Life Savers Candy Canes

Day Three: Life Savers Candy Canes

Another highly anticipated candy cane is Life Savers. They are already a hard candy, so the transition to a cane form should not be a stretch. A second reason? Pineapple Life Savers are in my Top 10 favorite candies. If you take a closer look, two pineapple Life Saver candy canes sit in this rainbow of fruit flavors, by far the widest selection of any of the canes in this tasting.

That range of colors gives these canes a quality appearance and each flavor is a different color. Individually each color is nothing special but when taken as a whole, it is nice to have five different patterns to choose to eat. There is even a pink (cherry) and a darker red (raspberry) and the greens (lime) stand out to completely fit the season's color theme.

Getting right to tasting them (because I can't stop myself any longer) there are a few substantial comments to make concerning their rankings. First, you have to take each flavor into consideration. Second, they shouldn't just be a candy cane shaped hard candy, they need to be a candy cane version of a Life Saver. So, are they? And the answer is surprisingly yes. Take the raspberry and cherry for example. They taste exactly like their hard candy counterparts, but have slow crunch of a candy cane compared to the pop of a hard candy. The pineapple has the pineapple flavor, but isn't a perfect replica of the hard candy while the other two flavors taste slightly plain, just like their Life Saver versions. All have the right texture.

From left to right: Cherry, Lime, Orange, Pineapple, Raspberry
Rating: HO-HO

These are tasty, flat out, but the cherry is a stand out. For this reason I'm starting to wonder about this whole tasting. At the very beginning, a coworker and I were discussing what the flavor of traditional fruity candy canes is and the answer was cherry. With these Life Savers cherry candy canes being the closest to that flavor of the canes tested so far, it is making me think that nothing new, none of the new candy flavored candy canes, are going to compare to the original. I won't give up, but I might stock up on some cheap cherry canes before they are off the shelves.

These however, get a HO-HO rating. Something fun to try for the season and enough variation to make each cane an interesting experience!

Starburst Candy Canes

Day Two: Starburst Candy Canes

Starburst sets the highest of candy cane expectations because of one word spelled out across the top of the box: strawberry. Anyone with even a small appetite for fruity candy can tell you that Starburst strawberry, the pink color in the classic four-color Starburst spectrum, is one of the most iconic flavors in candy history. With this in mind, I may have secretly looked forward to these canes the most.

The coloring of these canes is striking and I appreciate the dichromatic choice, with there being only two color canes (red and green) and each cane featuring a swirled version of lighter and darker versions of each color. The red is light and could be considered pink, but overall the canes fit a green and red holiday color decor and mesh well with the season's theme. I guess that adequately covers appearance so let's move on to taste.

Rating: H

Looking at the ratings, are these a Starburst candy cane? A resounding NO. First and foremost, the strawberry is not even close to its chewy counterpart. The strawberry here is typical of other, sweeter strawberry flavors that actually bear more resemblance to the fruit than Starburst, but it just doesn't work here. Add to that the choice of green apple, which is good for a green apple flavor, but not for Starburst. Give me another classic flavor, like orange or lemon or cherry, not some random flavor that just fits the color scheme.

So are they tasty? Sort of. I prefer the classic cherry flavor of cheaper fruity candy canes over these by far. I would not buy these again. I would not even suggest them to the die hard Starburst fan. Lowest rating I think possible for a cane that is still edible. An H. Not even a HO.

Smarties Candy Canes

Day One: Smarties Candy Canes

We're starting the candy cane reviews with Smarties candy canes for no other reason than they were at the top of the pile. I can't tell you how hard it has been to not eat these canes, stacked in a pile in the corner of my bedroom.

The Smarties candy canes are uniform in color and the picture shows the colors much darker than they are in real life and the softer colors actually match their candy counterparts quite nicely. They do not have a strong odor and in fact, they do not have a strong taste but that lacking is what gives them an edge. They are not overly sweet, or sugary, and they offer a lighter take on the traditional fruity cane flavor.

Rating: HO-HO

Looking at the ratings, are these a Smarties candy cane? Yes. You must wait for the aftertaste to get that hint of Smarties and it isn't powerful, but it is there. Are they tasty? A big yes. They are hard to stop eating. Their light flavor allows them to be chain eaten; one right after another. Appearance? The major color is pink and overall, the color is soft. They are far from a traditional cane and are a whirlwind of pastels, so they probably wouldn't look good on every Christmas tree but with how delicious these are, they might never even make it to a tree.

I have to say that I am impressed on day one and surprised by the Smarties canes. I give them two ho's. A HO-HO.

Is This Too Many...Candy Canes?

No. It is not. Because when I stumbled upon the holiday candy isle of my local grocery this evening I was confronted by a substantial gang of candy cane flavors I'd never heard of, nay, never even imagined! This picture represents only a fraction of the selection because my basket could only hold so much and stupid me, I had to buy food for the week as well. I know what you are thinking. Candy canes are food. True. But man can not live on cane alone.

Do you see what I see?
Do you see what I see?
A cane, a cane,
a Swedish Fish Candy Cane.

The discovery of so many new flavors presents opportunity especially for me, who happens to love fruity candy cane flavors. The fruity ones also have a distinct taste which is typically fruity but never really represent a single fruit flavor. They are a conglomeration of fruitiness that delivers an alternative to the peppermint canes that are a tradition of the season.

So let us test them, taste them, and rate them. First and foremost, these flavors should be a candy cane version of their other candy partner, i.e. a Spree Candy Cane should taste like a Spree, and so forth. Second, is the candy cane even tasty? Looking at the choices, I fail to see something that looks suspicious of not bringing the flava, so this will be a number ranking with aims to differentiate the "must try" from the "only for the die hards." Lastly, appearance. The peppermint ones fit a fir tree like a glove on a hand and while some see fruity canes as almost sacrilegious on a tree, a few of the ones I've already purchased could easily become a focal point for certain design motifs.

December is candy cane season. Let's go hunting.

Sugar Heaven with FOTB Shamus and FOTB Kate

My magical day, from Sugar Heaven's
inviting storefront (top), to $75 of
assorted candies (bottom)

My day was quite magical. It began with a trip to look at art with the intent to buy, followed by a delicious lunch of hamburger sliders, and capped off with a trip to Sugar Heaven on Boylston St. in Boston. I could not ask for a better, more relaxing day made all the better that it was spent with two Friends of the Blog, Shamus and Kate.

Shamus is a candy connoisseur with a penchant for fruity candy. Kate is not a candy fanatic but brings that intangible to our little team and today her contribution was a small suggestion that we travel to a candy store to grab sugary snacks to consume while we watched Sunday football. Genius idea. An idea made infinitesimally better by the fact that Kate directed us to Sugar Heaven, a store that literally personifies its moniker.

The first impression of Sugar Heaven is that it has everything. You can find a wide assortment of common candies and then those niche candies found typically only in candy stores. Upon further inspection, you begin to realize Sugar Heaven also has some of those hard to find candies. Stuff you might not have seen since you were a kid. All this before you look at the walls, two main ones, covered with a cornucopia of different candies. I could ramble on for hours about every available candy but it would take too long so instead I'll break out the highlights: those candies taken from the walls that made a mental impact on me and a spiritual impact on my palate. They are, in no particular order: Birthday Cake flavor Jelly Belly, 7UP flavor Jelly Belly, Bubble Gum and Cotton Candy Gummy Bears, Haribo Fizzy Cola, Haribo Big Cola Bottles, Kookaburra licorice, Finnish licorice, and Haribo Fusion Bears.

Now that wasn't everything. In total, the three of us spent $75 on candy and I could not tell you what it works out to in pure weight. I can attest to the fact that I spent the end of the day in a sugar coma and now have to ensure my November (a November a coworker and myself wanted to deem No-Candy November) slowly parceling out small amounts from a candy storage that could easily add 20lbs to my manly frame.

Final word on Sugar Heaven is that as of now, it is the premiere candy shop in Boston and if you plan a vacation here and need to get your sweets fix, this amazing candy store can be easily found in a popular shopping location right in the heart of the city.

Zeb's Country Store Raspberry Lime-Rickey and FOTB Melissa

Readers of the blog might remember the name Melissa from earlier posts. She was able to snag the very cool picture of Mike's (from Mike & Ike) wonderful graffiti art. Her contributions to this blog go far beyond photography. She is a constant supplier of candy information, keying me in on some of the latest news, as well as an extremely thoughtful individual, always one to surprise me with a special gift of a unique soda or candy. Sometimes that gift is a plethora of leftover Halloween candy. For this, and so much more, I thank Friend of the Blog Melissa.

This post will double as appreciation and a soda review. Thanks to Melissa, I have a bottle of Zeb's Country Store Raspberry Lime-Rickey that I'm about to enjoy while watching the Red Sox in the ALDS. Zeb's Country Store is a wonderful little place in North Conway, NH, that sells an incredible selection of sugary goodness. I can't say too much about the store itself because Zeb's deserves its own week dedicated to its candy selection and numerous flavors of branded sodas. For now, I will focus on the Raspberry Lime-Rickey.

Only one other rickey has been reviewed on this blog, with unfavorable results. My expectations were not low going into this review but I didn't expect what I got. Zeb's Raspberry Lime-Rickey is refreshing, fruity, and contains a noticeable carbonation that feels as if the bubbles themselves are the vehicle that delivers the raspberry bite. The soda is very smooth and the color, a cherry red, moves almost like a syrup. This is when you notice that this rickey is really sweet due to a whopping 44g of sugar! Not that this is a bad thing. The rickey is worth it. If this is the first taste testing of Zeb's array of flavors then I surely have a lot of delicious beverages in my future.

Overall Taste: 8.7 - A true surprise and sweet beyond its years. The smell rifles out of the bottle when you bring it to your face.
Fizz Factor: 6.5 - Another surprise as the bubbles are there from start to finish.
Appearance: 7.5 - OK so the label is not overly exciting but the clear bottle gives an open view of the dazzling red liquid inside.
Flavor: 8.0 - The raspberry is evident and the sweetness sticks to your mouth...which is all that sugar.

From the company: 12 oz has 180 calories, 0g of fat, 44g of carbs, 44g of sugar and 0g of protein.
From Jared: So worth it.

Friend of the Blog Week: C Billz

Chris, aka C Billz, is one of my closest friends. Someone I've shared stories with over glass bottles of Coke, traded candy flavors to suit each other's favorites and created candy inventions that can be described as unique and often grotesque. We once melted the sugar coating off Sprees with Kool-Aid to create a ultra-sweet cocktail that looked like a deep florescent red lava. We also chill Haribo in the fridge (many people do this) and put Chewy Sprees on a heater for a specific amount of time that makes the candy melt in your mouth (I suspect less people do this).

In honor of C Billz on the second day of FOTB Week, I want to share the most recent story of his contributions to my soda and candy addiction. Two weekends ago while coming home early from a wedding on a Saturday morning, a few of us stopped off to get a coffee and snacks for the long ride home. After grabbing a doughnut and a strawberry milk I approached the check-out, still groggy and somewhat oblivious, only to have C Billz point out a stand-alone beverage case that housed glass bottles of Pepsi and Mountain Dew, and not the Mexican variety. Straight up American cola. I was beyond excited. Stoked, to say, if you don't mind me using outdated vernacular. I would have missed these if it wasn't for my brother from another mother, and for this, I thank you C Billz.

The Pepsi might have been one of the best colas I've had this year and the Mountain Dew, well, it's been years since I've had one in glass.

Friend of the Blog Week: Chuck Woolery

The real Chuck Woolery is not a friend of the blog but the mysterious Soda & Candy Afficionado follower Chuck Woolery was at the ground level when this blog started. Another fun fact: the blog follower Chuck Woolery is actually a female and doesn't eat candy on the obscene level that I do. Despite her lack of a sweet tooth, she was still able to contribute to my candy experiences in profound ways.

Her contributions also bring to light a new request from followers and readers. Chuck Woolery was innovative in her candy eating and came up with new combinations and assisted yours truly with fine tuning a few of his own. With this in mind, I would like to hear from readers of their candy combinations, interesting eating methods or any culinary creation that incorporates candy in some way. The same goes for soda. Honest submissions may be featured on the blog so get working.

Below is one of Chuck's finest combos, a Swedish Fish wrapped around a Sour Patch Watermelon.

Starburst Candy Corn

Can I please meet the geniuses at Starburst? I want to shake the hands of the creative people who are bringing us candy innovations such as FavReds, Starburst Jelly Beans, and the new minis. More than that I want to find the people responsible for Starburst Candy Corn because these little gems might be the best candy corn I've ever eaten.

"The Four Main Food Groups: Candy, Candy Canes,
Candy Corns, and syrup." - Buddy

My history with candy corn is a bit spotty. As a child it was not my favorite. As a teen, I found it more appealing as the true flavor of those sugary tips became apparent. My god, I remember the time period when this happened. I just would eat the tips. By college, candy corn was a seasonal treat my mother would supply me with before I treked back to school. I still like it and find it even tastier than ever. I have already broken into the bags for this review and have a few left, staring at me from the tray at my side and I just want to devour them.

I don't think I can say enough about Starburst Candy Corn. It has everything candy corn has: the creaminess, the sugar, and the melt in your mouth feeling as handfuls of the pseudo-vegetable dissolve in your mouth, but with one exception. They taste like Starburst. And because the consistency is that of a candy corn it is the quickest way to get the Starburst goodness into your stomach and bloodstream other than possibly smoking a fruit chew. I don't advise that. I advise that you get out there and check every store and find bags of these and just load up. Get them for the kids. Get them for yourself. Stockpile them. Because in about 6 weeks they might not be around anymore.

Just to note, if you thought the pink Starburst were amazing, just wait. The pink candy corn is out of this world. Every flavor matches it's chew counterpart and the corn has that same strong juicy aftertaste that makes Starburst such a classic candy.

Emma's Sugar Shack

You know what I think when I hear the name Emma? "Emma, take your toy back to the carpet."

Check Emma's Facebook page for better pictures as this
was taken late in the season after I'd eaten all the candy

I do not think of sugar. However, a summer of abusing a friend-of-a-friend's Cape house has changed how I think of the name Emma. Emma's Sugar Shack in Popponesset Marketplace in Mashpee is a quaint little sugar shop that can provide a sugar fix while you are vacationing by the beach for the weekend. The store is located in a little shopping village perfect for spending a weekend night just taking in the atmosphere, listening to live music and filling up on seafood. But the last stop of the night is always Emma's.

Emma's Sugar Shack is not a big candy shop. Having been to other stores that have traditionally more touristy types of candy (the 5lb gummy bear, gigantic box of Nerds, etc.) I can safely say you won't find any other that here. The biggest gummy animal they wrangle is a baby alligator. However, they have an interesting variety of fruity candies and a plethora of fudge and chocolate so no matter what your tastes, your cravings will be satisfied. My personal selection? Well, not being an avid chocolate fan, I stuck to the Bottle Caps, various flavors of Blow Pops, including some only accessible to me via Amazon, and of course, the large gummy creatures, which for me, consisted of a few tarantulas and a large rat. They were sold out of alligators on my last trip.

Emma's Sugar Shack is not a mecca that must be visited but when in the area, remember that it is there. And one big plus of the store, for me anyway, is that they carry Finger Lights, which are just plain awesome.

Soda Shaq Blueberry Cream Soda

One of my fondest Shaquille O'Neal memories is him sliding across the floor to save a ball from going out of bounds. I think that clip was on NBA Inside Stuff every weekend. After trying the Soda Shaq Cream Soda flavors thus far, I now have another, newer, fond memory of this basketball player...this entertainer...this one of a kind human being. On this last night of Shaq cream soda, I am going to tip back the blueberry cream in his honor.

How's the Lexus, Neon?

When I crack the top a burst of blueberry smacks me in the face. The first sip is like a kiss. I taste the initial berry goodness and pull away only to instantly want another and the can wants another and before my lips leave the can my mouth opens wide and I gulp and the soda pours down my throat. Then it hits me. This is the first blueberry cream soda I've ever had. Like the Jones Sugar Plum Soda from Christmas 2012, a unique flavor has tons of appeal and like that holiday soda, this one is better than expected. I did not plan to devour the whole can so quickly but the soda was so cold and so sugary good that I could not resist. The thing is, the soda is AS ADVERTISED. It is not a blueberry soda, it is a blueberry cream soda and that is EXACTLY what it tastes like. It is reminiscent of Life Savers Cream Savers candies and those, well, those were juuust fine by me.

Overall Taste - 7.8 - A rare flavor, the best of the bunch, and as blueberry as Violet Beauregard.
Fizz Factor - 5.0 - Lacking like the other flavors but here it doesn't matter at all. Just keep the soda cold.
Appearance - 7.2 - There is a berry hue to the soda. It's not blue, or purple, but the tint gives it a bump up from a 7.
Flavor - 6.0 - Unique and worth trying and while it is not a hardcore soda, it still delivers for a carbonated beverage.

Enjoy the whole family of Soda Shaq Flavors!

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar and 0g of protein.

Long Time No Blog

It has been a while since the last post and a can of Soda Shaq Blueberry Cream soda still sits cold and mysterious in my fridge. A long month of training for a race limited my sugar intake while general summer activities burglared my time. Now the race is complete and while I still need to pop my shirt off to cool down at the beach, I'm OK with carrying around the few extra el-bees that come with a diet rich in soda and candy.

I shared a Peach Sprite, Barq's Vanilla Root
Beer, Lime Fanta and of course, Cherry Vanilla
Coke, with this beautiful machine

This doesn't mean the past month was a total fast. I visited my friend the Coca Cola Dream Machine. I tried some new candies, including pomegranate gummy bears given to me by a friend at work, the new Starburst bites which will have their own review, and some non-Sour Patch sour watermelon candies. Very eventful month but not from a writing standpoint. I apologize for the long delay but following this post the blog will be back to business as usual, which doesn't mean daily posts, but more frequent than once every month and a half.

Thank you for following.

Soda Shaq Strawberry Cream Soda

Who is the man, that can jam over any man? SHAQ! Can you dig it?

The third can in Arizona's Soda Shaq Cream Soda quartet is the Strawberry Cream, a flavor that is unique but not the only in the industry. Coming off the orange cream I have high hopes for the strawberry; hopes that are only fueled by cracking the can and launching a strawberry splash into the air.

"Keep yo eye on Big Shaq and
 put yo money on the Lakers"

The strawberry odor is strong and the soda has a pink hue, features that enhance the experience. The first sip is as advertised, a strawberry cream, but just like the orange cream, the lightness to the soda creates a refreshing beverage that does not overwhelm. Sure, those craving something sugary and heavy should look elsewhere, but the two fruit flavors of Shaq's cream soda I've tasted so far satisfy in a way a heavy soda cannot and complement a snack or dinner without weighing you down.

Overall Taste - 6.5 - Equivalent to the orange cream and far above the vanilla.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Again, Arizona sodas seem to lack bubbles and this one is no different.
Appearance - 7.2 - Giving the strawberry a notch above the orange because the pink tint is cute, and really, I don't see too many pink cream sodas.
Flavor - 5.0 - Can't say it's better than the orange, or worse, and the choice really comes down to what you like better - orange soda or strawberry soda.

So choose, but choose wisely.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Soda Shaq Orange Cream Soda

"Hey Kobe, how's my orange
cream soda taste?"

Remember when Shaq came out at the All-Star Game and danced with the Jabbawockeez? I do. It was just another example of Shaq's awesomeness. The man has some serious moves.

Following Shaq's Vanilla Cream Soda is the Orange Cream Soda. Despite a lackluster performance for the vanilla, I still have high hopes for the orange cream. Pouring it from the gigantic, Shaq-sized can, there is an orange tint to a light tan soda that lacks bubbles but not a distinct aroma. The odor is a creamy orange, not an orange, but the exact flavor of an orange cream candy. I'm giddy.

The first sip is generous and strikes with a solid orange cream sweep of the taste buds. Each additional sip loses a little of that power but the light feeling of Shaq's soda is a benefit here. The refreshing lightness and the tan color make it a unique flavor in the orange cream spectrum, one that is quickly finding its way from the can and into my stomach. The soda is not filling and worthy of a try because it is a new experience, one I might not routinely repeat, but something that might befit other soda enthusiasts.

Overall Taste - 6.5 - The orange stands out and it is light, making it a refreshing drink that's not too sugary, not too sweet and definitely not filling.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Just like the other Arizona beverages there isn't much bubble to this soda, but in this case, it doesn't negatively affect the taste.
Appearance - 7.1 - The orange tint is unique and you got to love Shaq's smile on the can.
Flavor - 5.0 - A pleasant surprise! A light but creamy orange soda.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Soda Shaq Vanilla Cream Soda

Shaquille O'Neal. Four-time NBA Champion. Rapper. Actor. Soda Entrepreneur.

"Do you think Shaq got rich playing in Orlando?"
                                          

When I first heard of Shaq's new soda my mind exploded. Literally, BOOM! I love Shaq and really, who doesn't? I've never met him but from what I've seen on television, he appears to be a fun guy. His intensity as an athlete is off the charts. He was a Celtic. Due to all these reasons I wanted to try the soda badly, to plaster this former baller's face all over the blog and combine two things I love: carbonated beverages and basketball.

Shaq Cream Soda is made by Arizona and comes in four flavors: vanilla, orange, strawberry and blueberry. Beginning with the vanilla, this week will be devoted to the entire line-up of Shaq Soda. Starting with the cans, Arizona has outdone their colorful, and large, cans with a design inspired by the man himself. Shaq's face graces each can and it appears that there are 8 different face contortions to choose from. A Shaq for every flavor. Right from the start, even before you sip the beverage, you are already smiling.

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you may remember Cream Soda Week and using those cream sodas as a baseline I can truly say that Shaq's vanilla cream lacks intensity. It lacks that vanilla flavor. Combine this with a low amount of carbonation and you get a soda that is plain. I can't say the soda is bad though. It could be marketed as a lighter cream soda but not lighter on the calorie count. Each can contains 24oz and 270 calories, comparable to a 24oz Pepsi or Coke.

Despite the drawbacks, I still give a strong recommendation to try this soda. Like I said, it is not bad at all. It's just...light. Me? I want a creamy vanilla cream. Thick and lip-smacking. But maybe there are some who like a hint of vanilla from a soda that doesn't fill you up. If that is you, go out and get a can today.

"I am...Kazaam!" - Shaq

Overall Taste - 4.0 - Not a very strong vanilla but you can taste it.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Like the Cherry Lime Rickey, Arizona doesn't go crazy with the bubbles.
Appearance - 7.0 - They're getting a 5 just for the can design. It was so much fun to open my fridge and have 4 Shaqs looking back at me.
Flavor - 3.5 - Not the best vanilla cream soda...but an interesting one. Something to look for if you are out and about.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Super Mario 3-Dees Gummies

Once in a while a candy is spotted that has some unique allure. Sometimes it is flavor, sometimes brand, and sometimes it's just something else. Super Mario 3-Dees Gummies fit that something else because it was the packaging, the phrasing of "3 Dees" that made me wonder what a 3 dimensional gummy would be since, weren't they all 3-D?

"It's me! Mario!"

Well I was wrong because 3-D meant no flat back. Think of a gummy bear, where the front is shaped but the back lies flat. These Super Mario Gummies had no flat back and stood like statues on pedestals, reminiscent of the Gummy Venus de Milo from The Simpsons.

Each was a work of art in itself, coming in four different shapes: Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Four flavors as well, strawberry, watermelon, mixed berry and orange, and they're really good too. The taste and the texture of the gummies are unique and worth a re-tasting. They actually have a snap when you bite the heads of each character!


I'm not sure where to find them but try Amazon. I can't remember seeing something like this in recent memory and I have to say for candy fans, it's worth going out of the way to pick up a package (or 12).

Peeps Bubble Gum and Sweet Lemonade

Peeps Bubble Gum and Sweet Lemonade

Peeps are a Easter special, coming around every Spring to fill your mouth with sugary, marshmallowy goodness. Over the years I've grown accustomed to the yellow, pink and purple varieties, and the random shapes used throughout the year for different holidays, but last week I was surprised by a new batch of flavors: a bubble gum and a sweet lemonade.

"Hey, anybody see Pete? He was here just a minute ago..."

First, the bubble gum. Out of this world. A totally new take on Peeps and a flavor befitting of the overly sugary Peep candy. They border on addictive and within minutes the 10 that I purchased have been eviscerated. The combination of Peeps consistency and a totally new flavor is just what the brand needed. The insides of these guys are even pink, which just adds to the appeal. In tasting them, I begin to think a cotton candy flavor might be great as well. But these are an A+, and easy purchase it you see them, and something you'll hope starts making a seasonal appearance.

Little lemonade sugar freckles get eaten one by one

The Sweet Lemonade doesn't disappoint but it doesn't compare to the bubble gum. That is not saying it isn't wonderful, and they actually taste like Peeps sprinkled with slightly sour lemonade sugar, but they're not addictive. The hang on the lips though and give you that different experience a new flavor should. Something interesting about the label, it bears the name of Alexis Lemonade Stand and my first reaction is to think that the flavor is borrowed from some well established lemonade franchise. The truth is that it is a foundation battling childhood cancer and Peeps is donating money annually to the foundation because we continue to support and buy Peeps. Well, if the new flavor alone wasn't reason enough, this just makes buying some late Spring Peeps a must next time you're in the store.

I don't have to tell the Peep fans to try these, you probably already have, but for those who like an occasional Peep these are worth a go, so get 'em if ya' see 'em.

Coca-Cola Freestyle

"Don't be skurred."

The first time I laid eyes on the Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine I felt like Indy discovering the Holy Grail. I was in awe, plastic cup (of Christ) in my hand, as I stood before the large, red beast and it's intimidating touch screen. Being a freestyle virgin I quickly found Classic Coca-Cola and filled up, not bothering to look deeply into my options.

My second experience with the big monster machine went much better as I took my time and looked at all the Coke options: cherry, orange, raspberry, vanilla and maybe one of the best flavors ever to exist, cherry vanilla. I spent a good 10 minutes taking small samples and testing each, finding most to be the flavor the name promised, but ended with cherry vanilla. My community has access to two of these machines in town and with the first being located in a burger joint, I would often drop by just to grab a large soda. It became a nightly obsession and I have since reigned in my consumption, but dayum Coke! This machine is brilliant.

No caption can describe the
 sheer joy of this sight

So many choices, so many combinations, it would be ludicrous to even try to name them. I've done the vanilla root beer/cherry coke half and half...oh, and they have Lime Fanta. Lime Fanta! Ok, I'm starting to babble. Just go to this link and find one in your neighborhood. Try as many flavors as you can stomach. Don't be like Ponce de Leon, go and discover your fountain of soda and comment below if you create something amazing.

Candy Sushi

"Ah welcome...you bring us the great honor
to join with us and we have many naked woman
and fish for pleasure for you." - Charlie

This past weekend my friend Jenna D made candy sushi for my friend and fellow candy enthusiast C. Billz's birthday. For those of you who do not know what candy sushi is, see picture. It is basically Rice Krispie treats with different types of candy to create the appearance of sushi. It is good.

Now, I've had candy sushi before and always wanted to make it myself but just have not and it takes a weekend like this to re-inspire me to take a stab. Just to note, there were a couple of things I liked about this particular candy sushi that was made that I will definitely borrow when I make mine. First, the use of Nerds. They are perfect for sesame seeds and give that same crunch. Second, whatever she used to wrap the Swedish Fish around the Rice Krispie was the best I've had. It might have been Fruit Roll Up, which is what I am accustomed to, but the way it was cut or wrapped made it better than I thought could be done.

Readers should expect some follow up pics within the next couple of weeks highlighting my attempt at candy sushi. I already have gathered some input from everyone's I've tried and I also have a few ideas of my own. For candy sushi, just like real sushi, it's as much about presentation as it is about taste.

The Jelly Bean Conclusion

I apologize for never reviewing all the jelly beans and not providing a sense of finality to the jelly bean posts. A heavy workload coupled with eating the beans while I was preoccupied and not blogging resulted in only a handful getting a solid review. My failings should only reflect poorly on the blog and not on the beans so I will provide my insight into my candy bean selection based on my memory and when it comes to candy, I have a pretty good memory (OK, it's average at best but I swear I remember what was good and bad about each brand).

Best Overall: Starburst Jelly Beans - the crunch and the flavors made for a combo that could not be beat. All the Starburst flavors were superior to the Brachs for one major reason: I do not like the black licorice jelly beans. That means taking handfuls is not an option for risk of getting the odd licorice bean and that goes double for the Brachs tiny variety.

Most Surprising: Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans - I am not a huge fan of Jolly Ranchers because they are an extremely sticky hard candy. The flavors, however, are classic and delicious, especially the watermelon. It was something I didn't consider looking at these beans and the watermelon did not disappoint. The most surprising bean flavor? Cherry. I will proclaim there was something extra in each cherry bean...I couldn't not place my finger on it, I can't even describe it, but each cherry bean began with...a different flavor. Drove me nuts but it tasted very good, just like the rest of the beans.

Honorable Mention: Mike & Ike Jelly Beans - Classic flavors with the addition of grape (Jolly Joes). Could not ask for anything better.

Brachs are what I grew up on and the cherry ones are in my top 5 candies. This year I actually found a bag of all reds (made that way, I'm not that lucky). But the classic bag lost appeal when the good flavors were gone. As for the little ones, it was way too hard to sort them all out before eating them and I did not like getting the odd licorice bean mixed in with all the fruit flavors.

Lifesavers Jelly Beans were very good, mimicked the candy's original flavors, but were sort of plain. I actually would buy them again but I can see myself eating them and still wishing for something else (like the Starburst). The Hawaiian Punch Beans were like the drink and offered a sweet and sour/sweet taste. The SweeTarts Jelly Beans had a strange consistency and being that the candy has a crunch, it was hard to consume the SweeTart flavor in a bean that almost dissolved in your mouth. I really shouldn't talk because I bought two bags of them and they were both gone in a night. The Sweedish Fish Jelly Beans were as advertised but it was very strange to have that flavor in a bean and not a chewy fish. And the Gold Emblem were fine but comparable to Brachs in size, shape, consistency and flavors, but the Brachs are just so much better.

I don't have to elaborate more on the Starburst Jelly Beans. They have been a annual tradition, along with the Brachs, every Easter since I first tasted them. My little brother agrees and makes sure to seek them out each Spring. I guess it runs in the family. So if we're crowning a champion, they would undoubtedly be the Starburst original, followed by the FaveREDS. Game. Set. Match.

Mike & Ike New Look Boxes

"We are together again! You are the reason we make great candy." - Mike & Ike

    Mike & Ike's new look boxes           

The rift has closed. The feud is over. Differences have been settled and Mike and Ike are back to work making their delicious candy (even though Just Born never stopped making the candy). The duo is coming back with new look boxes and they look very modern. There's lasers in the background, digital-looking text and some black because black is slick and cool.

Mike & Ike bar code

One of the cooler things on the new packaging is the bar code on the back, which looks like elongated names, Mike and Ike. A Facebook icon and QR code also adorn the box, again, because it's modern. The box also states that the candy is "Now with real fruit juice" which is news to me. Is that a plus? I don't know but the candy still tastes as delicious as ever.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everybody! Today is a big day for many reasons. One, it is an elite candy holiday. The reason there is no jelly bean post today is because I've spent my day eating Peeps, jelly beans, Kit Kats, York Peppermint Patties, etc. etc. etc. Just killing it today with candy. Two, tomorrow millions will flock to stores to pick up Cadbury Cream Eggs at half price. Three, on television, there are two very important shows on tonight.

"So rich and creamy you'll swear it's   
made in heaven"  

The Walking Dead season 3 finale is tonight at 9PM. At the same time, Game of Thrones season 3 begins on HBO. Both of these shows are without a doubt my number 1 and 2 hour long shows currently airing. The Walking Dead became an instant addiction when I picked it up before season 3 began while Game of Thrones was a lock since that very first episode. It actually drove me to start reading the books since I couldn't wait to see what happened to the characters.

A special occasion like this calls for a special treat. While shopping today, I saw these big bottles of Virgil's Root Beer. They look to be a variation to the normal flavor as the label for these big boys reads "Special Edition Bavarian Nutmeg." Now I can't pinpoint a nutmeg flavor but Virgil's beverages are smooth. Just amazingly smooth. Like this whole bottle, these 16.9 fl oz, could be gone really quick. The flavor is earthy, the "root" part of root beer being obvious in the odor. But this isn't a review. This is a celebration of two television programs and this is the perfect beverage, in the perfect bottle, to commemorate the event.

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.

Mike & Ike Jelly Beans

         Did Mike and Ike call off the feud for Easter?       

Readers of this blog will (hopefully) know that one of my favorite candies is Mike & Ikes, specifically the cherry ones. I was extremely excited to see the Mike & Ike Jelly Beans and that might be an understatement. Looking at the bag in the store the one thing that stood out was that the jelly beans included a grape flavor, which means this could be a combination of regular Mike & Ikes and Jolly Joes....?

Well it is and it is absolutely glorious. A few friends have commented how Mike & Ikes were sort of elongated jelly beans, so making Mike & Ike flavored jelly beans seems like a no brainer. The flavor line-up for these beans includes the regular Mike & Ike flavors in addition to a pineapple flavor, something new to me. Before I even attempt to review these, I just have to say these beans are a must try for any Mike & Ike lover.

Mike & Ike Jelly Beans

Similarity to traditional beans: 8.0 - The beans are small but the consistency and layering is spot on with traditional beans. The shape of individual beans is less egg shaped and there are many that have flat bottoms. I can't really say more about the appearance because these beans are Mike & Ikes and could be square and I'd still crave them. They are not the traditional jelly bean consistency, but close enough to warrant a high score.

How the taste compares to the original candy: 9.6 - I can't rate this any higher. The cherry is the cherry from the regular Mike & Ikes. The grape is the Jolly Joe flavor. The rest, all almost identical to their non-seasonal candy counterparts. The rating is so high because not only are the flavors so good, they throw in the grape and the pineapple, which isn't bad at all!

Overall taste: 9.0 - I'm biased but I think any candy aficionado would agree there are few jelly beans out there that duplicate their classic taste more than these. I love Mike & Ikes so I do love these. They are not overly sweet, they have a great consistency, and can be eaten by the handful or individually and still pack an amazing flavor.

From left to right: lemon, pineapple, cherry, strawberry, grape, orange and lime

From the company: Serving size 23 pieces - 140 calories, 0g of fat, 36g of carbs, 27g of sugar and 0g of protein.

Swedish Fish Jelly Beans

                                                                                                

Having pounds of jelly beans in your house is dangerous. Since buying all the beans, I've had to replace four bags: two Starburst, Life Savers and a Mike & Ike. Despite breaking into those bags prematurely, I did not touch the bag that was possibly the most anticipated, the Swedish Fish Jelly Beans, for the sole reason that I was not sure I could find another bag. When I came across these, they were the last bag in the section.

Getting right to the beans (because when I ripped open the bag I dug in for a handful) there will be three areas for comparison and rating for all beans: similarity to a traditional candy bean, how the taste compares to the original candy (do Starburst beans capture the essence of Starburst flavor?) and lastly, overall taste.

Swedish Fish Jelly Beans

Similarity to a traditional bean: 6.0 - The beans are small, but that alone isn't the reason for this score. The shell is thick for the size and sort of merges into the jelly center, rather than there being a defined border. I feel the shell, in traditional beans, can typically be removed carefully with the teeth. The Swedish Fish beans however, do not completely feel that way.

How the taste compares to the original candy: 8.0 - This is exactly, if not better, than expected for flavor. True Swedish Fish are a category of their own, with the only argument being which size is the best. With that said, the beans really do capture the cherry sweetness in a completely different form.

Overall flavor: 6.9 - I want to give this a seven, I really do, but there is just something about these that make me feel like I won't finish the whole bag in one or two sittings. The bag is a bit large, but my candy binges are larger, and when I crave a candy or find something new and totally delicious (see Mike & Ike Fruit Twists) I lose control. I don't feel that about these but that's not to say I dislike them. They just haven't won me over.

Despite his appearance, the guy on the right tasted delicious

From the company: Serving size 33 pieces - 150 calories, 0g of fat, 37g of carbs, 27g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Is This Too Many Jelly Beans?

Each holiday brings holiday candy and candy lovers must take advantage and indulge while the offerings are available. Jelly beans, the classic Brachs ones, are what I grew up on and the cherry beans are some of my favorite candies. In a recent trip to buy some I saw a wide range of jelly bean brands and figured some blog time should be devoted to this seasonal legume.

I've known about other brands for a long time and definitely get my fill of Starburst jelly beans every year. But now there are multiple flavors of Starburst and this year I was exposed to Mike & Ike jelly beans for the first time! Over the next few weeks I'm going to sample a selection of jelly beans and hopefully find a clear best bean (although as we saw with Cream Soda Week, I'm not very good at crowning a winner so don't expect one. Plus, I'm biased. I just love the Brachs red ones, of which they now make an all red bag!).

"Well, I hope you also carry a spare bowl of candy beans."
- Gob Bluth

The jelly bean line up consists of:
Brachs Classic Jelly Bird Eggs
Brachs Tiny Jelly Bird Eggs
Mike & Ike Jelly Beans
Lifesavers Jelly Beans
Hawaiian Punch Jelly Beans
SweeTarts Jelly Beans
Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans
Swedish Fish Jelly Beans
Gold Emblem Jelly Beans
Starburst Original Jelly Beans
Starburst FavReds Jelly Beans
Starburst Crazy Beans


I can't even say which I'm most excited about...Swedish Fish? Brachs Tiny? I couldn't help myself and already dipped into the Mike & Ikes and they were awesome. This is going to be tough.

Mountain Dew Kickstart

      "Custom built bike doing 103, my heart, my heart,     
Kickstart  my heart!" - Motley Crue

I'm not one to drink coffee, or really eat anything for breakfast besides a sugary cereal, so my exposure to anything breakfast beverage related is limited. With Mt. Dew launching Kickstart, I may have possibly found a morning beverage of choice. But first, let me just be honest. I drink soda whenever, which includes for breakfast, or even before dawn.

Mt. Dew's Kickstart won't revolutionize my life but despite the company not really calling the beverage an energy drink (the labels read "energizing orange citrus" and "energizing fruit punch"), my guess is that the market that Kickstart targets is the same that drinks the large energy drink containers (of which Kickstart shares the same size - 16oz). What I reeeally like so far before even getting a taste is that each can only contains 80 calories, so if this stuff is delicious, IF Energizing Orange Citrus is reminiscent of Livewire (one can only hope), then maybe I will have to become a regular consumer. We'll take each flavor on its own and give a mini-review, since in reality, this isn't soda, it's a morning beverage.

Orange Citrus

                                                                       

Before I say anything I have to say it's good. There is no hint of whatever makes energy drinks taste like they do. The overwhelming flavor is the orange citrus and I'm reminded more of orange juice instead of soda. The label does say it contains 5% juice. It has a good bite and that alone gives me a little jolt of energy. With all the positive to say about the drink, I must divulge my negative thoughts. It feels a little filling; like 16 oz is going to be a struggle to put down. The beverage also "feels" sugary, meaning there is an aftertaste similar to soda compared to a juice.It is not overly sweet but has a solid flavor for orange and depending on how I feel in a little bit, we'll be able to see if this breakfast beverage upholds the claim of being energizing.

Fruit Punch

                                                                      

The red liquid pouring from the mouth of the can is unmistakable: this is fruit punch. Prior to having the fruit punch flavored Goya soda during La Semana de Gasoesas, I'd never really had a fruit punch flavored soda beverage. The odor is not strong and honestly, the flavor is not too strong. Fruit punch makes my lips/mouth smack, almost pucker but not in a sour way. Fruit Punch Kickstart has 50% of that which I guess can be preferable if one is drinking this in the morning. Like the Orange Citrus, it is sugary but not overly sweet.


The important thing about this beverage is the nutritional facts. As I mentioned before, there is only 80 calories per can, but the rest of the stats stack up like this: Orange - 80 calories, 0g of fat, 21g of carbs, 20g of sugar, 0g of protein, 100% DV Vitamin C, 80% DV Vitamin B6: Fruit Punch - 80 calories, 0g of fat, 20g of carbs, 19g of sugar, 0g of protein, 100% DV Vitamin C, 80% DV Vitamin B6).

Not bad for a carbonated beverage from the makers of Mt. Dew. Oh, and I didn't really do anything active following imbibing these beverages, and I drank them at night, so their ability to "kickstart" my day could not really be measured.

Jones' Supports Breast Cancer with Special Flavor

"Your credit card called. They wanted to make sure you're
the one buying all the cream soda in bulk." - Kenneth
to Liz (30 Rock)

Jones' released pink cream soda this past October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Read more about it here. Personally, I'm ecstatic. When I did my cream soda review I did not have any Jones' Cream Soda, and since Cream Soda Week I have tried it and I like it. It's different, a little mild, but it has this bubble bite and a weird ability to feel colder than you'd think when it runs across the tongue. Think the way mint cools the mouth, HOWEVER, there is no mint flavor. Please don't let me confuse readers by saying mint because I do really enjoy Jones' robust range of flavors and it is fully creamy and smooth.

Getting back to these special editions, the reason this makes me so happy is that (if you didn't read the link above) is that a portion of the profits from soda sales will be donated to an organization determined to raise breast cancer awareness among young people. Kudos to Jones for doing this and showing that soda companies bring more to the community than delicious beverages.