Problems With Freestyle

 On a recent trip to Wendy’s I made a realization. I’m a huge fan of Freestyle soda machines, however there is one giant flaw. For those unfamiliar with Freestyle soda machines it’s basically the ultimate in choose your own drinks at a fast food restaurant. The way it works is both simple (and slightly complicated). You simply walk up to the Freestyle machine which is a large box that has a screen and an area to fill up a cup. The area to fill up your cup is a hole cut into the machine with a spigot and an ice dispensing mechanism.

The ice dispensing mechanism is the simplest part of this machine as it works like most ice dispensing mechanisms, you simply push on a bar and ice comes out. Often it’s too much ice at once, but that’s easy enough to deal with provided you started your process with the ice. The drink part of this machine is where the magic or where the problem starts depending on your point of view.

Mounted on the front of the Freestyle machine is a touch screen. On the touch screen are a bunch of little circles with brand names/logos of different sodas. The number of choices at this point can vary, but I’ve never seen less than eight. I’ve also seen at least a dozen on some machines as well. Basically these are your choices of sodas that dispense from this machine. What you have to do is choose a soda and push the logo of choice.

Once you’ve pushed the soda of choice, you’re then given another series of bubbles to choose from, flavour syrups. These will allow you to add any number of additional flavours to the soda you’ve already selected. It’s not impossible for you to enjoy a nice orange and vanilla Fanta, or grape Coke. I’ve been told that because of this syrup option, a Freestyle machine can have hundreds of different flavour combinations at any given time.

The final step after choosing your additional syrup (if you want it) is to push a dispense button until your cup is full. I imagine that there are two different reactions to the text above. I think that some of you are delighted with the ability to customize your beverage and explore all of the tasting options. I also imagine that there are some of you that find this entire process way too complicated. Both of these reactions is the problem with the Freestyle machines.

When I visited this Wendy’s I had to wait a good 10 or 15 minutes to get my drink. The line was filled with people either having a great time exploring all of the combinations as well as people confused/frustrated trying to just get a cup of Coke 0. This isn’t the only time I’ve seen this kind of log jam either. Honestly, I’ve often been responsible for the log jam as well. Since each machine can be different, I’m often exploring what kind of flavour combinations are possible.

While I don’t work at a fast food restaurant, I think that lines at the Freestyle machines is not uncommon. I should also mention that it’s not uncommon for the touch screen to be a bit slow/unresponsive as well, which doesn’t help things.

It’s weird, I really love walking into a fast food place and seeing a Freestyle machine, but I also suffer from the over abundance of choice. Too much choice is a real problem for just about everyone, but I think I have a couple of solutions that just might work.

The first solution is to offer taps of just plain soda. Have a Freestyle machine for those that want to explore fun flavours, but make sure that plain Coke 0 is easy to get for everyone.  Secondly, why not put a list of the soda choices and syrup flavours somewhere else in the restaurant. Maybe a menu at the tables or a chart on the walls. This way the soda potion wizards in the restaurant can build a recipe before going to the machine.

Candy Experiment - Coca-Cola VS Oreos VS Coca-Cola Flavoured Oreos VS Oreo Flavoured Coca-Cola

 When Coca-Cola and Oreo do a collaboration, it gets very confusing. Here's my attempt at sorting it all out, and maybe coming up with some kind of idea about how well this collaboration worked.

Marshmallow Redemption?

While writing this new candy review I got to thinking. I was wondering if I could acquire a taste for mass produced marshmallows the same way I (sort of) acquired a taste for black licorice. The way I attempted to acquire a taste for black licorice was to buy a big bag of the stuff (the extreme black licorice from Holland) and eat a piece every single day. I'm not sure that this will work for mass produced marshmallows as the thing I dislike most about them is the lack of flavour and the texture. Black licorice was a flavour issue, where is this is a texture issue. Maybe I'll give it a try in the future, but for now I'm happy to remain very picky about the marshmallows that I eat.

Check out my latest marshmallow review right now.

The Challenges With Cola

I'm not sure when cola flavoured candy came to be, but I have memories of cola flavoured gummies when I was a kid. I also seem to remember a few cola flavoured chewing gums as well. Cola flavoured treats have been around for a long time, but very few (if any) have every mastered this challenging flavour. Cola flavoured treats must have that classic cola flavour, but they also have to have a bit of a sour flavour too. The biggest challenge with cola candies is how to make them feel carbonated. This is important because a cola without carbonation is flat, and no one likes flat cola.

Check out my lates cola flavoured candy review.

A Foxy T-Shirt

Ferdinand the Fox T-Shirt
by candycritic

This is perfect for anyone who loves the letter F.

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Candy In The Media - Don't Forget To Drink Your Cola!

This is what happens when you leave a glass of cola sitting out too long.

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It's Time To Eat Some Spicy Gum

 In this episode of Chris, Why Would You Eat That?!! I sample what I thought would be a painful spicy cola bubble gum. As it turns out, it was one of the most inspiring gums I've ever had.

Click here to check out all the episodes of Chris, Why Would You Eat That?!!

Make sure to follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Also be sure to check out the latest issue of Snack Facts, my mini comic.

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It's Time For A New Review, It's Spicy And Chewy - Spicy Cola

I don't know why, but I feel like the gum industry has gotten a little stale in the last few years. Its seems like the only gum out there is either mint, or has some kind of retro twist. I don't see great innovation in gum these days. It's not to say that I don't enjoy a chew now and again, and I certainly think there are some good gums out there. I just feel like there's nothing new for me to try. I don't know, I guess if you make a gum that you think will change my mind, let me know and I'd love to review it. This new review scratches the surface a little, but it's still not mind blowing different.

Check out what this gum did to make me think about gum innovation.

Also be sure to check out my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds for more fun candy stuff.

You should also check out my micro comic called Snack Facts, issue 2 is all about gum.

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Candy In The Media - Squishing Things

I found this to be a lot more interesting that I thought I would. I was holding out to see the cola and Mentos getting crushed together in the press, but strangely it was the most disappointing.

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Candy In The Media - Crushing A Coke... Literally

If you like Coca-Cola you can know that the bottle survived much long than expected, if you hate Coca-Cola you can know that it eventually dies a horrible death.

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Candy In The Media

I can't say that I've ever tried OK Soda, but I can't deny that it sounds like a really fascinating marketing campaign. It seemed to be the cola that aimed for the middle.

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Candy News

Technology now allows us to print photographs on marshmallows, it's a good time to be alive.

Here's an interesting look at how candy can help us look back at American history.

What did you do for Fat Tuesday?  If you happen to be fat, you could have scored from free candy.

When famous spokes characters collide, Geico Gecko VS M&M's Mrs. Brown.

Who knew that Canada would actually have so many controversial candies, we seem like such nice people.

Don't read this list of "Shocking Food Facts" unless you're into crushing some of your food related dreams.

There's a movement to keep chocolate prices down, even though cocoa prices are going up, it could be hard to argue this considering we keep eating more and more chocolate.

I was going to post this as "Stuff I Want To Try", but frankly I don't really want to try it.

Do you have plans to eat at Buckingham Palace in the near future, if you like chocolate, you're in for a treat.

Did you know that Snickers has had the same slogan since 1986?

There are some foods you make at home, other foods that you get in your neighborhood, and others still that you only eat on vacation.

Beautiful and completely edible, the British Art Fund has funded some amazing edible art.

If you want to keep up with all of the daily candy news that we come across as it happens, follow us on Twitter.

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This Week In Candy

With December upon us it's time to think about what we're doing over the holidays.  Myself, I'm taking it slow and easy.  I've got lots of writing to do, and baking as well.  As you may or may not know, I'm working on a cookbook right now, and that means lots and lots of testing and tweaking of recipes.  I've decided to use this month as a hard core month of baking and photographing what I bake.  For the holidays themselves, I think Allison and I are going to stay home and just enjoy the eating all of the stuff that I bake.

Holli, the grand winner in our retro candy gift box contest, has sent us a review of the new Presidents Choice Decadent chocolate soda.  I haven't been back to Canada in a while I haven't had the chance to sample it myself, but since I plan on returning in the next 10 month or so, I hope I still can.

"My review of Presidents Choice Decadent chocolate soda. On it's own, not so great. Would be awesome as a mixer. Vanilla ice cream is suggested, or some sort of alcohol (I'm thinking Kahlua or Bailey's would be a good choice, then again I don't drink much so what do I know...) Don't get this to drink on it's own. The novelty wears off after the first sip or two." - Holli

You should also notice that this month we'll be focusing on Christmas and the holidays with our regular posts. If you come across a great holiday candy related tidbit, be it an advertisement, video, or even a cool thing, let us know.

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This Week In Candy

What the heck is "Green Cola"?  I've seen this can of cola on the shelf of my local grocery store for a few years now, but I've never had the nerve to buy it.  When I first noticed the design, I thought that it was an official Coca-Cola product, but on closer inspection I realized that it wasn't.  It sure looks official though.  I still couldn't figure out why it was called "Green". So after sampling it, do I know?  Not at all.  The cola is not green, the can doesn't seem more environmentally friendly, it's basically just a can of Coke 0.

About 3 weeks ago I announced a contest that would net the winner a huge box of retro candy from our friends at candycrate.com.  We asked people to write about their favorite candy memory, and we got some great answers.  But alas we could only have one winner, and it was a nice mix of nostalgia and sentiment.  Congratulations Holli, and thanks for telling us a little bit about your fond candy memories:

"Ahh retro candy...  My fondest memory is of Cadbury Astros.  Remember those?  Chocolate outside, crispy centered, multicolored balls?  It was a favorite treat on family nights. Once a month or so, we would bring our mattresses down to the living room, and my sister, mom, and I would eat junk food and watch movies. This was the only time we ever had Astros, so they were a coveted treat. We were never a very close family, but those nights were always fun. Even the cats would get in on it. One loved to steal a red Twizzlers and run off to eat it.  Apparently, you can now only get Astros in Africa. Sad times :("

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Stuff I Want To Try

Dr. Pepper, Orange Crush, Grape Crush and Hawaiian Punch Juicy Red Licorice - KLN Family Group - While I have a hard time believing that these are "licorice", they do look tasty. - Click here to learn more about this treat.

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Wednesday Japanese Candy Review!

Every single culture in the world has some kind of sweet treat.  I have traveled all over the place, and I always find something local, sweet, and something kids go nuts for.  This is what makes candy great.  Even better is that each culture takes their sweet treats and presents them in a way that reflects the culture.  Some cultures are rustic, others are very organized, and some are bright and flashy.  No matter where you go, you'll see a little of every culture in their candy.

This week's Japanese candy review is a little different than most Japanese treats.  Most of the time Japanese sweets are not only tasty, but works of art for the eyes.  This week is the exception, and a rare one at that.

As always we want to thank the folks at oyatsucafe.com for providing us with our Wednesday Japanese Candy Review treat.  Make sure to visit their site and enter the word "candycritic" to get yourself a discount.

Click here to read this week's Japanese Candy Review.

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Friday Candy Video

This just might be the best result I've ever seen from a science experiment.  I'm not sure what would make me happier, watching my cola magically turn into a ice, or eating a lot of slushies with very little preparation needed.

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Booze Flavoured Candies

Booze and candy have an interesting relationship.  Some booze goes well with certain candies, like chocolate and red wine.  Other times the candy is just used to mask the flavour of booze, like gummy bears and vodka.  There are also occasions where booze and candy just don't mix at all, but I can't think of any off hand.  Booze flavoured candies can work as well, and do in the case of today's review, but only if the booze in question actually tastes good, and isn't simply designed to get you sloshed.

Thanks again to our friends at sugarfina.com for giving us such a great selection of gummies to sample.

Click here to read the boozy tasting review.

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Candy and Snack Related Super Bowl Commercials

This commercial is a little different than the commercials I've posted earlier this week, most notably this commercial while intended for the Superbowl, never made it to air.  Apparently from the reports I've read both Coca-Cola and Pepsi (big sponsors of the Superbowl) asked that it not be aired.  This might be the first time in history that Coca-Cola and Pepsi ever agreed on anything.  It's pretty amazing how they seemed to unite together against a product that could change the way we drink soda.  I have to be honest, I'd never heard of the Soda Stream before seeing this commercial, but it sounds like a really good idea.  I don't think it's fair to ban this advertisement  since I know for a fact that both Coke and Pepsi use each others logos in their commercials, but I understand that they're a little nervous about this new competition.  As for making me want to buy the product, you better believe I want one of these things, and my birthday is coming up (hint, hint).

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Tim Tam Appreciation Week Part 4 - The Best Drinks To Dip Your Tim Tam

As we learned yesterday, with the Tim Tam Slam, Tim Tams are a cookie greatly suited for dunking, or even sucking.  My first experience with Tim Tams and dunking was with hot tea, and it really changed the way I thought about these cookies.  If hot tea could improve these cookies so much, I wonder how the Tim Tam would pair with other drinks.  So I've decided to sample my last few Tim Tams with a nice variety of drinks, let's see which drink works, and which don't.  I should note that each drink receives one dip, there is no double dipping going on for this experiment.

Tea - As I've mentioned before, tea seems like the perfect drink for your Tim Tams. The heat from the tea melts the cookies just perfectly and turns them into a perfect gooey mess.  The drink itself also works really well with Tim Tams because it's not too rich.  The chocolate and cream from the Tim Tams, and the clear clean tea flavour is the perfect pair.

Hot Chocolate - As with the tea you do get that wonderful melting mess of a Tim Tam, however unlike the tea, hot chocolate doesn't provide as nice a contrast in flavour.  It's as if you're being overpowered with chocolate when you bring these two treats together.

Milk - I'm sure this is going to be a continuous problem with cold drinks, the chocolate outer shell doesn't melt, and so you basically get a slightly wet cookie with a hint of milk flavour.  I let it sit for a while, and the milk never penetrated the chocolate exterior.  The milk also doesn't seem to have taken on any of the chocolate, this might have been tasty, but it doesn't seem to have worked.

Coffee - For the sake of the experiment I've used instant coffee, mostly because I don't really know how to make regular coffee.  With that information you should guess that I don't really like the taste of coffee either.  It is slightly improved with the cookie, but not enough to make me love it... or even like it.  If you're a coffee fan you'll probably love this as much, or more, than I enjoyed this cookie with tea.

Juice - This was supposed to be one of those ideas that would come off as silly, but strangely it's not that bad.  The juice suffers the same problem as the milk, in that it doesn't melt the chocolate and therefore doesn't penetrate the cookie goodness.  However the fruity flavour of the juice coating the cookie is actually pretty good with the chocolate.

Cola - Like the juice, this was to be a silly idea, and it was.  The cola really doesn't add anything to the chocolate cookie.  In fact After the first half second I couldn't taste the cola at all.  When the flavours mixed in my mouth it was just strange, not really tasty, not really gross, just strange.

Bonus Chocolate Pudding - I know that this isn't really a drink, but  I had some chocolate pudding left over and a Tim Tam that needed to be dunked in something.  It's actually not a bad combination, although the cookie doesn't melt at all, and that's the best part about dunking Tim Tams.  The chocolate was a little overpowering, but maybe this would work better with a different flavour of pudding.

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