# Products You Recently Tried, Had High Expectations For, And (Dis)liked **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 30, 2021, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226 "2021-05-30T17:46:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2021, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/1 "2021-05-30T17:46:16Z")
Went to Costco last week and decided to try two new products. One was dill pickle flavoured peanuts. Same price as regular peanuts. I was surprised by how tasty and addictive they were. Other one was Bubly, a flavoured water made by Pepsi and advertised quite a bit. I drink too much diet soda and thought it might be a healthier switch. It uses natural flavours. It uses so little of them I would be unable to say which flavour it was that I was drinking. That it had added flavour at all. So disappointing. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2021, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/2 "2021-05-30T17:49:07Z")
I’m surprised by how much I like zero-sugar Schweppes ginger ale. It tastes just like the original to me. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/3 "2021-05-30T17:54:16Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > zero-sugar Schweppes ginger ale Ooh, thanks! I drink diet sodas, and mix drinks with them… except Ginger Ale (the Canada Dry stuff has no flavor at all). But I’'ll try some _Schweppervescence!_ (yeah, I’m old, as are the ads in my head) ---
**Author:** ![Tarataratara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Tarataratara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarataratara)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2021, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/4 "2021-05-30T19:00:30Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Other one was Bubly, a flavoured water made by Pepsi and advertised quite a bit. I drink too much diet soda and thought it might be a healthier switch. It uses natural flavours. It uses so little of them I would be unable to say which flavour it was that I was drinking. That it had added flavour at all. So disappointing. I like all the lightly flavored seltzers that are popular now, but I had to laugh when I heard them described as like drinking plain seltzer while someone in another room yells, “Lime!” In the summer, I love to drink plain seltzer over ice with lots of lemon and salt. You could try that with your seltzer. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/5 "2021-05-31T00:02:27Z")
A while back, people were having fun making fun of LaCroix’s lack of flavor. Here’s an article with some good ones (which I’m sure would apply to Bubly, too): > **[Hilarious tweet goes viral suggesting new LaCroix flavor names](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5849539/Hilarious-tweet-goes-viral-suggesting-new-LaCroix-flavor-names.html)** > > One tweet went viral after it offered five flavor suggestions for the water. The popular beverage is known for its semi-dry taste with a hint of flavoring. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/6 "2021-05-31T00:12:50Z")
Also kicking the diet soda habit, I decided to try Hint. If they hadn’t listed the flavor on the bottle, I’d have no idea which flavor I was drinking. Sorry, I need more than a “hint” of flavor. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/7 "2021-05-31T00:31:51Z")
I can drink unflavoured soda with whiskey. But I object to the only hint of flavour being a brief smell when you open it. If you claim to be whatever, it should taste at least a little like that. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/8 "2021-05-31T01:10:49Z")
I think LaCroix tastes fine. If you’re expecting it to taste like soda, you wouldn’t like it, but it has enough fruit flavor. It’s a substitute for sparkling water, not for sweetened soda. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/9 "2021-05-31T01:31:54Z")
> [@Tarataratara](#): > > I like all the lightly flavored seltzers that are popular now, but I had to laugh when I heard them described as like drinking plain seltzer while someone in another room yells, “Lime!” > [@panache45](#): > > Sorry, I need more than a “hint” of flavor. > [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > But I object to the only hint of flavour being a brief smell when you open it. If you claim to be whatever, it should taste at least a little like that. Try _spindrift_ brand. They have much more juice, real flavor - still almost zero calories. I think they are way better than _LaCroix_ etc. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/10 "2021-05-31T01:59:32Z")
I remember many years ago having a diet soft drink of some kind, and being put off by the strongly bitter aftertaste that was typical of artificial sweeteners back in the day. They’ve come a long way, in part by using different sweeteners that balance each other out. Today Coke Zero is my standard pop. On the “dislike” side, I’m a big fan of spaghetti and other pastas and thought I would try **[Truff](https://www.foodandwine.com/lifestyle/truff-pasta-sauces-review)**, a supposedly acclaimed truffle-infused pasta sauce. To be fair, I only tried the Arrabbiata (the red label), not the black-label Pomodoro, but they are apparently fairly similar. I did not like it at all. It was too spicy, and the overall flavour was just … odd. I’m going to stick with traditional well-made pasta sauce, with its subtly rich mellow flavour. ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/11 "2021-05-31T02:16:13Z")
Interesting to see such different takes on Bubly (and La Croix). I love them both, and find them to be quite strikingly flavored. La Croix seems to be stronger in flavor than Bubly. I also quite like lime Perrier. I relatively recently tried some of the newer “zero” sodas. I like Diet Dr. Pepper; figured I’d like DP Zero, but… no, not really. The originaly DDP is better. Mt. Dew Zero though is better than Diet Mt. Dew, weirdly enough (and I LOVE Diet Mt. Dew). ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/12 "2021-05-31T02:27:13Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > I can drink unflavoured soda with whiskey. This is where the “almost unflavored” waters have made my pandemic bearable. Lacroix Lime with Plantation rum, or Orange with brandy and bitters. Ooh, the best is Lemon with Woodford Double Oaked Bourbon and a generous splash of Ginger Beer! ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/13 "2021-05-31T02:33:42Z")
Bubly’s fine if it’s cold. It cuts through the bitterness of the seltzer and lets the flavour show up - at least for the strawberry and orange flavours…was never able to get anything but bitter from the lime, and never tried the other flavours. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/14 "2021-05-31T02:57:28Z")
I’ve stopped using Maruchan Ramen in favor of [Vite Ramen](https://www.viteramen.com). Sure, it costs more, but nutritionally there’s no comparison. And it comes in interesting flavors [I’m still waiting for salmon/seafood]. I prepare it with all sorts of other ingredients. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/15 "2021-05-31T03:10:35Z")
Ramen got me through my first two years of university. But Costco sells bowls of just-add-water pho’ that are tastier and more convenient. I’m always amazed at the number of calories in ramen. Canadian stalwart Mr. Noodles came out with a low-fat, hundred calorie ramen which tasted the same (salty!). But Mr. Noodles Skinny is long gone. ---
**Author:** ![KP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a9adbd/32.png) [@KP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KP)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/16 "2021-05-31T15:39:08Z")
As a quick experiment, try adding small amounts of artificial sweetener to these sparkling seltzers. You may find in many cases that the “flavor” suddenly seems stronger for some brands. This would suggest that the waters are not underflavored but your mental expectations/perceptions don’t recognize it because it’s an unfamiliar profile without the sweetness. For some people sugar may cause this effect but not artificial sweeteners. Psychology comprises as much of our “palate” as physiology/genetics/environment. I’m not suggesting adding sweeteners as a rule (which would defeat the purpose for many people) This is only a one-off test for each flavor. Your expectations can change with continued use. If you WANT to like a flavored water, and avoid sweets, you may come to perceive more and ‘better’ flavor in that beverage over time due to increasing familiarity with its flavor. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/17 "2021-05-31T15:53:17Z")
> [@KP](#): > > As a quick experiment, try adding small amounts of artificial sweetener to these sparkling seltzers. You may find in many cases that the “flavor” suddenly seems stronger for some brands. This would suggest that the waters are not underflavored but your mental expectations/perceptions don’t recognize it because it’s an unfamiliar profile without the sweetness. I, too, wonder if that’s what it is. I love a lot of the flavored bubblies. They have, in my opinion, plenty of flavor to them without being overbearing. (I am reasonably good at detecting flavors, but I don’t think I have a particularly sharp palate. It’s probably average.) Of the easily found brands, I like the LaCroix Hibiscus and Grapefruit the most. If you’re not used to tasting fruit flavors without the sugar, it can come across as quite muted. Adding a little sweetener should make it more familiar to your taste buds. ---
**Author:** ![BrickBat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@BrickBat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrickBat)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/18 "2021-05-31T17:17:35Z")
Some years back ( about 10 ) I arrived in the hotel room I booked and found it had one of those ‘Sleep Number’ beds. I thought “cool!” but when it came time to prepare retire for the night, 15 minutes of fiddling around with the settings seemed to produce not even a fraction of the supposed superiority of comfort the hype touted. Oh, it wasn’t **un** comfortable and I did sleep well enough, but my initial “coo!” reaction gave way to a pragmatic “meh”. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/20 "2021-05-31T18:22:51Z")
> [@Tarataratara](#): > > I like all the lightly flavored seltzers that are popular now, but I had to laugh when I heard them described as like drinking plain seltzer while someone in another room yells, “Lime!” Decades ago, before all the kids rediscovered it, in California Calistoga Water offered sparking mineral water in 250ml bottles with “flavors,” mostly citrus. We called it lemon-scented water. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2021, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226/21 "2021-05-31T19:06:11Z")
Mine’s that [Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray](https://dawn-dish.com/en-us/products/dawn-powerwash-dish-spray). The commercials make it out like it’s some sort of magic product that dissolves the crud straight off of dishes without any effort on your part. Not so much… it’s just basically dilute dish soap you spray on, then wash. It’s not better than soaking the same dishes in hot soapy water, or than putting a little of the usual kind on the sponge and washing them the old way. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-you-recently-tried-had-high-expectations-for-and-dis-liked/943226.md?page=2)