Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry

 

Product circa: 2024 and later winter seasons

Sprite's Cranberry version from many years ago was very good, and this product has proved successful enough to return at least one year so far for the winter season.

This stuff is really good, but I'm annoyed that I'm having such a hard time discerning its flavors.  Beyond the cranberry, I can't tell what "spices" exists in this formula.  It's possible that there are traditional baking spices in this, like clove or allspice, and they are simply toned down so much that they're barely recognizable.  But by my tongue, I think it's more likely a bit of ginger and juniper that are added, maybe.  Regardless, this is a real treat, and worth picking up a 12-pack each season.

CinnaGraham Toast Crunch

Product circa: 2026

Obviously a combination between Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Golden Graham cereals, this seems to have great promise.

Maybe I haven't had these sorts of cereals in a while, but this tastes way too... healthy.  "Earthy" and even "woody" are the descriptors I'm getting here.  The cereal uses whole wheat and corn as its primary grain, but the mouth feels it more like whole wheat and oat bran.  I'm getting an overall very fibrous experience, like the product is ultra-high fiber (it's not) and like it could use some processed/bleached wheat to give it a bit more soft body.  It could be a lot sweeter too.  Even the cinnamon feels over-toasted and woody.  Maybe all this earthiness is from the adding of the graham cracker-like cereal, but I'm just getting earth, cinnamon, and not much else.  It's more hardy than hearty.  It's not unlike cinnamon mulch.  It's not horrible, but I think all of this is the result of cereal brands continuing to maximize nutritional value and fiber over sugar.  I'd rather have either of its constituent cereals, I think.

Doritos Ultimate Garlic Parmesan

 

Product circa: July 2026

Part of Doritos' semiquincentennial recognition.  Because garlic and parmigiano cheese are so American?

Anyway, LMAO - these taste shockingly like Doritos Cool Ranch, with perhaps a bit more garlic, and maybe the sour cream is a bit more "aged" to be cheese-like.  But the DNA is still Cool Ranch, through and through.  How disappointing and hilarious.

Oreo Firecracker Pop

 

Product circa: July 2026

While not specifically targeted as a semiquincentennial promotion, it is certainly a seasonal release for Independence Day 2026.

I respect the attempt here.  Three different flavors of creme in a vanilla cookie, and each creme flavor corresponds to the three flavors of a "firecracker pop", more likely known as a rocket pop.  Indeed, all three flavors of creme are completely discernible here, though I would say the lemon is least of all.  The problem is that while not unpleasant, this cookie is just way too busy, in terms of taste.  In addition, per my personal tastes, the 3 cremes make the balance more akin to a Double Stuf, which is not my preference.

Herr's Jalapeno Cream Cheese and Hickory Barbecue

 

Products circa: July 2026

Labeled "United" and "Liberty", these are semiquincentennial products, this time Philadelphia-coded as "Flavored 4 Philly".  I have no idea how these flavors relate to the city, but Herr's is known as a fantastic regional brand located not far from it.

Jalapeno Cream Cheese: Essentially a sour cream & onion flavor, with a greenery amped up a bit by green chile, and perhaps the sour cream powder goes a bit deeper in flavor so as to be "cheese".  The heat builds up just a bit after a couple bites.  Not bad, but I won't remember these.

Hickory Barbecue: It starts as your typical barbeque flavor, but it's clear that the hickory here as a much more deep and woody flavor than your average chip.  One of the best bbq chips I've had to date.

Ruffles Buffalo Wings

 

Product circa: July 2026

Another semiquincentennial, and this time a truly quintessential (there's a pun in there somewhere) American flavor.

I've had plenty of "hot sauce" chips before, but these are among the best.  It's because they cranked up the boldness of the flavor, and also the vinegar seasoning, such that it actually evokes proper Buffalo wings.  Bravo.

Pringles Italian Meatball

 

Product circa: summer 2026

While not expressly tied to the World Cup, these are a summer 2026 release that coincides with it.

These are very "pizza-chip"-coded, with tomato and oregano being the primary flavors, here.  These go further and have a heavier dose of aromatic vegetables, and also yeast extract to simulate the meat flavor.  In the end, I'd rather have Pringles Pizza flavored chips.