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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