No, that is not a Halloween disguise or temporary tattoo on the corn flake cereal icon.  Rather, in an effort to maintain its corn flake brand identity, Kellogg’s is going slightly above and beyond to set itself above second-rate flake manufacturers.  The potential plan, or should I say, boondoggle, it to literally give each flake an etched seal of approval so that people know what they are eating.  As explained by Kellogg’s lead food technologist (doesn’t that sound delicious):

“In recent years there has been an increase in the number of own brands trying to capitalise on the popularity of Kellogg’s corn flakes. We want shoppers to be under absolutely no illusion that Kellogg’s does not make cereal for anyone else. We’re constantly looking at new ways to reaffirm this and giving our golden flakes of corn an official stamp of approval could be the answer.”

The fact that someone actually thought it would be a good idea to burn the Kellog’s name onto each flake is mind-boggling.  I can’t even imagine how they would physically do this, or the poor soul that would have to QC the stamped product.  And you know it is only a matter of time before there is a typo.  And the taste?  I love burnt etchings on all my food.  Overall, I haven’t heard an idea quite this good since food pioneer Clark W. Griswold’s non-nutritive cereal varnish.  Legendary.

H/t to Paste for the info.

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In what will likely be good news to soft drink connoisseurs out there, Pepsi has announced that on December 28th, they are bringing back a version of their recipe with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup for a couple months.  While I am not a big fan of soda in general (or ‘pop,’ so I can speak to the whole country), I am much less a fan of HFCS, which I think was originally made by the devil.  Regardless, I know how people love Mexican Coke as well as Dublin Dr. Pepper, both made with cane sugar, so I am sure that a portion of folks will be super into this product.  But don’t expect this drink to be around long, as Pepsi surely will want you back on the HFCS train, per their agreement with the government and corn producers.  Until then, have fun.

H/t to Serious Eats for the scoop.

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I recently read that Congress is considering a proposal that would require nutritional info to be put on menus next to every food item at fast food and chain restaurants.  Some states already require fast food restaurants to display this material.  While I think that this concept of labeling works pretty well for fast food, I think that’s as far as it should go.

As a consumer, I don’t want to be bombarded with a calorie count and the grams of saturated fat I am about to eat.  When I go out to a sit-down restaurant, I want to eat good food, relax and enjoy myself.  Feeling guilty about the huge plate of pasta I knocked out is not so appealing.  I know this country has an obesity epidemic, which is why I advocate for the fast food option.  But I think that is far as this should go.  What do you think?  Nutritional info on all menus?  None?

H/t to Consumerist and LA Times for the pic.  Also, be wary of chain restaurants, as Eick referenced here.

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Unbeknownst to me until a short time ago, National Doughnut Day is tomorrow, June 5.  In celebration of this holiday and people getting fatter, the two titans of the industry, Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme, are giving away a free doughnut to all customers.  The only difference is that you have to buy something to drink to get your freebie from DD.  Freeloaders, start forming those lines!  It has always amazed me what people will do for free food – in this case wait for possibly hours for a $3 item. Ahh, America.

It also begs the question – if you had to go to one place – which would it be, Dunkin’ or KK?  Make your case in the comments.

H/t to Pop Candy for the tip.  And who can forget this?

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