Will Salsa Conquer Processed Cheese?

This week’s mission: a sports drink aimed at the ladies, and lower-cal dishes from Taco Bell.

Marshmallow Blob Training Centers

This week’s mission: sweet cereals and sweet, sweet profits.

Pancakes from a Can

This week’s mission: pancake batter in an aerosol can, and strawberry cereal.

Snack Time for Lazarus

This week’s mission: superfood bars and stovetop comfort-food kits.

Vote for Your Favorite Fake Fruit

This week’s mission: frozen veggies and fake meat to add to eggs, plus new Mountain Dew sodas.

Batali, High and Low

Mario Batali’s new cookbook, “Mario Tailgates NASCAR Style,” targets a different audience altogether.

Do Bulk Bins Ever Get Cleaned?

We love them for their money-saving convenience but fear them for their bacteria.

Trashy Breakfast Food Gets Seasonal

This week’s mission: summery toaster pastries and low-cal fruity soda.

Sexy Pink Tequila

This week’s mission: a healthier mass-market peanut butter and reposado tequila flavored with hibiscus flower.

RSVP to My Damn Invite!

How to get your friends to tell you if they’re coming.

The Art of Criticism

Does your server really want to know what you thought of your meal?

Venial Vegetable Trickery

This week’s mission: a snack mix with Cheerios, and frozen vegetables with health claims.

The Taste of an Oyster

Plus a dozen oysters you should know.

Deck the Halls with Beer

Holiday brews cheer the American beer market.

Hey, Mr. Postman

Where to shop for food gifts online.