The Impulsive Buy

REVIEW: Blue Bell Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream

September 26, 2022September 25, 2022 Denis 6 Comments

Blue Bell Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Pint

What is it?

Continuing the Blue Bell tradition of generally using the most straightforward name possible, the new Salted Caramel Brownie flavor contains exactly what you would expect: chocolate brownie pieces with a salted caramel swirl in vanilla ice cream.

How is it?

It’s good.

Blue Bell Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Brownie

OK, I guess I’m contractually obligated to provide a longer answer, so let me expound a bit. The brownies are the best part of this, although they seemed to be somewhat sparsely mixed into my pint. When I did get a brownie piece in a bite, it was perfectly chewy and chocolatey. The problem was most bites didn’t have any brownies.

The caramel swirl was also pleasant. It had only a subtle saltiness and a nice creaminess that reminded me of a Werther’s Original caramel, even though I can’t remember the last time I’ve actually had one of those.

The vanilla ice cream was kind of just there to hold the brownies and caramel. This might have been a bit better if the ice cream base was either chocolate or caramel, but Blue Bell didn’t consult with me for some reason.

Anything else you need to know?

Blue Bell Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Swirl

The “swirl” part was a bit different than I expected. Especially with caramel, it seems like a swirl usually consists of significant pockets of the gooey stuff that looks like rivers flowing through the ice cream. But for this flavor, you don’t get those big pools of caramel in different spots. Instead, it’s more evenly dispersed, so you get some in virtually every bite, even if it’s a little hard to see the caramel. As much as I like finding those nice mother lodes of swirl, I also enjoyed this version where it’s almost blended in.

Conclusion:

Blue Bell Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Top

This flavor falls into the broad category of PGBF, or Pretty Good But Forgettable. The brownies are good, the caramel swirl is good, and the vanilla ice cream is good, but this one doesn’t really differentiate itself from any other caramel brownie options that are out there.

Purchased Price: $3.29
Size: One Pint
Purchased at: H-E-B
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2/3 cup) 240 calories, 12 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 150 milligrams of sodium, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 25 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

SPOTTED (SEASONAL EDITION): 9/23/2022

September 23, 2022September 22, 2022 Marvo

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.

Betty Crocker Reese s Bats Cookie Kit — *Betty Crocker Reese’s Bats Cookie Kit*

(Spotted by Robbie at Target.)

*Great Value Salted Caramel and Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Toppers*

*Great Value Flavors of the Fall Variety Pack*

(Spotted by Tommy at Walmart)

Crafty Cooking Kits Disney Pre Baked Halloween Chocolate Cookie Kit — *Crafty Cooking Kits Disney Pre-Baked Halloween Chocolate Cookie Kit*

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Walmart.)

*Crafty Cooking Kits Disney Trick or Treat House Chocolate Cookie Kit*

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Walmart.)

*Cookies United Chocolate Cookie Dirt Cup Decorating Kit*

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Walmart.)

*Bakery Bling Monster Sandwich Cookie Kit*

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Walmart.)

Lidl Pumpkin Apple Quick Bread Muffin Mix — *Lidl Pumpkin Apple Quick Bread & Muffin Mix*

(Spotted by Allison H at Lidl.)

*Sprouts Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies*

*Sprouts Cranberry Orange Parisian Twists*

*Sprouts Pumpkin Cheese Parisian Twists*

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Sprouts.)

H E B Bakery Cranberry Pistachio Orange Biscottini — *H-E-B Bakery Cranberry Pistachio & Orange Biscottini*

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

PUMPKINUNDATION 2022: Duncan Hines EPIC Pumpkin Spice Cookie Kit

September 23, 2022September 22, 2022 Marvo

Duncan Hines EPIC Pumpkin Spice Cookie Kit

This would’ve been even more epic if some of the sprinkles were pumpkin-shaped. (Spotted by Robbie at H-E-B.)

REVIEW: Cheetos Bolitas Chile & Cheese

September 23, 2022September 22, 2022 Ann 7 Comments

Cheetos Bolitas Chile Cheese Bag

Frito-Lay has decided to increase the number of Cheeto dust variants in the US with the expanded distribution of the Chile & Cheese Cheetos Bolitas. According to the internet, these cheesy spheres were once only available in Mexico but are now making their US debut.

Cheetos Bolitas Chile Cheese Top

Cheetos Bolitas smell like hot sauce and cheddar straight out of the bag. The burnt red color and smoky chile aroma made me think these might be pretty spicy, but they were definitely in the mild heat index. The initial flavor is bright, like a vinegary hot sauce, and then rounds out to a light cheesy flavor. The brightness is similar to a chile limon-type seasoning but not quite so citrusy. It’s definitely less heavy on the pallet than a cheese-only flavor. I think this also makes them not as cheesy as US Cheetos products.

What surprised me most was the distinct corn meal flavor from the base puff. The corn flavor comes through strong and leaves a lasting corn meal aftertaste. It’s pleasant but definitely different compared to some of the US versions of Cheetos products in their varied formats. The Bolitas are light and airy but have that fried oil exterior shell that clings to cheese powder and seasonings so well.

Cheetos Bolitas Chile Cheese Bowl

Like any Cheetos product, though, these definitely cover your fingers in a tasty Cheeto dust with the same vinegar brightness and cheese flavor as the Bolitas. Yum. Overall I thought these were tasty and very snackable. I think it’s fantastic that we’re starting to see some expanded distribution of international flavors as innovations from Frito-Lay. Does this mean we might also see the return of All Dressed Ruffles in the States again? I’m All for it!

Purchased Price: $3.99
Size: 6 oz bag
Purchased at: Woodman’s
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (about 32 pieces) 170 Calories, 12 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 160 milligrams of sodium, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

SPOTTED (SEASONAL EDITION) – 9/22/2022

September 22, 2022September 17, 2022 Marvo 11 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.