When it comes to packaged cookies, it’s easy to assume that all options are equally delightful. However, the truth is that not all store-bought cookies are created equal. From subpar ingredients to lackluster flavors, some packaged cookies can leave you feeling thoroughly disappointed. Join us as we uncover the 7 worst offenders in the world of supermarket cookies.
1. Kroger Bakery Cookies
A survey of 526 cookie connoisseurs revealed that Kroger’s bakery cookies were rated as the worst among major grocery chains. While the M&M and apple cinnamon varieties were deemed passable, the chocolate chip and sugar cookies left much to be desired, with the latter described as “flavorless.”
The lackluster performance of Kroger’s cookies can be attributed to the use of additives like palm oil and soya lecithin instead of butter, a key ingredient in producing a rich, satisfying cookie. While the survey results should be taken with a grain of salt due to the small sample size, it’s clear that Kroger has room for improvement in the cookie department.
Perhaps Kroger could take a cue from Costco, the survey’s winner, and incorporate more natural ingredients into their recipes. Until then, it might be best to steer clear of Kroger’s bakery cookies, unless you’re a die-hard fan of disappointment.
2. Chips Ahoy! Chewy Brownie-Filled Cookies
Chips Ahoy! Chewy Brownie-Filled Cookies may sound like a chocoholic’s dream come true, but don’t be fooled by the enticing name. These cookies are a prime example of how packaging can be deceiving. With a whopping 140 calories per cookie and a list of ingredients that reads like a chemistry experiment, these treats are far from wholesome.
The high sugar content and the presence of partially hydrogenated oils make these cookies a nutritional nightmare. And while the chewy texture may be appealing to some, the artificial flavors and preservatives leave a less-than-pleasant aftertaste.
If you’re craving a chocolate fix, you’d be better off indulging in a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate or baking your own brownie-inspired cookies using wholesome ingredients. Your taste buds and your waistline will thank you.
3. Oreo Mega Stuf
Oreos are an iconic cookie, beloved by many for their classic combination of chocolate wafers and creamy filling. However, the Oreo Mega Stuf variety takes things a bit too far. With a staggering amount of filling that dwarfs the wafers, these cookies are a sugary overload that borders on sickening.
The high calorie count and excessive sugar content make Oreo Mega Stuf cookies a treat that should be enjoyed in extreme moderation, if at all. The sheer amount of filling also makes the cookies difficult to eat without making a mess, which is hardly the hallmark of a well-designed snack.
If you’re an Oreo fan, stick to the original version or try the thins for a more balanced cookie-to-filling ratio. Your dentist (and your blood sugar levels) will be much happier for it.
4. Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies
Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies may have a nostalgic appeal for some, but when it comes to taste and quality, these bite-sized treats fall short. The cookies have a dry, crumbly texture that lacks the buttery richness one expects from a chocolate chip cookie.
The chocolate chips themselves are small and few in number, leaving you searching for the satisfying burst of chocolate flavor that never quite arrives. To make matters worse, these cookies are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, making them a less-than-ideal choice for a snack.
If you’re in the mood for a chocolate chip cookie, you’re better off seeking out a freshly baked option from a local bakery or whipping up a batch at home using high-quality ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you for the upgrade.
5. Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Don’t let the name fool you – Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a far cry from the homemade treats you might expect. These packaged cookies have a chalky, artificial peanut butter flavor that falls flat on the palate. The texture is equally disappointing, with a dry, crumbly consistency that leaves much to be desired.
In addition to their subpar taste and texture, these cookies are loaded with unhealthy ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils. It’s a far cry from the wholesome, natural ingredients one might associate with a genuine grandma’s recipe.
If you’re craving a peanut butter treat, opt for a natural peanut butter brand and pair it with whole-grain crackers or apple slices for a healthier, more satisfying snack. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, try your hand at baking your own peanut butter cookies using a family recipe or a trusted online source.
6. Chips Ahoy! (New Recipe)
Chips Ahoy! cookies have long been a staple in the world of packaged snacks, but their recent recipe change has left many customers deeply unsatisfied. Countless reviews describe the new cookies as “horrible,” “yuck,” and “overcooked,” with a strange texture that crumbles in all the wrong ways.
Many longtime fans of the brand have vowed to never purchase Chips Ahoy! again, likening the recipe change to the infamous “New Coke” debacle. The overwhelming consensus is that the original recipe was far superior, and the new version is a shadow of its former self.
If you’re a die-hard Chips Ahoy! fan, you might want to stock up on any remaining packages of the original recipe before they disappear from shelves entirely. Alternatively, consider exploring other brands or making your own chocolate chip cookies at home to satisfy your cravings.
7. Mint Oreo Fudge Cremes
Mint and chocolate can be a heavenly combination when done right, but Mint Oreo Fudge Cremes miss the mark. The mint flavor is artificial and overpowering, lacking the fresh, cool taste of real mint. The fudge filling is cloyingly sweet, making the overall cookie experience a sugary assault on the senses.
Like many packaged cookies, these Oreo variants are high in calories, fat, and sugar, making them a treat that should be consumed sparingly, if at all. The combination of less-than-stellar flavor and poor nutritional value makes Mint Oreo Fudge Cremes a cookie that’s best left on the shelf.
If you’re craving a mint-chocolate treat, consider making your own grasshopper pie or indulging in a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate with a refreshing mint tea on the side. Your taste buds and your body will be much more satisfied with these healthier alternatives.
In conclusion, the world of packaged cookies is not all sunshine and rainbows. From subpar ingredients to artificial flavors and disappointing textures, these 7 cookies are the worst offenders in the supermarket aisle. But fear not, cookie lovers! With a little discernment and a willingness to explore new options, you can still find (or create) delightful treats that satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing taste or quality. And remember, life’s too short to waste on bad cookies – so go ahead and treat yourself to something truly delectable!
