KIDStrong is a vitamin enriched, electrolyte beverage that is designed for kids on the go. It contains 22 vitamins and minerals and is actually a lot lower in sugar than you would think -- just under 4 1/2 grams of sugar per bottle. The taste is obviously geared to someone who is more concerned about hydration than flavor; and what's with this 'KIDStrong four stage complex carbohydrate blend' in the ingredients? Looks like they are trying to do a little too much branding. Retails for $0.99 - $1.39.

KIDStrong LLC
Fair Haven, NJ
888 302 0236
www.KIDStrong.com



Dave's Gourmet Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

This product is a HIT!

When I first met Dave, he used to wear a straightjacket at the food shows. In those days his primary product was Dave's Insanity Hot Sauce. Well, he doesn't wear a straight jacket anymore; he's built a high-quality food company, and this gluten-free Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is another example of his success. Many of us have tried pumpkin ravioli with a butter and sage sauce and liked it, so it was only a matter of time until someone took the idea inside out and created this Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce that you could use on any kind of pasta. My recommendation is also to try it on fish or chicken. I love the fact that Dave also tells us that the squash comes from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Way to go, Dave! Retails for $8.99.

Dave's Gourmet, Inc
San Francisco, CA
800 758 0372
www.davesgourmet.com


Seeds of Change Rishikesh Microwave Whole Grain Brown Basmati Rice

This product is a HIT!

Rishikesh is an area in the foothills of the Himalayas and nearby are basmati rice paddies. Seeds of Change has put together a tasty, healthy and affordable way to get your daily recommended serving of whole grains. This microwaveable package cooks the rice perfectly in just 90 seconds and the package seals in the flavor of the basmati. Retails for $3.39.

Seeds of Change
Santa Fe, NM
888 762 4240
www.seedsofchange.com



Petrini's Classic Italian Dressing

  This product is a HIT!

Finally, there is a salad dressing that contains not only no high fructose corn syrup, but no sugar whatsoever. Petrini's is a wonderful blend of olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic and spices. It is not cloying to the taste. This recipe will enhance the flavor of the greens, instead of just drenching them. Retails for $4.99.

Petrini's of Santa Barbara, Inc
Santa Barbara, CA
877 683 7499
www.petrinidressings.com



Spicy Nutty Girl Almonds

What do you get when you mix a tacky package design, a nutty girl and almonds? Well you get 6 ounces of almonds that retails for $7 -- that's the equivalent of just under $19 per pound of almonds. Yes, there's a little spice added, but my recommendation would be to save your money and add your own spices. I love almonds -- they are one of the healthiest nuts -- but I also don't want to get ripped off. Retails for $7.25.

Nutty Girl, Inc.
Carrollton, GA
No phone number available
www.nuttygirl.net


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.

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