FYI @DrinkCheerwine is introducing #MINICans (NC/SC area) #Tastemakers

I just found out recently (like yesterday) that one of my favorite sodas, Cheerwine (a Southern favorite) is introducing mini cans in the North Carolina (its home state) and South Carolina markets. Apparently, mini cans sell well. Sodas were losing ground to bottled water, but the introduction of mini cans has brought some of those sippers back into the soda fold. Some folks have convinced themselves, that if they buy a smaller soda they will drink less, when most people probably end up drinking more. But to each his own.

Personally, I don't understand the fascination with pretend healthier options. If you want a soda, drink a soda. (I know some people have health issues which may preclude this, but having the option of a mini can vs a regular sized one, isn't truly helping them.) Only way I'm getting a mini can is if someone gives me one (many). I'll stick with my glass bottles or my 12oz cans (in a no-glass-available pinch). Thank you very much.

However, it's cool, if someone tries Cheerwine for the first time via a little can, I guess. If the person hasn't had the soda before and is curious and thinks a smaller serving is a low-key way to check it out. I'm all for it. But I'm a card-toting Cheerwine Fan Club member, a Tastemaker. I buy the real thing, the adult-sized beverages LOL! Good luck with the marketing angle, though. I don't knock a business for trying out new things, sometimes you gotta adapt and change to continue to thrive, as long as they don't touch my glass bottles.

Love y'all, Cheerwine.

#EchoLook: It's #Amazon #Alexa #AI #HandsFree #Camera + #StyleAssistant #NewProducts #SmartDevices #Selfies

Got an email from Amazon yesterday introducing the new Echo Look, which is billed as a "Hands-Free Camera and Style Assistant" or in other words, a glorified automatic selfie camera. You can take full-length photos and short videos with the Echo Look. (It has Alexa built-in, so it's voice controlled.) It also has "built-in LED lighting, a depth-sensing camera and computer vision-based background blur" along with a companion app that allows you to check out your photos and build personal lookbooks.

Amazon Echo Look

The listed price is $199.99, free shipping included. This product can be purchased "by invitation only." You can request an invitation to purchase the Echo Look on its product page. (If selected, you will receive an email with an invitation to purchase.) So of course, I requested my invite immediately. Immediately, I tell you.

ROFLMAO!

NOTE: There is nothing wrong with taking pictures of yourself --- if that's what you want to do. There is also absolutely nothing wrong with an AI controlled camera. In fact, I can think of myriad uses for this thing that would NOT involve selfies in any way, shape or form. It's merely that for all the data Amazon supposedly collects on its customers, looks like somebody would have recognized that a person who HATES having her picture taken is likely NOT the market demographic for this product (as it's billed). But Big Data is only as good as its mining... And don't get me started on the marketing gimmick of something only being available to PURCHASE "by invitation." I could rant about this for days... Days!

Are #Thins Really In? #Cookies #Snacks #Natural #Sweeteners #MiniCans #Soda

The snacks and beverages industries have responded to our professed collective desire to "Be Healthier" by offering "better" versions of their wares. The market is currently proliferate with natural, light, thin and/or mini versions of "food" products that define the artificial flavors & colors, and preservatives segment. Does it matter?

Every cookie nowadays seems to have a "thin" version. Soda is touted as "made with real sugar" and comes in "mini cans" (ostensibly, a smaller serving). But are we really eating better or merely psyching ourselves out? I tend to think that thins and minis only encourage the average person to consume more per sitting. I appreciate the options --- I am Pro-Choice, after all --- but if you're eating junk food, I would hope you know it's called junk food for a reason. (I eat junk food.) Remember, everything in moderation.

Chips Ahoy! Thins

By the way, a recent Kroger Free Friday Download was a digital coupon for "One Free Chips Ahoy! Thins" product which got me to thinking about current market trends in the snacks and beverages industries. I am not a (regular) Chips Ahoy! cookies fan. The original product tastes much as I imagine pasteboard might. Surprisingly, however, the "thins" version is palatable. I couldn't decide if this was due to the "thinness" (less product altogether) or whether an actual recipe adjustment had altered the taste for the better. There's still no comparison to baking my own chocolate chip cookies, mind you, but Chips Ahoy! Thins were leagues better than the original product, in my opinion. Perhaps, this "thin" revolution brings with it hidden perks...