Monday, April 29, 2019

New Review For The Brain - Smartfood Popcorn “White Cheddar”

I've been working so hard on updating Candy Critic that my brain is starting to hurt, a bag of Smart Food is just what the doctor ordered. I used to love eating Smart Food when I was a little kid, so that might actually detract from the theory that eating Smart Food makes you smarter.

Click here to find out why we love Smart Food.

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We can also be found on Patreon, doing stuff that's exclusive to Patreon people.

CC

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Tom's Look At The Visual Side Of Snacks And Candy - Chimes Ginger Chews

 
Here is a package that is designed in homage to old-time packaging from the early decades of the 20th Century. The colour palette is limited, much as it was in early printing. The typeface evokes the text one might see in old silent film title and caption cards. The line illustrations are vintage style depicting old modes of travel such a classic bi-plane, penny farthing- style bicycle and an old multiple mast sailing ship.
On the back of the package, the text echoes (with less hyperbole mind you) the carnival barker or medicine show style of advertising.

I have tried the “original” and mango flavour. I’m eager to try the orange next and sadly, have no idea yet where to find the peanut butter or the peppermint.

Best of all, I can attest that this simple candy helps to relieve intestinal distress pretty quickly. In spite of the allusions, it’s not all the work of snake oil salesmen!

Tom

Make sure to check out Tom's amazing illustrations on his Instagram feed, as well as his great t-shirt designs exclusively for Candy Critic.


Monday, April 22, 2019

Easter Is Over, And We Have A New Review - M&M's Eggs "Peanut Butter"

As a kid, this was the time of year that I would be in my element. The holiday is over, and I'm left with a basket filled with chocolate goodness. My parents were also somewhat responsible, so I would also get a few small toys as well, most notably either a small Lego kit or an action figure or two.

Click here to read our last Easter candy review this year.

And make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all our crazy antics.

You can also follow us on Patreon for previews of what we're working on, and an exclusive video every Friday.

CC

Friday, April 19, 2019

Candy In The Media - There Are So Many Things That Disturbe Me About This Commercial


Don't get me wrong, I think this commercial is funny, and I think it sells M&Ms fairly well. You just can't get around how weird it is. It starts off with a weird premise, I mean who in the world is going to the mall to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap?

CC

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Visiting Canada? Here's 3 Foods That We (as Canadians) Never Miss When We Go Home.


I was inspired on my last visit to pay attention to the foods that I just can't miss when I go back home. There were a few others that almost made the list, but these 3 are ones that I just can't live without.

Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feed to keep up with all of our adventures.

And also be sure to follow us on YouTube to find out when we post a new video.

CC

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Tom's Look At The Visual Side Of Snacks And Candy - Real Fruit Yo Yos

Today’s entry in this on-going study of packaging was a delightful discovery on a day when I needed to make a ‘pit stop’ at Starbucks. I felt obliged to buy something in return for the use of the facilities (a trait picked up from my Dad). I didn’t need a coffee and this brightly coloured package, about the size of a package of trading cards,  caught my eye. A bear (even says so right on it) silhouette bearing (sorry) a leaf over his bareness, apparently due to a sense of modesty. The text describes the product as a “real fruit yo yo”. As my last name is “Yeo”, there was a sense of connection. I also like strawberries and it claims to contain real fruit!
When I got home and opened the package, I was surprised to find a card depicting and describing chameleons of Madagascar! Chameleons are one of my favourite creatures, so this was a real treat. I gather the product is aimed at children but that doesn’t keep me from getting a kick out of the jazzy illustration style. I even learned stuff I didn’t know about chameleons and Madagascar, itself. Not bad for a wee card.
Last but not least, when I looked at the bar code, the designer had dropped a nice groaner of a pun (see photo) just for those of us who revel in such things.

Tom

Make sure to check out Tom's amazing art on his Instagram feed, and also check out one of his awesome exclusive Candy Critic shirt designs.


Monday, April 15, 2019

New Review Easter Eddition - Bunny Ears

We're starting our Easter reviews with what can only be described as one of the most grim candies I've ever seen for this holiday. Sure, some of you might see these as being cute little chocolate treats, but all I see is a bunch of cute little bunnies with no ears.

Click here to read about severed chocolate bunny parts.

Also make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep up with what we're up to right now.

CC

Friday, April 12, 2019

Candy In the Media - Reese's Easter Commercial Is Suggesting Something


I might be reading into this a little bit, but is the implication here that chocolate bunnies and peanut butter jars hook up and produce peanut butter eggs?

CC

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Tom's Look At The Visual Side Of Snacks And Candy - Flip Phone Pop


Many people living in the current age of rapid technological change have likely felt the heady mix of excitement and being overwhelmed. That’s where this candy Flip Phone Pop might be an oasis of nostalgia for some. The design of the old flip phone provides a place for a big slab of sweet candy. Candy makers would be challenged to place candy on the current style of mobile phones and have it look like it is part of the design. It also let’s the generations share some common ground in an unexpected, fun way.

Tom

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Monday, April 08, 2019

It's Time For A New Snack Review - Onion Rings

I probably should have named this site "Snack Critic", but frankly it's doesn't really have the same ring as Candy Critic. I'm well aware that reviews like the one today are not technically candy. The thing is, I like snack foods too, and these are kind of close to candy. At the very least, salty snacks like this play in the same area as candy. They're like the salty candy... with less sugar.

Click here to read about this surprisingly good salty snack.

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And don't forget about Patreon.

CC

Friday, April 05, 2019

Candy In The Media - Let The Argument Begin!


Probably the most heated debate in the candy world is weather or not white chocolate is chocolate, and PBS decided to take it on with science.

CC

Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Tom's Look At The Visual Side Of Snacks And Candy - A Lil Nutty Train Mix

Anyone who has gone shopping (that’s most people) has likely noted the popularity of cartoon characters in product promotion. Whether it’s the current licensed hot property or original creations, such whimsical beings can bring a much-needed smile to a weary soul. Sometimes there’s an added level of inspiration such as the expressive faces on these snack packages.
The bold, active lines of the facial features and the expressive script lettering are attention grabbers but there was more to it! The space inside the mouth is a clear window so the actual product can be seen! There’s a direct connection between the pitch character and eating the product! Also, it’s a less disgusting version of the game of “SEE FOOD!

Tom

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Tuesday, April 02, 2019

It's April, And We Have An Episode Of Monthly Morning Breakfast Thoughts, And A Review - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures Stuffed with Reese's Pieces

On paper today's review should have worked. It combines two of the great classic candies that have worked for so many years. This candy just proves however that not everything can go together perfectly.

Click here to find out why this candy combination didn't work.


Also, we have a new episode of Chris's Monthly Morning Breakfast Thoughts, and I decided to take on the pineapple challenge. Most of the time when I say "I decided to take on", things end horribly, but apparently there are exceptions.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram if that's the kind of thing you might do.

Also be sure to keep up with YouTube Channel because we're getting ideas.

CC