Lucky Charms Marshmallow Clusters

Name: Lucky Charms Marshmallow Clusters
Variation: Lucky Charms
Manufacturer: General Mills

Review: So this is basically Lucky Charms, but with the plain pieces replaced with marshmallow-coated clusters - kind of like mini Rice Krispies treats. Let's be honest, it's a pretty great idea. I mean, Lucky Charms is all about the marshmallows, right? And the plain pieces in regular Lucky Charms are nothing to write home about. But while the marshmallow clusters are crunchy (even in milk!), they border on being too big and hard to chew. In regular Lucky Charms, the plain pieces set off the marshmallows in a perfect balance that I feel is being upset here. Don't get me wrong, this cereal tastes good, but I feel like it's not living up to its full potential.

Rating: 🥣🥣
Leftover Milk: Plain.

Peeps

Name: Peeps
Variation: n/a
Manufacturer: Kellogg's

Review: I regret not getting this review posted before Easter, but it was a late and unexpected discovery. I actually found it on the shelf in Battle Creek, Michigan (the home of Kellogg's and birthplace of cereal). I got there just in time, because the cereal was sold out within the week. I hate to think that you could miss a novelty cereal just because you didn't go shopping at the right store on the right week. It drives me to check the cereal aisle obsessively, which is why I have enough novelty cereals on top of my fridge right now to last me through the rest of the year! (I'm not even exaggerating).

Superficially, the cereal is reminiscent of Froot Loops with Marshmallows - adorable chick and bunny-shaped marshmallows - but with a color scheme of blue, yellow, and pink (which, incidentally - and I'm sure this is a coincidence - are the colors of pansexual pride). The box's claim of "now with more marshmallows" (yes, please!) suggests that it's been around before, even though this is the first time I've seen it. Still, with the level of marketing that Peeps has these days, I'd be more surprised if they didn't offer a breakfast cereal. I'm just glad I got the chance to try it.

I expected the cereal to be fruity, but when I opened the box, it smelled predominantly of marshmallow. Which makes sense. And the marshmallows are good. But the loops definitely have a plainness to them (especially if you're expecting them to taste like Froot Loops). I think having 50% more marshmallows is probably a good idea. I'm not sure this cereal is as good as simply adding marshmallows to Froot Loops, but I like it. It's a great idea for Easter. I'd love to make it part of my annual spring tradition (depending on availability).

Rating: 🥣🥣
Leftover Milk: Marshmallow-flavored!

Reese's Puffs Bunnies

Name: Reese's Puffs Bunnies
Variation: Reese's Puffs
Manufacturer: General Mills

Review: I was really hoping to find some of Reese's Puffs' holiday editions this year to review for my blog. I was discouraged when Hearts didn't show up around Valentine's Day (here's to hoping that Bats will appear come fall), but it made me all the more excited when I saw Bunnies on shelves in time for Easter!

Out of all of Reese's Puffs' holiday editions, this is the one I've seen most often - three times, to be exact, the last two being in 2017 and 2019.

These editions are a lot like Cap'n Crunch's holiday editions, in that they taste just like the regular cereal, the change is only cosmetic; but, as with Cap'n Crunch, this is a cereal I already like, so I don't view that as a negative. Plus, the holiday flair is fun; it's always a great excuse to pick up a box. And nothing says Easter like Reese's peanut butter and chocolate bunnies!

Rating: 🥣🥣🥣
Leftover Milk: Plainer than I'd like...

Update: New box design spotted in 2024!

Magic Fruity Pebbles

Name: Magic Fruity Pebbles
Variation: Fruity Pebbles
Manufacturer: Post

Review: Here's something new* - and it seems to be a two-way tie-in with Nike. Don't ask my opinion on the shoes, as I think sneaker culture is kind of ridiculous (and don't get me started on adding any kind of clothing to fictional characters that don't usually wear it; not to mention the conspicuous anachronism of putting stone-agers in Nikes). As for the cereal, it tastes just like regular Fruity Pebbles, with vibrant red/pink and yellow flakes that snap and crackle and really turn the milk purple - a sure bet for a tie-in, going with a proven product over mixing up some bland corn puffs with a few new marshmallows (hello, Space Jam).

Fruity Pebbles isn't one of my favorite cereals, but I'll always go for a fun, color-changing milk effect. The curious fact that the pebbles are red and yellow, but they turn the milk purple (not orange?) just adds to the spectacle. So if I give this cereal a rating of one bowl, it's not because there's anything wrong with it, it's just that Fruity Pebbles isn't really my type, and there are other Pebbles cereals out there I'd rather be eating. But it was definitely worth trying out a box - and if you already like Fruity Pebbles, you've got nothing to lose!

Red + Yellow = Purple?

*Actually, according to an online search, an earlier version of Magic Fruity Pebbles was released in 2020, with a spotlight on Dino. It was pink, and it turned the milk blue. I tell you, the cereals I find out about online that I never knew existed...

Rating: 🥣
Leftover Milk: A purple, pebbly sludge.

Galactic Lucky Charms

Name: Galactic Lucky Charms
Variation: Lucky Charms
Manufacturer: General Mills

Review: I originally spotted this novel edition of Lucky Charms last summer with a Space Jam promotion. I was prepared to post it as a flashback, then I spied some more boxes in Target recently. It tastes just like regular Lucky Charms - which would normally earn it a rating of three bowls. However, as much as I love the subject of space, I'm not impressed with the look of the new marshmallows. The appeal of Lucky Charms' marshmallows is their simplicity and recognizability. These "galaxy" shapes are too vague - dare I say, nebulous? - and the multi-colored approach just looks busy. Therefore, I'm docking one bowl from the rating because, although I would buy it on occasion just for the novelty, I don't feel that the new marshmallows add anything substantial to the original cereal.

Rating: 🥣🥣
Leftover Milk: Plain.