OTHER THINGS I CONSUMED: 1/16/26

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Unwell Cherry Lime Energy Drink

Unwell Cherry Lime Energy Drink

This energy drink is um, well, unawesome. While it has a strong cherry aroma, its cherry lime flavor doesn’t pop. Its flavor is muted, which is surprising because that wasn’t the case when I tried Unwell’s Frosted Cranberry Energy Drink several weeks ago.

But that’s not all that’s disappointing. There’s something mid-sip that I can only describe as a somewhat thick texture that’s similar to what I experience with protein beverages. That would be fine if this had protein, but it has none. It’s not a deal breaker, but again, I don’t recall Unwell’s Frosted Cranberry having it.

The beverage has 150 milligrams of caffeine from natural sources, 745 milligrams of electrolytes, doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, and is made with real fruit juice (although the can says just 4 percent). Also, the can brings Airheads candy to mind.

Barebells Wild Strawberry Protein Soda

Barebells Wild Strawberry Protein Soda

While Barebells, known for its protein bars, calls this a “soda” with 200 milligrams of caffeine, the can should really say “Protein Energy Drink.” Along with Wild Strawberry, there are also Sweet Cherry and Pineapple Sunrise varieties.

The “soda” has a pleasant strawberry aroma and a mild strawberry flavor. There’s also a slight creaminess, which I guess could be from the whey protein isolate, which provides 10 grams of protein. It contains no strawberry juice but does have artificial sweeteners. Not surprisingly, because it’s a protein “soda” with whey protein isolate, it has the same slightly thick texture as other protein beverages.

It’s an okay-tasting drink with a high caffeine content and a decent amount of protein. It’s tasty and caffeinated enough that I might try the other flavors.

A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda

A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda

Yes, this came out more than half a year ago, but I came across it during a visit to 7-Eleven. Actually, I passed by it a few times during previous 7-Eleven visits. However, I finally decided to pick it up because of FOMO and YOLO, and because the bottle and soda colors reminded me of Chewbacca and Han Solo.

Back in August, our reviewer, Amber, gave it a 5 rating because of its artificial chocolate aroma and the way it mostly tasted like a cream soda, with no chocolate flavor. While I could definitely smell its artificial chocolate aroma, I thought it had a pronounced chocolate syrup flavor with a bit of cream soda behind it. That artificial chocolate flavor is not for everyone, but I liked it a lot. Since it’s a limited edition flavor, I might have to pick it up again the next time I’m at 7-Eleven.

H-E-B Limited Edition Bread and Butter Pickle Sweet & Spicy Wavy Potato Chips

H-E-B Limited Edition Bread and Butter Pickle Sweet & Spicy Wavy Potato Chips

Reigning Spotted Photo Champion, Robbie, sent me a box of stuff from H-E-B to try because he knows I’m so enamored with the grocery store. He asked me what I would like to try, and I told him H-E-B’s limited edition potato chips. So he delivered with this flavor and a Korean BBQ, which unfortunately did not survive the USPS.

Having tried those Lay’s Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle chips from a few years ago, I expected these to be as potent and fiery as those. However, I was surprised to find that these chips were neither potent nor fiery. They have a pleasant pickle flavor that’s not overpowering and a “spiciness” that’s almost nonexistent. I loved them so much that I ate more than half the bag while watching a Korean drama episode on Netflix.

6 Other Things I Consumed This Week: 12/12/2025

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Yes Honey Sweet Apple Soda

Yes Honey Sweet Apple and Strawberry Sodas

These definitely taste like they’re sweetened with honey. I picked up the Sweet Apple one first, and when I tried it, I didn’t taste apple. All my taste buds could pick up was the honey, which Winnie the Pooh would be all over and shaking his honey pot-shaped belly in euphoria. But I really wanted more of apple.

Yes Honey Strawberry Soda

Because the honey was so strong with the Apple one, I wondered if it would be the case with another Yes Honey flavor. So I ended up spending another three dollars for the Strawberry version, which had a more noticeable fruity flavor. The honey still comes through strong, but at least my tongue can taste the strawberry.

Adding honey to a strawberry soda creates a unique flavor that’s also quite good. If you happen to see Yes Honey sodas, they’re worth a try.

Yes Honey Soda also comes in Ginger Ale, Watermelon, Berry, and Peach flavors. The latter two flavors have 50 milligrams of caffeine from green tea.

RYSE Sunny D Energy Drink

Ryse Sunny D Energy Drink

I went into my local 7-Eleven to during my run jog brisk walk sloth-paced walk to pick up something to pick-me-up. I had intended to purchase a Monster Ultra, but a can was almost FIVE DOLLARS. So I ended up buying the RYSE Sunny D Energy Drink, which was almost two dollars cheaper.

Does this energy drink taste like Sunny D? I don’t know. It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve had Sunny D, and I’m trying to remember what it tastes like. All I remember is that it was SUPER sweet, and I don’t get that with this sugar-free drink with 200 milligrams of caffeine. It definitely has an orange flavor, but no wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of Sunny D. It’s fine tasting energy drink, and it’s made me curious enough that I might give other RYSE flavors a try.

Pop & Bottle Double Cold Brew Oat Milk Latte

Pop & Bottle Double Cold Brew Oat Milk Latte

This one is not for me. After trying it, I would not repurchase it.

What got me curious about it was that this coffee drink is sweetened with dates. As someone who likes RXBars and Larabars, I thought it might surprise me. As I drank it, RXBars and Larabars definitely came to mind, although too much. It’s not awful, but the date flavor distracts my taste buds from the coffee and cold brew. If I were into niche alternative sweeteners, this would be one of the few coffee drink choices I have.

A can does have 120 milligrams of caffeine. However, the can’s 8-ounce size bothers me. Before I knew it, it was gone.

Starbucks Iced Banana Protein Cold Foam Matcha

Starbucks Iced Banana Protein Cold Foam Matcha

When Starbucks rolled out its protein drinks and protein cold foams, this version that it promoted was the only one I wanted because, if you’re a regular reader here, you know I go bananas for bananas. Anyhoo, this drink was highly disappointing to my banana-loving taste buds.

The foam’s banana flavor was almost non-existent, except for occasional moments when a banana chunk ended up in my mouth. But other than that, all I could taste was the matcha, which isn’t an awful thing because, if you’re a regular reader here, you know I go mmmm for matcha. Well, at least I got a good amount of protein that day.

Alani Nu Winter Wonderland Energy Drink (2025)

Alani Nu Winter Wonderland Energy Drink (2025)

Alani Nu’s Winter Wonderland got rebuilt in Santa’s workshop this year. I didn’t try the previous version, which had a coconut element. However, this updated flavor with a stronger fruity taste is delicious. Out of all the cranberry-flavored holiday beverages I’ve had over the past few weeks, I think this one stands out as my favorite. However, that could be the caffeine talking. But it has a tasty cranberry flavor that’s neither too sweet nor too tart, making it easy to drink. It’s definitely something I’d drink again next year unless Alani Nu changes the recipe again. Which I hope it doesn’t do.

5 Other Things I Consumed This Week: 11/28/2025

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Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar wrapper

Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar

Unless prices start going down, this might be my first and last Dubai-style chocolate bar. This bar, which was not that much bigger than a Left or Right Twix, was over six dollars. Yes, it shouldn’t have been surprising since other Dubai Chocolate products on this site have had Dubai-ble, I mean, double-digit prices. Now that I’ve tried it, I have to admit its flavor and textures are really great. However, I can’t say I would regularly pay its price to experience them.

Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar innards

The creamy Lindt chocolate pairs wonderfully with the even creamier, crispy pistachio-flavored filling. It’s all like a melted milk chocolate Nestle Kit Kat with pistachio-flavored creme between the wafers. Oh geez, that last sentence almost convinced me it’s all worth it. I could spend the six dollars on another bar, or spend it on a few bags of holiday-shaped Reese’s after Christmas at 50 percent off. The latter sounds like a better deal.

Liquid Death Severed Lime and Doctor Death

Liquid Death Severed Lime and Doctor Death cans

I’m attempting to spear all the Liquid Death flavors. These two are the ones that readers said I should smash. Ugh. How does Liquid Death cram violent verbs into its names so easily? My fingers can’t keep stabbing my keyboard to stuff violence into every sentence. Ugh. They’re dead.

Oh, they’re alive again to type how much I enjoyed both sparkling water varieties with the right amount of flavor. Severed Lime has a light lemon-lime soda vibe, while Doctor Death has a Dr Pepper-like flavor. Although I got more recommendations for Severed Lime, I loved Doctor Death much more. But both make me regret not getting on the Liquid Death train earlier. So much hydration I missed out on. If you’re not into Bubly or La Croix because you want more flavor from your sparkling water, Liquid Death will give you what you want. Now that I’ve consumed and liked three flavors, I want to buy all the different variety packs on Amazon.

Nerds Strawberry Punch Juicy Gummy Clusters

Nerds Strawberry Punch Juicy Gummy Clusters pouch

As I mentioned many times on this site, Nerds Gummy Clusters surprised me. I didn’t think something as simple as sticking Nerds candy to a gummy would be so pleasing. But after trying it, I was hooked. Since its introduction, other flavors have been introduced, all of which are great. However, I think its latest evolution makes it even better.

Nerds Strawberry Punch Juicy Gummy Clusters innards

Think of these as Gushers candy inside a Nerds coating, but with a better gummy candy. The liquid-filled candy creates larger clusters and gives the candy three levels of texture: chewy, crunchy, and gooey. I absolutely love chewing on these. Then there’s the flavor. Nerds have a sourness to them, but the gummy candy and its filling amp up the sweetness, giving the candy an almost equal balance between sour and sweet. It’s a difficult candy for me to put down. This should be the default Nerds Gummy Clusters.

Too Good & Co Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer

Too Good & Co Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer in a mug with my morning caffeine jolt

After trying to gain some market share in the crowded yogurt market, next to its cousin, Dannon, Too Good & Co is now attempting to get into the crowded-but-not-as-crowded-as-yogurt coffee creamer game next to its cousin, International Delight. I guess it’s competing with Coffee mate’s Natural Bliss line.

Along with this Sweet Cream flavor, there are also Lavender (seasonal) and Roasted Vanilla varieties. The creamers are made with real milk, have 40% less sugar than leading coffee creamers, and have no artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, added gums, oils, or preservatives, and come in small 25.4-ounce cartons.

As someone who buys mainly sugary coffee creamers with artificial flavors, added gums, oils, or preservatives, and sometimes artificial sweeteners in 32-ounce bottles, I enjoyed the mild but sweet taste and the creaminess from this Too Good & Co creamer. But I wouldn’t replace my usual choices with it. Much like the Natural Bliss line, price is an issue. These natural products are more expensive. And on top of that, it comes in a smaller bottle.

Bloom Pop Limited Edition Winter Pomberry Soda

Bloom Pop Limited Edition Winter Pomberry it's clear

Is this supposed to be pomegranate- and cranberry-flavored? I ask because it tastes like a cranberry soda to me. And I’m pretty sure the “pom” in pomberry isn’t for pomelo. The ingredient list says it has cranberry juice, but no pomegranate juice. However, it does have pear juice. Maybe the “P” in pomberry stands for pear, while the “om” stands for something else. Of course, all of this confusion could’ve been avoided if this soda’s flavor were called cranagranate, which is a 100 percent better name than pomberry. Om well. Anyhoo, this tasty cranberry-flavored soda has prebiotics and a tiny amount of sugar, but no fiber, which is a bummer.

3 Other Things I Consumed This Week: 11/21/2025

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Hillshire Farm Turkey & Bacon Ciabatta Deli Sandwiches

I don’t own an air fryer, so I can’t give you the 411 on how crispy this sandwich can get. However, I do have a microwave that, according to the box, will create a softer sandwich, so beep beep boop!

Before I comment on how this sandwich tastes, I must mention how it’s constructed. Obviously, everything is frozen — the provolone cheese, oven-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked bacon, chipotle aioli, and ciabatta roll. However, they’re not stacked nicely. A good portion of the cheese protruded from under the bun, and the frozen disc of chipotle aioli sat on one side of the sandwich. So when I microwaved the first one, most of the cheese melted onto the paper towel I was instructed to wrap around the sandwich, and the chipotle aioli ended up in one corner of the sandwich.

So if you happen to buy this or any of the other varieties, I’d highly suggest, after the suggested defrost time, repositioning the slightly less frozen ingredients so you can achieve a better balance. And that was your Public Service Announcement for the day.

Okay, now how does this taste? Good enough for a frozen sandwich. The bread, surprisingly, wasn’t dried out or tough to bite through, which has haunted previous microwave sandwiches. Between that bread was a decent portion of turkey that ended up a bit dry and tasted overly salty. Bacon did what bacon does and added some smokiness and porky flavors. The provolone was surprisingly noticeable for a mild cheese, and the chipotle aioli kicked up the flavor a few notches with its smoky, peppery notes. 

Stacking issues aside, Hillshire Farm’s Turkey & Bacon Ciabatta Deli Sandwich is a decent tasting offering that has gotten me curious about the other varieties. It’s $6 for two, they’re ready in under 4 minutes, and each provides 25 grams of protein.

Unwell Frosted Cranberry Energy Drink

Is it just me, or does someone else have Matchbox 20 pop into their head whenever they see an Unwell product? 

This seasonal energy drink has 150 milligrams of caffeine from green coffee extract, and like Unwell Water, it has 745 milligrams of electrolytes and contains no artificial sweeteners. Actually, I think this is the company’s first energy drink.

Maybe because it comes in a can and it’s an energy drink, I thought the beverage would be carbonated, but it’s not. Because it’s not carbonated, its cranberry flavor is decent, and it’s not too tart, I found it easy to drink. However, I don’t taste anything that could be considered “frosted.” Or maybe “frosted” was added to the name to make it sound wintery. 

While it tastes fine and I could see it coming back next year, I don’t think it’s delicious enough to make me want to repurchase it if it does.

Chips Ahoy Chewy Cookie Butter Inspired Cookies

Vin already covered this with a full review, but I wanted to add my two cents here. These cookies were good. I thought the speculoos cookie butter flavor was mild, but noticeable. I was disappointed that the cookie’s filling didn’t have a texture similar to cookie butter. Instead, it had the same snap as the chips in the cookie.

However, after going through half of the package, I came across the warming instructions, which involved heating a cookie or two on a plate for a few seconds. Those suggestions made the cookies better in my opinion. The speculoos flavor popped much more, and some of the cookie filling had melted a bit. So beep beep boop, if you decide to buy these cookies.

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4 Other Things I Consumed This Week: 11/14/2025

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Slice Shirley Temple Healthy Soda can

Slice Shirley Temple Healthy Soda

This was not my first Slice Healthy Soda, nor was this my first Shirley Temple-flavored soda. While this might not be my favorite Shirley Temple-flavored soda, it’s definitely my favorite Slice Healthy Soda. Granted, I’ve only had two Slice flavors, counting this one.

The soda has a tasty cherry flavor, with a hint of citrus hanging out in the background. It has a different flavor profile than the Shirley Temple 7UP I had last year (which is back this year if you missed it). That 7UP had a flavor that reminded me of an Orange Julius. Oddly, this Slice Soda smells creamy, like an Orange Julius, but its taste doesn’t convey that creaminess. 

Favorite Day Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Favorite Day Banana Pudding Ice Cream pint

I’m a sucker for anything banana-flavored (see: banana water). So this easily made its way into my basket, although I had to do some body contortions to get this pint from the back wall of the bottom shelf of the freezer case. Was it worth tweaking my arm? Yeah, I guess so, but again, I’m REALLY into banana-flavored stuff.

The pint features banana-flavored ice cream, whipped cream-flavored swirls, and vanilla wafer pieces. While there are other components to this ice cream, it’s ALL banana. Even when I got a spoonful of the swirls, I didn’t taste anything like whipped cream. It was bananas. Even the vanilla wafers couldn’t make their flavors come through, although their texture added some chewiness. But despite the swirl and cookies not making their flavors known, I really enjoyed this pint. Because, again, I love bananas, and I’m delighted that there’s another banana-flavored ice cream available.

Oh, one last thing, when I pulled this pint out of the back wall from the bottom shelf of the freezer, I was surprised by how light this container was.

Poppi Cream Soda

Poppi Cream Soda can

I’ve been wanting to try this for about a year now, since it debuted as a limited-edition flavor late last year. I finally got my hands on one because it’s now a permanent flavor. Apparently, this was the best-selling Poppi flavor when it was first available. Perhaps that explains why I couldn’t find it.

But now I’ve experienced it, and it smells better than it tastes. Its aroma is similar to cream sodas from A&W and Jones, so you might think it tastes like them. However, its flavor still has that “Poppi-ness” from the apple cider vinegar that all of the brand’s sodas have, which is what I expected. However, it is significantly more pleasing than Olipop’s Cream Soda, and it’s great tasting for a prebiotic soda. I taste why this became a permanent flavor, and it’s definitely one of my favorites.

Liquid Death Cherry Obituary Sparkling Water

Liquid Death Cherry Obituary Sparkling Water can

I’ve never had a Liquid Death before. I thought it would taste disappointing, like all the other flavored sparkling waters I’ve had from Bubly and La Croix, which have flavors that I’d call ghostly and not pleasing to my palate.

But I thought I’d give Liquid Death a try. So I asked the internet what Liquid Death flavor I should taste first. Many of the responses were for Severed Lime, so I had my mind set to obtain one…eventually. However, my neighbors trashed all those plans by handing me this can of Liquid Death Cherry Obituary.

After drinking it, I have to wonder why the other sparkling water brands have such weak flavors, while this has just the right amount of pleasing cherry flavor. It’s surprisingly great. But then I dug deeper and learned that Liquid Death sparkling water flavors contain sweeteners, while the other brands don’t. This Liquid Death has broken my stereotype of what sparkling water is, and now I’m going to find a can of Severed Lime.

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