Bachelor on the Cheap

Grocery Store Prices, comparing Aldi, Dillons, Walmart - 09/25/2023

Bachelor on the Cheap

Where do you prefer to grocery shop?  Aldi, Walmart, the mainstream grocery store? 

Shoppers tend to be loyal to a particular store, we're creatures of habit after all. Some folks like Aldi because of the consistently low prices and name brands aren't a concern. Others favor Dillons because of the loyalty card and fuel points. Then there are those who do their regular grocery shopping at Walmart liking the one-stop shopping convenience for clothes, home & garden, and other general merchandise.

Here's this week's side-by-side Wichita Metro comparison of grocery store prices for Aldi, Walmart, and Dillon's (Kroger, a.k.a. the mainstream grocery store), plug in the name of the mainstream grocery store in your neck of the woods here, ie., Meijer, HyVee, Publix, Albertsons, etc.   Odds are that mainstream is going to be the most expensive of the three from week to week.

Covering the basics with a focus on store brands, this week's list, dated September 25, 2023, is unchanged in item count from the previous Wichita Metro weekly essentials review for a total of 25 grocery products.  There were no revisions to the shopping list.  Of note, in a same-store comparison to the previous review of September 11, prices are mixed.  Aldi shoppers would have spent $0.38 less* for the same items purchased two weeks ago.  Dillons shoppers paid more, an additional $1.34, and Walmart shoppers spent $1.28 less.  

Prices stated are online prices and for items available at the time of the review. Remember that the featured items are the store brand for each respective store unless otherwise labeled. Prices can vary from store to store, as store managers have the flexibility to adjust prices, lower or higher. Aldi does not have the flexibility of the other stores reviewed. Prices are good as of this writing and could change by the time you make that grocery run.

• Aldi:  8011 E Kellogg Ave, Wichita, KS 67207
• Dillons: 9450 E. Harry St., Wichita, KS 67207
• Walmart: 11411 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67207

Takeaways from this week's price review:

• Aldi continues to be the lowest in online pricing of the three stores reviewed, it's consistent week over week. Keep in mind their online prices are higher than in-store prices, so you'll spend even less than what's listed when shopping in-store. Aldi uniquely does this to cover their employee cost of personal shopping for your delivery or pickup order.  Check out the price for chicken.  It's the same chicken as the other stores, Tyson does the private labeling for Aldi under the Kirkwood brand.  *  Aldi did not have Kraft Singles available this week, so that's part of the drop in the overall cart price from the review done on September 11.  That's a shopper reality, sometimes a store doesn't have what you put on your list.  So you either do without or do what many folks do, make a substitution.  You could get a 24-count package of Aldi private label cheese, Happy Farms Deluxe Slices (similar to Kraft Deluxe Slices and I would challenge you to be able to tell the difference in a taste test), for $3.85.  I actually prefer this cheese over Kraft's individually wrapped slices, I hate the plastic wraps!  Including the Happy Farms cheese pushes this week's cart total to $73.44.
• The Dillons online pricing is the same as in-store.  As in past reviews, Dillons has a very red column of prices, but, they also have a little more green than usual.  The price gap this week Dillons vs. Aldi with cheese...  (sounds like a fast food order...) was $5.90.  Even with the store loyalty card and/or fuel points, you're probably not going to make up the difference based on this grocery list.  You're limited to what Dillons decides to put on sale.  The price gap with Walmart was a notable $3.51.  Dillons shoppers would probably make up most of gap there with loyalty card savings and fuel points.  If you're curious about how the Dillons loyalty card plays a role, check out the related article link, "Mainstream Grocery vs. Discount Grocery: Dillon's (Kroger) vs. Aldi.   Dillons has the lowest price for lunch meat, canola oil, and eggs (store brand) this week.    
• The Walmart online pricing is the same as for in-store.   Walmart consistently finishes second in overall price from week to week, but check out the higher prices for bacon, bananas, and wheat bread. 
• Sliced cheese comparison:  Since Aldi didn't have Kraft Singles available this week, I did a quick comparison of store-brand cheeses.  I compared the Deluxe versions, not the 'Singles', the individually wrapped stuff which is an inferior cheese.  It's not unfair to describe it as "plastic cheese" individually wrapped in plastic, and the processed texture of the stuff almost has a plastic-like consistency to it and those darn wrappers can sometimes be a pain.  Deluxe Slices are the way to go.  Aldi Happy Farms Deluxe American Slices, 24-count package - $3.85.   Dillons Kroger Deluxe American Slices - $4.39. Walmart Great Value Deluxe American Slices - $3.98.  Once again, for most products, Dillons is the most expensive of the three stores.  But if you're looking to save some money vs. buying Kraft Deluxe Slices (not to be confused with Kraft Singles) priced at $6.99 for a 24-count package at Dillons, go with the store brand stuff.  If you want inferior 'plastic' cheese, here's that comparison in 16-slice packages (size available at all three stores):  Aldi Happy Farms - $2.09.  Dillons Kroger - $2.50.  Walmart Great Value - $1.98.  Walmart has the cheapest fake cheese.

Don't see some essential items that you think should be on the list?  Please comment.

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

 

Related: Grocery Stores in Wichita

Related: Mainstream Grocery vs. Discount Grocery: Dillon's (Kroger) vs. Aldi

Related: Food Review: Great Value bacon not such a great value

Buster's Burger Joint remains the best burger value in town

1202 E MacArthur Rd, Wichita, KS 67216

BachelorontheCheap.com

For all the nuances involved in the crafting of not just a good, but a great burger, the bite that really matters is all about the beef!  Buster's Burger Joint, a Wichita burger icon, brings it.

If you haven't enjoyed a burger from this place yet, what are you waiting for?  I recently learned that Jennifer, a lady I've been dating for just about two months now (she's capital 'W' Wonderful), had never enjoyed a Buster's Burger.

We remedied that void on Thursday.  

We pulled into the parking lot just before 11 am, opening time, and as we approached the door, we were hit with those oh-so-enticing burger and fries aromas.  

Awesome meat to bun ratio, and just LOOK at all that bacon!

Entering Buster's, there were already customers ahead of us.  It's a small joint, that seats like 11 customers at a couple of small tables in view of the kitchen as well as at a counter in view of Yankee sports memorabilia lining the walls.  There's also additional seating at two picnic tables outside, but suffice it to say, as good as these burgers are, if you don't get there in a timely fashion, you're probably in for a 20-minute wait for a burger and a seat if dining in.  The numbers were in our favor, after placing our order for Bacon Cheeseburgers and sides of onion rings for Jennifer and Tater Tots for me, we sat down at one of the small tables in view of the kitchen.  The customers in line behind us filled the joint to capacity.  

Jennifer noted the steady stream of customers coming in the door, and at this point, it was primarily carry-out orders and that 20-minute wait.  It didn't take that long for our burgers and sides to arrive.

What you get at Buster's is always phenomenal, a big patty (or two, maybe go three if you want...) of perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned beef, and they're juicy.  Loaded with bacon, this is a carnivore's dream burger, check out the meat-to-bun ratio in the pic!  Wrapping up all that savory beef, bacon, and cheese goodness was a butter-toasted bun complimented by tart, crisp pickles, mustard, and a generous portion of onion.  The sides are stellar too, both with a perfect fry and a touch of salt.  Jennifer's onion rings were crispy on the outside and tender onion on the inside.  My tots provided that great potato crunch exterior bite, with that fluffy, potato interior.

Buster's really knows how to sling burgers and sides, the joint remains the best burger value in the Wichita Metro.  Two bacon cheeseburgers, two sides, and two drinks cost me $20.  The burger patties are huge, there was a boatload of bacon on them, and the sides are plentiful, more than either Jennifer or I could finish.  There's a tip jar at the register, don't forget to tip, these guys work hard, and they're craftsmen.

With my burger recommendation reputation on the line (not really, you can't miss with Buster's!), Jennifer was impressed with the place.  Located at 1202 E. MacArthur Rd, Wichita, KS 67216, Buster's Burger Joint cranks out stellar burgers and service.  I'm not the only person who wishes there was more than one location.  If you haven't had a Buster's Burger Joint burger yet, shame on you!  It's a repeat buy, again, and again, and again....

Related: The Best in Wichita Metro Burger Challenge 2022: The Top 10 Best Burgers

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

FALL INTO AUTUMN WITH THESE DUNKIN’ PUMPKIN-FLAVORED DELIGHTS

At Dunkin’, pumpkin is more than a fall flavor – it’s a phenomenon that gets bigger each year! Dunkin’ fans start eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite pumpkin-flavored items long before the first autumn breeze arrives. And who are we to deny the people what they want? We’ve teamed up with some of our favorite partners to bring you a patch full of pumpkin-flavored sips and treats, available now for a limited time at grocery retailers nationwide. We know you’ve waited a long time for the return of pumpkin from Dunkin’, so check out all the ways you can enjoy the iconic flavor of fall at home!

Boldly Go Cold

Embrace the crisp change of seasons with each sip of the new Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Flavored Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate. This specially crafted, fall-friendly roast, with pumpkin and seasonal spice flavors, is the canvas for your cold coffee masterpieces, whether you're kicking off your morning routine or indulging in a midday pick-me-up. The options are as endless as your creativity with this fall-friendly brew! Customize your iced drink any way you like for a delicious sip that celebrates the season.

Mug Full of MUNCHKINS

Get ready for a burst of pumpkin perfection in your cup with the Pumpkin Munchkin Creamer, our at-home seasonal coffee creamer inspired by the irresistible Dunkin’ Pumpkin MUNCHKINS^® Donut Hole Treats. Featuring pumpkin-forward flavor with hints of sweet donut glaze and seasonal spices, this creamer puts all the magic of our beloved pumpkin MUNCHKIN right in your favorite mug. What could be better than bringing a taste of the fan-favorite pumpkin treat to home and office kitchens this season, in the form of a delicious creamer?

Elevate Your Snack Game

Dunkin’ and Goldfish^® Crackers have teamed up once again to bring fall fanatics a snack-tastic treat that will take your autumnal cravings to a new level with the limited-edition Goldfish^® Dunkin’™ Pumpkin Spice Grahams. Featuring the perfect balance of flavors including pumpkin, our iconic donut glaze, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, these bite-sized sensations are as cozy as your comfiest sweater.

Ale to Fall

Pumpkin and beer? Absolutely! Harpoon Brewery and Dunkin’ are bringing pumpkin lovers the one and only Harpoon Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spiced Latte Ale, a match made in autumn heaven. Kick back in your favorite flannel with this frosty sip that combines pumpkin puree, cinnamon, Dunkin’ Cold Brew and oat milk for that velvety creaminess you know and love from our lattes.  

Bag Some Pumpkin Magic

Can you feel the fall vibes? Pumpkin Spice bagged coffee (roast and ground) and K-Cup® pods are making their grand entrance once again! With the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s like grandma’s cherished pumpkin pie in every sip. Be sure and stock up while they last!

Fall is only just beginning at Dunkin’, so grab your fave pumpkin-flavored treats and ignite your pumpkin passion!

How are you enjoying Dunkin’s fall flavors at home? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Snack Review: PopCorners Spicy Queso Popped Corn Snack

The Spicy Queso flavor is pretty good!

BachelorontheCheap.com

Back in April, I reviewed PopCorners Sea Salt Popped Corn Snack.  I gave them 3 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap Stars, stating it was too early to say they were a repeat buy, I wanted to check out the other flavors first.  The Sea Salt flavor is a bit bland.

So, in my continued pursuit of a healthier chip snack and as promised, today I'm reviewing PopCorners Spicy Queso flavor.

This is popped corn, shaped into a chip, and the spicy queso flavor is quite tasty.  You get a pleasant little spice kick, there's a good crunch factor, and the 'chips' hold up to salsa and dips well.  The Sea Salt flavor came off as a bit 'styrofoamy' in texture, these, do not.  I don't know if the recipe has been improved since the April sample, or perhaps the pleasant spicy queso flavor makes it easy to overlook any flaws in the texture.  

Good size chips, minimal breakage in the bag.

In a healthier chip snack comparison, this per-serving variety of PopCorners contains 20 grams of carbs, 0.5 grams of fat, 180 grams of sodium, 2 grams of protein, 130 calories, and NO artificial flavoring..  In contrast, a serving of Nacho Cheese Doritos contains 18 grams of carbs, 8 grams of fat, 210 grams of sodium, 2 grams of protein, and 150 calories along with that boatload of artificial flavors and coloring.

No chip snack is a nutritional-savvy thing to do, but PopCorners are never fried, contain less fat as a result, and can satisfy biting down on something crunchy.

Costing me $13.99 for a 30-count box of 1-ounce snack bags, I'm giving PopCorners Spicy Queso Popped Corn Snack 4 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap Stars.  The per-bag cost breaks down to just $0.47 each.  I like the Spicy Queso flavor, it's MUCH better than the Sea Salt variety (not as healthy though, but much tastier), and is worthy of a repeat buy.  I'm looking forward to trying the White Cheddar and Kettle Corn flavors also in the box.

Available at Costco and other retailers

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

 

Related: Snack Review: PopCorners Sea Salt Popped Corn Snack

Life Raft Treats has Expanded their Recalls of Ice Cream Products, Not Fried Chicken And Life Is Peachy, Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Life Raft Treats is expanding their recall of their Not Fried Chicken 64 oz bucket, Not Fried Chicken 2.5 oz bar UPC 8 60006 18210 6 and Life Is Peachy 6 count box ice cream products, to include the BEST BY DATES up to and including AUG 08282024 due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

On September 18, 2023, the firm was notified by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) that they needed to include an additional lot of their Not Fried Chicken ice cream treat which also test positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The firm also decided to recall their Life Is Peachy Ice Cream treats because both products were manufactured in the same room.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products affected are:

Product	Product	UPC	Use By Dates
LIFE RAFT TREATS LIFE IS PEACHY	6 COUNT	NO UPC CODE	Up to and including BEST BY AUG 08282024
LIFE RAFT TREATS NOT FRIED CHICKEN ICE CREAM	64 OZ BUCKET	NO UPC CODE	Up to and including BEST BY AUG 08282024
LIFE RAFT TREATS NOT FRIED CHICKEN ICE CREAM	2.5 OZ BAR	8 60006 18210 6	Up to and including BEST BY AUG 08282024

See attached photos for product identification.

The recalling firm began shipping recalled products on 8/28/2023. These products were packaged in laminated buckets and plastic wrap and shipped via www.Goldbelly.comExternal Link Disclaimer online directly to consumers located in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA & WI.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them and to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund or they may discard the product. Consumers with questions may contact the firm via email [email protected] or telephone us at (843) 695-9806 M-F 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Original Press Release

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Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Life Raft Treats

 843-695-9806

 [email protected]

 

The final day of summer, 2023 - when to stop fertilizing flowering plants before the first frost

Go ahead and feed cosmos for more blooms before the first frost

BachelorontheCheap.com

This is my favorite time of year, cooler temperatures, FOOTBALL, mum season and other fall plantings coming into bloom, FOOTBALL, tree leaves changing color, and did I mention FOOTBALL!?

The change of season means that the first frost isn't far away.  In the Wichita neck of the woods, that first frost could come as early as the second week of October.  It will happen for sure by the first week of November, on average it hits around October 23.

Now is a good time to apply that last dose of fertilizer to some plants, but stop feeding others.

Since annual flowers die off with the first frost, there's no reason to stop feeding them, take advantage of what time you have left and give them one last feeding for more prolific blooms right up until Mother Nature decides to chill out.

For plants you intend to bring indoors, stop fertilizing now.  This will slow the growth of those plants and reduce plant shock.  After settling in, most plants will be ready to receive fertilizer in about six to eight weeks, there are exceptions, depending on the plant type.

For flowering plants that are part of your landscape, if you haven't already stopped fertilizing them, do so now.  New growth generated by continued fertilization won't have time to 'harden off' before that first frost, with that new growth dying off in winter.  It's a waste of fertilizer and leaves the plant vulnerable to more severe die-back during the cold, harsh months, and disease in the spring.  Fortify the plant's root system and your soil by using compost instead.  A stronger root system results in a plant that is more winter-hardy.

I'll be applying that last dose of fertilizer to annuals, and compost to my roses, peonies, and bulb flower beds on Saturday morning, before football of course!

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

 

TAMA Corporation Issues Allergy Alert for Undeclared Wheat, Soy and Yellow #5 in "Cachapas de Maiz PAISA"

Tama Corp. of Doral, FL, is recalling its 24-ounce packages of "Cachapas de Maiz Paisa" because they contain undeclared wheat, soy and Yellow #5. People who have allergies to any of these run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled "Cachapas de Maiz Paisa" were distributed nationwide, in retail stores.

The product is packaged in a 24-ounce, clear plastic package.

Recalled lot numbers are: 31082301, 07092301, 06092301, 05092301, 04092301, 29082301, 30082301, 28082301, 31072301, 01082301, 02082301, 03082301, 08082301, 09082301, 10082301, 14082301, 15082301, 16082301, 17082301, 21082301, 22082301, 23082301, 24072301, 25072301, 26072301, 31072301, 28082301, 21072301, 27072301, 17082301, 14082301, 20072301, 21072301, 26072301, 07082301, 08062301, 30082301, 24082301, 12072301.

Lot codes can be found on the bottom right corner of the package, next to the Best if Used by Date. Product UPC: 838795000109.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an inspection that the allergens-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of them, due to a labeling error.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-592-1717 Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.

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Company Contact Information

Consumers:

TAMA Corporation

 305-592-1717

Kraft Heinz Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Kraft Singles American Processed Cheese Slices

Kraft Heinz is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 83,800 cases of individually-wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices that were shipped to a limited number of customers.

The voluntary recall comes as a precaution after a temporary issue developed on one of our wrapping machines, making it possible that a thin strip of the individual film may remain on the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could be unpleasant and potentially cause a gagging or choking hazard.

Only Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices with the case/package information below are affected. No other varieties or sizes are included in the recall.

The issue was discovered after we received several consumer complaints about finding the plastic stuck to a slice, including six complaints of consumers saying they choked or gagged in connection with the issue. No injuries or serious health issues have been reported.

Kraft Heinz has fixed the machine that wrapped the affected slices and all other processing machines have been thoroughly inspected.

Consumers who purchased these items should not consume them and can return them to the store where it was purchased for an exchange or refund. Consumers can contact Kraft Heinz from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-280-8252 to see if a product is part of the recall and to receive reimbursement.

Kraft Heinz is committed to upholding the highest safety and quality standards and apologizes for this inconvenience.

Products included in the recall include 16 oz. Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with an individual package UPC of 0 2100061526 1 and a “Best When Used By” date of 10 JAN 24 through 27 JAN 24. Individual packages in this recall will contain an S and 72 in the Manufacturing code.

Also included in the recall are 3 lb. multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a carton UPC of 0 2100060491 3 and a “Best When Used By” of 09 JAN 2024 through 13 JAN 2024 and 16 JAN 2024.

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Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Kraft Heinz

 1-800-280-8252

 

Food Review: Wendy's Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger

Nacho flavors in a burger, what's not to like?

BachelorontheCheap.com

Somebody in the Wendy's test kitchen came up with an excellent idea.  Combining the ultimate snack of nachos with a cheeseburger, what's not to like, right?!

I've been wanting to try one of these since Wendy's first introduced them in late August.   It's one of those "available for a limited time" deals, and a month in, I probably can't be putting off sampling one much longer.   

Here's the description from the Wendy's website:  A quarter pound of fresh, never-frozen beef, American cheese, hot and crispy corn and tortilla strips, spicy chipotle sauce, poblano queso, lettuce, and tomatoes on a jalapeño cheddar bun. This burger takes everything up a nacho.

Out running errands on a Wednesday, I hit the drive-through at my neighborhood Wendy's for lunch and ordered a combo meal.  No, I did NOT steal fries from the bag to munch on during the drive back home. 

The under-the-lid reveal shows a lack of tortilla strips

Tex-Mex inspired, this is a pretty tasty burger, a nice change of pace from an ordinary Wendy's Single.  You definitely get the nacho notes with the poblano queso, spicy chipotle, and crispy tortilla strips.  It's an awesome texture element, but sadly, there weren't enough of those tortilla strips on my burger.  It didn't even come close to looking like the marketing picture, typical of fast food.  The jalapeno cheddar bun is a spin on Wendy's cheddar bun (introduced in August 2021 with a bacon cheeseburger offering), but it's a bit light on jalapeno flavor and you don't get those notes in every bun bite.  Wendy's calls this a Loaded Nacho Burger, and while it definitely has some nacho flavor, I wouldn't call it robust and with the lack of tortilla strips and too subtle with the jalapeno on the bun, I can't see calling it a "Loaded" Nacho Cheeseburger.  I thought about going with a double on this burger, but I think that would have taken away some of the nacho factor, the flavor balance is better off as a single.  

Ordering a double would have taken away from the nacho flavors

Costing me $11.60 for the combo meal, which included the fries and a drink, I'm giving the Wendy's Loaded Nacho Burger 3 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap Stars.  It's a good concept burger, the texture element of tortilla strips is great, but the portion size was poor.  The nacho flavor is there, but it's not as robust as it could be.  It's a whisper of Tex-Mex, and this burger needs to speak up!   As is, it's a borderline repeat buy.

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

Related: Food Review: Wendy's Classic Big Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Related: French Fry Battle: Wendy's new fries vs. McDonald's

The marketing pic, how the burger is 'supposed' to look.

 

Food Review: Panera Bread Chicken & Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt - Stacked Toasted Baguette

Chicken & Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt - Stacked Toasted Baguette

BachelorontheCheap.com

Sometimes, you just have to eat wherever it's convenient.

That's the situation I was in on Monday.  Coming back from a trip to Winfield and needing to take care of some urgent afternoon business in Wichita, it was lunchtime as I hit Derby on the unplanned early drive back home.  I didn't pack a lunch, I was going to enjoy a sit-down meal at a Winfield restaurant, but circumstances changed, so a drive-through lunch became the order of the day. 

With time of the essence, I thought about McDonald's but passed, not a fast food go-to place for me, not even a Plan B, it's more like a Plan C or D.  I gave Wendy's a thought and their limited-time Loaded Nacho Burger, but the line was too long.  Knowing I would soon run out of Derby real estate and fast food options, I settled for Panera Bread, with only one car in the drive-through as I pulled in.

Having no clue what I was going to order, I quickly reviewed the menu board as the car ahead of me finished placing their order.  The Chicken & Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt caught my eye.

Rarely is an under-the-lid reveal of a fast food item pretty, but this sandwich is loaded with flavor and you get pepperoni, chicken, cheese, and that sauce in every bite.

Here's the description from the Panera website:  Smoked, pulled chicken raised without antibiotics, thick sliced pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, shredded Fontina and mozzarella cheese blend with tomato bell pepper sauce on our toasted French Baguette.

This is a foot-long sandwich, more than enough for lunch, there would be half a sandwich left over for dinner.  I went with a combo, ordering chips and a drink to go with the toasted baguette.

This was a rather tasty sandwich!  The pulled chicken and sliced pepperoni is a really nice pairing, complimented by the tomato bell pepper sauce which was generously portioned.  The blend of cheeses had a perfect melt and combined with that perfectly toasted baguette, well, it made for a flavor party dance in the mouth.     

Costing me $17.69 for the sandwich, drink, and a little bag of chips, I'm giving the Panera Bread Chicken & Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt - Stacked Toasted Baguette 4 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap Stars.  It's a darn good sandwich, and the preparation was well executed, but like most everything on Panera's menu, it's overpriced.  This was an on-the-go convenience meal, but it didn't come at a convenient price.  Although quite tasty and a lot of sandwich, it's not worthy of a repeat buy.

$17.69 for a sandwich, medium drink, and a small bag of chips? Granted, it was a foot-long sandwich, but still - OUCH!

The Panera Bread visited on this occasion is located at 1500 N Rock Rd, Derby, KS 67037.  The drive-through service was courteous, friendly, and fast.

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike