What happens when the relentless march of capitalism collides with our deepest, most primal cravings? This week, Pete, Tommy, and Mandy plunge headfirst into a bizarre experiment that straddles the line between genius and madness: the world of branded iced coffees. Forget your artisanal pour-over; we're talking Twinkie, Ding-Dong, Twix, and Snickers-flavored lattes. It's a flavor profile that defies logic, a sensory experience that raises profound questions about the nature of taste itself. Are these just clever chemical concoctions masquerading as nostalgia? Or is there something more sinister at play?

The trio grapples with this existential beverage crisis, dissecting each sip with the fervor of a forensic team examining a crime scene. Tommy, a self-proclaimed "non-sweethead," finds himself in a battle of wills against the saccharine onslaught, while Pete, ever the pragmatist, seeks the elusive balance between coffee and candy. Mandy, the instigator of this caffeinated chaos, navigates the treacherous terrain of artificial flavors with a mix of morbid curiosity and genuine delight.

As they navigate the perplexing world of branded beverages, the group stumbles upon a surprising revelation: the true nature of "Twinkie" flavor. Is it a tangible ingredient or a carefully crafted illusion? It's a question that leads them down a rabbit hole of food science and corporate intrigue, forcing us to confront the unsettling reality of what we consume.

Links & Notes

• Make Me a Nerd (Mandy's podcast)