A revolutionary ice cream flavor: Stewart’s Shops, historical commission Saratoga 250 and a group of Revolutionary War re-enactors unveiled Knox Cannonball Crunch, a Henry Knox-themed, limited-edition ice cream flavor, ahead of the 250th anniversary of Knox’s “noble train of artillery.” General Knox and his men hauled artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston Harbor in the winter of 1775 and 1776. History buffs and ice cream enthusiasts voted for a variety of names. The top three contenders were Knox Cannons ‘n Cream, Knox Cannonball Crunch and Knox Sled Tracks, the Ballston Spa, New York-based convenience-store and ice cream chain said. Knox Cannonball Crunch is available at more than 40 Stewart’s Shops located along the Knox Trail in New York now through the end of the year. Don’t Knox it until you try it. —Greg Lindenberg
PepsiCo gets 'dirty': Dirty sodas are expanding beyond the fountain. PepsiCo announced that in 2026, it will launch Dirty Mountain Dew Cream Soda Dew, according to USA Today. The drink is a mix of “the iconic citrus kick of Mountain Dew with a smooth cream flavor twist, delivering a distinctive and indulgent taste,” Purchase, New York-based PepsiCo said. A dirty soda is typically made by adding flavored syrups, creamer or fruit to a soda, or other nonalcohol base like sparkling water. Will the drink translate to a can? We’ll find out next year. —Hannah Hammond
Spam Musubi hoopla at Loop: Have a hankering for ready-to-eat Spam Musubi? Union City, California-based Loop Neighborhood Market is the newest place to find this new offering, which is handmade on site and available at most of its locations. It’s available in two options, regular and Blaze (hot and spicy), inspired by the flavors of Hawaii, the company said. Spam Musubi is a snack featuring a slice of caramelized oven-roasted Spam on a block of rice, all wrapped in a strip of nori seaweed. Pervez Pir, president of retail at Loop Neighborhood, said, “At Loop, we are always looking for ways to expand our food offerings with unique and flavorful options that cater to a wide range of tastes.” —Chuck Ulie
Kwik Trip battles birds: Kwik Trip has taken the fight against feathered freeloaders to a new level with a little help from science fiction-sounding tech. The La Crosse, Wisconsin-based convenience-store chain is deploying shrieking audio devices and spinning disco ball-style contraptions at some locations to scare off pesky pigeons, reported Mix 108. Why the bird battle? Their droppings are corrosive and can damage paint, roofing and even clog drainage systems, the report said. With nearly 900 stores to protect, Kwik Trip is looking beyond fake owls and into more reflective territory. Ken Hayes stumbled upon the flashy deterrents at a Superior, Wisconsin location. “I didn’t notice any pigeons,” he writes—maybe mission accomplished? Only time will tell if the shiny pyramids and predator screeches keep the birds at bay. For now, Kwik Trip’s anti-pigeon tech is turning heads and maybe tails, too. —Rachel Gignac
Halloween spending is up: Consumers are opening their wallets as Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from $11.6 billion last year and exceeds the previous $12.2 billion record set in 2023. Despite higher prices, specifically because of tariffs, NRF said nearly three-quarters of consumers (73%) plan to celebrate the holiday. And yes, candy continues to be the most popular purchase, with total spending expected to reach $3.9 billion. —Diane Adam
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