Only in America: Gold-coated jelly beans

The story: David Klein, the founder of the Jelly Belly brand, has unveiled a new line of confections that will come coated in 24-karat gold. Klein's "Beyond Gourmet Jelly Beans," introduced at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago this week, are packaged in crystal jars selling for $500 each. They're not just blinged-out candy, though. The beans are supposed to represent "deconstructed meals," bursting with exotic flavors, like Thai Lemongrass Curry and Indian Mango Chutney.

The reaction: The taste trip Klein promises "sounds exciting, but for a bit more than $500, one can almost take a literal exotic trip," says The Huffington Post. "Or, for less than $10, one can get a perfectly tasty — and filling — curry or chutney." Yes, paying $500 for a jar of jelly beans is "downright ridiculous," says Tim Newcomb at TIME, but at least credit Klein for creating some buzz. And thank goodness he's using non-traditional ingredients, says Jen Carlson at Gothamist. "How pissed would you be if you splurged on these things and got a hefty amount of the dreaded Buttered Popcorn flavor?"

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