Saturday, December 31, 2022

Frosted Gingerbread Pop Tarts

The conceit of these is kind of a joke, since they are way too flimsy to ever build a house out of. However, the little printed designs are kind of adorable. I got a little cat and a little plate of poptarts with coffee, as well as a mailbox with poptarts in. I can't wait to collect them all (in my stomach)! The taste is quite similar to the snickerdoodle ones, actually; but they're decent, cookie-sweet cinnamon outsides with a nice white icing inside. Cute.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Friday, December 30, 2022

Yo Quiero! Mashed Avocado

It's not a lie, I really do quiero mashed avocado. This is much better than those packaged guacs, because this is not actually guac, it's 100% avo. So yes, that's very tasteless, but you can add spices or onions/tomatoes/garlic and it's exactly what you want, whereas there's no fixing the bitter acidic mess that is "wholly guacamole". Anyway, this was good for nachos and even lasted a day or two once opened. Would buy again for sure.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Hormel square table - Beef Roast


At first bite (or really, at first smell) I thought "omg this is cat food", but it grew on me, you'll be pleased to know. It tastes like beef for sure, like pot roast. A good texture, and the sauce is the fattiest/tastiest part as the meat is mostly just essence of dry meat. Also, this is really bad for you. Only get it if you need pot roast and can't roast your own pot!

Overall
Cost: 4/10
Taste: 6/10

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Sargento Off The Block 4 Cheeese Mexican (Reduced Fat)

About this cheese, I have no complaints. It was fine, melted as desired and fit the nacho ethos I was going for. I only had it in nacho so there's not much else to say!

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

vlasic - Kosher Dill Spears

Classic vlasic, these are. At least there's no sugar in these, so it's just pure unadulterated pickle. They were "OK" in teeny bites with my nachos, but as a pickle spear solo, I'm finding it difficult to eat. The taste is just so much vinegar, and they leave off such a bright green goo trail, too. I do appreciate the "pure" ingredients, but I just don't like pickles, darn it. Fine for recipe use though, I guess.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 4/10

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Kinder's Mild BBQ sauce

This is good on burgers, which is why I bought it, but I don't love it -- I think Sweet Baby Ray's is superior as a BBQ sauce, for suuuure. 

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Santitas Yellow Corn Chips

I don't think I ever acknowledged this as a chip that existed, but it was the cheapest/safest "thick looking" restaurant style corn chip. I used it for my nachos, and it seemed just fine. Nothing particularly good or bad to say about it. Good thickness, average taste and salt levels.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 5/10

Friday, December 23, 2022

Fage Total Greek Yogurt - Plain 2% Milkfat

I got this to repopulate my gut bacteria after the antibiotics time. I don't really know if it's working, but I guess it's possible things could be even WORSE in there (my gut is broken). Anyway, as a food, it's fine. Definitely filling and creamy and goes well with fruit, although it's very much a slog on its own. Three servings is about right.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce (Apple)

You might think it's weird to specify that this is apple flavored applesauce, but they also make other flavors like strawberry and possibly grape. I spent much time in the sauce aisle looking for pill assistance, and I must say that as apPILLsauce this was disgusting. Hard to rate honestly after that experience. But I'm done taking those pills now and am trying to be a honest applesauce rater. This is noticeably less sweet than other applesauces, which is good. But it could use some cinnamon or seasoning in its place. It's quite tart. All right but I don't love it.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Snack Pack Milk Chocolate/Chocolate Fudge & Milk Chocolate Pudding Cups

I bought this for the purpose of putting a pill in it, so they're a bit tainted. It did cover up the taste of the pill pretty well, to be fair, but the texture and experience of pill-taking was so awful that it's put me off a bit when eating these straight. On the plus side, they're quite cheap, shelf-stable (I guess that's a plus?!) and no nuts on the label. The two chocolate flavors in this pack honestly tasted the same. I think maybe the non-fudge (lighter) one is actually a bit better/creamier? These do have milk in but they also taste pretty "artificial", although I guess it's basically just milk and sugar and chocolate flavor. Nevertheless, I don't foresee me getting these as a normal treat, although they aren't bad, just very average.

Overall
Cost: 7/10
Taste: 6/10

Monday, December 19, 2022

2021 Giunta Hawke's Bay Malbec Nouveau

I'm a Giunta fan because New Zealand is cool and because they told me they don't use nuts. Cheers to that. This struck me as quite tart at first, and really not that chuggable, despite the label prose. But upon some time spent drinking, it became more drinkable (funny how that works). I thought it was mainly typical cherry notes, my bud Lars said more cranberry vibes. Either way, a pleasant and slightly atypical Malbec.

To pair I made the recommended nachos, which was quite involved, but they were tasty to be sure. I could only handle the pickle dices for a short while, so I'm glad I didn't put pickles on all of 'em. Made me miss Deer Park though -- I spent a decade of my life playing trivia there, and now I only watch Jeopardy alone at home!! But my nachos were actually better. So at least there's that.

Overall
Cost: 5/10 (20$)
Taste: 6/10


Sunday, December 18, 2022

Andes Mints

These are named for their creator (Andrew) which is cute. They are a prototypical mint: very tasty although not a "eat the whole box" kind of candy (unless you're in a dark, dark place). Refreshing and pleasant. A little weird if you give it a sniff, but on eating, a nice pliable mint-chocolate layered bar. I'm not sure if this is actually the original flavor, as the green wrapper is bluer/lighter than normal, but maybe it's just a redesign. If it is a different flavor, maybe it's slightly more minty(?) but otherwise very similar to the original. Ha.


Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Junior Mints - Peppermint Crunch

This very charming box of candy touts that it contains "Real Junior Mints", which raises the question: is anyone is producing "fake junior mints"? (I don't think they are). In essence these are just regular junior mints. The peppermint crunch is a tiny bit of crushed peppermint pieces (crushed very finely) sprinkled on the outsides only. So the taste is really not changed at all, and the texture only slightly cronchy. I like junior mints and irrelevant holiday repackagings, so this is pretty good for me. Refreshing little snack for a winter's day (even when sick)!

Overall
Cost: 6/10
Taste: 7/10

Friday, December 16, 2022

Cheetos Popcorn - Cheddar

Ah, I'm pleased to report that this is much better than Cheetos, because it's not Cheetos, it's popcorn. Cheddar popcorn that, as far as I can tell, bears very little resemblance to Cheeto. Yes, there is an orange cheese-flavored powder on it, but I would not connect the two things gustatorily. It's a fine cheddar popcorn, good soft texture, plenty of cheese flavor. Happy holidays indeed!

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Kellogg's Pandora Flakes

I do like cereal. This is kind of a dumb one -- it's Avatar (the blue alien movie) themed frosted flakes. The addition of weirdly smooshy blueberry flavored orbs ("Pandoras") is not my favorite, but it's not bad either. I don't even know if I prefer this to regular frosted flakes. I think that I do not, taste wise, although ethos wise it is kinda silly and fun. Overall it is like sweet blueberry flavored frosted flakes. They're GRRRR-owing on me!

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Cheetos Flamin' Hot minis

These are essentially flamin' hot cheetos in a less fun shape (ball) but in a more fun package (can). They're also little, so a serving is 63 pieces (good), but the ingredients list is very long (bad) and contains nothing beneficial to your body, that's for sure. They're a decent snack, and they do have a nice kick to them, but I don't know that I've ever yearn for these. And if I'm not yearning, why buy it?!

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Sour Dots

This is a good candy! Nut free, of course, but also tasty and fun. There are 5 flavors, but weirdly they aren't the same 5 as regular dots. I think my ranking goes:

Lemon: These are best. They are the same lemon as regular, with a sour coating, and it makes them taste like lemon wedges or chuckles. Good!

Red: Cherry? These are also the same as regular, decent, but actually I may prefer basic red to sour red.

Green: These are apple, which is a change from the OG lime. And a sad change, because sour lime would probably be amazing, much like the lemon. But it is still pretty good, nice sour apple chew.

Orange: These are the same as original, but not my top either way. Fine basic candy.

Grape: These are new and weird therefore. Definitely grapey, and the most unique of the flavors -- like a Welch's gummy. I just don't like grape flavored things much, but if you do, you'll probably enjoy it.

Overall, all are solid. Would cut my tongue up on these bad boys again!

Overall
Cost: 6/10
Taste: 8/10

Monday, December 12, 2022

Sunny Fruit Organic Mangoes

I don't know if velvety is the right weird -- these are a unique texture, a little chewy and hollow, like a dried jalepeno! But they aren't super wet/sticky/sweet, and I really like that. Good mango taste, fun to eat, and says "nut free" on the package. Very nice.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Kingsford BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs

These guys make charcoal, so surely they make a good rib! That tracks, right!? I originally went to the store to buy uncooked baby backs, but these were smaller and cheaper (though still extremely expensive) so I pivoted. They are also Fully Cooked which seems like a gross and bad sign, but good for safety and convenience I suppose. In the end I thought the sauce was pretty good -- it smelled like a cafeteria when cooking, which is actually good in my mind. Sweet and smokey. I could have cooked them a little longer than 12 minutes, though, and the backs were weird and unsauced -- also the membrane was still on there. But mostly good, makes 3 hearty servings. 

Overall
Cost: 3/10 [19$]
Taste: 7/10

Doritos minis - Cool Ranch

Oh, blog. I'm still sick, but now I'm also on antibiotics that are making me sick in a different way (stomach-wise). I see now why some people don't take their full course because 9 more days of this is horrifying (although of course I will finish it, I am a good human). Anyway, hopefully I'll get better soon! Before that, I had these doritos in a can. The can is cute. I like pringles mainly for the style points, so this is the same way. I don't like Doritos when big, and I sure don't like "cool ranch" (what a horrible flavor). But actually these are fine. I don't really "get it", since they're mostly broken into tiny pieces in the can and very hard to reach in there and pull out some chip bits, but they taste like a salty snack and are cute little things. So I like it but I wouldn't ever buy it again. But it's cute. I want more food in tall cans! 

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Friday, December 9, 2022

Enjoy Life - Apple Cider Donut Holiday Soft Baked Cookies

These are, surprisingly, really good. Definitely the best tasting Enjoy Life cookie, and maybe product. That means they're like a REAL cookie!! Now, I've never actually had an apple cider donut, but these do have little apple chunks in (like an apple fritter!) and have a good amount of warm pie type of spices. Plus, a nice soft/chewy texture. Very pleasant, very impressive. Would definitely buy again.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix kcup - Milk Chocolate

I'm still sick, but maybe I've just accepted my fate, or I'm happy that the semester is almost over? Either way, these kcups are starting to spark joy for me. This one is very similar tasting to the Swiss Miss mix, non-kcup-version. A little less sweet/milky because I put a lot of water and it's a small cup, and I kind of like that -- it's still plenty sweet/milky! Crucially, nmine only says "natural flavors", even though some pictures online show artificial flavors too, and let's just say I'm very happy I got the natural version! Good job, k cup.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Annie's Bunny Grahams - Neapolitan

Hmm. My first reaction upon opening the box was "oh no", because the strawberry scent is powerful. And the artificial smelling strawberry clashes with my idea of Annie's grahams. So at first I didn't like that flavor (though it's accurate, like strawberry ice cream) and I only liked the chocolate ones, which are a regular chocolate flavor. The vanilla is the majority of them, and those are OK but not my favorite. But ho! The strawberry ones grew on me, and they're the least common so I kind of liked those in the end. I still don't quite know how I feel about the mix, though. It's a lot -- maybe too much for this bunny.


Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Original Donut Shop Regular Medium Roast kcups

Would you believe I'm still sick? It's been almost 2 weeks at this point! I'm taking so much care of myself, and yet! Anyway, this isn't the best donut-related kcup line, let's just say that (I miss you Dunkin'). It's plain coffee, no harm no foul, and I had it iced, but it tasted a little worse than some of the other plain iced kcups I've had lately. So, a big "meh" from me.


Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 5/10

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Swiss Miss - Milk Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa Mix

I got a random packet of this, but it had no nut allergens, so to sip I supped! It was tasty, even though I just used water. Filling, warm, sweet, and creamy. Probably not super healthy, but a lovely winter treat for a cold little me.

Overall
Cost: 6/10
Taste: 7/10

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Holiday Blend kcup

Another safe k-cup for the pile! This is ostensibly just cofe, no flavors added. It tastes fine. I had it hot with milk, and it was pleasant. Instead of holiday vibes, I got more "dark roast" vibes (even though this is medium roast), but that's just fine. 

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Tostitos Holiday Trees

These taste just the same as non-red-tree tostitos. They are plain corn chips, no flavoring. I don't like that especially much. But they are shaped like cute little christmas trees ("holiday trees") and they are bright red from beet powder. I do like that. Is it worth 5$? Maybe at the holidays it is. Easy to dip, too. 

Overall
Cost: 4/10
Taste: 6/10

Newman's Own Organics - Newman's Special Blend k-cups

Ugh, I've been sick for like a week with no signs of improvement, so I'm in a bit of a mood. My mom got me a bunch of random k-cups as a gift, but it honestly feels like a burden because I have to track down the allergy info online and I don't feel confident about any of them but I'll feel guilty if I don't drink them, and I don't even like them anyway, I like Dunkin'! I feel I've been very clear and up front about liking Dunkin. Ahem. Anyway, putting my food and gift issues aside (ha, as if), this was fine. I had it over ice and it tasted like a normal iced kcup coffee. Just with added stress. But I didn't die, so, cool, I guess.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Dunkin' Holiday Blend

Oh Dunkin', you're the only sweet thing in my life. This is cute packaging, but I must say, there are a lot of very similar flavors of Dunkin' k cup. This one is like a slightly less dark dark roast, so, I like it. It's good with milk and works hot or cold. Would celebrate again.

Overall
Cost: 6/10
Taste: 6/10