I'm not the most experimental when it comes to new Oreo flavors. I stick to the tried-and-true, like Double Stuffed, and only branch out to Mint Oreo cookies or Lemon Oreo cookies when I want to switch things up. I don't buy Oreo cookies that often either, mostly as a form of self-control because I know that the minute I open that foil, two full sleeves will be gone in a heartbeat. When I was in the grocery store this week, I spotted Cherry Cola Oreo cookies and just threw them in the cart. It wasn't until I was halfway home that I remembered I had just picked up one of the finalists of Oreo's #MyOREOCreation contest launched last summer.
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Customers submitted their favorite flavor ideas and Oreo actually produced the top three flavors for sale. Now, it's up to the consumers like you and I to vote on the best flavor suggestions that will win the major prize. Cherry Cola is joined by Piña Colada Oreo Thins, and Kettle Corn Oreo cookies. My grocery store shelves only carried Cherry Cola, so that's just where I started. I remembered Paste's review that absolutely trashed the Cherry Cola flavor so obviously, I was intrigued. Here's how it went.
The smell test
When you open the package, the smell of artificial cherry will float from the foil-wrapped sleeves. This is not a bad thing. If you've ever mixed the Cherry Slurpee flavor with the Coca-Cola Slurpee flavor, that is exactly what the cookies smell like. I personally love that smell and it reminds me of childhood trips to 7-Eleven after softball practice in the summer. Not everyone will, though, but just know that this cherry scent isn't medicinal or like a ballpoint pen (you know what I'm talking about).
I wouldn't say it smells exactly like Cherry Coke, but it's close. Paste's review was most adamant that the cookie shouldn't smell like soda, but I have a different opinion. I'm willing to let Oreo create all the wild flavors they please because, let's be honest, all Oreo cookies are going to be artificial and sweet in some way.
The taste test
I pulled one from the packaging and popped it in my mouth. It wasn't necessarily a Cherry Cola flavor, but comes in waves in the cherry-cola-flavored creme. First I tasted cherry, and it hardly tasted like cola. The aftertaste, however, was the most Cherry Cola flavor ever. Paired with the classic chocolate cookies, it really isn't a bad flavor at all. In fact, I really enjoyed it. Cherry Cola is one of my favorite flavor combinations out there, so that could be why. Dunked in milk, the flavor was even better. The cherry was more prevalent, and I could even taste the cola. There was one surprising thing about the taste test, though.
Maybe I didn't really read the box (who does?), but the little popping candies surprised the heck out of me and it was a nice treat. They're basically Pop Rocks, but not the same brand, and they simulate the carbonation of the soda on your tongue with this fizzy popping. Inside of the creme alone, swirled white and red of course, those little popping fizzes sit there like a surprise waiting to be tasted. It's unique, for sure, and not everyone will enjoy it, but if you grew up eating Pop Rocks as a kid, I think it'll be a pleasant surprise.
I proceeded to eat 12 cookies. I am unashamed. My boyfriend also took part in this taste test, and here is what Scott had to say (sorry for outing you, dear):
"I love Cherry Coke and I definitely want the cookies to taste like it. All I want after drinking one, though, is a Slurpee. I want it to be cool and refreshing, but it's a little weird. Am I being too big of a baby?
Just because I said that doesn't mean I'm not going to have another one and enjoy it."
The verdict
Would I choose this cookie flavor from the others that Oreo offers? Definitely, and I'd be more likely to choose it over the other wacky flavors, like Cookie Butter and Cinnamon Rolls. I like fruitier flavors, though, so this could be why. Scott would buy it again, but it wouldn't be his first choice. Overall, I think the Cherry Cola name creates unrealistic expectations. After all, isn't Cherry Coke one of the most refreshing sips ever? It makes sense that he would expect something smooth and refreshing, but again, we're talking about cookies here and I've never heard a cookie described as refreshing. He also didn't have milk with his cookies, so his loss!
We haven't tried the other finalist submissions of Kettle Corn and Piña Colada limited-edition flavors, so we can't say which is the best from these three, but I thoroughly enjoyed this flavor. Let's put it this way: If you love Cherry Coke Slurpees, you'll love this cookie. For the refreshing part, just have a glass of milk. Have you tried these yet? Let us know what you think in the comments and don't forget to vote for your favorite flavor! You'll help the creator of the flavor win and you're also eligible for prizes by voting. Vote here.
This post was not sponsored by, or is affiliated with, Oreo in any way. It was merely a last-minute grocery store decision. And a tasty one at that.
