it was salted caramel. Perhaps I should’ve asked for a salt packet to sprinkle on top. Oh, wait, salt melts ice or something, right?

Anything else you need to know?

Speaking of McDonald’s caramel topping, if it seems as if the fast food chain uses it often when it comes to new McFlurry varieties, you are McCorrect. Last year, it was the Caramel Brownie McFlurry. In 2020, it was the Chips Ahoy McFlurry. And in 2019, it was the Stroopwafel McFlurry. I’m not complaining, but I’d like to remind the R&D folks in McDonald’s test kitchens that they also have hot fudge and strawberry toppings.

Conclusion:

McDonald’s Chocolatey Pretzel McFlurry is tasty. Though, I’ll admit it’s not the most exciting combination when compared with previous limited time McOfferings. I don’t think it’s as scrumptious as the Stroopwafle or Caramel Brownie McFlurry, but it’ll satisfy a summer sweet tooth.

Purchased Price: $3.59
Size: Regular
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 670 calories, 19 grams of fat, 14 grams of saturated fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 320 milligrams of sodium, 109 grams of carbohydrates, 75 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber, and 15 grams of protein.

REVIEW: McDonald’s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie

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McDonald s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie Cup

What is McDonald’s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie?

Just in time for the season of consistent daily double-digit UV index levels, McDonald’s has added a new flavor to its cold drink lineup — the Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie.

How is it?

It’s 82 degrees in my office, and the frozen beverage is doing a great job at keeping me cool as I suck its high-level UV index-colored goodness from a straw. But, after trying so many different mango-flavored products that have an easily recognizable mango flavor over the years, which make them so great, I have to say I don’t have a crushie on this slushie.

McDonald s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie Top

If I went up to random people on the street, asked them to try the Tropical Mango Slushie, and then asked what flavor they think it is, I’m not sure most people would say mango. Some might say peach, and others might say apricot because that’s what I taste. For those who answered with non-mango fruits, I’d tell them that they’re wrong. Then I’ll say they should never accept a slushie sip from a stranger. However, I do notice something that’s more recognizable as mango in the aftertaste. But it’s a fruity flavor that I associate with beverages that have artificial sweeteners, which isn’t optimal for a drink that doesn’t have any.

Anything else you need to know?

If you find yourself at McDonald’s and desire a limited-time slushie flavor, go for the Minute Maid Strawberry Watermelon Slushie. It’s better tasting, and it tastes like what its name says.

Conclusion:

McDonald’s Minute Maid Tropical Mango Slushie will temporarily cool you down during the season that makes your antiperspirant work super extra hard. But if you’re a mango maniac, its flavor might not be a letdown.

Purchased Price: $2.00
Size: Medium
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 220 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 60 grams of carbohydrates, 59 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Cake Batter Signature Latte

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Dunkin Cake Batter Signature Latte 1

Summer is (sort of) here, and with it comes Dunkin’s new summer menu featuring the Cake Batter Signature Latte because nothing says summer like stirring unbaked cake into your coffee. What, you’ve never done that? Do you mean to tell me you’ve never set out to make a cake, decided it was too hot to turn on the oven, and then solved the problem by just swirling the batter into your espresso? Yeah, me neither, but that didn’t stop me from deciding I needed to know what it would be like if I did.

Combining espresso and milk with cake batter flavor and topped with whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and rainbow sprinkles, this beverage blurs the lines between coffee and dessert. It looks like something you’d order if you decided to have a little party for yourself.

My quest for this party began on a cold Chicago day where summer felt far away, but the idea of coffee with sprinkles felt just right. I ordered both iced and hot versions, and my request was met with confusion. I couldn’t tell if this was because the employee didn’t understand why I’d want both or if he didn’t know what the Cake Batter Latte was. After some questioning, I received them, and now it was my turn to be confused.

Dunkin Cake Batter Signature Latte First Attempt

Both had whipped cream and sprinkles, but “rainbow” would be a stretch as most were white or very muted pastels. Where there should have been a mocha drizzle, there was a thin, tan syrup and a dash of brown powder. The drinks weren’t bad but were kind of sad looking and tasted nothing like cake batter. I walked away thinking I had two possibly hazelnut flavored lattes and vowed to try again.

Ok, Round Two! A new day, a new Dunkin’ location.

Dunkin Cake Batter Signature Latte Cake on Summer

This time I opted for just the iced version and was relieved when it looked more like the image on the menu encouraging me to “Cake on the Summer.” Don’t mind if I do! The mocha drizzle was clearly present this time, and the sprinkles had a brighter appearance. Then it came to taste time and I was disappointed that the bulk of this coffee is the same flavor I had before, and it still doesn’t taste like cake batter to me. It seemed closer to a French Vanilla and I’m wondering if the nuttiness is some sort of almond flavoring. Almond extract is a fairly typical ingredient in many cakes, so maybe it’s unfair to say this doesn’t taste like one. I should say that it doesn’t taste like the kind I thought it would, a vanilla-forward birthday cake mix. Maybe this tastes like a petit four?

Dunkin Cake Batter Signature Latte Sprinkles

Dunkin Cake Batter Signature Latte Mocha Drizzle

The espresso has a rich flavor and the (non)cake batter flavoring and toppings don’t totally overwhelm it. It’s sweet but more balanced than you might anticipate something swirled with cake batter to be. The mocha drizzle doesn’t add much taste but aesthetically contributes to a decorated cake look, and the drink itself is pleasantly creamy. Some sips seem thicker and sweeter, like frosting, which wouldn’t really be present in cake batter but does make one think of cake. The highlights for me were any sips with sprinkles. They don’t taste like anything, but they provide some textural pop and festivity. If made correctly, this drink looks like it should be served next to presents and a bounce house, but the taste doesn’t deliver the same amount of fun.

Update: There was a birthday in my house this week, and because I care about authenticity, I sampled a boxed mug cake batter and a homemade cupcake batter. Both confirmed my suspicions that I know what cake batter tastes like, and this latte doesn’t capture it.

Purchased Price: $5.29
Size: Medium (Iced)
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Medium iced with whole milk) 440 calories, 14 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 190 milligrams of sodium, 67 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 62 grams of sugar (45 grams of added sugar), and 11 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew

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Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Side

What is the Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew?

The newest drink to grace Starbucks’ cold brew lineup pairs regular cold brew coffee with vanilla syrup, and on top is a chocolate cream cold foam.

How is it?

Please don’t hate me for using the abbreviation of a high schooler, but OMG. The new chocolate cold foam is AMAZING. Before trying the drink all together, I uncapped mine to get a taste of the cold foam. This is unlike any other cold foam experience I’ve had at Starbucks. It had a light, whipped consistency like a chocolate mousse and could have easily been eaten alone with a spoon. (Hey Starbucks, can you order a whole cup of only chocolate cold foam? Asking for a friend.) When I gave it a whiff, I picked up malty notes that reminded me of a Whoppers candy, which in my opinion, is an extremely underrated chocolate.

Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Top

Due to the thickness of the foam, it didn’t sink into the cold brew, which I personally consider a plus. Note that the cold brew itself is nothing out of the ordinary – it’s sweetened simply with some vanilla syrup.

This drink was pretty decadent, and I felt as though I was drinking a dessert rather than my usual morning java. As much as I loved drinking it, I see myself ordering this as a special treat so it remains a novelty I look forward to and enjoy.

Anything else you need to know?

The chocolate cold foam did mask some of the coffee flavor, so if you’re not looking for something super strong but still want the caffeine punch, I highly recommend this.

Conclusion:

If you like cold brew and you like chocolate, this is a no-brainer. It’s a great addition as we usher in summer and one I hope remains on the menu for a while.

Purchased Price: $4.75
Size: Tall
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 190 calories, 12 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 20 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of protein, and 145 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Dunkin’ Cornbread Donut

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Dunkin Cornbread Donut One

What is Dunkin’s Cornbread Donut?

Heads up to that one guy who kept pestering Dunkin’ to make a glazed corn cake donut.

Your time has finally come, my friend.

How is it?

Ok, well, I don’t actually know if this aforementioned guy exists, but I certainly didn’t expect Dunkin’ to add cornbread to its menu in any form. I was pretty skeptical, but it’s a tasty little donut.

Dunkin Cornbread Donut Two

That skepticism was hard to shake at first, too. I ordered one donut, and the Dunkin’ employee gave me two. Was it because they were so bad no one was ordering them or was it just because of my winning smile? I’m still not entirely sure, but I appreciated it and enjoyed them both.

The cornbread donut is similar in texture and density to Dunkin’s more “cakey” donuts.

Dunkin Cornbread Donut Inside

It’s glazed and has stripes of white icing, so I expected it to be equal parts sweet and savory, but it’s sweeter than expected, with the cornbread being pretty disguised. I’d say this is 80% sweet, 20% savory.

You’d barely notice the cornbread flavor if it weren’t for that familiar grittiness of the cake. You know that consistency cornbread has, where you can almost taste little bits of sandy cornmeal? That comes through, which I could see being a dealbreaker for some.

I also expected this to be very dry, but it was – here comes that dreaded word – moist.

Anything else you need to know?

Your mileage will vary on this one depending on which type of Dunkin’ donut you prefer. This falls right in line with the glazed blueberry, pumpkin, and the chocolate devil’s food donuts. I love a blueberry from time to time despite how heavy they are.

I’d rank this last among those, but it’s not a huge gap. The sweetness from the glaze and that little bit of cornbread flavor makes it unique enough to stand on its own. At worst, you should grab one of these if you order a dozen.

Conclusion:

I ultimately don’t know if this one will make the cut and be anything more than a limited flavor, but it’s worth a shot. You could even just order one in Munchkin form if you’re scared of wasting food.

I appreciate the idea, and I enjoyed the outcome. If Dunkin’ doesn’t do a banana bread donut like this next, I’m gonna be really bummed.

Purchased Price: $1.35
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 380 calories, 20 grams of fat, 9 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 420 milligrams of sodium, 45 grams of total carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 31 grams of total sugars, and 4 grams of protein.

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