Tag: Hershey’s

REVIEW: General Mills Hershey’s Kisses Cereal

Julie 14 Comments

Hershey s Kisses Cereal

What is Hershey’s Kisses Cereal?

General Mills and Hershey’s have joined forces to bring the Hershey’s Kiss to your breakfast table with Hershey’s Kisses Cereal: chocolate-flavored corn puff pieces shaped like the classic candy.

How is it?

Half of the fun of candy- or dessert-inspired cereals is discovering how closely the it physically resembles the original product. While Hershey’s Kisses Cereal does not precisely replicate its namesake, its appearance is clearly inspired by Hershey’s Kisses: its dime-sized pieces are shaped like triangles with flat sides and smoothed edges.

Hershey s Kisses Cereal Comparison

Most of the pieces boast a droopy, rounded stem in place of the candy’s signature pointed tip, so whether you perceive the cereal as tiny Hershey’s Kisses or something else is a matter for Rorschach. (To me, they resemble the poop emoji. I’m sorry, but it had to be said, and I promise not to bring it up again.)

Hershey s Kisses Cereal Pieces

Anyway, a chocolate cereal by any other shape would be just as sweet, which Hershey’s Kisses Cereal definitely is. It tastes very similar to Cocoa Puffs, with its cocoa powder sweetness and crunchy texture. It took a few bites to discern a difference, but I tasted just a hint more richness with this.

Hershey s Kisses Cereal Milk

Adding milk enhances the dry cocoa flavor to something closer to milk chocolate. With only one or two stirs, the milk begins to turn brown, and with more time (or if you are like me, impatient agitation), a rich, thick chocolate milk appears.

Although I haven’t broken out my crazy straw in a couple of decades, the cereal milk did remind me of using Hershey’s syrup to make chocolate milk, as visible chocolate swirls move throughout the milk and streak the sides and bottom of the bowl. As this transformation occurs, the cereal retains its taste and texture. Although this is a solid chocolate cereal when eaten dry, I highly recommend adding milk for the full chocolate-y effect.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Hershey s Kisses Cereal Bowl

In a blind taste test, I could not have pinpointed the Hershey’s association, but the list of ingredients does include Hershey’s Cocoa Processed with Alkali as the brand’s contribution.

Conclusion:

Although comparable to many chocolate cereals on the shelves, Hershey’s Kisses Cereal is enjoyable and, with milk, will give you two chocolate treats for the price of one.

Purchased Price: $3.64
Size: 19.8 oz. box
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 cup) 140 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 150 milligrams of sodium, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Hershey’s White with Whole Almonds

Denis 11 Comments

Hershey s White with Whole Almonds

What is Hershey’s White with Whole Almonds?

Let’s start with what it’s not -— white chocolate.

That caught me off guard a little, especially with this being from Hershey’s, but this candy bar contains no chocolate at all and instead is white creme with whole almonds.

How is it?

Hershey s White with Whole Almonds Front

It’s just OK. Maybe my expectations were too high because this product kind of gives off the aura of being a high-end candy bar, but I wasn’t impressed. The white creme reminded me of hardened cupcake frosting, and I’m not talking the decadent type like you get at those fancy $5-a-cupcake places. I’m talking overly sweet frosting on a cupcake you get a superstore that rhymes with Malwart. As for the almonds, they were fine and whole, as promised. They were also lined up nicely down the center of the bar.

Hershey s White with Whole Almonds Back

Is there anything else you need to know?

No, you don’t need to know the following information, but I’m going to give it to you anyway. I spent nearly two minutes researching what creme was, and I learned it could be a sweet liqueur or a type of cream.

But, of course, I got distracted during my extensive inquisition and focused on the accent in crème, and more specifically, why the Hershey’s wrapper didn’t have said accent. I found no answer to that question, and I didn’t really care that much to begin with, so I gave up.

But I learned that the particular accent mark in crème is called a grave accent. That sent me down a rabbit hole of punctuation names that are just fun to say and even sound a little dirty, like rough breathing (look it up, I’m not lying), retroflex hook, inverted breve, and perispomene. So have fun with those.

Conclusion:

Hershey s White with Whole Almonds Side

This is certainly worth a try if you like almonds; it is a candy bar after all, and it will definitely hit the spot if you have a hankering for something sweet. But if you are looking for an indulgent treat that will give you the weird, pleasure-filled expression you see on commercials when people are trying some fancy candy, then this one misses the mark.

Purchased Price: 99 cents
Size: 1.45 oz. bar
Purchased at: H-E-B
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 bar) 220 calories, 14 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 35 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, 18 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Raspberry + Creme Kit Kat

Julie 2 Comments

Kit Kat Raspberry + Creme

What are Raspberry + Crème Kit Kat bars?

In time for Valentine’s Day, Kit Kat hopes to woo you with its newest limited edition flavor, featuring a festive pink-tinted raspberry crème enrobing its signature crisp wafers.

How are they?

Kit Kat Raspberry + Creme Unwrapped

Have you ever ventured into a circumstance thinking only of all of the things that could go wrong – only to be pleasantly surprised when all of your fears are unfounded? This describes my experience trying Raspberry + Crème Kit Kats, which, with their coating as pink as Cupid’s blushing cheeks, I worried would be a case of style over substance.

Upon opening the bag, I was greeted by a strong, worrying artificial scent — think fruit-scented lip balm — that I do not normally associate with edible things. Luckily, however, the scent was not an accurate predictor of the tastes to come.

Kit Kat Raspberry + Creme Cross Section

Upon first bite, I tasted a pleasant fruity sweetness that mimicked raspberry flavor well, without any of the acid or tartness. As I chewed, the coating’s crème component worked to mellow the bar’s sweetness rather than add to it. While crème or white chocolate can often be cloying, this Kit Kat’s coating was smooth and creamy in both flavor and texture, which paired well with the light, crispy wafers we all know and love. The result was a surprisingly subtle and wholly satisfying balance of flavors.

Is there anything else you need to know?

“Once bitten, twice shy” doesn’t just apply to bad relationships. My last encounter with fruit-flavored Kit Kats was with its Strawberry flavor in crème coating, which to me tasted too artificial, somehow both too sweet and too sour.

When I chanced upon Raspberry + Crème Kit Kats, I remembered the Strawberry variety and wished Hershey’s had paired raspberry with milk or dark chocolate instead. While I still think raspberry and traditional chocolate would be a delicious pairing appropriate for a Valentine’s Day-inspired flavor, I was not disappointed with this year’s offering. Kit Kat got berries and cream right this time.

If you disliked the Strawberry Crème product or, like many junk food aficionados, are lamenting the loss of seasonal Red Velvet Kit Kats, Raspberry + Crème Kit Kats may be the rebound you need.

Conclusion:

Pretty in pink and tasty too, Raspberry + Crème Kit Kats are worth trying, whether you choose to share with someone special or keep them all to yourself.

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 9 oz. bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (4 pieces) 170 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 30 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 15 grams of sugar, and 2 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: 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.