Welcome to the first installment of Adventures in Discount Snacking! When you're jonesing for a good snack but you want to try something different, it's time head to the back of the store and see what interesting and exotic goodies are waiting for you there....

Today I visited a local "The Bargain Shop" and bought a can (yes, can) of Jennies Coconut Macaroons.

I didn't go into the store looking to get some macaroons, but by some kind of magic I was seduced by them and layed down my money. So as far as being a good snack, do they deliver? Let's take a look...

Packaging - The yellow, macaroon-photo-emblazoned packaging isn't all that exciting, and the fonts used are rather conventional, but servicable nonetheless. That "S" is really squished in there though. Check it haters, they even gots a website!

It looks like these puppies were made in America, so apparently there are still some snacks that haven't fled the Republicrat's New America. I have to tell you however, there is one aspect of the packaging so impressive that it literally tipped the balance on my decision to purchase these macaroons - Let me introduce you to Mr. Arnold Jennie, a dapper fellow and a snappy dresser if I do say so. I love it when the a food manufacturer includes their own photo (a photo, not a painting or caricature mind you) on the food they produce. See, that's gotta mean it's good. Think about it; would you put your own photo on a snack you knew was gross?

Ingredients - I usually skip over the "Nutritional information", that doesn't really tell the story; you've gotta get to the ingredients. Yes, I'm one of those pesky ingredient readers. Hey, I'm stuffing this down my throat, it'd be nice to know what's in it. I'm pleased to say, this is one area where Jennies Coconut Macaroons really shine! Check this out;

OH YEAH! 100% natural, baby! The exclusion of sulfites (I thought it was spelled "sulphites"... Is that a Canadian thing?) is much welcomed and it's soy-less-ness (no plant estrogens please!) is also a nice surprise! Those of you who are intolerant and discriminatory against wheat, lactose, and gluten should be happy too..

What we do get is sulfite free coconut, organic evaporated cane juice with honey, and egg whites. Wow, ingredients that I know what they are!

Taste - Upon opening the can, I was a little shocked by how small they are. Not that I'm complaining, it's just that the macaroons on the package had me believing they were bigger than they are. At first glance, they look a bit like Chicken McNuggets. The're softer than I was expecting, but nice nonetheless. Texture is good for a macaroon, and you can taste that it's sweet but not a "white sugar sweet", as the honey shines through here. No "chemically" taste to be sure. What else can I say, they taste good. Good enough for me to want another one right now.

Value - Well, I paid three bucks for these 8oz of macaroons. Three bucks (Canadian $) honestly feels a little bit steep, but I suppose natural ingredients will be more expensive than cheap fillers. I've spent three bucks worse ways, that's for sure. Your mileage may vary.

All the same, there were 3 things that persuaded me to buy Jennies Coconut Macaroons:

1. Natural ingredients

2. Financially supporting an American business that uses natural ingredients.

3. Mr Arnold Jennie's photo.

Buy it , Mooch it , or Leave it Alone?

Buy it! As long as you don't mind coconut and can restrain yourself from eating 15 in one sitting (don't try it!), it's a sweet little snack that you don't have to trudge through the day being guilt-ridden about. Well, unless you stole them, then yes, feel guilt-ridden all day.

Email your thoughts on this article here!