Topic: Palm Oil

Major candy brands like Almond Joy and Mr. Goodbar have subtly changed their labeling from "milk chocolate" to "chocolate candy" or "chocolatey." This shift occurs because manufacturers are replacing expensive cocoa butter with alternative fats like palm oil, which disqualifies the products from the FDA's strict definition of milk chocolate. The hosts warn consumers that "mouth appeal" is being prioritized over traditional ingredients due to rising cocoa costs.

Listeners are setting up recurring donations to match predictions for the bottom of the WTI crude oil price, currently hovering around $27. The hosts explain the new PayPal structure for monthly contributions and read a list of $50 donors from the UK, Australia, and across the United States.

Hershey's legal efforts to block the import of British Cadbury chocolate and other UK brands like the Yorkie Bar are detailed. The dispute centers on FDA standards for milk chocolate, which prohibit the use of palm and shea oils found in British recipes. Hershey is accused of using trademark law to protect its market share against superior imported products.