Latest news with #Chomps
Bloomberg
12-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
A Visit to the Architecture Biennale: Robots, Roofs and a Porch
After two days of talks in Switzerland, trade negotiators for the US and China announced on Monday a major de-escalation in tariffs. You can follow Bloomberg News for developments as markets react. Meanwhile, over in Venice, the 2025 Architecture Biennale opened this weekend. Bloomberg Businessweek 's Europe editor David Rocks visited and gives his impression of a few highlights. Plus: In ICE towns, communities are convinced that financial survival depends on locking people up, and the CEO of Chomps talks about the popularity of meat sticks. If this email was forwarded to you, click here to sign up .
Bloomberg
12-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Two Million Meat Sticks a Day Isn't Enough for Chomps' CEO
The chief executive officer of Chomps —the wildly popular US meat snack brand—has been trying to cap his kids at two sticks a day. Rashid Ali, 44, set the same goal for himself, but it's a hard promise to keep when your office is full of them. (Job postings at the snacking startup dangle benefits such as paid parental leave, unlimited time off and 'enough meat sticks that if you wanted to eat your body weight in them you could.') But while high-protein bites line the Chomps office in Chicago's hip Fulton Market District—fittingly, the city's historical meatpacking hub—most of its employees are conspicuously MIA. Why? Ali's sales and strategy teams are spending three days at what he calls 'Meat School,' a Chomps-designed course on meat-stick manufacturing at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, learning exactly why Chomps 'is a very hard product to make.' Understanding how the sausage is made will come in handy: The actual production of Chomps (not their distribution or marketing or anything else) is the company's No. 1 priority in the next few years. It churns out 2 million of the individually wrapped sticks a day on average, but that's not even close to fulfilling the demand from US consumers currently obsessed with on-the-go protein. Chomps can fill only about 84% of orders; it's been forced to delay shelf-stocking requests from many retailers, including convenience stores, which sell more than twice as many dried meat snacks as grocery stores, according to market researcher Circana LLC. Any plans to push into other geographic markets—or even an earlier idea to develop a high-fiber snack—are off the table too until it can get caught up.
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Chomps beef sticks are Slim Jims with a booster rocket
Chomps beef sticks are Slim Jims with a booster rocket Welcome back to FTW's Beverage of the Week series. Here, we mostly chronicle and review beers, but happily expand that scope to any beverage that pairs well with sports. Yes, even cookie dough whiskey. I love beef jerky and beef sticks. I am, however, inextricably lashed to a brain that cannot fathom paying $16 per pound on snack food, so I rarely buy jerky and beef sticks. Chomps might change that. This addition to my snack cabinet promised Slim Jim-style beef tubes with an array of flavors that should be easy wins in a jerky setting. There's barbecue, sea salt, taco and even a couple non-beef options (venison and turkey). It's not cheap -- a 1.15-ounce stick clocks in at around $2 per if you're buying a 24-pack -- but at 100 calories and 10 grams of protein Chomps promises a healthy snack with the staying power to keep you full long enough to get you to a proper meal later in the day. Let's see if they're worth it. Smoky BBQ Seasoned Beef Stick: B+ Chomps are well designed; there's a marked separation between the two sides of the packaging that makes it easy to pull apart and get to your dried beef. Inside is a cylindrical slab, about the circumference of a Slim Jim and about eight inches long. It clocks in at 100 calories, but alongside 10 grams of protein. There's a satisfying crunch when you break the thin skin of the jerky. It gives way to tender meat underneath -- not quite a medium rare steak, but not as chewy as some similar products can be. I'm not getting a ton of barbeque flavor from it, but there's a nice gentle spice that lingers throughout. It's savory and satisfying, though gone too quickly. The blend of pepper and just a little bit of tomato help this stand out, providing a tasty mid-workout snack. The post-eating burps are, well, exactly what you'd expect after crushing a tube of seasoned beef, but I can live with it. Mild: B There's something about this mild stick that makes me feel like I'm eating chili in bar form. There's beef, obviously, but there's just enough salt, pepper and garlic to give off a real "winter meal" vibe. Add a little tomato puree and things would get interesting. As is, it's totally fine if a bit boring. The minor snap of each bite is satisfying. The spices within don't dial up the heat but provide a certain sharpness. It tastes exactly like you'd expect a good beef stick to taste. And, since this is the basic model, that makes sense. Mission accomplished. Now, here's a fun wrinkle. I have no photographic evidence of this review. A search of the Chomps website suggests "mild" is not a flavor. So what the hell did I eat? And it is possible this is my brain making a cry for help in a way I don't fully understand? Troubling! Anyway, more beef. Sea Salt: B The simplicity of the flavor promises a low-key jerky experience. The first bite backs this up. There's less of a snap to each bite and little to get in the way of a big, beefy flavor. You do get that minor seasoning, which helps each bite end on a slightly dry note. Chomps is good enough to shine with minimal help and that's what you get here. It's savory but boring, light but beefy. Personally, I'd like a little more flavor. But Chomps still comes through when things get basic. Jalapeno: B+ I'm much more interested in jalapeno -- I'm always gonna trend toward the spicy jerky if given the chance. Like the sea salt there's less of a snap from the casing. The interior seems a bit softer than the other Chomps bars as well. But the flavor is right where I want it to be for a beef stick. The jalapeno is muted but brings just enough heat to linger on your tongue after it has cleared your lips. It could be hotter and I wouldn't mind more pepper flavor compared to what's instead a fairly basic spice, but it works. That lingering heat is a nice touch, helping to serve as a nice reminder you can wait a while before your next snack. Between that and the 10 grams of protein it's a nice stop halfway between lunch and dinner with a workout in between. And, of course, my dogs were *extremely interested.* Salt and Pepper Venison: A Living in Wisconsin has given me a proper appreciation for a good deer stick. Venison is an underrated meat, and Chomps is taking full advantage. The first bite lacks the snap of its peers, but there's lots of savory flavor that makes up for this softer texture. The salt and pepper and handled deftly, creating a push-pull between the classic seasonings to make a simple but tasty combination. In the end, that pepper leaves just enough spice to linger on your tongue after each bite. This creates a basic, but incredibly satisfying, deer stick. The meat is smoky and full bodied, not gamey like you may worry when you see "VENISON" on the label. While I'd like a little more snap to the casing, the texture inside is soft but not chewy. All in all, a pretty great stick. Taco seasoned beef stick: A- Here's something a lot less familiar. I don't think I've ever had taco jerky, even though it's a pretty easy combination to put together. Opening the package unleashes a mild current of cumin and chili powder -- not enough to stink up a car, but enough to remind you this is a Mexican-based beef stick. That taco seasoning overpowers the stick before a little jerky tang and spice settles in late in the bite. As such, your enjoyment is going to hinge on how much you like this cumin/chili powder/pepper. I'm a fan, so this is working wonders for me. It's bringing back some fond memories of skillets of ground beef soaked in premade seasoning as a kid. Is it especially authentic? Nope! Does it taste like those at-home tacos, only without tiny cubes of Velveeta on the side? Yep! The beef itself is firm but not chewy. The snap from the collagen casing is minimal, but the texture still holds up as a beef stick. This may be one of Chomps' more divisive flavors, but I'm on board. Turkey: B- Right away, the texture is different. Rather than the snap and softness of a beef stick, this is much closer to a traditional bag of jerky. It's chewier and drier. If you didn't know beef sticks existed, you'd like it more. This is turkey's curse. On its own it's a reasonable 80 calorie snack packed with protein (12 grams). But the savory flavor that connects all Chomps' other sticks, even the venison, isn't there. There's one note here, and while that's totally fine it's also totally boring. Still, the limited flavor is tasty and it's easily wolfed down for a healthy bite. But if you're buying the variety pack, this is gonna be the stick left at the bottom of the box nine out of 10 times. It's good enough, just not nearly as good as the rest of Chomps' flavors. Would I (eat) it instead of a Hamm's? This a pass/fail mechanism where I compare whatever I'm drinking (or eating) to my baseline cheap beer. That's the standby from the land of sky-blue waters, Hamm's. So the question to answer is: on a typical day, would eat Chomps beef sticks rather than drink a cold can of Hamm's? In a perfect world I'd have both, ideally on the dock of some lake in the late afternoon. But given the option I'd go with the protein and flavor of Chomps. Even their less impressive flavors are still pretty dang good.
Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Miami Herald
Trader Joe's fan-favorite dessert is back in stock, finally
Anyone who shops at Trader Joe's probably has a list of favorite items from the store. I never leave the store without a bag of peanut butter pretzels, a container of spinach-artichoke dip, and a handful of Chomps for my daughter. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Whenever I have friends or family for dinner, I head to Trader Joe's for dessert. My go-to is a mixed platter of Trader Joe's Hold The Cone mini ice creams, Passion Fruit Merengue Tartelettes, and assorted mochi balls. It's easy and delicious. Related: Trader Joe's shares new locations coming soon Trader Joe's has never steered me wrong, and I know I'm not alone. There aren't that many stores that have literal fan pages across social media, a podcast ("Inside Trader Joe's," in case you're interested), and a vibrant blog with recipes and household tips. Then there are the mini canvas totes that the brand drops a couple of times a year and that often sell out. Image source: Shutterstock Trader Joe's is definitely one of those stores with cult status. Trader Joe's is beloved for many reasons, including its low prices. Even though it's considered a specialty grocer, you will find pretty much every staple you could need, at prices that are surprisingly low when compared to mainstream grocery stores. One of the ways Trader Joe's keeps its prices relatively low is by private-labeling products. Over on Reddit, redditor @cookiebutterlove keeps a long list of items s/he believes are Trader Joe's private labeled: Butter Waffle Cookies - Jules Destrooper Butter CrispsCheddar CheeseSticks - John Wm. Macy'sCheese Blintzes - J&J KosherChicken Cilantro Mini Wontons - BibigoClassic Original Water Crackers - Carr's Table Water CrackersGoddess Dressing - Annie'sHenry Hotspur's Hard Pressed For Rosé Cider - Angry Orchard?Joe Joe's Vanilla Sandwich Cream Cookies - Country Choice Organic Vanilla Sandwich CremesMeyer Lemon Cookie Thins - Dewey's Meyer Lemon Moravian CookiesOriginal Savory Thin Crackers - SesmarkPeanut Butter Filled Pretzels - Good Health Natural Foods Peanut Butter Filled PretzelsSmooth and Creamy Classic Hummus - TribeTeas (boxed) - Celestial SeasoningsUnsweetened Green Tea Beverage - TejavaVery Green 100% Juice Smoothie - Naked Even during this ongoing egg-flation situation Trader Joe's has managed to keep egg prices mostly in check. Related: Trader Joe's cracks down on customer problem Trader Joe's is also known for carrying seasonal items, which can frustrate some shoppers (or maybe it's just me?). For example, you will only find puff pastry during the fall and winter holiday period. You will only find Halloumi cheese, that delicious feta-like cheese, during certain times of the year, and roasted pumpkin ravioli is a fall-only treat. Apparently the company's Carrot Mini Sheet Cake is one of those items that's not always in stock. So when it is, people go crazy for it. More Food News: McDonald's, Starbucks targeted by rival fast-food chain's takeoverPopular retailer unveils affordable line with unexpected brandOreo celebrates 113th birthday bringing back fan favorite If you're someone who waits for the spring Trader Joe's carrot-cake drop, make sure to grab one as soon as you can, as it's in stock now, for a limited time. One of the reasons people seem to love this sweet treat is that unlike most traditional carrot cake recipes, it doesn't contain raisins or chunks of walnut (though it does have walnut meal in the batter, so if you're allergic, you'll want to avoid this one). The cake retails for $5.99, so it won't break the bank. On Reddit, some TJ's fans report they usually grab a few cakes. One for eating and the rest for freezing. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Check Your Fridge: 22,000 Pounds of Johnsonville Bratwurst Recalled as They May Contain Plastic
If you were planning to grill sausages this week, you might want to double check which ones you purchased. On Saturday, major sausage producer Johnsonville announced a voluntary recall of approximately 22,672 pounds of its cheddar bratwurst product as it may be "contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic," the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shared in its announcement. The issue was discovered after two customers complained about finding pieces of plastic in their bratwurst. According to the recall notice, the cheddar bratwurst in question was produced on February 5, 2025. The only product being recalled is the brand's 19-ounce sealed firm tray packages containing five pieces of Johnsonville Brats Cheddar Bratwurst. Recalled items will have the package code B9FOD and the establishment number 'Est. 1647' — the latter will be on the front of the product's label, hopefully making it easy to identify. Related: Recalls Are Rising: This Is How Food Safety Experts Decide What's Safe to Eat The recall notes that affected items were shipped to retail locations in Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin, so grocery shoppers in these states should pay attention. The good news is that there have been no confirmed reports of injury in association with this recall. However, if you did consume the product and are feeling ill, it is critical that you reach out to a medical professional immediately. The FSIS also says it's "concerned that some product may be in consumers' freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase." Anyone with questions about this recall can reach out to Amanda Fritsch, consumer relations coordinator for Johnsonville, at 888-556-2728 or anachtweyfritsch@ This isn't the only recent recall to make headlines thanks to foreign objects in food. In late March, the FSIS issued a recall for 29,541 pounds — or a little over 14 tons — of Chomps ready-to-eat beef sticks, manufactured by Idaho Smokehouse Partners, as they were potentially contaminated with pieces of metal. And in early April, confection company Tony's Chocolonely Inc. announced a voluntary, international recall of specific chocolate bar flavors, due to the potential presence of small stones. These incidents are a helpful reminder to stay informed on any recalls that federal agencies recalled: Cheddar Bratwurst Product details: Contained in 19-ounce sealed firm tray packages Package code B9FOD Establishment number "Est. 1647" Number of products recalled: 22,672 poundsReason for recall: possible presence of pieces of plasticStates affected: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and WisconsinRead the original article on Food & Wine
