Starburst Jelly Beans: FaveREDS

"The reason bad things happen to you is because
 you're a dumbass." - Reginald "Red" Forman

Whoever invented FaveREDS is a genius. The whole concept isn't unique to Starburst, since Mike & Ike Red Rageous is a similar idea, but the first person who sat there and said "let's put a bunch of awesome flavors, some of the best flavors, and create new flavors, all together and name them something relating to...their color" deserves an award, a parade, and maybe even his or her own holiday. I'm not even being facetious. I'm sitting here trying to write a review while shoveling handfuls of these beans into my mouth.

Starburst Jelly Bean FaveREDS take this concept to another level. Cherry. Watermelon. Strawberry. Bam. That's it. That's all you need. Each is delicious and the watermelon is scrumdiddlyumptious. Stop reading this blog and go get yourself some right now.

Starburst Jelly Beans: FaveREDS

Similarity to traditional beans: 8.3 - They are small and the outer shell is distinct, adding a crunch. When comparing this to traditional jelly beans, they are not a perfect match, but that *pop that occurs when you bite into one is unmatched by any other jelly bean. It is without doubt a crunch that is the most subtle crunch you can get from a candy shell. Words can't describe it, I won't continue to try, it is amazing.

How taste compares to original candy: 9.5 - They are the Starburst fruit chew flavors in bean form. Not only that, did I say they are AMAZING! The strawberry is smooth and oh-so-good, just like the pink fruit chews that are possibly one of the best candies ever. Seriously, half the bag is gone and I need to hide it right now or it might be an all jelly bean dinner tonight.

Overall taste: 10.0 - Perfection. Great flavor and the combination of flavors is...yes, amazing. There is no rogue flavor you shy from and they can all be eaten with the same fervor. These are a must try for every candy connoisseur and those who just like Starburst will find a new way to satisfy their palates for the delicious fruit taste.

From left to right: Cherry, watermelon, strawberry

From the company: Serving size 1/4 cup - 140 calories, 0g of fat, 34g of carbs, 27g of sugar and 0g of protein.

Hawaiian Punch Jelly Beans

"How 'bout a nice Hawaiian Punch?"
"Sure."

The Hawaiian Punch Jelly Beans were bound to fly under the radar, what, with all the other amazing flavors of jelly beans out there. This shouldn't have been the case since growing up Hawaiian Punch was probably the most sugary of the beverages bestowed on American children and I should expect some serious sweetness with these beans. Second, they are made by Brachs, who delivers quality beans every year.

Even after opening, they still seem to fly under the radar. They are not amazing and there isn't a strong flavor. I haven't had Hawaiian Punch in years so the ability of the bean to replicate their liquid counterparts is difficult, however based on my memory, Hawaiian Punch was very, very sweet and these are not. It does not make the beans bad by any sense, rather it makes them forgettable. There is a sourness to a few of the flavors that makes them something to try but definitely not a repeat purchase.

Hawaiian Punch Jelly Beans

Similarity to traditional beans: 7.5 - Since they are Brachs, they do imitate traditional beans quite well outside of the fact that they are smaller than traditional beans. Their shells are distinct from the inner core of the bean and one thing I really like about the beans is their color. The majority of them are spotted and look like little dinosaur eggs, which is fun and possibly a great way to add variation to a child's Easter basket.

How the taste compares to the original candy, or in this case, fruit juice: 7.3 - Again, it has been a while since I've had Hawaiian Punch so I'm basing the majority of this review on the red beans, the fruit punch ones, since Hawaiian Fruit Punch is a flavor few of us can forget. As a child, it was so sugary it bordered on sour (if that is possible) as it stained the inside of your mouth and gave your lips a cherry glow. The beans do a good job of mimicking classic Hawaiian Punch flavors in a subtle way, which is good since eating such a strong flavor would be much more difficult than drinking it.

Overall taste: 7.0 - These jelly beans are not a must try unless you really love Hawaiian Punch. These beans have a mild taste and speaking from experience, do not stand out as a must try. The flavors are a bit mild but the real appeal these beans offer is their style. They seriously look like little dinosaur eggs!

From left to right: Fruit Juicy Red, Lemon Berry Squeeze, Green Berry Rush,
Mango Passionfruit Squeeze, Berry Blue Typhoon, and Orange Ocean

From the company: Serving size 25 pieces - 140 calories, 0g of fat, 36g of carbs, 30g of sugar and 0g of protein.