How to track down foods

One thing is for sure: You find some and you lose some. Our mission continues to help cooks find ingredients, preferably locally. So keep those requests coming to the address below.

In the meantime, here are some places we look when our favorite test-kitchen ingredients have gone missing:

Big Lots. This chain and similar stores are often great sources for the last cans, boxes or bottles of discontinued food products.

Food manufacturers’ websites. Within a brand line, some products may only be available in certain regions of the country. Google the product name to find the consumer website. At mccormick.com, for example, cooks can click on “Shop McCormick” to purchase products online.

Hometownfavorites.com. Since 1997, this website has been a clearinghouse for more than 2,000 nostalgic candies and foods that you may have thought were gone forever. You can find everything from Skybars to Razzles and Laffy Taffy and discover old products with new names.

Let’s see what you’re looking for this week:

Lost

Craig needs your help finding Golden Flake Pork Skins. The brand’s Sweet Heat flavor is preferred.

And just a reminder, if you see something mentioned in earlier articles when you’re out and about, feel free to let us know!