"packets" news and stories

I recently stumbled across Minimus, an online retailer that specializes in individually wrapped foods designed for travel. I don't know that I'll ever need to mail-order a single packet of Saltines or two Grissini breadsticks ($0.06 and $0.11, respectively), but having a few packets of Frank's Red Hot Hot Sauce in the glove box or carry-on bag might not be a bad idea. The Minimus FAQ also states quite clearly that "[n]one of our items are from hotel guests or from restaurant tables." Still, it seems like some of these things aren't usually offered for individual sale. The disposable tea stick seems kind of cool, although I don't know why it would be any better than a regular tea bag. Like the entire site, maybe it's the novelty that's drawn me in.

 New studies show that preference for artificial sweeteners is based on a lack of extraneous flavors in the sweetener, not not the sweetness level of the substance. Thirteen sweeteners were rated according to how prevalent bitter, sour or metallic tastes were in them. Sugar was, not surprisingly, ranked the highest in the test. Sucralose, also known as Splenda, was the second most popular sweetener, with a "lack of noticeable sour and bitter tastes." Xylitol (a sweetener commonly used in chewing gum), aspartame (Equal and Nutra-Sweet), saccharine (Sweet N'Low) and Stevia were also ranked highly by tasters. Sugar is the standard when creating artificial sweeteners, so it makes sense that the products that tasted most like sugar would be the most popular.

What sweetener do you prefer when sugar isn't available?

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If the media hasn't overdosed you with enough holiday spirit this year, maybe you'll get your fill at a fast food restaurant.

Heinz has released a limited edition set of holiday ketchup packets sure to set your holiday spirits soaring. Or at least to inspire some collectors. Or burger lovers. Or Santa Claus. Someone will appreciate them, I am sure.