REVIEW: Mtn Dew Baja Flash and Baja Punch

Mtn Dew Baja Flash and Baja Punch Cans

Mtn Dew is not only good at making caffeinated fruity sodas, but it’s also good at giving those caffeinated fruity flavored beverages unique names. Think of all the Dew varieties that have ever existed and their names. Beyond Pitch Black and Pitch Black II and the Game Fuel offerings, there haven’t been many that reuse monikers.

But the popular Baja Blast now has to share its first name with new varieties — Baja Flash and Baja Punch.

With it being a pineapple coconut-flavored Dew, I’m surprised Baja Flash wasn’t called Baja Colada. Because it didn’t, I wondered if Mtn Dew was hesitant to give the soda a boozy-sounding name, but then remembered that time it offered its Spiked Lemonade line, Dew Shine, and Johnson City Gold. Also, I would’ve preferred Baja Colada because Baja Flash sounds like it would be a better name for a dune buggy.

Mtn Dew Baja Flash Closeup

As I poured some into my glass, I could smell the sweet coconut more than the golden fruit. Also, the pineapple isn’t as prevalent as the coconut when it comes to taste, but its flavor seems to stick out more in the aftertaste. The coconut might turn off some folks, but I dug it.

Pineapple isn’t new to the DEWniverse. There’s the pineapple-flavored Maui Burst, which is one of my all-time favorite Dew varieties. This isn’t as great as Maui Burst, but it’s a fine tasting Dew.

One last thing. While drinking it, one adjective that came to mind was creamy. There’s nothing creamy texture-wise, it drinks like any other soda, but the coconut flavor has me thinking it. Maybe my mind is too occupied with building a dune buggy called Baja Flash to think straight.

Mtn Dew Baja Punch Closeup

While I have no alternative names for Baja Punch, there’s a possibility that its name is a new one for Mtn Dew Solar Flare, which was a 7-Eleven fountain exclusive way back in 2014. Or it could be another name for Mtn Dew Southern Shock, a Bojangles exclusive last year. Both also are described as Dew with a tropical punch flavor. Oddly, I didn’t try either one, but Baja Punch does taste familiar to me.

When I first opened it, I smelled mango. After pouring it into the glass, I smelled pineapple. But when I drink it, I get a bit of cherry and something citrusy that could be pineapple. It’s definitely tropical punch flavored. Again, it reminds me of another Dew flavor, but I’m not sure which one. It also tastes less sweet than Baja Flash, but again, my mind might be distracted by thoughts of dune buggies.

Overall, Baja Punch is tasty, but my taste buds prefer Baja Flash.

Purchased Price: More than anyone should pay on eBay
Size: 12 fl oz cans
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 8 out of 10 (Baja Flash), 7 out of 10 (Baja Punch)
Nutrition Facts: (12 fl oz) Baja Flash – 170 calories, 0 grams of fat, 55 milligrams of sodium, 44 grams of carbohydrates, 44 grams of sugar, 44 grams of added sugar, 0 grams of protein, and 55 milligrams of caffeine. Baja Punch – 170 calories, 0 grams of fat, 55 milligrams of sodium, 44 grams of carbohydrates, 44 grams of sugar, 44 grams of added sugar, 0 grams of protein, and 54 milligrams of caffeine.

SPOTTED: Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Bites

Jet Puffed Birthday Cake Marshmallow Bites
Jet-Puffed Birthday Cake Marshmallow Bites
Jet Puffed S mores Marshmallow Bites
Jet-Puffed S’mores Marshmallow Bites
Jet Puffed Coconut Marshmallow Bites
Jet-Puffed Coconut Marshmallow Bites

Hmmm, have you tried putting stuff into your marshmallows, Kraft? Although, now that I think about it, this is a better looking way of doing things to marshmallows. Stuffed Puffs look like regular marshmallows, but these don’t. So perhaps a coating and a filling next time, Kraft? (Spotted by Amanda Y at Walmart.)

SPOTTED – 6/15/2021

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

Jeni s High Five Candy Bar Ice Cream
Jeni’s High Five Candy Bar Ice Cream

(Spotted by Rachel C at Whole Foods.)

Jeni s Wedding Cake Ice Cream
Jeni’s Wedding Cake Ice Cream

(Spotted by Rachel C at Jeni’s.)

The Original Cakebites Minion Chocolate Cakebites
The Original Cakebites Minion Chocolate Cakebites
The Original Cakebites Minions Vanilla Cakebites
The Original Cakebites Minions Vanilla Cakebites

(Spotted by Robbie at Walmart.)

Clancy s Krinkle Cut Kentucky Smoked Bourbon and Grilled Ribeye Steak Kettle Chips
Clancy’s Krinkle Cut Kentucky Smoked Bourbon and Grilled Ribeye Steak Kettle Chips

(Spotted by Timothy H at Aldi.)

Member s Mark The Better Nut Bar
Member’s Mark The Better Nut Bar

(Spotted by Robbie at Sam’s Club.)

Simply Cafe Valley Pineapple Rumba Coffeecake Bites
Simply Cafe Valley Pineapple Rumba Coffeecake Bites

(Spotted by Sarah R at Sprouts.)

H E B Creamy Creations Limited Edition Wild Red Float Ice Cream
H-E-B Creamy Creations Limited Edition Wild Red Float Ice Cream
H E B Creamy Creations Limited Edition Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream
H-E-B Creamy Creations Limited Edition Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream
H E B Creamy Creations Limited Edition Caramel Apple a la Mode Ice Cream
H-E-B Creamy Creations Limited Edition Caramel Apple a la Mode Ice Cream

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

Izzio Everything Brioche Sourdough
Izzio Everything Brioche Sourdough
Izzio Sliced Brioche Sourdough
Izzio Sliced Brioche Sourdough

(Spotted by Sarah R at Sprouts.)

Cuisinart Seasoning  Tex Mex Fusion Mango Chipotle and Chili Lime
Cuisinart Seasoning (Tex-Mex Fusion, Mango Chipotle, and Chili Lime)

(Spotted by Robbie at Walmart.)

Jason Dady Basil Pesto Lasagna
Jason Dady Basil Pesto Lasagna

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

Little Debbie Mini Oatmeal Creme and Nutty Buddy Cookie Bites
Little Debbie Mini Oatmeal Creme and Nutty Buddy Cookie Bites

(Spotted by @goatheadjp at R&E Chevron.)

REVIEW: Pizza Hut The Edge Pizza (2021)

PIzza Hut The Edge Pizza Box

I was, admittedly, a late bloomer when it comes to Pizza Hut. Between a VERY Italian father and great local pizza joints, Pizza Hut was reserved for classroom parties and that one friend’s house that had a thick layer of dust in their kitchen from non-use.

I liked it fine, but it was just never part of my childhood. As an adult, it’s become a fairly common staple of my diet. Between the ease of getting it and some late in life rebellion against my Dad, it has become a once a month meal for me. While I usually stay within my same order, the large banner advertising the return of The Edge Crustless Pizza caught my attention.

The Edge isn’t a new item but a rerelease of a product that debuted in 1997. Described as a “tavern style, cracker thin crust pizza,” it sees the toppings go all the way to the edge (get it, like the name?), making each slice 100% covered in toppings. It’s cut into squares, aka “party cut,” giving you 16 pieces. The tavern style was actually created in Chicago, which was news to me as I only thought of the deep dish style as the only popular pizza from Chicago.

PIzza Hut The Edge Pizza Whole

When you order, you are given an option of four recipes: Ultimate, Carnivore, Vegetarian, or Pepperoni Lover’s. For what it’s worth, it appears like you can change the toppings once you select one of the recipes, but for the sake of trying it as it’s presented, I went with the Ultimate. The Ultimate includes pepperoni, Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, and Roma tomatoes.

The first thing I noticed was the branding of The Edge on the box. Upon opening it, the consistently comforting smell of Pizza Hut pizza filled the room. However, looking at it, I noticed an issue immediately: the lack of sausage. After debating if I should get it fixed, I decided it wasn’t worth the trouble. There were more than enough toppings to judge it fairly, and (after trying it) I can say the sausage most likely wouldn’t have moved the needle much in either direction.

PIzza Hut The Edge Pizza Thinness

PIzza Hut The Edge Pizza Seasoning

Even though I knew it would be a thin crust, it was still shockingly thin. Despite its thinness, it stood up very well. There was a good balance of the sauce, cheese, and toppings that worked with the crust making each bite balanced in flavor and crispiness. The box bragged of a “garlic & herb seasoning” sprinkled on top, but was inconsistently present.

PIzza Hut The Edge Pizza Pieces Image

Beyond the missing sausage, my only other criticism was the pieces themselves. Technically, it is 16 pieces, but it’s more like “12 normal size pieces and four random bits.” Oh, and because it’s thinner, I could easily polish off a whole one which is incredibly dangerous.

Overall, it’s a nice change of pace, but nothing I’d make a regular order. It dawned on me how this will be a nice summer pizza. It’s light, so you don’t feel heavy after eating half of it, but it satisfies that pizza craving. The Edge is only around for a limited time, so I’d try it sooner than later.

Purchased Price: $12.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 “slice”) 180 calories, 10 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 25 milligrams of cholesterol, 680 milligrams of sodium, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of protein.