THE NIBBLE BLOG: Products, Recipes & Trends In Specialty Foods
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July 15, 2009 at 7:00 am
· Filed under Beverages
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The winning latte—and why shouldn’t it
taste good, at 400 calories? |
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The August 2009 issue of Consumer Reports magazine sent tasters to the front of the coffee wars. Carefully navigating the war zone, they visited four McDonald’s, four Starbucks and four Dunkin’ Donuts stores in New York and New Jersey to compare new espresso-based McCafé hot and iced plain lattes with Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts lattes. They also compared the new Starbucks instant coffee, Via Ready Brew, with Starbucks brewed ground and whole-bean coffees (Colombian medium versions). News from the front:
- The Starbucks instant and brewed Columbian coffees are similar in quality; that quality is good, but not great. The brewed coffees have the bitterness and darker roast found in previous tests of Starbucks Colombian. Instant Via has more subdued flavors, is not as bitter, and has a slight cereal taste. Those who love the signature bitterness and darker-roast character of brewed Starbucks might wish to stay with the brewed.
- McCafé hot latte has more coffee flavor than the latte competition from Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, and tends to be slightly bitter, though the taste varied from store to store. McDonald’s iced coffee was deemed bitter and sour, with burnt or smoky notes (but it must appeal to someone—they sell it!). The regular hot coffee does not stand out.
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Consumer Reports notes: A large hot whole-milk McCafé Mocha topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate has 400 calories and 14 grams of fat—about one-fifth of most people’s suggested daily caloric intake. THE NIBBLE investigated: All three stores offer sugar-free and nonfat options; McDonald’s large Nonfat Latte with Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup has 110 calories. Big difference!
See the full article and other highlights from Consumer Reports August 2009 issue. |
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July 15, 2009 at 6:59 am
· Filed under Tip Of The Day, Vegetables-Salads-Herbs
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Think of making your salad course a daily “special.” Instead of a simple, dressed green salad, look for something different to add to it each day: strips of chicken or beef from a prior day’s roast, marinated grilled vegetables, gherkins or pickled vegetables, a slice of duck prosciutto, chopped dried fruit, fresh fruit (apples, pears, citrus segments), cubed or shredded cheese, cubed leftover potatoes. Consider international themes; for example, bean sprouts and/or water chestnuts in a sesame vinaigrette. You don’t need to look far for inspiration: It’s probably already in your refrigerator and cabinets. Keep your family guessing as to what the next day’s “salad surprise” will be. |
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July 14, 2009 at 7:03 am
· Filed under Contest
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Like the idea of free food? You’re in luck: There are a “lucky thirteen” number of prizes in this week’s Gourmet Giveaway. You can enter to win:
- A twelve-pack of True Brew organic iced tea (12 winners)
- A Smucker’s Healthy Gift Basket (1 winner)
It’s all good-for-you food, too—not that should take the fun out of it!
Check out the Gourmet Giveaway details and enter. You may be one of the lucky thirteen.
There’s a new Gourmet Giveaway every Monday at noon, so set a reminder on your calendar. Invite your friends—if they win, they have to share! |
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You could win your choice of a 12-pack of
sweetened, unsweetened or flavored organic
iced tea. |
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