Those Holiday Cans Must Be Really Working Out!

According to USA Today, Coke Zero has been doing gangbusters for The Coca-Cola Company, and is one of the most successful new products to come along in a long time.

Some interesting parts from the story:

• Coke is really hitting their goal of targeting men with Coke Zero: "Men are about 45% of Diet Coke drinkers but about 55% of Coke Zero buyers."

• Some cool analysis from John Sicher of Beverage Digest: "There are many people who like the taste of Coke Classic but who did not transition to Diet Coke when they got older. Coke Zero is keeping them in the Coca-Cola franchise."

• Further analysis from a JP Morgan beverage analyst: "Coke showed they can take a product that maybe got a little lost at the beginning and turn it around..."

I could tell from comments here and elsewhere that Coke Zero was becoming a big success, and now here's the proof.

So, what do you like about it?

As a bonus, here's an extended version of one of the ads that USA Today says is really reaching consumers:

Yogurt + Carbonation = ???

One of my breakfast staples is to grab a container of light yogurt before heading off to the office. I usually get one of the "fruit on the bottom" varieties, because I like the extra dash of blueberry or strawberry. I don't really have a "brand," I just usually grab whatever is on sale.
But Yoplait might make a regular out of me with their new Fizzix carbonated yogurt.


Combining two of my loves in one item. You know, kind of like Diet Cherry Coke and lentils. The only thing is the name makes me think of sitting in science class (you know Fizzix/Physics), I do not want to be reminded of that.

I just read about this over at The Impulsive Buy blog; I doubt I'll use it in the manner of the reviewer over there, but more of a sparkling morning pick-me-up. Pair it up with a diet soda and I'm set for the day!

Lentils!?!?!

Recently I put up a post about the upswing in diet cherry cola varieties available. I love diet cherry colas, but I would never think to use them quite like this.

Thankfully for all of us, Bob Jarecki of Davis, CA submitted my new favorite recipe to the fine folks at The Coca-Cola Company. Are you ready for it? Diet Cherry Coke® Lentils! Read that again. It's like the marriage of chocolate and peanut butter. Two great tastes that go great together.

Anyone willing to give this a try?

1 pound lentils
6 to 8 cups water
2 cups diced ham
1 medium onion, finely chopped
12 oz. Diet Cherry Coke

Wash and sort lentils.
Cover with water. Bring to a boil and reduce. Heat to a simmer.
Add ham and onion. Simmer for 40-50 minutes.
Add Diet Cherry Coke®. (This will produce a lot of foam.)
Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until lentils are done.

Turkey, Dressing, Cranberry Splash

Looking for something to wash down that turkey and dressing this upcoming Thanksgiving? Well, here is something to be thankful for: for the second year in a row Pepsi is putting out a Cranberry Splash version of Sierra Mist, and this year there is a sugar-free version!

I saw this while doing my grocery shopping the other day, but regrettably didn't pick any up. :-(

Anyone looking to buy the Cranberry Splash version of Sierra Mist Free better do so quickly, Pepsi says it will only be around for the holiday season.

Cheers!

hat tip to BevNet

Holiday Time Already?

The air has been a bit crisper the last few days, just enough to bring out a long-sleeved shirt. It's the main way I know that they holidays are around the corner. The other way? Of course, that would be holiday themed diet soda packaging!

For all my fans who are Zero-aholics, check out this cool holiday theme from Coke Zero, via flickr:

Give Live Love October

Snowboarding, Skydiving...Sitting in the Cube?

As you all know, when I'm working at the office, sitting in the cube, I like to pick myself up with an ice cold diet soda. I never really think about grabbing a Full Throttle or a Mountain Dew AMP or even a Clamato Energia, but apparently work-related activity is the most popular milieu for downing an energy drink according to a new study from The NPD Group.

So, if you thought that the market was the cool kid with a tricked out skateboard, the clubgoer mixing Red Bull with vodka, well it turns out you are probably wrong. It's really Bob from accounting; wrap your head around that, Bob from accounting.

I could see if I was Terry Tate: Office Linebacker I might could use an energy drink, but I'll stick with diet soda. Check out Terry Tate below:

The Tea is Greener on the Other Side

Back in my first few months of writing this blog, I put up a post about Diet Cricket Cola. I thought it was well past time to do a follow-up, considering that now I have actually sampled some of the beverage, how hot green tea is nowadays, and the introduction of some new flavors.

A while back, during a trip through Chicago, I noticed during a lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Works the elusive Diet Cricket Cola was available. Since this would be probably my only chance to buy any for a while (Chicago is one of the only cities not on the West Coast where it is available) I gladly paid and added it to my meal. You can definitely taste the added green tea. I must say that it was refreshingly different, and a little bit envigorating.

The news has been full of stories about the benefits of green tea recently, much of it focused on EGCG. (the key ingredient in Coke's recent Enviga drink). The Cricket Cola web site offers up lots of other possible benefits, including fostering a sense of well-being. I know I could certainly use that!

Also, they are rolling out some new flavors like Mandarin Orange and the Pomegranate Raspberry. Maybe, I can grab one of those next time.

So, repeating myself from 2005: Has anyone else gotten their hands on this?

What are athletes really reaching for?

Could it actually be a children's beverage with a picture of a teddy bear on it?

Well, according to the New York Times, athletes from Major League Baseball to the National Hockey League are eschewing heavily marketed sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade for Pedialyte, made by Abbott Nutrition.

Definitely give the Times story a read; it's something I never would have thought of, but apparently it is now reaching into the amateur ranks.

My favorite quote from the story comes from Bob Murray, the director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute: “Pedialyte is certainly better for diarrhea than Gatorade...”

And with that...I have to leave!

Sweat Flavor?

Jones Soda, known in the past for flavors like Turkey & Dressing and Pumpkin Pie, has launched a new collector's pack of sodas commemorating the 2007 season of their hometown Seattle Seahawks.

If you look real close at the second bottle from the left in that package you'll notice the flavor "Perspiration." Are you kidding me? Is "perspiration" really what you want to be thinking of when you need soda refreshment?

Oh, and this quote from Jones CEO Peter van Stolk is equally cringe-inducing, “Now, you can enjoy all the sweat and dirt an NFL player experiences..."

It reminds me of a soda marketed in Japan and the rest of Asia that I've heard about: Pocari Sweat. Hopefully this is not a trend!

I've liked some of the more unique flavors from Jones in the past, but they can count me out on this one.

As a bonus, enjoy this Pocari Sweat ad via YouTube. I'm digging the song they use!

Billboard Innovation

A friend in Chicago alerted me to the story about this amazing billboard near Wrigley Field.

In an effort to promote their salad menu, McDonald's has put up this billboard that features (I can hardly believe it!) REAL LETTUCE!!!

Read what Crain's Chicago has to say about it.

I'm all for the promotion of McDonald's salads. It's important to have healthier options available, and some of the salads at McDonald's look pretty appetizing. Get the dressing on the side, pair it up with a Diet Coke, and you have a quick, healthy meal.

While you're at it check out this CRAZY billboard for McDonald's; I really wish I could have seen that one. I know I would have sat and stared at it all day.

What are you innovative ideas for outdoor advertising?

Cherries by the Bushel

It has probably never been a better time to be a fan of diet cherry-flavored colas.

As part of a big push for the Coke Zero brand, The Coca-Cola Company introduced Coca-Cola Cherry Zero a few months back. I must say I was very impressed by the real Coke taste and the more subdued cherry flavoring. A big hit if you ask me! (Note: This is not a picture of me, just another big Coca-Cola Cherry Zero fan.)

In additional cherry news, Coke has not discontinued making Diet Coke Cherry, even with the expansion of the Zero line. In fact, I purchased a Fridge Pack of it just yesterday. The cherry flavoring is a bit stronger in the Diet Coke version, which in my opinion leads to a sweeter taste. By the way the new Diet Coke packaging aesthetic is great, I love the minimalist designs.




I'm not sure how this slipped by my radar earlier, but Diet Rite has rather recently started marketing a Cherry Cola. You'll notice from the label that this diet cherry cola is sweetened with Splenda brand sweetener. I haven't had the opportunity to sample this one yet, but if it is as good as the other flavors in the Diet Rite line, I'm sure it will be great!





And finally, not to be outdone, Diet Pepsi has updated the packaging for Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry along with the other products in the Diet Pepsi line. I'm guessing that since this cherry is "Wild" it's for the more adventurous diet cherry cola fan. :-) Check it out here.

So what do you make of the sudden popularity of diet cherry colas?

Yummy Rhode Island Clam Chowder

Living in Atlanta is proving to be an amazing experience this fall. The leaves are just starting to change colors and the morning air is crisp and breezy. This is certainly one of my favorite times of year.

Unfortunately I know this weather won’t last long. Gone will be the days of sitting outside on the porch, enjoying the weather with friends. In about a month or so it’s going to get cold. Now I know that many people are rolling their eyes because Atlanta weather doesn’t even come close to the weather many experience up north. However, it does get pretty cold here.

To keep you warm for the winter, check out this delicious Rhode Island Clam Chowder recipe from The Food Network. It’s healthy, easy to make and one of my favorites!


Rhode Island Clam Chowder

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 slices Canadian bacon (about 2 ounces), chopped
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 cup chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
4 cups red bliss potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 cups chopped clams*
2 cups clam juice*
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
Water, to cover
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over a medium-high heat. Add the Canadian bacon, onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Add the potatoes, clams, clam juice, thyme and water, to cover. Bring to a boil, and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
* Can use clams and clam juice from 2 (1-pound) containers of frozen chopped clams in natural juice, thawed.

Nutrition Information
Per Serving Calories 220
Total fat 7.5g Saturated fat 1.5g
Monounsaturated fat 4g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 60.5mg
Sodium 675mg
Carbohydrates 15g
Protein 24g
Fiber 2.5g