REVIEW: Krispy Kreme Reese’s Lovers Original Filled Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Reese s Lovers Original Filled Doughnuts

What are Krispy Kreme Reese’s Lovers Original Filled Doughnuts?

Filled Doughnuts are the new wave for Krispy Kreme. As soon as it rolled out the technology, it simply couldn’t stop, and I gotta say I’m hella here for it.

For its newest iteration of the doughnut, the chain has taken the flavors of Reese’s re-released Peanut Butter Lover’s and Chocolate Lover’s Cups and put its own Original Filled spin on them.

The Chocolate Lover’s version is a chocolate Original Glazed doughnut filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter Kreme, dipped in chocolate fudge icing and decorated with a Reese’s peanut butter icing drizzle. The Peanut Butter Lover’s is a chocolate Original Glazed doughnut filled with Chocolate Peanut Butter Kreme, dipped in Reese’s peanut butter icing and decorated with a chocolate icing drizzle.

How are they?

Krispy Kreme Reese s Peanut Butter Lovers Original Filled Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Reese s Chocolate Lovers Original Filled Doughnuts

It should come as no surprise as someone who loves all things Reese’s and has an affinity for Krispy Kreme that I absolutely adore these.

KK has a good track record with its Peanut Butter Kreme, and the execution here is flawless. The chocolate base provides a solid foundation that, when combined with the peanut butter overtones, it keeps the doughnut from becoming too sweet. Don’t get it twisted, these are doughnuts dipped in glaze, so they’re sweet. But the fatty saltiness from the PB provides a great balance that’s addictive perfection.

Is there anything else you need to know?

There’s an interesting turn to all of this, and I think the names of the doughnuts should be reversed. The Peanut Butter Lover’s tastes less peanut buttery than the Chocolate Lover’s.

The PB Lover’s is filled with a Chocolate Peanut Butter Kreme, which is delicious and new for KK, but has a more cocoa-forward flavor than the straight PB Kreme, with a rich frosting texture. Even with the PB icing on top the chocolate takes over and really leads the flavor much more so than it does in the PB Lover’s which is iced with chocolate. If the Kreme were swapped, then we would have a TRULY indulgent PB experience in one, and a more muted but still peanut buttery flavored one with the Chocolate Lover’s.

Conclusion:

Krispy Kreme Reese s Lovers Original Filled Doughnuts Box

The names of the doughnuts are confusing, but all you need to know is they are insanely smash worthy and provide different flavor profiles despite their similar ingredients. Plus, this is the first time I can remember that Krispy Kreme made new and unique packaging just for a doughnut release. So you know they’re special, and you know you need them both.

Purchased Price: $1.89
Size: N/A
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: Reese’s Original Filled Chocolate Lovers Doughnut – 330 calories, 17 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 150 milligrams of sodium, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 27 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein. Reese’s Original Filled Peanut Butter Lovers Doughnut – 340 calories, 18 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 180 milligrams of sodium, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 27 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Nestle Toll House Edible Cookie Dough

Nestle Toll House Edible Cookie Dough

We also reviewed Nestle Toll House Funfetti Edible Cookie Dough and Edible Fudge Brownie Batter that came out in 2020. Click here to read that review.

Edible cookie dough has been all the rage for the last couple of years, thanks to Cookie Dough Café on Shark Tank. I’ve tried this “edible” variety before, and I didn’t love it. But, I have been back on the train thanks to Ben & Jerry’s snackable version.

So, it was almost serendipitous that Nestle Toll House launched its new Edible Cookie Dough line with two flavors: Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Monster.

Nestle Toll House Edible Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip Spoonful Top

Of course, I started with the original flavor. It smelled like the cookie dough I remember trying to eat as a kid when my mom was mixing the “non-edible” kind. I enjoyed everything about this.

Nestle Toll House Edible Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip Spoonful

The chocolate chips were the perfect size, the flavor was spot-on, and the texture was just right – not too hard and not too soft even right from the refrigerator. Flavor-wise, it was very comparable to the Ben & Jerry’s one but this spoon-in-“pint” form allowed for maximum cookie dough consumption.

Nestle Toll House Edible Cookie Dough Monster Lidless

As for the Monster flavor, my expectations were immediately lowered when I saw the way it was sitting in the container. All I have to say is that it reminded me of the “chocolate soft serve” emoji.

Also, I could see there was bleeding of the chocolate candy coating (or what they call mini gems in the ingredients), so that added to lack of visual appeal. On the bright side, it smelled like a tasty peanut butter cookie dough though!

Nestle Toll House Edible Cookie Dough Monster Spoonful

When digging in, I could immediately tell the texture was a bit different, probably from the rolled oats. It had a firmer texture, but still easily spoonable. Taste-wise, it was fantastic and again delivered true to the raw version.

But, I wasn’t able to eat as much of this flavor due to the richness of the peanut butter and rolled oats getting stuck in my teeth. So, I went back to eating the chocolate chip one.

If you’re a cookie dough fan, you won’t be disappointed! And if other brands of edible cookie dough have let you down, this one won’t!

Purchased Price: $4.49 each
Size: 15 oz. container
Purchased at: Meijer
Rating: 10 out of 10 (Chocolate Chip), 8 out of 10 (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Monster)
Nutrition Facts: (2 Tbsp) Chocolate Chip – 140 calories, 4.5 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 115 milligrams of sodium, 25 grams of total carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, 15 grams of total sugars, 15 grams of added sugars, and 1 grams of protein. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Monster – 140 calories, 5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 110 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of total carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, 12 grams of total sugars, 12 grams of added sugars, and 1 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Chex Mix MAX’D

Chex Mix MAX D

2020 Update: We also tried the Chili Jalapeno flavor! Click here to read our review.

Hi, my name is Vin, and I was a recovering Chex Mix addict.

I don’t mean to make light, but that’s actually true. I’ve been trying to cut back on my sodium intake lately, and one of the main staples of my prior diet was Chex Mix – always Chex Mix. I never left the supermarket without a bag in my cart.

To me, every Chex Mix variety (besides Bold Party) has fallen on a scale between “damn good” and “ambrosia.” No hyperbole here, I love this stuff. They’re my favorite snack, and I was slowly kicking the habit.

That is until Chex Mix kicked back by releasing new MAX’D flavors. You didn’t think I’d skip out on these MAX’D flavors now did ya?

Of course not, you have no idea who I am. You don’t think about me at all.

Chex Mix MAX’D come in two exciting flavors – Buffalo Ranch and Spicy Dill.

There’s no “E” in MAX’D, so to remember that, I made up this lame mnemonic for ya:

“When it comes to MAX’D the ‘E’ gets axed!”

Chex Mix MAX D Back of Bag

The thing that sets MAX’D apart are the “flavor blasted” pieces, which are interesting, to say the least.

Buffalo is hit or miss for me, but ranch never fails. I went into these literally and figuratively thinking it was a mixed bag.

Chex Mix MAX D Buffalo Ranch

The mix consists of amazing Ranch Chex pieces that reminded me of the Sour Cream and Onion Chex, which are “ambrosia” tier. You also get standard pumpernickel chips, pretzels, and baffling “Flavor Blasted” Buffalo Chex pieces.

It’s a milder Buffalo flavor than you’d probably expect, and it packs some nice heat. They blend in perfectly with the Ranch pieces, but these blasted Chex are such a strange textural experience.

Chex Mix MAX D Buffalo Ranch Closeup

They are exactly like Muddy Buddies, except savory. For some reason, my brain had a hard time with this concept. The powder-caked pieces hit my tongue and I wanted a sugar rush every time, not the exact opposite.

Chex Mix MAX D Spicy Dill

The Spicy Dill blasted Chex also threw me for that same loop. They smelled and tasted like pickles, but that was perhaps a bit short-lived, as the dill got overtaken by the corresponding “Spicy” Chex pieces. This mix is hotter than Buffalo Ranch. They’re a bit too hot – not quite the Ghost Pepper

Chex Mix MAX D Spicy Dill Closeup

You also get pretzels and cheese crackers, which I prefer to the bagel chips. These ingredients help to neutralize the burn a bit, but I wish the dill pieces were cooler, creamier, and maybe not flavor blasted.

I expected to prefer the pickle flavor, but the Buffalo Ranch won me over. They’re still both pretty “damn good,” but I don’t think I’ll be safe from a Chex Mix relapse for a while. Also, keep in mind my dumb brain couldn’t comprehend the spicy Muddy Buddy MAX’D pieces, and that’s probably clouding my judgment. I’m still confused.

I need more opinions, so give em a try.

Purchased Price: $2.50 each
Size: 8.75 oz. bag
Purchased at: 7-Eleven
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Buffalo Ranch), 6 out of 10 (Spicy Dill)
Nutrition Facts: (1/2 cup) Buffalo Ranch – 140 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 280 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. Spicy Dill – 140 calories, 4 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 320 milligrams of sodium, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dairy Queen Snickers Peanut Butter Pie Blizzard

Dairy Queen Snickers Peanut Butter Pie Blizzard

What is the Snickers Peanut Butter Pie Blizzard?

It’s Dairy Queen’s co-Blizzard of the Month for August with its less fancy cousin Snickers Blizzard, which is a returning flavor. In addition to the titular candy, the Snickers Peanut Butter Pie Blizzard includes peanut butter and graham blended with vanilla soft serve.

How is it?

Straightforwardly solid. There’s not a whole lot of surprise in this Blizzard. If you like Snickers and peanut butter, then you are going to love this. As one who falls into that category, I figured this would be pretty good, and it was. The graham adds a nice layer of flavor, and all three elements blend together without any of them overpowering each other.

Dairy Queen Snickers Peanut Butter Pie Blizzard Closeup

With the peanuts in the Snickers and peanut butter, I thought there might be a little peanut overload, but I didn’t find that to be the case. This Blizzard is the opposite of Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates — you pretty much know what you are going to get…a pretty tasty treat. Nothing more, nothing less.

Is there anything else you need to know?

You are supposed to learn something new every day. I don’t know who made up that rule, and I’ve lived my life choosing to mostly ignore that advice. My brain can only hold so much information. But during this review, I learned Dairy Queen has coffee, or at least I’m pretty sure they do since my Blizzard was served in a generic coffee cup, presumably because my local DQ ran out of mini Blizzard cups.

Dairy Queen Snickers Peanut Butter Pie Blizzard Snickers Bar

OK, the fact that DQ serves hot brown caffeinated water is not an earth-shaking revelation, and perhaps you already knew that. But not being a coffee drinker, I had no idea. I also learned that using an actual Snickers bar as a spoon is a great idea, despite the weird looks I got. So I learned two things today, freeing up my schedule to learn absolutely nothing tomorrow.

Conclusion:

With so many Blizzard combinations over the years, it’s hard for any mixture to rise above the rest without throwing in a truly unique ingredient or flavor. Of course, neither Snickers nor peanut butter qualifies as such. But even so, this is a good addition to the Blizzard lineup and a tasty, if unspectacular, way to wind down summer.

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: Mini
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Mini) 450 calories, 21 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 230 milligrams of sodium, 57 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 45 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Creepy Cocoa Crisp M&M’s

Creepy Cocoa Crisp M M s

What are Creepy Cocoa Crisp M&M’s?

The Target-exclusive Halloween M&M’s for 2019 are dark chocolate with a cocoa crispy center, in festive colors of brown, red, and orange.

How are they?

Creepy Cocoa Crisp M M s Innards

I was underwhelmed by the Target-exclusive Cookies & Screeem of yesteryear, but these Creepy Cocoa Crisp are a decided improvement. I like dark chocolate M&M’s, but they’re even better with the crispy texture! My family members who don’t much care for the Crispy variety enjoyed these.

My only disappointment is that it’s hard to taste the cocoa element in the crisp part (which is the same color as the chocolate). The dark chocolate overpowers it. But that’s a minor quibble, because they’re still wonderful. This is a simple concept, but it works very well.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Creepy Cocoa Crisp M M s Red M Mcula

With the package portraying the Red M&M holding a bowl of chocolate cereal while wearing a vampire costume, it seems obvious Mars is channeling Count Chocula. But that cereal is made of corn, whereas the M&M crispy parts are made of rice flour. I appreciate the creativity —- it’s not predictable, but it still has a seasonal connection.

Conclusion:

The colors, flavor, and texture combine to make this limited-edition flavor a winner. Since Red is dressed as a vampire, I imagine repurposing a line from The Munsters to tell him how I feel about this candy:

Me: “I really dig you!”

Red: “And someday I’ll return the favor!”

Purchased Price: $3.19
Size: 8 oz. bag
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts:: (1 oz./28 grams/30 pieces) 140 calories, 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 16 grams of sugar (includes 16 grams of added sugars), and 1 gram of protein.

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