Jones GABA Nectarine Tea Juice Flavor

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Sustainability	Total
8	10	10	13	5	5	5	2	52

This product is a MISS!
I'm a huge fan of Jones' sodas - they are typically more flavorful and they use real sugar, but the new Jones GABA (which stands for Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) is a miss. This product touts focus and clarity, but the reality is that I don't care how much GABA there is - it tastes horrible - and by the way the nectarine flavor is not from nectarine juice, but from grape juice with natural flavors. Retails for $2.99.

Jones Soda Co
Seattle, WA
800 656 6050
www.jonesgaba.com




Land O Lakes Butter with Olive Oil

Taste	Value		Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Sustainability	Total
29	17		15	15	5	5	5	0	91

This product is a HIT!
I like butter and I like olive oil - so this product was a very interesting concept. We've already seen mayonnaise and olive oil - so this is logical. Land O Lakes Butter with Olive Oil tastes good, no question. I'm still wondering how I would use it besides on bread. I didn't try to cook with it - but that's next. It does contain almost half the amount of saturated fat of regular butter, which is great. Retails for $2.59.

Land O Lakes, Inc.
Arden Hills, MN
800 328 4155
www.landolakes.com



'Tis Tasty Mild Peppery Relish

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Sustainability	Total
27	16	14	15	5	5	5	1	88

This product is a HIT!
If you are looking for a fresh tasting crunchy relish - this is the one! 'Tis Tasty, which is made in Oregon is not too vinegary and with BBQ time upon us, this might just be the perfect no fat condiment for your hot dogs and hamburgers. Retails for $4.50.

'Tis Tasty, LLC
Gold Beach, OR
877 364 0422
www.tistasty.com






Garlic Gold Sea Salt Nuggets

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Sustainability	Total
26	16	14	15	5	5	5	1	87

This product is a HIT!
The concept behind Garlic Gold (combining toasted garlic with olive oil and sea salt) is brilliant. This recipe though, is a just a tiny bit off; there is just a pinch too much sea salt - but still worth your time and tasting. It has a great aroma and without doubt adds great crunch and flavor to salads, pastas and even a baked potato. Retails for $5.49.

Seven Oaks Farm
Ventura, CA
800 695 7673
www.garlicgold.com






Bhuja Original Mix

Taste	Value	Health	Ingredients	Prep	Appearance	Packaging	Sustainability	Total
29	19	13	14	5	5	4	0	89

This product is a HIT!
The only mistake this company has made is not putting this great tasting, satisfying, gluten free snack mix in a clear bag so we could see just how great it is. It is made from yellow peas and chick peas and loaded with green peas and peanuts - and it has a nice, spicy burn AND has 5 grams of protein per serving. It is made Down Under; you know that's what the Aussies call their homeland. It gets a thumbs up from me! Retails for $2.95.

MJS America, LLC
Buffalo Grove, IL
847 307 5216
www.bhuja.com




Phil taste-tests and judges each product based on the following 8 criteria:

1. Taste (30 points): the most important attribute of any food
2. Value (20 points): is it worth it?
3. Health (15 points): based off the nutritional information, is it nutritionally balanced?
4. Ingredients (15 points): what's in it, how natural is it?
5. Preparation (5 points): when applicable, how accurate or good are the directions *
6. Appearance (5 points): is it appetizing and does it resemble its photo or description
7. Packaging (5 points): Is it appropriate for the product and does it have any benefits such as resealability, added freshness, better storage, etc.
8. Sustainability (5 Points): is the packaging biodegradable, is it wasteful, is the company endeavoring to offset their carbon footprint?

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