SPOTTED: Betty Crocker Buddy The Elf Hat Sugar Cookie Kit

Elf hat or a Christmas tree waving hello or goodbye. (Spotted by Robbie at Tom Thumb.)

If you’re out shopping and see new products, snap a picture of them, and send them in via an email (theimpulsivebuy@gmail.com) 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: Jack in the Box Mini Cinnis

While Jack is known for his huge head, Jack in the Box has a history of mini-ing things. If I had a dollar for every time the fast food chain called something “mini,” I’d be able to buy a Sourdough Jack. There have been options like Mini Corn Dogs, Mini Churros, Mini Cookies, mini chicken sandwiches, and mini cheeseburgers. Oh, and let’s not forget about other finger foods, like Jack’s Brownie Bites and Pizza Bites. The latest are these Mini Cinnis, a name I’m surprised no one has trademarked.

Available in five or ten-piece orders, the treat features bite-sized classic cinnamon rolls served warm and topped with icing. Jack in the Box says they are the “perfect end to a meal, or start, no judgment.” Perfect? They are not perfect.

Don’t get me wrong, I like them. So much so that I’ve ordered these Mini Cinnis twice. But some of the dough in a few of the pieces in both of my orders were dry, which might not be an issue with a huge honking Cinnabon or Costco-sized cinnamon roll, but with one that’s the width of a half-dollar, it’s a slight issue.

I say “slight” because there’s more than enough cinnamon and sugary icing to make me almost forget about the dry dough. Also, that dryness isn’t preventing me from wanting to dip these into one of Jack’s shakes. They are significantly better than a pre-packaged convenience store cinnamon roll that has been microwaved for seven seconds but pale in comparison to anything a particular cinnamon-scented mall food court staple offers.

Jack in the Box’s Mini Cinnis aren’t going to make you wonder if you accidentally stepped into a Cinnabon or make your stomach feel as if you’ve eaten a whole Classic Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll. But they are a sweet end to a meal or start, no judgment.

Purchased Price: $2.50*
Size: 5 pieces
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 290 calories (No other nutritional information is available on Jack in the Box’s website).

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

SPOTTED: 12/5/2023

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.

Hormel Pepperoni Crisps and Hard Salami Crisps

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Tom Thumb.)

Zack’s Mighty Rolled Tortilla Chips Fiery Nacho
Zack’s Mighty Rolled Tortilla Chips Chili Lime

(Spotted by Sarah R at Whole Foods.)

Good & Gather Fontina & Truffle Flavored Oil Ravioli
Good & Gather Parmesan & Prosciutto Filled Sacchetti
Good & Gather Cacio E Pepe Ravioli

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Target.)

Good & Gather Cumin & Chipotle Pinto Beans
Good & Gather Garlic & Cumin Black Beans
Good & Gather Basil & Oregano Cannellini Beans
Good & Gather Ginger & Garam Masala Kidney Beans
Good & Gather Smoked Paprika Chickpeas

(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 (theimpulsivebuy@gmail.com) 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: Post Honey Bunches of Oats Frosted Bunches Cereal

This is a cereal that should be available throughout the year. Actually, frosted bunches should be a year-round thing in every variety of Honey Bunches of Oats. (Spotted by Amanda Y at Kroger.)

If you’re out shopping and see new products, snap a picture of them, and send them in via an email (theimpulsivebuy@gmail.com) 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: Cheetos Mac ‘N Cheese Cheesy Ranch

It ain’t easy being cheesy and no scranch with this ranch. (Spotted by Amanda Y at Kroger.)

If you’re out shopping and see new products, snap a picture of them, and send them in via an email (theimpulsivebuy@gmail.com) 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.