Action!

One of the best parts of summer is spending time in the movie theater. Mega blockbusters send audiences flocking to theaters all season long. To keep these feature films top of mind, many studios team up with food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies for mutually beneficial sponsorships. Shoppers can bring their favorite on-screen characters into their homes through a variety of snacks.

Take for example, Disney's Cars 2, released in theaters nationwide on June 24. Characters from the animated Pixar flick can be found on a variety of products lining store shelves. This summer, packages of Nestlé's Juicy Juice brand are highlighting the movie's cartoon cars, and consumers can visit the company's website to vote for their favorite animated character and play games related to the picture.

Kellogg's is also getting in on the Cars 2 act. The company's specially marked participating products contain codes shoppers can collect and redeem online for prizes related to the movie. Items include Kellogg's cereals like Froot Loops, Corn Pops, and Apple Jacks; Eggo Waffles, Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars, and a variety of Keebler crackers and cookies.

But that's not all! Kraft Macaroni & Cheese boxes are currently featuring a Cars 2 promotion, and its Jet-Puffed Marshmallows are available this summer in car shapes for the film's launch.

Not to be outdone, Pirate's Booty, a healthy, baked rice and corn puff snack, is offering limited edition 7 ounce bag promoting Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. The Disney movie hit cinemas May 20.

Finally, Harry Potter fans are anxiously awaiting the last installment of the wizard's adventures. The film enters theaters in just a few weeks. No doubt we'll see more Harry Potter food items in stores before the movie comes out July 15. Remember Jelly Belly's BeanBoozled jelly beans? The candies mixed flavors such as rotten egg and moldy cheese in with regular flavors like coconut and peach.

What movie tie-ins do you remember most? Drop me a line and tell me more!