SPOTTED: Tot Dogs

Original Tot Dogs.

Chili Cheese Seasoned Tot Dogs.

Science! (Spotted by Amanda Y at Target.)

If you’re out shopping and see new products, snap a picture of them, and send them in via an email ([email protected]) with where you found them and “Spotted” in the subject line. Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something or if they’re new, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.

REVIEW: Limited Edition Frosted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Pop-Tarts

Have you ever sipped on a cup of hot cocoa on a cold, snowy evening and thought, “This is nice, but I wish I could have it in the form of a toaster pastry”?

Well, if you have, Pop-Tarts has got you covered!

This limited-edition flavor, Frosted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Pop-Tarts, has a cocoa pastry and a marshmallow filling. There are also wintry designs printed on the frosting, which is fun.

There are some Pop-Tarts I prefer at room temperature, some I prefer toasted, and some where I don’t care either way. I tried this flavor both untoasted (“Make a toast,” ironically) and toasted (“Cocoa is deer to me”). This variety is much better toasted: The marshmallow filling becomes nice and gooey, like a marshmallow over a fire or marshmallows in a cup of hot cocoa. But marshmallows aren’t known for their exciting flavor.

As for the cocoa part of the pastry, it’s barely there. I get a whiff of fake chocolate when I open the package, like you get in a Tootsie Roll or a Dum-Dum pop, but I don’t really taste it in the Pop-Tart itself. According to the ingredients list, there is less than two percent of cocoa and natural and artificial flavors.

My all-time favorite Pop-Tart flavor is Sugar Cookie, and I have had a hard time finding it in recent years. I hope this new, mediocre winter flavor doesn’t supplant that superior winter flavor.

These are sugary carbs with a gooey filling, so they’re enjoyable to eat. But they’re really just boring. If you want to eat them this winter, I recommend waiting until January. There are so many better ways to spend your calories in December.

Purchased Price: $3.29
Size: 8-count box
Purchased at: Smith’s
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2 pastries) 360 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 3 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 2 grams of monounsaturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 340 milligrams of sodium, 69 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 32 grams of sugar including 32 grams of added sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

SPOTTED (SEASONAL EDITION): 10/24/2024

Here are some interesting new products found on store shelves by your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of them, share your thoughts in the comments.

Limited Edition Ritz Holiday Crackers

(Spotted by Robbie at H-E-B.)

Little Debbie Buttery Vanilla Christmas Mini Muffins

(Spotted by Richard B at IGA.)

Little Debbie Mini Christmas Tree Cake Donuts

(Spotted by Robbie at H-E-B.)

Cheez-It Holiday 2024 Designs

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Kroger.)

Dunkin Ho Ho Honey Cinnamon K-Cups

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Kroger.)

Aldi Lunch Buddies Pumpkin and Spiced Cider Applesauce
Aldi Peanut Delight Cinnamon Apple Crisp Peanut Butter Spread
Aldi Peanut Delight Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Spread
Millville S’mores Cereal
Millville Peanut Butter Bats Cereal

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Aldi.)

Better Butter Pumpkin Spice Butter

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Tom Thumb.)

Private Selection Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Kroger.)

Califia Farms Holiday Blend Unsweetened Iced Coffee

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Kroger.)

Peet’s 2024 Holiday Blend K-Cups

(Spotted by Robbie at Target.)

If you’re out shopping and see new products, snap a picture of them, and send them in via an email ([email protected]) with where you found them and “Spotted” in the subject line. Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something or if they’re new, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.

SPOTTED: Toasty Holiday Peanut M&M’s

Toasty Holiday Peanut M&M's.

According to Candy Hunting, these have cinnamon, vanilla, spiced sugar, and caramel flavors. (Spotted by Ann at Walmart.)

If you’re out shopping and see new products, snap a picture of them, and send them in via an email ([email protected]) with where you found them and “Spotted” in the subject line. Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something or if they’re new, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.