Snap into a Slim Jim (and a Jack's Links)

I vividly remember Slim Jim's unhinged, "Snap into a Slim Jim! Eat me!," commercials, but I cannot remember the last time I had a actual Slim Jim. I may buy jerky from time to time, but meat-based snacks normally don't appeal to me. The closest thing would be the Slim Jim themed milkshake from Wayback Burger that I reviewed in...2015!? Almost a decade ago?! It feels like it was only one or two years ago, but that tracks!  

What made me gravitate towards these now? I'm a sucker for novelties. With Dr. Pepper winning me over with their Creamy Coconut flavor I figured, why not give this a try? Then I saw the pickle flavored one next to it and grabbed that too. Let's see what I think! 

Has coconut gone main stream? - Creamy Coconut Dr. Pepper

Has coconut gone main stream? 

While -I- grew up in a coconut loving family, I always felt like it was an unpopular food-opinion. Like raisins. Or black licorice. (But I also like raisins and grew to like black licorice.) That said, this sudden trend of Dirty Dr. Pepper and coconut infused soda caught me off guard. Has this soda trend converted the, "tastes like sunscreen,"-crowd to the coconut-y side? Is it -that- good? 

Dr. PEEPers!

Dr. Pepper Peeps - Walmart

I went to Target to grab some baby shower gifts, and was practically punched in the face with novelty Peep products: Ring pops, Peeps-on-a-stick, plushies, hot cocoa, Peep-flavored-Pepsi, (aka "Peep-si")...but not this. 

I think it's Walmart exclusive, which is where I picked it up, and while Target may have Peep-themed everything else, I think Walmart still came out on top. But I'm definitely biased. I love Dr. Pepper and I love Peeps (especially stale ones), so it's like this was made for me.

Berries 'n Cream - Dr. Pepper Edition

New Dr. Pepper has dropped and, for me, the timing could not be better.  

I've been craving strawberry ice cream for weeks, but I already have 4 different flavors in my freezer, so, until I consume what I have (and blog about it), I'm not letting myself buy anymore ice cream. (Sporadic food blogger problems.) I actually walked to a local ice cream shop for a scoop, so I could scratch the itch without taking up freezer space, but there was a note posted saying they were closed for the rest of the month. (Even though I saw them open the day before! A literal sign from the universe?) 

Then Dr. Pepper swoops in with THIS! A 20 oz. bottle of strawberries and cream themed soda. 

Quickie Review: Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda, Better than the Original?

Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda

Last I heard, Dr. Pepper had a limited edition birthday cake flavor that was only available through some kind of online birthday club thing. I love Dr. Pepper, but I hate the anxiety and rush that comes from chasing down limited edition products, especially when they're limited to online releases, raffles, sign-ups, and social media contests. So, I didn't participate, but I was sad that I missed out. Then there was a 2015 Dr. Pepper themed water ice at Rita's that was only available in Texas, no where near me. Again, kinda bummed I missed out on that as well. 

That was the last I had heard about anything Dr. Pepper related. So when I saw Dr. Pepper and Cream soda at Walmart I thought, "huh, why not?" 

Beans & Soda, a Match Made in Heaven? Or Gastronomic Nightmare?

Serious Bean Co. Dr. Pepper Baked Beans - Walmart

Dr. Pepper & Baked Beans Sitting in A Tree, F-A-R-T-I-N-G.

Despite the fact that they are popular enough to warrant several shelves in the grocery store, I feel like people shy away from professing their affinity for baked beans. I guess it's because we all associate them with, you know,... the "aftermath." But they're my favorite grilled-food side dish and to see them paired up with one of my favorite sodas is pretty cool. 

When I first saw this post by The Impulsive Buy, I got really excited. My favorite soda AND BBQ? Wait a minute, this combination isn't new at all!

Dr. Pepper Rita's Water Ice - Texas Only

Image © The Official Rita's Facebook Page

Stupid lucky Texas. If it tests well there it might go nationwide! Let's hope this one makes it past the trial phase.