REVIEW: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Peanuts & Reese’s Pieces Bar

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Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar

I feel it’s accurate to say Reese’s is having a cultural moment.

Over the past 18 months, that tantalizing yellow, brown, and orange color combination has popped up across a multitude of sweet treats, whispering perfect peanut butter promises into our ears. In the never-ending (not a bad thing) parade of every conceivable ratio of peanut butter to chocolate (,

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Comparison

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Comparison 2

We reviewed the original 1.55 oz. in November 2018 (shout out Denis). This new GIANT version is different in that it’s, well, GIANT, and includes both Reese’s Pieces and peanuts. Knowing that the concept of ratios would be important here, I also picked up the “King Size” version of the peanut-less bar to compare. What can I say, I’m empathetic to a middle child.

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Comparison 3

The GIANT bar is clearly still using mini Reese’s Pieces. And, on cross-section, I can definitely also see the peanut pieces. There was the same delightful crunch from the candy pieces and the higher ratio of chocolate to inclusions in the GIANT bar made the overall flavor more balanced. The peanuts didn’t come through as strongly as the Reese’s Pieces.

Hershey s Milk Chocolate Peanuts Reese s Pieces Bar Back

My biggest issue with this bar is that I’m not sold on the graphics and description. Based on the packaging, I would expect the chocolate in this bar to be Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, but it definitely tastes different. There isn’t a clear ingredient line culprit to prove my suspicions, but the chocolate in the GIANT Peanuts & Reese’s Pieces bar is lighter in color and has WAY less cocoa flavor.

The chocolate in this bar is a lot more reminiscent of a Mr. Goodbar, but I’m not sure if that’s a flavor difference from the added peanut pieces, or if Hershey’s actually used different chocolate.

Overall, I think the GIANT version of this new(ish) candy mash-up is the best ratio of the three available sizes. If you’re looking for that true Hershey’s milk chocolate flavor, you’re not going to be completely satisfied. But, if you think the Mr. Goodbar is underappreciated, you might just love this.

Purchased Price: $2.24 (Giant)
Size: 7 oz. bar
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1/6 of bar or 33 grams) 160 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, less than 5 mg of cholesterol, 40 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 19 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Cookies & Creme Twix (2019)

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Twix Cookies Creme 2019

What is Cookies & Creme Twix?

Even ‘90s kids may not remember , released for a short time in 1990. While not as cheeky as Oreo releasing a few years back, I have to wonder if Mars R&D had some real inside-the-box thinkers working there back in the 90s. Can a cookies and crème flavored cookie bar distinguish itself in the crowded modern candy market?

How is it?

Twix Cookies Creme 2019 Out

These mini Twix are the perfect size for popping whole into your mouth, and but I restrain myself and bite one in half. There’s a nice crunch from the chocolate cookie and chocolate flavor from the coating, but the crème doesn’t make much of an impact.

Twix Cookies Creme 2019 Innards

There are little cookie bits inside it, and that seems wrong. There’s already a cookie base! It may seem I’m making a sharing-sized issue out of a bite-sized matter, but it seems representative of the problem with this bar. Instead of making a great creme filling, Mars threw a typical cookie-and-crème filling in and called it a day.

Is there anything else you need to know?

I may razz Mars for its conservative approach to the Twix brand, but in truth I appreciate it. At a time when many manufacturers are in a race to wow consumers with more and more outlandish offerings (did anyone really want or ?), I like that Twix can be counted on to keep it with simple with various combinations of chocolate, cookie, caramel, and maybe peanut butter if we’re feeling frisky.

The problem with Cookies & Crème Twix is that the crème is unremarkable. If it had been able to distinguish itself in some way, this candy bar might work. As it stands, I’d rather have some caramel or peanut butter.

Conclusion:

Cookies & Crème Twix are unexceptional and actually offer a lesser taste experience than the brand’s more typical offerings.

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 9.7 oz. Sharing size bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 3 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (3 cookies) 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 65 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar (including 12 grams added sugar, and 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate

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Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate

What is Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate?

This is Kit Kat’s newest permanent U.S. flavor. This is a big deal for American Kit Kat lovers since it’s been a very long time since a new variety has made a debut with plans to stay (i.e., not seasonal or limited time). This bar is Kit Kat’s crispy wafers with the milk chocolate replaced with mint crème on top and dark chocolate on the bottom. The result is supposed to be a “duo” of two flavors.

How is it?

Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate Fingers

It smells like mint chocolate, and it tastes like mint chocolate. So if you like mint chocolate and Kit Kat’s iconic wafers, then this is your candy bar. You’ve probably now noticed that I’ve used the word mint a lot (seven times now if you count headings and titles), and that’s because mint is the dominant flavor of this Kat Kat variation.

I’m a fan of both mint AND dark chocolate and was hoping this duo would be an equal pairing, but it is unfortunately not. I think a mint + milk chocolate duo might be preferred to help increase the prevalence of chocolate taste.

Is there anything else you need to know?

It’s not minty enough to be an actual after-meal mint (it’s just that mint > dark chocolate flavor). If you need a breath freshener, then you should go for something else.

Kit Kat DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate Split Fingers

It’s also not quite as creamy as an Andes Mint, which makes sense as it is a Kit Kat bar with crispy wafers. For me, Andes Mints set the standard for mint chocolate (and also represent the end of a carb-loaded, satisfying meal at the Olive Garden…which I now want).

Conclusion:

It’s a mint Kit Kat and still a solid candy bar choice. Like most Kit Kats, this product separates well and is good for sharing, although I don’t typically share my candy bars.

Lastly, despite the uneven pairing in this DUOS bar, I still have high hope for future DUOS flavors.

Purchased Price: $1.39
Size: 1.5 oz.
Purchased at: Walgreens
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1.5 oz) 210 calories, 12 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 19 grams of total sugars, 18 grams of added sugars, 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat

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Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat

What are Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat bars?

Have a break, have a Kit Kat, have a Cinnamon Dolce Latte?

The newest flavor in the Kit Kat lineup is Sweet Cinnamon. In an attempt to coincide with the holidays and bring something new besides candy cane or chocolate mint, the gang at Hershey’s has been “spicing” things up.

Kit Kats in America aren’t as extreme as some of its international counterparts, but sweet cinnamon offers a subtle, yet enticing option that’s around for the holiday season. But does the warm spice ever really go out of season?

How are they?

Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat Top

The second I unwrapped the elfish-decorated minis, the fragrance wasn’t so much like opening a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but instead a bag of cinnamon marshmallows.

After the first bite, I was a bit concerned. There was neither a robust nor subtle cinnamon flavor. So, was this basically a milk chocolate Kit Kat? Not that those aren’t great, but when I expect some cinnamon, I want that delicate balance of sugar, spice, and everything nice!!

Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat Innards

However, as I kept chewing, I eventually got a subtle and sweet flavor, almost like a particular Starbucks latte I know well.

Is there anything else you need to know?

The light, crispy wafer of a Kit Kat blends perfectly with the mild cinnamon and milk chocolate, but could you imagine if they were made with white chocolate? Think horchata.

Also, I do wish these weren’t limited time only, because they could do well any time of year.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a light cinnamon flavor that doesn’t overwhelm, these are for you. My facial reactions after eating these are like that of the elves on the wrappers.

Sweet Cinnamon Kit Kat Elves

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 9 oz. bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (34 grams – 4 Pieces) 170 Calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 25 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, 17 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Skittles Dips

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Skittles Dips Creamy Yogurt

What are Skittles Dips?

Skittles now come dipped in a creamy yogurt flavored coating.

How are they?

Do you enjoy “yogurt” coated raisins? Are you a Skittles fan? Well, that’s really all you have to ask yourself. If you answered “yes” to both questions like I did, then you’re in for a treat because I love these.

Skittles Dips Creamy Yogurt Package

The creamy yogurt dip is very similar to what you’re probably expecting. It has that sugary white chocolate flavor and texture, which interact well with each of the classic Skittles flavors – Strawberry, Grape, Green Apple (R.I.P. Lime), Lemon, and Orange. I think I liked Orange best, but they’re all great.

Skittles Dips Creamy Yogurt Closeup

There’s a nice thick layer of the coating that brings the size of each Skittle up from an M&M to slightly smaller than a peanut M&M.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Look, as with yogurt covered raisins, it’s best not to question the “yogurt” of all this. This “yogurt” isn’t turning your Skittles into a healthy snack. You hear “yogurt” and immediately think, “Wellll, look at me eating all healthy and responsible.” Still, we all know it’s essentially a sugar dip – an absolutely delicious sugar dip coating one of the greatest fruit-flavored candies in history.

Skittles Dips Creamy Yogurt Colors

Oh yeah, and I have to mention they look cool as hell, with little black “S’s” on the translucent white coating with each flavor’s color bleeding through. These rule on every level.

Conclusion:

If I have one dumb complaint, it’s that the Skittles seem extra hard and chewy after the coating melts away. They’re amazing, but I still prefer the textural experience of yogurt covered raisins or those Welch’s yogurt coated fruit snacks.

I’ve long questioned why there have never been Chocolate Covered Skittles, and with these being called “Skittles Dips,” and not “Yogurt Dipped Skittles,” it leads me to believe there might be plans to expand the product line.

If so, awesome, if not, I’m just pumped these exist. Make sure to pick these up.

Purchased Price: $2.98
Size: 11.20 oz. bag
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 oz.) 130 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 4 grams of sat fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 15 milligrams of sodium, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 20 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.

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