In an attempt to loosely associate the beverage with the just-passed economic stimulus/bailout plan, Diet Dr. Pepper announced it is giving away a coupon for a free beverage to the first 2 million people that register at the web site.

Seriously, lowering the price would be easier. But these promotions are not meant to provide ease to the consumer. It’s all about branding.

FYI - to the food and beverage companies issuing these releases, if you want more bloggers and online media to pick up these announcements, make it easier for us. Attach a photo to the release. Thanks!

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I don’t know about the rest of the food blogging community, but the Pillsbury Bake-off has always been a bit of perplexing event for me. One the one hand there’s a grand prize of $1m, on the other hand the winning contestants tend to heavily rely on pre-packaged ingredients like pie or biscuit dough.

So I this year, again, I consider entering–I can always use flour and one of the more natural ingredients. But I ask you this: will I lose all my food blogging street cred if I enter?

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While there were thousands of vendors at the Fancy Food Show, I spent the majority of my time sampling untold cheese varieties from dozens of domestic and European dairies.

My absolute favorite was the Amalattea Tenerina, a goat milk Riccota Salata. No salty or bitter aftertaste with this cheese. It is slightly sweet with hints of citrus and slightly more creamy than a cow’s milk version. In fact, the taste is reminiscent of my grandmother’s lemony rice pie. Unfortunately it won’t be available in the U.S. for another six months or so. I suppose I have no choice but to wait.  The company, which makes cheese exclusively from goat milk, produces several other varieties varying in age from one day to nearly a year old. The mozzarella was tasty too-neutral with a slight chevre taste. I’d be interested to try this on a veggie lasagana–as opposed to a meat one–as I think the flavors would blend nicely.

My other favorite cheese find was a new cow’s milk variety from Kerrygold–Dubliner with Irish Stout. It seems that it’s so new it’s not even listed on the website yet. It has the same nutty, robust base flavor as the Dubliner, but with a sweeter finishing taste.

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A Classic Cookie Makes a Comeback
Given the choice between Hyrdrox and Oreos as a kid I chose Hydrox—I preferred the texture of the latter. I’m in luck, the Hydrox is back, for a limited time only. Kellogg’s, which owns the Sunshine brand, has resurrected the cookie that originally debuted in 1908, several years before the Oreo.

Another Candy Contest
Folks, you’ve got five more days to vote for the new JellyBelly flavor. The finalist flavors include: Honey, Sublime Chili Lime, Thai Ice Tea, Mojito and Acai Berry. I’m no candy expert, but it seems odd to make an artificial honey flavored jelly bean. Wouldn’t it be tastier to eat real honey?

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Jamba Juice takes back the smoothie
In what appears to be a direct poke in the eye to Starbucks and its new Vivanno, Jamba Juice last week announced a limited time ‘Orange Refresher’ all fruit smoothie available as of July 17 for $2.95. The 16 oz. beverage is 210 calories and touted to contain 100% natural ingredients, contain no high-fructose corn syrup and have no added sugar.

According to the release, “Jamba is taking steps to educate the consumer of the benefits of Jamba smoothies, which not only taste great, but are good for you. Jamba believes its product offerings, store atmosphere, and overall customer experience offers a competitive advantage over those whose primary business is serving coffee or hamburgers.”

That’s right Starbucks, they are talking to you. And to further turn up the heat, Jamba is offering coupons for a free smoothie with the purchase of any other smoothie. The coupons will be distributed electronically and also available at www.jamba.com. They are valid from July 17, 2008 through July 30, 2008.

Having your cake and yogurt, too
Yoplait Light introduces three new cake-inspired flavors: Strawberry Shortcake, Raspberry Cheesecake and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake to be introduced nationwide in August 2008

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