End Guilt Over Chocolate Milk

I cringe every time I pass a Starbucks. Not because I’m one of those anti-chain coffee Californians like many of my peers, but quite the opposite. Seems that since I’ve gotten in the habit of ordering a chocolate milk for my kids every time I indulge in my morning mocha ( Don’t look at me like that I’m not talking about every day here!), I’ve created a monster. The result is my 3 year old son’s Pavlovion response to seeing that green and black sign–” Mommy stop it’s the Chocolate Milk Store!”
As it turns out, I’m not killing him with kindness afterall. A new article in the Journal of the ADA shows that kids that drink flavored milk are just as healthy as those who drink the regular old boring stuff. Because it tastes to good, they may even drink more of it. If I were ice cream I’d take that as a sign of good press to come!

Small Stores Attracting Big Attention

Statistics published in Supermarket News today reveal that consumer interest in small, convenient food stores specializing in fresh, prepared foods is on the rise. 64% of shoppers surveyed by TNS retail, reported that they would definitely or probably shop at a small format store. These stores are usually located in neigborhoods with convenient parking options and easy access.
If the success of Fresh & Easy in Vegas is any indication, odds are there will be more to choose from in the near future. In fact, companies like Safeway and Wal-Mart are talking about creating similar concepts. Imagine that, a country full of small neighborhood stores with fresh foods–they’re so out they’re in AGAIN!