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!

Lazy Days of Summer

Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes new drinks, snacks, and foods to keep you cool all season long! Here are just some of the new products you'll find on store shelves in the coming months.

Ever have difficulty stacking your chocolate and marshmallow on a graham cracker to create the perfect s'more? Not anymore! Kraft has the perfect solution with Jet-Puffed StackerMallows. These flat marshmallows make it easier than ever to construct a delicious s'more to prepare in the microwave or over a campfire in just seconds. More time to enjoy summer!

Summer is also the right time to enjoy long days by the pool with ice cream in hand. To cool down, try Unilever's Magnum Bars. The popular treat debuted in the U.S. earlier this year, but has been a staple in the U.K. since 1987. Wrapped in a thick chocolate shell, the premium ice cream on a stick is the world's top individual frozen dairy snack. In flavors like Double Caramel, Double Chocolate, Classic, Almond, White, and Dark, you can try a different variety practically every day of the week!

Stay hydrated in the hot weather by adding zing to your ordinary H2O. MiO Liquid Water Enhancer from Kraft is one way to do just that. The sugar-free, caffeine-free, calorie-free flavor booster is available in Berry Pomegranate, Fruit Punch, Mango Peach, Peach Tea, Sweet Tea, and Strawberry Watermelon. Add as much or as little MiO as you want to create a personal beverage with as much or as little taste as you wish.

Nothing epitomizes childhood more than Oreo cookies, and this summer, Nabisco is introducing its Triple Double Oreo. The triple-decker chocolate cookie contains three wafers with two layers of filling, one each of chocolate and vanilla.

What fun indulgences are you looking forward to this summer? Leave me a note and tell me what you think of these fun, new summer items!