Reviews
Poppi
Experience
Poppi is fine. I'll buy one occasionally, but in today's overcrowded, lets call it "neo-beverage" market, they don't stand out from the crowd for me.
Feedback
There's a heaviness and medicinal taste for me. To be frank, I prefer Olipop when I'm buying a neo-soda.
Patagonia
Experience
What is there to say? High quality, reliable products, it's an all-timer brand. Have had many products from them over the years. Always worth it.
Fishwife
Experience
Much hype. Finally tried Fishwife (the trout and the tuna) on a camping trip a few weeks back. Folks — it was good. It's simply high quality fish, well-preserved, in a (I have to hand it to them) delightful little package. Sure, it's pricey, and I won't buy it all the time. But for a camping treat, as a gift, or for a fancy snack situation — absolutely. The price seems justified by the quality and sustainability; good food is not always cheap. Hype is real.
Sanzo
Experience
Sanzo will go far. One of the best sparkling waters on the market, with unique flavors. Can't get enough of that calamansi. Frequently pick one up as a treat at a few casual restaurants in my area that stock it. No notes.
Lesser Evil
Experience
That himalayan pink salt corn hits. I have to say, Smart Food's cheddar corn is still my gold standard for bagged popcorn. Almost every other brand I've tried tastes stale and/or bland. Lesser Evil is the first and only contender to the throne.
Feedback
I'm not quite sure — make the crunch just a little bit crunchier, perhaps.
Bachan's
Experience
Delicious. Had wanted to try it, but was intimidated by the price. A friend had some in their fridge; gave it a try and bought some of my own. Yes, it would be possibly to approximate a version of this; the ingredients aren't uncommon. But this is convenient and high quality. My initial hesitation re: price no longer exists — you could go overboard and burn through this stuff impractically quickly, but a little goes a long way, and can be carried further with other flavoring agents and liquids. Rating: BUY
Feedback
None. Good stuff!
Spindrift
Experience
One of the best newer beverage brands. Already feels cemented in longevity, given wide availability. Not much to say about it — it's good drinking.
Fly by Jing
Experience
I bought the classic three-pack (Zhong, Chili Crisp, and Mala Seasoning). To be clear, it was all delicious. The only one I'd buy again, however, is the Mala powder. It's not for lack of quality, it's about the price. I just used too much of the sauces at once to justify repeat purchases. Lao Gan Ma is just so much more affordable for my usage. I don't necessarily knock the high price here; it's standard for all these modern chili oil brands. I just want to try them all, rather than focus on FBJ alone.
Feedback
The chili crisp wasn't as spicy as I'd like, though the flavor was great — need to try to extra spicy version!
Bitchin' Sauce
Experience
This stuff is so good. First had it when I threw a dinner party and a guest brought it. It's flavorful, feels "healthy," just good dip. Good on sandwiches, too.
Feedback
It's pricey, for not a ton of dip! I'd keep this in the fridge at all times if it lost a dollar or two.
Liquid Death
Experience
I hate to give it to them. I really do. But it's good water and I like drinking it. Initially wrote this off as gimmicky. Water for sober dudes who miss beer. Whatever. I tried it for the first time at an event, open bar, including Liquid Death. And I was hooked. This was in a party environment; I wanted a break from drinking alcohol for a spell. It's a good amount of water, and it felt right holding a beer-like can (in terms of weight and feel) in the party context.
Feedback
I don't care so much for the mango, in fact I'd rather just drink the plain. Not that I don't like sparkling water, but I prefer other sparkling water brands at this point.