Fiber One Limited Edition Pumpkin Bar

Let me take a moment to introduce you to my newest little friend from the Fiber One brand .... Fiber One Limited Edition Pumpkin Bar. I buy Fiber One products once in a while, but I don't eat them often because the added fiber can reek havoc on my stomach. But when I saw these pumpkin bars ... I knew I had to try them, and I am so glad that I did.

Before I really get into it I will say this: if you're a pumpkin fan, go to your local Target/Wal-Mart (or if you really enjoy them your local Costco) and pick up a box before they are gone for good.  The bars are truly perfection. They're soft and moist (seemingly moister than your average Fiber One bar). They are a true pumpkin flavor without being crazily artificial, there's a subtle sweetness to it with what appear to be white chocolate chips scattered here and there. They add a nice contrast in texture and the drizzle over the top is perfection.

Seemingly one of my favorite pumpkin desserts to date ... which sadly are only available for a limited time. The pumpkin lover in me wishes these would be available year round, because, yes, they are THAT good.

A serving, 1 bar, is 90 calories or 2 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Popcorn in a Pickle

Popcorn is one of those snacks that can truly be transformed into anything depending on your mood. Salty, savory, sweet, plain, etc. ... the world is essentially your oyster when you're in a popcorn mood. Needless to say when I spotted the Trader Joe's Popcorn in a Pickle I had to pick up a bag for curiosities sake.

I am a pickle and popcorn fan ... so to have the two merge into one world, it felt like an experience one should engage in. After all I have had pickle flavored potato chips in the past, so, why not venture into pickle flavored popcorn? Upon opening the bag I admit, I was surprised as how much like an open jar of pickles it smelled like. That vinegary, briny sourness just punches your nostrils and really does kind of leave you confused, worried and possibly even scared.

First bite ... holy moly! It taste like a pickle! Mind boggling is all I can say. My taste buds were completely confused because it's a different texture, but the flavor is all there. The more you eat, the tarter it tends to get. My face was puckering, my jaw was getting tense. I only had about 3/4 of a cup before I decided to tap out. Just due to the tartness of it, I don't think this is something that one could easily be binge on. It's more of a have a snack, enjoy it and put it away for later. This isn't like the Baconesque popcorn that I basically have to hide from myself and put myself on time out when I continue to go back for more.

Sharing this with my mother (who absolutely loved it) one of the first things I said to her was, "I'm pretty sure this is a stereotypical pregnant woman's dream come true."

A serving, 2 cups, is 150 calories or 4 points plus values.

Lemon Twist Oreo's

One evening at a local grocery store, I stumbled across Lemon Twist Oreo's. I was on the fence as to if I wanted to try them because I had tried the Lemon Golden Oreo's and completely loved them ... but I was more concerned about the chocolate cookies hell mixing with a lemon cream center.

Let me say this ... don't let contemplating mixing lemon and chocolate together stop you because this isn't a horrendous experience!

Fortunately any concern I had was short lived because these are quite good. I'd coin these as the chocolate daddy to the lemon Oreo. There is certainly a lemon flavor to these, but it's very light and rather refreshing. The chocolate cookie itself helps cut back at the lemony zip making it a unique and refreshing flavor category. The lemon pop isn't as in-your-face as it is with the Golden Lemon Oreo's, but these certainly stand on their own.

Overall, I'd say these are pretty fabulous and worth the shot.

A serving, 2 cookies, is 140 calories or 4 points plus values.

Chips Ahoy! Limited Edition Chocolate Banana

While at the grocery store I spotted a new cookie and decided to give it a try. The fact that it had banana in it, is truly what sold me ... so I welcomed a package of Chips Ahoy! Limited Edition Chocolate Banana cookies into my grocery cart with open arms.

Unfortunately the cookies didn't merely live up to the expectation built up in my head. I was expecting a strong robust banana flavor which was only intensified by the chocolate chips. But ... they were really a huge fail for me. The cookies themselves are along the lines of rather artificial banana flavor mixed in with your average Chips Ahoy! cookie. These are a crunchy cookie, like the standard Chips Ahoy! not the chewy variety. I truly wasn't a fan .. I had one cookie out of the whole package before "forcing" them upon my guests to try/eat/sample/take home.

Sadly these were a fail ... I guess if I really want a potentially delicious chocolate chip banana cookie I may have to just get adventurous in the kitchen.

A serving, 2 cookies, is 160 calories or 4 points plus values.

Thomas' Banana Bread Bagels

On a quick lunchtime trip through Wal-Mart I noticed a display of Thomas' bagels. I know Thomas' likes to come out with limited edition bagels and since it had been some time since I've had a bagel I decided to see what was to offer. Low and behold I stumbled upon the Thomas' Banana Bread Bagels and immediately was sold.

The bagels themselves smell amazing through the bag. They smell very reminiscent of banana bread. There's a banana and cinnamon scent clearly evident running throughout the bag which was just a heavenly scent.

Unfortunately that tickle on the senses doesn't as smoothly run over into the taste of the product. They certainly don't scream banana bread when you eat it. It's got a plain bagel flavor, perhaps even a cinnamon raisin (without the raisin) flavor to the bagel itself. Although you do get a banana flavor when you bite into one of the banana pieces within the dough itself. I guess you can say they're a hint of banana bread to it but certainly not quite. I'd say, don't bite into it expecting to taste the real deal banana bread because you'll be disappointed.

They're certainly not a bad bagel, but they're not as flavorful as I may have hoped for. Although I did find I enjoyed them most with some peanut butter and a few pieces of sliced banana on it. It made for a killer tasty, peanut buttery banana filled breakfast.

Each bagel is 260 calories or 7 points plus values.

Oreo - Cotton Candy

There has been so much hype around new limited edition Oreo flavors that are supposed to be hitting the market, that when I finally spotted the Cotton Candy Oreo's at my local Target I knew I had to pick them up. Truthfully, I was intrigued to try these because I find the golden Oreo limited edition flavors are some of my favorite, especially when it comes to unique flavors.

Opening the package there is a sweet scent to it, but nothing that screams cotton candy at a fair. You know .. that spun sugar scent that can be found wafting through the air at any carnival/fair around the country?  The cream on these Oreo's is split down the middle, half pastel blue with the other half pastel pink. Flavor wise they are nothing but cotton candy. It took a few taste tests for me to agree with them being a dead ringer. That is because I was trying to recall what fair ground cotton candy tastes like. It wasn't until someone mentioned they tasted exactly like the packaged cotton candy you can get at the grocery store or gas station that I wholeheartedly agreed.

The cookies are as sweet as your average Oreo, nothing overly sweet to make one nauseous. The cotton candy flavor is there and it doesn't scream artificial flavoring (like some products do). Overall they are quite enjoyable and totally a hit.  As mentioned, I have only found these at my local Target location.

A serving, 2 cookies is 140 calories or 4 points plus values.

Red Velvet Oreo's

When I heard Oreo's was adding a red velvet flavor to their limited edition line-up I have to say I was very intrigued. I love red velvet cakes/cupcakes/desserts so I knew when I found them I'd be giving them a try. Low and behold on an afternoon trip to Wal-Mart I spotted the limited edition Red Velvet Oreo's and they found a little spot in my carriage and a one-way ticket to my humble abode.

One thing I noticed immediately, not about the cookies, but about the packaging is that it's 1/3 the size of a normal Oreo cookie package.  The package is much smaller and oddly enough (or not as oddly, considering this is a new 'trick of the trade') it's the same price regardless of the reduction in product. Regardless of how many cookies you get in a package (which in an odd way may actually be a good thing) ... these particular cookies are phenomenal.

The cookies themselves have that classic red velvet flavor - that rich chocolate flavor, while the cream is your classic Oreo cream which is cream cheese flavored. It's the essence of red velvet in a cookie form ... which is a total home run. I don't find them to be overly sweet and I'm able to enjoy 2 cookies without feeling the need to go overboard. All that have tried the cookies have been fans and gave them 2 thumbs up.

A serving is 2 cookies which is 140 calories or 4 points plus values.

Pringles White Chocolate

One afternoon on a waltz through Target I decided to take a walk on the wild side and pick up a container of Pringles White Chocolate chips. After all they were 50% off due to a coupon on Targets Cartwheel app. So I figured I'd give them a shot and leave the rest out for my coworkers to give a taste test.

 

Initially I assumed the chips would be long tubes - meaning similar to what is shown on the outside packaging. But low and behold upon opening the canister I learned they are not shaped any differently than how your average Pringles are shaped. Trying the Pringles I wouldn't say they were disgusting or out of this world fabulous. They were different and rather unique.

 

They're your classic salty potato chip which has a slight hint of sweetness which resembles a white chocolate flavor. They're not white chocolate covered potato chips by any shot ... but it sort of tastes like it. It's not overwhelming or boom in your face, but it's there. You kind of have to really get the chip onto your tongue to taste the flavor because quite honestly after a few you sort of lose the subtle sweetness and they just taste like plain ole potato chips.

 

A serving, 1 ounce, is 150 calories or 4 points plus values.

Yoplait Caramel Apple Greek Yogurt

I had seen the new Yoplait Caramel Apple Greek Yogurt posted all over the place but I had the hardest time finding it. It was finally on one of a few trips to Walmart that I was able to pick up a few containers. Yoplait Greek yogurt is one of my favorites, alongside Dannon's Light & Fit ... so whenever I see a new and unique flavor out I have to give it a try.

 

The Caramel Apple is a limited edition flavor for fall. With fall come caramel apple (and pumpkin) flavored everything. The consistency is in line with the other Yoplait Greek yogurts where it's moderately thick but not too thick ... it's also not remotely as tangy as some other Greek yogurts on the market.

Flavor wise, the caramel flavor I find to be what I notice first. And it's one of those artificial caramel flavors, not like a true sweet rich caramel. It's not overly offensive but it's the flavor that I get right off the bat. The apple is there and the two do blend together well. It's a tasty yogurt, but it's not slam dunk out of the park fabulous. I found it's good on its own while it's also quite delicious over fruit.

 

A container is 100 calories or 2 points plus values.

Limited Edition Caramel Apple Oreo's

On a quick jaunt through Target I spotted and ended up picking up a package of the new Limited Edition Caramel Apple Oreo. With fall upon us, caramel apple and pumpkin is making its appearance everywhere. Since I do enjoy an occasional Oreo I figured I'd give them a shot ... after all I find the flavored golden Oreo's to be less of a temptation for me (when compared to the chocolate Oreo's that is).

 

Opening the package I was rewarded with a caramel scent. The best I can describe it is when opening a bag of caramel apple lollipops ... that sweet caramel with a minor hint of apple. Intrigued upon first bite it truly does taste like a caramel apple. The cookie doesn't take away from the flavor. Spot on it tastes like it should.

 

Although if you separate the cookies and try the cream ... the cream is a lot lighter in texture when compared to traditional Oreo cream. This is light and almost airy in texture. It's so soft that when you take a bite it kind of squishes out of the other end of the cookie. Not quite what you expect when you're eating an Oreo cookie.

 

The caramel portion of the cream (brownish cream) is pretty pungent in the sweetness department and the apple (green cream) is more sweet than tart/sour. I find I enjoyed the cookie a lot more as a whole cookie than split apart. Split apart the texture of the cream was kind of a turn off for my palet.

 

2 cookies is a serving, which are 140 calories or 4 points plus values.

Edy's Limited Edition Fun 'n the Sun Banana Split Ice Cream

I'm a self proclaimed banana junkie -- meaning I really enjoy banana flavored foods. Back in the day, Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey was one of my favorite ice creams because it's a banana flavored treat.  One of my local ice cream shops makes homemade banana ice cream and it's amazingly delicious. I've been on the hunt for a decent lighter banana ice cream ... and I just so happened to find Edy's Limited Edition Fun 'n the Sun Banana Split Ice Cream at the grocery store one day.

What sold me off the bat was of course the banana ice cream part. According to the label this is: "Banana light ice cream with cherry-on-top and fudge swirls." This ice cream is all that and more. It's delicious ... a nice smooth banana ice cream which doesn't have that artificial aftertaste to it. In every other bite there's a hint of chocolate fudge swirled in and the cherry swirls are heavenly. The cherry I found to be reminiscent of jam and has a slightly chewy texture to it. It's delicious and probably one of my favorite Edy's flavors so far

Sadly, this is a limited edition flavor ... but it should undoubtedly be part of the Edy's line.

A 1/2 cup serving is 100 calories or 3 points plus values.

Lay's Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese Potato Chips

Earlier this year, Lay's was requesting their potato chip enthusiasts to submit potato chip flavors they'd like to enjoy with their Do Us A Flavor. I submitted a few myself but I was excited to see the flavor choices that were created. One of the two I purchased, I decided to try the Lay's Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese first.

 

Opening the bag you can really smell the smokey flavor that bacon would give off. Popping one in your mouth you can definitely taste the cheddar and a lingering smokey flavor. You don't necessarily taste bacon, but you are given the essence of smokey bacon in each bite.  The cheddar is there - sometime bolder on one chip over another, but if you're eating one after another it sort of mutes itself out and the smokey flavor is at the forefront.

 

I wouldn't say you get the effect of eating mac and cheese having these chips ... but they are definitely a cheddar bacon deliciousness. I do enjoy a good cheddar potato chip and this is perfect.  The chips were fresh and crunchy and there was an abundance of those perfectly folded rounded potato chips that I love so much.  The one downside ... these are terribly addicting.

 

Even though this is the first of the four flavors I tried ... this is definitely one of my favorite Lay's flavors and this will be getting my vote!

 

A serving is 1 oz (roughly 15 chips) which is 160 calories or 4 points plus values.

Thomas' Limited Edition Apple Pie English Muffins

I admit ... I'm a sucker for Thomas' limited edition english muffins and bagels. So of course when I spotted the Thomas' Limited Edition Apple Pie English Muffins while at my grocery stores checkout I had to snag a package. That is ... after I gave the muffins a whiff through the plastic bag. Heaven!

 

There's something about Thomas' products that they smell absolutely delectable through the packaging. They smelled like fresh baked apple pie - there was the apple, slight cinnamon, sweet scent, and just homey. Nevermind the fact the shipment of english were fresh to the store, so they were nice and soft.

 

These are your typical fork split english which you can easily pull apart with your fingertips, or if you're fancy, you can slice them open with a knife. I didn't notice any "real apples" in the muffin just by looking at it ... but I did find that on an occasional bite there was a slight feel of apple against my teeth. After a trip through the toaster oven I decided to enjoy mine with a few sprays of spray butter (although I would recommend eating with cinnamon sugar butter, cinnamon cream cheese or even peanut butter). The english was good, soft and slightly chewy, it had a hint of apple in each bite but it wasn't overwhelming.  I'd say the flavor was a little muted, but it could definitely be enhanced depending on what is your topping of choice.

 

Each muffin is 160 calories or 4 points plus values.

Thomas' Limited Edition Maple French Toast Bagels

While picking up a few things at Wal-Mart I stumbled upon an end cap that has Thomas' bagels on it. Like radar my eyes sought out the new item on the shelf. I had to pick them up and after getting a whiff of the bagels in the bag the Thomas' Limited Edition Maple French Toast Bagels made a temporary home in my shopping cart.

 

I do enjoy a decent bagel from time to time and these bagels smell heavenly. They truly do smell exactly like maple french toast. You get that sweet maple flavor along with a mild spice from the cinnamon.  Splitting them open and popping them into the toaster oven, they're good with a little bit of spray butter on them. While they're also delicious with a little peanut butter and a banana to make it a complete, slam dunk breakfast.  The bagels themselves smell more aromatic than they taste, but they do have a mild sweetness to them ... but they don't taste exactly like it would if you were eating french toast covered in maple syrup.  Which, at least in my humble opinion, is expected.

 

Overall these are quite good and I enjoyed them for breakfast, while also for a treat in the afternoon.

 

Each bagel is 250 calories or 6 points plus values.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Oreo's

When I heard that Oreo's were releasing a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cookie ... I was sold immediately. Reese's peanut butter cups are a guilty pleasure of mine, while classic Oreo's are one of my favorite cookies. Figuring, the two merging together ... it was only a recipe for awesomeness.

 

Admittedly I tried the Oreo Peanut Butter cookies one day and found them to be repulsive.  So needless to say, I had high hopes for these cookies.

 

One afternoon while going to the market to pick up a few items ... I spotted the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Oreo's and into my grocery cart they hopped. Opening the package you're awarded with that classic chocolate cookie scent that come with Oreo's. There's also that familiar scent of peanut butter lingering in the background.

 

After the first bite, there isn't much else to say other than: these cookies are phenomenal! They taste exactly as one would imagine they'd taste like. It's an Oreo Reese Cup baby. The peanut butter and chocolate filling is a dead ringer for the classic Reese cup and the chocolate cookies bring fourth that classic Oreo flavoring. These are a home run, slam dunk perhaps even award winning cookie.

 

I have seen these for sale in their regular packaging, while I've also seen them in a miniature cookie "sharing size" box.  However you choose to purchase them - I will say this: these are addicting. If you've got a weakness for Oreo's and Reese's ... you may find yourself wanting more than 1 or 2. So enjoy ... but if needed, proceed with caution.

 

A serving, 2 cookies, is 130 calories or 4 points plus values.

Limited Edition Watermelon Oreos

While shopping at Target I had seen a new [or truthfully a repeat] Oreo flavor a few times. Initially I was like "Watermelon? No way..." until one afternoon on a trip through the store I decided to pick up a package of the Limited Edition Watermelon Oreo cookies for an Oreo taste test session.

Initially the package was tucked away in the cabinet until I decided to take them out and share with family at a barbecue. At first we were skeptical ... I mean watermelon Oreo’s? Opening them up, your nose is awarded with a watermelon scent. Then upon first bite ... you truly do get a watermelon flavor.  It’s what I would assume a watermelon gum flavor would taste like … that sweet artificial watermelon flavor. It's weird considering it's a cookie ... but Nabisco truly hit the nail on the head with the flavor in these. The watermelon flavor isn't overwhelming and it isn't sickeningly chemically as some artificial watermelon products can get.  The golden cookie definitely helps make this a smooth flavor ... because a chocolate variety would simply be repulsive.  Overall? These aren’t bad …

A serving is 2 cookies which is 150 calories or 4 points plus values. Or you can have one cookie for 2 points plus.

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Citrus Blend

I have created a "strong bond" between myself and Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt. So much that whenever I see a new flavor pop up on grocery store shelves, I have to give it a try ... even if the flavor is one that I may be slightly hesitant on. And then in walked ... Dannon Light & Fit Greek Citrus Blend yogurt.

I've tried key lime, orange and lemon Greek yogurts and have been pleasantly surprised. Granted, some of the flavors may not be my "holy grail" Greek yogurts but they're a nice switch up on the palette. So how bad could a citrus blend be? I was anticipating something between the lines of a slightly sweet key lime and a mildly sour lemon. What I ended up with was a complete ballpark away from what I imagined in my mind.

This yogurt is SO incredibly sour; my jaw was tightening as I was trying to eat it. It made my face pucker and I physically shuddered a time or two. It's sour ... and not a Greek yogurt tart, like chewing on a few lemons and limes sour. I enjoy a tart lemon beverage or dessert from time to time ... but I do have my limits on what is enjoyable and what is just painful. And this definitely ends up in the just painful category.

I disliked these so much the yogurt I was eating PLUS the 3 that were not open yet all found a new home in the garbage pale.  I'm not one who necessarily likes to waste food ... but I'm also not one to make people a guinea pig either. I find when you start a sentence off with "I didn't like these, perhaps you will..." makes people think you're secretly trying to poison them.

If you're brave, each container is 80 calories or 2 points plus values. As of now these are limited edition and only available at Target locations.

Skinny Cow Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwiches

I’m a huge fan of Skinny Cow ice cream. I had seen the Skinny Cow Snickerdoodle ice cream sandwiches for a long time now but had yet to pick it up until recently. And part of me is wondering what exactly I was waiting for…

I was truly wowed by the flavor of this ice cream sandwich because it tastes exactly like a snickerdoodle cookie when eaten together. It cures not only the itch for ice cream, but also the want for something sweet and snacky.  According to the box, the ice cream is listed as a “cinnamon low fat ice cream swirled between oatmeal cookie wafers”. The two flavor combinations together undoubtedly add up to Snickerdoodle. There is a nice warm cinnamon sugar flavor to the dessert which makes it all around delicious.  It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon snack, while it’s also great for a late evening after dinner dessert. Either way, I’m a big fan.

Each sandwich is 140 calories or 4 points plus values.

Edy’s Slow Churned Coffee & Cookies Delight

tends to be my “go to” brand of choice when it comes to ice cream in half gallon containers. I noticed a new limited edition bakery treats flavor so I picked up the Edy’s Slow Churned Coffee & Cookies Delight.

I’m a big coffee fan … that is coffee the beverage, but I am known to enjoy an occasional coffee flavored ice cream. The flavor just struck my fancy, particularly with the description “coffee light ice cream with chocolaty covered cookie pieces”. Admittedly I had a “coffee and cookies?!” moment and I found it to be a match made in dessert heaven. Taste wise, it’s very much a coffee flavored ice cream … so if you’re not a fan of coffee or coffee ice cream, then this won’t be satisfying. The chocolaty covered cookie pieces aren’t as prominent in the ice cream as I’ve seen pretzels/cookies in other flavors. My final verdict? It is a good ice cream, you certainly get the bang for your calorie buck  and it satisfies the sweet tooth… but it’s not the best ice cream I’ve ever had. It’s decent, but not mind blowing fabulous.

A ½ cup serving is 110 calories or 3 points plus values.

Limited Edition Marshmallow Crispy Oreo’s

A couple weeks ago I popped into the grocery store simply to pick a few things up that I needed. On my way up to the cash registers I caught a glimpse of an Oreo display and did a double take. Initially I thought they were the limited edition lemon Oreo’s but upon closer inspection I realized they were the brand new Limited Edition Marshmallow Crispy Oreo’s.

I was anticipating the release of these so I made sure to bring them home with me for a little taste testing and sharing with family/friends. I’m a fan of marshmallow crispy treats and I happen to quite enjoy the golden Oreo line so I had high hopes for these. What I have to say is unique about this line is that the frosting has gritty bits of crispy bits in it.  The bits certainly don’t make it as crispy/chewy as original marshmallow treats, but it certainly gives it a different texture, but it’s not overwhelmingly noticeable. Flavor wise these cookies are definitely sweet … I find one is quite enough, but if I’m really in a sweet/cookie mood two is all I need and/or can handle. They taste more vanilla than marshmallow … but nonetheless they are a nice different treat.  The effect is more “profound” if you pull one side of each cookie off and push the cream sides together to make a double stuffed cookie.

A serving is 2 cookies which are 140 calories or 4 points plus (2 points plus/cookie).