The Froze Bros

This week on The Froze Bros, Darren and Max review ¡Hola! Churros from J&J Snack Foods—the double twisted (double helix?) cinnamon sugar variety and the pink Trolls-branded bites. But before they can discuss the churros themselves, they need to tell you about three waterbeds, a German Shepherd, and a bankruptcy auction in Camden, New Jersey that changed the frozen food industry forever. Disney World, Costco, and a 1971 furniture shopping trip gone wrong also all have something surprising in common. How did a failing pretzel company become a billion-dollar empire? And when Darren emails customer service with what seems like a ridiculous question, will they actually respond? Also this week: The Bros debate the ethics of helium consumption, Milo (Max’s cat) makes a crash appearance during recording, and the guys discover how Justin Timberlake's entire career has come full circle through frozen churros. It's an episode about corporate origin stories, mechanically separated chicken (ffs! again?), and what Max was sucking in the backroom of a pool store. Plus: Shaggy at the Macy's Day Parade, a $40 frozen pie, and Little Bites that hide in the freezer so the Bros can give them the Froze Before Hos treatment.

The Froze Bros tackle a breakfast sandwich that pushes boundaries—blueberry pancakes instead of bread? Special correspondent Naomi shares her perfected heating method from years of Jimmy Dean fandom, while Darren accidentally experiments with cooking it in the plastic wrapper (results: surprisingly edible, questionably advisable). But first: a deep dive into the tangled corporate web connecting Jimmy Dean to Hillshire Farms, Sara Lee, Grupo Bimbo, and the Tyson empire. From buttermilk stands in Cleveland to carnival food vendors in New Jersey (real or fake?), the food industry's origin stories get the Froze Bros treatment. Plus: Hillshire Farms invades the freezer aisle, high-protein Pop-Tarts spark concern, British families save £1,100 on frozen veg, and Max tries to separate fact from fiction in "Froze Fakes"—a new game testing whether brand origin stories are real or total bullsh*t. Will mechanically separated chicken jokes ever get old? Can you freeze eggs? And most importantly: is a sandwich between two pancakes still a sandwich? Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s foods at https://www.jimmydean.com/products/sandwiches/blueberry-griddle-cake-sausage-egg-cheese

The Froze Bros debut a new format—Face-Off—where two brands of the same product go head-to-head in frozen food combat. First up: chicken pot pies from Marie Callender's and Banquet (both owned by food conglomerate Conagra because nothing says "fair competition" like corporate sibling rivalry). Join Darren and Max as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Connecticut coastline debate, discuss whether sauce becomes gravy at a certain volume, and attempt to call Conagra customer service after hours. Along the way, discover the fascinating history of pot pies—from ancient Greek artocreas to Victorian mystery meat. The Bros break down packaging (so much "made from scratch" talk), ease of cooking (Marie's high-maintenance foil requirements vs. Banquet's throw-it-in-the-oven simplicity), and taste (where's my peas, Banquet?). Max confesses his love for a soggy bottom, while Darren dumps his pot pie upside-down into a bowl like a barbarian. Plus: A brand new segment exploring Reddit's passionate frozen food opinions, where the Bros discover that people will absolutely fight you over Hungry Man dinners and chicken Alfredo. Jesse Pinkman had thoughts about frozen lasagna, and so does the internet. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about this episode’s foods at https://www.mariecallendersmeals.com/frozen-pot-pies/pot-pies/chicken-pot-pie-0 https://www.banquet.com/pot-pies/chicken-pot-pie 

The Bros get festive for Halloween with guest Shaun returning to review Tyson Spooky Nuggets—testing them in the oven, air fryer, and microwave to find the best method. This episode also tackles some important questions: Are bat, ghost, and pumpkin-shaped nuggets crispier than regular nuggets because of all those ridges? What is the most whimsical holiday? Is 6-7 over because the Bros are now using it? And can Shaun successfully open a bag of frozen nuggets without struggling for five minutes? (Spoiler: no.) Plus: Ouija boards, Max's haunted apartment, and Darren's college exorcism room. The Bros also discuss Smucker’s lawsuit against Trader Joe's over Uncrustables knockoffs, Mr. McDonald the chicken (yes, really), and whether Max’s cat Milo is shaking him down over some bad debt. In the "Let It Go or Keep It Bro" segment, the guys freeze candy bars that are already frozen—trying Snickers, Twix, Butterfinger, Milky Way, and 100 Grand ice cream bars. Some are a hit, one is deeply disappointing, and they all melt down faster than Max in a Trader Joe’s. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://www.tyson.com/products/spooky-chicken-nuggets

This week, the Bros travel to...well, somewhere. Spain? Mexico? Texas? Canada? All of the above? Join Darren (from the Alamo) and Max (from Barcelona’s Plaza de España) as they review José Olé Chicken & Cheese Mini Tacos and Beef & Cheese Taquitos. After talkin’ about what’s in their freezers and what they haven’t been eatin', the Bros debate the merits (and demerits) of vegan cheese while also insulting Stranger Things fans, Spaniards, and anyone who takes their frozen Mexican food too seriously. Entering la plaza for the main event, the Bros uncover the shocking truth about José Olé himself (spoiler: he's giving Trix Rabbit energy), trace the brand's wild ownership from Tyson to a 115-year-old Japanese company, and grapple with truly important questions: What exactly is mechanically separated chicken? Whose house are these tortillas baked in? And can you really enlarge a product photo to show flavor? In this week's segment, Darren takes on the TACO geography quiz: name as many countries as possible starting with T, A, C, or O in just five minutes. He misses quite a few, including our ninety-mile neighbor, which he’s actually seen (well, cruised by at least). But if we’re grading on a taco bell curve, his knowledge of world geography may be better than José Olé's understanding of flavor. So where in the world is José Olé? Amigos, write in if you find him. We’ve got a message to deliver. And half a box of tacos and taquitos. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://joseole.com/products/chicken-cheese-mini-tacos-16-2oz/ and https://joseole.com/products/beef-cheese-taquitos-in-flour-tortillas-22-5oz/

The Froze Bros dig into Korean cuisine this week with Bibigo Steamed Dumplings (or mandu as we learn they’re called in Korean). These microwave-ready dumplings clock in at just under two minutes of prep time and deliver a filling of pork, cabbage, onion, and tofu. Max's mini wontons and Darren's potstickers (both from Bibigo) also get the full review treatment. The Bros explore Bibigo's parent company, CheilJedang Corp, uncovering its curious history as Samsung's sugar producer, discovering that CJ owns some popular American brands, and learning that the company is also a major player in entertainment. (Wanna buy a podcast, CJ?) Along the way, the Bros debate the merits of chicken salad, discuss vegetarian-fed chickens, and report on frozen food recalls, including a massive 58-million-pound call on corn dog and sausage on a stick! The episode wraps with a Froze Before Hos segment testing how freezing cotton candy transforms this carnival classic. Whether you're here for world-class dumplings or world-class chaos, this episode delivers both—and possibly wood chips in your sausage. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://www.bibigousa.com/products/shop-steamed-soup-dumplings-pork-vegetable-6-6-oz

In this episode, the Froze Bros celebrate National Pizza Month the only way they know how—by transporting themselves to Italy via frozen pizza box. Join Darren and Max as they review Newman's Own Stone-Fired Crust Margherita Pizza, featuring authentic fior di latte mozzarella, real Italian basil, and Paul Newman's million-dollar smile. The Bros also take on some Slap Shot topics: Is smooth better than chunky? Is too much salt The Sting in frozen food? Has Darren learned anything on Duolingo? And could Max really Cool Hand Luke 50 hard-boiled eggs in an hour? In the final segment, Darren quizzes Max on the most popular frozen pizza brands. The Hustler thinks he can name them, but will he race to victory or crash and burn like a Cars sequel? The Color of Money might be green, but the color of this comedy is pure gold. The Verdict? This episode is like hanging out with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—if they traded bank robbery for frozen food reviews. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at  https://newmansown.com/product/margherita-stone-fired-crust

The Froze Bros review The Pizza Cupcake in a “bro-pisode” that includes just Mike, Darren, and a food they’ve been waiting months to try. As they rate the much-anticipated pizza cupcakes, the Bros explore everything from packaging to cooking methods and, of course, taste. The guys wish they were on the streets of Brooklyn in 2018 to try these treats straight from the oven, and they even pitch their own idea to Shark Tank — all while watching a World Series game from New York. The episode ends with the Bros’ first Ice Cold Draft of frozen food mascots and personalities…to build houses?  Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or just love a good laugh, this episode is sure to entertain. So grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy the latest adventure with the Froze Bros! Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://www.thepizzacupcake.com

The Froze Bros celebrate the one-year anniversary of the pod with Dolly Parton’s Decadent Chocolate Pie, thawing experiments, microwave misdemeanors, and a candid retrospective of past episodes. Freshly thawed co-host Mike rejoins Darren and Max to taste, rate, and debate nutrition, texture, and whimsy. Along the way, they dig into topics like enjoying a smooth sausage and storing tomato paste. Two goats. The episode ends with a triple segment: first, Froze Before Hos with Darren and Mike sampling both Reese’s OREO cups and alcohol-filled ice pops. Then, the Bros also play a new game, Frozen Fake or Fail, as they try to fool each other (after some lengthy pre-game confusion) with real and made-up frozen product failures. Celebrate one year and who-knows-how-many episodes (it’s always a coin toss whether we can do math) with the world’s number one comedy podcast about frozen food! Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at  https://www.bakingwithdolly.com/desserts/frozen-desserts/dolly-partons-decadent-chocolate-pie

The Froze Bros review Trader Joe’s Instant Boba Kit with friend Jodi in a new “Trader Froze” episode. The trio met at their local store (after a side trip to Dunkin' by Mike and Darren) and battled Saturday morning crowds. As they dive into a tall glass of boba, the Bros learn who has the better taste for the sweetness and texture of boba drinks.  This Election Day 2024 episode ends with a Find-the-Lie game in which Darren challenges Mike and Jodi to distinguish between real and made-up food-related laws from across the United States. Whether you're a boba enthusiast or just love a good food-themed podcast, don't miss out on these fun and frosty adventures with the Froze Bros! Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/instant-boba-kit-073998

The Froze Bros review P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Orange Chicken and pretend they’re right at one of the restaurant’s “big horse” locations—but will the frozen meal be the same? Darren and Max also report on some frozen food news and a recall on radioactive shrimp! Could they have eaten some themselves? Who’s going to turn into Radioactive Shrimp Man?! Their tangents also include clam chowder varieties and a photo-op with the One Direction phone booth in London. Who’s the real 1D fan here? In a final segment, the Bros introduce a new game, Ice Rank. Darren and Max each blindly rank five frozen food favorites (or are they favorites?) without knowing what’s coming next on the list. As usual, the Bros mix foolish banter, some memories and listener feedback, and a lot of behind-the-scenes laughs. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at  https://www.pfchangshomemenu.com/entrees/orange-chicken

The Froze Bros review Mrs. Smith’s Original Flaky Crust Pumpkin Pie with friend Max, and the team leads a master class in comical tangents that include meat pies, wet cheeseburgers, Drake vs. Kendrick, and Wile E. Coyote. As they turn to reviewing the pie (and the box…and the box…and the box), the Bros talk cooking directions, taste and texture, and why Max’s pie is so terribly wet. They also imagine how Amanda Smith’s award-winning pie experience might have gone. The episode ends with a Halloween-themed round of Frozen Feud in which Mike and Max guess the top selling Halloween candies, and this game might just break up Mike and Darren forever. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://www.mrssmiths.com/products/original-flaky-crust/original-flaky-crust-pumpkin.htm

The Froze Bros go tropical as Darren and Max taste test several Margaritaville frozen shrimp varieties—coconut, crispy buffalo, honey tequila lime, and shrimp scampi—comparing cooking methods, flavors, textures, and ratings while sharing cooking tips and packaging notes. Along the way they talk Philly water ice, frozen cocktails, a Guinness World Record for Cup Noodles, and much more. The unrelated tangents keep comin’ like a tropical storm! The Bros finish with a playful "vacation draft" personifying frozen foods like coconut shrimp, frozen lemonade, key lime pie on a stick, and pina coladas. Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://www.margaritavillefoods.com/products.html?category=82

The Froze Bros return after a break to talk travel tales from Spain, grocery and freezer finds, BJs (no, the shopping club), and their ongoing battle through Pumpkin Spice Ice Month. In the first “Froze Bros Supper Club,” they review Nicola’s Pasta Handcrafted Pumpkin Ravioli, which is their first frozen online purchase. Mike masterfully prepares the dish with a brown butter sage sauce, lemon herb chicken, and a salad. (Yes, they eat healthy sometimes!) The Bros also revisit Froze Before Hos with pumpkin spice Hostess sweets, and they hand down their verdict on whether to “let it go or keep it, bro.” They also muse over whether Hostess cupcakes were bigger when they were kids. There’s no grumpin’ about the food or company, but the Bros are clearly over Pumpkin Spice Ice Month. Join the dinner party and the fall festivities! Music by Substrates Sign up for The Froze Bros weekly newsletter at www.thefrozebros.com for more foolish “from the fridge” info on each episode. Follow The Froze Bros on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about this episode’s food at https://nicolasmarketplace.com/products/pumpkin-ravioli

The Froze Bros review Wegmans Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches with friend Sarah, the group coins the word “pumpkin pie-ey,” and the guys question everything the dairy industry produces. Additional highlights include Sarah sharing her experiences with frozen dumplings, a discussion of what may or may not be on the Dunkin’ pumpkin menu, and an unfortunate spoiler about Bambi. In the final segment, Mike quizzes Sarah and Darren about the highest-selling frozen vegetables. The contestants get a little “mixed-up” about something they've apparently never purchased or eaten before, and they both get peeved at Mike. Fortunately, Mike's original Frozen Feud lyrics and delightful singing voice keep everyone happy. Music by Substrates

“Welcome in” to this epic bropisode, in which Darren and Max dig into a culinary Frankenstein—the Cheez-It Pizza. But before they debate the best way to cut a square cracker-crust pie, Darren shares some frozen food finds from a recent trip to London and Paris. The Bros embarrass themselves through conversations about British fast food burgers, French sauces, and Romance languages themselves. Can they ever show their faces on the Continent (or in an American McDonald’s) again? Turning to Cheez-Its, the Bros both share some adolescent memories of the cheesy cracker snacks. Just about all they agree on is the whimsy of it all. In a Froze Bros first, guest Shaun joins just for a segment (or two). The guys explore the science behind slow-melting ice and whether it’s worth the expense. (They did eventually come up with a segment name—Naughty or Ice. And they’re mostly naughty.) They also give the let-it-go-or-keep-it-bro treatment to some Cadbury chocolates from London—but frozen, of course, in a Froze Before Hos segment.  Whether you're a frozen food aficionado or simply curious about the world's number one comedy podcast about frozen food, this episode delivers the D! Music by Substrates

The Froze Bros review Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles with friend and improv instructor Anne. Darren excitedly begins the episode (well, first with a blunder) with excitement over a new air fryer purchase. Mike also tries to guess the “top five” frozen foods; well maybe not guess, but attempt to recite them with some authority. We are the Froze Bros after all. As the Bros (and Anne) begin talking waffles, we learn that they (well, mostly Anne) have made breakfast for dinner, including bacon and eggs. They also try the waffles as a dessert topped with vanilla ice cream. As they discuss packing, taste, and nutrition, Anne pokes fun at Darren for not liking breakfast and being able to multiply by 3. For this episode at least, he’s the “mathy” one. The episode closes with anotherPop Quiz. Darren has made a frozen popsicle from a mystery item, and Mike and Anne have to guess the secret ingredient. If you're ready for a chill experience and some surprising food reviews, this episode is a must-listen! Music by Substrates

Ice Cream Month continues, but with a twist! Darren, Max, and returning guest Shaun dig into some Blue Bunny Soft, but they notice that it’s a “frozen dairy dessert!” Does this even count as ice cream?! The Bros also report on a series of bumps and mishaps, including Max’s recording challenges in Philadelphia and Shaun's troubling tummy. And Darren is just trying to talk about every pic on his phone. After rating chocolate and vanilla Blue Bunny Soft, Max leads a new game called Brain Freeze. Darren and Shaun scramble for answers to science questions about ice and all things frozen, all while they deal with mouthfuls of melting ice cubes. Whether it's battling brain freeze or chewing the fat about frozen food finds, the Froze Bros continue to deliver laughs and the occasional frozen fact. Music by Substrates

The Froze Bros review Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants with friend Jodi and welcome in Pumpkin Spice Ice Month. Before getting there though, they sidetrack to burritos, stuffed chicken, and the proper times to drink cappuccino and espresso. Darren and Mike also both manage to criticize their moms' cooking, and Darren reveals his personal nickname for Mike. Turning to the main event, the group discusses the packaging, taste, and texture of the pumpkin cheesecake croissants, and Darren finally gets preparation instructions (almost) right. But they can't quite figure out if this is breakfast or dessert. Stay tuned in for a new segment called Frozen Feud. Jodi and Mike test their knowledge of the most common pumpkin spice ingredients. Whether you're a pumpkin spice lover or just pumpkin spice curious, this episode and the four to follow promise laughs, mouthwatering descriptions, and maybe even a useful review! Music by Substrates

I scream, you scream, we all scream for the first Froze Bros episode dedicated to ice cream! Join Darren, the sole Froze Bro in this episode, as he welcomes returning guest Micala for a mouth-watering discussion all about ice cream. Darren and Micala meander through a conversation that also covers coffee orders, buying in bulk, pink pineapples, and the difference between milkshakes, frappes, and ice cream sodas. For fans of Boston history and infrastructure, they also talk about The Big Dig. Getting into the cream of the conversation, Darren and Micala turn to two flavors of Boston-favorite Brigham’s ice cream: Just Sprinkles and Mint Chocolate Chip. Micala shares her experience working in two ice cream shops and indulging in ice cream during pregnancy. They’ll also tell you the very important difference between sprinkles and jimmies. The episode concludes with two segments. First, Darren gives Micala a Pop Quiz to guess the flavors in a homemade popsicle. (You can get it, baby!) Then, Micala guesses the top five ice cream flavors in the U.S. in 2024. Scoop your own and join the party! Music by Substrates