Last year, Kellogg’s released its first Mashups cereal: Frosted Flakes + Froot Loops. Now, it’s revisiting the concept with Kellogg’s Mashups: Frosted Flakes + Apple Jacks. I did not try the original Mashups, but as a child, I was an expert at mixing random cereals together. As such, I feel qualified to take on this new Mashups rendition.
Throughout my life, I have had ample amounts of both Apple Jacks and Frosted Flakes, so I established solid expectations for what this Mashup would be like. Upon opening the box, I was pleased to see that both cereals seemed to be equally represented. I was able to discern the saccharine aroma of the Frosted Flakes mixing with a hint of cinnamon from the Apple Jacks.
I tried the cereal dry first and it tasted exactly as I expected. It had more flavor than solo Frosted Flakes and more sweetness than Apple Jacks eaten on their own. It tasted pleasant enough, but felt rather anticlimactic.
After adding milk, the flavors blended into a more cohesive presentation. The cinnamon from the Apple Jacks seemed to make the Frosted Flakes taste more complex. The sugar from the Frosted Flakes quickly incorporated into the milk, making every bite a little sweeter than the last. If you have tried both cereals, you can accurately deduce what this tastes like.
The textures of both work well together, at first. The bites seem crunchier than they would be when they are eaten alone. It is a satisfying experience, but it does not last long.
Unfortunately, Frosted Flakes degrade in milk faster than Apple Jacks. After only a minute or so, the loops remained relatively crunchy, but the flakes were already beginning to turn to mush. Since the Apple Jacks retain crunchiness, this Mashup is texturally pleasant for longer than a bowl of Frosted Flakes à la carte. Conversely, it becomes unpleasant more quickly than a bowl of plain Apple Jacks. Eating this in multiple small portions is highly recommended.
This is not a revolutionary cereal, but it is enjoyable enough to eat. I can certainly see children getting a kick out of it. Personally, I would like to see Kellogg’s try a slightly more daring combination for the next version of Mashups. That could be more fun for everyone.
DISCLOSURE: I received a free product sample. Doing so did not influence my review.
Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 9.8 oz box
Purchased at: Received from Kellogg’s
Rating: 7 out of 10
?Nutrition Facts: (1 1/4 cup) 160 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 220 milligrams of sodium, 38 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.
Sometimes I think the Marketing department and R&D walk around and look at the production line floor and say to each other ‘hey we can make a new product of this stuff on the floor!!’
Welcome to the thought behind most “specials” or “features” in the restaurant industry. hehe. Utilizee the product that you already have or is going south. At least in the restaurant industry we are more creative and don’t just pick two random cereals to marry together in a box, lol.
Well, with the exception of Taco Bell . . . . 😉
Hahaha, yes, true.
“Cereal leavings”
I like how you mentioned the different “sog time” of these two cereals as that has been making me wonder wtf are they doing? ever since they started these “mash ups.”
I never add milk to sweetened cereal so sog time is irrelevant to me. Too I’ve never liked Apple Jacks. In the multi pack mini boxes I feel like those are stuck in just to waste my money.
Apple Jacks are vastly overlooked and underrated. Dare I say, they’re Grrreat!
Agreed!
I don’t give Kellogg’s my money anymore.
Both the anthropomorphic apple and cinnamon stick on the front of the box look seriously demented. If I was a child, I think looking at them would make me a bit frightened. Heck, I’m a little put-off, even as an adult.
Interesting idea, but I’d have imagined flakes and loops of any type would be too much of a textural clash. My two favorite cereals of the 80’s were Froot Loops and Lucky Charms. Mixing those two would be more my jam.