Bonnie: Nestle’s new Cherry Raisinets is an upscale version of what was once just chocolate-covered raisins invented in 1927 in Philadelphia. Cherry Raisinets are only the second nonraisin version ever introduced (the other is a milk chocolate cranberry version). These are whole, dried Michigan Montmorency tart cherries drenched in dark chocolate and are so sophisticatedly yummy that adults may find themselves hiding them from the kids.

Like the other Raisinets, these contain about 200 calories and 8 grams of fat and provide a half serving of fruit in a scant quarter-cup portion. Both the dark chocolate and the cherries contain good-for-you antioxidants, but not enough to make them a health food. This is still candy, albeit of the very tasty, addictive variety.

Bryan: I wonder if this will be the dam-breaking moment, the moment where Nestle realizes that it can cover just about any dried fruit in chocolate and we’ll all go wild for it! I can still remember when Cranberry Raisinets came out last year. I remember thinking, “Why did it take so long to pick another fruit to coat in chocolate and feed me?” Raisinets has been a candy staple in America since 1927; that’s 80 years without introducing a second flavor, raisins and chocolate apparently being a formula they dared not stray from. But then came the cranberry.

Cranberry Raisinets was a revelation, and apparently the public has spoken, as Nestle is set to introduce its third flavor, Cherry Raisinets. Two new flavors in two years! Now we’re talking….

I honestly thought that Nestle had made a marketing mistake by not naming the Cranberry Raisinets “Craisinets.” I mean, I really didn’t think it’d ever introduce another flavor (not a terrible assumption considering its almost century-long track record of consistency). Apparently Nestle executives had decided against calling the new product Craisinets, perhaps out of concern that Ocean Spray owns the trademark for “Craisins” or because of the eventual possibility of other new Nestle varieties. Perhaps they thought things may get a bit confusing with more varieties. Good thing, as what would we called its latest flavor? Though I think my adaptation ‘Cheraisinets’ is quite clever, Cherry Raisinets is surely more straightforward.

What are they? Well, they’re premium, whole, dried cherries drenched in rich, dark chocolate. Amazingly, this candy treat actually provides ½ serving of real fruit in every ¼ cup serving, while having 30 percent less fat than the leading chocolates. They’re delicious; what else can I say? They’re mega Raisinets with a sweeter, tarter fruit flavor. If Raisinets are good for movies, Cherry Raisinets are great for Imax… this is a big, bold taste.

A SWEETstakes You Can’t Resist: Since April 1, Nestle has been giving away “road trip” prizes (GPS systems, iPods and more) to promote its Raisinets cross-country tour. Anyone entering the daily sweepstakes will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a chance to win the Raisinets Ultimate Road Trip for the winner and up to three friends. No purchase necessary to enter. Sweepstakes ends 6/30/10.  Just click here.

Eric: Disclaimer: Once you open the bag of Cherry Raisinets, you might not be able to close it before finishing. It’s possible that Nestle might have to start including this disclaimer on their bags as consumers realize that after one bite they’re hooked (at least I was).

I really hope Nestle continues with its trend of covering dried fruit with dark chocolate. I’m thinking, and hoping for, Aprinets and Pinepplets, but I won’t be holding my breath. If you’re a cherry fan, than look no farther – dark chocolate covered Montmorency (sour) cherries. Need I say more?