SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Snapple answers call with not-so-sweet teas

— Snapple is a company that never sleeps. Or at least the people who create the tea-based beverages never do. It seems like every time I turn around they’re introducing new flavors, and they’ve done it again with the new Lightly Sweetened Teas that are sweetened with a touch of real sugar. They come in Peach Passionfruit and Cherry Pomegranate flavors.

Regan Ebert, vice president of brand marketing for Snapple, says, “Consumers told us they wanted a light tasting, all-natural tea that wasn’t too sweet, and we listened.” So there you go, Snapple fans.

The new flavors should be in most stores now. They’re sold in single 16-ounce bottles for about $1.40, and six packs that cost about $6.

Hershey’s recently announced a sweet surprise for chocolate lovers with the introduction of its new Simple Pleasures chocolates. The reduced-fat candies have a smooth chocolate outside and a creme-filled center, and come in Milk Chocolate with Chocolate Creme, Dark Chocolate with Chocolate Creme and Milk Chocolate with Vanilla Creme flavors.

For more information, go to Hersheys.com/SimplePleasures. They should be sold at most major stores in 5.6-ounce 24-count bags that cost about $4.

Coyote Oaties is a company that is on a mission to “bake the freshest, most amazing cookies every day, never compromising integrity, customer service or the highest standards of excellence.” I recently had the pleasure of trying the cookies, and I’d say the mission statement is being upheld pretty well.

The products are made with whole rolled oats and butter and contain no trans fats or preservatives. The company can personalize orders if you want, and has a nice variety of flavors that include Dark Chocolate Cashew, Milk Chocolate Walnut, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate Macadamia and Raisin Walnut.

The cookies are large, chunky and downright delicious. But, they’re only available online at CoyoteOaties.com. Prices vary.

I wanted to give a big shout out to BJ’s Plants & Produce, a business that recently moved to Sherwood from its original location in North Little Rock. It’s at 118 Country Club Road right at North Hills Boulevard, and is super convenient, although the area does clog a bit in the afternoon rush hour.

My mother and I finally got by there about a month ago, and it was love at first sight. They offer Arkansas products, fruits and vegetables, among other things, and the selection and pricing are great. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with the yellow zucchini, which is a hybrid of the green version.

And for those who love to do yardwork and fix up their outdoor areas, there is an outside section with plants, yard ornaments and decorations.

I’m not sure of their dailyhours, but for information, call (501) 835-3004.

Product suggestions? Tips? Email:

[email protected]

Food, Pages 38 on 06/27/2012

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