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Jones Soda Halloween Flavor Taste Test

jones soda halloween flavor taste test

Photo: Rachel Been, AOL.

When Slashfood saw these cute 8-ounce cans of limited-edition Halloween flavors, we had to try them. Every year Seattle's Jones Soda puts out four flavors suitable for trick-or-treaters -- and this year, they're tempting us with Buried Pomegranate, Spooookiwi, Candy Corn and Lemon Drop Dead.

We cracked open each so you don't have to. See how they stack up after the jump.

Continue reading Jones Soda Halloween Flavor Taste Test

Super Bowl Beer

Need a beer for the girl who only watches one game a year? Or how about for the guy who's only there to get hammered? These beer suggestions will get you and all your guests through the big game.
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Best Beer for Every Super Bowl Guest
By Mike Pomranz
Stocking appropriate beers to satisfy the diverse range of guests who may arrive at your Super Bowl party can be a quite difficult task. We hate seeing folks fumble their hosting duties, so we've assembled this guide to a variety of typical Super Bowl party guest personalities and the proper beer to have prepared for them upon their arrival should you encounter them. Game on!
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Best Beer for Every Super Bowl Guest

    By Mike Pomranz
    Stocking appropriate beers to satisfy the diverse range of guests who may arrive at your Super Bowl party can be a quite difficult task. We hate seeing folks fumble their hosting duties, so we've assembled this guide to a variety of typical Super Bowl party guest personalities and the proper beer to have prepared for them upon their arrival should you encounter them. Game on!

    Getty Images

    The Relentless Prop Bettor
    "Who'll win the coin toss?" "I'll bet you 18-1 Larry Fitzgerald will have between 151 - 160 receiving yards, but if he gets injured the bet is off!" If comments like these keep ringing in your ears, it's likely the guy standing next to you is an inveterate gambler. It's possible he might work himself into such a frenzy he'll pass out after losing all his money when the second quarter total isn't under 13 and a hook, but most likely, beer will fuel this guy well into the evening, even after the game is over. Have some Lionshead, Lone Star or Mickey's bottles on hand, all of which have puzzles under their caps. Seeing who can solve these the fastest will create some fun betting action during halftime and beyond.

    The Guy Who's Only In It For the Commercials
    There's one in every crowd. Keep an eye out for the guy wearing team paraphernalia for a team who didn't make the big game, or look for the guy who's working the dip bowl during the first big fourth and inches play. But as soon as the zebras call a TV timeout, this guy's glued to the screen. Keep a couple of Miller Lites around for him. It's not that he really drinks beer, but he's got a "Tastes great, less filling!" line locked and loaded for you. All you have to do is toss him that can.

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    The Guy Who's Only In It For the Drinking
    He'll be easy to spot; just look for the guy wearing a T shirt with a beer logo that has been co-opted to promote his fraternity's spring fling. He's gonna guzzle up a case of whatever you've got, so make sure to stock a 30 pack of something cheap and mass-market. Milwaukee's Best or Natural Light should be right up his alley and keep him away from your good stuff. Don't worry if you buy too much, because he'll take your extras home for you.

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    The Confused Non-American
    Perhaps your British coworker Charlie overheard your party plans for viewing the biggest football game of the year. Charlie assures you he is a huge football fan and invites himself over after inquiring upon whose "pitch" they'll be playing the "match." Odds are this outspoken Englishman will have more than his fair share of questions and complaints about "American football." Make sure to have some pub lagers well stocked -- preferably in 16 oz. cans -- to keep this guest properly elephant trunk. (That means drunk, to us non-Cockneys.) Some Stella Artois or Kronenbourg should do the trick.

    The Living Room Color Commentator
    It took us over 20 years to finally get Joe Theismann off the air, and now you have this jerk making witless comments after every play. Your only refuge -- get this guy so well lubricated he decides to take a nap. But you'll be riding a fine line -- if he doesn't chill out, that extra alcohol will just feed into the volume and inanity of his blather. Get something really strong. Any barley wine or Belgian Trappist-style ale should do the trick but Weyerbacher's Blithering Idiot (clocking in at 11% ABV) seems exceedingly appropriate, providing a subtle hint to boot.

    The Top Secret Arch-Nemesis
    He'll find his way in. Sure, he wasn't invited, but he's a friend of a friend, and he's just arrogant enough to think he's welcome anywhere. That's why you hate him so much to begin with. While you're actually interested in the game, he's over in the corner making a move on your girl. As you're keeping an eye on his moves, you just missed the huge third down conversion. I hate that guy! Get your revenge. Keep a six-pack of Michelob Ultra around. Tell him, "Chicks dig guys who drink this stuff. It makes them look healthy and athletic." He's just dumb enough to believe it. Now he's the laughing stock of the party.

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    The "Only-Hangs-Out-With-You-For-One-Game-A-Year" High School Friend / College Buddy
    The Super Bowl is rich with ritual and tradition. Even where and with whom you watch it can be habits that are hard to break. Maybe the Super Bowl is the only time of year you get to hang out with your old college buddy who's always trying to one-up you with his fancy finance job while you're still stuck doing frustratingly unfunny beer write-ups. Here's your trick to pull one over on him this year -- offer him a Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. He'll surely call it an "Enjoyable, if somewhat pedestrian craft beer selection," which is when you reply, "Oh, I only save those for the non-discriminating beer drinkers" and whip out a Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA for yourself. Gotcha!

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    The Undercover First Date
    Inviting that special girl you've had your eye on to your Super Bowl get-together is a great casual way to sneak in that "undercover first date." She'll never know what hit her. And here's the trick -- when you first see her making a move towards the keg, loudly pronounce, "Oh! You don't want to be drinking swill from the same tap as the rest of these drunken losers!" Then, lead the young lady into the kitchen and say, "This should suit you better. It's my personal stash of Love Stout from Yards Brewing Company." Then give her the most seductive wink of your life. It's a surefire winner.

    The Girl Who Only Watches One Game A Year
    Let's face it: Any woman who catches only one football game a year probably isn't a fan of testosterone-fueled keg fests. Sure, she might love to drink, and maybe American macro-brews are even her standard suds. But for an event like this, she'll probably just want to distance herself from the whole ordeal. To satiate her ladylike side, make sure to keep some fruity and refreshing lambics on ice; a Lindeman's Framboise will do perfectly. The classy Belgian fruit beer will get her comfy enough to handle any forthcoming football antics, while openly airing her general disdain for such beer-brained ridiculousness in the process.

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Potato Chip Taste Test

Everyone loves potato chips. To satisfy your potato chips cravings and find the best potato chips read this potato chips taste test from Slashfood.
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Potato Chip Taste Test

What makes a tip-top potato chip? That's a mighty hard call -- especially when you're testing nearly 5 dozen kinds. The good folks from Anchor's Chip of the Month sent spuds from around the country, and our panelists evaluated each for crunch, salt & grease levels, flavor, and overall appeal. Plain, salted chips only were allowed (though we've included a few wild card faves at the end), and while we found good things to say about 58 of the 59 chips we tasted, 15 of 'em made it to the top of the heap. Read on for our chip picks.
Rachel Been
Getty Images North America

Potato Chip Taste Test


    What makes a tip-top potato chip? That's a mighty hard call -- especially when you're testing nearly 5 dozen kinds. The good folks from Anchor's Chip of the Month sent spuds from around the country, and our panelists evaluated each for crunch, salt & grease levels, flavor, and overall appeal. Plain, salted chips only were allowed (though we've included a few wild card faves at the end), and while we found good things to say about 58 of the 59 chips we tasted, 15 of 'em made it to the top of the heap. Read on for our chip picks.


    #15 BALLREICH'S MARCELLED ORIGINAL / NO SALT ADDED
    (Tiffin, OH)
    What the heck does "marcelled" mean? In the 1920s, early in Ballreich's history, the marcelled, or waved hairstyle, resembling the chip's surface was all the rage. The coiffure may have gone out of favor, but the chips have remained a local Ohio favorite ever since. While they weren't a hit with everyone, several panelists raved over the satisfying Krispy Kreme-like greasy mouth feel of both the salted and unsalted varieties. It's stand-out sinner in an increasingly health-centric snack market.
    Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
    Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #14 TERRA RED BLISS
    (Nationally available)
    Frankly, several folks couldn't stand these, but plenty of others ranked these intensely thick, skin-on, olive oil cooked chips among their favorites. The stand-out appeal seemed to be in the elemental, natural potato flavor of the Red Bliss -- a distinct departure from the salt and oil-centric taste of the vast majority of our brands. Terra's Yukon Gold variety also ranked highly, but didn't quite make the final cut.
    Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #13 GOOD'S ORIGINAL
    (Pennsylvania)
    Good's likely benefitted from our blind testing method (chips were presented on numbered paper plates with bags hidden away), as panelists reading the contents may have shied away upon reading "lard." However, hog fat is exactly what lends gives this chip the rich, sweet flavor and mouth-feel that have made it, and its sister chip, the red bagged Homestyle Good's, cult classics.

    Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
    Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #12 WISE RIDGIES
    (Berwick, PA)
    Ruffles may have ridges, but Wise Ridgies reigned supreme over 'em for our panelists, who ranked these chips higher for their excellent texture, lower salt level, and "character." We dig Ridgies for their picnic appeal and easy availability.

    Slashfood blogger Stefani Pollack loves Ruffles, but for a very particular rrrrrreason. Read why at Slashfood.com.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #11 DOOR COUNTY KETTLE COOKED ORIGINAL
    (Milwaukee, WI)
    Our boss crunched one of these and exclaimed, "This is an outstanding chip!" We're willing to admit the man has good taste, but we still put it to our panel, which determined the chip had great taste as well, and that the taste was somewhat reminiscent of a nice, aged cheese. Amusing, considering that Door County is smack dab in cheesehead central -- Wisconsin. The grease factor is a tad high, but the intense crunch and distinctive flavor send these to the head of the herd.
    Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
    Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #10 KETTLE CHIPS LIGHTLY SALTED
    (Nationally available)
    Kettle Chips are another maker of our most beloved flavored chips, but it seems they don't skimp when it comes to cooking up a small batch of the plain ones. Our panelists were quick to cite the lightly burnt quality as "very appealing," "subtle" and "nicely balanced," and ranked the crisp quality as a standout.

    Slashfood blogger Marisa McClellan loves Kettle Chips. Read what she has to say.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #9 MIKE-SELL'S GROOVY
    (Dayton, OH)
    Our food editor was pleased to find her childhood favorite in the mix, and even more delighted once she saw how well they fared with the palates of her peers. The rippled chips were among the saltier in the mix, which proved to be a welcome standout amongst the heap of restrainedly seasoned offerings, and the sturdy, crunchable shape earned 'em a slew of "Great!" statements on the score sheets.
    Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
    Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #8 LAY'S NATURAL THICK CUT SEA SALTED
    (Nationally available)
    Very few of the mega-brands cracked the Top 15, but crispy appeal of this Lay's offering was undeniable. Tasters were equally pleased by its simple, subtly salted flavor, evocative of childhood picnics and the chip shape light enough to make it endlessly edible either solo or paired with a lunchtime sandwich.

    Slashfood blogger Bob Sassone loves these chips. Read what he has to say.

    Rachel Been, AOL


    #7 UTZ CLASSIC RUSSETS
    (Hanover, PA)
    We're unapologetic Utz fans, and while we tend to gravitate toward them more for their flavored varieties (stayed tuned for our flavored chip test in a few weeks), these stood out for their robust, dark, earthy flavor and remarkable crunch. Panelists used plenty of exclamation points, and we took that as a sign of a chip well done.
    Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
    Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

New Food Products - Fancy Food Show

Thousands of new food products hit grocery and specialty store shelves every year and someone's got to sample them all. We munched our way through food trade shows and local supermarket aisles in search of the most delicious snacks, candies, mixes, condiments, drinks, ingredients and ready-to-eat entrees the world has to offer.
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Fancy Food Show Favorites
3 days. 4 editors. 185,000 new food products. 8 favorites each. It's a tough job, but Kat Kinsman and Kristyn Pomranz of AOL Food, Marisa McClellan of Slashfood and Heather Tyree of Epicurious munched their way through the 54th Summer Fancy Food Show* in search of the most mouthwatering edibles on the market. Flip through to find your new craving.

*Don't let the name fool ya -- it's been around since 1955. Some of our faves are just about as "fancy" as Heinz ketchup.
Mari's New York
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Fancy Food Show Favorites

    3 days. 4 editors. 185,000 new food products. 8 favorites each. It's a tough job, but Kat Kinsman and Kristyn Pomranz of AOL Food, Marisa McClellan of Slashfood and Heather Tyree of Epicurious munched their way through the 54th Summer Fancy Food Show* in search of the most mouthwatering edibles on the market. Flip through to find your new craving.

    *Don't let the name fool ya -- it's been around since 1955. Some of our faves are just about as "fancy" as Heinz ketchup.

    Mari's New York

    (Kat's Pick)
    DOCKSIDE KEY LIME CAKE
    On my, ahem, second trip back to this booth, I heard a story that made me weep into my Key Lime Cake. A regular customer once called to make a special order for a Saturday arrival. The shop made sure he knew that the delivery service added a weekend charge, and he said it didn't matter. This cake was for his dying wife, they'd enjoyed this Florida favorite together for the past 30 years, and by gosh, he was going to get it to her. After sampling an intensely tart, moist and luscious morsel for myself, I can only imagine that she departed this earth one happy, satisfied soul.

    Dockside Market

    Dockside Market

    (Kat's Pick)
    TEXAS SASSY PICKLE SAUCE
    America, meet your new favorite condiment. Maury and Brenda Smeyne's signature sauce is an artfully balanced blend of slightly sweetened bread and butter-style pickle brine with a kiss of pepper and I haven't found a single darned food on which it doesn't taste amazing. From burgers and bloody marys to cut veggies and plain ol' tortilla chips, the sweet-sour-salty Texas three-step sasses up the flavor of just about anything edible. Yeeee-haaa!

    Texas Sassy

    Texas Sassy

    (Kat's Pick)
    FIRECRACKER DARK CHOCOLATE BAR
    Snap, crackle, pow! This bar is like a little chocolate powder keg packed with smoky, spicy chipotle pepper, salt and plenty of giggle-inducing popping candy. As the confection is held on the tongue or against the roof of the mouth, the chocolate melts, slowly revealing both heat and an audible, palpable explosion as the candy emerges. It's a multi-sensory extravaganza that's just begging to be shared with a fellow chocolate fiend. Bring on the fireworks!

    Chuao Chocolatier

    Chuao Chocolatier

    (Kat's Pick)
    SWEET LEAF CHERRY LIMEADE
    Fresh cherry limeade is a drink of which I'm so fond, I served it at my wedding. So, as you might imagine, my bar is set pretty darned high. I was utterly gobsmacked to see Sweet Leaf sail right on over it. Their tart, tangy organic blend is the essence of summer, squeezed and saved in a bottle for enjoyment the whole year 'round. I'm not saying I'll give up making my own in peak cherry season, but it's refreshing to know where I'll be getting my fix come wintertime.

    Sweet Leaf Tea

    Sweet Leaf Tea

    (Kat's Pick)
    FAT WITCH BROWNIE MIXES
    I'm sometimes hesitant to write about my favorite local perishables, 'cause I figure it's just cruel to taunt folks without easy access to them. The hex has been lifted, though, and soon everyone across the USA will be under the spell of wickedly rich, moist and naturally delicious Fat Witch Brownies, conjured up in their very own kitchen. Head witch Patricia Helding spent two years formulating brownie mixes that would allow home cooks to mimic at home what she's been whipping up to rave reviews in her Chelsea Market bakery since 1991. Though they won't be in stores until August, jump on your broomstick and sign up for advance notice at her website.

    Fat Witch Bakery

    Fat Witch

    (Kat's Pick)
    CYPRESS GROVE TRUFFLE TREMOR
    Cypress Grove's Humbolt Fog and Purple Haze have long been my go-to party cheeses, but this truffle-studded addition to the herd totally got my goat. A luxurious cake of chevre is shot through with a knee-weakening allotment of earthy truffle, making for a flavor balance that's simultaneously rock solid and earth shattering. They're really not kidding around.

    Cypress Grove Chevre

    Cypress Grove Chevre

    (Kat's Pick)
    LITTLE WINGS BUFFALO WINGS CHIPS
    It takes a lot for a chip to stand out from the crowd, but this snack is a superstar. From the multi-grained crunch and ear-warming Frank's Red Sauce-based spice to the intriguing creamy blue cheese drizzle, every single flavor and texture element was in perfect harmony. Consider me a groupie.

    Rock-n-Roll Gourmet

    Rock-n-Roll Gourmet

    (Kat's Top Pick)
    WHITSON'S MOIST CHILI SEASONING
    Sarah Whitson Bourbon's booth was far from the fanciest looking at the food show, but once she lifted the lid from her crock pot, the heady scent of the seasoned meat within was all the décor she needed. Her grandfather developed this soulful, savory blend of spices at his Denton, Texas store in 1932, and while the company has changed hands several times, she's reclaimed and revived it, staying true to his original formulation. I realize that "chili" is in the name, and I've no doubt of their claim that it "makes unsurpassed Frito Pie," but I'm pretty sure it could make my couch, a subway platform or a sweat sock taste delicious if applied in sufficient quantities. It's that darned good.

    Whitson Chile Products

    Whitson Chile Products

    (Kristyn's Pick)
    INGLEHOFFER SWEET HOT MUSTARD
    Spicy or sweet, sweet or spicy? It's the never ending conundrum faced by a society of die-hard mustard consumers. Sometimes we want the fiery burst of a solid mustard seed, other times we want the crystallized smoothness of sweet, sweet honey. Inglehoffer Sweet Hot Mustard has magically, seamlessly blended the two flavors, and the effect is flooring. The mustard is definitely hot, but the spice is sealed with a kiss of sweet, confounding the brain and delighting the tongue.


    Beaverton Foods

    Beaverton Foods

Mustard Taste Test

We conducted a mustard taste test to find the best brand in the U.S. From honey mustard to dijon mustard to spicy mustard to whole grain mustard, we've got the best mustard to suit your sandwich or hot dog.
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Mustard Taste Test
by Kat Kinsman
With hundreds of mustards on the market, we had to set some serious parameters for our search. Brands had to be easy to find on national supermarket shelves, free of any fancy flavoring, and cost less than $3.99.

Even with these restrictions, we sampled more than five dozen varieties, and chose runners-up and winners in the categories of yellow, honey, deli/brown, dijon and hot, with one solitary mustard pot reigning supreme. See if your favorite made the cut.
Rachel Been
Getty Images North America

Mustard Taste Test

    by Kat Kinsman
    With hundreds of mustards on the market, we had to set some serious parameters for our search. Brands had to be easy to find on national supermarket shelves, free of any fancy flavoring, and cost less than $3.99.

    Even with these restrictions, we sampled more than five dozen varieties, and chose runners-up and winners in the categories of yellow, honey, deli/brown, dijon and hot, with one solitary mustard pot reigning supreme. See if your favorite made the cut.

    Rachel Been

    Runner-up: Yellow
    Gulden's Yellow Mustard

    French's was a close contender, but the clear, bright tang of this textbook yellow mustard gave it a slight edge. Said one tester, "This is Hot Dog Mustard 101."
    Website: ConAgra Foods

    Rachel Been

    Runner-up: Yellow
    Best Yet Mustard

    The creamy, sharp kick of Best Yet led more than one tester to evoke its similarity to their favorite cheddar. We're overcome with a sudden, major craving for a hot, soft pretzel upon which to slather it.
    Website: Best Yet Market

    Rachel Been

    Runner-up: Yellow
    Plochman's Mild Yellow Mustard

    Though possessed of a slightly lighter body than the previous two contenders, Plochman's proves a milder-flavored workhorse of a yellow mustard. On a sandwich or a ballpark dog, it's perfectly pleasing, but unassertive enough to step back and let the other ingredients shine.
    Website: Plochman's Mustard

    Rachel Been

    Winner: Yellow
    Annie's Natural Organic Yellow Mustard

    In the end, Annie's took home the gold, winning raves for its sturdy, glossy mouthfeel and exquisite blend of simple spices. Asked one tester, "Is it the cloves? It must be the cloves. Do you think it could be the cloves?" We're pretty sure it's the cloves.
    Website: Annie's Naturals

    Rachel Been

    Runner-up: Honey
    Hellman's Honey Mustard

    We'll admit we were a tad shocked that this one made it to the finals, given its close resemblance to the much maligned Dijonaise. However, this dark horse contender brought something rare to the table -- an honest to gosh burst of real honey flavor that set our tasters all abuzz.
    Website: Hellman's

    Rachel Been

    Runner-up: Honey
    Olde Cape Cod Sweet & Hot Honey Mustard

    The luxurious heft of honey gives way to a pleasing, crystalline grit against the tongue, easing into a lazy heat that warms all the way into the nasal passages. Said one taster, "Fire in the hive!"
    Website: Cains Foods

    Rachel Been

    Winner: Honey
    Billy Bee Original Honey Mustard

    It should come as no great surprise that the queen bee in this category would come from a company that knows a thing or ten about the honey biz. Billy Bee is best known for their pure, natural clover honey, and they've paired it perfectly with a creamy, medium-bodied mustard for a blend that would be as at home on a hot pretzel or panini as it would be drizzled over a salad or a fresh slice of ham.
    Website: Billy Bee Honey

    Rachel Been

    Runner-up: Brown/Deli
    Kosciusko Spicy Brown Mustard

    Roll out the barrel! This tart and tangy meld had tasters aching for a pint of stout and a big ol' bratwurst on which to slather this. It polkas right up to the edge of being a li'l bit too sour, but luckily never quite topples over.
    Website: Plochman

    Rachel Been

    Runner-up: Brown/Deli
    Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Mustard

    Just a wee dram of whiskey deepens the flavor of this sumptuously thick, zesty blend. Jack Daniels is known for licensing its name for everything from coffee to nuts -- with varying degrees of success, but our tasters gave solid thumbs up to this use of Old No. 7.
    Website: T. Marzetti
    Website: T. Marzetti

    Rachel Been

Lemonade Taste Test

We puckered our way through 70 cartons, bottles, and cans in search of the best store-bought brand of lemonade. Read on for results.
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Lemonade Taste Test
by AOL Food Editors
Our team of food editors shook, stirred, popped the top and puckered their way through 70 cartons, bottles, cans and pouches in search of the most thirst-quenching, soul-satisfying brand of store-bought lemonade. In the end, they selected several runners-up and a winner in each of seven categories: plastic bottle, can, juice box or pouch, powder, glass bottle and paper carton, as well as the best pink lemonade and the absolute best and worst overall. Read on for results and see how store brands can sometimes rule.
Rachel Been, AOL
Getty Images North America

Lemonade Taste Test

    by AOL Food Editors
    Our team of food editors shook, stirred, popped the top and puckered their way through 70 cartons, bottles, cans and pouches in search of the most thirst-quenching, soul-satisfying brand of store-bought lemonade. In the end, they selected several runners-up and a winner in each of seven categories: plastic bottle, can, juice box or pouch, powder, glass bottle and paper carton, as well as the best pink lemonade and the absolute best and worst overall. Read on for results and see how store brands can sometimes rule.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Runner-up: Plastic Bottle
    Tropicana Lemonade

    Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
    Calories per serving: 100
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
    Lemon strength: Medium
    Our panel says: "More like lemon soda than lemonade, this was light and refreshing."

    Learn more about Tropicana

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Runner-up: Plastic Bottle
    Simply Lemonade

    Sweetener: Natural Sugar
    Calories per serving: 120
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
    Lemon strength: Medium
    Our panel says: "It was balanced and non-sticky with a smooth, lime-like finish." "I tend to like the 'Simply' series -- orange juice, limeade, etc. -- and this does not disappoint."

    Learn more about Simply

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Winner: Plastic Bottle:
    Citarella Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

    Sweetener: Pure Cane Sugar
    Calories per serving: N/A
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 5
    Lemon strength: Mild
    Our panel says: "With notes of (unadvertised) coconut and lime, this was a tropical dream." "It's like a vacation in a bottle."

    Learn more about Citarella Store brand

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Runner-up: Canned
    Country Time Lemonade

    Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
    Calories per serving: 140
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
    Lemon Strength: Solid
    Our panel says: "It's wonderfully bold and lemony, neither too tart or too sweet." "The finish is a little bit sticky, but the flavor makes up for it."

    Learn more about Country Time

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Runner-up: Canned
    Arizona Lemonade

    Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
    Calories per serving: 110
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 2
    Lemon Strength:
    Our panel says: "The flavor is just about perfect -- a wonderful balance of sweet and sour. Only drawback is the slightly sticky mouth feel, but just solve that by ditching the can and serving over ice." "Nicely balanced, assertive, no messing around."

    Learn more about Arizona

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Winner: Canned
    San Pellegrino Limonata

    Sweetener: Sugar
    Calories per serving: 141
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 2
    Lemon Strength: Intense
    Our panel says: "This is incredible front-porch lemonade -- if your front porch happens to sport marble columns with ivy growing up them. This is grown-up lemonade that's strong, clear, effervescent and utterly addictive."

    Learn more about San Pellegrino

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Runner-up: Juice Box
    Minute Maid Lemonade

    Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
    Calories per serving: 90
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 4
    Lemon strength: Medium
    Our panel says: "A refreshing small box for when you're on the go" "It wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be -- and that's a good thing."

    Learn more about Minute Maid

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Winner: Juice Box
    Hi-C Poppin' Lemonade

    Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
    Calories per serving: 100
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
    Lemon Strength: Mild
    Our panel says: "A crowd shocker, it wasn't as sweet as the majority of juice boxes." "A well balanced drink."

    Learn more about Hi-C

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Runner-up: Powdered
    Crystal Light Lemonade

    Sweetener: Aspartame
    Calories per serving: 5
    Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
    Lemon Strength: Right up front
    Our panel says: "This is the rarest of all creatures -- a low-calorie lemonade that doesn't have a nasty aftertaste! The taste that it does have is actually a really nice balance of tart and sweet."

    Learn more about Crystal Light

    Rachel Been, AOL

Instant Coffee Taste Test

We chugged our way through more than two dozen different blends so you'll know which brands are worth sipping -- or skipping. After our jitters subsided, one clear winner emerged. Click on to see how your favorites fared.
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Instant Coffee Taste Test
We're not coffee snobs, but we're hard pressed to think of a single instance where we'd pick the stir-in stuff over some java that's hot from a freshly-brewed pot. Still, sometimes we need a caffeine fix on the go or in a jiffy, and there's not a bean to be seen.

We chugged our way through more than two dozen different blends so you'll know which brands are worth sipping -- and skipping. Keep clicking to see our reviews from the deepest dregs to the creme de la cafe.
Rachel Been, AOL
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Instant Coffee Taste Test

    We're not coffee snobs, but we're hard pressed to think of a single instance where we'd pick the stir-in stuff over some java that's hot from a freshly-brewed pot. Still, sometimes we need a caffeine fix on the go or in a jiffy, and there's not a bean to be seen.

    We chugged our way through more than two dozen different blends so you'll know which brands are worth sipping -- and skipping. Keep clicking to see our reviews from the deepest dregs to the creme de la cafe.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Chock Full O'Nuts

    Sip or skip? Skip. Skip very, VERY far away.

    Pass for brewed? No

    Tasting Notes: Wow, what a tease. We were beckoned in by a yummy smell, but the flavor -- ugh. It's cruelly sour with an undertone of rotting veggies and chock full o' yuck.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Nescafe Clasico

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? Never

    Tasting Notes: This barely even passes for instant java, and packs a bitter, chemical afterburn that took forever to get off our tongues. No mas, por favor.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Folgers Coffee Singles Classic Roast

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? No way

    Tasting Notes: It smells okay, but has no flavor whatsover. Sure, the pack's convenient -- if you have an on-the-go hankering for the taste of brown water.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Folgers Coffee Singles Classic Decaf

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? No

    Tasting Notes: No aroma, no flavor, no caffeine -- not a single reason to bother.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Rocket Fuel

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? As the worst gas station coffee you've ever had

    Tasting Notes: It smells like dust, and while it's billed as "rich, dark, powerful coffee," all we're getting is a seismic blast of bitterness.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Sanka

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? Really bad, burned decaf

    Tasting Notes: We're really feeling the burn on this one. The flavor is oddly reminiscent of scorched cheese -- not something we're looking to encounter first thing in the a.m.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Brown Gold

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? Perhaps for metallic conference room coffee

    Tasting Notes: It's got a strange dusty, papery smell and a tinny taste -- is that the "gold" part? And what the heck is an Excelsio bean?

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Folgers Classic Roast

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? No

    Tasting Notes: If this odor-free, sour, bitter blend is indeed the best part of waking up, we suggest you just stay tucked in bed.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    White Rose Original Blend

    Sip or skip? Skip

    Pass for brewed? Maybe at Homer Simpson's nuclear plant.

    Tasting Notes: Savor the taste and aroma of cardboard dunked in hot water? Have we got the brew for you!

    Rachel Been, AOL

Hot Dog Taste Test

Did your favorite frank lead the pack? Read on.
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Best Hot Dogs

Our intrepid pack of testers chomped their way through 50 different franks, hot dogs and wieners in hot pursuit of the top tube steak in all the land. Not a single chicken, turkey or tofu dog made the final cut, while beef and pork reigned supreme.

Did your favorite frank lead the pack? Read on.
Nathan Ellis Perkel
Getty Images North America

Best Hot Dogs


    Our intrepid pack of testers chomped their way through 50 different franks, hot dogs and wieners in hot pursuit of the top tube steak in all the land. Not a single chicken, turkey or tofu dog made the final cut, while beef and pork reigned supreme.

    Did your favorite frank lead the pack? Read on.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    20. DIETZ & WATSON NEW YORK BRAND BEEF FRANKS
    (All Beef, Natural Casing)

    The strong casing caused our panel to snap to attention, and the solid, beefy interior makes this a dandy, workaday dog.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    19. SABRETT SKINLESS BEEF FRANKFURTERS
    (All Beef)

    Our panelists were split on the subtly peppery aftertaste, but all sang the praises of the juicy, gently salted initial flavor experience.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    18. COLEMAN NATURAL UNCURED BEEF HOT DOGS
    (Uncured, All Beef)

    All tasters sang the praises of the smoky, bratwurst-like flavor or this firm, un-fancy frank.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    17. HILLSHIRE FARMS LIT'L BEEF FRANKS
    (All Beef)

    These wee wieners pack a lot of meaty, salty flavor into a bitty bite. The size allows for lots of skin crisping, and our panel deemed 'em a 'perfectly respectable cocktail frank.'

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    16. WOLFE'S NECK UNCURED HOT DOGS
    (Pork, Beef, Natural Lamb Casing)

    Our tasters were in agreement that a pinch more salt would really make this pup pop, but still, the snappy, crunchy skin and juicy inside more than made up for it.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    15. OSCAR MEYER PREMIUM BEEF FRANKS
    (All Beef)

    On the other hand, this one got a teensy bit too silly with the salt shaker, but still nosed ahead with a distinctive smoky sweetness, and a snappy skin that crisps up beautifully over an open flame.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    14. OSCAR MAYER WIENERS
    (Turkey, Chicken, Pork)

    This childhood classic holds its own against the fancier franks, earning raves for its spicy, smoky flavor combo and sturdy casing. Oh, Oscar, we are still in love with you.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    13. BALL PARK BEEF FRANKS
    (All Beef)

    Every single tester waxed wacky over the satisfying juice jolt of this beefy stadium staple. The flavor may not be a grand slam, but it's a solid base hit.

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

    12. OSCAR MAYER MINI HOT DOGS
    (All Beef)

    This tiny dog has the heart of a champion, fetching maximum intense flavor per square centimeter. As one panelist suggests, 'Wrap some Pillsbury around these, and you've got a party!'

    Nathan Ellis Perkel

Frozen Pizza Taste Test

Everyone loves frozen pizza. To satisfy your frozen pizza cravings and find the best frozen pizza read this frozen pizza taste test from Slashfood.
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Frozen Pizza Taste Test
Cheese Pizzas - Worst to Best

Ellio's
Our Verdict: Worst Cheese Pizza
Style: Cheese Pizza 16 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 320 / 7 / 3
Crust (1-5): 1
Cheese (1-5): 1
Sauce (1-5): 1
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 1
Overall appeal (1-5): 1

Comments: "How is this considered food?" "Not even in the middle of the night." "Looks like brain." "Tastes like dough. Tasteless dough."
Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street
Getty Images North America

Frozen Pizza Taste Test

    Cheese Pizzas - Worst to Best

    Ellio's
    Our Verdict: Worst Cheese Pizza
    Style: Cheese Pizza 16 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 320 / 7 / 3
    Crust (1-5): 1
    Cheese (1-5): 1
    Sauce (1-5): 1
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 1
    Overall appeal (1-5): 1

    Comments: "How is this considered food?" "Not even in the middle of the night." "Looks like brain." "Tastes like dough. Tasteless dough."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Betzio's

    Style: Cheese Pan Pizza 24 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 175 / 5 / 1
    Crust (1-5): 1.25
    Cheese (1-5): 1.25
    Sauce (1-5): 1
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 1.5
    Overall appeal (1-5): 1.5
    Comments: Our five-year-old friend Izzy thinks this slice is "Yummy!"; adults were less enthusiastic, calling it "Prison food." Final verdict: "Unbearable."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Lean Cuisine

    Style: Deep Dish Margherita 6 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 320 / 9 / 4 Microwave Only
    Crust (1-5): 1
    Cheese (1-5): 1
    Sauce (1-5): 2
    Toppings (1-5): 2
    Flavor (1-5): 1.5
    Overall appeal (1-5): 2
    Comments: A microwave mess: "Just awful." "This should not be mass-produced."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Jenos Crisp & Tasty

    Our Verdict: Highest Calorie Cheese Pizza
    Style: Cheese 6.9 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 440 / 20 / 1
    Crust (1-5): 2
    Cheese (1-5): 2
    Sauce (1-5): 2
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 2
    Overall appeal (1-5): 2
    Comments: "Not awful tasting, just has zero taste."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Tony's

    Style: Original Crust Cheese Pizza 15.10 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 360 / 15 / 2
    Crust (1-5): 2
    Cheese (1-5): 1.5
    Sauce (1-5): 2.5
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 1.5
    Overall appeal (1-5): 2
    Comments: "Sauce is not bad," was the highest praise we could muster. Otherwise, tasters "did not like the cheese at all." Also, "crust tastes too doughy."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    DiGiorno

    Our Verdict: Biggest Letdown
    Style: Rising Crust 4 Cheese 28.2 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 320 / 11 / 2
    Crust (1-5): 3.5
    Cheese (1-5): 1
    Sauce (1-5): 1
    Toppings (1-5): 1
    Flavor (1-5): 1.5
    Overall appeal (1-5): 2
    Comments: "Looks amazing, but tastes like plastic." "Tastes weirdly artificial."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Stouffer's French Bread Cheese

    Style: 10 3/8 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 360 /15 / 4
    Crust (1-5): 3
    Cheese (1-5): 2.5
    Sauce (1-5): 3
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 2.5
    Overall appeal (1-5): 3
    Comments: "Not good. Not bad. Just frozen."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Tombstone

    Our Verdict: Middle of the Road (Which Is Just Fine With Us)
    Style: Original Extra Cheese 20.5 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 350 / 15 / 4
    Crust (1-5): 2.5
    Cheese (1-5): 3
    Sauce (1-5): 3
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 3
    Overall appeal (1-5): 2.5
    Comments: "Tastes exactly how you'd think frozen pizza should taste." "Most average pizza ever, which is not really a bad thing." "Cheese is its strong point."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Red Baron

    Style: Singles French Bread 5 Cheese & Garlic 8.8 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 410 / 22 / 2
    Crust (1-5): 4.5
    Cheese (1-5): 4
    Sauce (1-5): n/a
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 3.75
    Overall appeal (1-5): 4
    Comments: "Love the garlic, but it's a little too salty." "Too salty." "Tastes artificial and cheap. Made me feel dirty inside."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

    Red Baron

    Our Verdict: Great for Late Night Munching
    Style: Singles Thin & Crispy 4 Cheese 7.2 oz
    Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 300 / 14 / 1
    Crust (1-5): 2
    Cheese (1-5): 3
    Sauce (1-5): 3
    Toppings (1-5): n/a
    Flavor (1-5): 3.5
    Overall appeal (1-5): 3.5
    Comments: "Do you think I could grab that whole thing before anyone else gets to it?" "That's just how I remember it tasting, and that's a good thing."

    Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Best Boxed Chocolates

Everyone loves chocolate for Valentine's Day. To satisfy your chocolate cravings try our top picks for heart shaped boxes.
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Best Boxed Chocolate
by Kat Kinsman
Nothing's sweeter than giving V-Day chocolate to a loved one, but don't you wonder what's gonna be under the lid? Our panel popped the tops off 22 heart-shaped boxes from $.99 drugstore counter specials to $55 chi-chi boutique bon-bons so you can help guide Cupid's arrow straight to your beloved's sweet spot. In ascending price order... (read on)
Rachel Been for AOL
Getty Images North America

Best Boxed Chocolate

    by Kat Kinsman
    Nothing's sweeter than giving V-Day chocolate to a loved one, but don't you wonder what's gonna be under the lid? Our panel popped the tops off 22 heart-shaped boxes from $.99 drugstore counter specials to $55 chi-chi boutique bon-bons so you can help guide Cupid's arrow straight to your beloved's sweet spot. In ascending price order... (read on)

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Elmer

    Verdict: DEFINITELY NOT
    Style: Small cardboard heart box
    Contents: 4 chocolates
    Weight: 2.4 oz
    Price: $.99
    Website:elmercandy.com
    Note: Every single person spat theirs out.
    Our panel said: "Bleeeaaaauuugggh!" "Awful - plastic-like." "Way, way too sugary. I could almost taste the granules."

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Russell Stover

    Verdict: GOOFY & SWEET
    Style: Looney Toons Mini-box
    Contents: 3 chocolates
    Weight: 1.75 oz
    Price: $1.29
    Website: russellstover.com
    Note: It's also available with a Bugs Bunny or the Tasmanian Devil design.
    Our panel said: "Totally darling!" "I'd be so excited to get this." "Great for giving out at school."

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Gillham & Grand

    Verdict: CUTE & FUN
    Style: Novelty tin with "kiss / hug / tickle" spinner
    Contents: 3 chocolates
    Weight: 1.5 oz
    Price: $3
    Website: hallmark.com
    Note: Gillham & Grand is made by Fannie May exclusively for Hallmark Gold Crown Stores.
    Our panel said: "Very cute! You could give this to anyone." "Fun!"

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Russell Stover

    Verdict: WEIRD CONCEPT, DECENT CHOCOLATE
    Style: XOXO Just For Him cardboard heart
    Contents: 6 assorted chocolates
    Weight: 3.5 oz
    Price: $2.99
    Website: russellstover.com
    Note: More deluxe editions come in metal, tire-tread embossed tins.
    Our panel said: "Why is this for men in particular? Are they beef and sweat flavored or something?""Pretty standard, but yummy."

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Russell Stover

    Verdict: HORRIBLE
    Style: Foil-wrapped cardboard heart
    Contents: 7 assorted sugar-free creams, chews and crisps
    Weight: 4 oz
    Price: $4.99
    Website: russellstover.com
    Note: A sugar-free pecan candy assortment is also available.
    Our panel said: "Tastes like a tire. Rubbery." "If your sweetie is diabetic, just get them flowers or something instead."

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Russell Stover

    Verdict: HIT OR MISS
    Style: Foil-wrapped cardboard heart
    Contents: 13 assorted creams, chews and nuts
    Weight: 7 oz
    Price: $4.99
    Website: russellstover.com
    Note: This is the #2 best selling heart-shaped box assortment in the US. The 1 lb selection is #1.
    Our panel said: "Seems a little old-fashioned. Not that there's anything wrong with that." "It really depends on which pieces you get. Some are great and some are kind of nasty." "Not for me, but my Mom would love this."

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Reese's

    Verdict: CAN'T GO WRONG
    Style: Cardboard heart
    Contents: 30 miniature Reese's peanut butter cups
    Weight: 8 oz
    Price: $4.99
    Website: reeses.com
    Our panel said: "You know exactly what you're getting, and it's GOOD!" "You can never go wrong with Reese's, even if the package design is cheap." "The taste is classic goodness. I'd be thrilled to get this. As muchas I'd like to be high-end, I can't escape my love for Reese's."

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Hershey's

    Verdict: GOOD, BUT GO WITH THE REESE'S
    Style: Cardboard heart
    Contents: 54 Hershey's Kisses
    Weight: 8 oz
    Price: $4.99
    Website: hersheys.com
    Our panel said: "Who doesn't love to get Kisses?" "Cute & romantic." "I love this, but it seems a little plain." "It's nice knowing just what you're getting."

    Rachel Been for AOL

    Producer: Godiva

    Verdict: OKAY IN A PINCH
    Style: Miniature heart gift box
    Contents: 6 foil-wrapped milk chocolate hearts
    Weight: 1.1 oz
    Price: $5
    Website: godiva.com
    Our panel said: "Cute, but not impressive." "Good valentine for the teacher."

    Rachel Been for AOL

Bottled Iced Tea Reviews

We sampled bottled, canned and fast-food iced teas to let you know which ones are worth chugging, and which you should "leaf" behind.
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Iced Tea Reviews
While we love the idea of always having a freshly-brewed pitcher in the fridge, we're often on the go and have to make a grab from the deli cooler. All summer long, our editors will be sampling bottled, canned and fast-food iced teas to let you know which ones are worth chugging, and which you should leaf behind.
Lipton Pure Leaf Black Tea with Lemon
Grade: B-
Tea purists will blanch at the extreme lemony sweetness, but those weaned on the powdered stuff will happily sip their way down memory lane. The flavor is remarkably strong and tangy with a lingering apple juice finish that's not so much refreshing as it is simply satisfying.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.
Rachel Been, AOL
Getty Images North America

Iced Tea Reviews

    While we love the idea of always having a freshly-brewed pitcher in the fridge, we're often on the go and have to make a grab from the deli cooler. All summer long, our editors will be sampling bottled, canned and fast-food iced teas to let you know which ones are worth chugging, and which you should leaf behind.
    Lipton Pure Leaf Black Tea with Lemon
    Grade: B-
    Tea purists will blanch at the extreme lemony sweetness, but those weaned on the powdered stuff will happily sip their way down memory lane. The flavor is remarkably strong and tangy with a lingering apple juice finish that's not so much refreshing as it is simply satisfying.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Stewart's Unsweetened Tea Refresher
    Grade: F
    We're all for utterly unadulterated, unfancy iced tea, but this harsh brew tastes like squeezings from bags left to moulder at the bottom of a pot. We sipped, swished with water, sipped again, spat it out, re-swished and ran off to brush our teeth repeatedly, and still the bitter, metallic tang that had set up camp at the backs of our tongues refused to depart quietly. We're seriously considering mouth-ectomies.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Joe Tea Lemon Half and Half
    Grade: A
    Call it an Arnold Palmer. Call it a half & half. Just don't forget to call us when Joe's coming over. While other brands attempt to pass off over-lemoned iced tea, Joe knows that the ultimate blend begins with equal parts of high quality, full-flavored iced tea and lightly tart lemonade. The finish is nothing short of sweet 'n sour sunshine in a bottle.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Arizona Iced Tea with Lemon Flavor
    Grade: B-
    Remember when you were fifteen and you'd hit up the convenience store for a post-practice drink? This is that iced tea, in all its tawdry glory. $.99 affords a tall 23 ounces of super-sweet, lemon-tinged black tea, and though the corn syrup sweetener gums up in the back of the throat, hey, it'll go great with that Twinkie.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Arizona Southern Style Sweet Tea
    Grade: B-
    Had this just been touted to us as a plain ol' sweetened tea, we'd pleased, even if not especially impressed. Problem is, it's billed as Southern-style sweet tea, which is a different critter entirely. Real sweet tea delivers a smooth, mellow slug of plain white sugary deliciousness to the whole palate, while this brew brings a weirdly artificial, cloying sweetness that sits just on top of the tongue. Hold out for the real deal.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    McDonald's Sweet Tea
    Grade: A
    We're pretty sure we'll catch heck from our Southern in-laws, but we just have to go ahead and say it -- Mickey D's Sweet Tea is every drop as delicious as the gallons we've slurped down at Lexington BBQ, the High Point Country Club or any given K&W Cafeteria in the North Carolina Triad. That is to say it's an ideal balance of tooth-cracking sweetness, mellow orange pekoe and gentle brain freeze, both smooth enough to sip all day and intensely sugary enough to ensure that it's a physical impossibility to do so.

    It's most definitely sweet tea, rather than sweetened iced tea, so folks not familiar with this culinary signature of the South might want to just dip a toe in before they fully commit. At $.99 for a giant jug, it's a worthy experiment.

    Also - purists, take note -- it's often served with a slice of lemon already tossed in, so speak up if you wish to avoid that.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Sobe Green Tea
    Grade: D
    Y'know what this doesn't taste like? Green tea. In fact, it tastes like watered-down white grape juice that someone spiked with mystery herbal infusion. Or a lime Saf-T-Pop that spent too much time on the doctor's desk. The very idea that Sobe markets this as green tea is downright lizardbrained.

    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Arizona Blueberry White Tea
    Grade: B
    Hello, fruity! This iced tea finds blueberry out in full force with some well-dressed pear on its arm. Though sweet, the tea isn't sugary, instead delivering its nectar au natural. The organic sweetness melds nicely with the earthiness of the tea, resulting in a summery swig that's the perfect antidote for a dog day afternoon.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Teany Green Tea with Ginseng
    Grade: C+
    While we're big fans of musician Moby's New York City tearoom and plenty of of his other bottled offerings, this one falls a little flat. It's not actively awful, by any means, but for a brew with all natural, health-friendly ingredients, the flavor has odd notes of artificial sweetener and feel slightly medicinal. We're all for reaping the body benefits. We just wish it didn't have to taste that way.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Ito En Japanese Green Tea
    Grade: B+
    This one's got a light, tannic body, with straightforward fresh, unsweetened green tea flavor that the can claims is a result of its having been "Produced with our state-of-the-art T-N (Tea & Natural) Blow technology." Further research reveals it as a technique that removes air from the can just before sealing, so as to prevent oxidation and ensure freshness. It works.

    There's no weird or wow factor, but it's definitely more "healthy" feeling than either soda, or some of the other sweetened bottled tea offerings. It pairs well with sushi, sashimi and green salads.
    Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

    Rachel Been, AOL

Are Austin Tacos the Nation's Best?

tacos
Chorizo tacos at Austin's Arandas #3. Photo: Jessica S. Ralat
A whopping 69 percent of poll respondents told this recent Brooklyn-to-Austin transplant that the Lone Star State's tacos were the best in the nation and relayed some excellent suggestions. We were able to sample some 40 tacos around Austin, setting them against the closest Sunset Park, Brooklyn, counterparts we could find. Here's one taster's subjective opinion. (Austin is growing on him.)

6. Austin's Arandinas (suggested by Slashfoodies Lacey and LP) pork taco vs. Brooklyn's Matamoros cabeza taco:
Arandinas' juicy, eminently scarfable pork taco went head-to-head with Matamoros', uh, cow head -- and triumphed.
Winner: Arandinas, Austin.

5. Austin's Mi Madre's Restaurant (suggested by Jodi and others) Pork Adobado vs. Brooklyn's Matamoros Enchilada taco:
Anticipating a chili steam engine from this red-sauced breakfast taco, we instead found spiceless goop in a flour shell ill-matched to its flurry of onions and avocado slices. The slightly spicy red enchilada taco at Matamoros is still the one we hold dear.
Winner: Matamoros, Brooklyn

Four more, including the winner, after the jump.

Continue reading Are Austin Tacos the Nation's Best?

Taste Test - Starbuck VIA

two packets of starbucks via
Recently, Starbucks wowed the world when they announced that they were releasing a line of gourmet instant coffees, in the hopes of capturing an untapped market. The coffee-loving world was immediately agitated, how could an instant coffee qualify as gourmet and was it possible for Starbucks to create something palatable? (Most instant coffee is unmitigated swill, at least in the eyes of the coffee snob.)

I got my hands on a couple of VIA samples late last week and have spent the last few days trying it out, often subbing it in for my regular morning cup. So far, I've been pleasantly surprised by the taste. It's got a fairly full and rich flavor and isn't plagued by the thin, bitter taste that accompanies so many other traditional instant coffees. I did find that it was missing some of the finishing notes that freshly ground and brewed coffee has, but it was far better than some of the brewed coffee I've consumed on airplanes and at diners over the years.

One thing I discovered when making this coffee is that you've got to take care while pouring out your hot water. Each little packet has enough coffee crystals to make an eight ounce cup of coffee, and so if you add more than that, you'll end up with a watery cup. I find this a little disappointing, as I typically drink a cup of coffee that's closer to 12 ounces each morning. If I were to become a VIA regular, I'd end up measuring out half packets all the time, I practice that would get really frustrating. It would be nice if this coffee came in a larger, multi-serving package, so that I could measure out the amount of coffee I wanted, without the constraints of the packet.

Gallery: Starbucks Via

Italian RoastColombian varietyInside Italian roast packetPouring into cupGrounds in cup

Daddy Cakes - Taste Test

bag of Daddy Cakes Bountiful Buckwheat Buttermilk mix
When it comes to pancakes, I have always been pretty darn fortunate. My dad worked as a short order cook at the International House of Pancakes during his early twenties and because of that experience, he took it on himself to build a better pancake than the one offered at IHOP. He spent years devising his own dry batter mix, testing and tweaking the proportions in order to create a pancake that balanced fluffiness with whole grains, inner crumb with outer browning. For years, his pancake mix was in such demand that he would mix up huge batches of it, as gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

The only problem with his pancake batter is that demanded a lot of time to prepare. If we didn't happen to have a batch of the mix on hand, breakfast could take up to an hour to go from conception to execution. Even when there's some mix tucked away in the fridge (and it has to be refrigerated because it contains wheat germ, which goes rancid quickly), it's not an instant breakfast.

However, there are some other fathers out there who have created a line of pancake and waffle mixes designed to satisfy this need for a delicious, easy to prepare breakfast. Daddy Cakes come in nine different flavors and many of the mixes are prepared so that all you have to do is add water and a little bit of oil and you are ready to cook.

Continue reading Daddy Cakes - Taste Test

Taste Test: Virgil's stevia-sweetened Diet Cola

bottle of virgil's diet real colaGrowing up in the late eighties and early nineties, diet soda was The Thing. As pre-teens and then teenagers, we drank it like it was water, swapping cans of Diet Orange Crush and Diet Muggs Root Beer in an attempt to quench our sugar cravings and keep the weight off. In college, I drank it for the caffeine, when I couldn't stand another cup of mediocre cafeteria coffee.

After college, my soda habit slowly died off as I switched to water, tea and coffee (I've yet to kick that caffeine habit). I'd occasionally have a diet soda, but as the news reports about the dangers of artificial sweeteners flooded media outlets, I tried to stay away.

Virgil's the maker of micro-brewed root beer, cream soda and other classic soda combinations, has recently released a line of small batch Diet Real Cola that uses stevia as the sweetener in place of more common ones like Splenda or NutraSweet. Stevia is an herb that is native to Mexico and South and Central America. There has been some controversy over the safety of stevia, but unlike other sugar substitutes, it has never been found to cause cancer in test animals.

When I opened that first bottle of Virgil's Diet Real Cola, the first thing I noticed is that is doesn't have the metallic scent that comes with just about every other cola on the market. Instead, it smells sweet and a little spicy. As I tasted my initial sip, I noticed that it wasn't as aggressively sweet as traditional sodas. As I kept drinking, my taste buds adjusted and I started to really enjoy the flavor and fizziness of the soda. As I finished the bottle, I was already looking forward to the next.

For those of you who are attached to your Diet Coke, this soda is probably going to taste strange and unwelcome to you. However, I think that this flavor will really speak to the people who want to indulge in a bit of soda on occasion but who don't want all the sugar and caffeine. For you folks, I highly recommend it.

Next Page >

Tip of the Day

December may have peppermint bark, but have you thought to incorporate the taste of autumn into white chocolate with a rich pumpkin swirl?

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