A nostaligic treat (Kellogg's Rice Krispies Squares Chewy Marshmallow)

Member Name: song_of_calliope

Product:	Kellogg's Rice Krispies Squares Chewy Marshmallow
Date:	16/10/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very tasty for the number of calories

Disadvantages: Not as rich and gooey as homemade - this could be a plus or a minus

Rice Krispie Squares, or as they call them in the States Rice Krispie Treats, were a major feature of my childhood. Sticky and gooey and fun to eat, these sweet treats always brought a smile to my face when I was little. And I have to admit, they still do.

Kellogs sells their Rice Krispie Squares all made up in blue foil packages. I saw these when I popped into the canteen at work looking for something to satisfy my sugar cravings. However I was on a diet and was trying to avoid falling for a chocolate bar. When I saw these squares I picked one up and was amazed when I read the nutrtional information. These contain only 118 calories per packet - sold!

Now, before I review these I have to explain what I am comparing them to. If you've never made them before, rice krispie squares that you make at home are a fun recipe for kids to enjoy although they are far from health food. What you do is melt 3 T butter and 10 oz marshmallows together (or you can use marshmallow fluff). Melt them either in a pan or in the microwave. When they are all melted, mix in 6 cups of rice krispies cereal and mix well. Spread these out on a baking tray and chill in the fridge. About a half hour later, slice and serve.

So how do these manufactured treats compare to the homemade version? Well, not too badly. They are far less gooey than the homemade ones and less rich. They are also much more artificial tasting as they don't have the buttery goodness that the homemade ones have. However, on the plus side, they are easier and less messy to eat and also they are perhaps a bit more of an adult-type snack and they are lighter and more attractive and "regular" looking (having been machine cut instead of hand cut).

The taste of both homemade and manufactured rice krispie squares is very sweet, a bit crunch, quite chewy, and definitely enough to satisfy a sugar craving. Now, I have to admit that, if calories were equal, I would still prefer a chocolate bar. But they're not equal when you consider the size of this bar, so if you're dieting too then these squares could be a very good choice.

Each square costs 89p in my local shop but I think they would be much cheaper at the supermarket.

Summary: If you don't have time to make them at home, these are a good substitute