Can We Find The Name Brand Snacks?

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Summary

Two individuals, Michael and an unnamed host, blind taste-test various name-brand and off-brand snacks to see if they can distinguish between them. They compare items like Doritos, Oreos, Pop-Tarts, beef jerky, chewy bars, applesauce, Lucky Charms, mac and cheese, fruit snacks, ranch dressing, gummy bears, and peanut butter, evaluating taste, texture, and value.

Highlights

Doritos vs. Off-brand Chips
00:00:36

The host and Michael taste test Doritos and an off-brand chip. They both correctly identify the Doritos. The off-brand is noted for being cheesier and a good value at $2.24 compared to Doritos' $5.94, leading them to conclude it's a worthwhile alternative.

Oreos vs. Off-brand Sandwich Cookies
00:02:18

Next, they try Oreos and an off-brand cookie. The host admits to not liking regular Oreos, preferring double-stuffed. They both correctly identify the Oreo, finding the off-brand much blander. Despite the off-brand being cheaper ($2.97 vs. $3.96), they agree the extra dollar for Oreos is worth it for a better eating experience.

Pop-Tarts vs. Off-brand Toaster Pastries
00:03:59

They taste strawberry Pop-Tarts and an off-brand toaster pastry. The host loves Pop-Tarts and dislikes the edges. Surprisingly, they both incorrectly identify the Pop-Tart, preferring the off-brand significantly. The off-brand had more flavorful filling and a better texture, costing $2.18 compared to Pop-Tarts' $4.97, making it a clear winner in terms of value and taste.

Jack Link's Beef Jerky vs. Off-brand Jerky
00:06:09

They try Jack Link's beef jerky and an off-brand. Michael has never had beef jerky before. They both incorrectly identify the Jack Link's. The off-brand had a much better taste despite being difficult to chew, and was more peppery. Jack Link's was found to be moist and less flavorful than usual. The off-brand was half the price, making it a better value despite the texture challenge.

Quaker Chewy Bars vs. Great Value Chewy Bars
00:08:43

Comparing Quaker Chewy Bars and Great Value Chewy Bars (chocolate chip flavor). The host identifies the off-brand as better due to its crunchier, rice crispy-like texture and noticeable chocolate chips. Michael prefers the Quaker for its coating and nostalgia. Quaker is 35 cents per ounce, while Great Value is 20 cents per ounce, suggesting value for the off-brand, especially for kids.

Mott's Applesauce vs. Off-brand Applesauce
00:10:29

They blind taste test Mott's Applesauce and an off-brand. The host dislikes the texture of applesauce but loves Mott's. They correctly identify Mott's, finding it significantly better and more flavorful than the off-brand. Mott's is $2.47 for a six-pack, slightly more than the off-brand's $1.97 sale price ($2.34 normally), making the small price difference worth it for Mott's.

Lucky Charms vs. Off-brand Marshmallow Cereal
00:12:18

They try Lucky Charms and an off-brand marshmallow cereal. Due to the off-brand having 'Limited Edition Jumbo' marshmallows, Michael is confused. They both correctly identify the off-brand. The off-brand is deemed 'way better' with a perfect marshmallow-to-cereal ratio. Lucky Charms costs $2.97, while the Great Value is $1.97. Despite the price difference, they prefer the off-brand due to its taste and marshmallow content.

Kraft Mac & Cheese vs. Great Value Mac & Cheese (Cups)
00:15:29

They compare Kraft Mac & Cheese cups with Great Value Mac & Cheese cups. The host is a Mac & Cheese 'free agent,' preferring Annie's. They both incorrectly identify Kraft, finding its taste horrible compared to the Great Value. The Great Value mac and cheese is $3.72 for a four-pack, while Kraft is $4.92. They advise opting for the cheaper, better-tasting off-brand cups or simply buying boxed mac and cheese.

Welch's Fruit Snacks vs. Great Value Fruit Snacks
00:18:40

The host and Michael taste test Welch's Fruit Snacks and Great Value Fruit Snacks. They agree Welch's is better due to its flavor. Michael praises the texture of the Great Value fruit snacks, comparing them to Scooby-Doo gummies despite them getting stuck in his teeth easily. Welch's is 27 cents per ounce, and the off-brand is 24 cents per ounce, making them almost identical in price per ounce. They suggest choosing based on preferred texture.

Hidden Valley Ranch vs. Great Value Ranch
00:20:26

They try Hidden Valley Ranch and Great Value Ranch with celery. The host has a strong dislike for bottled Hidden Valley Ranch. They both incorrectly identify Hidden Valley, finding the Great Value ranch significantly better. Hidden Valley is 32 cents per ounce ($2.58 per bottle), while Great Value is 12 cents per ounce ($1.97 per bottle). They state that ranch is a personal preference but declare the off-brand superior.

Haribo Gummy Bears vs. Great Value Gummy Bears
00:22:33

They compare Haribo Gummy Bears and Great Value Gummy Bears. The distinct textures are immediately noticeable. They both correctly identify the off-brand. The host prefers the texture of the Great Value, stating it's 'way better,' even though the Haribo has a better smell and taste. Michael feels Haribo tastes artificial. Haribo is 22 cents an ounce (on sale), and Great Value is 24 cents an ounce, making them similar in price per ounce, allowing choice based on preference.

Jif Peanut Butter vs. Great Value Peanut Butter
00:24:28

The final taste test is Jif Peanut Butter versus Great Value Peanut Butter, eaten with spoons due to celery being a poor tool. Michael has never had Jif, preferring Skippy. They both incorrectly identify Jif, expressing strong dislike for its bitter, overly roasted, almost burnt flavor. They find the Great Value smoother and comparable to Skippy. Great Value is $1.98, while Jif is $2.96. The host, a lifelong Jif user, suspects Jif's bitterness complements jelly well, but recommends the cheaper Great Value for standalone consumption.

Conclusion and Takeaways
00:26:36

The host and Michael reflect on their findings. They highlight Pop-Tarts and Jif as 'fraud watch' items due to the off-brand being superior or equally good at lower prices. Doritos were surprisingly comparable. They note that many off-brand options are good enough, especially for children who might not notice the difference, saving money without sacrificing quality too much.

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