The Impulsive Buy

NOT FOOD: Swag Snack and Cereal Boxer Briefs

November 29, 2022November 27, 2022 Marvo 7 Comments

Swag Hostess HoHos Boxer Briefs

Swag Boxer Briefs have been around for a couple of years, but were brought to my attention only recently. These Hostess Ho Hos Boxer Briefs appear to be the newest style. Yes, there is a Ding Dongs version, if you’re wondering.

Swag Kellogg s Fun Pak Halloween Boxer Briefs

Also new this year are these Kellogg’s cereal boxer briefs with the Halloween designs of the boxes. Yes, they also come in the original box designs.

I think what also fascinates me about these is the packaging. The cereal ones come in small cereal boxes and the Hostess one comes in the rectangular shape of Hostess boxes. And here’s a Pop-Tarts variety that comes in a Pop-Tarts-shaped box.

Swag Kellogg s Pop Tarts Frosted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Boxer Briefs

Not only that, but a Cheetos version comes in a bag instead of a box.

Swag Cheetos Crunchy Boxer Briefs

(Spotted by Robbie at Burlington and Marshall’s)

REVIEW: Limited Edition Spam Figgy Pudding

November 29, 2022November 28, 2022 Mark 16 Comments

SPAM Limited Edition Figgy Pudding Can

I have reviewed some weird things during my six years at The Impulsive Buy.

But I’m pretty sure this new Spam Figgy Pudding is the weirdest. When I learned of its existence, I knew it would be so delightfully, seasonally unusual that I had to try it. I’m generally indifferent about regular Spam, but I’m a sucker for anything with a holiday theme.

(Spam’s website consistently treats its name as SPAM, but Merriam-Webster opts for Spam, so I’m going with that. It’s easier to type.)

SPAM Limited Edition Figgy Pudding Ingreidents

Here’s how the website describes it: “SPAM Figgy Pudding brings a blend of warm spices and seasonal ingredients that will be the star in many wintertime recipe favorites. With notes of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with fig and orange flavors, you’ll taste true holiday comfort that will have you caroling all season long.”

Now, I’ve never had a figgy pudding for at least three reasons:

I’ve never stepped foot in the UK.
The authentic recipes sound unreasonably complicated.
I am not 200 years old. (Yet.)

Therefore, I can’t compare it to a real figgy pudding. But with that caveat, how is it?

Well, there’s definitely a seasonal vibe to it. I taste spices (though I’m not sure I can pick out specific ones), and I taste fruit, especially orange, making it a little sweeter. If you like Spam, this is a fun, festive variation! My dad eats Spam regularly and doesn’t like this version as much as the classic, but he said it’s fine if you want a different flavor.

SPAM Limited Edition Figgy Pudding Pancake

Now, I didn’t know what to do with a brick of the stuff, but fortunately, the website has several recipes. I opted for the Spiced Dutch Baby Pancake. I followed the instructions as well as I could, except I didn’t have a 10-inch cast-iron skillet like the recipe called for. I ate it with the recommended cranberry butter (thanks, Thanksgiving leftovers!), maple syrup, and powdered sugar.

SPAM Limited Edition Figgy Pudding Pancake Slice

This was a weird dish, to be sure. But I’m a fan of mixing sweet and savory, and the Figgy Pudding Spam paired well with the sweeter elements and the spices of the pancake. I mean, it’s still Spam, so there’s something mildly off-putting about it. But I had no problem finishing the pan.

Spam Figgy Pudding is only available in a two-pack (mine came in a cardboard sleeve that fell apart in transit). I’m still trying to figure out what I’ll do with the second can, but I’m sure I’ll find a good use for it!

SPAM Limited Edition Figgy Pudding fried

Because this is a novelty food, it’s more expensive than the original Spam. As far as the food itself goes, it’s not worth the price. But if you are a die-hard Spam fan, or you just like trying weird products, go for it!

Purchased Price: $14.13 plus shipping
Size: 2 12-oz cans
Purchased at: Walmart.com
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2 oz) 180 calories, 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 600 milligrams of sodium, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar (including 4 grams of added sugars), and 7 grams of protein.

SPOTTED (SEASONAL EDITION): 11/28/2022

November 28, 2022November 27, 2022 Marvo 8 Comments

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

*Great Value Holiday Macaron Assortment*

(Spotted by Robbie at Walmart.)

*Great Value Holiday Chocolate Mocha Cocoa Bombs*

(Spotted by Tommy at Walmart)

*Great Value Holiday Vanilla Christmas Tree Ice Cream Bars*

(Spotted by Robbie at Walmart.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Big Lots.)

*Nice Sweet Holiday Yogurt Covered Holiday Pretzels*

(Spotted by Robbie at Walgreens.)

Member s Mark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds — *Member’s Mark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds*

(Spotted by Robbie at Sam’s Club.)

Sheila G s Limited Edition Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Brownie Brittle — *Sheila G’s Limited Edition Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Brownie Brittle*

(Spotted by Robbie at Big Lots.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

(Spotted by Robbie at Big Lots.)

*Dr Seuss The Cat in the Hat Sugar Cookie Mix*

(Spotted by Robbie at Dillard’s.)

PRIZE DRAWING: Accumulated Swag Mystery Box Giveaway (Fall 2022 Edition)

November 28, 2022December 2, 2022 Marvo 328 Comments

It’s another Accumulated Swag Mystery Box Giveaway!

In two previous giveaways, I attempted to drum up some excitement for the mystery box by mentioning that a white plastic bowl would be included. If you didn’t participate in those giveaways because of the white plastic bowl, I’m happy to announce that this box does not have one. Instead, it has a blue plastic bowl! Blue! How cool is that?

Prizefall22

Of course, there are many other things inside the box, and to have an opportunity to find out what they are, you should enter our Accumulated Swag Mystery Box Giveaway.

RULES:

To enter this prize drawing for the Accumulated Swag Mystery Box, leave a comment with THIS post, and that comment MUST include the word “huitlacoche.” It’s a fungus that grows on corn, and cooks in Mexico use it to flavor food.

Remember to fill out the email field because we’ll be emailing the randomly selected winner for their mailing addresses.

We will stop accepting entries on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Only one comment is allowed per person, and it’s only open to U.S. residents.

JUST A FEW OF NOTES:

If you post a comment and it doesn’t show up, it ended up in our comment spam or trash folder for some strange reason. There’s no need to attempt to post another comment because I’ll be pulling those out of the comment spam vortex regularly.

Do not leave your comment using the blue REPLY button at the bottom of other comments. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave your comment in the section above the blue POST COMMENT button. You might think it’s a lot of scrolling, but it’ll be worth it if you win that blue plastic bowl.

Good luck!

FINE PRINT:

The Impulsive Buy won’t use your email address to send you emails regarding cryptocurrency or use your mailing address to send you the cereal sand from the bottom of a Cheerios box. Bribes will not be accepted. The Impulsive Buy will not be responsible for lost mail, damaged mail, or you not getting a white plastic bowl.

REVIEW: Espresso M&M’s

November 28, 2022November 27, 2022 Julie 3 Comments

Espresso M M s Bag

Although I’m not a big coffee drinker, I love coffee-flavored sweets. They give me the hit of the distinctive flavor I love, often with added sweetness and texture. Nor will a slice of tiramisu or a scoop of coffee ice cream force me to endure a case of the jitters or that pesky co-worker asking me, “Would you like some coffee with your milk and sugar?” for the 1,208th time. The joke wasn’t funny the first time, Brenda.

Espresso M M s Mug

New seasonal Espresso M&M’s, then, very much appeal to my caffeine-conscious ways. I picked up a bag from the holiday display at CVS, and two things surprised me. First, upon opening the bag, I did not detect a strong coffee scent. The large brown, beige, and red candies smelled like a bag of semisweet chocolate chips, not the natural flavors promised to me by the package’s list of ingredients. How could the M&M’s remind me of sipping a hot beverage in a cozy cafe without the powerful scent of roasted coffee beans? Second, I had expected the M&M’s to consist solely of dark chocolate, which lends itself well to espresso’s concentrated flavor. Instead, they contain both milk and dark chocolate.

Espresso M M s Innards

Luckily, there was a third surprise in store: the first two surprises turned out to be nothing to worry about. The M&M’s have a strong, concentrated flavor that tastes like a shot of espresso but still honors the candy’s chocolate identity. The milk chocolate center of each M&M offers sweetness, but the surrounding dark chocolate gives a satisfying bitter edge. Together, the combination is delicious.

The flavor of Espresso M&M’s reminds me of chocolate-covered espresso beans, another treat that turns coffee into intensely flavorful candy. Although I like the taste, I just can’t get past the gritty texture of the beans and their tendency to haunt my gum line with black specks. The Espresso M&M’s smooth chocolate center was a welcome departure from that texture, making them a good alternative to other coffee-inspired snacks. (No offense to the Coffee Nut Peanut or Crunchy Espresso varieties of yore.) Like a cup of espresso itself, the M&M’s allow a simple but strong flavor to shine unadulterated.

Espresso M M s Spill

I shared my M&M’s with a relative who, despite our familial sweet tooth, is the opposite of me in regards to java: she loves coffee and prefers hers as black as a panther collecting charcoal on a moonless night. However, she does not typically like coffee-flavored things. The fourth surprise of the Espresso M&M’s experience was hers: she really enjoyed them!

For lovers of coffee and chocolate of all varieties, Espresso M&M’s will be a hit this holiday season. I’ll take a double shot, please!

Purchased Price: $4.49
Size: 7.44 oz (210.9 g) bag
Purchased at: CVS
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (per 1 ounce/about 16 pieces) 140 calories, 6 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 10 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 18 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.

Basic