Will Salsa Conquer Processed Cheese?

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

Marshmallow Blob Training Centers

This week’s mission: sweet cereals and sweet, sweet profits. (By James Norton)

Pancakes from a Can

This week’s mission: pancake batter in an aerosol can, and strawberry cereal. (By James Norton)

Snack Time for Lazarus

This week’s mission: superfood bars and stovetop comfort-food kits. (By James Norton)

Vote for Your Favorite Fake Fruit

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

Batali, High and Low

Mario Batali’s new cookbook, “Mario Tailgates NASCAR Style,” targets a different audience altogether. (By Sara Dickerman)

Do Bulk Bins Ever Get Cleaned?

We love them for their money-saving convenience but fear them for their bacteria. (By Roxanne Webber)

Trashy Breakfast Food Gets Seasonal

This week’s mission: summery toaster pastries and low-cal fruity soda. (By James Norton)

Sexy Pink Tequila

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

RSVP to My Damn Invite!

How to get your friends to tell you if they’re coming. (By Helena Echlin)

The Art of Criticism

Does your server really want to know what you thought of your meal? (By Helena Echlin)

Venial Vegetable Trickery

This week’s mission: a snack mix with Cheerios, and frozen vegetables with health claims. (By James Norton)

The Taste of an Oyster

Plus a dozen oysters you should know. (By Rowan Jacobsen)

Deck the Halls with Beer

Holiday brews cheer the American beer market. (By Heather Shouse)

Hey, Mr. Postman

Where to shop for food gifts online. (By Roxanne Webber)