It’s the middle of August, but that’s no reason not to start dreaming of the (relatively) cooler days of fall. Snackology has a trio of incoming autumnal snacks today, looking at the release of Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews, Planters Maple Brown Sugar Almonds and Flipz Pumpkin Spice Donut-Flavored Covered Pretzels.
Before I even started tasting the Planters and Flipz snacks, I was thrilled to see that they each staked out a different fall flavor. We’re all a bit tired of pumpkin spice these days, right? I get it. It’s fun. You get your pumpkin spice latte. You post on social media. But don’t you want more?
Planters definitely wants something different this time of year.
“Fall is known for its iconic flavors, making it a powerful moment for premium snacking that captures the nostalgia and comfort of the season,” Patrick Horbas, marketing director of the Planters brand, said in the company’s release. “With new Maple Brown Sugar Almonds, the return of fan favorite Apple Cider Donut Cashews and the expansion of our Special Reserve collection, these Planters products are the go-to premium protein choice for fall.”
With Planters bringing some variety to the season, I guess we can let Flipz handle the standard pumpkin spice flavor, teaming up with Dunkin’ to do so.
“Pumpkin spice has evolved from a seasonal trend to a cultural phenomenon,” Shivani Arora, marketing director for Flipz’s parent company, said in its announcement. “By partnering with Dunkin’, we're bringing together two fan-favorite brands to give consumers a new way to enjoy one of fall’s most celebratory flavors. This limited-time flavor delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty and seasonal indulgence.”
OK, let me crank up my air conditioning and get into this taste test ...
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Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews, Planters Maple Brown Sugar Almonds and Flipz Pumpkin Spice Donut-Flavored Covered Pretzels. / Snackology
What they cost
I’m not sure what the official pricing should be on the duo of Planters nuts, but Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews are currently going for $9.29 on Amazon while Planters Maple Brown Sugar Almonds are selling for $10.29. A standard bag of Flipz goes for $4.99.
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This isn’t the first time that Apple Cider Donut Cashews have been available. I bought them either last fall or the year before. Seeing an autumnal snack that came in apple cider donut flavor immediately caught my attention. Who doesn’t love going to a pumpkin patch or fall festival and getting some fresh apple cider and a fried cake to go with it?
Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews. / Snackology
Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews do a fantastic job mimicking that experience. These cashews are sweet, but not too sweet. The sugary coating adds an extra crunch to each bite. And the bright apple cider taste really pops through.
As I mentioned earlier in this edition of Snackology, Planters went with two non-pumpkin spice picks for its fall lineup, expanding their offerings this year to add Maple Brown Sugar Almonds.
Planters Maple Brown Sugar Almonds. / Snackology
These almonds surprised me. My attention was focused on reuniting with the Apple Cider Donut Cashews, so I was pleasantly surprised when I popped a couple almonds into my mouth. Planters really nailed the balance between maple sweetness and the saltiness that you want in a canister of almonds.
I had both tins of Apple Cider Donut Cashews and Maple Brown Sugar Almonds opened while I toned photos for this review, snacking on both at the same time.
When I worked at CVS in high school and college, I’d devour a bag of Flipz chocolate-covered pretzels in a single shift. I don’t know why they seemed healthier than a bag of straight-up chocolate, but that math made sense in my head.
I’ve also enjoyed countless Pumpkin Spice Donuts at Dunkin’, so I was thrilled to see this partnership when it was announced last week.
“Dunkin’ fans look forward to pumpkin season every year, and we're excited to bring the taste of our Pumpkin Cake Donut to the snack aisle through this collaboration with Flipz,” Dunkin’s parent company said in its announcement. “Together, we’ve created a sweet-and-salty snack that offers another delicious way to enjoy one of fall’s most iconic flavors.”
I really like Flipz Pumpkin Spice Donut-Flavored Covered Pretzels. The saltiness peeks through the coating, and the Pumpkin Spice Donut-flavored layer has just the right levels of pumpkin and spice. Let’s be honest, most pumpkin spice-flavored foods go way too heavy on the spice.
While I was able to keep eating the fall-themed Planters nuts, I found that these Flipz are better in limited quantities. Maybe it’s the Pumpkin Spice Donut coating. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m not 19 years old anymore.
Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews, Planters Maple Brown Sugar Almonds and Flipz Pumpkin Spice Donut-Flavored Covered Pretzels were provided to Snackology for this independent review.
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Snackology is a publication of The Omnicosm. Issue No. 303
Snackology is written and produced by Bill Kuchman. Copyediting by Tim Kuchman.
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The Omnicosm founder. Snackology, Popculturology and The Cold Open writer. A Rochester, N.Y., native now living in the Washington, D.C., area. Won’t pass up a Genny Cream Ale.
