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.

Twelve Non-Alcohol Beverage

It’s the holiday season, and for some party-goers a non-alcoholic beverage is a nice alternative for the non-drinkers or the designated driver. However, seems like the pressure from the war and economy has reversed the trend a bit. Data from The Nielsen Company shows dollar sales of non-alcoholic wine in the 52 weeks ending December 1, 2007 only up 1.9% this year as opposed 4.9% in 2006.

“Twelve” attempts to offer a more sophisticated version of your typical non-alcoholic wine by using a combination of organic black, white and green teas with a citrus essence suggested by its makers to complement food. However, the strong aroma of this beverage seems a bit overwhelming to pair with food.

We also wonder why the combination of the three different types of teas, which don't have any major differences, is better than just sticking to one tea. Although the brand name "Twelve" is meant to imply that the non-alcoholic beverage is appropriate for the hours from noon to midnight, it still seems like the company is trying a little too hard to push the product. And as a non-booze cocktail mixer, it's a bit pricey.

Dairyland, The Chefs' Warehouse
Bronx, NY
(718) 842 8700
www.twelvebeverage.com
$7.50/ 25.4 oz bottle

ReddRox Vital Hydration

Although this beverage marketed as hydration for athletes has the great health attributes such as no sugar, no caffeine, and no calories, we find it a bit misleading. The beverage lists South African red bush needles as an ingredient, which is more commonly known as roobius tea, which has as many antioxidants as green tea. That's a good thing, so why don't they just say its tea? According to data from The Nielsen Company, liquid teas are a hot product, growing in dollar sales in the last year by 25.4%. One would think the makers of this beverage would want to capitalize on that instead of hide from the fact that its tea. Apparently they are concerned that "tea" may be less appealing to athletes.

Reddrox, Inc
Eagle, Idaho
1 866 557 1313
www.reddrox.com
$1.69-$1.99/ 16.9 fl oz RTD bottle

V8 Low Sodium 100% Vegetable Juice

V8 juice has been around for more than 70 years, but for those looking to keep their sodium intake at a minimum, the regular version of this drink may be out of the question. A low sodium version (75% less) couldn't come at a better time, when there is more discussion than ever about reducing sodium levels–and taking a look at the volume of lower sodium foods shows an increase of 17% this year alone. On trend. On taste–it’s V8 with a lot less salt.

Campbell Soup Company
Camden, NJ
1 800 871 0988
www.v8juice.com
$3.79/ six pack 5.5oz

Fresh Green Garbanzos

Garbanzos (also called chickpeas) are a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber and a good source of protein. Similar to an edamame snack, these are easy to heat up in the microwave for a fresh tasting, healthy snack. (Although we would prefer a smaller sized bag as an option for just one or two servings at a time!) The Nielsen Company shows canned garbanzo beans up in dollar sales this year by 10.2%. But we think these bagged garbanzo beans make a much for a fresher and more appealing way to enjoy this vegetable. Makes a great snack for kids too!

Califresh of California, LLC
Bakersfield, California
559 875 1602