REVIEW: Little Caesars Pepperoni & Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza

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Little Caesars Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza Whole

According to a 2015 University of Michigan study, pizza is the most addictive food in the United States. Sitting proudly atop of chocolate, potato chips, cookies, ice cream, and cheeseburgers, the study of more than 500 people’s eating habits officially handed the craving crown to pizza’s undeniable combination of sweet sauce, fatty cheese, and fluffy (or crispy) crust.

And you know what?

I can’t argue that point. I’m not sure there’s been a single time in my life when I thought to myself, “Yeah… I’ve had enough pizza,” unless my stomach was on the verge of bursting. I have never grown tired of pizza’s immaculate flavor trifecta, and if it wouldn’t kill me, I’d eat it every day.

So, in 2021, how can it be made even more addictive? Stuff that crust. And not just with cheese, that’s so Pizza Hut circa 1995. Stuff it with more salty, fatty, and crave-able stuff, like pepperoni. Cue the applause for Little Caesars, who has graced us with its latest innovation, a large ExtraMostBestest pepperoni pizza with pepperoni and cheese stuffed in a parmesan and butter-flavored crust.

For those unfamiliar with LC’s lingo, an ExtraMostBestest takes its standard $5.99 pepperoni pizza and adds extra cheese and “the most” pepperoni for only $1 more. The new limited-time double stuffed offering ups the price to $10 but promises nine feet of pepperoni and three feet of cheese in the bread. Spoiler alert: it’s worth every extra (most bestest) penny.

Little Caesars Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza Closeup

The pizza is adorned with a noticeably admirable amount of pepperoni, and when taking my first bite, I’m immediately reminded of why pizza is the #1 most addictive food; I never want to stop. The topping has a slight curl and nice crunch that erupts with salty bliss made much more intense by the generous sprinkling of green seasoning on the top that amplifies every bite to 11. The seasoning is a combination of oregano, basil, and salt, and I’m sure it’s the same spice blend that comes with its Italian Cheese Bread; it’s delicious.

The cheese is also as advertised: lots of melty mozzarella sitting atop an acidic and slightly sweet layer of sauce that plays third fiddle to the two prominent salty, fatty toppings.

Little Caesars Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza Stuffed

So how’s that groundbreaking new crust? It’s wonderful, with pretty flawless ratios of bread to cheese and little rolled pepperoni slices in every bite. It’s an impressive technique, but for how delicious it is, it’s hard to really taste the pepperoni with the amount of cheese and parmesan butter flavoring added to the crust.

I love every bite but not really getting any meaty or spicy notes because the salt is overwhelming my tongue. I wish I had a little marinara dip cup for the crust because at this point, with pepp and cheese inside, it’s the only thing missing, and I could use some sweet relief from the oncoming sodium overdose.

Little Caesars Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza Slice

The pepperoni in the crust may not have popped as hard as I would like, but that was really only because the flavor throughout the whole pie was so strong that it never took its foot off of the salty flavor accelerator. For ten bucks, you can’t go wrong. Just consider adding a side of their Crazy Sauce to inject some extra life into the crust.

Purchased Price: $10.00
Size: Large Pizza (14 inch)
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 slice) 417 calories, 23 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, less than 1 gram of trans fat, 55 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,093 milligrams of sodium, 33 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 19 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Kellogg’s Mashups Frosted Flakes + Apple Jack Cereal

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Kellogg s Mashups Frosted Flakes + Apple Jack Cereal Box

Last year, Kellogg’s released its first Mashups cereal: Frosted Flakes + Froot Loops. Now, it’s revisiting the concept with Kellogg’s Mashups: Frosted Flakes + Apple Jacks. I did not try the original Mashups, but as a child, I was an expert at mixing random cereals together. As such, I feel qualified to take on this new Mashups rendition.

Throughout my life, I have had ample amounts of both Apple Jacks and Frosted Flakes, so I established solid expectations for what this Mashup would be like. Upon opening the box, I was pleased to see that both cereals seemed to be equally represented. I was able to discern the saccharine aroma of the Frosted Flakes mixing with a hint of cinnamon from the Apple Jacks.

Kellogg s Mashups Frosted Flakes + Apple Jack Cereal Dry

I tried the cereal dry first and it tasted exactly as I expected. It had more flavor than solo Frosted Flakes and more sweetness than Apple Jacks eaten on their own. It tasted pleasant enough, but felt rather anticlimactic.

Kellogg s Mashups Frosted Flakes + Apple Jack Cereal Milk

After adding milk, the flavors blended into a more cohesive presentation. The cinnamon from the Apple Jacks seemed to make the Frosted Flakes taste more complex. The sugar from the Frosted Flakes quickly incorporated into the milk, making every bite a little sweeter than the last. If you have tried both cereals, you can accurately deduce what this tastes like.

The textures of both work well together, at first. The bites seem crunchier than they would be when they are eaten alone. It is a satisfying experience, but it does not last long.

Kellogg s Mashups Frosted Flakes + Apple Jack Cereal Spoon

Unfortunately, Frosted Flakes degrade in milk faster than Apple Jacks. After only a minute or so, the loops remained relatively crunchy, but the flakes were already beginning to turn to mush. Since the Apple Jacks retain crunchiness, this Mashup is texturally pleasant for longer than a bowl of Frosted Flakes à la carte. Conversely, it becomes unpleasant more quickly than a bowl of plain Apple Jacks. Eating this in multiple small portions is highly recommended.

This is not a revolutionary cereal, but it is enjoyable enough to eat. I can certainly see children getting a kick out of it. Personally, I would like to see Kellogg’s try a slightly more daring combination for the next version of Mashups. That could be more fun for everyone.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free product sample. Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 9.8 oz box
Purchased at: Received from Kellogg’s
Rating: 7 out of 10
?Nutrition Facts: (1 1/4 cup) 160 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 220 milligrams of sodium, 38 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Tropical Mango Pop-Tarts

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Tropical Mango Pop Tarts Box

What are Tropical Mango Pop-Tarts?

Forget the taste of charred hot dogs on a sweltering July evening, the feel of ice cold watermelon juice dripping down your chin as you stand on a gently swaying boat dock at the lake, or almost choking to death by the pool because you’re eating your Doritos too fast and your cousin shoots you in the face with his Super Soaker, the REAL taste of summer is the new summer line from Pop-Tarts. Joining Tropical Mango are Creme Pies of the banana and lemon variety, as well as Peach Cobbler.

How are they?

A little lackluster.

Tropical Mango Pop Tarts Crust

As you can see in the pictures, the jacket icing is nothing more than a drizzle. While most Pop-Tarts are fully iced, and a handful are naked, only a couple are adorned with a thin doodle like this Tropical Mango version. I can’t help but think these Tarts — which are very mildly flavored to begin with — would be better fully covered.

Tropical Mango Pop Tarts Filling

The filling itself is extremely, almost jarringly sweet, but it does bear a distinct mango flavor. Unfortunately, it’s just barely noticeable.

Anything else you need to know?

Of the four new flavors, mango is the only one with the Spanish word for new — “Nuevo” — on the box. That’s fine and all, but as we are all well aware, India actually produces and consumes more mangoes than any other nation on Earth. Therefore, I’m petitioning Kellogg’s to add “naveen va” — which is Hindi for new — to the other side of the box.

Conclusion:

Though mangoes are a perfectly delightful fruit, they don’t translate well into the realm of toasted pastries. I’d be surprised if these become anyone’s favorite. Or stick around. Even in India, where folklore says that mango trees can grant wishes. (I’m serious, they love their mangoes.)

Purchased Price: $2.29
Size: 13.5 oz box (8 count)

Purchased at: Sun Fresh
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2 pastries) 380 calories, 11 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 400 milligrams of sodium, 68 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 23 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Limited Edition Team Cheerios Cereal (2021)

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Limited Edition Team Cheerios Cereal Box

What is Team Cheerios Cereal?

Three preexisting flavors of Cheerios have joined into one team: strawberry, frosted, and blueberry.

How is it?

Limited Edition Team Cheerios Cereal Dry

I could tell from the box that these wouldn’t truly be red, white, and blue, especially since there’s no artificial food coloring. But I didn’t expect them to be positively pallid. Oh well. It’s the flavor that matters, right? I’m glad these aren’t just plain Cheerios with food coloring.

I tasted each individual flavor dry. Frosted is just sweet. Strawberry is generically fruity, like Trix or Fruity Cheerios. Blueberry actually uses blueberry puree, so it has the most authentic flavor. All three have that satisfying oatiness to them.

Limited Edition Team Cheerios Cereal Milk

When I put them all together in milk, blueberry is the dominant flavor. There is some hint of the strawberry, but the frosted is just along for the ride. What little color they had washes off in milk, leaving a purplish liquid.

I was surprised at how much I liked this cereal. I don’t always love blueberry things, but the flavor here is authentic without being overpowering. But I haven’t had plain blueberry Cheerios, so I don’t know how this mixture compares.

Anything else you need to know?

According to our friends at Cerealously, there was a previous version of Team Cheerios back during the 1996 Olympics, but that was just regular, multigrain, and frosted Cheerios. I gotta say, in 2021, we tend to have more creative flavors.

Conclusion:

Limited Edition Team Cheerios Cereal In Milk

This Team Cheerios Cereal doesn’t deserve a gold medal, but it deserves a silver or bronze. I just hope we don’t have to wait until the 2024 Olympics for this to come back.

Purchased Price: $3.50
Size: 18.5 oz. box
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 cup) 140 calories, 2 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 0.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 180 milligrams of sodium, 29 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber, less than 1 gram of soluble fiber, 11 grams of sugar including 11 grams of added sugars, and 3 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack, Roost Fries, and Chocolate Croissant Bites

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Jack in the Box has added several new, limited time only items to its menu — the Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack, Quad Bacon Cheesy Jack, Jack’s Classic Roost Fries, Jack’s Spicy Roost Fries, and Chocolate Croissant Bites. Because I kind of value my health, I’ll skip the Quad Bacon Cheesy Jack and Spicy Roost Fries in this review.

Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack

Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack Whole

The Jack in the Box website says the Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack has three beef patties, three kinds of cheeses, and three kinds of bacon on a buttery bakery bun.

Don’t get excited about “three kinds of cheeses” because it’s just American, Swiss, and a cheddar cheese sauce. Also, don’t let “three kinds of bacon” blow your mind as if there are applewood-smoked, hickory-smoked, and brown sugar glazed pork strips. Instead, lower your expectations because it’s just bacon mayo, bacon pieces, and smaller bacon pieces. No, really. Below is a screenshot from the Jack in the Box app when I tried customizing it.

Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack Custom

So what do three beef patties, three kinds of cheese, bacon mayo, and two bacon sizes taste like? Well, it tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. There are no nuances between the cheeses, and there’s definitely none with the bacon. I’m sure it would taste the same if this was a Double Bacon Cheesy Jack or the Sextuple Bacon Cheesy Jack.

If you’re into numerology and believe the number 3 is artistic and creative, you might find some interest in this. Although, you might be dismissing this burger because it lacks a third bun, and it’s not very creative.

Jack in the Box Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack Split

The Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack is definitely not a bad burger, but it doesn’t have a unique flavor. It’ll satisfy your meaty, porky, cheesy, and salty cravings. But I can also get that from Jack’s Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger or Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger.

Purchased Price: $6.99*
Size: N/A
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 810 calories, 57 grams of fat, 20 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of trans fat, 120 milligrams of cholesterol, 1410 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 42 grams of protein.

Classic Roost Fries

Jack in the Box Classic Roost Fries Full

I spent more time than I’d like to admit wondering if the “Roost” in Jack’s Roost Fries is short, cool slang for a rooster or the place where birds come together to rest at night. If it’s the former, then cool. But if it’s the latter, that’s morbid. Thinking the pieces of 100% all-white meat chicken coming together for the ultimate rest after being battered and deep fried is quite gloomy.

Anyhoo, along with the cut-up pieces of what appears to be one Crispy Chicken Strip, Roost Fries also come with fries, of course, cheddar cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of Mystery Sauce. There’s also a spicy version that comes with sliced jalapeños.

Jack in the Box Classic Roost Fries Closeup

The Mystery Sauce is what makes this unique. I enjoyed the sweet, tangy, and peppery sauce on Jack’s Cluck Sandwich, and I also like it on these chicken and cheese topped fries. The sauce is such a tasty condiment that I found myself scraping off whatever I could find with the fries at the bottom of my container. Maybe Jack should offer it as a dipping sauce for its mediocre chicken nuggets.

As for the cheeses, they add a creamy texture and a burst of saltiness, but there isn’t a strong cheddar flavor because of the Mystery Sauce.

Overall, Jack’s Classic Roost Fries are a tasty side, thanks to the Mystery Sauce. Maybe there will be a version someday that comes with bacon slices and smaller bacon slices that’ll be called Sty Fries.

Purchased Price: $4.00*
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 700 calories, 41 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 1680 milligrams of sodium, 66 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of protein.

Chocolate Croissant Bites

Jack in the Box Chocolate Croissant Bites 3 Pack

Made with Hershey’s chocolate and a flaky exterior, the Chocolate Croissant Bites are a sweet and satisfying treat, although the warm, two-inch pieces are not as crispy as I hoped. As you can see, after cutting them in half, there’s an ample amount of filling, but, oddly, there were some bites that taste less chocolatey than others.

Jack in the Box Chocolate Croissant Bites Filling

Although cutting the bites in half is probably something most people won’t do, might I suggest doing so that you can use that melted filling for some French fry dipping. That’s a Pro Tip right there, my friends. Also, I imagine these would be a pleasure to dip into one of Jack’s shakes. But that’s not a Pro Tip. That’s just common sense.

If three pieces aren’t enough, there’s also a six-piece order, which is what I’ll order next time.

Purchased Price: $2.49*
Size: 3-pieces
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (3 pieces) 320 calories, 15 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 130 milligrams of sodium, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 6 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.

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