Coca-Cola Adds New Reduced-Calorie "Life" Version

Coca-Cola is out with a new reduced-calorie or mid-calorie cola that they're calling "Coca-Cola Life." Like Pepsi True, the new cola has a nonsensical name is sweetened with a blend of sugar and natural zero-calorie sweetener stevia rather than high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

Review: Beyond Meat - Chicken-Free Strips

Beyond Meat's Chicken-Free Strips are a vegan plant-based protein that purportedly "looks, feels, tastes, and acts like chicken - without the cluck."

I bought a 12-oz package of the lightly-seasoned version for $5.49 from Whole Foods, which is about the same price as cooked chicken strips there.

New Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread

One of America's favorite candies now comes in spreadable form: introducing new Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread.

Considering that there's already Reese's peanut butter and Reese's peanut butter baking chips, it was only a matter of time before they offered a Nutella-like spread.

New Oreo Churros Coming to an Eatery Near You?

J&J Snack Foods Corp. introduces new Oreo Churros for the foodservice industry. The chocolaty dessert features a "crispy exterior, warm soft interior and Oreo cookie pieces in every bite" for a "just-baked Oreo cookie taste."

Frozen Friday: Chili's Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Chili's Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl frozen meal features grilled white meat chicken with roasted vegetables and a "bold" Fajita sauce on a bed of white rice and black beans.

I got a 10-oz box for $2 on sale.

Burger King Canada Tops Poutine with Burger

Calling it "Poutine a la Burger," Burger King Canada offers regular-menu fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, plus the all the ingredients of their standard hamburger--chopped beef patty, mustard, ketchup, and pickles.

Carl's Jr. Testing French Dip Thickburger

Continuing their penchant for putting meat on meat, Carl's Jr. is testing the new French Dip Thickburger in at least one location in Los Angeles County.

The burger was spotted by a reader out in Stevenson Ranch, CA. The French Dip Thickburger features thin-sliced roast beef, creamy horseradish sauce, and a slice of Swiss cheese atop a charbroiled beef patty with au jus for dipping.

Reference: 2014 Veterans Day Freebies

Here's a handy list of restaurants that are showing appreciation for veterans and active members of the U.S. military with free or discounted food in celebration of Veterans Day, this upcoming Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

Please do keep in mind that most of these offers are good for dine-in only, require proof of service such as a military or VA card or discharge papers, and are at participating locations only.

Here they are in alphabetical order (I've linked to the appropriate pages on the restaurants' respective websites, where applicable):

Review: Jack in the Box - Southwest Monster Taco

Jack in the Box's Southwest Monster Taco is an extra-long taco shell filled with seasoned meat, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, grilled onions, and Southwest sauce.

I picked one up for $1.79

Spice Box Chicken Coming Soon to Popeyes

Something called "Spice Box Chicken" looks to be the next limited-time chicken entree coming to Popeyes. 

I spotted this small poster touting its arrival at one of my local restaurants.

Burger King Comes Up with New Four Cheese Whopper

Burger King's latest iteration of their signature Whopper is the new Four Cheese Whopper. The four cheeses involved are American, cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

Dunkin' Donuts Pouring New Cookie-flavored Coffees

Dunkin' Donuts is going with two new cookie-flavored coffees heading into the holiday season. Eschewing the more traditional gingerbread, they're going with new Sugar Cookie Lattes and new Snickerdoodle Cookie Lattes. Peppermint Mocha coffees and lattes are also available.