Codename's Consumer Criticisms

Okay I figure it's about time for another one of these. I've taken a little while getting around to posting this critique because I really wanted to be sure my recommendation would be both fair and influence -free. With that in mind, I present my views on Starbucks' new Via instant coffee:


Available in two flavours, Columbian (Medium) & Italian Roast (Extra Bold), this instant coffee comes in convenient little packages that you can take with you anywhere. When these first came out I was skeptical that any crystalized coffee could taste even remotely close to it's freshly ground cousin. After performing the taste test in multiple locations around the city, I came to the conclusion that not only do these little packets taste good, they taste exactly the same as the freshly brewed drip! The only way I could tell them apart was by physically looking at the two cups of competing coffee. (The fresh ground was poured out of the machine and therefore had little bubbles on the surface)

Impressed? Absolutely. Now normally I'm a Cappuchino or Latte kinda guy, but with the despicable quality of coffee available here at work I have started stocking my drawer full of these convenient little life-savers. No longer will I have to suffer the horrible bean-breath and the inevitable stomach pains that come along with the still overpriced "50 cents a cup" canteen brew. Another Starbucks miracle? I think so!

(PS - That last statement may have a touch of prejudice to it :P)

Codename's Consumer Criticisms

I feel it is my duty as a full-time consumer to every now and then post my thoughts on new products I find on the market, in an effort to help others weed out the plethora of junk that is available to them. Really, I got this idea at Sobey's today when I saw this:

This is Jones Soda Company's new "Jones Jumble Mixed Flavor Soda". First off I should note that I may be slightly biased towards this company as they were the first to ever publish one of my photographs on their label. (probably 7 years ago now)

The label is extremely eye-catching, and with the added "Limited Edition Bottle 3/3" on the side, this bottle entices the inner-collector in me. So far so good...

Huh...

...that isn't all that bad, shockingly! First whiffs put off a mild grape-soda scent, but with a hint of blueberry thrown in for good measure. I'm not quite sure how to describe the taste beyond saying it "tastes like childhood" - instantly, it conjures up latent memories of a younger Ryan playing bartender with my friend and mixing every pop we had together in one glass. Except this is actually good! You can definitely taste the inclusion of Cream Soda and FuFu Berry flavours, but for the most part it all just blends together to create an all new taste experience. Now I'm not much of a soda drinker anymore, but if I were this one would definitely find a permanent spot in my fridge!

PS - If I'm going to do more of these Criticisms I'm going to need a rating system (like two thumbs up, or 5 stars, etc.) Any ideas?