In conjunction with a previous article (see my previous post) The Salt Lake City Tribune printed a fun story, "Magically Delicious Mascots Quiz" with a quiz on cereal mascots and a number of other interesting cereal tidbits.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Yet another cereal restaurant
I have been watching the emergence of cereal restaurants over the past year, led by Cereality but copied by others.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports on the Great Grains Cereal and Juice Bar near the University of Utah, accompanied by an informative article on cereal history and its impact on our culture.
2005 will be long remembered as the time when this new restaurant concept really began to take root.
I can't wait for 2006!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Bloggers and cereal
Here are noteworthy blog posts regarding cereal from this week:
While in the Holiday spirit, katerock94 discovered that eggnog in cereal is disgusting!
lizzpo0 theorizes on the origins of using milk on cereal.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Bloggers and cereal
Life has been relatively quiet in the cereal world, but bloggers continue to talk about cereal. Here are some noteworthy posts from last week:
The Impulsive Buy reviews Winter Lucky Charms. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: The marshmallow chart is great!
Self St_Rage reminisces on Clackers Graham Cereal from the 70's.
mmm_kimchi shares the dangers of opening a cereal box
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Taking the fun out of cereal
There has long been controversy over the advertising directed at children. Marketing related to cereal is a prime example. Many cereals are admittedly of poor nutritional quality, and often promoted by popular characters and enticing offers.
Last week the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies issued the "most comprehensive review to date of the scientific evidence on the influence of food marketing on diets of children and youth". As a result of their research they recommended that food companies promote healthier diets, and that marketing practices need to change to reflect this priority. For example, they urge that "licensed characters, such as popular cartoon characters, should be used only to promote products that support healthful diets".
I agree that food companies must take a greater responsibility for their marketing practices, especially to children. But, I am concerned that we may absolve parents from working with their children to make responsible choices.
Besides, having "fun" cereals is an occasional treat that every should be able to enjoy from time to time.
I just can't see Sponge Bob Squarepants cereal as a serious food!
LINK to press release.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Bloggers and cereal
Notable cereal-related blog postings from the last week:
The Hard Blog laments over the lack of creativity on the back of cereal boxes today.
What does this have to do with the price of rice in China? is looking for the name of the Quaker man?
Both I am not a hippy - all right, I am a bit and Scudly.com ponder whether cereal should be eaten with a teaspoon or tablespoon.
KaThLeEn gives instructions on how to eat cereal without it getting soggy.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Kellogg and the trans fat trade-off
Yesterday I posted on the announcement that Kellogg moves to low linoleic acid to cut trans fat. Because of the increasing concern among consumers about trans fatty acids this can be seen as positive move. However, is Kellogg substituting one evil for another?
Further reports indicate that the new oils that Kellogg will use are genetically-modified (GMO). (See WLNS), which is also controversial, but perhaps to a lesser degree at this time. Some health advocates question the use of GMO crops for both health and environmental reasons.
Is Kellogg really concerned about our health, or is this nothing more than a marketing scheme to tap into the fickle whims of consumers? (Remember the "low-carb" craze?)
Friday, December 09, 2005
Kellogg moves to low linoleic oil to cut trans fats
According to just-food.com Kellogg announced today "a major investment in new technologies that will make it possible to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids while also minimizing the saturated fat content of its products." With the growing consumer awareness of the health risks associated with fat foods (and trans fatty acids in particular) this could be an important health and marketing move.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Kellogg's Drink 'n Crunch
Drink ‘n Crunch™ cups offer the ultimate in portability for busy consumers while boosting combo sales of milk and cereal for you. An innovative double-cup system keeps cereal and milk separated until they reach your mouth for maximum crunch. Available in four of our most popular brands: Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Froot Loops®, Low Fat Granola and Special K® Vanilla (without almonds).
Sounds like a more palatable option than Liquid Cereal, which I have previously discussed.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Cereal killers
It's a quiet time in the cereal world. Maybe everyone's too busy preparing for the Holidays?Here's a book I came across recently. It's not just about cereal (despite the title), and isn't even that complimentary of it. But, it's an interesting entry into the discussion of high carb diets and the reasons for them. Not that I'm necessarily recommending the book, but for some it may be of interest.
Alan Watson, Cereal Killers: How the Big Food Companies Are Killing Us - and What We can Do About It
Monday, December 05, 2005
Bloggers and cereal
Noteworthy blog postings on cereal from the last week:
Those Were the Days reflects on the Life "Mikey" commercials
Vorsprung durch Technik doesn't "get" Kellogg's Mini-Swirlz
Bob Young at the Arizona Republic writes on ad-driven motivations of Wheaties
Thursday, December 01, 2005
New Life Vanilla Yogurt Crunch
Quaker announced today new Life Vanilla Yogurt Crunch cereal, which features classic Life cereal with cruncy oat clusters covered with creamy vanilla flavored yogurt.LINK to Press release
(Personal note: Quaker must have been test-marketing this product in California because it's been in our stores for almost two months already. It tastes good, but I don't consider it spectacular).