After a dose of online speculation, the company confirmed to TODAY.com on Sept. 24 that it would be discontinuing Coca-Cola Spiced — the flavor that made its debut earlier this year. The soda, which combined raspberry and a “blend of warm spiced flavors,” is one of a few on the brand’s slate that folks online have seen disappear from store shelves.

“We’re always looking at what our consumers like and adjusting our range of products,” a spokesperson from The Coca-Cola Company tells TODAY.com over email. “As part of this strategy, we’re planning to phase out Coca-Cola Spiced to introduce an exciting new flavor in 2025.”

Spiced was first introduced in February and, in a March press release, was dubbed “a permanent addition to the lineup in North America.” Now, seven months later, the flavor is being retired — but it’s not the only one.

Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla was also discontinued late last year. The company confirmed the flavor’s demise back in March with a post on X that said it had been discontinued and was only available while supplies last.

“I think @CocaCola discontinued cherry Vanilla Coke in the bottle,” wrote a different X user on Sept. 1, tagging the company. “I haven’t seen it in months.”

“We decided to discontinue Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla due to consumers’ taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing,” the brand wrote on X on Sept. 4. “As a Total Beverage Company, we are always searching for ways to evolve our product portfolio to bring consumers the beverages they want.”

Though some social media users missed the initial announcement by a few months, it doesn’t compare to the folks still asking if Diet Coke with Splenda is still around, even though it was discontinued years ago and is marked as out of stock on sites like Walmart. 

“@CocaCola do you all have Diet Coke with Splenda still?” asked one X user on Sept. 4. “I’m allergic to aspartame 🥺.”

“Unfortunately, Diet Coke with Splenda has been discontinued,” Coca-Cola replied. “We’re sorry for any disappointment.”

As expected, people online were unhappy to learn these flavors have metaphorically gone flat.

“this is a national tragedy are you proud of yourself,” wrote one X user.

“Congrats on making me switch to pepsi,” said another. “This was a huge fail on your part @CocaCola.”

One more even called it a “Massive L.”

But not everyone was so choked up by the discontinuations. One not-so-sad redditor wrote “Bye, Felicia!” when they heard about the Spice supply drying up. Another chimed in to say, “Yeah people didn’t really like it.” Plenty of other redditors suggested reviving other flavors in its place.

Coca-Cola has been busy these past few years releasing a slew of unique and limited-time flavors. 

In 2022, these included Dreamworld, a soda meant to evoke “technicolor tastes and surrealism of the subconscious,” and the gaming-inspired Byte, “inspired by the playfulness of pixels.” In 2023, the brand released Coca-Cola Move with Rosalía which was “transformation flavored.” 

This past August, the brand partnered with Oreo to release two items: The Oreo Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie, which is red and black and contains Coca-Cola syrup, as well as the limited-edition Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar drink, which features “flavorful hints” inspired by the chocolate and creme of an Oreo cookie.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Alma Cooper is the 1st Afro-Latina Miss USA — and a U.S. Army officer, West Point grad and data scientist
• Brooke Shields on aging, thriving and the surprising perk of empty nest life
• Apple burgers, overnight French toast and more fall recipes to make this week

After a dose of online speculation, the company confirmed to TODAY.com on Sept. 24 that it would be discontinuing Coca-Cola Spiced — the flavor that made its debut earlier this year. The soda, which combined raspberry and a “blend of warm spiced flavors,” is one of a few on the brand’s slate that folks online have seen disappear from store shelves.

“We’re always looking at what our consumers like and adjusting our range of products,” a spokesperson from The Coca-Cola Company tells TODAY.com over email. “As part of this strategy, we’re planning to phase out Coca-Cola Spiced to introduce an exciting new flavor in 2025.”

Spiced was first introduced in February and, in a March press release, was dubbed “a permanent addition to the lineup in North America.” Now, seven months later, the flavor is being retired — but it’s not the only one.

Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla was also discontinued late last year. The company confirmed the flavor’s demise back in March with a post on X that said it had been discontinued and was only available while supplies last.

“I think @CocaCola discontinued cherry Vanilla Coke in the bottle,” wrote a different X user on Sept. 1, tagging the company. “I haven’t seen it in months.”

“We decided to discontinue Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla due to consumers’ taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing,” the brand wrote on X on Sept. 4. “As a Total Beverage Company, we are always searching for ways to evolve our product portfolio to bring consumers the beverages they want.”

Though some social media users missed the initial announcement by a few months, it doesn’t compare to the folks still asking if Diet Coke with Splenda is still around, even though it was discontinued years ago and is marked as out of stock on sites like Walmart. 

“@CocaCola do you all have Diet Coke with Splenda still?” asked one X user on Sept. 4. “I’m allergic to aspartame 🥺.”

“Unfortunately, Diet Coke with Splenda has been discontinued,” Coca-Cola replied. “We’re sorry for any disappointment.”

As expected, people online were unhappy to learn these flavors have metaphorically gone flat.

“this is a national tragedy are you proud of yourself,” wrote one X user.

“Congrats on making me switch to pepsi,” said another. “This was a huge fail on your part @CocaCola.”

One more even called it a “Massive L.”

But not everyone was so choked up by the discontinuations. One not-so-sad redditor wrote “Bye, Felicia!” when they heard about the Spice supply drying up. Another chimed in to say, “Yeah people didn’t really like it.” Plenty of other redditors suggested reviving other flavors in its place.

Coca-Cola has been busy these past few years releasing a slew of unique and limited-time flavors. 

In 2022, these included Dreamworld, a soda meant to evoke “technicolor tastes and surrealism of the subconscious,” and the gaming-inspired Byte, “inspired by the playfulness of pixels.” In 2023, the brand released Coca-Cola Move with Rosalía which was “transformation flavored.” 

This past August, the brand partnered with Oreo to release two items: The Oreo Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie, which is red and black and contains Coca-Cola syrup, as well as the limited-edition Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar drink, which features “flavorful hints” inspired by the chocolate and creme of an Oreo cookie.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Alma Cooper is the 1st Afro-Latina Miss USA — and a U.S. Army officer, West Point grad and data scientist
• Brooke Shields on aging, thriving and the surprising perk of empty nest life
• Apple burgers, overnight French toast and more fall recipes to make this week

On Sept. 19, the chain dropped its latest fall-flavored drink, the Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, which it says is inspired by the flavors of homemade pecan pie. It has also added another foam option — Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam — to its menu, and is serving up some new deals.

“We were really focused on what people are thinking, feeling, and doing during the holidays,” Patrick Penny, lead beverage developer for Starbucks, said in a press release. “It’s fitting to these cooler days and feels like the perfect transition from classic fall beverages into holiday beverages.”

Here is the new slate of pecan-flavored drinks and customizations customers can order for a limited time, while supplies last: 

• Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte features Starbucks Blonde Espresso and oat milk combined with notes of pecan, brown butter and holiday baking spices, and is finished with a pecan crunch topping.
• Iced Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, like its hot counterpart, has oat milk combined with flavor notes of pecan, brown butter and holiday baking spices, but has the addition of nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, and is sprinkled with a pecan crunch topping.
• Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam, available in dairy or nondairy, is made with pecan syrup and salt.

Starbucks’ fall deals

Starbucks is also offering Starbucks Rewards members with Triple Stars every Tuesday, and two drinks for $10, or 4 drinks for $20 every Saturday until the end of September.

New Starbucks Rewards members who sign up can also score a free handcrafted drink with a qualifying purchase anytime during their first week in the club.

According to Starbucks, a handcrafted beverage is any drink handmade by a Starbucks barista, so the chain’s new Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte certainly fits the bill — along with Starbucks’ other fall drinks, like the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato and the old faithful option Pumpkin Spice Latte.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

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Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and other chains, said Olive Garden will be the first of its brands to offer third-party delivery starting later this year. Individual orders will be picked up and delivered by Uber Direct, a premium delivery service. Olive Garden won’t be listed on the broader Uber Eats platform.

If the initial pilot is successful, the delivery option will expand nationwide by May 2025, Darden said.

Darden shares jumped 7% in morning trading Thursday.

The move is a reversal for Orlando, Florida-based Darden, which has long delivered large catering orders itself but has resisted third-party delivery for individual orders in the past. In 2018, Darden’s then-President and CEO Gene Lee said the company was testing third-party delivery but was skeptical.

“There continue to be significant hurdles that we need to work through, such as how do we ensure that these delivery services will enhance our brands? Can it be flawlessly executed for our guests and our team members?” Lee said during a 2018 conference call with investors.

Lee, who retired as Darden’s chairman last year, said he was also concerned about sharing the company’s data with third parties. On Thursday, Darden said it would retain “guest data and insights” as part of the partnership.

“Guests have been asking us for home delivery options and they continue to show they are willing to pay for the convenience,” Rick Cardenas, Darden’s current president and CEO, said in a statement.

In a conference call Thursday with investors, Cardenas said it was important to find a way to offer delivery without disrupting staff or restaurant patrons. Delivery orders will be treated like take-out orders are now and brought out to drivers waiting curbside. And Cardenas said Olive Garden has technology in place to help employees manage order volumes.

Darden isn’t the only chain that has given in to third-party delivery. Domino’s Pizza also resisted working with third parties until last year, when it signed a deal with Uber Eats.

The company plans to continue operating and will seek court approval for a sale, it said just before midnight on Tuesday.

The company is seeking bankruptcy protection amid growing struggles to revitalize its business. Tupperware sales growth improved during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but overall sales have been in steady decline since 2018 due to rising competition. And financial troubles have continued to pile up for the Orlando, Florida, company.

Food & Drink Sep 18

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Doubts around Tupperware’s future have floated around for some time. Last year, the company sought additional financing as it warned investors about its ability to stay in business and its risk of being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

Shares have fallen 75% this year and closed Tuesday at about 50 cents apiece.

Tupperware experienced explosive growth in the mid 20th century with the rise of Tupperware parties, first held in 1948. Tupperware parties gave many women a chance to run their own businesses out of their homes, selling the products within social circles.

The system worked so well Tupperware removed its products from stores three years later. Social changes, namely fewer dinners made from scratch and more nights spent dining out, took a toll Tupperware sales.

On Sept. 18, burger lovers will celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, and many restaurants are firing up the grill and giving customers some juicy deals to bite into. Ready to join in on the celebration? Here are a plethora of discounts and freebies to choose from.

Dog Haus 

Dog Haus will run a buy one, get one free cheeseburger offer for rewards members on Sept. 18. The offer is available in the chain’s app.

Eddie Merlot’s

On Sept. 18, Eddie Merlot’s customers can order Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger for $15 between 4 — 6:30 p.m. Pricing and participation can vary based on location.

Farm Burger

Grass-fed burger chain Farm Burger is running a build-your-own cheeseburger deal starting at $5 on National Cheeseburger Day.

Farmer Boys

Farmer Boys customers can order the chain’s Big Cheese cheeseburger for just $4 on National Cheeseburger Day between 2 p.m. and close at participating locations while supplies last. The offer can’t be combined with other deals, is limited to two burgers per customer and is available in restaurant or in the drive-thru.

Very Important Farmer (VIF) loyalty members can also get an extra surprise when they scan their receipt.

Friendly’s

Friendly’s Fan Club members can save $2 on cheeseburgers between Sept. 18 — 20.

Hat Creek

Hat Creek customers who order the Little Hat Burger in the chain’s app will score the menu item for just $2 on Sept. 18.

Instacart

Instacart customers can get $10 off their $20 purchase from the National Cheeseburger Day product collection, which features meat, cheese, buns, condiments and more. The offer is valid at select retailers via Instacart. 

Krystal

Krystal is currently running a limited-time offer for 12 cheese Krystals for just $15.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s customers who order in the chain’s app can enjoy a 50-cent double cheeseburger on Sept. 18.

Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks is offering the following deals in honor of National Cheeseburger Day:

• Perfect Burger Pack for $99.99
• Custom Burger Experience With Free Brioche Buns for $129.99
• Deluxe Burger Experience for $131.46
• Butcher’s Burger Assortment for $188.46

Red Robin

Between Sept. 17 — 19, Red Robin customers can get a Gourmet Cheeseburger, bottomless side and drink for just $10 (regularly $14.99 or more) while dining in at participating restaurants.

Sonic

For a limited time, Sonic customers can order a quarter pound double cheeseburger for just $1.99.

Smashburger

Smashburger customers can score $5 Classic Singles on National Cheeseburger Day in store, online and in the restaurant’s app using the code CLASSIC24. The offer includes Classic Singles, Classic Single Turkey Burgers and Classic Single Black Bean Burgers.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Between 3 — 6 p.m. on Sept. 18, Sullivan’s Steakhouse customers can order the restaurant’s signature beef burger sliders for just $10. Pricing and participation can vary by location.

Wahlburgers

Wahlburgers adult burgers will be 50% off on Sept. 18 at participating locations. The offer is valid in-store and online, and excludes doubles, triples, sandwiches and Smahlburgers. It’s limited to one per customer and can’t be combined with other offers.

Wayback Burgers

Wayback Burgers is running a buy one, get one free deal on its classic burgers on Sept. 18.

Wendy’s

Between Sept. 18 — 22, Wendy’s customers can get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0.1 with any purchase while placing an app order at participating restaurants.

Whataburger

On National Cheeseburger Day, Whataburger rewards members who place an app or online order for a patty melt, Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger or a Whataburger with cheese will be entered for the chance to win free Whataburger for a year. Winners will receive their prize in the form of 52 coupons, which can be redeemed at participating locations.

White Castle

White Castle is running a buy one cheese slider, get one free deal on National Cheeseburger Day. To score the deal, simply use the code SAYCHEESE in the restaurant’s app.

In addition, customers can buy a sack of 10 cheese sliders for $7.99 ($8.99 in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Arizona) through November 10.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

• The healthiest lunch for weight loss includes these 5 components, according to a dietitian
• Wendy’s is selling Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers for 1 cent for 5 days
• McDonald’s is selling double cheeseburgers for 50 cents — but only for 1 day

On Sept. 17, Taco Bell and the team at National Day Calendar announced their joint decision to move National Taco Day from Oct. 4 to the first Tuesday in October … annually.

Before the shift, the holiday only fell on a Tuesday roughly once every five or six years, a representative from Taco Bell tells TODAY.com. And that seemed anything but festive.

Even fans on social media have complained about the clear oversight.

“To right this wrong, Taco Bell has worked tirelessly with the powers that be, in this case National Day Calendar, to move the National Taco Day recognition to fall solely on Tuesdays henceforth,” the chain said in a press release.

In honor of the occasion, the fast-food giant is dropping deals each Tuesday throughout October. Representatives from Taco Bell say fans can stay up to date on the drops by signing up for the chain’s rewards program and keeping a close eye on its social media pages.

According to journalist Gustavo Arellano, National Taco Day has a much richer history than just showing up one day among other deal- and discount-centric food holidays.

The columnist and author of “Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America” traced the day back to San Antonio, Texas, in the 1960s. While the initial celebratory season was reportedly in early May, fans saw it shift into October in the late 2000s, the chain wrote in a press release.

This is just the latest update in Taco Bell’s crusade to spread the tastiness of Taco Tuesday.

On Oct. 24, 2023, the day-of-the-week phrase officially became free to use after the chain had worked to petition the reversal of trademarks held by two restaurants — the trademarks made its use a violation for participants across all 50 states.

“When we set out to free Taco Tuesday, we did it for all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos,” Taco Bell’s then-incoming CEO, Sean Tresvant, said in a press release at the time.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

• The healthiest lunch for weight loss includes these 5 components, according to a dietitian
• Wendy’s is selling Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers for 1 cent for 5 days
• McDonald’s is selling double cheeseburgers for 50 cents — but only for 1 day

Coca-Cola just ordered another round in the booming canned cocktail market. It is going with another classic, launching a canned rum and coke in collaboration with Bacardi Limited.

The two brands on Tuesday announced plans to release the ready-to-drink cocktail in several international markets, starting with an initial launch in Mexico and select European markets in 2025. The company is also evaluating a U.S. launch of the drink for 2025, a spokesperson confirmed with CNBC.

The Coca-Cola Company‘s latest move reflects continued explosive growth in the canned cocktails market. Premixed cocktails were the fastest-growing spirit category in the U.S. in 2023, growing 26.7% to $2.8 billion in revenue, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.‘ annual economic report.

Spirit sales in the U.S. have remained at the top of the alcoholic market, beating out wine and beer for the second straight year in 2023, according to the Spirits Council report. Vodka brought in the most revenue out of all spirits with about $7.2 billion.

The new drink is not Coke’s first entry into the premixed cocktail market. The company joined with beer giant Molson Coors to debut Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in 2021, and joined with Brown-Forman‘s Jack Daniels whiskey to can another popular bar drink, Jack and Coke. Those cans hit the U.S. market in 2023. Later that same year, Coca-Cola brand Sprite partnered with Pernod Ricard‘s Absolut Vodka for two versions of a premixed cocktail, one with Sprite and the other with Sprite Zero Sugar.

“We are continuing to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company, including in the growing alcohol ready-to-drink market,” said James Quincey, CEO of Coca-Cola, in a press release.

The entire ready-to-drink alcohol market is showing heady signs for the future. Hard seltzers, which often contain malt-based alcohol, showed signs of falling off in 2022 as category-wide sales lagged, leading Boston Beer to throw away excess supply of its hard seltzer brand Truly. But the U.S. hard seltzer market grew from $13.2 billion to $18.97 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow steadily into 2030, according to Grand View Research.

Stouffer’s is exiting the freezer aisle and taking on Kraft Heinz with its new shelf-stable mac and cheese.

The Nestle brand, which celebrated its centennial in June, has spent the past 70 years focused on frozen entrees, such as pizzas, lasagna and macaroni and cheese. But with its strong brand recognition, Stouffer’s sees an opportunity to capitalize on the two-thirds of shoppers who buy both its frozen mac and cheese and boxed versions from its rivals, said Tom Moe, president of Nestle Meals Division.

The average American consumer eats mac and cheese 22 times a year, trailing only pizza in its frequency, according to Moe.

Out of those 22 occasions, the mac and cheese comes from a box about 70% of the time. Shelf-stable mac and cheese is a $2.9 billion category, dominated by Kraft.

Mac and cheese represents a roughly $1.7 billion business for Kraft Heinz, the company’s Chief Financial Officer Andre Maciel said at the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference on Sept. 5. It isn’t bulletproof — changes to SNAP food assistance benefits hurt Kraft’s mac and cheese sales in the fourth quarter. The food giant responded quickly with a slate of new mac and cheese variety packs and flavors, showing that it is willing to invest to maintain its leadership in the category.

But Nestle is confident that shoppers trust Stouffer’s enough to give the brand a chance.

“When you want something that’s got a rich, supremely cheesy taste, then you’ll turn to us,” Moe said.

To start, under the name Stouffer’s Supreme, the brand will offer two variations on boxed mac and cheese: a classic cheddar and a three-cheese version made with cheddar, gouda and parmesan. Moe said the cheddar is a “sibling, not identical twin” of its frozen mac and cheese, while the three-cheese option is a “cousin.”

The pasta is made to be cooked on a stovetop and then mixed with its cheese sauce. Stouffer’s says its version has 10% more cheese sauce compared to Kraft’s Velveeta.

Stouffer’s foray into the pantry aisles is not the only innovation that Nestle is ready to unveil. Moe said his division has a “full suite” of new products hitting the freezer aisle this fall, too.

Sept. 18 marks National Cheeseburger Day, where people far and wide will enjoy a melty bit of beefy goodness. 

Burger King will be offering members of its loyalty program, Royal Perks, a free cheeseburger deal to celebrate the occasion. While the deal is happening on the holiday itself, the chain is also launching a full week of other yummy freebies that are all valid with a purchase of $1 or more:

• Sept. 16: Customers can score a free Whopper Jr.
• Sept. 17: Poultry fans can secure a free Original Chicken Sandwich
• Sept. 18: On National Cheeseburger Day, burger lovers can get a free flame-grilled cheeseburger
• Sept. 19: Customers can score a free four-piece Mozzarella Fries
• Sept. 20: Early birds can get a free Croissan’wich
• Sept. 21: Customers can enjoy a free four-piece Chicken Fries
• Sept. 22: Quench your thirst for freebies with a free, soft drink (any size)

Additionally, Burger King is celebrating National Coffee Day on Sept. 29 by offering Royal Perks members a $1 hot coffee (in any size) all day long.

Burger King is clearly a fan of giving out free Whoppers and other bunderful deals — it shared the goods the chain’s 70th birthday in May as well as for the solar eclipse in April.

In an Aug. 8 Q4 earnings call, executives at the chain announced its $5 Your Way Meal had been so profitable that they chose to extended it through October.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

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Today, Sept. 13 — aka Friday the 13th — Krispy Kreme is offering a super deal for a superstitious occasion. For just 13 cents, customers can score themselves a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count Minis at regular price.

The deal — which the doughnut chain is calling “Lucky Friday” — is available at participating Krispy Kreme shops and has a limit of one dozen per customer for in-shop, online pickup or delivery orders through the Krispy Kreme app or website. To secure the deal, use promo code “13.”

To see which Krispy Kreme shops are participating or to get more information about this promotion, folks can visit Krispy Kreme’s deal page.

This purveyor of deep-fried and frosted deliciousness isn’t the only chain offering a spooktacular deal this Friday the 13th. Wendy’s is offering two in-app deals for rewards members for the occult occasion.

Every Friday through the end of 2024, Wendy’s rewards members can get a free order of Hot & Crispy Fries in any size with any in-app purchase.

They can also score a small Frosty treat for $1 through the end of the month, and the offer can be used repeatedly.

Just think: With two short trips today, you can have yourself a spread of discounted desserts and free fries — even if a black cat crosses your path.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

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Wendy’s has a trio of deals for Wendy’s app users, and they start with the spooktacular holiday known as Friday the 13th. 

Frosty the 13th  

On Sep. 13, Wendy’s is offering two tantalizing in-app deals for rewards members to help them celebrate this superstitious holiday. 

Every Friday through the end of 2024, rewards members can grab a free order of Hot & Crispy Fries (any size) with any in-app purchase.

They can also score small Frosty treats for $1 through the end of the month — the offer can be used repeatedly. Customers can choose from the chain’s current Frosty flavors: the old faithful chocolate and the returning fan-favorite vanilla Frosty, which is officially back on Wendy’s menus nationwide.

$5 Big Noon Saucy Deal  

Wendy’s also has the $5 Big Noon Saucy Deal for customers to snack on this month.

For the duration of football season, customers can grab a six piece Saucy Nuggs in one of seven flavors, a small fries and a small soft drink all for $5. The deal is exclusively available in the Wendy’s app or on the Wendy’s website.  

Additionally, folks can enjoy $0 delivery fees at participating U.S. Wendy’s every Saturday from Aug. 31 — Dec. 14.

National Cheeseburger Day deal

A penny for your burger? For National Cheeseburger Day (Sept. 18), customers can get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 cent with an additional purchase in honor of the beefy holiday.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

• Are Altoids Sours making a comeback? Here’s what we know
• Why the viral Dubai chocolate bar is all over TikTok
• Krispy Kreme is selling a dozen doughnuts for 13 cents on Friday the 13th

On Aug. 30, Iconic Candy, a company that specializes in reviving vintage candies, announced it would be releasing a new candy called Retro Sours in three flavors: citrus, tangerine and mango.

The candy is reminiscent of — but not the same as — the now-defunct Altoids Sours, a candy that’s been deeply missed by the internet at large since it was discontinued in 2010.

Iconic Candy’s Retro Sours are currently stocked at It’Sugar locations and will be available within the next month at Cracker Barrel.

“The Retro Sours are available across all IT’SUGAR stores along with their large retro candy assortment, which will take you back to the treats you had at your Grandma’s house,” Justin Clinger, assistant VP of creative and marketing for It’Sugar tells TODAY.com over email.

Clinger adds that his brand’s stores also carry other retro candies such as Ouch! Bubble Gum, Cry Baby Wax Soda Bottles and Strawberry Crème Savers, which Iconic Candy also brought back to life.

Food-focused Instagram account Snackolator wrote in an Instagram post that fans have been asking “nonstop” for the return of Altoids Sours, and they’re right. In the 14 years since the candy left store shelves, folks have reminisced online, pleading for the candy to come.

bout to risk it all pic.twitter.com/q78rqrakvS

— concepts of a ben (@limitlessjest) December 10, 2019

Some have even attempted to sell the discontinued candy for thousands of dollars on resale sites like eBay. A 2019 Change.org petition titled, “Bring Back Altoids Mango Sours” has more than 1,000 signatures — a search result on the site shows there are 34 petitions dedicated to the candy’s return.

This past July, Chrissy Teigen shared a video of herself opening a pack of Altoids Sours that expired in 2007. In the Instagram post, she said a fan gifted her the candy. Unfortunately for the model, the contents were a gooey mess. (Don’t eat expired candy, folks.)

A representative from Iconic Candy tells TODAY.com that Retro Sours is neither connected with the manufacturer of Altoids Sours nor its owner Mars Wrigley.

“At Mars Wrigley, consumer obsession is part of our DNA,” a company representative tells TODAY.com over email. “We are constantly innovating and looking for ways to inspire moments of everyday happiness for the next generation of snackers, and to meet the preferences and expectations of consumers that have been fans of ours for years.”

The Mars Wrigley rep adds that the company won’t be bringing back Altoids Sours at this time and that Retro Sours was not created with Mars involvement. “Mars Wrigley cannot confirm the quality, taste, packaging, or distribution model for this product,” they say.

The public’s reaction to the debut of Retro Sours has been largely positive, with folks taking to multiple social media platforms to express their joy: “I need whole boxes,” wrote one Instagram user.

It’s clear that many of the excited fans believe this product marks the return of their favorite sour sucker. But the Iconic Candy representative tells TODAY.com that its version doesn’t use the same recipe as Altoids Sours did.

“I NEVER THOUGHT I’D LIVE TO SEE THE DAY!!!😍😍😍,” someone commented on Instagram.

“Altoids Sours coming back is proof the world is healing,” another fan wrote on X, with someone else saying, “THIS IS NOT A DRILL I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

“THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE I STARTED HYPERVENTILATING,” wrote one X user. Another said they would be “Spending all my rent money on Altoid sours because I have abandonment issues from last time.”

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On Sept. 8, Shake Shack brought back free Chicken Shacks on Sundays for the next 14 weeks. Customers can secure a free Chicken Shack with a $10 minimum purchase until Sunday, Dec. 15. The offer has a limit of one free Chicken Shack per order, but you can keep coming back for the deal on subsequent Sundays.

As a reminder, the Chicken Shack features white-meat chicken breast, lettuce, pickles and buttermilk-herb mayo on a toasted potato bun.

“Just like professional football players, we too work on Sundays and couldn’t be happier to serve up antibiotic-free Chicken Shacks on Sunday Game Days,” the company wrote in its announcement. “There is no better combination than watching your favorite team on Sundays with a sandwich that’s made-to-order and only uses the highest quality ingredients.”

Football fans — and those who couldn’t care less about the game but love free food — can score the deal by using the promo code CHICKENSUNDAY on the Shack app.

And now, for the fine print: The deal excludes all paid add-ons like avocado and bacon. The offer isn’t valid for drive-thru orders or orders made through third-party delivery apps, and it can’t be combined with any other offers or promotions.

Shake Shack’s Black Truffle Menu is back

Shake Shack also just brought back its Black Truffle Menu, which was first introduced in 2021. It became available on the Shack app on Sept. 10, and will be offered nationwide at all Shake Shack locations starting Sept. 13.

The menu includes Black Truffle Parmesan Fries, the Black Truffle Burger, the Black Truffle ‘Shroom Burger and the Black Truffle Shack Stack, which features a Gruyere cheeseburger, black truffle sauce and a fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses, all on a toasted potato bun.

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On Sept. 10,  the Campbell Soup Company held its Investor Day in New York City and, in addition to discussing its progress up to this point, the company’s management team spoke about its next era — which includes a new name.

The Campbell Soup Company, which has sold everything from vegetables, snacks, salsa, soup and much more in its 155 years in grocery, has decided to drop the word “Soup” from its corporate name, rebranding as The Campbell’s Company.

Mark Clouse, Campbell’s president and chief executive officer, said the company has “been on a transformative journey” to redefine itself in the past five years with a “new strategy, new mission and new name.”

“This subtle yet important change retains the company’s iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the company’s portfolio,” said Clouse in a statement.

The name change is subject to shareholder approval at its annual meeting of shareholders in November.

A Campbell’s representative tells TODAY.com that, if approved, its current web address — which still contains the word “soup” — will also change, but that doesn’t mean it’s forgetting the source of Andy Warhol’s inspiration.

“What better way to mark this next chapter than with a subtle, but meaningful change in the name of our company,” Clouse said at the shareholder meeting. “One that respects our heritage, but also reflects who we are today.”

“We will always love soup and will never take our eye off this critical business,” he added. “But today we are so much more than soup.”

The representative also confirms that, despite the proposed name change, the company will still be known as “Campbell’s.”

Interestingly, the Campbell Soup Company is not the original name of the company. According to Campbell’s, the entity started back in 1869 when Abraham Anderson, commercial canner and packer, and Joseph Campbell, a wholesale fruit and vegetable vendor, established the firm of Anderson & Campbell.

Cans of the company’s wares — like soup — had already been labeled with just Campbell’s last name, but it wasn’t until 1922 that the company adopted “Soup” as its middle name, officially becoming the Campbell Soup Company.

Nowadays, the company has many non-soup food and beverage brands under its umbrella, including Prego, Pace, Noosa, V8, Goldfish, Pepperidge Farm and Cape Cod Chips. In August 2023, the company also bought the maker of Rao’s Homemade, Sovos Brands, for $2.7 billion, causing concern among Rao’s customers that the quality of the pasta sauce would decline.

“I’ve seen the speculation that we’re going to change the recipe—even some of my friends texted me,” Clouse wrote on LinkedIn at the time. “I’ll tell you what I told them: There’s no way we’re changing the sauce!”

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If yes, JELL-O has something for you.

The company known for its gelatin desserts has come up with a “Jelly Collection” of inflatable furniture.

The collection features four colors — red, orange, yellow and green — with each inspired by a top-selling JELL-O flavor. Additionally, each chair comes with a built-in JELL-O cupholder.

JELL-O said the chairs are a blend of Y2K nostalgia and modern design, while also citing a “resurgence” of inflatable furniture.

“For over 150 years, JELL-O has been at the heart of joyful family moments, big and small,” Tyler Parker, Brand Manager of Desserts at Kraft Heinz, said in a press release. “With The Jelly Collection, we’re not just celebrating our rich history; we’re bringing it to life for today’s families. By blending our heritage with a modern twist, we’re inviting consumers to embrace the playful spirit that has made JELL-O a beloved favorite for generations.”

JELL-O released the collection on Amazon on Tuesday for a limited time with each chair priced at $30. As of Wednesday morning, the chair is not currently available.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged Keurig Dr Pepper over what the agency said are inaccurate claims by the company about the recyclability of its disposable K-Cup pods, the agency said Tuesday.

Keurig has agreed to pay a $1.5 million civil penalty without admitting or denying the agency’s findings.

As consumers have become more conscious of their carbon footprints, questions about K-Cups’ environmental impact have dogged Keurig for more than a decade. The pods’ inventor told the Atlantic that he feels bad “sometimes” about creating K-Cups because of the waste they generate. A 2018 lawsuit over recycling claims led to a $10 million class-action settlement. By the end of 2020, K-Cups became fully recyclable, according to the company.

But before the company reached that milestone, it was already telling investors that the pods could be recycled.

Keurig said in its annual reports for fiscal 2019 and 2020 that testing with recycling facilities found that K-Cups could be effectively recycled. However, the SEC said the company failed to disclose that two of the largest U.S. recyclers told Keurig that they didn’t intend to accept the disposable coffee pods for recycling and had expressed “significant concerns” about the financial viability of recycling K-Cups collected curbside.

The company’s claims could have swayed some consumers, boosting sales of both K-Cups and its brewers. Research conducted earlier by a Keurig subsidiary found that environmental concerns were a key factor that some shoppers considered when buying a Keurig coffee machine, according to the SEC.

In Keurig’s fiscal second quarter, sales of K-Cup pods and the company’s brewing systems accounted for nearly a quarter of the company’s revenue, according to a company filing.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement that fully resolves this matter.”

“Our K-Cup pods are made from recyclable polypropylene plastic (also known as #5 plastic), which is widely accepted in curbside recycling systems across North America,” the spokesperson said. “We continue to encourage consumers to check with their local recycling program to verify acceptance of pods, as they are not recycled in many communities. We remain committed to a better, more standardized recycling system for all packaging materials through KDP actions, collaboration and smart policy solutions.”

In 2011, after nearly two decades on Wall Street, Coristine burned out. He tried multiple remedies: switching to a vegetarian diet, meditating, enrolling in an MBA program. None of them worked.

At a barbeque, Coristine met an owner of snack company LesserEvil, who talked about wanting to sell his “flatlining” business. Coristine had no food industry experience, but was intrigued by the idea of a fresh start — and he liked that the company’s name was “synchronistic” with a healthy, mindful lifestyle, he says.

In November 2011, Coristine bought LesserEvil for $250,000 from his savings, plus a future payment of $100,000, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. The risk was impulsive and ill-researched, he says: LesserEvil, which aimed to offer consumers healthier popcorn and snack alternatives, was losing money and bringing in less than $1 million in annual revenue at the time, the company estimates.

Yet the Danbury, Connecticut-based company has grown significantly under his watch. As CEO and president, Coristine grew its annual gross sales to $103.3 million in 2023 — including $82.9 million in net sales — and got its products into major retailers and corner stores across the U.S.

The business, which sells a variety of popcorns and air-popped Cheetos-like puffs and curls, has been profitable since 2021, according to company estimates. It made $14.4 million last year in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA.

“I didn’t know anyone in food … to ask whether I was crazy or not, but that’s probably good,” says Coristine, 52. “If I had done a lot of research and looked into it, I would have realized that the probability of success was pretty low.”

Here’s how Coristine is making LesserEvil into a household name.

A ‘scrappy’ reinvention

When he bought LesserEvil, Coristine was working at TD Bank and pursuing an MBA at Cornell University Graduate School.

In 2012, he got his MBA degree and started his new full-time job as LesserEvil’s CEO. Among his first moves: hiring his graduate school friend Andrew Strife as COO and CFO, and his wakeboard instructor as head of marketing.

Along with the previous regime’s accountant, the small team worked from an office in Wilton, Connecticut, to update LesserEvil’s branding and create their own production line. The old-fashioned branding wasn’t attracting customers, and the company was paying about 20% of its revenue from each sale to co-packers who helped make and ship out the snacks, Coristine says.

Coristine’s savings had largely run out, so the team raised an undisclosed amount of money from their friends and family, and secured more financing through a connection Coristine had at a bank, says Strife. They moved into a 5,000-square-foot factory in Danbury in 2012, and filled it with used equipment purchased at auctions.

The team made “friends with welders down the street,” who could weld wheels and popcorn shoots onto the machinery, Strife says. They painted factory’s exterior black and plastering a yellow “LesserEvil” logo to the side of the building themselves. As Coristine recalls, drivers started pulling off the road, entering the factory and asking, “Is this a strip club?”

“Everything was scrappy and needed to be reinvented as we went along,” says Strife.

New branding and an unconventional ingredient

In 2014, when a neighboring carpet factory moved out, LesserEvil knocked down the wall and added 2,000 square feet and a production line to its operations.

That year, Coristine’s personal nutritionist offered a health-focused suggestion: Use coconut oil to pop the popcorn. Coristine was skeptical that coconut oil would stay fresh in a snack bag, so he literally shelf-tested it, he says: “We put it on the top of a fridge, which gets really hot [and left it for] for three months.”

The oil stayed fresh, and Coristine liked the surprisingly buttery taste, so LesserEvil launched the reformulated product with a new laughing Buddha logo in 2014 — calling it the Buddha Bowl. It brought in roughly $2 million that year, accounting for a third of LesserEvil’s annual revenue, the company says.

Kroger, the first major retailer to sell LesserEvil, started stocking its products in 2015. That partnership helped fund another move for LesserEvil in 2017 — this time, to a 20,000-square-foot factory, says Strife.

A year later, the company got its first outside funding — about $3 million, the company says — from sustainable food and agriculture investment firm InvestEco. Coristine and his team used the funds to add production lines to the new factory and update LesserEvil’s packaging again: Each product now features its own “guru,” from the ancient Greek poet Homer to Henry David Thoreau.

The rebrand, and added products, helped push the brand into profitability. Coristine started paying himself a salary from LesserEvil that year, the company says.

‘It doesn’t feel like work’

LesserEvil’s goal has always been to differentiate itself from competitors with non-standard ingredients like extra-virgin coconut oil and avocado oil, says Coristine.

Sometimes, using atypical ingredients can have consequences: A Consumer Reports investigation from June found “concerning amounts of lead” in two of LesserEvil’s Lil’ Puffs snacks for kids. The company issued an apology, and tells Make It that it’s relaunching the puffs — free of the cassava flour that previously contained lead — later this year.

The company still brought in $62 million in net sales during the first half of 2024. It used another round of funding — $19 million, in a round led by investment firm Aria Growth Partners, LesserEvil says — to buy out prior investors and open a new factory in New Milford, roughly 15 miles from its Danbury facility.

Today, the company has 280 employees. Coristine’s short-term goals: Keep growing and launching new products. Longer-term, he simply wants the company to “be a brand that could be around for along time,” he says.

LesserEvil has already succeeded in helping Coristine solve a more personal problem, he adds — he works less, from about 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and feels happier since leaving Wall Street.

“It feels joyous, so it doesn’t feel like work,” says Coristine.

The fast food chain announced Sept. 4 in a press release that it teamed up with the Spirit Halloween retail brand to create a line of costumes that spoof a viral trend that’s appeared on both brands’ social media accounts.

The idea for the costumes is rooted in a longtime social media trend in which users create fake Halloween costumes allegedly sold in Spirit Halloween’s recognizable packaging.

In 2022, Chipotle joined the fun when it posted the image of a fictional “Chipotle Fork” costume that was literally a photo of one of the chain’s plastic black forks. “Found ur costume,” it captioned the image.

The following year, the brand posted a “Chipotle Napkin” costume idea that showed a person posing in a head-to-toe tan bodysuit with the Chipotle logo stamped on the chest.

Now, the two companies have created real-life versions of both costumes as well as a few more, including bodysuits meant to represent a “Chipotle Water Cup,” a “Chipotle Burrito” and a “Chipotle To-Go Bag.”

Those in on the gag would appreciate that the fork costume, for example, consists entirely of a black bodysuit meant to be worn by a person holding his or her arms up in a fork shape.

The burrito bodysuit is made in the same silver color of Chipotle’s burrito wrappers and features the replica of the white label Chipotle affixes to its takeout food.

After Chipotle and Spirit Halloween posted a joint video showcasing the new costumes on Instagram, users responded in the comments.

“Chipotle, you really outdone yourself now,” one wrote while another joked, “I will casually wear this on a day to day basis.”

“This made my day!!! Way to go once again @chipotle,” someone else shared.

Meanwhile, another user, most likely a Harry Potter fan, added, “I’m going to collect them like horcruxes.”

The costumes, which all retail at $39.99, range in size from adult small to XL. They’ll be available for purchase beginning Sept. 6 on the Spirit Halloween website and in select Spirit Halloween locations.

While the costumes are certainly a clever marketing ploy, it’s hardly the first time Chipotle has gotten into the Halloween spirit.

Since 2000, the chain has offered a special “Boorito” deal on Halloween each year. The deal, according to the Chipotle website, originally offered discounts to trick-or-treaters who dressed up in burrito-themed costumes.

Over the years, it expanded to offer discounts to patrons wearing any sort of costumes until Halloween 2023 when Chipotle did away with a costume requirement altogether and began offering $6 digital entrées to reward members.

The company also expanded its Halloween hours until midnight in select locations.

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On Sept. 5, Pepsi welcomed football season by releasing a star-studded commercial in the theme of upcoming blockbuster “Gladiator II.”

The short film, titled “Make Your Gameday Epic,” features rapper and singer Megan Thee Stallion, NFL players Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry and Justin Jefferson, as well as “White Lotus” star Jake Lacy and “Fargo” star Lamorne Morris.

In the ad, Morris and Lacy discuss the Roman Empire in a sports bar before being magically transported into the world of gladiator battle — an ancient allegory to today’s football field.

An empress played by Megan Thee Stallion watches over gladiators Alan, Henry, Jefferson and Kelce and raps to a version of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” The athletes battle and outsmart tigers before winning the prize: a refreshing can of Pepsi (of course).

Back in the “real world,” Kelce asks, “Are you not entertained?” through a television screen — a callback to Russel Crowe’s iconic line in the original movie — ending the surreal three-minute commercial.

In a press release, Pepsi says the advertisement is coming with a bevy of extras: In addition to in-store displays and a sweepstakes involving talking cans in early November, the brand has a partnership with Fandango in which customers can buy $20 of Pepsi products to get a $10 Fandango movie reward toward a “Gladiator II” movie ticket.

The soda company also released a “My Roman Empire” Portrait Generator Tool where people can upload a selfie to become their own customized gladiator or roman royal.

Pepsi says customers can expect the ad to be shown on national television before and during the Chiefs-Ravens game. Megan Thee Stallion’s version of Queen’s iconic song is also available on Apple Music and other major streaming platforms.

The ad is a sequel in more ways than one: After the original “Gladiator” came out in 2000 and swept the Oscars, pop culture had the Roman Empire on the mind for a while.

That may be why, in 2004, Pepsi created its original gladiator-themed commercial starring Britney Spears, Pink and Beyoncé, with their own version of the 1977 hit, complete with Enrique Iglesias watching over as emperor.

It may be surprising to learn that the original ad never actually aired on American television, according to Rolling Stone, but it became a cultural touchstone regardless.

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To mark the occasion, several restaurants are cooking up some delightful discounts. Ready for a slice of savory savings? Here are a few deals you won’t want to miss.

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings 

On Sept. 5, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings customers can order a large, 16-inch cheese pizza for just $10 while dining in at all locations. Simply mention the promotion to take advantage of the offer.

Casey’s

Casey’s customers can celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day with $10 large cheese pizzas. To score the deal, use the code CHEESE.

Chuck E. Cheese

To celebrate the food holiday, Chuck E. Cheese is running a buy-one, get-one free large cheese pizza deal for online and carryout orders on Sept. 5.

Donato’s Pizza

Participating Donatos Pizza locations are serving up $10.99 large Serious Cheese pizzas on Sept. 5. To take advantage of the offer, use the promo code CHEESE.

GPM Investments

GPM Investments convenience store rewards members can get a hot or frozen cheese pizza for just $4.99 on Sept. 5. They’ll also score a free standard size Reese’s or Snickers bar.

In addition, the convenience store is running a $9.99 deal that comes with a hot or frozen cheese pizza, a Frito-Lay 2.65-ounce snack and two 20-ounce Pepsi-Cola drinks.

Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream

Participating Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream locations will be offering 25% off classic medium cheese pizzas on Sept. 5.

Hungry Howie’s

Hungry Howie’s customers can order the chain’s large tie-dye pizza for just $11.99 on the holiday. The secret menu item is made with fresh mozzarella and edible glitter.

Little Caesars

Just in time for National Cheese Pizza Day, Little Caesars is offering customers free delivery and no service fees on app and online orders. The offer is valid through Sept. 15.

Marco’s Pizza

Throwing a cheese pizza party? Marco‘s Pizza is currently offering a Mega Meal Deal promotion for a limited time. It comes with a large one-topping pizza (you can request extra cheese!), Cheezybread and Cinnasquares for $19.99 using the discount code MEGAMEAL.

The discount is not valid with other offers, catering or third-party delivery apps.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

On Sept. 5, Mountain Mike’s Pizza loyalty members can save $3 on any cheese pizza (except for mini pizzas).

Papa Murphy’s

On Sept. 5, participating Papa Murphy’s restaurants are giving customers 30% off purchases (no cart minimum) using the code FOOTBALL24.

Peter Piper Pizza

Peter Piper Pizza customers can get a free order of breadsticks when they buy any large cheese pizza in the chain’s app. The offer is valid at participating locations.

Pizza Hut

For a limited time, select Pizza Hut locations are offering customers a free Moving Box Table with the purchase of a large pizza. The specialty item is a pizza box that turns into a mini table so you can eat anywhere while you’re on the go. The offer is valid on carryout phone orders.

Round Table Pizza

From Sept. 5 — 8, Round Table Pizza rewards members can get a $5 personal cheese pizza with any purchase at participating locations.

Sbarro

Sbarro is offering customers a few ways to celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day:

• A coupon for $5 off a $25 purchase using the online code 11111.
• A two-slice combo starting at $11.99 (includes a regular fountain beverage).
• Friday Night Pizza Night special: On Thursday, customers can preorder a 17-inch pizza for $14 for pickup on Friday .

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The fast food giant opened a new restaurant in McDonough, Georgia, designed to carry out their new “elevated drive-thru concept” that serves four drive-thru lanes with a kitchen elevated on the second floor. Food will be brought down on conveyer belts to employees who then give customers their food.

The new restaurant design does not have a dine-in option and has a kitchen double the size of a standard Chick-fil-A location.

Executives for the company say the new concept can serve two to three times the number of vehicles as a regular Chick-fil-A drive-thru, which has only two lanes.

Drive-thru lanes will have two options for ordering: mobile orders only or traditional ordering.

The company also claims their conveyer belts will allow employees to serve meal orders every six seconds.

Scientists and entrepreneurs are working on ways to make more cocoa that stretch well beyond the tropics, from Northern California to Israel.

California Cultured, a plant cell culture company, is growing cocoa from cell cultures at a facility in West Sacramento, California, with plans to start selling its products next year. It puts cocoa bean cells in a vat with sugar water so they reproduce quickly and reach maturity in a week rather than the six to eight months a traditional harvest takes, said Alan Perlstein, the company’s chief executive. The process also no longer requires as much water or arduous labor.

“We see just the demand of chocolate monstrously outstripping what is going to be available,” Perlstein said. “There’s really no other way that we see that the world could significantly increase the supply of cocoa or still keep it at affordable levels without extensive either environmental degradation or some significant other cost.”

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Cocoa trees grow about 20 degrees north and south of the equator in regions with warm weather and abundant rain, including West Africa and South America. Climate change is expected to dry out the land under the additional heat. So scientists, entrepreneurs and chocolate-lovers are coming up with ways to grow cocoa and make the crop more resilient and more resistant to pests — as well as craft chocolatey-tasting cocoa alternatives to meet demand.

The market for chocolate is massive with sales in the United States surpassing $25 billion in 2023, according to the National Confectioners Association. Many entrepreneurs are betting on demand growing faster than the supply of cocoa. Companies are looking at either bolstering the supply with cell-based cocoa or offering alternatives made from products ranging from oats to carob that are roasted and flavored to produce a chocolatey taste for chips or filling.

The price of cocoa soared earlier this year because of demand and troubles with the crop in West Africa due to plant disease and changes in weather. The region produces the bulk of the world’s cocoa.

“All of this contributes to a potential instability in supply, so it is attractive to these lab-grown or cocoa substitute companies to think of ways to replace that ingredient that we know of as chocolatey-flavored,” said Carla D. Martin, executive director of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute and a lecturer in African and African American Studies at Harvard University.

The innovation is largely driven by demand for chocolate in the U.S. and Europe, Martin said. While three-quarters of the world’s cocoa is grown in West and Central Africa, only 4% is consumed there, she said.

The push to produce cocoa indoors in the U.S. comes after other products, such as chicken meat, have already been grown in labs. It also comes as supermarket shelves fill with evolving snack options — something that developers of cocoa alternatives say shows people are ready to try what looks and tastes like a chocolate chip cookie even if the chip contains a cocoa substitute.

They said they also are hoping to tap into rising consciousness among consumers about where their food comes from and what it takes to grow it, particularly the use of child labor in the cocoa industry.

Planet A Foods in Planegg, Germany, contends the taste of mass market chocolate is derived largely from the fermentation and roasting in making it, not the cocoa bean itself. The company’s founders tested out ingredients ranging from olives to seaweed and settled on a mix of oats and sunflower seeds as the best tasting chocolate alternative, said Jessica Karch, a company spokesperson. They called it “ChoViva” and it can be subbed into baked goods, she said.

“The idea is not to replace the high quality, 80% dark chocolate, but really to have a lot of different products in the mass market,” Karch said.

Yet while some are seeking to create alternative cocoa sources and substitutes, others are trying to bolster the supply of cocoa where it naturally grows. Mars, which makes M&Ms and Snickers, has a research facility at University of California, Davis aimed at making cocoa plants more resilient, said Joanna Hwu, the company’s senior director of cocoa plant science. The facility hosts a living collection of cocoa trees so scientists can study what makes them disease-resistant to help farmers in producing countries and ensure a stable supply of beans.

“We see it as an opportunity, and our responsibility,” Hwu said.

In Israel, efforts to expand the supply of cocoa are also under way. Celleste Bio is taking cocoa bean cells and growing them indoors to produce cocoa powder and cocoa butter, said co-founder Hanne Volpin. In a few years, the company expects to be able to produce cocoa regardless of the impact of climate change and disease — an effort that has drawn interest from Mondelez, the maker of Cadbury chocolate.

“We only have a small field, but eventually, we will have a farm of bioreactors,” Volpin said.

That’s similar to the effort under way at California Cultured, which plans to seek permission from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to call its product chocolate, because, according to Perlstein, that’s what it is.

It might wind up being called brewery chocolate, or local chocolate, but chocolate no less, he said, because it’s genetically identical though not harvested from a tree.

“We basically see that we’re growing cocoa — just in a different way,” Perlstein said.

Rumors have recently been swirling that the brand, known for its 6-ounce juice pouches, was ditching the drink’s iconic containers for 12-ounce bottles aimed at adults.

However, in an Aug. 30 Instagram post, Capri Sun said that’s not the case.

“Don’t believe everything you read on the internet — we’d never disrespect the pouch and they’re here to stay!” the company said. “Starting next week you can buy a whole pallet of Capri Sun pouches. Find us at Walmart.”

In a press release, Capri Sun noted that it’s launching a pallet of 3,800+ Capri Sun pouches exclusively at Walmart starting next week.

As for the rumors about the 12-ounce bottles hitting stores, Capri Sun tells TODAY.com that is still happening — just not this year. The brand explained that its bottled drinks will not be replacing the pouches — they’ll be sold separately.

“The single-serve bottles are an innovation slated for next year!” the brand says. “The pouches are here to stay!”

Fans who are interested in the Capri Sun bottles can find more information about it in the new year when the company starts to roll out more information.

So far, fans seem relieved in response to the news.

“THANK GOD 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😈😈😈🎸,” one person commented on Capri Sun’s Instagram post.

Another said, “Good idk what I wouldn’t done if the pouch disappeared.”

Before the clarifying news, fans took to TikTok to share their outrage about Capri Sun possibly getting rid of its pouches. At the time, many thought it was true.

“I essentially live on the internet so to see something that truly floors me, it takes a lot,” one fan said on TikTok. “Capri Sun switching to bottles stopped me in my tracks for all the wrong reasons! No! Capri Sun pouches, right? That’s what makes a Capri Sun a Capri Sun. If you’re in a bottle, you’re just a drink then. Give me the pouch! Give me the straw!”

Another TikTok user agreed, saying that the beauty of Capri Sun is drinking it through the pouches, even if it might be hard to do so.

“We all know Capri Sun, right? Well, they just announced they’re launching something, and I think it should be illegal,” he said. “Why the hell are they launching bottles? The only reason Capri Sun tastes good is that little plastic straw that is impossible to get into that pouch. Who thought this was a good idea? Capri Sun, shame on you.”

Another TikToker joined in on the conversation, saying they were shocked by the rumors.

“This is one of the biggest changes the food and drug space has seen, honestly, ever,” he said.

“This is wild,” he added. “Capri Sun has always been known for their pouches. They’ve been around for so many years, but to just change it up like this and get rid of it is honestly a shame. And I understand why they did it, but I will say, I was genuinely shocked when I saw this, this morning.”

“They’re completely revamping what they’re doing, their marketing, their packaging, their logo staying the same, but I’m not going to want to walk in and get a bottled Capri Sun,” the fan continued. “I feel like so much of the charm was poking your straw into that little plastic pouch. The bottle is just not going to hit the same so I’m really interested to see how this actually does once they unveil it. But it’s just so nostalgic, and I’m sad that they’re completely doing away with it.”

In the comments, people mostly said they don’t support the bottles.

“This just looks like it won’t taste the same,” one person commented.

Another added, “This is worse than Snapple going from glass bottles to plastic bottles. I haven’t had a Snapple in years.”

While Capri Sun has since put the rumors to rest, the brand did receive a lot of positive reviews for its new 96-ounce bottled drinks it released earlier this year.

The 55-year-old company explained that it came out with the popular innovation after fans implored them for years to release a larger serving size than the pouches.

The company noted that between 2020 and 2023, 76% of the suggestions received by its call center were from folks wanting a bigger product size.

“With this larger format, everyone, including kids at heart, can bring a piece of their epic childhood to parties, summer gatherings and even dinnertime at home,” Jordan Mann, Capri Sun’s senior brand manager, said in a statement at the time. “We’re now able to delight those fans that grew up on Capri Sun with an offering that suits their needs. They’ve outgrown the serving size of the pouch, but not their love for Capri Sun.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Chick-fil-A is launching a streaming service and the internet is bawking at the idea
• Gatorwine, the viral Gatorade and wine combo, is here to ruin your dinner party
• 5 egg substitutes for cooking and baking that are, well, eggcellent

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

It seems to have erupted out of nowhere, but it’s more like “GoatsNowhere,” the YouTube commenter who submitted the recipe — can you call it a recipe? — for review in a special tasting edition of Babish Culinary Universe. Cook and YouTube star Andrew Rea, much better known by the handle Binging with Babish, brought the drink into the limelight with his hilarious reaction.

“It’s not like anything I’ve ever tasted, ever,” says Rea in the video, before comparing it to sangria. “If I’m being honest, I’d rather drink this than Barefoot or Yellowtail,” he says, with an incredulous laugh and shrug, “In a very disgusting, perverse way, I like it.” Although it was served to him in a chilled glass, he suggests it might work on the rocks, and as he repeatedly uses it as a palate cleanser for other less successful entries, he raises its score from a 6 to a 7. He also gets at least two refills.

Now that it’s been broadcast to Rea’s millions of followers, there are lots of people game to try it, even if they think they might regret it, but most testers find it better than expected.

“I tried gatorwine yesterday. I was ready to hate it. I made more today. You win,” commented mattyj5751 on YouTube.

“It’s kind of calming down the wine, for people who don’t drink wine,” says Instagram’s @wendellion.

“Oh no. Oh no! It’s good,” says chagrined TikToker @wanderingmallory.

Cocktail creator-reviewer Prescott Vanmeyer III, better known as Unemployed Wine Guy, likes gatorwine well enough to suggest using the idea to stretch your red wine supply, and also tests out the admonition that it must be the light blue one. When he tries it with the Glacier Cherry and Grape flavors, his face tells you everything you need to know.

Well, I’ve put it off as long as I can. Although many testers just eyeball it, I’ve laid out my ingredients and a cocktail jigger to make sure I get it precisely 50-50.

I’ve decided on a pinot noir since we are reportedly in sangria territory, and given both the instruction to limit expenditure to $12 and the relative gravitas of this assignment, the brand Low Hanging Fruit was too good to pass up. One of the cheapest wines out there but actually not one of the worst, it’s on the tart side, heavy on the berry notes, and just astringent enough to be interesting — what professional wine tasters might charitably call “approachable.” You don’t have to fret about unwanted bits falling into the wine during uncorking, either, because the cork is plastic.

Pictured is 2.5 ounces each of red wine and Glacier Freeze Gatorade. I’m surprised that the color isn’t all wrong, purple or muddy; it’s just a nice burgundy, although a bit more translucent than a regular glass of red. Since the alcohol content is cut in half, it has about as much leg as a snake on skates.

A good red should balance acidity, astringency, fruit and alcohol in pleasing harmony. The Gatorade reduces the acidity to somewhere in the vicinity of a milkshake, and much in the way adding a pinch of salt to coffee can reduce bitterness, the electrolytes mean the tannins are missing in action. The finish falls off a cliff and it has all the complexity of a straight line. Smooth, nonthreatening, mildly patronizing — akin to drinking a Care Bear.

But Care Bears are pretty delightful! They spread joy, demanding nothing in return. Gatorwine isn’t going to do anything to upset you; in fact, it giggles a little bit when you sip it. I decided to really lean into the sangria angle and let it chill with diced fruit for a few hours, and honestly, although the fruit at the end is the best part and I don’t suggest ice since it’s already dilute, you could serve this at a dinner party. The only people who will know are the ones who have tried it before, and they’re not going to want to admit it by way of revealing your secrets.

Surely by this point, you have questions. I still have some myself. But as a registered dietitian, I’ll take a crack at some of the ones that show up in the comments most.

First, is there any benefit to drinking this? Well, on the one hand, I’ve never said to a client, “You know, as your dietitian, I really think you should start drinking.” There is nothing in this experience that you can’t get from a great mocktail, and any alleged health benefits are vastly overstated. But, on the other hand, it has half the alcohol by volume of wine by itself, so if you’ve already decided to have a glass, that’s a good thing in relative terms.

Second, will the electrolytes help ameliorate the risk of hangovers? Maybe just a little, in that it could reduce the dehydrating effects of alcohol, but if you’re drinking enough gatorwine to need hangover amelioration, maybe you should reevaluate your life choices.

Lastly, is it worth the shame of going through the grocery checkout with these ingredients just to try a guilty glass with your next frozen pizza night?

Yeah … it kind of is.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Chick-fil-A is launching a streaming service and the internet is bawking at the idea
• Gatorwine, the viral Gatorade and wine combo, is here to ruin your dinner party
• 5 egg substitutes for cooking and baking that are, well, eggcellent

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The chain is helping customers celebrate summer’s last hurrah by selling a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for just $2 over the next few days.

Is your sweet tooth already excited? Here’s everything you need to know to score the sweet deal.

The offer is valid between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2

Krispy Kreme customers have five days to take advantage of the $2 dozen deal.

The offer is valid between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2, and there are three ways to score the discount:

• In-shop
• Pick-up at participating locations
• Delivery through the Krispy Kreme app/website

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You have to buy another dozen to score the offer

In order to get a $2 dozen, you have to buy another Original Glazed dozen at regular price.

The deal is also limited to two dozen in-shop and at the drive-thru, and one dozen in the app/website for delivery or pick-up orders.

Krispy Kreme recently teamed up with Dr Pepper

News of Krispy Kreme’s Labor Day deal comes hot on the heels of the debut of its limited-edition Krispy Kreme x Dr Pepper Kickoff Collection.

The football-themed collection is available in-shop, for pick-up at participating shops or via delivery through Krispy Kreme’s app and website. It features two new doughnuts and a returning fan favorite:

• Dr Pepper Kickoff Doughnut (new): An original glazed doughnut with Dr Pepper-flavored frosting, sprinkles and a white chocolate Dr Pepper logo.
• Buttercreme Goals Doughnut (new): An original glazed doughnut with green icing, colorful sprinkles and a yellow buttercream-flavored goal post. 
• Kreme Filled Football Doughnut: An unglazed doughnut filled with white “Kreme” then dipped in chocolate icing with white piping.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Chick-fil-A is launching a streaming service and the internet is bawking at the idea
• Gatorwine, the viral Gatorade and wine combo, is here to ruin your dinner party
• 5 egg substitutes for cooking and baking that are, well, eggcellent

Nearly 80% of Americans said they feel fast food has become a luxury and are eating out less, according to a LendingTree survey. To try to lure them back, fast-food chains have been touting their value.

It’s a similar playbook to the one those chains have used in the past, and the competition has sparked what some are calling a value menu war.

“This has always been an industry where value is critically important,” said Sara Senatore, senior analyst at Bank of America Securities. “We’re seeing what I would characterize as a little bit more of a return to normal.”

The restaurants hope that customers will be drawn to value meals, but will also choose to buy regular-priced items.

Early signs show that the value strategy is working. McDonald’s has said it’s seeing an increase in traffic and it extended the length of time for its value meal deals. Restaurant analysts, meanwhile, are expecting that these deals will remain for some time to continue to attract the value-driven consumer.

Watch the video to learn more about why fast-food chains are competing for customers with value meals.

After teasing a “very demure, very patient, very mindful” fall menu debut last week, the Boston-based coffee and donut chain officially unveiled its 2024 autumn offerings Wednesday.

The 2024 Dunkin’ Donuts fall menu is headlined, of course, by Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, according to a release. It also includes the return of other fall favorites, including a Pumpkin Donut, Apple Cider Dinu, Loaded Hash Browns, Maple Sugar Seasoned Bacon and more, the release said.

Also on the fall menu this year is the new Dunkalatte, the chain’s “first-ever coffee milk latte.”

“The coffee milk is made with whole milk and Dunkin’s very own coffee extract,” the release said. “The result? An ultra-smooth drink that sips like a latte and tastes like a melty milkshake.”

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According to the announcement, Dunkin’ Donuts will also launch a limited-time $6 meal deal, which includes a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, hash browns and a medium hot or iced coffee.

“Whether guests are craving the classic pumpkin treats, loaded hash browns or trying something new, like our coffee milk latte, the Dunkalatte, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at Dunkin’ this fall,”  Beth Turenne, Vice President of Category Marketing at Dunkin’ said in a release.

Earlier this month, Dunkin’ released a “Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte,” with 6% ABV. According to officials, the canned drink is made with real coffee, pumpkin spice flavor and “a non-dairy creamer that is both vegan and lactose-intolerant friendly.” The drink is available for a limited time at retailers across 28 states including in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The full fall menu from Dunkin’ Donuts can be found below. The seasonal menu launches Wednesday and will be available nationwide for a limited time, according to officials.

• Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte
• Almond Spice Coffee (new)
• Dunkalatte (new)
• Pumpkin Cake Donut and Munchkins donut hole treats
• Pumpkin Muffin
• Apple Cider Donut
• Maple Sugar Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
• Maple Sugar Snackin’ Bacon 
• Maple Sugar Bacon Wake-Up Wrap.
• Loaded Hash Browns: 
• Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

Other coffee chains, like Starbucks and 7-Eleven, have already launched their Pumpkin Spice Lattes for the 2024 season.

On Aug. 21, Deadline reported that the fast-food chain, known for its chicken sandwiches and Banana Pudding Milkshakes, is launching its own streaming platform along with a slate of original programming.

Chick-fil-A has been reportedly working with “a number of major production companies” to create “family-friendly” shows, many of which will be reality TV, and is also in talks to license and acquire content. Discussions of scripted content and animation are also apparently on the table.

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According to Deadline, this includes a family-friendly game show from the company behind NBC’s “The Wall,” as well as Sugar23, the same production company behind series including “13 Reasons Why,” “The OA” and “True Detective.” Deadline reports that the Sugar23-produced show has secured a 10-episode order.

Sources tell Deadline that the chain is thinking of a late 2024 launch.

Chick-fil-A declined TODAY.com’s request for comment.

But this isn’t the first time Chick-fil-A has gone down this programming path: In 2021, it produced a series of short, animated films called “Stories of Evergreen Hills.”

Plus, Chick-fil-A is owned by the Cathy family, whose independently managed trust helped found Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The studio frequently works with Marvel and is where “WandaVision,” “Loki” and “Ant-Man” were filmed.

Social media users, as you can imagine, had plenty of thoughts on the chicken chain’s latest venture into entertainment.

“Wait what,” wrote one Instagram commenter, mirroring the surprise felt by many other commenters.

“Stream what? Shows about religion?” asked another. (For context, Chick-fil-A’s founder S. Truett Cathy’s devout Christian beliefs have influenced many of the company’s values.)

“No because you’ll be off the air on Sundays,” joked another Instagram user, wondering if the chain’s streaming service will mirror its restaurants’ closed-on-Sunday policy.

“Lemme guess, it’s all Chick Flicks?” joked one more.

“And it’s a Chick-Fil-A original movie, Liz” https://t.co/XDaazrAIN1 pic.twitter.com/k71gdf58k9

— Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) August 21, 2024

“And it’s a Chick-Fil-A original movie, Liz,” posted one user on X along with a picture of “30 Rock” character Jenna Maroney Jane Krakowski), an actor who frequently starred in peculiar and off-beat films, music and commercials.

“If Chik-fil-a can afford to spend millions of dollars on a streaming platform, they can afford to pay their workers a living wage,” wrote another X user. (Chick-fil-A restaurants are individually owned and operated by franchisees; the average hourly rate for an employee is about $13.43.)

“I can see this as a cross between the hallmark channel and a worship network,” predicted one Reddit user. “As long as they’re not publicly traded they can do whatever they want with their money.”

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Beginning Aug. 26, any footlong sub can be ordered for $6.99. This stands in stark contrast to the sub’s normal price, which ranges from $10 to $14, depending on the city.

Those ordering must use the promo code “699FL” on the Subway App or website to unlock the deal, which will run until Sept. 8. Add-ons will cost extra.

Subway is in good company: The past four months have seen many chains use this strategy to lure back diners, who have been critical of rising prices. McDonalds introduced a $5 Meal Deal in June, which it decided to extend a month later. It includes a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a small soft drink.

Burger King also launched and extended a $5 Your Way Meal, offering the choice of three sandwiches, as well as chicken nuggets, fries and a drink.

Taco Bell is selling a $7 Luxe Cravings Box value meal, which gets customers a Chalupa Supreme, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium drink.

Wendy’s offers a 2 for $3 breakfast meal, allowing customers to choose two items from a spread of breakfast sandwiches, a side of potatoes and a medium hot coffee.

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Subway says its new deal is “as big as its iconic footlong sandwiches,” according to its press release.

“Today’s diner is stretched more than ever, and too often that means a tradeoff on quality, variety or flavor to find an affordable meal,” said Subway North America President Doug Fry in the statement. “Our menu is full of footlongs for every budget, and this new deal means our guests can get the sandwiches they crave at a great value.”

The fast food chain will also offer sweet and savory footlong snacks, all priced at $5 and under.

Starbucks’ fall menu for 2024, accompanied by the coffee brand’s beloved PSL, will return to stores beginning Thursday, Aug. 22, the company said Wednesday.

This year’s launch date marks the earliest fall menu items have returned to Starbucks, according to TODAY. In previous years, the fall menu returned on or after Aug. 24.

In addition to the chain’s highly anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks’ fall menu will also include a new Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, along with old favorites including the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and more.

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Starbucks 2024 fall menu will include:

• Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai (new)
• Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
• Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Expresso
• Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte
• Iced Honey Apple Almondmilk Flat White
• Raccoon Cake Pop
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
• Baked Apple Croissant
• Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf

Starbucks Reserve locations in Chicago, Seattle and New York City will also debut a special fall menu beginning Thursday, with the return of Starbucks Reserve Pumpkin Spice Latte, as well as a new Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Affogato, Pumpkin Spice Chai Martini and Pumpkin Spice Martini Flight.

The Reserve menu also features new and fan-favorite bakery items, including a Pumpkin Croffel, Pumpkin Spice Cake, a Pear and Almond Tart and a 4 Stagioni Pizza with prosciutto cotto, marinated mushrooms, artichokes, black olives, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.

Starbucks Reserve locations will also offer a pumpkin spice tasting “experience,” as well as “cozy” fall merchandise including a pumpkin smash cocktail kit, outdoor table top fire kit and a PSL capsule collection with patches and beanies.

The following content is created in partnership with Goya. It does not reflect the work or opinions of the NBC Miami editorial staff. Click here to learn more about Goya.

As the school year approaches, parents everywhere find themselves juggling the logistics of busy mornings, multiple schedules, and keeping kids fed and healthy. The concept of meal prepping has long been a lifesaver for many, but there’s always room to refine and streamline the process. Here are six essential tips that not only optimize meal prep but also make it enjoyable, helping you save time and stress during those hectic mornings with the right tools and the best make-ahead recipes.

Organize and prepare ingredients in advance 

One of the key elements of successful meal prep is organization. Take a few minutes at the start of the week to plan your meals, select a general theme with some versatile ingredients, and prep them in advance; marinate proteins, chop vegetables, and mix dressings and sauces to save valuable time throughout the week. For example, try preparing the ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Wraps on Sunday evening and then assemble when your family needs a quick and healthy lunch during the week. 

Invest in quality containers 

Having the right containers can make all the difference in keeping your prepped meals fresh and ready to grab-and-go. Durable leak-proof glass jars like mason jars are excellent for recipes like Salad in a Jar or Overnight Oats that you can grab while herding the kids towards the car and whisking them off to school. These containers are not only eco-friendly but also help keep your salads crisp and fresh. They’re perfect for layering wet and dry ingredients like Goya’s black beans, corn, and greens, ensuring a balanced and delicious meal that stays fresh. Invest in leak-proof microwave-safe containers for transporting leftovers, eco-friendly silicone bags for snacks and sandwiches, and stainless-steel bento boxes for kid’s lunches with a variety of ingredients. 

Cook in bulk 

Cooking in bulk is a tried-and-true meal prep strategy that saves both time and energy. Prepare large batches of proteins, such as chicken or pork chops, which can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week. For instance, cook up a large batch of Easy Stuffed Pork Chops on Sunday. You can serve them for dinner that night with rice, and then use the leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, or even a quick protein addition to your salad in a jar.

Plan your meals around versatile ingredients 

Choosing versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes is a smart way to streamline your meal prep, and selecting a theme or type of cuisine can make it easier to do so. For example, when prepping ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Wraps, you can prepare extra chicken and veggies, and use them for a quick Mediterranean dinner on a busy weeknight by simply adding a starch like rice or roasted potatoes. By prepping versatile ingredients ahead of time and staying within a general theme, you’ll have everything ready for varied dishes so you can avoid “food fatigue” from repeating meals.

Set aside time for meal prep 

Make meal prep a part of your routine by setting aside a specific time each week to focus on it. Whether it’s Sunday afternoon or a couple of evenings during the week, dedicating time to prepare meals in advance will help you stay on track. During this time, consider planning different kinds of dishes for lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the week. Make sure to leave room for nights out or the occasional fast-food treat in exchange for good grades.

Get the kids involved

Meal prep doesn’t have to be a solo task, and involving your kids in age-appropriate ways can make the process more enjoyable and educational. Younger kids can help wash vegetables or stir ingredients, while older kids can take on more complex tasks like assembling or chopping ingredients. This not only teaches them valuable kitchen skills but also helps them take pride in the meals they’ll eat throughout the week.

Finally, remember that meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep your recipes simple, focus on ingredients you and your family love, and have fun with it. Experiment with different flavors and textures, and don’t be afraid to try new things. By keeping the process enjoyable, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and make it a regular part of your routine.

Goya is here to help ease the back-to-school transition with quality, versatile ingredients and delicious family-friendly recipes you can prepare in advance. Click here to learn more.

While those days are still over a month away in all likelihood, those craving a warm fall drink from Starbucks, such as the famed Pumpkin Spice Latte, won’t have much longer to wait.

Though no date is officially set for the premiere of the Starbucks fall menu, with the coffee chain’s website still promoting summer-themed drinks, a look at years’ past helps provide a hint at when we could see the menus switch over.

According to Time Out, Starbucks’ menu has typically shifted over in late August, with menus released on a Thursday every year since 2018 with the exception of 2023, when it was released on a Tuesday.

One food blogger, Markie Devo, suggested the menu would launch on Thursday, Aug. 22 in an Instagram post.

In addition to the beloved PSL, items such as the Apple Crisp Macchiato and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew are likely poised to make a return, among other items.

Unlike some other items, you can’t just stop buying groceries when they get pricey. There’s nothing you can do about inflation, but you can find ways to save on groceries so they don’t heavily affect your wallet or your eating habits. These include using coupons, budgeting and buying in bulk.

Here’s are some expert recommendations for saving on groceries:

Kiersten Torok started using coupons back when she was in high school, after her parents lost their jobs during the 2008 recession. She began relying on them even more in 2020, when she lost her own job during the pandemic. Now she’s using her social media platform to help others learn how to save.

“When times like these come up, coupons are a necessity for so many Americans,” said Torok, known on Instagram and TikTok as Torok Coupon Hunter.

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Many might think that using coupons means cutting them out of a magazine. While you can certainly still do that, there are now easier ways to get the discounts. Many stores, like Walmart and Target, have coupons available on their apps.

“All you have to do is scan an item in a store, the coupons pop up on your app and then they automatically apply in the register,” Torok said. “It’s become much more streamlined.”

One of Torok’s coupon golden rules is: Never pay big for toothpaste — there’s always a combination of coupons and offers available. For anyone who wants to try couponing, Torok recommends that you first start using them at your favorite store and never buy things you don’t need, even if there’s a big discount.

Apps like Flipp, which lets you browse for coupons from all major grocery stores, and Ibotta, an app that gives you cashback for using coupons, can make your journey with couponing easier.

Making a budget is a key to keeping grocery spending under control, and the first step is to track how much you’re already spending. Start by reviewing how much you have spent on the last few times you’ve gone grocery shopping, recommended David Brindley, deputy editor for AARP Bulletin.

If you don’t keep receipts from past grocery runs, try looking at your bank account statement and adding up the grocery charges. Once you know how much you spend on groceries, set a goal, for example, staying within a specific budget or reducing your spending.

You need a plan, but before you make one, ensure you know what you currently have in your fridge and your pantry. Sarah Schweisthal, personal finance expert and social media manager at budgeting app YNAB, recommends taking everything out and making an inventory so you don’t buy duplicates of things you already have on hand.

Brindley also recommends planning to cook multiple meals with similar ingredients, which saves money and also cuts down on food waste.

Once you’ve tracked your spending and inventoried what you already have, the next step is to make a plan. Write down the items you’re looking to buy and your estimated cost, making sure you stay on budget. Meal planning for the week or month can be a good way to stay on top of your spending, Schweisthal said.

Going up and down the aisles can sometimes make you crave things that you haven’t planned for, like a snack or a new dish. If you foresee that it’ll be hard for you to stick to your list, include some flexibility in your plan, such as allotting a specific amount to buy snacks or a random item you see at the checkout line.

“I think having flexibility in a plan actually helps you stick to it more,” Schweisthal said.

Making a plan can be as simple as writing down a list on paper or in your phone’s notes app. Or, you can use apps that specifically help you with meal planning such as AnyList or Mealime.

If you tend to wander off your grocery list because every time you go to the store you buy things you don’t need, shopping online and picking up curbside is a good workaround.

“I 100% recommend sitting down Sunday morning and just looking at the stores and comparing the items you need for the week, especially with things you can get for curbside pickup,” Torok said.

If you buy your groceries from multiple stores because each has better prices on some items, ordering ahead of time can also save time.

If you are in charge of buying groceries for your entire family, it can be beneficial to include them in your grocery budgeting routine. For Torok, this has meant teaching her children how to scan coupons while they shop.

Since buying in bulk can be very cost-effective. Brindley also recommends that you team up with a friend or a family member to buy specific items in bulk and share the discount.

Lastly, you can save money by using food-sharing apps such as Olio, which connects people around their community to share extra grocery items, and Too Good to Go, where you can buy surplus food at a discount.

___

A version of this story was published on July 12, 2024. This version has been updated with the latest inflation report.

“They completely replaced the chocolate chips with nestle,” wrote u/SomeRealTomfoolery in r/Costco, showing a rack of Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Morsels in 72-ounce bags in a Costco store.

The post went viral with more than 500 reactions and 160 comments.

At the time of publication, the Kirkland brand ingredient appears to be missing from its usual spot on the Costco website — though, the product still appears on the Costco Business Center website.

Representatives for Costco did not immediately respond to TODAY.com’s request for comment.

Online sleuths with working Costco membership cards have been discussing the product’s absence online for months.

“whaaaaaat. I literally just bought these for the first time ever and love them!” wrote one Redditor on June 27, to which another replied, “They are seriously the best chocolate chip ever.”

The Redditor added that they use them for chocolate fondue, pudding, brownies, cookies and more, dubbing the product their “go to” and saying that “Nothing else compares.”

“I didn’t get a picture, but they are being restocked with Toll House in North GA at least. :(,” someone else on the platform wrote in a post titled, “Kirkland chocolate chips = gone.”

Another wrote they appreciated that the morsels were “certified kosher parve,” adding, “The bonus was zero coconut, which is my weird allergy.”

Many commenters took umbrage with Costco’s switch to Nestlé, which caught heat in the past for its cocoa sourcing practices, including its use of child labor and low pay for cocoa farmers. 

“I refuse to buy the Nestlé chips or anything under their name or banner,” wrote one Costco shopper.

“Scored 3 bags of Kirkland brand a few weeks before they switched to evil Nestle,” wrote another. “I’m good for 2 years lol.”

Earlier this summer, one Redditor called for customers to protest the discontinuation and suggested folks leave feedback for the retailer, which is something other commenters are on board with as well.

The despair has spread to other social media platforms like X, where one user wrote that the “world is getting worse and worse every day and nobody cares.”

On July 3, one Redditor posted a screenshot of a message they say was sent by a Costco representative explaining why its buying team made the switch. In the letter, the alleged representative cites rising costs as a reason for the discontinuation.

TODAY was not able to independently verify the authenticity of the screenshot.

One commenter on Reddit seemed to sum up the overall sentiment in just one word: “Damnit.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Amos created the Famous Amos cookie empire and eventually lost ownership of the company — as well as the rights to use the catchy Amos name. In his later years, he became a proprietor of a cookie shop called Chip & Cookie in Hawaii, where he moved in 1977.

He died Tuesday at his home in Honolulu, with his wife, Carol, at his side, his children said. He died from complications with dementia, they said.

“With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride,” said a statement from his children, Sarah, Michael, Gregory and Shawn Amos.

He was married six times to five women, son Shawn said, explaining that he and Carol had split up, reacquainted and then remarried.

“He loved love,” Sarah Amos said.

They said their dad “inspired a generation of entrepreneurs when he founded the world’s first cookie store” on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles in 1975.

He had been stationed in Hawaii with the Air Force, and Famous Amos gave him the means to later make it his home.

Sarah Amos, who was born in Hawaii, remembers her dad flying back and forth to the U.S. mainland and taking business calls at 4 a.m.

“It’s hard to run a business and to work with people on the mainland when you’re in Hawaii,” she said. “But he made the sacrifice.”

While Wally Amos was a great promotor, he struggled as a businessperson and eventually lost control of the company. He walked away from it because he didn’t want to just be its face, Sarah Amos said.

Later losing the business and the right to use his name was deeply painful and personal, Shawn Amos said: “The remainder of his life and the remainder of his professional pursuits were attempts to get him to, you know, reclaim that space.”

Wally Amos was also co-founder of Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co., whose products are found in stores nationwide. But Amos said the fame never really mattered much to him.

“Being famous is highly overrated anyway,” Amos told The Associated Press in 2007.

His muffin company, based in Shirley, N.Y., was originally founded as Uncle Noname Cookie Co. in 1992, a few years after Amos lost Famous Amos, which still widely uses his name on its products.

Amos had said the Famous Amos cookies sold today are unlike his cookies, which had lots of chocolate, real butter and pure vanilla extract.

“You can’t compare a machine-made cookie with handmade cookie,” he told the AP. “It’s like comparing a Rolls Royce with a Volkswagen.”

Uncle Noname, however, foundered because of debt and problems with its contracted manufacturers.

The company filed for bankruptcy in 1996, abandoned cookies and went into muffins at the suggestion of Amos’ business partner, Lou Avignone.

Inside his now-shuttered Hawaii cookie shop, he sold bite-sized cookies similar to the ones he first sold at the Famous Amos Hollywood store.

Amos also was active in promoting reading. His shop, for example, had a reading room with dozens of donated books, and Amos usually spent Saturdays sitting on a rocking chair, wearing a watermelon hat, reading to children.

Sarah Amos recalled him reading to children at Hanahauʻoli School and continuing to do so even after she graduated from the small elementary school.

The former high school dropout penned eight books, served as spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America for 24 years and gave motivational talks to corporations, universities and other groups.

Amos earned numerous honors for his volunteerism, including the Literacy Award presented by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.

“Your greatest contribution to your country is not your signature straw hat in the Smithsonian, but the people you have inspired to learn to read,” Bush said.

In one of his books, “Man With No Name: Turn Lemons Into Lemonade,” Amos explained how he lost Famous Amos even before it was sold for $63 million to a Taiwanese company in 1991. Despite robust sales, by 1985, the business was losing money, so Amos brought in outside investors.

“The new owners gobbled up more of my share until all of a sudden, I found I had lost all ownership in the company I founded,” Amos wrote. Before long, the company had changed ownership four times.

Sarah Amos said that after parting ways with Famous Amos, he stopped baking for about two years. After rediscovering a love of baking, he launched the Hawaii business, Chip & Cookie, in 1991.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Amos moved to New York City at age 12 because of his parents’ divorce. He lived with an aunt, Della Bryant, who taught him how to make chocolate chip cookies.

He later dropped out of high school to join the Air Force before working as a mailroom clerk at the William Morris Agency, where he became a talent agent, working with The Supremes, Simon & Garfunkel and Marvin Gaye before borrowing $25,000 to launch his cookie business.

He was the first Black agent in the business, Shawn Amos, said.

Shawn and Sarah said that after becoming parents themselves, they realized how meaningful the chocolate chip cookie is to their family.

“The first time we made cookies with our kids, it sort of sunk in, this is actually a family thing,” Shawn said. “It’s a gift he gave us. It’s part of our heritage.”

Directed by Skye Borgman, the three-episode series features interviews with members of Laci and Scott Peterson’s families, as well as investigators on the case, as they try to piece together what happened on that Christmas Eve, more than two decades ago.

Laci Peterson, who was 27 years old and eight months pregnant at the time of her death, was last seen in her home in Modesto, California, on Dec. 24, 2002. Her body and the body of her unborn child washed ashore in the San Francisco Bay four months later.

“It’s always really important to me to put the victim forward, and Laci Peterson, I think, has been overshadowed many times by Scott Peterson and what’s going on with him,” Borgman tells TODAY.com in an interview. “And I just really wanted to make sure that that we did our job and put Laci forward, and put Conner forward as well.”

Scott Peterson was later convicted of the murder of Laci Peterson and their unborn son, whom they planned to name Conner, after their bodies were located.

Scott Peterson has maintained his innocence in the crime, and is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. Keep reading for more information on where he is now.

When was Scott Peterson arrested?

Scott Peterson was arrested near a golf course in San Diego on April 18, 2003, according to The Los Angeles Times, just days after Laci and Conner Peterson’s bodies were found.

He was later charged with two counts of murder, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment, according to NBC Bay Area.

In the months between Laci Peterson’s disappearance and the discovery of her body, Scott Peterson cooperated with investigators and did media interviews, in which he said he went fishing in the Berkeley Marina on Christmas Eve, before arriving home and finding their dog on a leash in the backyard — and no sign of his wife.

In January 2003, a woman named Amber Frey, a massage therapist from Fresno, California, spoke to a room of journalists, according to NBC Bay Area, explaining that she had been in love with her boyfriend Scott Peterson — until she found out he was married and expecting a baby.

“Scott told me he was not married,” Frey said, according to NBC Bay Area. “We did have a romantic relationship.”

Scott Peterson’s trial began in June 2004 at the Redwood City courthouse in San Mateo County, after a judge ruled for it to be moved out of Stanislaus County because of the attention the case had received in the community, according to NBC Bay Area.

Prosecutors alleged during the five-month trial that Scott Peterson had faked his wife’s disappearance after he had dumped his wife’s body in the Berkeley Marina on Christmas Eve, while Peterson’s attorneys suggested she was killed after she stumbled upon a burglary, according to NBC News.

On Nov. 12, 2004, jurors read their verdict in court: Scott Peterson was convicted of first-degree murder in Laci Peterson’s death, and second-degree murder in the death of their unborn son, following the five-month trial, according to the Associated Press.

What was Scott Peterson’s sentence?

The same jury that convicted Scott Peterson recommended for him to be sentenced to death in 2004. In 2005, Judge Alfred Delucchi upheld the jury’s suggestion and sentenced Scott Peterson to the death penalty, according to NBC News.

In 2020, the California Supreme Court overturned his death sentence and also later ordered a second look at his convictions, according to the Associated Press. The death sentence was overturned due to a “series of clear and significant errors in jury selection,” per an opinion by the California Supreme Court. However, the court upheld his murder conviction.

Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager announced in 2021 she would not retry the penalty phase of the trial, meaning Peterson would be resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to NBC News.

Peterson was denied a request for a new trial in 2022, according to NBC News.

Where is Scott Peterson now?

Peterson, now 51, is incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He is not eligible for parole.

Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Innocence Project took up Peterson’s case, arguing in court that several pieces of evidence were suppressed during his 2004 trial and that new materials should be presented in court to prove his case.

A judge ruled in May that only one piece of evidence — a piece of duct tape found on Laci Peterson’s pants — should undergo new DNA testing, according to NBC News.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Kellanova was created last year when the Kellogg Co. split into two companies. Kellanova sells many of the former company’s most profitable brands, including Pringles, Eggo, Town House, MorningStar Farms and Rice Krispies Treats. It had net sales of more than $13 billion last year and has approximately 23,000 employees.

Mars Inc. said Wednesday that it will pay $83.50 per share in cash. The company put the total value of the transaction at $35.9 billion, including debt.

It is the biggest deal in the sector since J.M. Smucker bought Hostess for $5.6 billion last year, and among the largest of 2024 behind Exxon Mobil’s $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources and Capital One Financial’s $35 billion acquisition of Discover Financial Services.

Mars’ purchase of Kellanova is expected to close in the first half of next year. Once it’s complete, Kellanova will become part of Mars Snacking. Corporate headquarters will remain in Chicago.

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Mars, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S.

“The Kellanova brands significantly expand our snacking platform, allowing us to even more effectively meet consumer needs and drive profitable business growth,” Andrew Clarke, global president of Mars Snacking, said in a statement.

Arun Sundaram, an analyst with investment research company CFRA, called the potential combination “a good marriage.”

“Mars is known for its innovation and brand-building, while Kellanova has the global reach to bring more Mars products to more markets,” Sundaram wrote.

Sundaram expects U.S. anti-trust regulators to scrutinize the deal given the current backdrop of high food prices. But he said he believes it will ultimately go through because there is so little overlap between the portfolios of the two companies.

The acquisition would expand Mars’ reach into the salty snack category. The company owns brands like Combos and Uncle Ben’s, but it’s primarily known for its chocolates, candies and pet food. Mars makes M&M’s, Lifesavers, Juicy Fruit gum and Skittles as well as Pedigree and Royal Canin pet foods, among other products.

Sales of some of those products, like gum, have sputtered in recent years as snacking habits shift. The deal helps Mars expand into areas of growth.

Other companies have been adding salty snacks to their lineup in pursuit of changing American tastes. In 2017, candy bar maker Hershey acquired Amplify, the maker of Skinny Pop popcorn, for $1.2 billion. Four years later, Hershey spent another $1.2 billion for Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels.

The deal also helps Kellanova at a time when rising prices are squeezing consumers and putting many companies under pressure to put a cap on prices. Economists say that many consumers appear to be returning to pre-pandemic norms, when most companies felt they couldn’t raise prices very much without losing business. In the second quarter of this year, Kellanova lowered its prices by 1% in North America.

The other company formed in the Kellogg split, WK Kellogg Co., retained cereal brands like Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, which have struggled with slowing sales in recent years. It is not involved in the deal.

Mars got its start in 1911, when founder Frank Mars started making and selling butter cream candy from his home in Tacoma, Washington. The company moved to Chicago in 1929 and introduced the Snickers bar the following year.

Mars has steadily grown through acquisitions. It entered the pet food business in 1935 with the purchase of a U.K. dog food brand and bought the Dove ice cream brand in 1986. In 2008, it purchased the Wrigley chewing gum business for $23 billion.

Shares of Kellanova rose nearly 8% in morning trading Wednesday.

Coca-Cola and Oreo have teamed up to create two exclusive, limited-edition products: Oreo Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookies and Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar Limited Edition soda.

The brands have called this limited-time partnership “Besties,” which means combining their very best traits and making each other even better, together. 

“Inspired by besties around the world, the two iconic brands are, for a limited time, sparking celebration amongst besties with the launch of two legendary products and several unique digital and physical experiences,” they said in a press release.

First, the Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar Limited Edition features Coca-Cola with “flavorful hints” inspired by Oreo cookies (chocolate and creme, if you needed a reminder).

Next up, the Oreo Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie has two different base cookies: one with classic chocolate that contains Coca-Cola syrup and one red-colored Golden Oreo cookie embossed with Coca-Cola designs. Studded with red glitter, these cookies are then married with white-colored creme.

And that’s not all: The base cookies also contain popping candies to bring a fizzy sensation to every bite.

The Oreo Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookies and Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar Limited Edition soda will be available in local grocery stores and convenience stores in participating markets, including the U.S., Canada, China, Mexico and other countries, starting in September. 

A frozen variation of Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar Limited Edition will also find its way into McDonald’s and 7-Eleven locations in select markets.

Additionally, Spotify is offering a “Bestie Mode Digital Experience,” which promises a “first-of-its-kind” musical activity. Designed for best friends to merge their music tastes together, pals can scan a QR code on Coca-Cola and Oreo brand products to sync up music preferences with their own bestie.

Finally, the pair is launching a “Bestie Mode” merchandise line in the U.S. with Forever21, featuring apparel, a tote, a cosmetics bag and more, with retail prices under $20. The collection will be available mid-September at select Forever 21 stores and on its website.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Chick-fil-A’s Banana Pudding Milkshake is returning for the first time in 13 years
• Starbucks changed its iced coffee blend for the first time in 18 years
• Here’s who’s set to play Anthony Bourdain in upcoming biopic ‘Tony’

On Aug. 12, Chick-fil-A announced that starting Aug. 26, it is bringing back two of the most popular items it’s ever released: the long-awaited Banana Pudding Milkshake and the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, which is the chain’s best-selling seasonal offering of all time.

Banana Pudding Milkshake and Banana Frosted Coffee

The initially seasonal shake debuted (and departed) back in 2011.

Chick-fil-A fans on social media have been repeatedly begging for its return in the 13 years since — there are also a pair of Change.org petitions from 2017 and 2018 with hundreds of signatures.

The returning flavor features Chick-fil-A “Icedream,” which is a soft-serve-style dessert, mixed with real bananas and vanilla wafer cookie crumbles, and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

News of the treat’s return was met with positive vibes on social media, with one X user exclaiming, “I could cry!” 

Additionally, folks can opt for the chain’s new Banana Frosted Coffee, which is a blend of cold-brewed coffee, Icedream, banana and vanilla wafer cookie crumbles. 

Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich

Back by popular demand, the sandwich is returning to menus nationwide for a limited time at participating restaurants. Joining it this time is the brand new spicy version.

The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich quickly became a fan-favorite after it first dropped last year and was the eatery’s first-ever twist on its original chicken sandwich lineup. 

This sammy features a breaded fillet drizzled with honey, topped with pimento cheese and mild pickled jalapeños and served on a warm, toasted bun. Its spicy sibling replaces the standard fillet with one that’s seasoned with a blend of peppers.

Chick-fil-A chef, Stuart Tracy, said in the press release that the original sandwich received positive feedback upon release last year, but they found that guests were swapping out the original fillets for spicy ones. Adding the second sandwich to the menu this time around seemed right, he said. 

“They inspired us to officially offer a Spicy version as its own menu item, and we are thrilled to deliver what we know our Guests want more of!” Tracy said in the release. 

Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging at Chick-fil-A, added that while the chain likes surprising its customers, every decision they make regarding the menu is “extremely intentional.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring back two of our most popular picks this season,” Duncan said. 

Customers can check the Chick-fil-A app or contact their local restaurant to find out if these items are on the menu near you.

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Cheney, known by his social media handle “@craving_capsaicin” — a nod to the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their heat — got hooked on the adrenaline rush he feels when he eats extremely spicy foods. 

“For me, it is a way of life,” Cheney said. “I love chasing that endorphin dump. I love the feeling when I beat a challenge and get all pumped up. … It’s kind of like winning a race.”

Scientists say he’s not the only one.

Whether the spice they seek is fiery or acidic and sour, humans can be drawn to the perceived danger of extreme foods. Like watching a horror movie, the experience stimulates a fight-or-flight response during which the brain releases endorphins and dopamine, hormones that make people feel good. After the brain determines everything is safe, there’s a sense of accomplishment in overcoming a dangerous situation.

“These challenges are really drawing people in who have that psychological affinity — sensation-seeking, reward-seeking types of behaviors. So the more dangerous it is, the more thrilling it is,” said Elisa Trucco, director of the Research on Adolescent and Child Health Lab at Florida International University.

Both sour and spicy foods generate painful responses, though they activate different nerves in the body. When saliva breaks down spicy food, capsaicin travels to the throat, nose and esophagus and activates nerves involved in the sense of touch, said Robert Pellegrino, a postdoctoral fellow at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. The ensuing pain is similar to touching a hot stove.

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“You can feel spice everywhere,” Pellegrino said.

On the other hand, sourness activates taste nerves. When people eat sour foods, the body initiates a pain reaction because it detects an acidic substance that could be harmful if ingested.

In both cases, the brain can override the initial pain reaction. Paul Rozin, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, attributes this override to humans’ ability to differentiate between serious and “benign” pain. Eating moderate amounts of spice is generally safe, he said, but even so, the body treats it as a health threat.

“That’s where the pleasure comes, from the fact that you’re overriding your body’s signal not to do this,” Rozin said.

In addition, people often film these food challenges on social media, which triggers a similar dopamine release, because it’s designed to positively reinforce our behavior through likes and follows.

“I think a lot has to do with the status, the popularity and the feedback that you get from other people,” Trucco said.Cheney, a sheet metal worker by day, said he enjoys the community he has created online, which he views as a result of his passion for growing and eating peppers.

“I’ve got so many people that went from not even eating hot stuff to having a tolerance and now eating spicy food daily. So it’s cool to get people joining in with me,” Cheney said.

While all these feel-good hormones may satisfy some individuals’ cravings, extreme food challenges have faced backlash amid several deadly incidents. Last year, a teen died in Massachusetts after attempting to eat a tortilla chip packed with chili pepper extract for a social media challenge. Extremely sour foods can also have harmful consequences: In April, a 10-year-old girl in the U.K. suffered burns in her throat after ingesting supersour candy she saw in a TikTok video.

Dr. Edwin McDonald, a gastroenterologist at the University of Chicago Medical Center, emphasized that while spicy and sour foods are safe in moderation, extreme spice could mean a hospital trip.

“Consuming some foods that have capsaicin in it may be associated with increasing longevity and decreasing the risk of cancer,” McDonald said. “But these are not the peppers that people are doing in the challenge.”

Extreme eating challenges can be dangerous for those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure and asthma, said Dr. Chantel Strachan, an internal medicine physician and assistant professor at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Because of the uncertainty, Strachan advised thinking twice before participating, and consulting a doctor ahead of time.

“Unfortunately, we usually find out after a first attempt how you react to these substances,” she said.

Children and teens tend to be most susceptible to social media challenges, which is why Trucco said parents should pay attention, too.

“The way these challenges are depicted, it’s very glamorized, you only see the benefits,” Trucco said. “As a parent, it’s really important to be aware of what they are and have those open conversations with your children.”

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Starbucks revealed to TODAY.com that it rolled out a major recipe update to its iced coffee starting on May 7. The previous iced coffee blend launched in 2006, making this the first time it’s changed in 18 years.

Starbucks’ iced coffee is now made with a blend of “sun-dried and washed” Latin American coffee beans the brand says will deliver a cup that’s “approachable and refreshing with notes of malted milk chocolate and a brown-sugar sweetness.”

“Designed with versatility in mind, the new Iced Coffee Blend is delicious either on its own or customized to any customer’s preference,” Starbucks coffee developer Leslie Wolford said in a statement.

Its iced coffee is now also served unsweetened as the standard:  Starbucks says that in their iced coffee orders, most customers were opting for less or no classic syrup, which was previously served as part of the standard build of the beverage.

Starbucks says that nearly two-thirds of Starbucks beverage sales as of May 2024 have come from cold drinks like iced coffee, cold brew, iced shaken espresso and more, making this a change that will affect many customers’ regular orders.

Social media has already sensed the change

In March (before the official release of the new blend), a Reddit post titled “Did SBUX change their iced coffee?” asked if others noticed a change in the coffee.

“I’ve gone to three different stores now, and each time my drink (just an iced coffee with 2 toffeenut and oatmilk) has tasted…burnt?” wrote the Redditor, adding that they feel the roast is darker than it used to be. 

“Did Starbucks change their ice coffee roast or how the iced coffee is brewed?” they wrote. “If it was just a one time thing, I wouldn’t think anything of it, but it’s been consistent the past couple months now. It doesn’t taste right and most the time I’ve been drinking only half of it before tossing it away.”

The discussion on the post was full of agreement, with one Redditor saying “I’m so disappointed,” and another writing, “I am devastated.”

“I immediately noticed a change, on back to back visits, the first week of May,” wrote another commenter, adding that the new brew tastes “soured” to them. The OP agreed, replying, “YES! “SOURED”! That’s exactly the word I was looking for!”

Since the switch was made in May, it’s unclear if these customers were tasting the new blend or the one on the way out.

However, for the past few months, multiple people in separate Reddit posts have been posing the same question.

“No longer served with classic syrup by default is good but the new blend kinda sucks,” wrote one commenter on a post titled, “Hey did they change the Iced Coffee?”

The inquiry has also found its way to TikTok, where some users have noticed a change in their usual beverage.

“when Starbucks changes their iced coffee recipe and you can’t trust anything anymore,” one TikToker wrote over a video of her holding an iced coffee, taking a sip and shaking her head.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

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On Aug. 14, Baskin-Robbins will be offering a unique assurance so that each and every person who has been dealing with the record high temperatures across the country can get a cool, creamy reprieve: Melt Insurance.

“When the temperature is soaring, sometimes you can’t lick that ice cream fast enough and…melt happens, and there is nothing worse than watching your beloved ice cream melt away on a hot summer day,” a Baskin-Robbins representative tells TODAY.com in an email. 

Baskin-Robbins’ one-day promotion says that if your ice cream — from any ice cream shop — melts before you can eat it, the chain will give you a scoop for free, with no proof required.

To redeem the offer, simply order a single scoop in the BR app and use the promo code MELT at checkout — the deal isn’t valid on delivery or in-shop orders. Baskin-Robbins notes that customers can pick up their order in as little as 15 minutes, “Meltdown avoided.”

One caveat on the deal: Waffle cones, sundaes and toppings are not included, so you’ll have to shell out a few coins for those.

Customers must be logged into their BR account to redeem the single-use offer, which cannot be combined with any other offers.

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The Atlanta beverage giant said it will continue to fight and believes it will win the legal dispute stemming from taxes and interest the IRS maintains the company owes from 2007, 2008 and 2009.

“The company looks forward to the opportunity to begin the appellate process and, as part of that process, will pay the agreed-upon liability and interest,” it said in a statement. Coca-Cola spokesperson Scott Leith declined additional comment to The Associated Press.

U.S. Tax Court Judge Albert Lauber on Friday issued a two-sentence decision and order ending his look at the case. The dispute reached court in December 2015, shortly after the company said it notified the IRS that it owed $3.3 billion more in federal taxes and interest for those three years.

In its Friday statement, Coca-Cola accused the IRS of changing how it let the company calculate U.S. income based on profits amounting to more than $9 billion from foreign licensees and affiliates.

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An IRS spokesperson did not immediately respond Friday to a telephone message from AP about the case.

In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing in 2015, Coca-Cola said it had been following the same method to calculate its taxable U.S. income from foreign affiliates for nearly 30 years.

In a company quarterly report filed with SEC on Monday, which included guidance to investors, the company said it believes the IRS and Lauber “misinterpreted and misapplied the applicable regulations in reallocating income earned by the company’s foreign licensees.”

The publicly traded company said it expected that “some or all of (the $6 billion), plus accrued interest, would be refunded” if Coca-Cola wins its appeal. It has 90 days to file appeal documents.

Last week, the company raised its full-year sales guidance after reporting a stronger-than-expected second quarter, boosted by product price increases.

On Aug. 2, beer lovers will unite to celebrate their favorite hoppy beverage, and several brands are brewing up special discounts to get the party started.

Ready to raise your glass? Here are a few brewtiful deals you won’t want to miss.

Dogfish Head

The first 50 Dogfish Head customers to add a beer day bundle to their cart and enter the code DFHBEERDAY at checkout on Aug. 2 will get it for free. While there’s no purchase necessary, customers will need to pay for shipping.

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GourmetGiftBaskets.com

TODAY.com readers can save 25% on beer buckets and sampler packs at GourmetGiftBaskets.com through Aug. 31 using the code BEERTODAY.

Harry & David

Beer-flavored foods are sometimes equally satisfying as an ice cold pint. Harry & David customers can currently save 15% on orders of $99 or more through Aug. 5 using the code CHILL. Need some ideas? Try the brand’s Bacon Beer Cheese Dip.

Hat Creek Burger Company      

For the entire month of August, Hat Creek Burger Co. is offering customers $2 beer, wine and slushies between 2 — 5 p.m. in all restaurants.  

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, a craft brewery with 21 locations,  has several Olympics-themed beer deals running through Aug. 11 just in time for International Beer Day:

• Customers can purchase $5 King’s Gold pints when Team USA wins a gold medal.
• The restaurant is serving up a $10 Gold-Medal Flight of four beers and a $14.25 Gold-Medal 4-Pack of beer cans.
• Loyalty members can score double points on food purchases.

Samuel Adams

On International Beer Day, the first 50 Samuel Adams customers to add a beer day bundle to their cart and enter the code SAMBEERDAY at checkout will get the can-shaped glass and keychain bottle opener for free. There’s no purchase necessary, but customers will need to pay for shipping.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Many dark chocolate products contain heavy metals, study finds. 1 type stood out
• Viral video reignites debate: Can you wash fruits and vegetables in the dishwasher?
• What is fluffy Coke? This sugary drink has exploded on TikTok

And you thought living here couldn’t get any better.

Yelp’s 25 Best New Restaurants in the South rounded up the best new culinary destinations and identified the hottest Southern trends from “Austin to Atlanta and Nashville to New Orleans” based on users’ reviews.

Noko, an Asian grill in Nashville, Tennessee, clinched the #1 spot. Only one place in Florida—Nami, in Orlando—ranked higher than our local establishments at #3. And Tampa’s Predalina took the #16 spot to close out the Florida spots on the list.

Lucky for us, the rankings include two restaurants located in Miami and one in Pembroke Pines. And two of them are in the top 10.

In order of rank, they are:

Ossobuco (#6)

Location: 62 NW 27th St, Miami, FL 33127

This Wynwood hotspot specializes in modern grilled cuisine at the hands of chef and grill master Guillermo Eleicegui.

Diners can expect “a global cuisine focused on the fines meats, using the best techniques of the open fire, in communion with organic and seasonal vegetables,” according to its website.

“This Michelin-recognized newcomer specializes in wood-fired meats and seafood that have Yelpers and critics swooning,” Yelp says.

Brandon’s African-American Bistro (#8)

Location: 207 N Hiatus Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026

“Majority-owned by former NBA star Brandon Knight, this small, welcoming spot features scrumptious Southern home cooking,” Yelp says.

The menu features happy hour bites for less than $10, including bistro wings, mac and cheese and bistro shrimp.

According to Yelp: “The motto on the wall says it all: ‘Feed your soul.”

Mayu Miami (#23)

Location: 177 SW 7th St, Miami, FL 33130

This spot is named after the Quechua word for the celestial sky river, according to its website, highlighting its commitment to a gastronomy inspired by “ancient Inca civilizations.”

“Sumptuous Peruvian/Andean dishes are ready for their closeup at this buzzy new addition to the Brickell restaurant scene,” Yelp says.

So let us know if they live up to their stellar reviews.

You can see the full list of restaurants in the top 25 here.

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Restaurants and businesses nationwide want to celebrate you with amazing freebies and discounts to make your birthday that much more special.

If you don’t mind giving out your email address, you can take advantage of free coffee, a bundlet cake, sub sandwich and many more incredible offers. So get ready to blow out those candles and keep reading for ways to save on your birthday:

Food

A&W All American Food

Celebrate your birthday with a free root beer float when you join the A&W Mug Club.

Applebee’s

Join Club Applebee’s to get a free birthday dessert.

Arby’s

When you sign up for Arby’s Rewardsyou can get a free dessert on your birthday. Choose between an Arby’s regular shake, turnover or cookie. No purchase necessary. Online only and valid for 30 days after issuance.

Au Bon Pain

Receive a gift on your birthday (varies by location) and a free coffee and bakery item for signing up for ABP’s E-Club.

Auntie Anne’s

Free pretzel on your birthday after you’ve spent $10+ annually and have downloaded the app and joined Auntie Anne’s Rewards.

Baskin Robbins

Free scoop of ice cream on your birthday when you opt into the Birthday Club.

Benihana

Register for The Chef’s Table and receive a free $30 birthday certificate during the month of your birthday.

Ben & Jerry’s

You’ll receive a “cone-gratulatory surprise on your birthday” when you sign up for the Flavor Fanatics program.

Bob Evans

Kids 12 and under can get a free birthday meal with the purchase of a regular adult entree with an email signup.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse signature dessert — Pizookies — are free on your birthday when you sign up for their rewards program.

Boston’s Pizza

Get a free dessert on your birthday when you register to join their rewards program.

Bucca di Beppo

Sign up for Bucca di Beppo’s eClub and for your birthday you’ll get a $20 off $40 coupon and a free colossal brownie sundae (a value of $18.99).

Buffalo Wild Wings

Get 6 free wings during your birthday month when you’re signed up for Blazin’ Rewards.

Cheesecake Factory

Enjoy a free slice of cheesecake on your birthday when you sign up for Cheesecake Rewards.

Chicken Salad Chick

As a Craving Credits member, you’ll receive a free Original Chick meal on your birthday.

Chipotle

No worries about guac being extra. Chipotle rewards members can get a free surprise reward on their birthday.

Cinnabon

Cinnabon Rewards members can get a free 16 oz. cold brew on their birthday.

Crumbl Cookie

Create a Crumbl account and get a free cookie on your birthday every year!

Culver’s

Celebrate with a free 1-scoop dish with one topping when you sign up for My Culver’s.

Edible Arrangements

Get a free 6 count chocolate-dipped fruit box for your birthday when you sign up for Edible Rewards.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Free egg sandwich on your birthday with any purchase when you sign up for Einstein Bros. Rewards.

Firehouse Subs

Get a free medium sub on your birthday with any purchase when you sign up for Firehouse Rewards.

Honeybaked Ham Co.

Join HoneyBaked Ham Rewards for $9 in HoneyBaked Cash that can be used toward your next in-store or online purchase.

IHop

Get free birthday pancakes when you sign up for IHOP’s rewards program.

Jamba Juice

Get a free smoothie on your birthday when you join Jamba Rewards.

Jersey Mike’s

Enjoy a free sub sandwich and drink on your birthday if you’re an existing rewards member.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme customers can score 3 ct. original glazed doughnuts after joining the rewards program. The offer may vary.

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La Madeleine

La Madeleine customers can get a free birthday bakery treat when they download the La Madeleine app and join the rewards program.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Join Moe Rewards and get a special offer on your birthday every year. 

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Join the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub for a free bundtlet on your birthday! To redeem, head to your preferred bakery. You may also be asked to show ID.

Pinkberry

Download the Pinkberry mobile app to earn rewards and get a free small frozen yogurt on your birthday.

Popeyes

Joining Popeyes Rewards gets a free apple pie on your birthday.

Portillo’s

Join the Portillo’s Birthday Club for a free slice of their famous chocolate cake on your birthday.

Rainforest Cafe

Join Landry’s Select Club and receive a $25 birthday reward.

Red Robin

Enjoy a free fire-grilled burger (once during the month of your birthday) when you join Red Robin Royalty.

Sbarro

Get a free slice of pizza with a purchase of $5 or more online or in the Sbarro app when you join Sbarro Rewards.

Smoothie King

Healthy Rewards members can get a free smoothie on their birthday.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Join their loyalty program to earn points. The vanilla tier (1-7 visits in a calendar year) will get one free cupcake on their birthday. The Dark Chocolate tier (8+ visits) gets two cupcakes on their birthday and the Red Velvet tier (40+ visits in a calendar year) gets a baker’s dozen or 13 free cupcakes on their birthday.

Starbucks

Starbucks Rewards members can get a free drink or food item of their choice every year on their birthday.

Yogurtland

Sign up for Real Rewards and get a free birthday treat.

Make-up & Jewelry

Aveda

Get a free composition oil with any purchase on your birthday when you create an account and add your birthday to your profile.

Bare Minerals

Become a Rewards Member to receive a surprise birthday gift.

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is offering 50% off one Fashion Jewelry item and/or 25% off one Fine, Demi-Fine, Home or Watch Collection Item when you become an Insider.

Sephora

Become a Beauty Insider and receive a free birthday gift. A $25 minimum purchase is required for online redemption.

Ulta

Join Ulta Beauty Rewards and choose from a selection of free birthday gifts.

Yankee Candle

Join Fragrance Family Rewards to receive a free gift on your birthday.

Entertainment

AMC Theaters

AMC Stubs Insider members can get a free large popcorn on their birthday and AMC Stubs Premiere & A-List members can get a free large popcorn and free large fountain drink.

Build a Bear Workshop

Anyone at any age celebrating a birthday can get a Birthday Treat Bear for the special price of the age they’re turning.

Adults must sign up to become a Build-A-Bear Bonus Club member and register their children’s birthdays. Then just stop into a Build-A-Bear workshop and let a staff member know how old the child is turning. No need to bring in any proof of age or identification.

The special offer can be redeemed any day during their birthday month.

Medieval Times

Sign up and receive a special coupon code to use during your birthday month.

Clothing

American Eagle

Sign up for the American Eagle Real Rewards program and you’ll get a $5 birthday reward.

Anthropologie

Sign up for AnthroPerks at least two weeks before your birthday to get a 20% off coupon to use during your birthday month.

DSW

Become a DSW VIP and get $5 off to spend any time during your birthday month.

Famous Footwear

Join Famously You Rewards for $5 birthday reward cash. Plus, earn 2X points per dollar on all purchases during your birthday month.

Madewell

Become a Madwell Insider to receive a free birthday gift (usually a coupon for a steep discount).

Target

Join Target Circle for 5% off an entire Target run for any one-time use in the next 30 days after your birthday.

Victoria’s Secret

Join Victoria’s Secret Rewards for a $10 reward for your birthday.

Miscellaneous

CanvasChamp

CanvasChamp offers a free 11 x 14 Canvas print (no purchase necessary, just pay shipping) to all e-mail subscribers for their birthdays!

You’ll get an e-mail on your birthday with a link to purchase as there is no coupon required at checkout. Additionally, the offer lasts 365 days so you have the entire year to use it before your next birthday.

Trader Joe’s

Reportedly, Trader Joe’s has been known to give some lucky customers free flowers on their birthday. But it’s not a given. According to SFGate, TJ crew members are “permitted to give away free flowers and other items at their own discretion.”

You should not walk into a store and ask for free flowers. Instead, let the fact that it’s your birthday come up in natural conversation and wait and see if an employee offers flowers or another small item as a kind gesture.

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Back in June, a trio of videos posted by social media user Lara (@larad_official) showing her mother washing her fruits and vegetables in the dishwasher went viral on both Instagram and TikTok.

At the start of the first video, her mom is loading up celery, carrots, tomatoes, dragon fruit and more into her machine.

Asked by her daughter what she’s doing, she responds, “I’m trying to wash my fruit and vegetable in the dishwasher. Why not?”

When Lara points out that a dishwasher is for dishes, her mother is unfazed.

“No, it can clean my vegetable and fruit with vinegar,” she says, motioning towards a bottle of distilled white vinegar on the counter. Still in disbelief, Lara asks her mother how many times she’s done this, and she replies, “So many times.”

“So you literally refuse to use the dishwasher for dishes, but it’s OK for fruits and vegetables,” Lara retorts.

“Yeah, I think I feel more clean because so many people are touching (produce),” her mom says, as opposed to dishes, which are only handled by family.

Lara, still fully taken aback, maintains this is not “something that people do,” but her mother remains nonplussed.

A day after the first video, Lara posted an update answering a couple of questions from viewers. In it, her mom clarifies that she’s using a cold water rinse setting on her dishwasher.

In a third video, the pair shows the result: produce that appears perfectly clean. Lara examines the contents and says nothing was “smushed,” as her mom takes a bite of a carrot, fresh from the dishwasher.

The TikTok user did not immediately respond to TODAY.com’s request for comment.

Her videos on this supposed produce-washing hack went viral, amassing a combined 10 million views on TikTok and more than 12 million views on Instagram. On both platforms, there are tens of thousands of comments debating the merits of this technique.

Some called the hack “genius.”

“Your mom just created a trend for the lazy people and we are in love!” one TikTok user wrote.

“This woman’s using 100% of her brain. Well done,” commented and Instagram user.

Others were skeptical of the method.

“My dishwasher has a single water inlet valve and the hot water line is connected,” wrote one person on Instagram.

Another added, “but there’s still a little water/detergent/ rinse-aid left from the previous wash 🤮.”

“the tomatoes would disintegrate even with cold water. the pressure would destroy them,” commented someone on TikTok. “potatoes would probably be ok; everything else would be ruined.”

“Can’t eat at everybody’s house,” added another TikToker. “I just know those apples taste like dishwasher tablets and rinse.”

This isn’t even the first time someone has gone viral for washing produce in the dishwasher. In 2022, Barbara Costello, better known as Brunch with Babs on social media, suggested we all clean our potatoes in the dishwasher — and she was also met with much debate.

So, what do the experts say about the hands-free hack?

Should you wash your produce in the dishwasher?

Luke LaBorde, Ph.D., a Professor of Food Science at Penn State University says that while washing your fruit in the dishwasher is probably harmless, it’s also probably useless.

“It could reduce soil deposits, but most dishwashers recirculate the water, making it unlikely to reduce harmful or spoilage microbes,” LaBorde tells TODAY.com, adding that most often harmful microbes are not the only potential issue with unwashed produce. 

LaBorde thinks that the viral videos are most likely skits, pointing at other comedic videos from the user involving similar bickering between mother and daughter. But regardless of the videos’ intention, many commenters said they were planning on actually trying the technique for themselves.

The professor says that washing your produce this way could increase levels of yeasts, molds and some bacteria that can cause food spoilage, especially on bruised or otherwise damaged produce.

“There is a variety of vegetables; some don’t need much washing, others such as root crops could require more vigorous cleaning,” LaBorde says. “Cool running water from the faucet is the recommendation for cleaning produce in the kitchen.”

LaBorde is not the only expert hoping to dissuade you from popping your peaches, pineapples, persimmons and papayas in the dishwasher. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also says it’s a bad idea.

“The FDA does not recommend utilizing kitchen appliances, such as the dishwasher, to wash produce safely and effectively,” an FDA official tells TODAY.com. “The FDA only recommends washing produce thoroughly under running water.”

The FDA also says that consumers may opt to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush, if needed.

As far as running your produce through the dishwasher, “The main concern is the introduction of residual chemical contaminants from detergents and rinse aids into the pores and natural crevices of the produce,” says the FDA official.

Also, if you add a rinse aid into your dishwasher, it typically automatically dispenses with every wash. This cleaning solution contains surfactants, a chemical that lowers the surface tension of water so it more easily slides off dishes in the washer.

In these viral videos, some of the most porous fruits like eggplants and apples are in the dishwasher, so if a rinse aid was in the machine, it certainly permeated the produce.

“These chemicals are intended for cleaning hard surfaces such as dishes and glassware and were not intended to be used on fresh produce,” the official says, adding that safe handling practices are always important to prevent the introduction of pathogens (you can find  its guidance on the FDA website).

LaBorde also suggests cleaning produce only just before cooking or consuming by using cool flowing water from the kitchen faucet. He says that there’s no need to use detergents or chemical sanitizers and that peeling helps to reduce any pesticide residues that might be present, although levels are already going to be low.

“Social media is alluring and entertaining (I guess) but the tried-and-true common-sense recommendations are the ones that work,” LaBorde says.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• What is fluffy Coke? This sugary drink has exploded on TikTok
• Pickle sandwiches are having a moment … again
• Chipotle says it will increase its portion sizes following customer complaints

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Yum Brands hopes to use artificial intelligence to take down drive-thru orders at hundreds of Taco Bell restaurants by the end of this year.

The restaurant company announced on Wednesday that it is expanding its rollout of the tech in the U.S. as it eyes implementing it in drive-thru lanes globally.

Yum Brands joins restaurant rivals such as Wendy’s and White Castle in betting on voice AI, but its plans are the most ambitious to date. While tech companies may promise that voice AI can speed up service times, reduce labor costs and boost sales through upselling, restaurant companies have taken a more measured approach so far, testing the tech to make sure both its employees and customers enjoy the experience.

In June, McDonald’s said it would end its trial of Automated Order Taker, an AI technology tested in partnership with IBM. The Chicago-based company now plans to turn to other vendors instead.

Yum Brands has moved quickly on its test. In May, executives said Taco Bell would expand its pilot of voice AI from five locations to 30 restaurants in California. Currently, more than 100 Taco Bell restaurants in the U.S. use voice AI. Taco Bell had nearly 7,700 U.S. locations at the end of 2023, according to company filings.

Yum Brands said the tech has improved order accuracy, reduced wait times, decreased employees’ task load and fueled profitable growth for the restaurant company and its operators.

“With over two years of fine tuning and testing the drive-thru Voice AI technology, we’re confident in its effectiveness in optimizing operations and enhancing customer satisfaction,” Yum Brands Chief Innovation Officer Lawrence Kim said in a statement.

Five KFC restaurants in Australia are also testing voice AI tech in drive-thrus, Yum Brands said.

Yum Brands is expected to report its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday.

At the same time, orange juice futures have hit record highs.

“Citrus production in the United States [is a] pretty dire situation right now,” Daniel Munch, economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, told CNBC. “When you have a lack of supply that’s unable to meet demand, prices for consumers shoot up.” 

Florida has seen a dramatic orange production decline in recent years. According to the USDA, there were over 658,000 orange acres in Florida in 1998. As of 2023, there were just over 303,000 acres of oranges planted in Florida, or a total acreage drop of more than 50% in just 25 years.

A large part of the problem can be traced to the spread of citrus greening disease, which is considered to be one of the most serious plant diseases in the world that is currently incurable.

“When citrus greening starts to enter the grove, it reduces the productivity of those trees, ultimately forcing them into death, and then therefore removal from the grove,” Amy O’Shea, CEO of Invaio Sciences, an agricultural sciences company, told CNBC.

Potential solutions

The problems plaguing citrus production are not easily remedied as climate change has made extreme weather more common and scientists have yet to come up with scalable citrus greening treatments.

Some of the key research areas include fruit breeding for citrus greening-resistant varieties, antimicrobial treatments and other pest control solutions, like crop covers. 

Invaio is one of the companies researching and developing treatments for citrus greening.

“We’ve developed a very unique precision delivery technology called Trecise, that we’re able to insert into the tree and deliver a very reduced amount of an antimicrobial, “O’Shea told CNBC.

When Trecise is inserted into a tree, the active ingredient goes into its vascular system as opposed to being applied outside of the tree, according to O’Shea.

In August 2023, Invaio’s Trecise received emergency approval for use from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Community Services.

The volatility of these threats may cut into citrus harvest expectations, which leads experts to believe that higher prices for orange juice are likely to remain, at least in the short term. 

Watch the video above to learn more about the threats facing both U.S. and global citrus production and how the industry may be able to bounce back after decades of disease and destruction wrought by extreme weather.