Prepare to delve into the realm of the most appalling snacks of 2023 as Russ Eats unveils his Stinker Awards, a list that will be etched in your memory for years to come. If you’re a connoisseur of all things culinary, you’ve likely heard of Russ Eats, the TikTok sensation from Down Under renowned for his candid and side-splitting food critiques. His latest venture, The Junk Food Graveyard, has captivated audiences with its exploration of bygone classic snacks. And now, he graces us with his annual Stinker Awards, ranking the most repulsive treats to hit the market in the past year.

Taking the eighth spot is the reviled Monster Canned Coffee drinks, closely followed by Hungry Jack’s Boneless Fried Chicken Pieces, the ill-fated new V drink, Vegemite Brownie, and Prime Energy Drinks. The top three culprits include Fanta’s enigmatic soda flavour, the accursed potato scallops from Macca’s, and, brace yourselves… the Coles’ Special Burger Sauce Hot Cross Buns. Yes, you read that correctly. These dubious creations have left Aussies thoroughly repulsed.

Russ doesn’t mince his words in expressing his dismay, likening the Fanta flavour to something fit for scrubbing your lavatory and admitting that the notion of burger sauce-infused Hot Cross Buns is stomach-churning. Unsurprisingly, his rankings have garnered widespread concurrence, as numerous individuals have flocked to his posts to share their own horrific encounters with these dreadful snacks.

While a few enthusiasts may have found enjoyment in the taste of these offerings, the general consensus suggests that 2023 was a harrowing year for new snack launches. Nonetheless, amid our penchant for lamenting repulsive food, there’s an oddly gratifying allure to hearing Russ Eats’ forthright appraisals.

What does this forebode for the future of Aussie snacks? Only time will tell. Perhaps 2024 will herald the return of KFC’s Krushers, with the resurgent choc mint and Gaytime flavours. For now, we’re left to ponder what ghastly concoctions the food industry has in store for us.

In the interim, let’s remain hopeful that we won’t be subjected to any more abominations akin to those showcased in Russ’ Stinker Awards. And should you be enticed to sample any of these repugnant snacks, exercise caution – you never know what horrors you might uncover.