It was never even a contest. Surge absolutely destroyed all contenders, thanks to the Surge Movement rallying strong support for each vote. Unlike Fast Food Bracket, Snack Madness and Candy Madness, when multiple products were rallying their Facebook fans to get out the vote, Surge seemed to be the only discontinued product with an organized base of support that wanted to flex their muscle. And flex it they did. Surge got over 90% of the vote in all 5 match-ups it faced, bringing in thousands of votes.

Props to the other final four contenders: Planter’s Cheez Balls, Butterfinger BB’s and Ecto Cooler. Sadly my beloved Snapple Elements did not rally the vote like I hoped they might.

Here is the final bracket, for those who want to review the outcome or determine the winner of their office pool:

(Click to enlarge)

• A wave of comfort food thefts.
• In case you had been wondering how animals eat their food.
• Taco Bell is going to go on a health kick, someday.
• Beekeepers shining a light on colony collapse disorder.
• The origins and status of “Natural” and “Organic” labels.
• The orchestra of cooking and eating.
• New Jersey diner manager hires a hitman to kill the owner.
• The politics of GMO foods.
• Some great  tax day deals.
• It’s grilled cheese month, how will you celebrate?

Today is the first day of golf’s most prestigious tournament, The Masters. For four days, golf’s best will play for the right to earn immortality in the sport, and to wear the famous green jacket.

What is equally famous at the Augusta National Golf Club is its tradition*. What you see above is not the menu from the 1965 tournament – it is current. Master’s Club for $2.50? When in Rome. Egg Salad or Pimento Cheese sandwich for $1.50? How can I possibly resist?  And you can wash it all down with a “Domestic Beer” (no sponsorships allowed, of course) for an extra $2.75. Not too shabby, especially when the food is good. If you’ve been to another pro sport venue recently, you know what I mean.

The only barrier to getting this smorgasbord is that you have to mortgage your house to actually get onto the course. But, if you can find a way on, there are perks.

[*Of course, tradition at Augusta National also did not allow the first African-American member until 1990, and the first woman member until last August. See how often that is mentioned by Jim Nantz, friends.]

H/t to Visit Augusta for the top shot.

Earlier this week, Huffington Post ran a story about a Florida woman who discovered a Goldfish cracker dotted with a supposed crown & cross. Immediately, before you could cry “production line error” it was deemed a sign of God.

These days, there’s a better chance of discovering an image of Jesus on something you’re about to shove in your mouth than there is winning the lottery. Take solace in the track record of  many  Christ tagged eats though. Plenty of these “Signs” go for big money on eBay.

Time to go buy an acetylene torch. 

Three Cheesus Pizza.

 The King of all crabs.

[Read more →]

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Voting on this match-up is now closed. Surge absolutely dominates with 92% of the vote to win the Discontinued Foods Bracket!

Well it’s been a fun ride, but we’re down to the last vote of our tournament. Polls are open and will close on Friday when a winner will be declared.

Our finalists? Surge, who hasn’t even broken a sweat, topping 90% in every match-up thanks the Surge movement brigade showing their strong support in voting. They even easily dispensed of the ever popular Ecto Cooler. Our other finalist is Planter’s Cheez Balls, who after a couple early blowouts squeaked by Butterfinger BB’s into the final by ONE vote. Crazy, considering Butterfinger BB’s had just upset Twinkies by ONE vote.

So which product would you rather see return to shelves and why?

(Updated bracket, click to enlarge)

Hey So Good readers!  Just your friendly neighborhood Junk Food Guy here, and I don’t know about you, but I am GLAD that Spring is FINALLY HERE.  Today in DC we are looking at a high of 71.  71!  Last week, the temps were close to freezing.  And people wonder why I keep getting sick. As temps reach above 70 for the next three days, I am looking forward to some increased Vitamin D, to strolling home from work, and to halter tops.  DC HAS OFFICIALLY ENTERED HALTER TOP SEASON!  Some people love Spring for golf, and I…well, I clearly like other things

Anyways, to today’s junk food: Cheetos Shots, Flamin’ Hot Limon!

I purchased these Flamin’ Hot Limon Cheetos Shots when I was in Mexico over New Years.  This Sabritas snack featured Chester Cheetah, and came in a longish-style handheld bag.  Judging from the cartoon, I guess you’re supposed to rip, and shake the insides into your mouth.  Like a Cheetos To-Go bag.  Innovative?

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One of the nice things about writing this column is that I routinely get recommendations and links from friends and fans. One of the terrible things about that is that it is hard to say no when someone takes the time and effort to send something along.  So I eat more bugs.

A friend of mine sent me a link to Thailand Unique, specifically to the assorted bag of bugs, but this site is like a wonderland, or a horror show, depending on your point of view.

I went for the bag of edible bugs. For a whopping $10, including shipping, how could I refuse? A couple of weeks later my order, plus a free bonus bag of bugs, arrived and it was time to try it.

I opened the bag and dumped the contents to get a look at what I had going on. [Read more →]

Voting on this match-up is closed. Surge (91%) crushes Ecto Cooler (9%) to advance to the finals.

Surge was released nationally  in 1997, sales slid, and discontinued in 2002 & 2003. They have been murdering the competition so far, with vote totals over 90% in every match-up including against Sprite Remix (93%-7%), Crystal Pepsi (92%-8%), and Mr. Pibb (91%-9%).

Ecto Cooler has had a more tumultuous path to the Final Four, barely edging Squeezits 53%-47% in the first round, crushing Zima 83%-17%, and taking out Fruitopia 57%-43%. Can it knock off prohibitive favorite, Surge?

(Updated bracket, click to enlarge)

Voting on this match-up is now closed. Planter’s Cheez Balls (50.2%) edge Butterfinger BB’s (49.8%) by ONE vote!

Final Four voting begins! Voting will be open until Wednesday morning.

Planter’s Cheez Balls have had a strong run in the tournament so far, knocking off French Toast Crunch by a solid 14% to advance to the Final Four.

Butterfinger BB’s had some convincing early wins, but squeaked by favorite Twinkies by ONE vote in the last round!

(Updated bracket, click to enlarge)