To my utmost disapproval, I realized that Spring Break had managed to successfully deplete my stash of snacks. So in search of a refill, I went to the stores, only to realize there was something missing from the aisles.
Variety packs.
Sure, I see a million boxes of different companies coming together to release multi-brand boxes. It’s a convenient all in deal, all of them vying to be my favorite by the time I reach for the last packet. But I’m not looking for different brands, just different flavors.
To name a few, I’m talking about the Goldfish Crackers, Rice Krispies, Hello Panda and Skinnypop variety packs.
Once you find a brand you really like, it’s natural to wonder what other flavors they came up with without having to part with your favorite.
I’m almost guaranteed to find the classics, because, well, they are classics. Classic flavors are supposed to be the best flavors, chosen to represent the company. That doesn’t mean it has to be set in stone for over a decade.
They’re merely safe choices.
They reduce financial risk and food wastage on both ends, for stores and prospective buyers. It’s easier to invest in a tried-and-tested 40-pack of one flavor than a 20, 10, 10 pack of flavors you may not even like.
But there’s a thrill in trying new flavors. Some of them are actually really good (and most come with a classic to fall back on). You’re never guaranteed to love what you tried but at least it’s better than not knowing.
Annoyingly, more and more of these bold, new flavors keep releasing as limited time editions. It’s an easy way to generate hype and match the seasons but what do we do once that limited time run is over?Now that I’ve realized that it’s pretty hard to track them down again in person I now regret falling for such delights at all. I don’t want my food decisions to be just another trend.
A balance between both worlds would be better than stocking up on only classics or just varieties. With almost every store or person sticking to the same options, you’d stand out more. Let’s be originals, not classics.
And so in an effort to save variety packs, I write this eating a biscuit from a chocolate panda bag (I’m really hoping to find a strawberry one).
