One Grateful Thought Per Cookie

Zen Rabbit cookies have been known as “Gratitude Cookies” for some time now. They’ve been called that because the people giving the cookies are expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the people they’re giving the cookies to. But this week the term “Gratitude Cookies” takes on another dimension. Starting today, each box of Zen Rabbit cookies contains a card inviting the person eating the cookies to take a moment to be grateful for one thing in life. No need to make a whole overwhelming list, just think of ONE thing for which to be grateful per cookie. Could be your pet, your family, a blue sky, the ability to read, anything.

By thinking of the few or many things in life you can be grateful for, maybe, just maybe, we can counteract the massive negativity that often seems to surround us from all angles. For one moment in time, as you eat a Zen Rabbit cookie, I encourage you to think of and thank for what you DO have.

What is “Natural”?

There was an article in the business section of the Palm Beach Post on Monday about the use of the word “natural” in the food industry. Apparently the Food and Drug Administration does not have a formal definition for the word, nor does it plan to create one in the near future. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a definition that applies to meat and poultry products which states a product is “natural” if it doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients and is only minimally processed.

The problem with not having a clear definition is that food and beverage manufacturers can make their own rules in regards to labeling. Deceptive labeling leads to confused consumers. Of course many consumers, who can’t be bothered to learn about nutrition or read labels, see the term “natural” and think, “oh, this must better for me than the product that doesn’t say that.”

So you end up seeing products containing high-fructose corn syrup labeled as “all-natural” when, in my book, high-fructose corn syrup is not at all natural. All-natural to me means no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. If it requires a chemical process to make it, it’s not natural. Bottom line – pay attention to what you’re eating!

Zen Rabbit Really IS A Cookie Company!

Okay, Okay! I know. It’s been several weeks since a posting. Now we’re in the new year and I’ve turned over another new leaf. Look for more frequent postings here at Rabbit Rouser Online.

I had a revelation last week that is probably not so shocking to the rest of the world. As it turns out, Zen Rabbit actually IS a cookie company. Yes, Zen Rabbit still is a marketing company, as I’ve always claimed. But what Zen Rabbit is actually marketing is cookies. Yes, the cookies are still a tool for businesses to say thank you to their clients and referral sources. But what I learned this past holiday season is that you, the clients and recipients of Zen Rabbit, really just want the cookies. You appreciate the nice packaging, but in the paraphrased and twisted words of the Kinks holiday song, “Father Christmas, give us the cookies!”

And so in 2008, Zen Rabbit moves into the world of gourmet food stores. I’ve got packaging ideas to test and retail stores from Whole Foods to Fresh Market to Sutton Place Gourmet to contact. In what store would you like to see Zen Rabbit cookies? Let me know.