Posts for January 22nd 2009
Name That Dish!
Latest Ads Remind You Where Your Food Came From
In an era when people are consumed with better-for-you goods, food and beverage companies are launching new campaigns that highlight the produce from which their products are derived.
According to market research results from Mintel International, a quarter of the food and beverages launched in 2008 claimed to be "natural," making it the year's most prevalent claim.
For the first time in more than half a century, food titan Heinz has changed its iconic ketchup label, switching out the gherkin below the name for a plump, vine-ripened tomato. The goal? To remind consumers that Heinz tomatoes go into each bottle of ketchup. Tropicana has repackaged its cartons to only include the word "juice" in small type at the bottom. The OJ box now reads, "100 percent orange: Pure and natural." Frito-Lay's current TV spots underscore the fact that Lay's chips come from potatoes.
From Welch's 100-percent grape juice from concord grapes campaign to Pizza Hut's The Natural pizza, this trend has certainly come to my attention. Have you taken notice as well? Do you think it's a good thing that more companies are emphasizing healthfulness in their edible products, or is this movement simply a gimmicky positioning tactic?
Sign Up For PopSugar Daily and Win a Coach Bag!
We're kicking off week three of our PopSugar Daily awesome Coach giveaways! Each week we're giving out different fabulous goodies to jump-start 2009 and this week it's three beautiful Coach handbags (Julianne style in parchment, black, and espresso).

To enter, all you have to do is sign up for PopSugar Daily, our newsletter of what's hot to shop, see, or do that day. There's a sign up box on the side of this page. You'll also get an entry for every friend you invite to sign up for the newsletter. Read the official rules here, check back next week to see our final Coach giveaway which starts on Thursday, and of course, tune in to PopSugar Daily to stay on top of what's hot every day, every week.
Burning Question: Does Soymilk Need Refrigeration or Not?
Soy milk, once opened, requires refrigeration and should be consumed within five days. Prior to being opened, however, soy milk actually doesn't require chilling, and has an unrefrigerated shelf life of at least one year. Then why, might you ask, is some soy milk is sold refrigerated in the milk aisle while other brands go unrefrigerated next to rice milk? To find out, read more
Come Party With Me: Chinese New Year — Drinks
For a large dinner party select a specialty cocktail that can be made in advance and in a large batch. This recipe for a white wine sangria gets an Asian twist with the addition of canned lychees and sake. It will pair perfectly with spring rolls and Chinese noodles.
To make it a truly festive celebration stock up on Asian beer (Tsingtao is a nice option) and good sipping sake (I like Sake One's selection). To check out the recipe for the shinsei sangria, read more
Top Chef Quiz: Restaurant Time
Things heated up on last night's Top Chef and I'm not talking about the cooking! Leah and Hosea got cozy on the couch, Fabio was fabulous while working the front of the house, and Stefan mastered desserts. How well were you watching? Find out now when you take my quiz.
Trend Alert: Healthier Snack Chips
When Oprah declared that she would stop eating organic blue corn tortilla chips in favor of sweet potato chips, little did she know that the food industry was one step ahead of her. Healthier, alternative snack chips were a huge trend at last weekend's Fancy Foods Show. With names like Corazonas and Yuka, these chips have South American roots. Corazonas the only chip made with potatoes, stood out because they actually help lower cholesterol. The rest of the chips, feature an up and coming tuber, known as the cassava. To find out more about this interesting starch, read more
Labeling Won't Be Required For Genetically Engineered Animals
Last Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration issued its long-awaited regulations on genetically engineered animals. Its conclusion, after considering genetically altered animals? Consumer labeling will not be required for genetically engineered food.
Currently, genetically engineered animals are being developed for the market, but so far none of the animals have been approved by the agency for marketing. Prior to entering the marketplace, the animals themselves will need to receive FDA approval, and be labeled as genetically altered. In contrast, food products derived from these animals will not need to be labeled.
Proponents of the practice argue that it will create livestock that grow faster, produce less toxic waste, are resistant to disease, and are generally healthier to eat. But opponents argue that messing with Mother Nature could have unintended consequences, such as altering the genetic structures of animals.
What do you think of this ruling? Do you think the Food and Drug Administration has made the right decision?
Fast & Easy Dinner: Apple-Potato-"Sausage" Sauté
Bring the flavors of breakfast to the dinner table with this meal. The ingredients — apples, potatoes, onions, sausage — are simple but superbly complementary in taste and texture. The recipe calls for soy sausage, but it would be equally comforting with chicken apple sausages. Use red apples for vibrant presentation and sharp white cheddar cheese for a higher level of sophistication. For extra protein, throw a fried egg on top. Look at the recipe when you read more