J1 Eats: Unusual Flavors From Big Brands At Giant Eagle

Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

On Friday, May 26th, 2023, students in the Journalism 1 elective sampled a variety of foods you might see, but probably not buy, at Giant Eagle just down Camp Horne Road. As the Avonews Online staff worked on captions for the Awards Assembly, they experienced the good, the bad, and the odd of unique Pop Tarts and Lay’s flavors, as well as Ja Morant-Aroos Dunkaroos and Mtn Dew Summer Flavor. Here’s an overall summary with some glimpses of products and reactions mixed in.

Apple Jacks Pop Tarts: Rating: 5/10

Harrison enjoyed the cinnamon and apple tastes, a bit more then classmates who noted a dryness that made it between 4 to 6 on the overall 10 point scale.

Our first stop takes us to the realm of Pop Tarts with the Apple Jacks flavor. These cinnamon-infused pastries left us with mixed feelings. While they had a strong cinnamon taste and a hint of apple, the overall experience was slightly dry. We found them to be an okay choice, scoring a 6/10.

2.Frosted Banana Bread Pop Tarts: Rating: 8/10

The most appreciated of all three Pop Tart Limited Edition 2023 flavors sampled today, Alex reaches out for the Frosted Banana Bread flavor that will temp him the next time he clocks in for a shift at Giant Eagle.

Next up, we explore the world of Frosted Banana Bread Pop Tarts. These treats proved to be a sweet and flavorful surprise. Far surpassing their Apple Jacks counterpart, they delighted our taste buds with their enticing aroma and authentic banana bread taste. A definite winner, these earn a solid 8/10 rating.

Grape Pop Tarts: Rating: 3/10

Moving on to the Grape Pop Tarts, we encountered a rather lackluster experience. Their grape flavor, while recognizable, failed to impress us, resulting in a mere 4/10 rating. Some might consider them overrated, scoring a 5/10, but as grape enthusiasts, we were left disappointed.

Despite popular opinion, Harrison argued firmly that the bold aftertaste wasn’t as bad as classmates insisted, and the pop-rocks taste was instead just fine.

Ja Morant Dunkaroos: Rating: 7/10

Now, we venture into the realm of Ja Morant Dunkaroos, where chocolate takes the spotlight. These chocolatey snacks earned a respectable 7/10 rating. While not particularly groundbreaking, they provided a satisfying snack experience reminiscent of cookies and frosting. Currently, Morant is just as known for controversial social media postings with guns as he is leading his team into the playoffs.

IMG_4273 (see Luke dunking a DunkAroos through the AvonHoop)

Cuban Sandwich Lays Chips: Rating: 8/10

Our exploration continues with the Cuban Sandwich Lays Chips. These chips left us with a savory sensation, capturing the essence of a Cuban sandwich. Their tangy, peppery flavors tantalized our taste buds, warranting a solid 7/10.

Mid to some, an acquired taste to others in the room, the Cuban Sandwhich chip was moved towards the end of the tasting order, in anticipation of a heavy blend of space.

BLT Lays Chips: Rating: 6.5/10

Next, we savor the zesty BLT Lays Chips. With a slightly tangy and peppery kick, they successfully encapsulate the flavors of a classic BLT. Although they were enjoyable, we found them to be a decent snack option, meriting a 6.5/10.

Marco claimed the photo with the BLT sandwich chips fairly early in the class – “… tangy, peppery, and savory. 7/10 would try again” he wrote.

Mountain Dew Summer Flavor: Rating: 7/10

Quenching our thirst, we turn our attention to the Mountain Dew Summer Flavor, also known as MNT-DEW. This carbonated beverage received mixed reviews among our panel. While some found it to be incredibly delicious, awarding it a 10/10, others felt it was overrated, rating it a 7/10.