REVIEW: Limited Edition Tiramisu Oreo Cookies

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Limited Edition Tiramisu Oreo Cookies

The latest release in the lengthy limited edition category for Oreo takes us on a trip to Italy as Nabisco attempts to put a pocket-sized spin on a classic romantic dessert — Tiramisu. The perfect ending to a garlic and tomato-filled meal can now be put into your lunchpail, backpack, and night table for easy access bedside snacking so the romance can commence all night long.

Limited Edition Tiramisu Oreo is one of the more bold flavor choices for a limited edition variety, and I don’t mean in the weird way that Cotton Candy and Swedish Fish are, but this is a complex flavor to replicate.

As a quick refresher, tiramisu is a layered cake made up of sweet whipped mascarpone cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, a hint of liqueur, and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Limited Edition Tiramisu Oreo Cookies Layers

The layered aspect of the dessert is represented in the Oreo as two different colored cremes – one lighter brown with a sweet coffee flavor, and a white one, which reminds me of a cross between Oreo’s birthday cake and cream cheese frosting flavored cremes.

Limited Edition Tiramisu Oreo Cookies White Creme

The latter is sweet but has a hint of funkiness that I associate with a cheese-based frosting, and I like that added kick. The coffee flavor here is subtle but present. I’m not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me, but I swear I can taste and smell a hint of the alcohol that usually lingers in the ladyfingers.

These cookies remind me of the very well executed Latte Fudge Dipped Oreo Thins Bites that came out a few weeks back. Those tasted a bit more like coffee with a chocolate frosting finish. But those are similar enough in flavor with these that I almost feel as though I would have been more impressed with Tiramisu Oreo if I hadn’t had the dipped ones first. But I can’t be mad at two awesome treats in one month.

Tiramisu Oreo is an excellent cookie – complex and true to its namesake, with a more enjoyable overall flavor than the only other full-sized coffee Oreo – 2017’s Dunkin Donuts Mocha. Its only weakness is it’s a bit too chocolate heavy to be a truly faithful representation of the Italian dessert. Luckily, that’s easily remedied by removing the top chocolate wafer.

Purchased Price: $3.49
Size: 12.2 oz.
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2 cookies) 140 calories, 7 grams of fat, 2.5 gram of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 90 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of total sugars, and less than 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Limited Edition Coca-Cola Tic Tac

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Limited Edition Coca Cola Tic Tac 1

What is Coca-Cola Tic Tac?

Let’s be real, a Coca-Cola flavored Tic Tac might seem pretty bizarre, but “things go better with a Coke.”

How is it?

As someone who has consciously tried to curb my soda intake, I gotta say, it’s nice to get that cola flavor back in my life in any form.

I actually have an exact flavor match in mind, and I’m going to try to explain it.

It’s definitely Coke, but it’s not as powerful and sweet as taking a swig of the soda itself.

Limited Edition Coca Cola Tic Tac in Tin

You know when you pour a fresh Coca-Cola over ice, and then take that first fizzy effervescent sip where the little bubbles explode out of the glass and onto your nose? It’s like a slightly watered down, extra carbonated form of what’s to come. That is the flavor of these Tic Tacs.

Does that make sense?

These “mints” taste like they’re about 80% of the way to true Coca-Cola flavor.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Limited Edition Coca Cola Tic Tac Closeup

They’re addicting. I’ve always been a four Tic Tacs at once kinda guy, but I found myself, perhaps unironically, drinking these straight from the bottle.

I couldn’t find these at Target, so I had to buy them on eBay. That’s how irresistible the rattle of Coca-Cola Tic Tacs was for me. I may have paid a bit more, but I’m not mad about it.

Conclusion:

I’d say these are just on the cusp of being a top tier Tic Tac. Orange Mint and the first two seconds of Peppermint (when they taste like vanilla) will forever be the kings.

These might seem like strange bedfellows, but if you want Coca-Cola flavored candy with a very subtle mint finish, you know where to look. Who knows, by the time you find these, there might also be Pepsi Altoids and RC Certs.

If you’re lucky enough to have them on hand, Tic Tacs can also be used in TikToks. Why not add a little maraca to your awful dance videos?

Eh, I’m playing. At least you’re having fun. Stay safe.

Purchased Price: $7.50 (These are $3.49 at Target, btw)
Size: 3.4 oz.
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 Mint) 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 milligrams of sodium, 0 grams of total carbohydrates, “a trivial amount” of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Sonic Sweet ‘n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger

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Sonic Sweet n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger

In the midst of one boring burger after another from various chains around the country, we as a collected people desperately needed a wholly edible celebration of meat and cheese to bring us out of our dull fast-food doldrums. And, thank God, it was our good friends at Sonic and their new Sweet ‘n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger to do it.

The latest creation to come out of Oklahoma City’s favorite fast food corporation, this delightful cheeseburger is a flavorful mélange of things that, honestly, should not work. But here, they come together in delicious harmony to make what I classify as a near-perfect burger, one that should appease the taste buds of even the hardest-hearted burger-eaters of them all. Fries, sadly, not included.

Sonic Sweet n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger 2

It features a Sonic pure beef patty paraded about with the blissful fanfare of smokehouse cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, grilled onions, shredded lettuce, and a large quantity of honey mustard. They’re all deliciously served on a toasted “bakery quality” brioche bun.

The smokehouse cheddar cheese is the first thing to be tasted, even beyond the largesse of the meat. It’s a relieving flavor that, when mixed with the proud honey mustard, gives a tongue-biting zing that is usually not featured on too many mainstream burgers these days. The follow-up of crispy bacon gently tempers that with the right amount of fat and salt.

If you’re so inclined, there is also a slider variation of this marvelous burger, perfect for those that have big tastes but very little pocket change.

Sonic Sweet n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger 3

But, still, if you’ve got the gut and gumption, just go for this five buck version and gently eat away those taste-destroying burger blues.

Purchased Price: $4.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: Not available at publication time.

REVIEW: Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak

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Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak

What is Panda Express’ Black Pepper Angus Steak?

The premium entree with a premium price features Angus steak with baby broccoli, onions, red bell peppers, and mushrooms in a savory black pepper sauce.

I got it as part of the $20 Family Meal online promotion that Panda Express is offering, which is $25 here on this rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

I also got it delivered through DoorDash, tipped the Dasher $5, and, because it’s a premium entree, the Black Pepper Angus Steak added another $4.50. So it was less of a deal for me. But if you do takeout, this $20 deal is THE BEST (even at $25), and I think it should stick around for longer than April 17.

Did you hear, um, read me, Panda Express!

How is it?

I’ve consumed a lot of different black pepper-flavored products over the years, and every single one of them had a bold black pepper flavor, which is what I was expecting with this. So I’m surprised by the mild usage of the seasoning in the sauce.

Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak Meat

While chewing on forkfuls of tender Angus steak pieces, veggies, and savory sauce, there was one word I couldn’t get out of my head: pizza.

Yes, that’s an odd word to put in a Panda Express review and the taste isn’t always there. Maybe it’s my subconscious telling me I should eat pizza instead of Panda. I dunno. But the combination of the savory sauce and tender Angus steak pieces starts off a little peppery and then it morphs into a flavor that’s like the Italian sausage on a pizza. Also, I feel the crunchy bell peppers and onions maybe help push the flavor in my mind.

Look, the whole pizza thing is weird, but despite that, I love it. It’s my new favorite Panda Express Angus steak entree, and I hope it sticks around.

Did you hear, um, read me, Panda Express!

Is there anything else you need to know?

Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak Baby Broccoli

I didn’t know baby broccoli was a thing. Baby carrots? Yes. Baby corn? Yes. Baby bok choy? Yes. Also, while I’m on a baby vegetable tangent, I think Brussels sprouts should be renamed to baby cabbages.

The baby broccoli’s size varies from infant to toddler. The thin infant ones are adorable, but the thicker ones look as if some watercress walked into the wok somehow.

Conclusion:

Although its flavor reminds me of Italian sausage and pizza, I think Panda Express’ Black Pepper Angus Steak that doesn’t taste like it has a lot of black pepper is worth the premium price.

Purchased Price: $25 (as part of special $25 Family Meal deal)
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (5.10 oz) 180 calories, 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 750 milligrams of sodium, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 6 grams of sugar, and 19 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Fairlife Light Ice Cream

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Fairlife Light Ice Cream

When you were younger, did you ever think ahead to being an adult and being able to “do whatever you want”?

I used to think along those lines, but even my adolescent hopefulness couldn’t have predicted the pure joy in buying every single flavor of a new ice cream release because I was “supposed to” for a product review. That was my reality when I found the new seven-flavor lineup of Fairlife Light Ice Cream.

You’re probably familiar with Fairlife from its presence in the fluid dairy aisle. Its most significant point of difference is the use of and direct-to-consumer sale of ultra-filtered (UF) milk, which is, in my opinion, as a dairy scientist, VERY NEAT.

Ultra-filtered milk is simply milk that has been passed through a membrane that separates out some of the water, lactose, and small minerals. What’s left is milk that is higher in protein and has much less lactose. Fairlife also does other super nifty things like adding lactase enzymes to its chocolate milk which breaks lactose into glucose and galactose, which together can be as sweet as sugar, so the chocolate milk needs less added sugar to be just as sweet! Science can be delicious! Okay, with all of that said, let’s bring it back to performance because it doesn’t matter how clever your ice cream is if it doesn’t deliver on taste.

Cookies & Cream

Fairlife Light Ice Cream Cookies Cream

I chose to start with Cookies & Cream because I think it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite. The Fairlife version lived up to expectations. The cookies were chocolatey and soft, and the pieces weren’t skimpy. The vanilla had a nice flavor as well, but I did think the texture overall was a little icy and it could have been more creamy and melty. But considering these are light ice creams, I wasn’t shocked.

Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of the container) 190 Calories, 11 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 95 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

Double Fudge Brownie

Fairlife Light Ice Cream Double Fudge Brownie

I’m always a little wary when “light” versions of products shoot for flavors like Double Fudge Brownie. In the case of Fairlife, I think this flavor is fine, but not amazing. The chocolate ice cream was decent. It’s like their chocolate milk, but frozen. The brownie pieces were surprisingly good. They were soft and pillowy, sort of like a Fiber One brownie.

The fudge sauce was not for me. It had a very harsh acidic canned chocolate syrup flavor that didn’t mesh well with the sweetness level in the ice cream. Keep the brownies, lose the fudge swirl.

Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: I’m SO sorry, but this pint was tossed from our freezer to make room for frozen goods before I could snag a picture of the nutrition label.

Chocolate and Vanilla

Fairlife Light Ice Cream Chocolate

Fairlife Light Ice Cream Vanilla

Honestly, the staple flavors were a little icy, but pretty good. The Vanilla had little flecks of vanilla bean and the Chocolate flavor was mild, but pleasant. With more fat, the chocolate would have been more luscious. I’d accept a scoop of either as my à la mode any day. Especially considering a serving of the vanilla is basically the nutritional equivalent of a glass of 2% milk with a little sugar. Keep your expectations level, folks.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Vanilla)
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of the container) 140 Calories, 6 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 125 milligrams of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

Rating: 6 out of 10 (Chocolate)
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of the container) 190 Calories, 6 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

Chocolate Peanut Butter

Fairlife Light Ice Cream Chocolate Peanut Butter

The Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor was my only huge letdown. There is no peanut butter in this product. There is only added peanut flavor. I get that these are light ice creams, so maybe you can’t add peanut butter, but in that case, maybe don’t make this flavor at all? The pieces of chocolate flakes were mildly redeeming, but overall this one was pretty rough.

Rating: 3 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of the container) 190 Calories, 11 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 95 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

Java Chip

Fairlife Light Ice Cream Java Chip

It was GREAT. Again, this is clearly lower fat than other ice creams, but for some reason, I didn’t notice that as much in this coffee version. The chocolate flakes, much like in the peanut butter version, are nice. They break down and aren’t waxy. Slow melt, but I really liked the coffee flavor in this one.

Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: I’m SO sorry, but this pint was tossed from our freezer to make room for frozen goods before I could snag a picture of the nutrition label.

Mint Chip

Fairlife Light Ice Cream Mint Chip

Ahh, mint chip. You can’t go wrong with mint chip. Minty flavor makes everything seem refreshing. Would a full fat mint chip melt better and taste better? Yeah. But this ain’t bad. I would love a mint chip ice cream sandwich made with this.

Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/3 of the container) 170 calories, 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 115 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

Overall:

Fairlife Light Ice Cream POWER BOWL

Overall, it’s no surprise these light ice creams made from ultra-filtered milk deliver a slightly inferior texture to full-fat regular ice cream, but that’s par for the course in the rapidly expanding world of light ice creams.

Set these bad boys on the counter for five minutes before you scoop and they do pretty well. I also still think UF milk and some of the techniques used at Fairlife are really interesting. I would buy Java Chip, Mint Chip, Vanilla, or Cookies & Cream again for SURE. But I don’t care much for the flavor trade-offs when you get to flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter that doesn’t have any actual peanut butter.

Purchased Price: $3.99 each
Size: 14 fl. oz.
Purchased at: Jewel-Osco

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