New Products Review: Sweet Snacks (Part 1)
Hello there!
I have seen lots of new products floating around over Instagram and in the supermarkets so I wanted to try some. Most of these products are describe as having health benefits, such as "low in sugar" or are suitable for specific diets like gluten-free or vegan. I will be discussing my thoughts on the packaging, product itself and whether they are good value for money. I will leave links to where you can get all of these snacks, but note that this isn't a sponsored post. This is part 1 as I will be reviewing sweet products but I am going to do a part 2 with savoury products coming soon. Let's begin reviewing and enjoy!
Sweet Snacks Review
I found that it was quite clear from the orange and brown packaging that it was clear that the flavour was hazelnut and chocolate. The design is simple and the image of the product on pack is accurate to what you receive inside. They are advertised as being a "multi-award winner" which I can see why when I go on to explain the product itself. They make it clear that is a vegan product and it has a soil association certification showing they obviously care about organic and environmentally sustainable ingredients.
The part of the packaging I loved the most was the cardboard sleeve the truffles come in as it had a sweet quote on it which made me smile lots. They had obviously thought about their packaging well.
Thoughts on the Product
I absolutely loved this product! It certainly provided me with a chocolate hit as they are super rich so you definitely only need the two truffles. They had a super smooth texture and just the right amount of cocoa powder on the outside as this can sometimes make them too powdery but they weren't. They were very silky and melt in the mouth, making them super luxurious. However, I was expecting the pieces of hazelnut to be a little bigger so you get the contrast in textures as this lacked a little to me. Apart from that I loved them though!
Value for Money
For this pack of 2 truffles I paid £1.29 which is quite pricey when you compare them with other chocolates on the market. However, I do think as part of a little hamper or gift set for someone they would be perfect. Just not something you would have in your cupboards everyday, definitely more of a treat.
Overall Score
I would give them a 9/10 as I absolutely loved the flavour of them, just needed bigger hazelnut pieces and the price makes them more as a special treat or gift. I would, though, happily have them again
https://www.boojabooja.com/chocolate-truffles/collections/two-truffles-packs-2/
I really like the pastel tones on the packaging, especially with the metallic writing as it makes it seem more luxurious as a product. They make it very obvious that it is a dairy-free and vegan which is very important. It is also advertised as being "100% natural" and supported by various certifications. The only thing I would say is that when I think of vanilla flavouring I tend to think of more creamy-yellow colours like those associated with flowers on vanilla plants rather than lilac tones. However, that's just down to personal associations and perception.
Thoughts on the Product
I have had vegan chocolate before but usually only supermarket own-brands because I've used it in baking. However, I found this had a much smoother flavour and didn't have an artificially after-taste which I have experienced with other vegan chocolate. It still had quite a dark bitterness to it but it was still quite smooth on the palate. I would say that the vanilla is very subtle as it is overpowered by the general bitter notes. Overall, though, I would say it is the best vegan chocolate I have tried.
Value for Money
I paid 79p for this 22g bar as it was on offer but it is usually 99p. I think this is expensive for the size of the product as one bar is about one portion. However, it is good that they do smaller bars so you can try their products without having to buy a large bar.
Overall Score
I would score it a 7/10 as it is the nicest vegan chocolate I have tried but the price is a bit expensive for the size so it would be a treat or a small gift. The vanilla flavour isn't very strong but the smoothness and bitterness is a nice balance. I would potentially buy it again if it's on offer or buy it for a vegan friend.
https://rawhalo.com/product/mylk-vanilla-22g/
I paid £3 for the 340g jar which I think is quite good value for money considering you would only use about 10g on a toast. It would also make a nice gift in a hamper with special breads and granola to create a breakfast hamper.
Overall Score
I'd give it a 8/10 as it's great how it is much healthier than other chocolate spreads, just wish it had a more chocolate flavour to balance the peanut butter more. If they decide to continue the product I would like to try it is in a brownie recipe
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/305429689
I like the colour scheme they used for the packaging as it is colours you would associate with strawberry cheesecake because of the red and pink tones. However, the bar itself is more cream so it doesn't quite match the packaging. I like the bronze patterns as well which make it seem more high end as a product.
Thoughts on the Product
I think it’s great to have low calorie ice cream options available, especially with some people being concerned about their health but still want to enjoy a treat in the summer. Personally, I would have liked it to have had a more strawberry flavour and I almost feel like you perceived it as having a less intense flavour as it’s paler than I was expecting. The biscuit swirl in the centre was very tasty and reminded me of Biscoff biscuits as it had a malty and slight mixed spice flavour to it. I would say they are tasty but the flavour isn’t what I would call strawberry cheesecake, maybe some freeze dried strawberry pieces would help with the flavour and appearance more.
Value for Money
I bought these when they were on offer at half price but they are usually £5 for 3 ice creams which is expensive for what they are and their size. I suppose if you were following a specific diet like Slimming World and wanted a treat because you were having a barbecue with friends then it would be suitable but they are a bit pricey to buy very frequently.
Overall Score
I’d give them a 6/10, they taste nice but I wouldn’t describe them as ‘strawberry cheesecake’ and they are expensive compared with some other ice creams. However, you are paying for the reduced calories which is still fairly new in the ice cream category. I would be interested in trying their other products but I am unlikely to re-purchase this specific flavour.
I have seen lots of new products floating around over Instagram and in the supermarkets so I wanted to try some. Most of these products are describe as having health benefits, such as "low in sugar" or are suitable for specific diets like gluten-free or vegan. I will be discussing my thoughts on the packaging, product itself and whether they are good value for money. I will leave links to where you can get all of these snacks, but note that this isn't a sponsored post. This is part 1 as I will be reviewing sweet products but I am going to do a part 2 with savoury products coming soon. Let's begin reviewing and enjoy!
Sweet Snacks Review
Product 1: Booja-Booja Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Packaging
I found that it was quite clear from the orange and brown packaging that it was clear that the flavour was hazelnut and chocolate. The design is simple and the image of the product on pack is accurate to what you receive inside. They are advertised as being a "multi-award winner" which I can see why when I go on to explain the product itself. They make it clear that is a vegan product and it has a soil association certification showing they obviously care about organic and environmentally sustainable ingredients.The part of the packaging I loved the most was the cardboard sleeve the truffles come in as it had a sweet quote on it which made me smile lots. They had obviously thought about their packaging well.
Thoughts on the Product
I absolutely loved this product! It certainly provided me with a chocolate hit as they are super rich so you definitely only need the two truffles. They had a super smooth texture and just the right amount of cocoa powder on the outside as this can sometimes make them too powdery but they weren't. They were very silky and melt in the mouth, making them super luxurious. However, I was expecting the pieces of hazelnut to be a little bigger so you get the contrast in textures as this lacked a little to me. Apart from that I loved them though!
Value for Money
For this pack of 2 truffles I paid £1.29 which is quite pricey when you compare them with other chocolates on the market. However, I do think as part of a little hamper or gift set for someone they would be perfect. Just not something you would have in your cupboards everyday, definitely more of a treat.
Overall Score
I would give them a 9/10 as I absolutely loved the flavour of them, just needed bigger hazelnut pieces and the price makes them more as a special treat or gift. I would, though, happily have them again
https://www.boojabooja.com/chocolate-truffles/collections/two-truffles-packs-2/
Product 2: Raw Halo Mylk and Vanilla Chocolate
Packaging
I really like the pastel tones on the packaging, especially with the metallic writing as it makes it seem more luxurious as a product. They make it very obvious that it is a dairy-free and vegan which is very important. It is also advertised as being "100% natural" and supported by various certifications. The only thing I would say is that when I think of vanilla flavouring I tend to think of more creamy-yellow colours like those associated with flowers on vanilla plants rather than lilac tones. However, that's just down to personal associations and perception.Thoughts on the Product
I have had vegan chocolate before but usually only supermarket own-brands because I've used it in baking. However, I found this had a much smoother flavour and didn't have an artificially after-taste which I have experienced with other vegan chocolate. It still had quite a dark bitterness to it but it was still quite smooth on the palate. I would say that the vanilla is very subtle as it is overpowered by the general bitter notes. Overall, though, I would say it is the best vegan chocolate I have tried.
Value for Money
I paid 79p for this 22g bar as it was on offer but it is usually 99p. I think this is expensive for the size of the product as one bar is about one portion. However, it is good that they do smaller bars so you can try their products without having to buy a large bar.
Overall Score
I would score it a 7/10 as it is the nicest vegan chocolate I have tried but the price is a bit expensive for the size so it would be a treat or a small gift. The vanilla flavour isn't very strong but the smoothness and bitterness is a nice balance. I would potentially buy it again if it's on offer or buy it for a vegan friend.
https://rawhalo.com/product/mylk-vanilla-22g/
Product 3: NINE Salted Caramel Seed Bar
Packaging
I like that the packaging feels like it's made from paper giving it a very natural and organic feel to it. I like the contrasting red and brown, espeically as the browns give it a caramel feel. However, the red might be a little misleading if you didn't read the product as you might expect it to be a berry flavour. The image on pack is accurate though of what the product looks like and they make it clear that it is vegan and gluten-free.
Thoughts on the Product
When it is describe as "seed bar" they definitely got their description accurate as it literally is a bar of seeds. I am a fan of seeds in porridge and salads so this did appeal to me. I did get a bit of sweetness and saltiness but I'm not sure if I would know it is salted caramel flavoured if I didn't know. The flavours are quite subtle, mainly because the seeds have quite an overriding savoury and earthy flavour. I liked the texture lots as it didn't get stuck in my teeth and the chewiness would help people to feel fuller.
Value for Money
This bar was 99p which is quite standard for a cereal bar sold individually but it allows you to try something new like I did. I would say it is fairly good value for money as it weighs 40g making it a substantial and filling bar.
Overall Score
I would score it a 7/10 as it doesn't have the salted caramel flavour as much as I hoped but as a seeded bar it is packed full of texture and great for an on-the-go snack whilst still being healthy and substantial. I also think for the price you're getting a fairly high quality product. I would like to try their other products to see what they are like but I am unlikely to re-purchase it just down to personal taste.
https://9ninebrand.com/product/salted-caramel/
Packaging
I really like the packaging as it is very clear what it is, despite it being a new product. I like that they also clearly call it a "healthy chocolate spread" so it shows that it isn't just another peanut butter, which is where I found it in the supermarket. I especially like Whole Earth's packaging as it is very environmental with the trees and they use this well in their marketing.
Thoughts on the Product
I’ve tried it in porridge with a banana on top which was delicious and it tasted more chocolately like that. I also tried it on a toasted bagel which was very tasty and seem to give me a good energy boost before a run. I would be interested to try it in baking like cookies or brownies.
Value for Money
I like that the packaging feels like it's made from paper giving it a very natural and organic feel to it. I like the contrasting red and brown, espeically as the browns give it a caramel feel. However, the red might be a little misleading if you didn't read the product as you might expect it to be a berry flavour. The image on pack is accurate though of what the product looks like and they make it clear that it is vegan and gluten-free.Thoughts on the Product
When it is describe as "seed bar" they definitely got their description accurate as it literally is a bar of seeds. I am a fan of seeds in porridge and salads so this did appeal to me. I did get a bit of sweetness and saltiness but I'm not sure if I would know it is salted caramel flavoured if I didn't know. The flavours are quite subtle, mainly because the seeds have quite an overriding savoury and earthy flavour. I liked the texture lots as it didn't get stuck in my teeth and the chewiness would help people to feel fuller.
Value for Money
This bar was 99p which is quite standard for a cereal bar sold individually but it allows you to try something new like I did. I would say it is fairly good value for money as it weighs 40g making it a substantial and filling bar.
Overall Score
I would score it a 7/10 as it doesn't have the salted caramel flavour as much as I hoped but as a seeded bar it is packed full of texture and great for an on-the-go snack whilst still being healthy and substantial. I also think for the price you're getting a fairly high quality product. I would like to try their other products to see what they are like but I am unlikely to re-purchase it just down to personal taste.
https://9ninebrand.com/product/salted-caramel/
Product 4: Whole Earth Smooth Peanut Butter with Hazelnut and Chocolate (Limited Edition)
Packaging I really like the packaging as it is very clear what it is, despite it being a new product. I like that they also clearly call it a "healthy chocolate spread" so it shows that it isn't just another peanut butter, which is where I found it in the supermarket. I especially like Whole Earth's packaging as it is very environmental with the trees and they use this well in their marketing.
Thoughts on the Product
I’ve tried it in porridge with a banana on top which was delicious and it tasted more chocolately like that. I also tried it on a toasted bagel which was very tasty and seem to give me a good energy boost before a run. I would be interested to try it in baking like cookies or brownies.
I paid £3 for the 340g jar which I think is quite good value for money considering you would only use about 10g on a toast. It would also make a nice gift in a hamper with special breads and granola to create a breakfast hamper.
Overall Score
I'd give it a 8/10 as it's great how it is much healthier than other chocolate spreads, just wish it had a more chocolate flavour to balance the peanut butter more. If they decide to continue the product I would like to try it is in a brownie recipe
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/305429689
Product 5: Halo Top Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Packaging
I like the colour scheme they used for the packaging as it is colours you would associate with strawberry cheesecake because of the red and pink tones. However, the bar itself is more cream so it doesn't quite match the packaging. I like the bronze patterns as well which make it seem more high end as a product. Thoughts on the Product
I think it’s great to have low calorie ice cream options available, especially with some people being concerned about their health but still want to enjoy a treat in the summer. Personally, I would have liked it to have had a more strawberry flavour and I almost feel like you perceived it as having a less intense flavour as it’s paler than I was expecting. The biscuit swirl in the centre was very tasty and reminded me of Biscoff biscuits as it had a malty and slight mixed spice flavour to it. I would say they are tasty but the flavour isn’t what I would call strawberry cheesecake, maybe some freeze dried strawberry pieces would help with the flavour and appearance more.
Value for Money
I bought these when they were on offer at half price but they are usually £5 for 3 ice creams which is expensive for what they are and their size. I suppose if you were following a specific diet like Slimming World and wanted a treat because you were having a barbecue with friends then it would be suitable but they are a bit pricey to buy very frequently.
Overall Score
I’d give them a 6/10, they taste nice but I wouldn’t describe them as ‘strawberry cheesecake’ and they are expensive compared with some other ice creams. However, you are paying for the reduced calories which is still fairly new in the ice cream category. I would be interested in trying their other products but I am unlikely to re-purchase this specific flavour.
https://www.halotop.uk/bars
I hope you enjoyed this post and try some of these new products. Be sure to stay tuned for my second part which will be coming in 2 weeks time for a savoury snacks review!
I hope you enjoyed this post and try some of these new products. Be sure to stay tuned for my second part which will be coming in 2 weeks time for a savoury snacks review!
If you liked this post, visit my full blog at:
https://littlechefbeth.blogspot.com
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