As a kid, I loved fish sticks and couldn't get enough of them. So the Fish McBites caught my eye the first time I saw an advertisement for them. These crispy fried balls of fish seemed to be just like fish sticks, but in a bite-size tater-tot form. I couldn't say no to them.

I'm not a big fast-food eater, so the option of a slightly healthier menu item definitely intrigued me. For a little snack, I decided to give these fish poppers a try, and was quite surprised with the new item at McDonald's.

Props to McDonald's for making something that tastes good and doesn't reek of fish. My roommates (who objected to trying them) did appreciate the fact that the Fish McBites did not have an extremely strong fish odor.

Fish McBites are made from wild caught Alaskan pollack and are coated in a crispy, crunchy batter. McDonald's claims that all the fish used in its products comes from a sustainable fishery in the Bering Sea. Once you try the Fish McBites, you will notice that the fish is flaky and tender and doesn't taste artificial -- that's what separates them from other seafood products at fast-food restaurants.

You can order Fish McBites in four sizes, Happy Meal (seven pieces), snack (ten pieces), regular (15 pieces) and shareable (30 pieces). Each box has flaps for you to place the tartar sauce, making it easy to dip each bite.

I don't think it's a coincidence that McDonald's released its new fish item just in time for Lent. Rather than chicken nuggets or a burger, the Fish McBites offer the seafood option that you need to stick to your meatless meals.

If these new poppers become a hit, McDonald's should look into creating spicier versions with the crispy batter around the fish, or offer different dipping sauces for a little more variety on the menu.

I highly recommend the new Fish McBites. They're perfectly crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Pair them with the tartar sauce, or just eat them plain -- the seasoning in the batter makes them tasty enough to eat without dipping sauce.