Chewing Gum that Washes Off with Soap

Revolymer Ltd., a Wales-based company, claims to have developed a new chemical base for chewing gum that allows it to removed from pavements and surfaces with soap and water.

According to Professor Terence Cosgrove, the company's chief scientific officer...

"We have managed to change the surface characteristics of the gum base which will allow a stream of water or a mild soap solution to break the adhesion between chewing gum residues and surfaces such as paving stones, furniture, hair, etc.,"

The company now wants to create its own chewing gum and put it to the real test. If this takes off, we may end up with a new problem of chewing gum gobbing up our sewer systems.

Click here to read the full article.

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Reese's Elvis Cups Not Yet in the Market

Last month I reported that the new Reese's Elvis Cups are available in stores now. But we stand corrected, after having read an article in Advertising Age today:

http://adage.com/article?article_id=113437

The new limited edition cups will be selling next summer, to mark the 30th Anniversary of the King's death.

We rely on a variety of sources for our information. In this case, we received information from a marketing intelligence firm, that told us these had been introduced into the USA. I called them about this. They said they saw this product at the last NACS show (National Association of Convenience Stores). They didn't originally explain this in their report, they only said that they've been introduced into the USA.

So, it looks like my bad for not pressing for clarification. But it's definitely a real product!

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Rudolph's Cinnamon Churros

New from Rudolph Foods Co. of Lima, OH are these Cinnamon Churros.

Churros are absolutely "dee-lish" when served up hot from the fryer (just like doughnuts). But I'm not sure if this bagged variety can mimic the same goodness. I imagine they'll have a pretty good snackability factor, though part of what makes a churro so good is not just taste, but the "crunchy-outer-soft-warm-inner" that you can't get from a bag.

These are billed as trans-fat free.

Rudolph Foods is known for making pork rinds, and this may be their first snack food that doesn't contain pig skin.

Visit Rudolph Foods online at: http://www.rudolphfoods.com/

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Dora the Explorer Ice Cream

New from Breyers Ice Cream is their Dora the Explorer variety.

It's a combination of strawberry sherbet swirled with low-fat banana ice cream, with Dora the Explorer graphics. The package claims that it's an excellent source of vitamin C.

A 1.75 quart carton retails for $5.29.

Visit Breyers online at: http://www.icecreamusa.com

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iDeserv Energy Pretzels

iDeserv Energy Pretzels are a new product from Benzel's Bakery, Inc. of Altoona, PA.

From what I can tell, they don't really contain any of the energy-boosting ingredients you might expect to find in energy drinks. They are, however, fortified with niacin, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid.

In addition, the package text claims that they contain, "More protein and fiber than regular pretzels!".

They might make great companions with the recently launched "Vitamin Beer".

Visit Benzel's Bakery at: http://www.benzels.com/

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Cookies that Smile In Your Favorite Colors

Now you can customize your own batch of Smiley Cookies online.

Eat'n Park announced today it's world-famous signature treat can created in any combination of 9 background colors and 9 face colors, to come up with 81 different color combinations.

The cookies can then be bought online and shipped to you, at a price of $6.99 per dozen, plus shipping.

You can do red & green for Christmas, or your team's colors for football parties, etc.

Eat'n Park is a chain of family restaurants with 77 locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Their Smiley Cookies is a signature treat they offer to their guests. Last year, they began selling Smiley Cookies online so that folks all over the USA can enjoy them.

Buy Smiley Cookies online: http://www.eatnpark.com/

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Yogurt Covered Pig Snouts!

Are these really yogurt covered pig snouts?

No, they're just yogurt covered pretzels.

But doesn't the color and shape remind you of pig snouts?

These are new from Oskri Organics of Ixonia, WI. They're covered in raspberry yogurt and sell for $8.99 per pound. Click here to order them online.

I remember seeing a television commercial for something I don't remember what, that had this rough, mean looking cowboy in a old western saloon, reaching into jar of pickled pig snouts, putting it into this mouth, chewing, and swallowing. And when he chewed it, he made this really sour looking face. I'll never forget that commercial.

I feel like buying these pretzels just so that I can tell the neighbors kids that they're pig snouts, and make the same sour face.

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Lam's Cassava Yuca Chips

New from Lam Snack Foods Inc. are these Cassava Yuca Chips.

The cassava is a plant whose root is generally used for food purposes. Yuca is the spanish word for the same plant.

I've never had cassava chips before, though I would certainly like to write a review of this product, if Lam Snack Foods wouldn't mind sending me a free sample (hint hint).

They come in two varietes, the Regular (pictured), and Garlic & Onion. (I'll try regular please!)

They come in 2.3 oz. bags priced at 99 cents.

Visit Lam Snack Foods at: http://lamsnacks.com

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Andes Mints - Sugar Free

A sugar-free variety of Andes Mints is on its way from Tootsie Roll Industries, according to our industry sources.

Sugar Free Creme De Menthe Thins will allow consumers to enjoy Andes famed chocolate mint freshness without the added the guilt (or something like that).

I don't have any information on what kind of artificial sweetener is being used. But hopefully the Giovanni's restaurant here in Menifee will stock these so that I can munch several of them down after filling myself up on linguini w/clams.

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Rice Works - Brown Rice Crisps

Snack Alliance, Inc. is now offering these Brown Rice Crisps to the USA under the Rice Works brand.

Produced in Canada, they're a riced version of tortilla chips, with a wide assortment of flavors, including, Salsa Verde, Arroz Mexicana, Thai Curry, Sweet Chili, Sea Salt, Sesame & Soy, and Wasabi.

They're touted at being uber-healthy and allergen-friendly, being wheat-free, gluten-free, with 1/3 the fat of potato chips, no trans fat, along with a bunch of other stuff that it doesn't have.

No explanation on where you can buy these, but I imagine places like Whole Foods Markets, would appear likely.

Visit online: http://www.riceworkssnacks.com

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Planters Cinnamon Roasted Peanuts

In celebration of its 100th Anniversary, the Planters brand of peanuts is offering "Cinnamon Roasted Peanuts".

Available as a limited edition run, they come in a 6.5oz can selling for $1.50 each.

Planters also has other varieties slated for 100th Anniversary limited edition runs, "Honey Roasted Peanuts", "Cajun Peanuts", and "Honey Mustard Peanuts".

Visit Planters online: http://www.planters.com

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Watts Farm Chocolate Bars

Branded as "Watts Farms Chocolatiers", these chocolate bars are made by Pauls Valley, OK-based Bedre Fine Chocolate.


They come in eight varieties, "Milk Chocolate with Toffee Crunch", "Milk Chocolate with Almond", "Milk Chocolate with Crisp Rice", "Caramel Filled Milk Chocolate", "White Fudge", "Peanut Butter Filled Milk Chocolate", "Milk Chocolate", and "Dark Chocolate".

These are being distributed to 7-Eleven Stores, as well as non-profit organizations for fundraising efforts.

They're also available at Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Stores, but under the "Bedre Chocolates" brand name.

A 2 oz. bar retails for $1.00 each.

Visit Bedre Chocolates at: http://www.bedrechocolates.com/

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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino

Peppermint Mocha is a seasonal offering from Starbucks and is available in a variety of the company's beverages.

I tried it as a Frappuccino just a couple of hours ago.

It tastes pretty much like their standard Mocha Frappuccino but with just a hint of peppermint taste. The mint taste is slight enough that the mocha flavoring is still dominant, and doesn't leave your mouth with a minty coolness.

I find it quite good, but not something I'd want to have all the time. It's perhaps perfect as a limited time offering for the holidays, otherwise I'd rather have the Caramel Frappuccino instead.

The Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino is supposed to be topped with "Ruby Red Sprinkles" but they forgot to put it on mine.

Starbucks says the largest size comes with 15g of fat, 9g of saturated fat, and 93g of carbohydrates, and that's with the whipped cream topping. I suppose the barista did me a favor by leaving the sprinkles off.

Get one now before the holidays are over.

More Starbucks we wrote about...

• Starbucks Cream Liqueur - Oct 19, 2005


• Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino - Dec 30, 2005


• Starbucks Leprechaun Latte - Feb 15, 2006


• Starbucks Mud Pie Ice Cream Bars - May 26, 2006

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Holiday Cookie Wreath

Why hang the same old Christmas wreath on your front door when you can celebrate your cookie-habit with a "Holiday Cookie Wreath"?



Available from The Baker's Lady, the new cookie wreath is a soft and chewy variation of a popular Christmas tradition. It measures 14 inches in circumference and is decorated with cookie packs in the company's signature flavors, including white chocolate gingerbread, triple chocolate toffee, classic chocolate chip, and limited edition peppermint bark cookies. It contains a dozen full-sized cookies and 20 small cookies.

If you want one, it'll run you $98.99.

But hey, it's Christmas!

Visit The Baker's Lady online at: http://www.bakerslady.com

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Taco Bell Offers Lifetime Tacos for Playstation 3

Taco Bell announced today that it will give someone free tacos for life if they agree to trade in their Sony Playstation 3.

The fast food chain will donate the game machine to the Stanton Teen Center of the Boys & Girls Club.

The lifetime of Taco Bell food is actually the equivalent of $12,500 in Taco Bell Bucks. It's not actually a lifetime of food, though, if you ate that much Taco Bell food, you just might die before you consume it all.

To participate in this, a Playstation 3 owner must contact Taco Bell via e-mail at: tacobellnews@tacobell.com

The first person to respond, based on the time the email is received, and then sends their PlayStation 3, will be awarded the Taco Bell Bucks. Offer expires December 1, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. PST.

Read the press release.

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Turkey Stuffing Made From Burgers

White Castle, the famed hamburger chain, is offering their Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing recipe that's made from their own hamburgers.

The recipe is actually a tradition that started 15 years ago, and one that probably all die-hard junk foodies ought to try sometime.

Recipe for White Castle Turkey Stuffing

10 White Castle hamburgers, no pickles
1 1/2 tsp. ground sage
1 1/2 cups celery, diced
3/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
1 1/4 tsp. ground thyme
1/4 cup chicken broth

In a large mixing bowl, tear the burgers into pieces and add diced celery and seasonings. Toss and add chicken broth. Stuff cavity of turkey just before roasting. It makes about 9 cups (enough for a 10 to 12 pound turkey). Note: Allow one (1) hamburger for each pound of turkey, which is the equivalent of 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound.

I imagine you could use burgers from just about any fast food joint, but White Castle burgers are in fact unique.

Don't have a White Castle near you? They also sell their burgers frozen at grocery stores across the country. Visit their store locator here:
http://www.whitecastle.com/_pages/Locate.asp

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Jack in the Box Pumpkin Shake

Last Wednesday I mentioned the Holiday Shakes being back at Jack in the Box. Among this is the Pumpkin Shake.

It was around 9:30pm last night that I got the munchies for some Jack in the Box, and while in the drive-thru, decided I had to try the Pumpkin Shake.

Jack in the Box shakes are always pretty thick, so thick you can't really suck it up with a straw. Well, at least they're this way at the Jack in the Box I go to.

They definitely have a great pumpkin-pie like taste. The texture is very smooth and very creamy, and if you drink (or eat) it right away, it's quite cold.

I didn't find this to be extra sweet at all. It's almost like typical ice cream, but as an old-school milk shake.

I can't help comparing this to a Pumpkin Shake I had at Ruby's Diner a couple of weeks ago. The one at Ruby's also had a definite pumpkin taste, but I'd have to say Jack in the Box's is more smooth.

Pumpkin seems to make great flavored shakes. It's too bad you can't get them all year 'round. Now that they're here, I recommend getting one!

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Golly Guarana

Here's a new energy drink with a cute name, "Golly Guarana".

Not sure who makes it, or where, but it's being exported to the USA by EuroAmerica Import & Export.

It's described as a "Natural Energy Soft Drink" made with the natural extract of guarana imported from Brazil. Regular and Diet versions are available. They're also bottling them in 2 liter plastic bottles.

Visit Golly Guarana's website: http://www.euroamericaimports.com/golly.htm

Anyone tried this yet?

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Tim's Potato Chips - Wasabi

Being of Japanese descent, I had to try these wasabi-flavored potato chips from Tim's Cascade Snacks of Algona, WA.

These are kettle-style potato chips that offer the thicker cut with extra-crispy goodness that you expect from a gourmet chip.

You can definitely taste the wasabi flavor, but it's not overpowering, rather mild. With a wasabi-flavored chip you might expect "green chips", but they have the typical light tan color familiar to potato chips.

The ingredients list says that it contains "wasabi powder", but goes on to say that it's actually horseradish. Wasabi served in just about all Japanese restaurants is horseradish, and not true wasabi. I've yet to find a restaurant or food product with "real" wasabi.

So, while it might have been interesting to find a chip flavored with real wasabi, I suppose I'll have to settle with horseradish instead.

Otherwise, these chips are very snackable. They have an "average" potato taste, and offer a mild saltiness. They have zero trans fat. Now that I've opened the bag, I'm finding it difficult to stay away. I could blog with this food totally.

I bought this at my local Albertson's grocery store, which comes in a 9oz bag.

Visit Tim's Cascade Snacks online at: http://www.birdseyefoods.com/tims/

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Space Food Sticks

Space Food Sticks are a marketed as an energy snack, and have been on the market for a while, but were recently relaunched.

Originally created by NASA in the 1960's, they were brought to the consumer market by Pilsbury. Since then, the product was taken over by RetroFuture Products, LLC.



Space Food Sticks are no longer sticks. They're now bite-sized pieces. Each package contains 10 pieces, and come in two flavors, "Chocolate" and, "Peanut Butter". Each piece offers 21 calories of carbs, proteins, and fat.

The company actually sent me samples for review, but I have a problem with eating stuff that strangers send me in the mail. On the other hand, Cybele May at CandyBlog is braver than I and produced a detailed review. Check it out.

You can buy Space Food Sticks online from the company's website for a price of $29.95 for a case: http://www.spacefoodsticks.com

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Woman Successfully Sues After Drinking 5,000 Liters of Coke

Annanova reports that a Russian woman sued Coca-Cola for physical damages after drinking 5,000 liters of Coke.

Natalya Kashuba, 27, the owner of an up-market clothes shop, drank up to three litres of the soft drink every day for five years.

She took legal action against the soft drinks giant after claiming that she had suffered insomnia and heartburn, reports the Telegraph.

She blames Coca-Cola for the addiction because the company ran a promotion that allowed consumers to swap Coca Cola caps for prizes.

Two Russian courts agreed with her, and is forcing Coca-Cola to pay awards. She's now seeking further awards for "moral damages".

Sounds to me that Russians have fully grasped the concepts of capitalism.

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Grape Flavored Apples

Grapples are apples that have been soaked in grape juice extract.

While not exactly junk food, I thought I'd mention these for the novelty value.

Pronounced, "Grape-L", they're a patented process owned by Grapple Fruits, LLC of Wenatchee, WA.



They specifically use Washington Extra Fancy Fuji Apples, because they absorb the grape flavor best. They simply soak the apples in concentrated grape flavor and pure water. All ingredients are USDA and FDA approved and the process has been licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

The apple takes on no additional sugars or calories, and are not genetically altered in any way.

It's largely designed as a way to get kids to eat more apples, because apples just don't taste good enough I suppose. Grapples have been around for a couple of years now, but are only now making their way into grocery stores across the country.

Visit Grapple online at: http://www.grapplefruits.com

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York Peppermint Patty - Vanilla Mint

York Peppermint Patties are now selling in a limited edition Vanilla Mint flavor, at a retail price of $3.90 for a six-pack.



Other York Peppermint Patty products we wrote about...

• York Mints in a Tin - Nov 3, 2006

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Newman's Own Organic Mints

Organic Mints are new to the Newman's Own Organics line from the Aptos, CA-based food manufacturer.

Made with organic sweeteners, varieties include "Wintergreen", "Hot Cinnamon", "Peppermint", and "Ginger" with graphics of a polar bear, a tiger, a ram and a dragon, respectively.

According to product literature, the flavors are made from organic sugar, organic corn syrup, gum arabic, natural flavors, and rice bran extract. Three pieces contain ten calories with 2g of sugar with no total fat, sodium or protein. Each tin is stamped with the USDA organic seal.

They're now available in the USA for a suggested retail price of $2.39, though not yet represented on the company's website as of this writing.

Visit the company's website at: http://www.newmansownorganics.com

Other products from Newman's Own Organics we wrote about...

• Newman's Own Caramel Cups - May 31, 2006

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Empowered Mints

Hint Mint Inc. is now selling a new breath mint product called "Empowered Mints".

They're billing it as the "the first full line of breath mints that naturally harnesses the power of legendary herbal extracts".

Varieties include, "Mint Echinacea" (target your health), "Green Tea Ginkgo" (target your mind), "Lemon Ginger Ginseng" (target your energy), and "Cinnamon Astragalus" (target your endurance).

What they need now is a fifth variety for "Aphrodesiac" (target your ....)

The "100 percent all natural, vegan and kosher" mints are said to contain no artificial flavors or coloring and have less than 0.4 carbs per mint. They come with a suggested retail price of $1.99 each.

The website I was given for Empowered Mints doesn't appear to be working at this time... http://www.empoweredmints.com/

But you can visit Hint Mints corporate site at: http://www.hintmint.com/

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Taco Bell Goes Trans Fat Free

Taco Bell announced today that it's switching more than 4,200 of its restaurants to a trans fat free canola oil...

Development efforts began more than two years ago with extensive consumer taste tests to preserve Taco Bell's signature flavors, and the transition to zero grams trans fat canola oil is already complete in more than 100 restaurants. All Taco Bell restaurants are expected to be transitioned to zero grams trans fat frying oil by April 2007, nationwide.

Many of Taco Bell's menu items are already trans fat free, but by April 2007, everything on the menu will be as well.

Last month we reported that Kentucky Fried Chicken announced a similar move. Both Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken are owned by the same parent company, Yum Brands Inc. Yum Brands also owns the Pizza Hut, A&W, and Long John Silver's chains.

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Europe Signs Charter to Fight Junk Food Advertisements

Health ministers and other senior officials from 48 European countries have signed a charter to combat obesity in Europe, according to French-based AFP.

The measure largely rests on pointing the blame on food manufacturers, banning them from producing advertisements that market to children...

"I am certain we will propose incentives to avoid advertising that encourages children to consume products that can lead to obesity," Danzon said. "Industrialists fear there will be (additional) taxes on products such as sugar-rich drinks, but we're not there yet," he said. ..."

"Yet" is the key word.

What makes this a serious issue for Europe is the fact that European citizens rely on taxpayer supported healthcare systems. The government taxes its citizens to pay for doctors and hospitals. When you throw in additional factors like double-digit unemployment in many EU nations, and an economy that's in the dumps, it's a big issue.

This is a reason why socialized medicine (a.k.a Hillary Care) doesn't work. It creates a "nanny state" that forces its people to live by specific measures all in the interest of saving money.

But here's another question, exactly WHAT are the foods that lead to obesity? If a kid eats 12oz of prime rib and baked potato on a daily basis and gets fat from it, then should meat and potatoes be considered "foods that leads to obesity"? Eating and drinking too many fruits daily will make you fat also, because of the high volume of carbs.

Candies and burgers don't make you fat, it's over-eating and the lack of responsibility.

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Beer Flavored Sunflower Seeds

A relatively new company called Zotes Products, LLC is offering a line of sunflower seeds that includes flavors never before seen.

Their "Beer Baked Sunflower Seeds" is said to "taste painfully identical to your favorite bottle of (insert Beer here)".

They also have the following familar and not-so familiar flavors...

• Dill Pickle


• Hot Wings


• Roasted & Salted


• Spicy Nacho


• Bleu Cheese


• Garlic Roast


• Jalapeno


• Salt & Pepper


• Tequila Lime

The company also offers these seeds in a convenient, 5oz sized, "Mobile Dispensing Unit" described as the better alternative to torn bags and seeds underneath the sofa cushions.

You can order them online in six packs for $11.34 each.

Visit Zotes at: http://www.zotes.com

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Rehab Recovery Supplement Energy Drink

Here's a new energy drink that markets itself as a "rehab recovery supplement".

Named, "Rehab Recovery Supplement" it has a label design to look like something medicinal, or perhaps something a physician might prescribe to you. Instead of showing bold bright colors that attract skateboarders and dirt bikers, this displays a more modest and drab design making it appear more "serious".

The can states that it contains "251 mg of electrolytes to hydrate the body and a great Cherry Tangerine taste - a proprietary combination of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature: CoQ10, green tea, catechins - 157 mg of ginseng & caffeine - 135 percent RDA of vitamin B complex and vitamin C."

Interesting that they use Cherry and Tangerine as a flavor because a lot of medicinal products use the same flavor (cough syrups, baby aspirin, throat lozenges).

Available in the USA, it is manufactured for Rehab Beverage, LLC of Englewood Cliffs, NJ. It has a suggested retail price of $1.99.

Note: This information comes from one of our shopping sources, but I can't seem to find this company or product on the Internet.

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Flavored Toothpicks

Funtime Products offers these flavored toothpicks. They come in cinnamon and peppermint varieties.

It was a year ago that I mentioned another brand of flavored toothpicks from Recycline, Inc. In that article I said that I hadn't seen flavored toothpicks in a long time. It seemed like back in the 1960's and 1970's you could go into a restaurant and half the time find flavored toothpicks by the cash register. But not anymore.

Interestingly, these toothpicks from Funtime Products are marketed as a way to freshen your breath. I suppose that's a new twist on toothpicks.

Visit Funtime Products at: http://www.funtime-products.net

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Holiday Shakes Are Back at Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box announced today that it's holiday shakes are back on the menu.

The Pumpkin Pie Shake and the Egg Nog Shake are now on the menu for a price of $2.49 per 16oz, or $2.99 per 24oz.

Better yet, if you buy one they'll give you a free Christmas Antenna Ball. Well, they actually call it a "Holiday" Antenna Ball, but I prefer Christmas instead.

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Carl's Jr. Philly Cheesesteak Burger

Carl's Jr. announced today its newest burger, Philly Cheesesteak Burger.

It offers a one-two punch of thinly sliced steak and a juicy, charbroiled burger patty, finished off with peppers, onions, Swiss and American cheeses, and mayonnaise on a seeded bun.



The fast food chain is offering three different varieties, the "single", the "middle-weight" with two beef patties, and the heavy-weight Six Dollar Burger, with a 1/2 pound meat pattie.

The new Philly Cheesesteak Burger comes just a month after Wienerschnitzel announced its own "Philly Burger" which is effectively the same thing.

Visit Carl's Jr. online at: http://www.carlsjr.com

More Carl's Jr. food we wrote about previously...

• Mint Chip Ice Cream at Carl's Jr. and Hardees - Nov 6, 2006


• Carl's Jr. Launches New Steak and Egg Burrito - Feb 10, 2006


• Carl's Jr. Announces New Jalapeno Burger - Jan 11, 2006


• Carl's Jr. Launches New Portobello Mushroom Burger - Sep 28, 2005

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Hexagonal Tortilla Chips

A company called "Food Should Taste Good, LLC" based out of Hartford, CT is marketing a new line of tortilla chips by the same brand name.

The product line was created out of the old familiar credo of making healthy alternatives to snack foods but still tasting good.

There are two varieties...

• Multigrain - made with white corn, flax, sunflower and sesame seeds, oat fiber, brown rice and soy



• Jalapeno - made with white corn, beets, jalapeno peppers, and red peppers.

The tortilla chips are made with all natural ingredients and are free of trans fat, cholesterol, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. They are packaged in a 7 oz. bag priced at $2.49 each.

They're available all over the Eastern Seaboard.

Visit Food Should Taste Good at: http://www.foodshouldtastegood.com

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Scooby-Doo Mini Vanilla Wafers

Hitting store shelves right now are these Scooby-Doo Mini Vanilla Wafers in "groovy colors".

The multi-colored wafers are labeled as "limited edition" and presented in a 12 oz. box retailing for $2.99 each.

Interestingly, with purple and orange vanilla wafers, they had to put the words, "Same great taste!", to reassure hungry little munchkins.

Visit Keebler online at: http://www.kelloggs.com/keebler/

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Blue Bunny Coffee Cake Ice Cream

Wells Dairy Inc. of Le Mars, IA has a new flavor of ice cream out, "Coffee Cake".

It's a limited edition variety described as a vanilla frosting flavored ice cream with roasted pecans, buttery coffee cake pieces and cinnamon streusel swirl. It's a not a light variety, so you're getting the full impact of honest-to-goodness ice cream.

Coffee Cake comes in the company's new packaging referred to as their "Fresh Lock Container". The 1.75 quart oval-shaped cardboard carton features a plastic lid with a pull off safety seal. After the container has been opened, the lid snaps tight to lock in freshness.

Wells Dairy claims that Le Mars, IA, where they make all their ice cream, is the ice cream capital of the world, saying that more ice cream is made in that town than in any other place in the world.

The retail price for Coffee Cake $3.14.

Visit their store locator online: http://www.bluebunny.com/StoreLocator.aspx

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Lake Champlain Chocolates - New Organic Varieties

Lake Champlain Chocolates, a Vermont-based gourmet chocolate maker, has introduced four varieties of QAI-certified organic 1.25-oz chocolate bars and 0.28-oz squares.

• Dark Spicy Aztec - 55% cocoa content with organic cayenne pepper, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon



• Milk Sea Salt & Almonds - 38% cocoa content with grey sea salt and roasted organic almonds



• Dark Chocolate - 55% cocoa content



• Milk Chocolate - 34% cocoa content

The chocolate squares are available as a 6.7-oz gift box of 24 squares and in bulk. The new organic chocolate line uses recycled paper, including packaging from a supplier that utilizes 100% renewable energy.

Lake Champlain Chocolates are preservative-free and kosher-certified. They're made in small batches from the finest quality chocolate and select natural ingredients including local Vermont cream, sweet butter, maple syrup, and honey.

Visit Lake Champlain Chocolates online at: http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com

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Girl Scout Cookies Goes Trans Fat Free

The Girl Scouts of the USA announced today that their complete line of cookies are now, "zero trans fat per serving".

What this actually means is that each serving of cookies contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat which meets the FDA requirements for the "trans fat free" designation.

Some of the Girl Scout Cookies actually were trans fat free going back to last year, but finally now all varieties are politically correct.

Read the press release.

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Candy Cane Bagels

In time for Christmas and Hanukkah comes these Candy Cane Bagels from Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Available right now at all Einstein Bros. Bagels and Noah's Bagel shops, Candy Cane Bagels are made fresh with twisted red and white potato bagel dough and dusted with powdered sugar. They'd make a great treat for the break room at any office place.



In addition, the company is also offering a couple of other new menu items, including two new specialty blended drinks in "pumpkin spice" and "candy cane", along with a new coffee brew variety.

Einstein Bros. and Noah's bagel shops are located all over the country. Find a location near you from their website: http://www.einsteinbros.com

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Hardee's Chili Cheese Thickburger Returns

Hardee's announced today that it's bringing back its Chili Cheese Thickburger just in time for the winter heartburn season.

The chain says it received numerous e-mails and phone calls pleading for its return, and they decided to listen, though only for a limited time.


Brad Haley, executive vice president of marketing says...

"Ever since we took the Chili Cheese Thickburger off of our menu, people have been calling our guest response hotline and sending us e-mails via our Hardees.com Web site asking us to bring it back. There just seems to be something so decadent and satisfying about a great burger oozing with hot chili that calls to people, and this product delivers both in a big way."

The Chili Cheese Thickburger features a charbroiled 1/3-pound, 100 percent Angus beef patty topped with chili, diced yellow onions, mustard, American cheese, and pickles on a seeded bun. To round out the special engagement, Hardees is also offering Chili Cheese Fries.

The new Thickburger will be sold at participating Hardee's restaurants for $3.49 by itself, or $5.78 for a medium combo meal, although prices may vary.

Visit Hardees online at: http://www.hardees.com/

Other Hardee's food we wrote about...

• Hardee's Red Burrito Taco Salad - Dec 19, 2005


• Mint Chip Ice Cream and Carl's Jr and Hardee's - Nov 6, 2006

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Gorton's Potato Chip Fish Fillets

Gorton's of Gloucester apparently has a new product out called, "Gorton's Potato Crunch", this according to our shopping sources.

It's the same frozen fish fillets that Gorton's is known for, but covered in "Real Potato Breading".

The "Great Taste of Potato Chips" perhaps makes a novel way to sell frozen fish fillets. Instead of finding new flavors for potato chips, Gorton's is doing the opposite, making food taste like potato chips.

I'm sure tortilla chips and Cheetos are not too far behind.

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Sadex Brause-Staebchen Prickel Sticks Minis

New from German-based Sadex GmbH comes "Prickel Sticks Minis".

These are basically hard-candy sugar sticks, flavored in Apple, Strawberry, Banana and Cherry-Cola flavors, marketed as being "tingling and refreshing".

You can buy a 4.46 oz carton for $3.79.

Buy them online from German Deli: http://www.germandeli.com/sabrmi12.html

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Hooters Peanuts

Hooters brand of snack foods now include roasted peanuts. Varieties include Hot Wing Flavored and Salted.

Hooters branded snack foods, which also include potato chips, are manufactured by Vistar Corp., and have traditionally been sold only through vending machines.

Contact Vistar Corp for distribution info: http://www.vistarvsa.com/

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Mad-Croc Energy Gum - New Formula

Nutravail, which makes the line of Mad-Croc Energy Gum, claims to have released a better tasting product.


The gum had received numerous poor reviews with claims that it tasted awful. One reviewer said that the flavor ran out quickly, and after that, tasted like rubber bands.

The new formula also is also sugarless, now sweetened with Xylitol.

The packaging is even redesigned.

Varieties still include Cinnamon, Peppermint, and Spearmint.

Visit Mad-Croc Energy Gum online at: http://www.madcroc.com/

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Soytato Chips - Barbecue

GeniSoy Food Co. has a new Barbecue variety in its line of Soytato Chips.

Soytato Chips are criss-cut shaped chips made from soybeans, but have the taste of potatoes.

The nutritional information says that 26 chips has 3g of fat, and 16g of carbs.

One 5.3oz bag sells for $3.98. You can buy them online from Genisoy's website at:
http://www.genisoy.com

Other Genisoy products we wrote about...

• Genisoy Crispy Dippers - May 30, 2006

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Fast Food Nation - Yeah, So What?

Fast Food Nation, the movie, is due to hit theaters November 17, but in limited venues.

My point is, "Yeah, so what?" "Tell us something we don't already know."

Fast Food Nation, which is based on the book of the same name, is woven together as a comedy of sorts, telling the tales of many lives who are affected by America's fast food industry.

It's actually a dark commentary about how many countries of the world have become addicted to fast food, and it's all America's fault. Yes, specifically America's fault. That WE ruined the lives of supposedly healthy people in other countries, and that WE should be held accountable. As if clogged arteries never existed anywhere but in America!

It looks at how fast food is made, with chemicals, artificial flavorings and artificial aromas. There's a spot where a burger executive says the meat is made from cow manure. (Remember, this movie is meant to be funny, but still somewhat of a commentary)

Fast Food Nation even goes on to show how America has turned the lives of immigrants into disasters, showing them working like slaves for corporate burger America. Well, no one forced them to work there!

But is any of this a surprise to us?

Didn't we already know that Big Macs aren't exactly 100% natural ingredients? Didn't we already know that a lot of fast food isn't exactly fine dining? Didn't we already know that Americans wants cheap eats and convenience?

Exactly what is Fast Food Nation trying to tell us that we don't already know?

The way I see it, it's propaganda that preaches to the flock. It doesn't really scare any fast food patrons away. If anything, it will simply bolster those anti-corporate types who might have wavered in recent years.

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Finding Worms in Sunflower Seeds

In the last post, I mentioned eating half-way through a bag of Deerfield Farms brand of sunflower seeds and not yet finding a worm.

There's a story I want to share with you.

About 18 years ago, my aunt and her family visited us from Japan. They're from Kyoto, and this was their first visit to the USA. She brought her two kids as well. Her son, Yasuhiro, was 16 years old at the time. I was 22. He had never seen sunflower seeds before.

We were in the backyard patio sitting around the table. I had my bag of David sunflower seeds. Back in those days, the David brand was notorious for having lots of worms. It seemed like every other mouthful of seeds you'd find one with a worm in it. You could tell because when you cracked it open, and used your tongue to pull the kernel out, what you felt were tiny granules of worm turds, and a bitter-tasting (but fully cooked) worm.

Sometimes the kernel was only partially eaten. Other times it was completely eaten. The partially eaten ones you could still eat, worm and all, and not be too bothered by the bitter-taste. But then there were others that tasted down-right nasty, and I couldn't help spitting it out.

So, I proceeded to teach Yasuhiro how to eat sunflower seeds. First I demonstrated my skills by popping a handful into my mouth and one-by-one spit out the shells and chewed the kernels. He was impressed.

At first he grabbed one seed, held it in his finger, and used his front teeth to crack it open. Then he would pull the kernel out with his finger, look at it, and put it into his mouth. He liked it.

About an hour into popping seeds with me, and talking about this and that, he got to the point where he could put a whole seed into his mouth, crack it open, pull out the kernel, and spit the shells out.

Then he found a worm.

Oh the look of horror on his face!

If you can imagine a Japanese teen-ager and the kind of expression they make when they find something disgusting, with his eyes tightly shut, and a nauseated expression with his mouth. He spit everything out and reached for a drink.

I finally told him, "Oh yeah, you'll find a worm every now and then". It's ok, they're fully cooked."

He stopped eating sunflower seeds from that point on. I told him that if it was an issue, just look for a tiny hole in the shell, and avoid that seed. But his mind was already made up.

But these days, with the advancements in pesticides and high-tech food processing machines, it's rare to find worms anymore.

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Deerfield Farms Sunflower Seeds

I'm quite impressed with Deerfield Farms brand of sunflower seeds. Deerfield Farms is a brand owned by Walgreens. You can find them in just about any Walgreens drugs store.

The package labels these seeds as "Jumbo" and they are indeed larger than sunflower seeds from most other brands I've had, including David. The kernels inside the shells are equally as larger than other brands as well.

Flavorwise, they're fabulous! They have the same great taste that the David brand built a reputation for. I've already eaten half the bag, and still haven't found any worms. I did find a few putrid seeds, but then again that's about the same rate I get with David brand.

Interestingly, the Deerfield Farms brand shows a whopping 690mg of sodium for a 1/4 cup serving, compared to just 135mg for David brand. However, I don't really sense a saltier taste at all.

As far as fat content goes, the Deerfield Farms brand shows 7g per serving, compared to 15g for the David brand.

But here's the real kicker. The Deerfield Brand sells for a really low $1.99 per 16oz bag. The David brand will cost you $1.99 for a much smaller 5.75oz bag.

Just to make the Deerfield Farms brand even sweeter, they come in a easy-open bag, with a zip-loc seal. I haven't figured out why David brand hasn't made that switch yet.

Summary

These seeds are awesome. High quality, large size, a full one pound, for $1.99. Thumbs up!

Purchase these at any Walgreens drug store, or CLICK HERE to buy them online.

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XGrindz Extreme Sports Chips

XGrindz is a new brand of snack chips targeted to the extreme sports lifestyle.

They feature packaging designs and product concepts that are designed to appeal to youths hooked on such sports as skateboarding, BMX, surfing, motorcross, and snowboarding.

There are currently four varieties available...

• FMX - Kiss of Death Hot Cheese Stix


• Skate - Smokin' BBQ Chip


• BMX - Totally Tasty Tail Whip Potato Chip


• Surf - Killer Sweet Maui Onion

Each bag features a celebrity pro-athlete.

All XGrindz snacks are free of trans fat, and each bag includes free stickers. They've began appearing on store shelves last Summer.

Visit XGrindz website at: http://www.xgrindz.com

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Mega Bite Quarter Pound Cookies

Junk Foodies with a cookie addiction might want to take notice of a line of cookies called "Mega Bite".

They're made by Cookietree Bakeries of Salt Lake City, UT. The Mega Bite line offers up a single cookie weighing 4oz, roughly the equivalent of three Grandma's Cookies.

Mega Bite cookies offer a soft & chewy quality and come in several varieties. The newest variety is pictured here, "Snickerdoodle", sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

In addition to a single-count package, they also sell them in four-count packages.

Visit Cookietree Bakeries online at: http://www.cookietree.com

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Chocolate-filled Candy Canes

Candy Warehouse announced the availability of what they claim to be the world's first chocolate-filled candy cane.

Hand-made in the USA, each cane is a 7 inch long peppermint tube filled with rich dark chocolate goodness.

You buy a set of six canes for a price of $19.80.

Visit online: http://www.candywarehouse.com/chococandycane.html

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T.G.I. Friday's Quesadilla Cheese Chips

Produced by Poore Brothers Inc. under license from T.G.I. Friday's, these new Quesadilla Cheese Snack Chips are the latest variety to accompany the line of T.G.I. Friday's chips.

The cheddar cheese flavored chips are sold in a 2.5 oz. bag.

Visit Poore Brothers at: http://www.poorebrothers.com

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Pop Rocks Designer Tin

Pop Rocks Inc. has its second edition designer tin on the market now. It contains Cola and Cherry Soda flavored candies. I don't have much more information than that.

Other Pop Rocks products we wrote about...

• Pop Rocks Candy Cane - Jul 7, 2006

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