Food and Beverage
BUTTER WINES INTRODUCES BUTTERLIGHT-A GREAT-TASTING, 85 CALORIE LIGHT WINE
Butter Wines introduces ButterLight Chardonnay, a lower calorie and alcohol wine option at 85 calories and 8.5% ABV, maintaining quality and taste from the popular Butter Chardonnay lineup.
Best-Selling Butter Wines Debuts Lower Calorie, Lower Alcohol Chardonnay that Doesn’t Compromise on Taste
NAPA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Butter Chardonnay—the number two selling premium Chardonnay1—announces the newest addition to its fan-favorite Butter lineup: ButterLight Chardonnay. Following extensive R&D to produce the best-tasting Light wine on the market, ButterLight is now available in wine aisles. Crafted with the same dedication to quality that defines the Butter portfolio, ButterLight offers winelovers an authentic grape-to-bottle, great-tasting glass of wine at just 85 calories—almost a third less than regular wines and 40% less alcohol.
“The demand for lighter wines has clearly been growing, but until we were confident we could truly make a delicious wine at meaningfully lower calories and alcohol levels, we weren’t going to put the Butter label on it,” said Jeff Kandarian, Executive Winemaker of Butter Wines by JaM Cellars. “The R&D process was extensive to retain full control over flavor first. This wine truly delivers on the Butter brand promise of quality for every wine drinking occasion. We’re thrilled to add it to the Butter lineup and offer a delicious alternative to consumers looking for lighter wine.”
Crafted with the same grapes selected for regular Butter Chardonnay at their perfect ripeness, ButterLight has flavors of bright lemon mousse laced with creamy vanilla and shortbread crumbles and comes in at just 8.5% ABV and 85 calories per glass. ButterLight is a terrific choice for those seeking a lighter wine option without sacrificing flavor and quality. Found in grocery stores across the country, the widely-recognizable Butter yellow label has become synonymous with great quality at amazing value. Butter Wines’ expansion into lower-ABV wine sets a new uncompromising standard for light wine.
“As we’ve expanded the Butter line up we have been meticulous in crafting each bottling to exceed quality expectations at accessible price points. ButterLight as our newest addition had a very high bar to meet—reduce calories and alcohol without sacrificing flavor, while staying in Butter’s price point. I think we have gone above and beyond that mandate and created something so great-tasting it’s hard to believe it’s lighter,” said John Truchard, Founder and CEO, JaM Cellars. “I’m grateful for the passion and hard work that has gone into this innovation by our winemaking, sales, and marketing team, and for the exceptional reaction we have received from our retail and distributor partners. I’m excited for wine drinkers everywhere to try it and love it.”
The Butter portfolio now comprises Butter Chardonnay (also in ButterCans), Butter Cab, NEW Butter Sauv Blanc, NEW Butter Pinot Noir, and now NEW ButterLight. Released last year, Butter Sauv Blanc is refreshingly tropical, and Butter Pinot Noir is juicy and lush, both making a splash for wine lovers looking for authentic, well-made wines that are approachably priced. With the continuous addition of new varietals, Butter’s bright yellow labels have become a beacon of quality and deliciousness that everyone can trust and afford in a notoriously fragmented and confusing wine category.
“Getting ButterLight just right was a labor of love, so we are excited to be able to start offering it in the New Year, when so many people are looking for lighter versions of their favorite foods and drinks. Nearly a third less calories and 40% less alcohol compared to regular wines are meaningful when you want to make lighter choices, but you won’t make those choices if it doesn’t taste great,” said Michele Truchard, Co-Founder JaM Cellars and the “M” in JaM. “Having a nutrition background, a passion for health and wellness, and a love of wine I’m always seeking balance. For me, ButterLight hits all the right notes.”
In celebration of the ButterLight launch, Butter Wines is hosting a sweepstakes to float over Napa Valley for one lucky winner and a plus one. Beginning January 14 through March 9, the winner will receive complimentary roundtrip flights, hotel stay, hot air ballroom ride, and a signature ButterLight tasting picnic to enjoy over an epic Napa Valley getaway weekend. Consumers are encouraged to enter at DrinkButter.com (no purchase necessary). All Butter Wines can be found under $20 (MSRP) in local grocery, convenience, and liquor stores as well as online at JaMCellars.com/locate. For more information on the newest Butter addition, visit JaMCellars.com or follow @JaMCellars on Facebook and Instagram.
About JaM Cellars
JaM Cellars is all about easy-to-love, every-day wines. Made by Napa Valley vintners John and Michele Truchard (the “J” and “M” in JaM), the JaM Cellars portfolio features Butter by JaM Cellars—including Butter Chardonnay, ButterCans, NEW ButterLight, Butter Sauv Blanc, Butter Pinot Noir, Butter Cabernet, and Butter Bubbles—along with the original JaM Cabernet that started the label. All the wines are distinctively delicious: Butter Chardonnay melts in your mouth, ButterLight is light and creamy, Butter Sauv Blanc is refreshingly tropical, Butter Pinot is fruity and velvety, Butter Bubbles is bright and creamy, Butter Cab is silky smooth, and JaM Cabernet is juicy and berry-licious, Butter Chardonnay is also available in fun, grab-and-go, single-serve 250ml ButterCans—each about a glass and a half, also available in a 4-pack. JaM Cellars wines are meant to be enjoyed anytime—whether it’s a special occasion or every-day celebration. This year, Butter Chardonnay, one of the bestselling chardonnays in the U.S. over $13, was recognized as an Impact Blue Chip Brand award winner for 10 years of consecutive growth. Check out JaM Cellars on Facebook and Instagram @jamcellars, #JaMCellars, or JaMCellars.com.
1Source: Nielsen, Chardonnay, $13+, 750mL, 01.27.24, 52 week, Total US xAOC
2ButterLight per 5 fl oz. Average analysis: 8.5% ABV, 85 Calories, 4g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat. 40% less alcohol compared to regular Butter Chardonnay.
SOURCE Butter Wines
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recipes
Take Sweetness to New Heights In the New Year
Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful dessert featuring lemon cake mix, fresh blueberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Take Sweetness to New Heights In the New Year
(Family Features) Whether you can’t quite give up on the holiday treats or the festivities are continuing into 2026, these Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars offer a light, fruity bite. The melted white chocolate drizzle is just what gatherings with loved ones call for. Visit Culinary.net for more delicious desserts to enjoy this year.
Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips, divided
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- In bowl, combine butter, cake mix, eggs, blueberries, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips and pecans.
- Butter 7-by-11-inch pan and spread mixture evenly into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.
- Tip: If melted white chocolate chips are too thick, add a little oil before drizzling.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
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Local Business
Southern California’s Grocery Store Secret: Some Ralph’s Will Fry Your Fish
Some Ralph’s locations in Southern California will fry fish purchased at the seafood counter. Influencers and shoppers explain how it works.
In Southern California, a surprising grocery store perk is quietly gaining attention online: select Ralph’s Supermarket locations will fry fresh fish for customers who buy it at the seafood counter. What was once a local tip has now turned into a social media talking point, with shoppers sharing firsthand experiences of walking out of Ralph’s with hot, freshly fried fish.
A Viral Discovery at the Seafood Counter
Food influencers and everyday shoppers on Instagram and TikTok have been buzzing about the discovery. In one widely shared video, an influencer visits a Southern California Ralph’s location where a sign posted at the seafood and meat department confirms the service. During that visit, the creator purchased three types of fish — tilapia, salmon, and catfish — all fried on-site after purchase.
The video sparked curiosity and excitement, with viewers surprised to learn that a traditional grocery store could double as a take-home fish fry. Many commenters noted they had lived near Ralph’s for years without realizing the service existed.
Influencers and Shoppers Are Spreading the Word
Social media creators have played a major role in bringing attention to the trend. Multiple Instagram Reels and TikTok videos show shoppers ordering fried catfish or tilapia directly from the seafood counter, often tagging Ralph’s or encouraging followers to “try this at your local store.”
One creator publicly thanked another influencer for “putting everyone on” to the Ralph’s fish fry option, while others documented taste tests, calling the fish crispy, well-seasoned, and an easy dinner solution without the mess of frying at home.
Not Just Social Media — Locals Confirm It’s Real
Community discussions back up the influencer claims. Southern California shoppers on neighborhood forums and Reddit threads report that certain Ralph’s locations in areas like Burbank, Torrance, and Orange County have been offering this service for years.
Some locations reportedly display signs at the seafood counter letting customers know they’ll fry fish purchased in-store. Others rely on word-of-mouth, with longtime employees known for frying custom catfish or other selections when staffing and equipment allow.
Why This Isn’t at Every Ralph’s
It’s important to note that this is not an official, chain-wide Ralph’s or Kroger policy. The service appears to be location-specific, depending on factors like available fryers, staffing, and store management decisions. That’s why some shoppers swear by it, while others have never seen it offered at their local store.
Employees and customers alike recommend calling the seafood department ahead of time to ask if fish frying is currently available. Fryers may not be running all day, and availability can vary by shift.
A Budget-Friendly Dinner Hack
For many shoppers, the appeal is obvious. Buying fresh fish at grocery store prices and having it cooked on-site offers a convenient alternative to takeout. It’s especially popular for catfish, tilapia, and salmon — all commonly mentioned in influencer videos and customer stories.
As grocery prices and restaurant costs continue to rise, this unofficial Ralph’s perk has become a clever food hack for Southern California residents looking for quality, convenience, and value.
The Bottom Line
Yes — some Ralph’s locations in Southern California really will fry your fish. While it’s not advertised company-wide, social media influencers, longtime shoppers, and local communities all point to the same conclusion: if your store has the setup and the staff, you might just walk out with freshly fried seafood.
The key is simple: ask at the seafood counter or call ahead. You might discover your neighborhood Ralph’s has been hiding a fish fry in plain sight.
Editor’s Note: This service is not officially advertised by Ralph’s or its parent company Kroger. Availability varies by location and may depend on staffing, equipment, and time of day. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Ralph’s seafood department directly to confirm whether fish frying is currently offered.
Related Articles & Community Posts
Here are some links where people discuss specific Ralph’s locations frying fish at the seafood counter — great for context and reader exploration:
- Is there a Ralph’s in Burbank that fries fish? (Reddit discussion) — Shoppers point out that the Ralph’s on San Fernando Blvd and the one near Victory & Buena Vista have been mentioned as offering fish frying. [oai_citation:0‡Reddit](https://www.reddit.com//r/burbank/comments/1qdqq93/is_there_a_ralphs_in_burbank_that_fries_fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Ralph’s fresh fried fish? (Reddit Orange County thread) — A commenter notes that a longtime employee in Cypress (near Ball and Bloomfield) has been making custom catfish nuggets for customers. [oai_citation:1‡Reddit](https://www.reddit.com//r/orangecounty/comments/1qeir06/ralphs_fresh_fried_fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Blog post: Ralphs fry fish at the seafood department? — A recent blog recounts discovering this option and encourages calling around to find which locations offer it. [oai_citation:2‡The Accidental Saver in San Diego](https://theaccidentalsaverinsandiego.blogspot.com/2026/01/ralphs-fry-fish-at-seafood-dept-on.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Ralphs: Fish fried for FREE (The Penny Wise Mom) — A classic consumer blog recounting a family’s experience having fish fried while they shopped. [oai_citation:3‡ThePennyWiseMom](https://thepennywisemom.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/ralphs-fish-fried-for-free/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
These links offer both community chatter and firsthand stories that provide deeper context on how this “unofficial” service has been discussed online.
More Food & Drink Coverage from STM Daily News
Looking for more food news, grocery trends, and dining discoveries? Visit the Food & Drink section of STM Daily News for the latest stories on restaurants, food culture, consumer trends, and what people are really eating across Southern California and beyond.
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Food and Beverage
Diva Fam Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of True Sea Moss “Sea Moss Gel Superfood” Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Diva Fam Inc. is recalling all True Sea Moss Sea Moss Gel Superfood flavors nationwide due to missing pH/temperature records and potential botulism risk.
Diva Fam Inc.. announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of its True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to a lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products, according to a company statement released January 9, 2026.
The company said the recall applies to products manufactured prior to January 9, 2026. The manufacture date (MFD) is indicated on the can lid in MM/YYYY format.
Why the products are being recalled
Diva Fam said the recall is related to missing required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for certain pH-controlled food products. The company noted that pH-controlled foods that are not manufactured in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements may present a potential risk of microbial growth, including organisms that can produce toxins associated with botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can affect the nervous system. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness.
Diva Fam said no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the products subject to this recall to date.
Where the products were sold
The affected products were distributed nationwide through select retail locations, online via https://truеsеamоss.cоm/, and other distribution channels, according to the company.
Recalled products (all flavors, all lots)
The recall includes all flavors and sizes and batch numbers of True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood packaged in 16 FL OZ (473 mL) glass jars, manufactured prior to January 9, 2026.
Recalled flavors and UPCs
| Flavor | UPC |
|---|---|
| Mango | 5065006235875 |
| Pineapple | 5065006235288 |
| Wildcrafted | 5065006235073 |
| Apple and Cinnamon | 5065006235776 |
| Elderberry | 5065006235189 |
| Passion Fruit | 5061033691882 |
| Blue Spirulina and Raspberry | 5065006235813 |
| Strawberry | 5065006235271 |
| Cherry | 5061033691264 |
| Mango and Pineapple | 5065006235301 |
| 5 Blends in 1 | 5061033690052 |
| Soursop | 5061033691875 |
| Lemon Pie | 5061033691271 |
| Orange | 5061033692926 |
How the issue was identified
The company said the matter was identified during a California Department of Public Health inspection that raised questions regarding regulatory authorization and related production records for certain distributed products. Diva Fam said it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and initiated the voluntary recall to ensure regulatory alignment.
The company said the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What consumers should do
- Discontinue use of the affected product.
- Follow the instructions provided by the place of purchase regarding product return or disposal.
- Contact the company for additional information (details below).
Consumer and media contact
Consumers seeking additional information may contact:
- Email: support@divafam.com
- Phone: (818) 751-3882
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Source: Diva Fam Inc. (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026)
https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/
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