Everything's bigger in Texas, flavor included.
I recently traveled to the oversized state for my brother's college graduation and decided to raid H-E-B's snack and international food aisles. (For the non-Texans, H-E-B is a giant grocery store filled with everything you need, including free samples — score!)
It's like Wegman's with a Texas twist.
I picked up snacks that were sweet, savory, and just plain repulsive because life's too short to be boring. Then I packed them up, traveled back to the Big Apple, and tried them with my coworkers.
Keep scrolling to see what we ate (and what we spit out).
Alamo Candy Co. Chili Balls and Sour Pickle Balls
Holy mother of all things repulsive! I had low expectations for these bad boys, but I never expected them to be inedible. The chili ball is seasoned with tamarind, and the sour pickle ball turns your tongue a nice unnatural shade of green.
I gagged. I cried. I made an ugly face when I nibbled them both.
Jess said it best: "I wouldn't even give that to someone I hated."
Click here to buy them.
Rockaleta Four Chili-Layer Lollipop
This is a spicy, glorified Blow Pop, except you have to get through four chili layers before the gum center. I couldn't get through the first layer.
It was love at first lick, and divorce by lick five. "[It] was the most confusing lollipop I have ever licked," according to Jess.
First it's sweet, then the heat kicks in and your mouth is more confused than a child tasting Brussels sprouts for the first time. It's not terrible, just different. But if I'm eating a center-filled lolly, you better believe it's a Tootsie Pop.
Click here to buy them.
Chicharrones Picosos con Limón
This is such a fun snack to say. Chee-cha-rrrrrron-es.
Yes, you can find chicharrones (pork cracklins) all around the country, but these have a hint of lime. And how much more south-of-the-border can you get? Even Jess says Latinos have been crunching on these babies for years!
They're delicious, crunchy, satisfying, and pair great with beer. Just don't dwell on the fact that it's fried pork skin…
Click here to buy them.
Texas Pecan Praline
Takis Fuego
Takis Fuego FTW! They're like rolled up, super spicy Doritos with the artificial color of Cheetos. Shaunna's eyes watered after eating six, but Alle could eat them all day e'rry day.
Spanish refresher: Fuego means fire. So if you're not about that hot life, look for other flavors, like guacamole (and when you find said flavor, send it my way por favor).
Click here to buy them.
Sponch Marshmallow Cookies
This looks, smells, and tastes like fairy poop. Let me break down this cookie for you: You have pink and white marshmallows, some sort of strawberry jam, and coconut flakes all resting on a vanilla-y cookie.
Aka, fairy poop.
BUT, our beauty guru Alle is a masterful genius and put two Takis on top for a sweet and fire-y treat. YAAAAAAAAAS!
Click here to buy them.
Want to watch us try them all? Of course you do!
