Junk Food Nation, yawwwwn.  Just some random thoughts for this morning:

1) Why is Monday Night Football on so late?  I get it, ESPN, you want West Coasters to watch.  And I don’t want to sound old (which I’m sure I will), but I cannot stay up to 12:45am watching a stupid football game.  I mean, what the hell – there is no reason a game should start after 8:30pm.  Ridiculous.  If any parents have kids who WANT to watch football, they’re having to go to bed after just one quarter of the game, so you’re killing your future audience, ESPN.  And for adults, you’re forcing me to choose between sports and sleep.  And sleep usually wins every time, but…it was actually a good game on last night.  So yes, I stayed up to close to 1:00am.  And this morning, I feel like I made the wrong choice.  Sometimes I really hate you, ESPN and MNF.

2) Kim K. back on the market!  And with that divorce, Kris Humphries (who?) will fade back into obscurity. You think he was an anonymous basketball player before; now, with the NBA lockout in place, he’s just a tall guy. Just a big tall guy. How’s it goin’ there, tall guy?  You’ve actually been locked out of your job longer than you’ve been married to Kim Kardashian.

As for Kim Kardashian, I’m sure there will be plenty of suitors for her and her big ole bu…aaaank account. Yeah, her bank account.  Good save, there.

Today’s just food is a classic favorite of mine that I was reminded of by my friend Shanthala.  It’s a Classic Junk Food review: Snyder’s of Hanover Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzel Pieces!

The Money Shot

There’s a reason Snyder’s is the country’s largest pretzel company, and its because they come up with delicious flavors such as this.  Snyder’s makes regular pretzels and other snacks, but their line of flavored pretzels pieces is, in my humble opinion, its shining star of a brand line.  Snyder’s takes some of its large pretzels, breaks them down to expose the bread-y interior, and slathered these large crunchy pieces with flavor powder.  What’s not to like?

Plus, buffalo wing flavor. You all know my obsession with buffalo flavored anything. If you’ve ever had this flavor, you’ll know what I’ll say about this junk food in review (hint: they’re awesome).

20% more awesome

Snyder’s of Hanover Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzel Pieces, now with 20% more per bag??? Are you kidding me?? I was gleeful with junk foodie delight.

Snyder’s pretzel pieces come in a variety of other tasty flavors: Southern Style Barbecue, Buttermilk Ranch, Cheddar Cheese, Honey Mustard and Onion, Jalapeno, Three Cheese NMedley, and Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt.  Ok, that list of flavors just SOUNDS good.

Honesty in advertising

There is a LOT going on with this bag!  Mixing fonts all over the place (which I’m not a huge fan of) Snyder’s juxtaposes “Bursting with Flavor!” and “Artificially Flavored Sourdough Hard Pretzel.”  Amazing work – this snack is bursting with artificial flavor! Eh, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Throw in the classic picture of saucey wings on the side in a traditional red plastic basket, and a front-and-center photo of how these pretzel pieces look, and it’s a near perfect junk food package. All we need is the word XTREEEMME and this would be dynamite.

Stop making my mouth water

Just a good description.  Of course, you’re running the risk of overselling it when you say “five-alarm” buffalo wings, but all in all, I think its a modest and genuine description.

By the way, I hate lens flare.  Or shiny bags.  Or both.

Bright orange tang bombs

Now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about!  flavor powder up the ying yang!  They look like big toasted pieces of bread covered in garlic butter!  Let’s look closer.

Logs of Buffalo

MMMMMMMMMMMMM.  See, this is what Snyder’s has figured out that other pretzel companies have not – you need the exposed bread part of the pretzel to HOLD the powder.  The glossy browned exterior let’s flavor slide right off, but not these bad boys.  Nope, flavor sticks all around!

Smothered in spice and vinegar

One crunch, and I’m reminded why this is one of my favorite junk foods.  The sour tangy flavor of the buffalo wing taste is out of this WORLD!  There is NO understating here – it’s just POW TO THE MOUTH with buffalo wing flavor.  No hint of blue cheese or ranch to muddle anything up; just pure unadulterated buffalo wing zing.  AWESOME.  Good crunch, and the hearty flavor of the pretzel itself melds well with the flavor profile.  Just a tasty tasty pretzel.  Might be my favorite pretzel of all time.

Keys to the Game

How does Snyder’s do it?  Let’s look at the ingredients. The key to success – a large portion of dried cayenne pepper sauce!  All the other flavorings like garlic powder and paprika extract – lower on the food chain.  DRIED CAYENNE – RIGHT UP THERE!  That’s the key to success.  Other buffalo snacks – take note!

Any thoughts on buffalo wings, Kim Kardashian, or Monday Night Football?  Tell me in the comments below or hit me on Twitter @junkfoodguy or on my Facebook Page.