With over 40,000 products in the average supermarket, people don't have time (or the money) to test every product on the shelves – so we do it for you!

Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!

Each product is judged and taste-tested based on the following seven criteria:

1. (30 points) Taste: The most important attribute of any food

2. (20 points) Value: Is it worth it?

3. (15 points) Health: Based off the nutritional information, is it nutritionally balanced?

4. (15 points) Ingredients: What's in it, how natural is it?

5. (10 points) Preparation: When applicable, how accurate or good are the directions?*

6. (5 points) Appearance: Is it appetizing and does it resemble its photo or description?

7. (5 points) Packaging: Is it appropriate for the product and does it have any benefits such as reseal ability, added freshness, better storage, etc?

*Products that do not require any preparation will have the full value of these points included in their total score.

EatSmart Reduced Fat Potato Chips Lightly Salted

This is a great product! The chips have a nice taste, a good snap to them, and they're not too oily ... and with 30% less fat, we think EatSmart have done a great job with this product; although, we would like to see them packaged in an individual serving, too. The ingredients are good and price-wise they compare to traditional potato chips –- so why not make a more health-conscious, but still delicious, snacking choice. Also available in French Onion and Sweet Barbeque. Retails for $3.49/8-oz bag.

Snyder's of Hanover, Inc., Hanover, Pennsylvania
1-800-233-7125
www.eatsmartsnacks.com

Gak's Snacks Brownie Chip Cookies

This crunchy, tasty cookie is packed with organic whole grains, so essential to a healthy diet, and is a satisfying, guilt-free snack -– not only for health reasons, but because buying organic is good for our planet, too! We like that it's allergen safe and clearly labeled. Our only criticism is that it is a bit high in carbs for anyone on a carb-counting diet. Retails for $4.99/6.3-oz box of six cookies. Also available in Mini Cookies.

Gak's Snacks, LLC, Windham, New Hampshire
1-800-552-7172
www.gakssnacks.com

Knudsen LiveActive Lowfat Cottage Cheese

Probiotics are the newest product trend, and you're going to be seeing lots of "Probiotics/Prebitoics" and "Live Cultures" on labels in your grocery aisles soon –- but what do they all do? This cottage cheese from Knudsen contains Inulin, which is a natural substance derived from chicory root, a soluble dietary "Pre-biotic" fiber that encourages the growth of friendly and healthful bacteria in the digestive system. It has a slightly gritty texture and has more density than regular cottage cheese, but there's no aftertaste and the taste itself is good. This is a new trend that encourages consumers to become more conscious of what they're eating and allows them to make healthier choices in their everyday foods. We're all for it! Also available with Pineapple and Mixed Berries. Retails for $3.39/four 4-oz cups.

Kraft Foods Global, Inc., Northfield, Illinois
1-800-323-0768
www.liveactivefoods.com

Metromint Chocolatemint Water

Chocolatemint Water, the newest product from Metromint, follows on the heels of their Spearmint, Peppermint, Orangemint, and Lemonmint waters which are a great healthy and tasty alternative to soda and bottled water. They use a process of distillation which adds the essence of the ingredients to the water, resulting in a subtle flavor. The flavor of the mint comes through nicely with a clean, refreshing aroma and aftertaste. Not your average flavored water; we're all for it! However, if more cocoa flavor came through, it would be even better –- the brown dotted label conjures up an expectation of chocolate which just isn't fulfilled. Retails for $1.39-$1.69/16.9-fl oz resealable bottle.

Soma Beverage Company, LLC, San Francisco, California
(415) 979-0781
www.metromint.com

Red Island Premium Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Here is what Art R., from West Chester, Pennsylvania, has to say about this product: "This olive oil is amazing, and surprisingly, it lands on our supermarket shelves from Australia! I use it in all my cooking with delicious results. Light and clean in flavor, I use it in everything from vinaigrettes to sautéing chicken and vegetables. Like the latest packaging of wine, the 1 liter of Red Island Olive Oil comes packaged in a "bag in the box" which maintains the freshness and quality of this fine product. Olive oil from Australia? Who knew??" Retails for $16.66/1 liter bottle.

Red Island, Malaga, Western Australia
www.redislandaustralia.com

Gabriela Crunchy Peanut Butter

Here is what Matt S., from Santa Monica, California, has to say about this product: "This product is labeled as 'crunchy,' but it's definitely not so! It's runny and tastes gross." Retails for $2.49/18-oz.

Western Gourmet Foods, Bell, California
(323) 265-9494
www.westerngourmet.com

When Kermit first uttered this now famous line, he didn’t even imagine the implications for supermarket shopping. But now, as more of us want to do our fair share to protect the planet and ease the impact of products’ global footprint by choosing wiser, we need a bit of help to really understand what these labels do (and don’t) mean.

USDA Certified Organic – organic foods seem to be everywhere, but did you know there are different designations?

100 percent organic - Organic standards require that the land used to grow organic crops go through a three-year "transition period" to make sure the crops are free of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. All organic agriculture prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and growth hormones, and no genetically modified organisms can be contained in anything labeled organic.

Organic— is defined by the USDA as containing 95 percent organic ingredients.

Made with organic— may be used on the front of the product label that contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients. Note: products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients are only allowed to list the organic items in the ingredient panel.

Oregon Tilth – you may have seen in addition to the USDA seal, another one for Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO). This seal is an internationally recognized symbol of organic integrity which some organic producers feel has even stricter standers than the federal rules. OTCO provides a system that combines strict production standards, on-site inspections, and legally binding contracts to protect the producers and buyers of organic products, to ensure that the agreed upon conventions of organic agricultural systems are being practiced not only by the growers or producers, but also by all the people who handle and process organic food, feed and fiber on its journey to the consumer.

You may have noticed that many products are now touting the fact that they are “local”.

Local – while there is no legal definition for what is and isn’t “local”, the general consensus seems to be that these foods are grown or processed within approximately 200 miles of your location – typically, somewhere you can drive to and from in one day.

One of the most overused, and confusing terms that first appeared on foods back in the 1940s is “all natural”

Natural/ All Natural - the phrase "all natural" can mean just about anything; it actually has no nutritional meaning whatsoever and isn't truly regulated by the FDA. Natural in most cases means unprocessed food that has undergone no or minimal processing and contains no additives such as preservatives or artificial coloring.

Labels, labels and more labels:

Cage-Free or Free-Range – is not a health claim — this just means that the chickens are not locked in cages, and are "free" to roam. "Free-range" means the chickens are allowed to roam outdoors. Read the label carefully and look for more detail; sometimes "cage-free" eggs come from hens packed side by side in massive sheds with access to the outdoors.

Grass Fed - The Department of Agriculture has announced standards that would for the first time allow meat to be labeled as grass fed only if it came from animals that ate nothing but grass after being weaned. But the trade association representing many raisers of grass-fed livestock, which has long sought regulation of labeling, criticized the standards, because they do not restrict the use of antibiotics and hormones and do not require grass-fed animals to live on pastures year round. The rules, which take effect November 15, 2007 would require animals to eat nothing but grass and stored grasses like hay, and to have access to pasture during the growing season, which is defined as the time from last frost to first frost. In some places that could mean from as late as May to as early as October. The new standards require growers to have their farm and records inspected by the Agriculture Department before they could use a “U.S.D.A. Process Verified” seal. Meat could also be labeled as grass-fed, but without the seal, if the growers submit documents showing their animals were raised according to the standards.

Fair Trade - Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based model of international trade which promotes the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods. The movement focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit etc. Fair trade's strategic intent is to deliberately work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency.

Food allergies are on the rise, with almost ten million people now suffering from some reaction!

As of January 2006, all food products must clearly say on the package if they contain any of the foods that are responsible for most allergies: milk, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, egg, crustacean shellfish or fish. And with more than 170 foods already identified as allergens, it's critical to read not only the front of the label carefully, but also each of the ingredients. One troubling designation is when you see the words “may contain” which is an unregulated label which is little more than a safety net for what's called unintentional "cross-contamination" of a food product. That is, a chocolate bar may not be made with peanuts, but it may have been contaminated with a trace amount of peanut because it was produced on the same manufacturing line as a peanut candy bar.

Gluten Free - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending that voluntary standards be established for the first time that would govern how gluten-free products are sold and labeled. The first draft of the FDA proposal suggests that "companies may label foods ‘gluten-free’ if they don't contain wheat, barley, rye or their hybrids, or if they contain fewer than 20 parts per million gluten." Currently, some companies use the label to describe products that are naturally gluten-free, such as fruits or meat — which fuels the deepening nutrition confusion taking place in our grocer’s aisles. Under the FDA's proposal, that would be misbranding. There is also confusion about cross-contamination, the gluten contained in oats, and also that modified food starch often contains gluten. A food with a "gluten-free" label may not be gluten free at all. Such products may contain trace amounts of the wheat protein — enough to trigger a reaction in some people.

Dairy Free - "Free" labels, such as "peanut free" and "gluten free," aren't regulated by the FDA. "Dairy free" can be particularly tricky. On the front, a product may say "dairy free," but on the back, casein/milk may be listed under ingredients. Examples of food advertised as "dairy free" that may contain milk: coffee whiteners, whipped toppings, imitation cheeses and some soft-serve ice creams.

And one of our favorite supermarket secrets is in the produce department!

The "PLU" label is that annoying little numbered sticker that is now on every piece of produce you buy. That’s called a “produce look up” (PLU) number that is designed to help the cashier properly identify the item. But it also has a secret code: Organic adds a '9' in front of the four digit PLU code. Example: an organically grown standard yellow banana would be '94011' and genetically engineered foods add an '8' in front of the four digit PLU code. Example: a genetically engineered standard yellow banana would be '84011'.

Tuesday's announcement from Washington made me chuckle. The Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard A. Raymond said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is going to try harder to protect us from E. coli contamination by expanding product testing and a quicker response time in recalling infected meat.

I’m not suggesting that Dr. Raymond’s statement isn’t an important step, or necessary; but in the wake of the second largest beef recall in our nation’s history its time for a bit more. According to FSIS there were 5 cases of E. coli recalls in 2005…so far in 2007 there have been 15.

So what’s their plan?

According to the agency, they have already increased testing by 75 percent since July of this year and their key initiatives that are targeted to federally inspected plants that produce raw beef are as follows:

-- Testing and analysis of trim.
-- Verifying control of E. coli O157:H7.
-- New checklist for verifying control.
-- Testing more domestic and imported ground beef components.
-- More rapid recalls.
-- Targeting routine testing.
-- Ensuring safety of imported beef products.

-- and…strengthen communications with public health partners, industry, and consumer representatives, as well as internally with inspection program personnel.

Not enough in my book. In fact, more rhetoric and the same old plan. So, no game.

One of the reasons that we are experiencing these huge recalls is that the factory farm system is broken. Years ago we had multiple suppliers of our foods, and while there were food safety issues, the amount of product that was tainted was just a fraction of today’s recalls. Perhaps there was a couple hundred pounds of product that became infected – but today it's tens of millions of pounds; and in today’s technology-driven communications cycle, there is no excuse for either the manufacturer or the government to not inform the public within minutes, not weeks. It’s amazing how quickly we can find out exactly which drive-thru Britney Spears is ordering a shake and fries at, and get it on the evening news.

Almost five years ago I did a report on TODAY that showed a new type of plastic packaging film for perishable foods that would actually change appearance if bacteria was in the package or if the temperature rose above the safe zone. For obvious reasons these technologies were not embraced by food companies; after all, what would they do with all those tainted packages?

What do you think the USDA and food companies need to do to insure the safety of our foods?

With over 40,000 products in the average supermarket, people don't have time (or the money) to test every product on the shelves – so we do it for you!

Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!

Each product is judged and taste-tested based on the following seven criteria:

1. (30 points) Taste: The most important attribute of any food

2. (20 points) Value: Is it worth it?

3. (15 points) Health: Based off the nutritional information, is it nutritionally balanced?

4. (15 points) Ingredients: What's in it, how natural is it?

5. (10 points) Preparation: When applicable, how accurate or good are the directions?*

6. (5 points) Appearance: Is it appetizing and does it resemble its photo or description?

7. (5 points) Packaging: Is it appropriate for the product and does it have any benefits such as reseal ability, added freshness, better storage, etc?

*Products that do not require any preparation will have the full value of these points included in their total score.

Blessed Botanicals Salt of the Earth

Calling all cooks! This gourmet product will add a little something different to your special dishes. Use in place of regular salt to add a delicious flavor to your meats, vegetables, or soups. Salt of the Earth contains a blend of organic French grey sea salt and organic herbs including nettles, astragalus root powder, minced onion, and minced garlic. It's much more expensive than regular salt, but a little bit goes a long way, and the resulting flavor is worth a little extra. Retails for $5.00/1.0-oz or $9.00/2.375-oz container.

Blessed Botanicals, Burnsville, North Carolina
1-828-682-7226
www.blessedbotanicals.com

Elations Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplement Cranberry Apple

Elations has introduced a drink that contains 1500 mg of Glucosamine and 1200 mg of Chondroitin, which are the generally advised amounts suggested as a daily supplement to be taken for two months, after which time an assessment should be made to determine if there is an improvement in joint function and mobility. Research appears to be inconclusive about the effects of taking these supplements as a preventative measure. Interestingly, for those who have shellfish allergies and avoid Glucosamine because it's derived from shellfish, this product uses Glucosamine that is derived from corn ... so it's safe for them; however, it's not labeled as such for those who have an allergy to corn! It recommends on the bottle tag that it tastes best when chilled; we found that the artificial flavor didn't really mask the taste of the supplements. Retails for $1.39-$1.49/8-oz resealable bottle.

The Elations Company, Cincinnati, Ohio
1-866-355-8471
www.elations.com

Chugwater Chili Steak Rub

Chugwater, Wyoming is the birthplace of the Chugwater Chili Steak Rub. It comes in a large 5-oz jar, but it would be great to have more space in the jar so you can give it a really good shake to let flavors of the garlic and spices come out -- without this, the taste of paprika dominates, and it seems a bit expensive for what it is. Retails for $6.95/5-oz.

Chugwater Chili Corporation, Chugwater, Wyoming
1-800-97-CHILI (972-4454)
www.chugwaterchili.com

Freschetta PizzAmoré Stuffed Breadsticks Cinnamon with Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling

This new product from Freschetta is taking brand extension a little too far -– what is essentially a doughnut is called a "Stuffed Breadstick"; the product really doesn't relate to pizza and might work better under a different brand name. In all fairness, oven preparation is recommended; the results of our microwave preparation were mediocre at best and very artificial tasting. If you're going to give this new product a try, we recommend you use the oven prep ... maybe that will add some of the pizzazz that's missing! Retails for $2.99/10.8-oz (two packs of three breadsticks).

Schwan's Consumer Brands North America, Inc. , Marshall, Minnesota
1-866-FRESCHETTA (373-7243)
www.freschetta.com

Gertie's Finest Artichoke Salsa

Here is what Katie R., from Ukiah, California, has to say about this product: "I loved this salsa! It has great flavors and textures. I love chunky salsas, and the artichoke flavor is wonderful. We eat it with chicken tacos or chips!" Retails for $11.50/33-oz jar.

PDM International LLC, Aptos, California
1-831-662-3933
www.gertiesfinest.com

Kozy Shack Old Fashioned Tapioca Pudding

Here is what Sheila J., from New Braunfels, Texas, has to say about this product: "What a disappointment! I really didn't like this product. The container boasts "highest quality, all natural" and "naturally delicious," but the pudding was gummy and had almost no flavor at all. Although gum is not listed in the ingredients, modified starch is, and you can tell. I will probably throw the rest of the pudding out." Retails for $0.99/6-oz cup or $3.00/22-oz tub.

Kozy Shack Enterprises, Inc., Hicksville, New York
(516) 870-3000
www.kozyshack.com

With over 40,000 products in the average supermarket, people don't have time (or the money) to test every product on the shelves – so we do it for you!

Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!

Each product is judged and taste-tested based on the following seven criteria:

1. (30 points) Taste: The most important attribute of any food

2. (20 points) Value: Is it worth it?

3. (15 points) Health: Based off the nutritional information, is it nutritionally balanced?

4. (15 points) Ingredients: What's in it, how natural is it?

5. (10 points) Preparation: When applicable, how accurate or good are the directions?*

6. (5 points) Appearance: Is it appetizing and does it resemble its photo or description?

7. (5 points) Packaging: Is it appropriate for the product and does it have any benefits such as reseal ability, added freshness, better storage, etc?

*Products that do not require any preparation will have the full value of these points included in their total score.

Naked Juice Probiotic Tropical Mango 100% Juice Smoothie

Probiotics are one of the hottest trends right now, and Naked Juice has introduced a terrific new product that combines probiotics and prebiotics with a healthful and delicious juice blend. Consumers need to be educated, and the labeling is clear and informative, but it would be nice if it went further to explain how the added probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium, actually works on our digestive tract. So, we will! Some research suggests bifidobacterium are believed to aid in digestion, are associated with a lower incidence of allergies, and are also thought to prevent some forms of tumor growth. In contrast to probiotics, the prebiotics are food substances intended to promote the growth and efficiency of the health-friendly probiotics. Back to the taste: it's terrific and a far better way to keep your body healthy than running to the pharmacy to renew your prescriptions. We need more products like this on our supermarket shelves! Retails for $2.99/10-oz resealable bottle.

Naked Juice Company, Azusa, California
1-877-858-4237
www.nakedjuice.com

Mr. Kook's Vegetable Curry

Here's a new and easy way to have delicious Indian food at home in a couple of simple steps; you simply add the jarred sauce to vegetables or meat, and you have an excellent, home-prepared curry. The Vegetable Curry has a nice, subtle taste –- each distinct flavor harmonizing well. For those who love Indian food, the flavor might be on the mellow side; but for the average American this is a very good, versatile everyday curry; easily an entrée with rice or a vegetable side dish. Only suggestion we would like to see is a smaller jar for those who are just cooking for one or two. Also available in Chicken Curry. Retails for $4.99-$5.49/16-oz jar.

Mr. Kook's, Keller, Texas
1-866-390-8396
www.mrkooks.com

Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar Added Strawberry Sensation

This is a great product for those on the run – with a handy shaker, it literally took 30 seconds to prepare, and it tastes good; flavorful and surprisingly not artificial. The packaging is very clear and lets consumers know why they need daily doses of the nutrients it contains. Of course there's no better way to start the day than giving yourself 30 minutes to sit down and eat a nutritiously balanced breakfast of whole foods, but for those days when that simply isn't possible, this might be a good alternative. With only 150 calories, it might not keep you going all the way to lunch, but it's a start ... and the office snack they suggest on the box sounds like a great idea for that mid-afternoon slump! The Strawberry Sensation flavor is available in a Variety Pack. Retails for $4.99/box of eight 0.705-oz packets.

Nestlé USA, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
1-800-289-7313
www.carnationinstantbreakfast.com

Tyson Any'tizers Homestyle Chicken Fries

These easily prepared, breaded chicken "fries" are an appealing new idea to the market. The all white meat has a good taste and texture, with a nice hint of paprika in the flavor. The batter is a little too thick, but as a result, they won't fall apart after cooking and actually look pretty appetizing. But then we took a look at the ingredients panel ... this product could be a huge hit if they went through a nutritional correction and removed all the artificial ingredients. In addition, it would be nice to see these in smaller sized portion packs or re-sealable packs, to avoid freezer burn for those who don't want to cook the whole package at one time. Retails for $3.49-$3.69/10-oz box.

Tyson Foods, Inc., Springdale, Arizona
1-800-424-4253
www.tyson.com

Vitasoy Organic Soymilk Chocolate

Here is what Sue M., from Arlington, Massachusetts, has to say about this product. "Finally there is a non-dairy drink that tastes like real chocolate milk and comes in a single serve size with a screw cap, so it's resealable. Delicious, convenient, healthy for people who can't have dairy!" Retails for $1.89/11.5-oz resealable bottle. Also available in Plain and Vanilla.

Vitasoy USA Inc., Ayer, Massachusetts
1-800-VITASOY (848-2769)
www.vitasoy-usa.com

New York Style Pretzel Flatz

Here is what Ann N., from Medinah, Illinois, has to say about this product. "Although tasty ... You bring home a bag of crumbs ... not one was a full size, smashed by the time it is purchased. Cannot serve these crumbs to anyone. Should be in a BOX." Retails for $2.50/6.0-oz.

Nonni's Food Company, Tulsa, Oklahoma
1-877-295-0289
www.newyorkstyle.com

September 15 to October 15, 2007 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Schools, organizations and cities around the country will focus their attention on the contributions of people of Hispanic heritage to the history of the United States. Hispanics bring together family and food better than just about any other ethnic group!

In Latino culture, tradition, family and the enjoyment of food are strongly intertwined. Family connections are strong, and are reinforced through frequent celebrations and social gatherings. Ranging from birthdays and baptisms to quinceaneras, graduations and holidays, good food is an essential element of the festivities. It is through the preparation of traditional Hispanic meals made from scratch, the use of spices and fresh ingredients and the act of cooking, that traditions are passed from one generation to the other.

One of the most interesting of the Hispanic celebrations is “The Day of the Dead” (Día de los Difuntos or Día de los Muertos in Spanish) which is typically celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. While the name of this holiday may seem morbid on the surface, it’s anything but! The celebration is all about honoring the lives of those who are deceased, and celebrating the continuation of their next stage of life.

There are many “Day of the Dead” celebrations throughout the US, some communities with a larger Hispanic population have created memorable events, like the All Souls’ Procession which now numbers almost 1,000 people parading through downtown Tucson. The best sources to find out what celebrations are taking place in your community can be found at Mexican and Spanish restaurants (or just Google the name of your city and “Day of the Dead”). It’s one of those celebrations that I for one have embraced and enjoy each year, and have borrowed and made part of my own culture.

With each new generation of immigrants to the United States come traditions and celebrations that renew the excitement and freedom of living in this country for us all.

With over 40,000 products in the average supermarket, people don't have time (or the money) to test every product on the shelves – so we do it for you!

Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!

Each product is judged and taste-tested based on the following seven criteria:

1. (30 points) Taste: The most important attribute of any food

2. (20 points) Value: Is it worth it?

3. (15 points) Health: Based off the nutritional information, is it nutritionally balanced?

4. (15 points) Ingredients: What's in it, how natural is it?

5. (10 points) Preparation: When applicable, how accurate or good are the directions?*

6. (5 points) Appearance: Is it appetizing and does it resemble its photo or description?

7. (5 points) Packaging: Is it appropriate for the product and does it have any benefits such as reseal ability, added freshness, better storage, etc?

*Products that do not require any preparation will have the full value of these points included in their total score.

Annie's Homegrown Honey Bunnies Toasted Oat and Corn Cereal

Dollar sales of the cereal category have experienced ups and downs in the last four years, falling 0.2% in the last year, according to data from The Nielsen Company. And we have been seeing many companies creating healthier versions of cereal to attract shoppers, by making them all natural and eliminating high fructose corn syrup. Another trend has been enriching cereals with whole grains, which in this case packs 9 g and that's great! This cereal tastes wholesome and satisfying. But there's that 75% organic labeling again that we've recently seen pop up on products. Yes, we're glad it's 75% organic, but the green circle logo is misleading since it looks so similar to the 100% organic label. How about trying a different color, just to make sure shoppers aren't being misled? Retails for $3.99/9-oz box.

Annie's Homegrown, Inc., Napa, California
1-800-288-1089
www.annies.com

Warm Delights Minis Chocolate Raspberry Decadence

This warm little dessert with only 150 calories per serving takes about 2 minutes preparation time, only 30 seconds of that in the microwave. The technology of this product is great and meeting the needs of Americans needing to save time. It's a delicious little snack and easy to make, but we wish it had more nutritional value. There's trans fats and a whole lot of artificial ingredients in this snack, and that is not meeting the needs of modern shoppers. Retails for $2.49/two 1.23-oz bowls.

General Mills, Minneapolis, Minnesota
1-800-446-1898
www.bettycrocker.com

Generation Max Milk Chocolate M&M's Cookies

If you have children that attend school, you might be seeing your counties, school systems, or even states taking steps to improve the nutrition of their students and to tackle the widespread child obesity issue. By creating new wellness and higher nutrition standards, schools have put into effect rules that ban food and beverages that contain high levels of sugar and fat. Good news for parents, but bad news for candy companies that have been kicked out of school. To offset the loss of sales, Mars, Incorporated has created lower sugar, lower fat candy products that meet the new standards for most states. This package of M&M's cookies contains 150 calories and 5 g of fat. That's a step, but it still isn't teaching kids about eating healthier and saving treats like candy and sweets for special moments and not every day at school. There's also still a lot of artificial ingredients, so it's still junk food. Retails for $0.85-$1.00/1.15-oz bag.

Masterfoods USA, Hackettstown, New Jersey
1-866-767-2253
www.mars.com

Crayons All Natural Fruit Juice Drink Wild Watermelon & Berries

This is clearly a beverage marketed for kids, but with school systems creating stricter standards on sugary beverages, we wonder if this one will pass ... if so, just barely. We find it a bit misleading that this company has labeled this product as having "SugarGuard Protection" and yet, in an 8-oz can, there's 19 g of sugar and 31 g of carbs. On a positive note, they did leave out the high fructose corn syrup and used all natural ingredients. Oh ... and why did they name it Crayons? Does anyone really want to drink a crayon? Retails for $1.24-$1.45/8-oz can. Also available 12-fl oz bottles and in Tickled Pink Lemonade, Kiwi Strawberry, Outrageous Orange Mango, and Redder Than Ever Fruitpunch.

Crayons Inc., Clyde Hill, Washington
(425) 881-7208
www.crayonsinc.com

Gnu Foods Flavor & Fiber Chocolate Brownie Bar

Here is what Sharon S., from Phoenix, Arizona, has to say about this product: "Super high fiber, healthy bar that actually tastes good. My husband thinks the chocolate flavor is desert!" Retails for $1.99/1.40-oz bar.

Gnu Foods, LLC
1-877-703-1085
www.gnufoods.com

Lipton Brisk Apple Flavored Green Tea

Here is what Joyce K, from La Salle, Illinois, has to say about this product: "Tastes like bottled apple juice with no green tea taste at all!" Retails for approximately $2.30/6-pack of 12-fl oz cans.

Unilever, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
1-888-LiptonT (1-888-547-8668)
www.liptonbrisk.com

Sure you’ve heard Olive Oil is good for you…but here’s why!

Olive oil has been an endless source of fascination since the earliest days of the Mediterranean people; and the same fascination seems to be in our supermarkets! We just can't seem to get enough olive oil varieties and brands.

These days trying to select among extra virgin olive oils from Italy, France, Spain or even California is more confusing than ever. But have you ever wondered just WHY Olive Oil is just so special?

It all started thousands of years ago as Greek myths attributed the creation of the olive tree to the goddess Athena, who crafted the fruit during a competition for the patronage of Athens.

Centuries after Athena’s invention, olives are grown all over the world. Spain tops the list of growers with 190 million olive trees, and accounts for 40-50% of worldwide olive oil production. Other major producers are Italy, Greece, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey and Syria, but olive oil hails from the U.S. (California makes 99% of the olive oil produced in the U.S.), Eastern Europe and Australia as well. The specific use of olive oil as a food flavoring is relatively new – in the last 50 years or so.

All olives start out green, turn color and eventually turn black. Any olive can be made into oil. However, varieties with high oil content and good horticultural characteristics are usually selected. Interestingly, only a small percentage of olive oil labeled as “Italian” or “Imported from Italy” is made from olives actually grown in Italy. Italy consumes more olive oil than it produces, so it imports oil from Spain, Greece and North Africa.

The health benefits of olive oil are dependant on olive variety and fruit maturity at harvest; oils with higher levels of polyphenols (antioxidant micronutrients) and monounsaturated fats are considered to be more heart healthy. The amount of polyphenols in a bottle of olive oil can be influenced by how the oil was processed, stored, and by its age. Non-refined or virgin oils have higher levels of phenols than more refined varieties. In fact, a recent Spanish study found that eating foods prepared with virgin olive oils that are rich in phenols may help ward off blood clots and boost heart health in people with high cholesterol. Because of the predominance of Oleic fatty acids in the oil, olive oil is classified as a monounsaturated fat – the fat proven to raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and E, olive oil has a high smoke point (410 degrees Fahrenheit), making it ideal for frying and sautéing.

As a general rule of thumb, the lower the acidity the better and smoother the oil, though the acidity level of a fatty acid cannot be tasted. Extra virgin olive oil (with an acidity level not exceeding 0.8%) is the best grade, made only by mechanical means, with no heat or other methods applied to extract the oil. Olive oil (without the virgin or extra virgin label) is a blend of refined and virgin olive oil. It is often refined when the olive oil flavor is less than perfect, and results in a lower priced option.

But read those labels carefully, lots of shoppers are surprised when they reach for an olive oil that is labeled “lite” or “light” – many think they are choosing a product with less fat or less calories –the only difference is an oil with less flavor or lighter in color!

Halloween is just around the corner and with more than 93% of children going trick-or-treating, it’s time to choose your favorite Halloween treats – and this year we figured we would give you a peek at what some of the newest candies are that are sure to make your house the favorite on the block!

Chocolate is always high on everyone’s list! 80% of adults choose to give out chocolate candy and 68% of kids say they prefer anything made with chocolate. But, don’t stop there... add some variety to your Halloween stash and with these new, fun and scary Halloween candies that are hitting the store shelves as you read this:


Halloween Safety Light with Candy
Ford Gum www.fordgum.com
A "light-saber" that lights up with the press of a button, it's filled with candies in the pumpkin head.

Ooz’n Eyeballz
The Foreign Candy Company, Inc www.foreigncandy.com
Marshmallow eyeball filled with a blue raspberry candy ooze (also available in cherry candy ooze)

Crazy Bones Lollipops
The Foreign Candy Company, Inc www.foreigncandy.com
A lollipop with a stick that is shaped like a skeleton foot

Marshmallow Pals
Frankford www.frankfordcandy.com
A marshmallow shaped like Frankenstein – the details are incredible!

Big Stuff Lip Pops Lollipops
Flix Candy www.flixcandy.com
Like a ring-pop, but when you put it in your mouth, it looks like you've got scary monster lips. Lots of fun!

Genuine Midnight Oil Broomstick Fuel
Bloomsberry & Co. www.bloomsberry.com
A bar of all-natural premium dark chocolate with 55% cocoa. The label says it's "For a cackling good ride." Great for adults too!

Snickers Crème Pumpkin
Mars Inc. www.snickers.com
Treat-sized chocolate in the shape of a pumpkin, filled with a more creamy caramel and peanuts without the usual nougat.

York Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Pattie Pumpkin
The Hershey Company www.hersheys.com
A pumpkin-shaped York Pattie with festive orange-colored peppermint filling.

Milk chocolate Crunchy Eyeballs
Madelaine www.madelainechocolate.com
Foil-wrapped chocolate balls that look like eyeballs

Solid Milk Chocolate Ghosts
Madelaine www.madelainechocolate.com
A set of foil-wrapped chocolates with cute ghost designs.

...and one of my favorites (not!)

Palmer Cellar Dwellers
RM Palmer www.rmpalmer.com
Chocolate shaped like cellar dwellers... rats, rats, rats and the occasional cat!


And remember…once your kids have their Halloween bounty help them to enjoy their candy in moderation by portioning it into small festive orange cellophane bags they can enjoy over the next few weeks- if stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool place candies can last three to six months. It’s a good opportunity to talk with your kids about the importance of nutrition and balancing holiday fun with healthy activities and sports.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF and words of caution:

1. Inspect all the treats you bring home before they are eaten.


2. Discard any treats in loose, open wrappers.


3. Read those labels and try to make substitutions so the allergy suffering kids don’t feel deprived...adults too!

With over 40,000 products in the average supermarket, people don't have time (or the money) to test every product on the shelves – so we do it for you!

Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!

Each product is judged and taste-tested based on the following seven criteria:

1. (30 points) Taste: The most important attribute of any food

2. (20 points) Value: Is it worth it?

3. (15 points) Health: Based off the nutritional information, is it nutritionally balanced?

4. (15 points) Ingredients: What's in it, how natural is it?

5. (10 points) Preparation: When applicable, how accurate or good are the directions?*

6. (5 points) Appearance: Is it appetizing and does it resemble its photo or description?

7. (5 points) Packaging: Is it appropriate for the product and does it have any benefits such as reseal ability, added freshness, better storage, etc?

*Products that do not require any preparation will have the full value of these points included in their total score.

Laxmi's Delights Organic Golden Flaxseed Spread with Dates and Orange Juice

Looking for something exotic and new? Look no more. This spread has a flavor made for bold and adventurous tastebuds. This spread is USDA certified organic and all natural. We have heard from recent studies that flax seeds are good for us for their high concentration of omega-3s. This product makes the claim of being "packed" with omega-3s, but they don't really tell us how much. Wouldn't want anyone to think they're getting the recommended amount of omega-3s needed from just a little bit of this spread. The price is a bit high as well, but for a really delicious gourmet spread, it may be worth the splurge once in a while. Retails for $9.99/8-oz jar.

Laxmi's Delights, San Ramon, California
(925) 833-0115
www.laxmisdelights.com

Back to Nature Bakery Squares Banana Walnut

The immediate attraction to this product is that the box boasts no high fructose corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils, and no artificial preservatives or flavors. And what's even better is that it comes in a small, but nutritious portion size that is neither too much nor too little. They taste pretty good, and we also like the fact that they are made with some 70% organic ingredients. However, we do find the 70% organic logo to be a bit misleading, being that it is a green circle similar to the 100% organic label. Retails for $3.49/box of five 1.05-oz bars.

Back to Nature, Madison, Wisconsin
1-866-536-6946
www.backtonaturefoods.com

Arico Cassava Chips Barbeque Bliss

Originating in Africa, cassavas grow much like potatoes. However, they pack twice as much fiber as the potato. These chips are being marketed as a healthier alternative to your usual potato chip. But nutritionally, they're not much different than your standard potato chip. The fat content is a little less (6 g compared to 10 g), but still about the same in calories (150) and sodium (180 mg), and more in carbs (18 g compared to 15 g). It's also unclear what oil is being used. The ingredients list palm or sunflower or safflower oil. We tried the Barbecue Bliss, and they do have a nice flavor, but for those looking for a big nutritional difference, this just isn't enough to substitute for the flavor of most potato chips. Retails for $2.99-$3.29/5-oz bag.

Arico Natural Foods Company, Beaverton, Oregon
1-866-98ARICO
www.aricofoods.com

Campbell's Select Healthy Request Italian-Style Wedding Microwavable Bowl

These microwavable soups are such a convenience for busy Americans, but the problem with soup has always been all of that sodium! According to data from The Nielsen Company, dollar sales of canned soup grew by 3.6% in the 52 weeks ending 08/11/2007. Perhaps the category's growth is a result of companies offering healthier versions. This Healthy Request Italian Wedding soup has 35% less sodium than the regular Campbell's version. However, there's still 480 mg per serving, and this microwavable dish contains 2 servings (1 cup), so if you have it for lunch, you've just consumed 960 mg (40% daily value). That's still too much, but at least it's a step in the right direction. And having grown up in New Jersey, where you can get real Italian Wedding Soup ... the recipe needs a little more work. Retails for $2.59/15.3-oz bowl.

Campbell Soup Company, Camden, New Jersey
1-800-257-8443
www.campbellsoup.com

Dreyer's Slow Churned Light Ice Cream Limited Edition Pumpkin
Here is what Kristin A., from Bryan, Texas, has to say about this product: "This seasonal ice cream treat hits the spot without adding to your waistline! The creamy pumpkin taste, rich with seasonal flavors, only supplies 100 calories for each 1/2 cup; what's not to love?! The tastes are right on with everyone's seasonal favorite -- fresh pumpkin pie." Retails for approximately $4.99/1.75-qt.

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Oakland, California
1-877-437-3937
www.dreyers.com

Zoe's Peanut Butter Paradise Bar
Here is what Antoinette S., from Hicksville, NY, has to say about this product: "I bought this bar because I was excited to see another energy bar on the market for women and made by women. I bought the Peanut Butter Paradise, but unfortunately, it was not so. The bar had a bad aftertaste, almost like I could taste the added omega-3 vitamins. They also offer the bar in chocolate but I am not sure if the aftertaste can be masked." Retails for roughly $1.00/1.69-oz bar.

Zoe Foods, Needham, Massachusetts
(781) 453-9000
www.zoefoods.com