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USA Today
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Death Wish coffee is a threat to your taste buds (complimentary)
Death Wish coffee is a threat to your taste buds (complimentary) 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 have a friend who swears by Death Wish coffee. But he's also a vaguely intense dude who wakes up before his kids rise to sneak in hour-long workouts. As such, something about the "world's strongest coffee" felt a bit excessive to me, a guy who wakes up minutes before he has to get his daughter on the bus and then spends the next few hours quietly figuring out which NFL quarterbacks are actually bad. Despite that lack of early morning... anything, really, caffeine plays a major role in my life. My day starts with 40 to 50 ounces of water, then about 20 ounces of coffee. Usually that's mixed with milk and some protein powder to carry me through to a late lunch. But I'm open to new experiences and, inconveniently, out of milk. What I do have is a new brand of coffee to try (Death Wish) and a new creamer I've never had before. Enter Oatly's Sweet and Creamy and Barista edition oat milks. I don't mess with oat milk often. I think the only time I've ever had it was in premixed canned cold brews. While it doesn't scratch the itch cow milk does, it's a reasonable swap with a longer shelf life, so I can get behind it. Let's try the pairing, along with some of my traditional coffee blends, and see how they turn out. Blue and Buried Death Wish with Oatly Sweet & Creamy Oatmilk Creamer: A This coffee is pungent in a great way. It's clean, sweet blueberry with a little vanilla ice cream underneath, sitting on a mild current of coffee beans. It reminds me of bringing a fresh pint of SweetWater Blue up to my lips on trivia night back in grad school, which is a weird place to go with coffee but is a nice olfactory callback. The creamer looks the part, turning black coffee into a swirling brown nebula. A few white flecks serve as stars in that spiral, concentrated oak milk dislodged from the outer reaches of the bottle by shoddy shaking. I'm sipping this out of my Created Paris not-quite-Olympics mug, which not only looks great but also holds juuuuuust enough coffee to get me through a cup before it gets cold. The oat milk creamer adds to the whole "melted ice cream" vibe wafting off the top of this warm mug. Oh, wow. Between the sweetness of the berries, the cream of the Oatly and the underlying plant base you really do feel the cereal vibes from the first sip. It's not overpowering in terms of sugar, but it's enough that I'll try the next cup without a packet of Splenda in it. Still, it's a charming blend of flavors I like with just enough coffee taste to remind you you're about to get blasted with caffeine. It continues to hold up without the added sugar substitute, though it's a little more coffee this time around and less "milk left over after crushing a bowl of Boo Berry." If you're looking for pure coffee flavor, this isn't for you. But if you're like me and happy to add fruit and dairy(ish) and whatever else in an effort to make your coffee more interesting (and less like coffee), it's an easy win. Light Roast Death Wish with Oatly Sweet & Creamy Oatmilk Creamer: B Unlike the blueberry, this smells like pure coffee bean goodness. The caffeine content is... well, let's say confusing. Death Wish maintains its claim of "strongest coffee in the world" applies to the taste. But estimates on the caffeine content vary wildly. Some come out as high as 400 milligrams per eight ounces which is... whoa. The instant version of this light roast clocks in at a more manageable 300. That is a full day's worth on a long, NFL Sunday. The higher bound would be more than four times the typical amount in a cup of coffee (95 mg). Per Death Wish's sales pitch, the Blue and Buried only clocks in at around double the caffeine of a typical mug. In my personal experience, while I do feel a bit more jittery than my usual cup I don't feel like I'm ingesting a threatening amount of caffeine. I still get to sleep at night and my afternoon crash, while still a problem, isn't any worse than it usually is. Well, OK. Back to the taste. It still smells great. The first sip is a pretty basic light coffee flavor, quickly washed out by the sweet cereal jazz of the Oatly. The creaminess is a bit overpowering, which is great for me as a guy who generally only drinks regular coffee at conventions or hungover at breakfast places that don't offer Bloody Marys. As a result, the brew itself is more of a conduit for cream and caffeine than anything you'd get on your own. Hold on, lemme give it a swig with a fresh, black cup. Light Roast Death Wish, black: B It's a flavorful coffee, not overly harsh or acidic. It's light enough to be a fairly easy sip without sugar or cream. There's overt roasted dark chocolate vibes in each sip before a dry finish. There's a liiiiiitttttle bit of fruit sweetness as well, but it's very minor. Ultimately, black coffee isn't my jam. But Death Wish's light roast is something I could sip without regret in a pinch. Espresso Roast with Thread Performance vanilla protein mix: B Let's get back to my normal coffee routine, which is probably slightly offensive to coffee snobs. I drink mine with a protein shake as creamer, a combination that gets me in a decent spot for an afternoon workout while serving as breakfast and getting me to my usual 2 p.m. late lunch without hunger pains. As such, I'm not getting the full flavor of Death Wish's espresso roast. Still, you get the darker, roasted flavors that shine through that binding layer of whey. It's rich with a little bit of burnt chocolate to it -- not in a bad way, but more like a sweeter version of burnt ends. It blends well with the sweeter vanilla, creating a pleasant push-and-pull. As a coffee wimp, I need that tempered experience. I get the impression this espresso would stand up well on its own, but dosed with creamy vanilla protein it works out even better. Dark Roast Death Wish with Thread Performance vanilla protein powder: B+ The dark roast tones down the caffeine but offers a bolder, smoother coffee flavor. You do taste that extra heat, not quite a char but a little reminder these beans have spent some time in the fire. That rises above the taste of my daily protein -- I'll be talking about my five-week Thread Performance plan later, but it was solid enough for a basic-tasting powder -- and brings a little less acidity than the lighter coffees I'm used to. There's a little chocolate in there and very little bitterness. The big flavors coat your tongue with that roasted coffee taste. It's strong, and it's a lot to handle for a nerd like me who's happy to take a good cup of coffee and mash it into something less with milk and Splenda. But hey, I ruined it and I still liked it, so that's something... right? Peppermint Mocha: A First off, this smells incredible. Rich and minty with a little bit of chocolate that has wafted across my kitchen to make my morning a little more tolerable. This is the diffuser I needed. I'm sipping this with a Splenda and some oat milk creamer (Oatly Sweet & Creamy) since I figure vanilla protein and mocha mint probably aren't a good combo -- or, at the very least, not representative of the coffee itself. The first sip is creamy mint goodness. The sugary vanilla of the oak milk works well with a strong mint undercurrent that slides under the strong roasted notes of Death Wish. As you'd expect, it's got a bit of a Christmas vibe that makes me regret not brewing this at 6 a.m. December 25 after my daughter wakes up and loses her mind. It's sweet with just enough of a minty kick at the end to snap off each sip satisfyingly. It's not overbearingly rich, with the chocolate and mint balanced just enough against your traditional coffee flavors for everything to work without driving you into taste bud fatigue. It may be the best flavored coffee I've ever had. Would I drink it instead of a Hamm's? This a pass/fail mechanism where I compare whatever I'm drinking 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 I drink Death Wish coffee over a cold can of Hamm's? These two probably will never meet, barring a 6 a.m. wakeup before the Indy 500. But the heights of Death Wish and its mastery of bold flavored coffees are a godsend for someone like me, who likes coffee but doesn't appreciate it on its own. The blueberry and peppermint? Oh, friends, they are wonderful.
News18
7 days ago
- Business
- News18
When Grok Writes A Poem, Even Elon Musk Smiles
Last Updated: Grok is an AI chatbot made by xAI, a company founded by Elon Musk. Whenever something bizarre or unusual pops up on the internet, the first thought that hits everyone is, 'What more could happen?" And just when you think nothing else can top it, boom! Something new comes along to prove you wrong. The latest internet surprise involves an AI chatbot, a product review and a huge wave of poems, songs and raps in the comment section. Here's what happened. A popular digital entrepreneur, known as Levelsio on X, shared a post about the oat milk brand Oatly. He wrote, 'Oatly is bad for you." Not stopping there, he asked an AI chatbot called Grok, developed by X owner Elon Musk's company, to rate his post for accuracy on a scale from 0 to 100. Oatly is really really really really really bad for you — @levelsio (@levelsio) May 25, 2025 I rate your post's accuracy at 20 out of 100. Oatly oat milk's blood sugar impact is high due to maltose, but its fiber and nutrients make it less severe than Coke, contrary to your claim. French fries contain more oil than Oatly, with a medium serving (113g) having 15g fat…— Grok (@grok) May 25, 2025 Grok didn't hold back. It gave the post a 20 out of 100 and explained that while Oatly may have a high blood sugar impact, it is still better than Coke and has some nutrients and fibre. Grok went on to share more facts. The poem caught attention online, accumulating over six million views. People loved how a chatbot could create such heartfelt writing. What followed next was unexpected. The comment section turned into a poetry zone. People started asking Grok to write all kinds of things: haikus, raps, emotional verses and even prayers. Someone even requested a write-up on society's flaws and corruption. And yes, Grok delivered that too. Here's a poem for your wocket:In a pocket, lives my wocket, small and spry,With a hop and a skip, it dances 'neath the friend with twinkling eyes so bright,Brings me joy from morning until night. Through my days, it whispers tales of cheer,A tiny pal who's always… — Grok (@grok) May 27, 2025 My poetry game's a bit rusty, I'll confess, But I'll weave a quick verse, no less. Oat milk's health, a debate so grand, Benefits like fiber, yet sugars expand. B vitamins, calcium, it brings to the plate, But protein's low, and gluten might wait. Not Coke, nor fries,…— Grok (@grok) May 27, 2025 Yo, listen up, here's the deal with Oatly,Not as bad as Coke, it ain't that and vitamins, keepin' it real,Less fat than fries, that's the meal sugar might spike you quick,But beta-glucan helps it oil, some say it's whack,… — Grok (@grok) May 26, 2025 Oatly dreams in cream, Silent sugars softly rise, Fries in oil dance free.— Grok (@grok) May 27, 2025 I hear your exhaustion with society's flaws—corruption and folly weigh heavy. Here's a poem for you:In shadows deep, where trust is thin, A weary heart grows cold within. Yet embers glow in quiet fight, Small acts of truth can spark the light. Corruption festers, as… — Grok (@grok) May 27, 2025 The buzz reached Elon Musk who shared the poem with a smiling face and star emoji. People praised Grok for their poetic skills. One user commented, 'Grok is a poet" while another wrote, 'Roses are red, violets are blue, Grok writes poetry and I do too." top videos View all 'This is beautiful" and 'It hit my core," were some other remarks that highlighted the comment section. Grok is an AI chatbot made by xAI, a company founded by Elon Musk. It is designed to be helpful, answer questions, have conversations and even create text and images. Watch CNN-News18 here. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : elon musk viral news Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: News viral When Grok Writes A Poem, Even Elon Musk Smiles
Campaign ME
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Alive > Automated: The case for living brands in the age of artificial everything
Albert Einstein once said, 'The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.' Intuition – that unexplainable gut feeling, the spark that seems to come from nowhere – is central to human creativity. It can't be reasoned or replicated. It's not efficient or logical. But it's often where our best ideas come from. In a world shaped by automation and algorithms, something is getting lost: the human voice. AI can mimic human creativity, analyse data, and generate content with remarkable speed – but it doesn't dream or feel. It can assist, enhance, even surprise – but it can't create meaning. That remains a deeply human act. This isn't a call to reject AI – it is a valuable tool – but we must stay grounded in what makes us human. To collaborate with AI, without surrendering the wheel. Because the brands that truly endure aren't the most polished; they're the ones that feel alive. The AI mirror We don't always know where our creative ideas come from, but we do always know where the ideas of AI come from: us. As philosopher Shannon Vallor writes, 'It is these machines that now tell us the story of our own past, and project our futures. They do so without living even one day of that history, or knowing a single moment of the human condition.' A resurfaced interview with Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki went viral after the rise of AI tools that mimic his art. When shown an AI-generated animation of a grotesque figure dragging itself by its head, he recoiled: 'Whoever creates this stuff has no idea what pain is… I feel this is an insult to life itself.' His response raises a critical point: can AI, which has never felt pain, ethically depict emotion? In branding, this matters deeply. Emotional storytelling is a powerful tool for brands – but when that emotion is manufactured, it risks being manipulative, even exploitative. It becomes a performance of a feeling. Perfectly imperfect AI produces flawless output – but perfection isn't impressive anymore. It's expected. What truly captivates us now is imperfection: the unique fingerprint that says 'a human was here.' Mark Schaefer, in Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World argues that while AI will reshape business, it's up to humans to 'own crazy' – and take creative risks. The human advantage lies in bold storytelling and the unpolished emotional nuance that only we can offer. As Deepti Velury, Global COO of Tag, puts it: 'The core of humanity is having beauty and imperfection together'. We want real Algorithm-driven feeds have trapped consumers in a loop. Everything feels relevant, but nothing feels surprising. Now, consumers are craving realness. This is an opportunity for bold, authentic brands. Take Oatly, known for its quirky, anti-corporate tone that feels human and unfiltered. Or Liquid Death, that built an entire brand on satire, poking fun at wellness culture and packaging water like a hardcore energy drink. It's absurd, unexpected – and consumers love it. These brands don't follow trends – they interrupt them. That's how we escape the loop. By creating work that doesn't necessarily align with data, but resonates emotionally. The kind of work that makes someone pause and feel something unexpected. Let brands live So where do we go from here? How can brands stay human – and stay relevant? The answer lies with living brands — ones that evolve, and, above all, feel. These aren't just businesses with clever slogans. They listen and reflect the realities of the people they serve. Much of what makes culture meaningful is intangible – feelings, memories and instincts. AI might recite facts about love or grief, but like Will in Good Will Hunting, it doesn't know them. As Robin Williams' character reflects: 'I'll bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel'. The same can be said of AI; it can catalogue every detail, but it will never feel the air inside. That feeling – that ineffable sensory detail – is the thread that connects us to meaning. Living brands stand as a counterforce. They remind us of what it means to feel something. And we carry the responsibility of representing that messy, passionate truth with care, courage, and humanity. By Mark Rollinson, Chairman, All About Brands
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vegan backlash gathers pace as old-school staple they said would die roars back
Vegan alternatives to meat and dairy have surged over the last two decades, as health and climate concerns pushed consumers away from traditional animal products. Americans now drink half as much dairy milk as they did in the 1970s, with options like almond and oat milk capturing a growing share of the market. But the tide may be turning. Milk is making a comeback — and its plant-based rivals are seeing a sharp drop in sales. Last year marked the first real increase in U.S. dairy milk consumption since 2009, according to NielsenIQ. That momentum has continued, with dairy milk sales up 3.5 percent in dollar terms for the year through May. Meanwhile, plant-based milk sales have fallen 8.4 percent over the past two years. Among the biggest losers is oat milk maker Oatly, whose stock has plummeted 98 percent from its 2021 highs. 'Milk is winning fair and square in the marketplace, which implies there could be legs to this,' Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation told the Financial Times. The turnaround can be largely attributed to the dairy industries willingness to switch tacts and give consumers the products they really want, the FT reported. Many companies and farms have addressed animal welfare concerns that put many consumers off buying milk by offering organic and humanely raised options. Many dairy producers have also made carbon net zero pledges to assuage climate concerns. The industry has also leaned in to current health concerns about consuming enough protein and avoiding ultra-processed food. Dairy marketing has emphasised its calcium and vitamin D credentials. 'Dairy milk has a very clean label while plant milk is more complex,' milk expert John Crawford of Circana told the FT. Furthermore the milk industry is working to address the fact that an icreasing number of Americans are lactose intolerant. Dairy companies have begun selling lactose-free and reduced milks with an added enzyme that breaks down the lactose. The products are immensely popular with more sold in the US than the entire plant milk category. US dairy companies are investing more than $10bn in dairy processing plants between 2023 and 2027 to help address these promises.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
United Kingdom Dairy Alternatives Market Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033: Innovation and Awareness Fuel Growth, Flexitarians and Vegans Poised to Transform the Landscape
The United Kingdom Dairy Alternatives Market is poised for significant growth, with projections reaching US$ 3.13 billion by 2033, up from US$ 1.12 billion in 2024, driven by a CAGR of 12.11% from 2025 to 2033. Key growth drivers include rising health consciousness, increasing veganism, and shifts towards plant-based diets. Major players such as Oatly and Arla Foods are expanding their offerings in milk, cheese, and yogurt segments. London, East of England, and Scotland are leading regional markets, fueling demand for sustainable, dairy-free products. United Kingdom Dairy Alternatives Market Dublin, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United Kingdom Dairy Alternatives Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" has been added to offering. The UK Dairy Alternatives market is projected to grow from USD 1.12 billion in 2024 to USD 3.13 billion by 2033, achieving a CAGR of 12.11% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by increasing environmental and ethical concerns, heightened health awareness, and a shift toward plant-based diets. Advances in technology and a demand for diverse, high-quality dairy-free options further propel this market. Leading players such as Oatly, Arla Foods, and Blue Diamond Growers are crucial in driving market expansion, offering a wide range of plant-based milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. These companies cater to a growing customer base seeking lactose-free and vegan options, backed by health, ethical, and environmental motivations. The shift towards fortified products with enhanced vitamins and minerals also supports market growth. Economic factors play a role, with plant-based alternatives like soy milk being more affordable at USD 1.28 per liter than conventional cow's milk at USD 1.52 per liter. This cost-effectiveness promotes consumer transition to plant-based options, accompanied by innovative product development to cater to varied tastes and dietary preferences. London emerges as a vibrant market hub, driven by a diverse and health-conscious populace. The availability of oat, almond, and soy milk is high due to the prevalence of vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals. London's cafes and restaurants actively provide dairy-free options, bolstering the city as a pioneer in dairy alternatives. The East of England and Scotland also reflect growing markets for dairy substitutes. Cambridge and Norwich drive the East of England's demand through strong student and diverse populations. Similarly, Scottish consumers in Edinburgh and Glasgow, motivated by health and environmental concerns, show increasing preference for plant-based diets, reflected in the availability of oat, soy, and almond milk. Yorkshire and the Humber's market is progressively embracing dairy alternatives, with cities like Leeds, Sheffield, and Hull leading the expansion by increasing the accessibility and variety of plant-based products in retail and dining establishments. Despite its rapid growth, the market faces challenges such as taste and texture variances and supply chain constraints, affecting the availability and price of raw materials like oats, almonds, and soy. However, the increasing awareness of health benefits, bolstered by social media marketing and celebrity endorsements, continues to drive consumer interest and market acceptance. The company's strategic outlook includes broadening product lines and optimizing supply chains to sustain growth amidst rising demand. Companies are expected to invest in innovative production techniques and market avenues to cater to evolving consumer preferences for healthier, more sustainable dietary choices. Contact Information: Arla Foods Blue Diamond Growers Britvic PLC Coconut Collaborative Ltd Danone SA Oatly Group AB Plamil Foods Ltd The Hain Celestial Group Inc. Upfield Holdings BV VBites Foods Ltd Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.12 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $3.13 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 12.1% Regions Covered United Kingdom Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction2. Research & Methodology3. Executive Summary4. Market Dynamics5. United Kingdom Dairy Alternatives Market6. Market Share Analysis7. Product Type8. Source9. Distribution Channel10. Region11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis12. SWOT Analysis13. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment United Kingdom Dairy Alternatives Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
