Reese's Candy

Bonnie: Reese's is offering two new blends of peanut butter and chocolate. One is the traditional chocolate peanut butter cup with an added layer of what Reese's calls banana creme. Not being a banana lover, I didn't like it. But I do like the flavor and texture of the other new Reese's candy that's not a "cup" - the Crispy Crunchy Bar tastes like a Butterfinger.

Since it's my job to talk nutrients, even when discussing a candy bar, I will do so. Comparing an original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, a Nestlé Butterfinger and these two new Reeses bar-to-bar (not ounce-to- ounce), the new Peanut Butter and Banana Creme contains the fewest calories and fat, with only 200 calories and 11 grams of total fat, of which 6 grams are saturated. But that's just because it's the smallest.

Carolyn: There's nothing on the wrapper explaining Elvis' presence on the new Peanut Butter and Banana Creme Reese's, so I will: This week marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death, and the King's favorite snack was a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich. Elvis ate this sandwich throughout his life and exclusively for one 17-week period when he was a boy, explains David Adler in his wonderful book The Life and Cuisine of Elvis Presley.

From this book, you get the feeling that Elvis was as much a king of junk food as he was of music. Still, there was no chocolate in the King's PB&B sandwich, as there is in this Reese's cup homage.

Reese's other new offering is a cross between an Oh Henry!, a Nestlé Crunch and a regular Reese's, with its big pieces of peanuts, crispy rice and chocolate-covered peanut butter. Though tasty, Reese's Crispy Crunchy Bar doesn't have the universal appeal or staying power of Elvis.

Kraft Bistro Deluxe Pasta and Cheese

• Sundried Tomato Parmesan, Creamy Portobello Mushroom, Classic Cheddar, Three Cheese Italiano

• $2.89 per 10-ounce pouch

Bonnie: Kraft is going upscale - or at least trying to - with its new macaroni and cheese, Bistro Deluxe Pasta and Cheese. These grown-up versions of the traditional blue cardboard box are packed in shiny pouches and contain such sophisticated ingredients as portobello mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, Asiago cheese and part whole-wheat noodles.

There's enough whole wheat in the pasta to provide a little fiber (3 grams) and a half-serving of whole grains. And these contain a cheese- sauce pouch instead of the Day-Glo- colored cheese powder, meaning there's no need to add butter and milk. A serving of either contains about 80 fewer calories, 3 fewer grams of fat and a smidgeon more sodium than the blue box.

Carolyn: The Bistro Deluxe name and the gold-and-silver packaging scream quality, but the Classic Cheddar and Three Cheese Italiano seemed only marginally richer than regular ol' Kraft Mac & Cheese. And the sauces cool the hot pasta to the point that all four also need a last-minute microwave zap.

Bonnie Tandy Leblang is a registered dietitian and professional speaker. Carolyn Wyman is a junk-food fanatic and author.