The jolt of a cuppa Joe wears off in a few hours, but you can keep your energy going for longer if you tank up from Starbucks’ new oatmeal bar at the same time. Grab a bowl of oatmeal – in a convenient takeaway cup – and top it with your choice of dried fruits, nuts, or brown sugar.

Starbucks has really gotten religion when it comes to whole grains. Oatmeal’s not the only whole grain choice. You can also choose from a “Fruit Stella” – a pastry made with whole grains and seasonal fruit – or an apple bran muffin, rolls and bars, or a “Power Protein Plate” including cheese, fruit, a hardboiled egg, and a whole-wheat bagel with peanut butter.

We see the hand of WGC diehard Todd Kluger in these new choices, which were rolled out in time for Whole Grains Month in September. After a stint at Roman Meal, Todd returned to Starbucks earlier this year, to be their go-to guy on how to make whole grain foods that taste really good. Way to go, Todd.

So when you stop at Starbucks, just ask for whole grains. I’ve never even shopped at a Starbucks myself – for some perverse reason I’ve never been a coffee drinker – but the new breakfast menu now gives me a good reason to stop in. (Cynthia – Oct. 1, 2008)