Episode Summary: Ep 404 - The Best and Worst Reading Snacks

Introduction

In Episode 404 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara dive into a unique and practical topic: determining the best and worst snacks for readers. Aimed at enhancing the reading experience, the episode combines humor with scientific testing as the hosts evaluate various snacks based on the residue they leave on fingers and book pages. This detailed exploration not only entertains but also provides valuable insights for book lovers looking to optimize their reading sessions.

Savory Snacks Evaluation

The episode kicks off with the hosts testing a selection of savory snacks to assess their suitability for reading without leaving unwanted marks on books.

1. Cheez-Its ([14:46] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: Cheez-Its received a mixed review. While enjoyable, they pose a moderate risk of leaving grease and residue on pages.
   • Quote: "A lot of residue on that book. You can't see it too much." – Mallory ([15:14])

2. Voodoo Potato Chips ([15:37] Brea Grant):

   • Evaluation: These chips were deemed problematic due to their high grease content, earning a score of five out of ten.
   • Quote: "Heavy grease." – Brea ([16:17])

3. Lay’s Classic Potato Chips ([16:49] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: Scored three out of ten, these chips leave noticeable grease but are less severe compared to others.
   • Quote: "I would give these a three, actually." – Mallory ([17:01])

4. Flamin' Hot Lay’s Potato Chips ([17:14] Brea Grant):

   • Evaluation: Identified as a major offender, these chips received an eight to nine out of ten due to intense residue and staining.
   • Quote: "This is wicked bad. This looks like a lipstick mark down the page." – Mallory ([17:58])

5. Corn Nuts Smoked Barbecue ([18:25] Brea Grant):

   • Evaluation: Surprisingly, Corn Nuts scored only two out of ten, making them one of the least problematic savory snacks tested.
   • Quote: "There is stuff on my fingers, but it didn't make any mark on the book." – Brea ([19:00])

6. Funyuns ([19:11] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: Funyuns received a five out of ten due to moderate grease and residue.
   • Quote: "I would give this a five." – Mallory ([19:27])

7. Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn ([19:42] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: With an eight out of ten, this popcorn left substantial white cheddar residue on pages.
   • Quote: "I would give this an 8." – Mallory ([20:15])

8. Chex Mix Bold Party Blend ([20:48] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: Similar to Corn Nuts, Chex Mix was a minimal offender, aligning closely with Corn Nuts' low residue.
   • Quote: "Corn nuts and Chex mix are gonna be your best bet here." – Brea ([20:58])

Sweet Snacks Evaluation

Transitioning to sweet snacks, the hosts continued their investigation with a focus on minimizing residue and maintaining book integrity.

1. Fine & Raw Chocolate Bar ([25:21] Brea Grant):

   • Evaluation: Scoring an excellent one out of ten, this high-quality chocolate bar left negligible residue, making it an ideal reading snack.
   • Quote: "This is a one. This is a great Fine and Raw." – Brea ([25:21])

2. Oreos ([25:38] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: Oreos were found to be less suitable, earning a seven out of ten due to noticeable greasiness and staining.
   • Quote: "Pretty bad. I would give this a seven." – Mallory ([26:07])

3. Alter Eco Quinoa Crunch ([26:29] Brea Grant):

   • Evaluation: Like the Fine & Raw bar, this snack scored a one out of ten, with minimal to no residue.
   • Quote: "I'm gonna give it a one." – Brea ([26:43])

4. M&M’s ([27:16] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: M&M’s were deemed highly problematic, receiving an eight out of ten for their tendency to leave cocoa dye stains.
   • Quote: "I would give this a seven." – Mallory ([26:09])

5. Dark Peanut Chocolate Peanut Gems ([27:37] Brea Grant):

   • Evaluation: These gourmet treats were favorable, scoring a one out of ten for leaving no residue.
   • Quote: "It's a one. All right." – Brea ([27:35])

6. Gummy Bears ([27:40] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: Gummy bears performed exceptionally well, earning a near-zero score as they left virtually no residue.
   • Quote: "Not a single thing." – Mallory ([27:47])

7. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar ([27:48] Mallory O’Meara):

   • Evaluation: Despite minimal melting, this classic bar left negligible marks under cooler conditions, making it a viable option.
   • Quote: "There's a mark on the page." – Brea ([28:18])

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Best Savory Snacks: Corn Nuts and Chex Mix emerged as top choices for savory options due to their low residue levels.

• Worst Savory Snack: Flamin' Hot Cheetos were identified as the least suitable, leaving significant marks and stains.

• Best Sweet Snacks: High-quality chocolate bars like Fine & Raw and Alter Eco Quinoa Crunch, along with uncoated gummy bears, were found to be the most reading-friendly.

• Worst Sweet Snacks: M&M’s and Oreos were tops on the least favorable list, primarily due to their propensity to leave greasiness and dye residue.

Personal Anecdotes and Further Discussions

The hosts shared personal stories highlighting the practical implications of their findings. Mallory recounted conflicts arising from her food allergies related to certain snacks, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right options to protect beloved books. These narratives added a relatable and engaging layer to the episode, underscoring the real-world impact of snack selection on the reading experience.

Maximum Fun Drive and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Brea and Mallory promoted their ongoing Maximum Fun Drive, encouraging listeners to support the podcast. They highlighted various rewards and community benefits, including personalized book recommendations and exclusive Discord access. Listener feedback was also featured, showcasing the strong community bond and active participation among the show's audience.

Notable Quotes

• Mallory O’Meara ([15:14]): "A lot of residue on that book. You can't see it too much."

• Brea Grant ([16:17]): "Heavy grease."

• Mallory O’Meara ([17:58]): "This looks like a lipstick mark down the page."

• Brea Grant ([25:21]): "This is a one. This is a great Fine and Raw."

• Mallory O’Meara ([26:07]): "Pretty bad. I would give this a seven."

Conclusion

Episode 404 of Reading Glasses offers an entertaining yet informative exploration into the synergy between snacking and reading. By methodically testing and rating various snacks, Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara provide invaluable guidance for readers aiming to enjoy their books without the hassle of residue and stains. Coupled with engaging discussions and community interactions, this episode stands out as a must-listen for book enthusiasts seeking to enhance their reading rituals.