OpenSecrets.org Dean Foods

A Texas company and Texas is very red.

http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000021651&cycle=A

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Meiji Karl Cheese Flavor

Some bags of Meiji Karl snacks cheese flavor also include puffs in the shape of snowmen.

http://www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/snack/karl/#/oragamuraya/cheese/

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Asahi Wilkenson Tonic Water

Wilkerson tonic water, ginger ale and high ball drinks go through Asahi in Japan. The tonic is labeled tansan, which means carbonated water. 炭酸水、アサヒ

http://www.asahiinryo.co.jp/wilkinson/sp/top.html

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

OpenSecrets Molson Coors

Very red. The Coors family have long been known as supporters of the far right. I suppose the surprising thing to see here is the contributions to the president. I wonder if that would have happened prior to the merger with Molson.

http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000027694&cycle=A

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Kirin Nodogoshi Browning Method

The Browning Reaction is one of the most well known chemical reactions in food science. Proteins, peptides or amino acids react with sugar under heating to form complex mixtures which add color (brown) and flavor to foods. Bread is a good example.
Kirin has developed and patented a special browning process for producing Nodogoshi Beer. It involves addition of soy proteins which are broken down in the presence of yeast to peptides and amino acids, which are then heated in the presence of sugar to produce a desirable flavor/aroma and golden color. (Japanese patent 3836117, 2006)

http://www.kirin.co.jp/brands/nodogoshi/product/oi_secret.html

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

OpenSecrets.org Anheuser-Busch InBev

Anheuser-Busch InBev ranks as a heavy hitter.

http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000042510&cycle=A

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Nestle KitKat World Variety

This is a variety pack featuring chocolate from Australia, Japan and the US. Some might wonder about that selection, but interesting nevertheless and 20 yen from the sale of every package goes to the disaster hit Tohoku area reconstruction.

http://d.nestle.jp/kitkat/limited/kk_mini_world_variety_13.html

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Kikkoman Aujoux Beaujolais Nouveau

Much to do is made each year for when the new Beaujolais Nouveau goes on sale. This year the Aujoux Beaujolais Nouveau, sold through Kikkoman, will go on sale Nov 15th.

http://www.kikkoman.co.jp/wine/aujoux/boaujolais_nouveau2012/index.html

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Out of Town for Almost Two Weeks

I will try to stay active, but posting and replies might be somewhat erratic. In the interim, hope all are well and (for you Americans) don't forget to vote!

Kirin Nodogoshi Beer

Kirin's Nodogoshi Beer holds the No. 1 spot in the 2nd beer category. No barley or malt is used, but soy peptides are featured. They have some interesting information on their website so I will extend this topic to 4 posts. The important point I would like to make here is that this product uses a low amount of barley malt (actually zero) and therefore does not count as a beer for tax purposes. It is a completely fermented drink, with no added sprits (no added shochu), so it does not fall into the 3rd category beer category. The name refers to how easily drinkable it is, nodogoshi のどごし.

http://www.kirin.co.jp/brands/nodogoshi/index.html

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.