You all know I’m not a huge fan of the product review. I tend to only write product reviews if I really love something or really hate it. There’s just no middle ground, so I tend to shy away from writing about a lot of products. But this is one that I couldn’t resist.

On my birthday, Cat and Kelly and I had a three-way Skype conversation. In the midst of it, Kelly got up to get a burrito out of the oven, and I thought, “Why don’t I ever eat burritos"?” The whole video chat made me and Cat hungry and not one day later we solved those burrito cravings by picking up some Amy’s.

With Cat, I had the Samosa burrito. I’m not sure if it was my extreme hunger or what – but it tasted like heaven on earth. Today, I present you with the Especial Burrito made with black beans, rice and tomatoes, which didn’t taste quite like heaven – but close.

The nutritionals aren’t bad for a lunch. The amount of calories and fat is what would constitute my normal lunch meal. Though I wish this burrito had more substantial vegetables.

The ingredient list is a little on the long-ish side, but at least I can pronounce all words. That’s always a good sign.

I’ll be honest and say that fresh out of the oven microwave, this doesn’t look like much. They ask that you wrap the burrito “loosely” in a paper towel while heating. I don’t get what purpose that serves exactly, but I did it anyway.

But don’t let looks deceive you!

This burrito was jam-packed with good stuff and kept my belly full. The worst part about the burrito was waiting to eat it because it was so so hot.

At $2.50, these burritos aren’t on the cheap side. You could definitely make your own burrito for a lot less money. But if you’re in a pinch and need a quick lunch, this will do the trick. Not only that, I’m sure you’d be more likely to spend more money on a lunch out than $2.50.

I give the burritos two giant thumbs up.

We meet again, Think Thin.

The first time we met, you were not a Chunky Peanut Butter variety but instead – the Think5 Vegetable Bar. And I couldn’t stand you.

***

The other day at Trader Joe’s, I picked up one of these bars and thought I’d give it a try. Sure, my experience with the Think5 was terrible – but why not try another variety? I love any form of peanut butter.

Take a peak up at the wrapper. Now come back and look at the bar. Does it say anything about being covered in chocolate? Not that I mind. But I mean, I did eat  semi-sweet chocolate chips this morning already.

For those curious in the nutritionals, take a gander.

And I’m sorry, but I don’t feel like typing out an ingredient list that looks like this. Yack!

Initial reactions: What?! This thing is covered in chocolate? I thought it was chunky peanut butter? I envisioned roasted peanuts and creamy sauce. I imagined… well, a peanut butter Larabar. What’s with this?

After a few bites: Ok, ok. I could used to this. It’s not too bad. I mean, it wasn’t what expected, but it’s still filling and tastes OK. I’m definitely getting full. That’s a good sign. Ok, Ok…

Two minutes after finishing the bar: Ugh. What is that awful taste in my mouth? Like I just ate a container of chalk. All the chalk in the container. Chalk that had never been used. Ugh.

The Bottom Line?

Think again, Think Thin. I somewhat liked the taste of this bar and it was certainly filling. But… let’s talk about packaging.

1) If there is chocolate covering this bar, I think it should be in the title somewhere. Or at least hinted about on the front.

2) I understand that it’s very hard (and sometimes just plain stupid) to change a brand name. So I won’t even go into detail about how I think the phrase “Think Thin” is not a super good idea or motto to live by.

3) But… in the same respect, I appreciate your knowledge of PR and Marketing to know that we, women especially, are attracted to items that are thin and shaped like the female body.

Shoot. That was harsh. Maybe that’s why I don’t do so many product reviews? Have you ever had a Think Thin bar? Tell me about it!