Twizzlers: Strawberry Smoothie, Watermelon, Orange Cream Pop

I grew up liking Twizzlers. They were a frequent road trip and movie theater food. It wasn't until I was older that I had my first Red Vines, and now whichever one I buy will depend on the mood I'm in. (I like the initial taste of Twizzlers better, but sometimes there's an aftertaste that Red Vines doesn't have.) In the past few years, I've tried some good Australian licorice, too. 

Like any food company looking to spike some interest in its long-standing brand, Twizzlers releases seasonal flavors every now and then. I was at a convenience store one day recently and came across a flavor I've never tried: Strawberry Smoothie. I was curious enough about it to give it a try. They also had returning flavors Watermelon and Orange Cream Pop, which I've seen before but thought I would try again for this blog.

The Strawberry Smoothie is good overall. I like the flavor of the licorice itself. My first thought was that regular Twizzlers are already strawberry-flavored, so I didn't know how this would be different. But the Strawberry Smoothie flavor is a bit lighter and sweeter than regular Twizzlers. It reminds me of the fun-sized licorice bars that are released for Halloween. It's pleasant.

I'm not so much on board with the filling inside the licorice, though. My guess is that this is where the "smoothie" part comes in, but I would like these better without it. I think I have it ingrained that my licorice experience should only include one texture, so to have an Oreo creme-type filling in the licorice throws me off a little.

Next up is Watermelon Pull 'n' Peel. I like this flavor okay. Pull 'n' Peel is good to have when you're feeling anxious or restless and need something to do with your hands. To its credit, the watermelon flavor doesn't taste like watermelon bubble gum and make me feel uncertain about swallowing it. However, I don't love it enough where I could see buying it regularly. 

The final flavor I have for today is Orange Cream Pop. I like this at first, but again, the filling gets me every time. I will admit that the filling is what really makes this taste like an orange cream bar, instead of just orange licorice. Hmm... maybe this flavor will get me to come around on the filling. 

Overall, I didn't outright love any of these flavors, though my favorite of the three is Orange Cream Pop. I liked the licorice part of Strawberry Smoothie, but not the filling; and Watermelon was okay, but not something I'd be likely to want over and over. 

Key Info:

Flavor: Strawberry Smoothie Filled Twizzlers
Date Found: July 2020, CVS

Description: Strawberry Smoothie Filled Twizzlers

Package size: 16 Twizzlers

Serving size: 2 Twizzlers, 140 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 20 grams sugar

Flavor: Watermelon Pull 'N' Peel Twizzlers
Date Found: July 2020, CVS

Description: Watermelon Pull 'N' Peel Twizzlers

Package size: 12 Twizzlers

Serving size: 1 Twizzler, 110 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 15 grams sugar

Flavor: Orange Cream Pop Filled Twizzlers
Date Found: July 2020, CVS

Description: Orange Cream Pop Filled Twizzlers

Package size: 16 Twizzlers

Serving size: 2 Twizzlers, 140 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 20 grams sugar