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! (Points system explained below the products!)

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

Yog Active: Crunchy Wheat Flakes with Probiotic Yogurt and Real Raspberries and Strawberries

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Total
30	17	14	13	n/a 10	5	5	94

This product is a HIT!

This new cereal has a nice appearance and once I got past the thought of eating a breakfast cereal that was made in Germany I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor and real pieces of fruit. Unlike so many other cereals on the shelves today which contain unappetizing dehydrated fruit, these pieces actually look and taste like the real thing, even before being reconstituted with milk. This is a cereal that both kids and adults will enjoy and with the high fiber content and lower than usual sodium and sugar content, it seems that the journey from Europe was worth it after all! One last note on the packaging: the aluminum interior bag will really keep the cereal fresher and is much better for the environment. Available in other flavors.

Retails for $4.99 / 350 g.

Belgo & Bellas
Quebec,
Canada
888 863 4918
yogactive.com

Bissinger’s Naturals: Pomegranate White Tea Gummy Pandas

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Total
30	17	14	13	n/a 10	5	5	94

This product is a HIT!

These gummy pandas are nicely formed and even have eyes – very nicely designed with a very good flavor. I love that they’re organic, not overly sweet and colored with black carrot juice. They have a good mouth feel and no aftertaste unlike most gummy candy. The package states that the ingredients of pomegranate and white tea are sources of natural antioxidants. I’d love to see the actual amounts of antioxidants per serving included on the package. Besides that one criticism this great product is the kind of candy a mother could give to her child (and herself) without feeling too guilty!

Retails for $13.50 / 1 lb.

Bissinger’s
St Louis, MO
800 325 8881
www.bissingers.com

True North: Peanut Crisps

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Total
28	17	13	13	n/a 10	5	5	91

This product is a HIT!

This new product from True North introduces an interesting new category that combines a “cracker” with nuts. These “nut crackers” have a good flavor and are nice and crunchy. I like that there are no preservatives and nothing artificial and love that they come in a re-sealable bag. The only negative thing about this product is that it is a little overly cute in terms of marketing. I like the idea of this product, but I’m not looking for a snack to guide my life. Available in other varieties.

Retails for $3.29 / 4.5 oz.

TrueNorth c/o Frito-Lay, Inc.
Plano, TX
877 422 8493
truenorthsnacks.com/

Utz Multigrain Sunflower Chips: Cheddar Cheese Flavor

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Total
25	18	12	11	n/a 10	5	5	86

This product is a HIT!

Utz is a great potato chip company – love them! When I first looked at the description of these chips I was dreading the taste, but have no fear: each element is nicely balanced and the cheddar cheese flavor is not overpowering. It’s great that they are made with a significant amount of whole grains ensuring 16g per serving. They have an ingredient profile that’s not perfect, but is better than a lot of chips. I just wonder if these chips are cheesy enough to deliver enough cheddar flavor for cheese lovers. Available in other flavors.

Retails for $2.99 / 10 oz bag.

Utz Quality Foods, Inc.
Hanover, PA
800 FOR SNAX
utzsnacks.com

Twist Organic Juice Water: Mango Acai Flavor

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Total
15	18	11	11	n/a 10	4	5	74

I like this idea – a splash of flavor in bottled water to stave off the boredom of your daily water intake. However, the splash of flavor in this product results in 5 grams of sugar per bottle which is not such a welcome addition. Add to that the confusing label which touts the organic heritage (of course the use of organic agave and organic mango and acai flavors is to be applauded), but the “Ultra Premium Water” leaves me scratching my head, and is followed by an artificial and unappealing flavor which thankfully dissipates quickly. A lot of thought was put into the design of the bottle, but alas that’s not enough to save this particular flavor of this new product.Available in other flavors.

Retails for $1.69 / 19 fl oz.

Talking Rain Beverage Co
Preston, WA
800 734 0748
www.talkingrain.com

Points System:

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.

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More from Phil Lempert:

• More new product reviews
• Get more tips and information on Today Show on iVillage