"carbonated beverage with caffeine day" news and stories

Happy Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day!

It's a fact: Americans love their sodas, so much so that, for the average American, carbonated beverages alone account for approximately 7 percent of their daily caloric intake. And, although soft drink companies would surely be disgruntled to be associated with this very adult sip, it would hardly seem appropriate to discuss caffeinated beverages these days without mentioning Four Loko.

Containing the alcohol content of three beers and three coffees in just one potent can, Four Loko is one of many caffeinated alcohols lately that have been under public scrutiny for their "blackout in a can" effect. They seem to be destined to follow in the (less-energized) footsteps of Sparks, which removed the taurine and caffeine from its contents two years ago, at the urging of the Food and Drug Administration. After purportedly landing students across the country in hospitals, Four Loko has been banned in numerous states and deemed unsafe by the FDA -- and on Tuesday announced that it would be removing caffeine, taurine and guarana from its beverages.

What do you think about caffeinated booze? Spark up a debate in the comments!

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In the month that houses the nation's premier evening of gluttony -- the average American consumes some 4,500 calories every Thanksgiving Day, not to mention seemingly endless leftovers -- it's no wonder November is a dreaded month for dieters nationwide. But despite its most famous celebration, the month also ironically serves as the healthy host to National Pepper Month, Vegan Month, National Pomegranate Month, and National Peanut Butter Lover's Month.

Excuses for culinary celebrations range from tame (National Sunday Day, Nov. 11), to obvious (National Turkey Day -- you guessed it, Thanksgiving Day), to practical (National Leftovers Day follows Turkey Day), to downright bizarre (Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day, Nov. 9). So get cooking -- if only for the holidays that you can stomach.

Notable national food holidays for the month of November, after the jump...