Pop Off!
Unknowingly, our generation is slowly dividing. The generation that has grown up with Doc McStuffins, Teen Titans Go, Dinosaur Train, Go Gabba Gabba, and Angelina Ballerina has been consumed in a long-standing debate that stands apart from the best kids’ TV show.
The argument? What Pop-Tart flavor reigns supreme?
Sure, you can claim that cherry, cinnamon, or the classic strawberry tops them all. But can one really come to this bold conclusion without having experienced all the Pop-Tart flavors? Our grocery stores are stocked full of these packaged sugar bombs, but few have dared to taste test the most obscure flavors.
So, this article’s sole purpose is to rate unhinged Pop-Tart flavors so you don’t have to. Our contestants include S’mores, Cookies & Creme, Strawberry Milkshake, Boston Creme Donut, and Eggo Waffle.
★★★☆☆
Starting off strong, S’mores was probably the most mid Pop-Tart I’ve ever had. This classic American flavor has found its way into various desserts, so it is no surprise that manufacturer Kellanova (formerly Kellogg’s) seized this opportunity. The outer shell was underwhelming and could definitely have used some sort of graham cracker decoration on top to enhance its resemblance to the campfire treat.
I did, however, appreciate the toasted look to the cookie. The inside was a slightly better story. The rows of chocolate and marshmallow filling improved the visual appeal slightly, but the taste could barely be linked to an actual S’more. The chocolate and marshmallow flavors didn’t stand out but rather blended together. Regardless, the Pop-Tart was edible, and I would eat it again if it was the last item left in the pantry.
S’mores ranked fourth place in terms of uniqueness and third place in regard to appearance and taste.
★★★★☆
While this Pop-Tart can barely be considered a unique flavor, it pulled through on both taste and appearance. The cookie was a dark chocolate color, with white icing, and crushed Oreo’s sprinkled over the top. The one critique I had against its looks is that it could have used a little more icing on the top.
But then again, most Pop-Tarts need the same. This PopTart was actually delicious, despite maxing out your sugar intake for the day. While I recommend the Frosted Cookies & Crème to the curious Pop-Tart fan, I will warn that, after one of these, the cookie part of the artificially made and flavored pastry may start to make your tongue tingle. No one knows why, but it is supposed to be edible and safe, so eat it anyway.
This Pop-Tart ranked second place in taste, first in appearance, but fifth in overall uniqueness.
★★★★★
Taking a spin on a common flavor, the Strawberry Milkshake Pop-Tart ranked second in appearance, first in taste, and third in uniqueness.
The light pink frosting and limited amount of sprinkles brought a bright, sugary, and appetizing look, compared to its competitors. Had it had more sprinkles, it would have beaten out Frosted Cookies & Crème for first place in appearance. The filling was comparable to “Kirby Flesh,” but it tasted just like a strawberry donut. It was a very sweet Pop-Tart, but it best resembled what it advertised.
★☆☆☆☆
After consuming this Pop-Tart, my first instinct was to research how many added sugars it contains. One of these Pop-Tarts contains 31 grams of added sugar, and, compared to the 11 grams in an actual Boston creme donut, I’m highly concerned. The frosting on the outside seemed to have sunk into the cookie, leaving a depressing and deflated look. The filling was somehow bursting out the top, revealing its almost clear color. I simply cannot explain how this Pop-Tart tasted without using the word artificial. The breaded portion and the frosting on top tasted fairly normal, but the filling was far from what it was supposed to be.
As a Boston creme donut lover, I am disappointed and, admittedly, scarred. This Pop-Tart ranked fifth in appearance and fourth in taste, but second in uniqueness.
★☆☆☆☆
There are no words to describe this Pop-Tart. The designers really embraced the “egg” part of “Eggo,” as the outer shell is decorated in what looks like a scrambled egg. The cookie was flakey and fell apart easily. I soon found out its fragility came from absorbing the filling into the actual breaded part of the Pop-Tart. The inside had no redeeming qualities, displaying a bland beige frosting that was supposedly maple flavored. As soon as this Pop-Tart hit my tongue, I wasn’t sure I had a tongue any longer.
I will never eat this Pop-Tart again, and if it were possible, I would’ve rated it zero stars. This final Pop-Tart places first in its uniqueness, but fifth in taste and fourth in appearance.
Of course, my opinion need not influence everyone’s taste buds and opinions. My claims are not intended to deter anyone from their favorite Pop-Tarts or their irresistible desire to try a new flavor.
Ruby Morris • Mar 15, 2024 at 8:27 am
she popped off