The Buddy Adventure update for Pokémon GO improved the buddy system. Your buddy can now appear on the map with you, level up, go exploring with you, and even help you in Pokémon battles. The update also introduced a new item called Poffins.
The in-game item description is "Give this special treat to your friend, and they'll be happy to join you on the map for an extended period of time." Normally you would give your friend a Berry to join you on the map, but if you want you can feed them a Poffin instead. Poffins will act the same as three berries. Poffins also cost 100 Gold, while Berries can be found by spinning Poké Stops or gifts sent between friends.
The Poffin will have other effects on your Pokémon, however. As you can see in the image above, not only will the Poffin bring your 'give your pal a treat' hearts, but it will also double the hearts you can potentially win. Typically, you can only earn ten hearts per day. Hearts measure your boyfriend's affection for you, and the more you earn, the faster your boyfriend will grow. After giving Machoper a Poffin, you can see that the hearts you can earn will double, allowing you to level the buddy faster than usual.
If you are planning on using a Poffin, it is a good idea to use it on a day when you can play a lot of Pokémon GO and fully enjoy it by earning all twenty hearts in one day.
If you need help with other aspects of the new Buddy Adventure system, we've got guides on how to level up your buddy, how to feed them, how to take a snapshot, and how to play with them.
