Dried Mango: A Sweet but Flawed Snack
Mango's been popping up everywhere lately - in stores, online, and even in candies and juices. As a fan of the fruit, I'm always up for trying new things. But let's be real, I don't have a mango obsession like some people do.
I saw dried mango on sale for 379 rubles and passed on it, but my friend sent me a link to an online marketplace offering two 500g packs for 479 rubles. I couldn't resist the deal, so I ordered it. When the package arrived, I was happy to see two packs with a total weight of 479.5 grams. That's not too pricey for a kilogram of exotic fruit, especially considering our local dried apples are more expensive.
The mango comes in a transparent bag with no additional protective cover. Thankfully, it arrived without any damage - always a relief when you're expecting fragile items.
What caught my attention was the complete lack of information from the manufacturer. There's no ingredient list, no production date, and no storage instructions. It's like they're hiding something! The product description only mentions that it's sugar-free, but I have no way of verifying that - which is a bit concerning, if you ask me.
Inside, I found bright yellow chunks that look like they're from a pretty large mango. They're quite heavy, and I'm guessing there's more than 500 grams in each pack. The chunks are nicely textured, and you can see the natural mango texture - it's actually pretty appealing.
They look super appetizing, and I wanted to dig in right away! The chunks are neat, and you can see the texture of the natural mango. I think the manufacturer didn't cheat, and this is indeed real mango, not some colored candy - which is a relief, if you ask me.
There are plenty of chunks in each pack, and at first, the kids were devouring them at an alarming rate. I thought we'd be out of them by evening, but I was wrong - they lasted longer than I expected!
Let's take a bite. It's sweet, and I think it's been soaked in a sugar syrup. I'm a fan of more natural flavors, and this is definitely not it - it's a bit too sweet for my taste.
The product is fresh, and the chunks are soft. I'd call it dried mango, not mango chips - it's a bit more like dried fruit than a snack. It's comfortable to eat for both kids and adults, but its sweetness is a major turn-off. I had two pieces on the first day, and that was it - I just couldn't take it anymore.
I wouldn't call it a diet product, either. Like any dried fruit, it's high in calories. According to the product description, it has 350 calories per 100 grams, but I'm sure it's more - it's definitely not a low-calorie snack.
Pros and Cons
Overall, I'd give this product 2.5 out of 5 stars. It's not bad, but it's not great either. If you're a fan of dried fruit, you might enjoy it, but if you're looking for something with less sugar, you might want to look elsewhere - it's just not for me.
One thing that's worth mentioning is that the product is quite addictive. The kids were hooked from the first bite, and I had to hide the packs to prevent them from devouring the whole thing in one sitting. It's not a good thing, but it's definitely a testament to the product's quality.
Another thing that's worth mentioning is that the product is quite versatile. You can eat it on its own, or use it as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even ice cream. It's a great way to add some natural sweetness and texture to your favorite desserts.
However, the lack of information from the manufacturer is a major turn-off for me. As a consumer, I want to know what I'm putting in my body. I want to know the ingredients, the production date, and the storage instructions. It's not too much to ask, and it's definitely something that the manufacturer should provide.
Overall, I'd recommend this product to fans of dried fruit, but with some caveats. It's not a great product for those who are looking for something with less sugar, and it's definitely not a good choice for those who are watching their calorie intake. However, if you're looking for a tasty and convenient snack that's perfect for on-the-go, this might be the product for you.
Rating: 2.5/5