Menchie’s has introduced two new limited-time flavors, adding a mix of citrus and tropical fruit to their frozen yogurt lineup. Their latest releases – Key Lime Pie Hi-Chew and Paradise Fruit Punch Sorbet – offer two distinct tastes: one inspired by the chewy candy brand and the other aiming to capture a tropical fruit blend. But do they truly deliver?
Visually, the Key Lime Pie Hi-Chew flavor has a pale yellow-green tint, resembling the filling of a key lime pie but with a slightly artificial tone. Its color suggests a tangy, citrus-forward taste, setting the expectation for a bright and refreshing bite.
The Key Lime Pie flavor appears to balance tartness with sweetness, but instead tastes more like a mild lemonade. While it wasn’t unpleasant, it lacks the signature richness and creaminess of an actual key lime pie. The expected contrast between zesty lime and flaky pie crust wasn’t quite there, leaving a forgettable impression.
While the original Hi-Chew has a balanced sweetness with a smooth, chewy texture, the frozen yogurt version failed to capture its essence. The flavor was noticeably weaker, lacking the richness and slightly tangy undertone of the candy. The lime flavor was faint, and rather than showcasing the candy’s signature sweetness, it leaned toward subtleness, missing the vibrancy that makes Hi-Chew stand out.
In contrast, the Paradise Fruit Punch Sorbet delivered an intense fruity slam, perhaps a bit too intense. The flavor was nearly identical to classic Kool-Aid, which, depending on personal taste, could either be a fun, nostalgic treat or an overwhelming sugar rush. For those who enjoy bold, artificial fruit flavors, this might be a hit. But for others, it leans too sweet with little depth. While the vibrant pink hue makes it visually appealing, the flavor itself can be overwhelming, leaning more toward sugary candy than a refreshing tropical sorbet.
To its credit, Menchie’s continues to experiment with unique flavors, yet these latest additions feel more like novelties than must-try classics. If you’re a fan of Hi-Chew or syrupy childhood fruit drinks, they’re worth a taste, but they might not be the most memorable flavors in Menchie’s lineup.
6/10