S. Rosen’s holds a red-hot wiener-related challenge

Photo by Jenni Spinner

This week, bakery brand S. Rosen’s partnered with legendary Chicago joint The Wiener’s Circle to kick off July’s National Hot Dog Month with the 773 Challenge. Inspired by MLB’s 9-9-9 Challenge—in which fans of the Chicago Cubs and other teams attempt to down nine weenies and nine beers during the nine innings of a typical game—the event invited participants to down a slightly more manageable seven Chicago-style hot dogs. Each was served on S. Rosen’s poppyseed buns, and was adorned with the traditional seven toppings of a true Chicago dog (yellow mustard, nuclear-green pickle relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, spicy sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt), plus challengers received three beverages. For every soul braving the challenge (named after one of Chitown’s area codes), the baker donated $77.30 to local food banks. SF&WB Chief Editor Jenni Spinner tried but fell short, calling it quits after 2.5 hot dogs and one water bottle. Luckily, S. Rosen’s still donated the cash and let Spinner go home with an “I Survived the 773 Challenge” t-shirt for her attempt.

Toblerone, Swarovski team up on crystal bar

Toblerone, the Mondelēz International brand, announced "The Ultimate Gift" collection, with the centerpiece being its Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski, a rare series of handmade crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar. Through July 31, travelers passing through some of the world's most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore, and Zurich) will encounter a pop-up experience celebrating both brands and will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar. Each auction is linked to the airport's own established charity partner, organizations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves, with 100% of winning bids being donated to the designated charity at each location. The auction is open to everyone globally (not just travelers), and bidding is available online. Click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities. 

Popchips does some snacking sleuthing

Popchips has revealed the findings from its survey on America’s most real snacking confessions. Based on responses from 5,000 adults across all 50 states, the brand's "Always Real" survey results nod to the growing role snacks play in social connection and entertainment, revealing how snacking brings people together during shared cultural experiences. Some of the findings about American consumers include: three in five (60%) have a hidden snack stash; 79% identify as “snack people” who prefer grazing throughout the day rather than eating traditional meals; 39% admit they’ve gone entire days eating without eating a real meal (only snacks); and Americans snack an average of four times per day, with the peak snacking window being between noon and 5 pm. Additionally, the brand is launching its “Always Real” Ultimate Festival Giveaway, with ThatAustin Music Fest, complete with roundtrip airfare, airport transfers, a four-night stay at a luxury 4-star hotel, daily breakfast, two VIP festival passes, and a Popchips snack stash.

McConnell's x See's Candies is back by popular demand

Courtesy of McConnell's

One of the most popular collabs in premium frozen desserts is back, says McConnell's Fine Ice Creams. After overwhelming demand, the McConnell's x See's Candies partnership has returned for the third time, bringing back consumer-favorite flavors from both the 2024 and 2025 collections. For the first time, consumers can shop the complete lineup at McConnells.com, making the limited-time collaboration more accessible than ever. Additionally, the excitement doesn't stop online: two flavors—See's Brown Sugar with Milk Bordeaux and See's Vanilla with California Brittle—are also rolling out to Whole Foods Market stores nationwide, giving shoppers coast-to-coast access to the partnership.