Ranking CVS Snacks

BY ISABELLA HILL '25

Google Classroom assignments are piling up, handwriting is starting to slant and become illegible, and lunch blocks are turning into last-minute library study sessions. Everybody is rushing around in the midst of a very busy year. My solution for the stress: CVS snacks! Not only is CVS conveniently placed down the street from AB, it has multiple aisles filled with candy and junk food you can share with friends, enjoy after a long school day, or eat during some well-deserved relaxation time.
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1. Hershey’s Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: my ultimate favorite! Not only do these pretzels have the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchiness, they’re great for sharing with friends as a snack at the end of the day. Although these contain tree nuts, and the chocolate can sometimes melt, the positives definitely outweigh any downsides. Plus, to give you a little personal anecdote, I met one of my closest friends through these pretzels when she offered to share them with me. I promise I’m not completely biased because of my fond memories with the snack; these pretzels genuinely fit any situation (taken into school, eaten throughout the day, etc.) and satisfy any mood.  
2. Chocolates: If you love chocolate, the Symphony Almond Toffee Chocolate and Cadbury Caramel Bars should be your new go-to snacks. The Symphony bar has a proportional mixture of crunch, chewiness, and chocolate. Although it isn’t allergy-friendly, it’s perfect for people who love eating chocolate with bits of caramel, salt, and nuts woven throughout. On the other hand, Cadbury chocolates are famous for their gooey melty caramel with every bite. While this can get messy, it’s so worth it. For all chocolate-lovers, consider getting one, or both, of these bars when you’re picking up a routine prescription, medication, or just dropping by CVS.  
3. Xtra Cheddar Flavor Blasted Goldfish: While this snack might bring you back to your preschool days, trust me—they’re good. Although eating goldfish isn't ideal for when you’re trying to be productive (the cheddar gets on your fingers like cheetos), they’re great for bringing to school, sharing with friends, and enjoying as an after-school snack. The Xtra Cheddar variety gives some extra character and flavor to regular old goldfish. And they are peanut free, offering the right amount of salt, cheese, and crunch.  
4. Boom Chicka Pop Sweet & Salty Popcorn: I’ve been told this popcorn takes some getting used to; at first, the consistency (caramelized popcorn) might be unexpected and too sweet, but after eating a few kernels, it’s almost impossible to stop eating. You’re guaranteed to go through the entire bag in a day, and if you’re sharing with friends, it’ll be gone before you know it! Popcorn is great for movie-watching, TV-binge watching, and snacking while studying or talking with friends.  
5. Sour candy: CVS has a great selection of sour candy for people who hate chocolate and sugary-tasting snacks. My personal favorites: Trolli, Sweet Tarts, and Haribo Sour Goldbears. These snacks can boost your energy level (sour things seem to wake you up) while also being less messy than other snacks (they don’t melt) and having allergy-friendly ingredients. The particular sour candies I mentioned above are the most sour but not overpowering/eye-watering candies in the store.  
6. Gum: While gum isn’t a snack, CVS has a whole countertop lined with various gum brands—from Extra to Trident—and extensive flavors. A stick of Extra gum typically lasts longer than Trident, but the Trident sticks usually have more flavor. Either way, gum (especially mint or wintergreen flavors) can help you stay awake and focused during class and study sessions. Ever notice how you take out a pack of gum from your backpack and suddenly everyone wants a piece? Although this can potentially become annoying (not being able to chew your gum in peace without someone asking for a stick), gum is a way to connect with people while simultaneously staying alert throughout the day.

If you are looking to cure (or regulate) stress this year, try going to CVS! Not only is it close to AB and affordable, they carry extensive snacks (plus school supplies and medicine…you name it, and they probably have it!). You can visit after school, during lunch or a free block: alone or with friends.  These snacks are so easily accessible and are a great way to cheer yourself up! Don’t be afraid to indulge every once in a while and experience all that CVS has to offer. Hopefully you’ll try some of my recommendations, get discounts through using a CVS card, and feel like the year is more manageable!

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