Goldfish pasta, chips part of new products

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish cracker fans might want to check out the new Goldfish Mac & Cheese. It’s exclusive to Wa l- -Mart stores and costs about $1 per box.

The pasta comes in four f l avor s — Cheddar, Nacho Cheese, Cheesy Pizza and Butter Parmesan. The directions are pretty much the same as the popular blue-box macaroni and cheese, and the little goldfish-shaped pasta is cute.

... I have to give Kettle Brand credit for its innovative efforts. The company offers more than 40 products, and is usually on the cutting edge when it comes to potato chip flavors. Kettle now has two new chip flavors:

Maple Bacon, which combines the smokiness of bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup and the spice of chile pepper, in a chip.

Sweet & Salty, a pairing of potatoes with sea salt and cane sugar.

The chips should be available in Arkansas now, where a 5-ounce bag costs about $2.70 and the 8.5-ounce bag costs around $3.50. Or you can buy online at BuyKettleChips. com.

We like cereal in my house, but often eat it more as a snack than for breakfast. I recently found two new ones that might be of interest.

Hershey’s Cookies ’n’ Creme is meant to be like the signature candy bar. Sadly, the candy bar is better. I won’t say the cereal is bad by any means, but the flavors of chocolate and vanilla that they seem to be going for just don’t work. But don’t get me wrong, it did get eaten.

Vanilla-flavored Chex, however, is a winner. The gluten-free cereal has a light vanilla flavor and a hint of sweetness that is just right.

Both cereals should be in stores now. Pricing varies.

... Another line of products I’ve recently discovered is Jack Daniels Ready-to-Eat Meats. The varieties are beef brisket, pulled beef, pulled pork, pulled chicken, barbecue wings, and St. Louis-style and baby back ribs. The packages contain about 3 servings (except for the ribs and wings), making them right for two people, and they’re cheaper than stopping at a barbecue place for carryout.

The meats come in microwavable packages, and most come glazed or sauced with one of the company’s signature flavors. The brisket was delicious. It’s sliced, too, which saves time and effort.

Look for these products near the cured meats and refrigerated entrees and sides. They should cost $6 to $7. Product tips, suggestions? Email me at: rboggs@arkansasonline.com