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Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!
Weaver’s Coffee and Tea The Blend Coffee Beans
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 |
18 |
14 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
5 | 97 |
This product is a HIT!
Well, you might already know this, but we'll say it anyway: WE LOVE COFFEE (check out our newsletter Coffee Chat NewsCoffee Chat News if you don't believe us) and when we first received our package of Weaver's we instantly noticed the rich aroma that was powerful enough to even make its way through the vacuum sealed bag. Typically coffee varieties that have any kind of "blend" reference in their name make us wary right off the bat. However, this was one of the best cups of coffee we've ever had. Needless to say, the actual recipe is proprietorial, but Weaver's did divulge that this blend contains seven of John Weaver's, the master roaster's, favorite beans that have been roasted at 3 different temperatures. Hmmm, very mysterious; something to ponder as you sip. The only improvement we could even think of would be Fair Trade Certification; as long as that delicious taste isn't affected. Other varieties available.
Retails for $14.99 / 16oz.
Weaver’s Coffee and Tea, San Francisco, CA
800 328 1178
weaverscoffee.com
Kahiki Naturals Vegetable Egg Rolls with Flaxseed Wrapper
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 29 |
18 |
15 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
5 | 97 |
This product is a HIT!
We really like this new product from Kahiki and we love the idea of using the same packaging technology that cooks make microwave popcorn to cook the eggroll, making it nice and crispy. Also, we love that they are using flaxseed. We found the veggie filling to be nice in appearance, crunchy and tasty. Another thing we love about this product is the fact that "Product of USA" is printed on the package, even though it's not yet required by law. And finally, we had a little surprise in store for us when we looked at the nutritional info for the sauce (which we found extremely sweet) and discovered that it actually only contained 2 g of sugar. Other varieties available.
Retails for $4.99 / 9.75 oz package
Kahiki Foods Inc, Gahanna, OH
888 436 2500
kahiki.com
South Beach Living Chicken Santa Fe Style Rice and Beans
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 15 |
17 |
13 |
12 |
10 |
5 |
5 | 92 |
The front of the package touts "WHITE MEAT CHICKEN", but the ingredients tell a different story in parentheses, where "cooked white chicken" is actually a mixture of chicken breast, rib meat and modified food starch – yum. The taste of the chicken can only be described as horrible, but we were surprised that the rice and beans were actually tasty. Good protein count, but otherwise? Other varieties available.
Retails for $2.75 / 9 oz package.
Kraft Global Foods Inc, Northfield, IL
800 932 7800
southbeachdiet.com/kraft
Smart Ones Fruit Inspiration Orange Sesame chicken
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 10 |
17 |
11 |
7 |
10 |
4 |
5 | 60 |
This product is a MISS!
It never ceases to amaze us how much those products that are designed as healthy alternatives miss the mark over and over again. This new offering from Weight Watchers called "Fruit Inspirations" is definitely not smart at all and couldn't be less inspiring. The overall flavor is as bland as the breaded chicken itself and we have to wonder if "breading" the chicken is really the best use of calories in a diet meal. There is a category this product might win though; this product would be a contender in the "longest list of ingredients" category without a doubt. Available in other flavors.
Retails for $3.99 / 9 oz.
Heinz North America, Pittsburgh, PA
800 762 0228
EatYourBest.com
Kim and Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels Original Twisted Omelette
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 15 |
15 |
13 |
12 |
10 |
4 |
4 | 73 |
This product is a MISS!
We saw this product at Expo West and were really excited about it – after all, anyone who grew up in New York and went to school in Philly has a genetic pre-disposition to love anything "soft pretzel" – that is until you take a bite of this one! If you read the description on the package "stuffed with eggs, peppers, onions and real mozzarella cheese" you might be lulled into thinking that's what this pretzel will taste like when you bite into it, but what hits your taste buds first is just SALT ... flip that package over and it's no wonder with 1170mg of sodium; nothing else is getting a chance! We also thought it was curious, (and perhaps illegal), that this company chooses to print in bold those nutritional facts they feel are more important (or healthful) – fiber and protein – while the rest of the nutritional analysis (not nearly as healthful) is in regular print. Is it just us or is this somewhat misleading to consumers? Lastly, we found the microwave instructions to be less than exact and our pretzel was mushy on the outside and cold in the center. Available in other flavors.
Retails for $2.79 / 6oz.
Kim and Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, Chicago , IL
800 57 TWIST
kimandscotts.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.
Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a Brazilian berry originating from the Amazon Region that is considered one of nature's most complete and healthy foods. Acai is a palm tree that grows in the North of Brazil. It is known by the native people (indigenas) as "içá-çai", which means “fruit that cries”.
Many actually call it a “super food”. The acai berry is loaded with antioxidants, anthocyanins (approximately 20-30 times the amount in red wine), amino acids, essential fatty acids (all the beneficial fatty acids that are in olive oil to help lower LDL and maintain the good HDL), fibers and protein. Its antioxidant concentrations outweigh that of blueberries. Acai contains a healthy dose of plant sterols, another class of phyto-chemicals that have been shown to reduce cholesterol, protect the immune system, and relieve prostate enlargement.
The cardiovascular benefits of acai are the most well-known; studies show that anthocyanins can help prevent blood clots, improve blood circulation, relax blood vessels, and prevent arthrosclerosis. Some recent studies from the University of Florida indicate that acai may even fight cancer cells by blocking carcinogenesis on a molecular level and encouraging tumor cell death.
- Bison is the new beef
- Garbanzo is the new edamame
- Grapeseed is the new olive oil
- Stevia is the new Splenda
- North Carolina is the new Napa
Other content from Phil:
Garbanzo Beans or chickpeas are the most widely consumed legume in the world.
Buffalo (American Bison) were the Plains Indians' primary food source and once numbered in the tens of millions; but by 1900 they were nearly extinct with only 13 live American Bison left, all in the Yellowstone Park area. Today there are over 300,000 buffalo with about 280,000 being raised on private ranches.
In a front page article on July 11, 2007 in the San Francisco Chronicle, Noah Diffenbaugh, (an assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences at Purdue University) cautioned that Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara counties' grape-growing industries at the end of the century would be eliminated due to Global Warming. And while most of us may not be concerned about which wines we may be drinking in 2100, winemakers in North Carolina are hoping to get a running start.
Grapeseed oil is a polyunsaturated oil and can be used to fry, bake, sauté, or use in salad dressings. It is actually made from the seeds of grapes (Vitis viniffera), and this byproduct of winemaking has become a sought-after oil for cooking because of its high smoke point (320ºF.) and its clean light taste some call neutral, others find nutty. It blends well with herbs, spices, garlic, and shallots. Most grapeseed oil is imported from France, Italy or Switzerland with a few brands now emerging from the U.S. winemaking areas.
Stevia Rebaudiana is an herb in the Chrysanthemum family which grows wild as a small shrub in parts of Paraguay and Brazil. The glycosides in its leaves, including up to 10% Stevioside, account for its incredible sweetness.
One could argue that tennis is one of the most civilized activities. This past week I was lucky enough to spend time in Indian Wells California at the Pacific Life Open tournament. Those who know me surely would agree that my beat is much more pedestrian – the aisles of a supermarket or the kitchens of a restaurant; but I went not to just watch tennis…but also to check out the foods.
Supermarkets, restaurants, and tennis tournaments all cater to large groups of people, each with their own unique tastes; and trying to satisfy all these needs can be a daunting task. After all, even Starbucks, one of the best when it comes to customer service (whose coffee combinations number over a thousand) just announced scaling back their offerings in order to do a better job in delivering on that famous Starbucks experience.
However, if you have ever watched a tennis tournament you have experienced the power of the “thank you”. The tennis referee at the men’s finals between Novak Djokovic and Mardy Fish was able to use his dulcet tones to instantly quell the sold-out and at time overly enthusiastic stadium attendees with just two words.
And it was the same civility that I found at the dozens of food “tents” scattered around the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The offerings far exceeded my expectations (as did some of the prices): salads made on the spot with exotic or organic ingredients from Melissa’s Produce, fresh meats grilled on outdoor barbecues to be added to a colorful array of Mexican sauces and peppers for one of the best fajitas I ever tasted, a shrimp burger (which was a tasty alternative to a more traditional beef burger) and even a delicious Maine style lobster roll.
I knew I was in for a food extravaganza when I noticed that rather than the traditional Budweiser everywhere stands, there were Don Julio tequila margarita thatched huts in their place.
So what could food retailers learn? To celebrate! What I found the most important was that the people working in the food venues at the Pacific Life Open were enjoying themselves as much as those attending the matches. Trying to feed thousands of people at a time (3 meals a day) is certainly a daunting and tiresome task as anyone who has worked in a food stand or attended a county fair would attest; but the folks standing behind their counters weren’t rushing the customers, they took the time to explain some of the more unusual offerings and actually seemed to be happy to be there. My suggestion to the food retailers and restaurants of the world? Make sure to attend next year’s Pacific Life Open. For food ideas, service ideas and maybe even to recruit employees that actually know how to say thank you, and mean it.
Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!
Helen’s Kitchen Thai Yellow Curry
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 29 |
18 |
15 |
15 |
10 |
4 |
5 | 96 |
This product is a HIT!
We like this product a lot! The curry sauce is terrific; the flavor is very good and unlike so many prepared frozen dinners the ingredient list is simple and doesn’t read like a list from chemistry class with 20 or 30 ‘components’. Sometimes we’ve found vegetarian options to be a little lacking in flavor compared to their meaty counterparts – but that’s not the case here. There’s a nice balance between the vegetables, rice and tofu (although the tofu cubes are smaller than they look in the photo on the box) and it all works together nicely. And of course we love that this product is certified organic. Other varieties available.
Retails for $4.89 / 9 oz.
Helen’s Food Inc
Irvine, CA
866 328 8638
helensfoods.com/
White Toque Chocolate Domes
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 |
18 |
13 |
13 |
10 |
5 |
4 | 93 |
This product is a HIT!
Irresistible! That’s the only word that springs to mind to describe these “Chocolate Mouse With Hazelnut Crunch and Crème Brulee Center” frozen desserts! The mousse has a very nice consistency – not too aerated; rich and satisfying and not overly sweet as you might be expecting. The flavor is great and we found the combination of chocolate mousse and crème brulee heavenly! These mousses (or should we say meeses?) are perfect for entertaining, or as a relaxing solo treat (we suggest pairing with a good French White Burgundy – yep, they’re that good!) Our only complaint is about the packaging: the two piece container does keep the domes in place and protected, but it doesn’t prevent freezer burn – for such a high-end product we’d like to see them wrapped in cellophane too for extra protection. Also, a quick word of warning: the package directions say to leave the dessert to thaw in the refrigerator for 2 hours, but we think you might find it too soft – we suggest about 45 minutes. Other flavors and varieties available.
Retails for $6.99 - $7.99 / 6.3 oz ( 2 domes).
White Toque, Inc
Secaucus, NJ
800 B FROZEN
whitetoque.com
Marie’s Greek Vinaigrette with Feta Cheese and Garlic
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 29 |
18 |
13 |
12 |
10 |
5 |
5 | 92 |
This product is a HIT!
This great new product tastes really nice, with a full-bodied, very satisfying flavor. There is something we find odd, though: on the label it makes a claim we’ve never seen before: “Contains less than 2% High Fructose Corn Syrup”. So they obviously recognize that this is something consumers are trying to avoid, so we’re wondering: why not leave it out altogether and use sugar instead? We were afraid the flavor would be overpowering, but it isn’t and we’re thrilled to see that Marie’s are taking kitchen health and hygiene into account with the new pouring bottle shape instead of the wide jar that had to be spooned for serving, inviting in bacteria with each use.
Retails for $3.59 - $3.79 / 11.5 fl oz.
Ventura Foods
Brea, CA
800 339 1051
maries.com
Cool Soup Creamy Mango Spice
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 20 |
17 |
11 |
11 |
10 |
5 |
5 | 79 |
We were really excited to try this new product; we love the idea – ready to eat, drinkable soup – and we love the packaging, but unfortunately that’s where the love-fest ends! The Creamy Mango Spice flavor is really sweet and the combination doesn’t work as well as we thought it would. The flavors seem to be fighting each other; and one look at the ingredient list tells us why, peaches and apple juice follow mango on the list and the aroma of peach is overpowering, while the apple juice flavor just doesn’t work well with chili pepper. If Go Appetit had stuck to just mango we think this would have been great, but as it is they should have called it “Mango, Peach and Apple Spice” – it’s a bit misleading as it is. It’s rich in potassium, which is great, but packed with sugar - 26 grams - which we find excessive. Available in other flavors. Retails for $2.49 / 8 oz bottle.
Go Appetit foods
Houston, TX
866 7767940
goappetit.com
Snyder’s of Hanover Butter Sesame Pretzel Crackers
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 15 |
15 |
13 |
12 |
10 |
4 |
4 | 73 |
In 2009 Snyder’s of Hanover will celebrate their 100th anniversary – congratulations, Snyder’s! Unfortunately if they want to be around for another 100 years they might want to consider dropping this product. While you certainly do get a hint of butter aroma upon opening the bag it is quickly overwhelmed by the aroma of palm oil – and no wonder: check the ingredients of these “Butter Sesame” pretzels and you’ll see that there isn’t any – butter, that is. There is butterfat and natural flavors, but no actual butter. The package suggests piling on smoked salmon or chicken salad for serving – we can only hope you don’t try either – let’s just say we don’t think this flavor would be complementary to either one. Lastly, we’d like to see these pretzels in a re-sealable bag for storage. Available in other flavors.
Retails for $3.49 / 18 oz bag.
Snyder’s of Hanover, Inc
Hanover, PA
800 233 7125
snydersofhanover.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.
Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!
Mission Multi-Grain Flour Tortillas
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 |
18 |
15 |
13 |
10 |
5 |
5 | 96 |
This product is a HIT!
These new multi-grain tortillas taste great (slightly sweet, which is nice), and come in a re-sealable bag which we love. There’s only 1g of sugar, but much more sodium than we were expecting: 340mg. If you compare to a slice of whole wheat bread that has about 80mg, there’s a significant increase.
Our only real complaint is that the texture of the tortilla is rougher than an average tortilla and we’re worried about cracking when you make a burrito – but it’s a small price to pay for all that great fiber – we love this product!
Retails for $3.99 / 17.5oz.
Gruma Corp
Irving
TX
800 443 7994
missionfoods.com
Oscar Meyer Deli Creations Flatbread Sandwich
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 |
16 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
4 |
5 | 74 |
If you scroll down you’ll find a flatbread sandwich that got panned and so in contrast we thought we’d include this product to review in comparison.
The bread on this sandwich is thinner and the crust is better – the susceptor included in the packaging cooks it well and thoroughly. The chicken is tender, if a little over-seasoned and there is little resemblance to the photo – especially as the wrap around paper in the image is nowhere to be seen in the actual product – which would make it easier to eat. For what it is this product does actually work well – although we have to say that all the over-packaging is not good for the environment. Available in other varieties.
Retails for $2.99 / 4.9 oz package.
Kraft Foods Global, Inc
Northfield
IL
1 800 222 2323
oscarmeyer.com
Oscar Meyer Lunchables Juniors Snack Combinations
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 20 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
10 |
3 |
2 | 65 |
This new product is aiming for convenience for moms and fun for kids with Honey Grahams in a Teddy Shape, Mozzarella sticks (not actually cheese, but Cheese Product) and Strawberry Yogurt Flavored Dip in separate parts of the container. Well, we'd like to see a kid trying to open this package without making the contents fly across the room - in which case they won't be needing a spoon - which is just as well because there isn't one! If the concept is to use the "yogurt" as a dip only - well then it's just plain messy and the flavor combo doesn't make much sense to us. Unfortunately, we have to say this product is probably the opposite of what we should be giving our kids for a snack. Available in other flavors. Retails for $1.99 / 4.53 oz (2 packs).
Kraft Foods Global, Inc
Northfield
IL
1 800 222 2323
oscarmeyer.com
Lean Cuisine Flatbread Melts Chicken Philly
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 5 |
17 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 | 29 |
This product is a MISS!
Nestle, Inc
Solon
OH
800 993 8625
leancuisine.com
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.
Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!
Weight Watchers Cream Cheese Spread Individuals
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 27 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 90 |
This product is a HIT!
Not only do we love the portion control aspect of this new product from Weight Watchers, but surprisingly we also love the taste! We say "surprisingly" because we're used to the gummy taste and texture of other low-fat cream cheese options and we're happy to say it's missing from this one. They've done a nice job with this product; there is a faint aftertaste, probably because it contains inulin, but it's not at all unpleasant. Our one criticism is that while they are touting that the product is pre-biotic on the package they don't explain what "pre-biotic" actually means – and we want consumers to get the info they need. Available in larger packages as well. Retails for $3.29 for 8 individual 1 oz cups.
Schreiber Foods, Inc
Green Bay , WI
800 344 0333
Del Monte Healthy Kids Enriched Peach Chunks
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 85 |
This new product from Del Monte is setting our teeth on edge, not to mention giving them cavities; fruit is so naturally high in sugar to begin with, is it really necessary to add this much, resulting in 14g OF SUGARS per half a cup serving? Having said that, the peaches are nice and crispy and don't have an overly sugary taste. Keep in mind the vitamins are in the syrup, so if you're thinking of cutting back on the sugar by draining the liquid you'll also be draining most of the enriching additives. However this product looks great and tastes great and we'd like to see it individual portions so you don't have to deal with leftovers. Available in other flavors. Retails for $1.88 / 15 oz can.
Del Monte Foods
San Francisco, CA
800 543 3090
Maxxed Energy Pop
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 20 | 19 | 5 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 79 |
By putting this new Energy Pop in an individual can the makers are trying to build on the Redbull phenomenon – and in their effort to be cute they are ignoring everything we are trying to do to save Mother Earth! Like most energy drinks this pop has a putrid color and unlike most energy drinks this actually tastes good – due to the high levels of sugar and corn syrup in the ingredients. The question is whether or not a beverage can deliver the "rush" from Taurine, caffeine and Ginseng etc, better than licking a lolly pop for 15 or 20 minutes. The product states that it's not for kids and if you take it to the gym you might have a nasty accident – so we're wondering just who is this product is meant for? Retails for $1 / pop.
Charms, LLC
Covington, TN
773 838 3400
Everybody’s Nuts California Pistachios Salt and Pepper Flavor
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 76 |
We've been watching this brand for the last couple of years and while it is a clever gimmick to promote "Big, Open Pistachios" with the guarantee that every pistachio will be open, the reality is the product has to do a lot more. These pistachios are at least twice as expensive as other brands, but that's not even what bothers us most – which is that the flavor itself is very misleading: "Salt and Pepper" gives the impression that all that is added is salt and pepper – so to find sugar and other flavors added is disappointing – especially as it's not even a sweet flavor! We'd also like to see the plastic bag re-sealable for optimum freshness. Available in other flavors. Retails for between $2.99 and $3.99 / 7 oz package.
Everybody’s Nuts
Lost Hills , CA
Morning Star Farms Veggie Cakes
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 15 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 74 |
Here's a new product for all the vegetarians out there – but right off the bat we have a problem with this one – aren't most people choosing a vegetarian diet for health reasons? Well, one look at this ingredient list with all the unpronounceable items and you might be thinking this product is the antithesis of "healthy" ... frankly, when we think of a vegan or vegetarian diet we don't think of chemicals. The taste of the cakes is very bland, with only a hint of teriyaki (in this case, probably a good thing) and you can't taste the ginger. There's much more of a rice taste than vegetable; with carrots as the 4th ingredient they seem to be making an appearance for color only - perhaps if they renamed the product "Rice and Soy Cakes" it would be more realistic. Also available in Southwestern Style. Retails for approx $3/ 4 cakes (9.06 oz).
Kellogg Sales Co
Battle Creek, MI
800 962 0120
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.
Each week we will post the latest reviews and I hope you will log in to see what’s hot…and what’s not!
Yoplait Kids Yogurt Strawberry Banana and Peach Pack
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 28 | 19 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 95 |
This product is a HIT!
This is a great new product for kids – it has 25% less sugar than other yogurts designed specifically for kids, which is terrific! We love that it’s not overly sweet and actually has a YOGURT flavor – a good way to teach kids what food should really taste like. We like the 100 calorie portion too. There’s a lot of info on the top of the package for mom – specifically about the health benefits – this yogurt contains DHA a “naturally resourced fatty acid that helps brain growth” and more info on the website about this important brain nutrient. But let’s not forget the pictures of Diego from Nickelodeon has great kid appeal on the package and on the cup itself which is designed just for kids – and can get them to feel good about eating a good for you food – smart and cute! Retails for $2.79 / six 4 oz containers in 2 flavors. Available in other flavors and varieties.
General Mills, Inc.
Minneapolis
MN
800 967 5248
yoplaitkids.com
Attune White Chocolate Probiotics Bar
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 26 | 18 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 88 |
This product is a HIT!
Inulin – the latest “hot” nutritional additive can be seen in many products these days – from breakfast cereal to cottage cheese. The makers of this tiny, new candy bar have added Inulin and probiotics to justify their claim that this is a “Powerhouse Probiotics” bar. It tastes good – a bit on the sweet side, but with only 7g of sugar that’s probably due to the inulin which can be sweet. There’s a grainy, but not at all unpleasant texture and a nice blueberry tartness to the flavor. This bar hits the spot if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat with less guilt. The only problem we have is with the labeling: there is no mention of just how much Inulin or probiotics are contained in each bar. Inulin is not well tolerated by everyone so it would be good to know how much it contains (it is the 4th ingredient) – probiotics can be taken daily, continually, but we would like to see consumers getting the info they need. Retails for $1.19/ 0.07 oz. Available in other flavors and varieties.
Attune Foods, Inc
San Francisco
CA
800 641 4508
attunefoods.com
Gold of the Gods
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 6 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 83 |
For the hostess who has everything, for the dinner party guest who’s impossible to impress – here’s something that might catch their attention … imported Italian extra virgin olive oil that contains edible gold leaf pieces! This tiny bottle priced at $25 for 3.38 fluid oz is an extravagance to say the least. The flavor of the olive oil is excellent, but we found it hard to get those little pieces of gold out in the first couple of pours; no matter how much you shake the bottle. The gold leaf looks pretty in the bottle, but if a dish is well seasoned, would you even notice a few gold flecks? This makes us think this product is more of a restaurant gimmick than for at-home use – perhaps if you really want to impress someone with over-the-top luxury, say for a Valentine’s dinner or special date, but even then you’ll probably have to point out the gold flecks in the romantic lighting – maybe this is a great conversation starter over the Caprese salad, but we’re not entirely convinced … Also for such an expensive item it would be nice to have a drip-proof bottle.
Easy Leaf Products
Los Angeles
California
310 471 3270
easyleafproducts.com
Traverse Bay Farms Pineapple Salsa Medium
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 26 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 87 |
This product is a HIT!
Here’s a mild and fruity new salsa that has a pleasant sweet taste and just the right amount of heat – although it may be on the mild side for those chili lovers out there. It also comes in peach, red raspberry and cherry. The pineapple flavor is not overwhelming and makes a nice change to regular salsa. The first ingredient is diced tomato and the second pineapple – which is great. Our one problem with this product is we’re wondering if pineapples aren’t sweet enough not to need a lot of extra sugar – so why is sugar the third ingredient? With 6g of sugar for a 2 tablespoon serving, it just seems excessive. Retails for $5.95 / 17 oz.
Traverse Bay Farms
Bellaire
MI
877 746 7477
traversebayfarms.com
Owater Blueberry Infused With Antioxidants
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 17 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 93 |
This product is a HIT!
Here’s a new product to rival all the artificially flavored sports drinks out there. It is refreshing, tastes great and has a bright blueberry aroma. The label states that it contains 21% of your daily values of vitamin C and Zinc, 6% of your daily value of vitamin E and 15% of your daily value of Folate per bottle – as opposed to just under half that per serving – BUT, when it comes to the sugar content, only 9g per serving is listed, while the 18.9g per bottle isn’t mentioned… hmmm, wonder why – is it because there’s more sugar in this health drink than in a bar of chocolate? Retails for $2.09 / 17 oz bottle. Available in other flavors.
O Beverages
Cambridge
MA
978 405 6300
owater.com
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.
You might well have noticed how the cooking oil shelves of supermarkets are expanding and getting just a bit more interesting. In our parents' day it was all about Crisco and corn oils; then in the mid 70's olive oils took over, to then be challenged by the canola oils.
Well, make room for grapeseed!
Grapeseed oil is a polyunsaturated oil and can be used to fry, bake, sauté, or use in salad dressings. It is actually made from the seeds of grapes (Vitis viniffera), and this byproduct of winemaking has become a sought-after oil for cooking because of its high smoke point (320ºF) and its clean light taste some call neutral, others find nutty. It blends well with herbs, spices, garlic, and shallots. Most grapeseed oil is imported from France, Italy or Switzerland with a few brands now emerging from the U.S. winemaking areas.
Besides the flavor, one of the reasons I like grapeseed oil is its health profile. High amounts of Omega 6 (linoleic acid) appear in grapeseed oil (69-78%) and help the body burn fat and increases energy. The oil contains modest amounts of Omega 9 (oleic acid) and traces of omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid, GLA (gamma-linolenic) fatty acids, and there are trace amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene. Health reports indicate that HDL levels can be raised and LDL levels reduced by including grapeseed oil as a regular part of one’s diet.
Just a note, or two (or three)!
As with all oils, unopened bottles have a shelf life of one to two years if stored in a cool dark place; opened bottles should be stored with the lid tightly secured (also in a cool dark place). Some prefer to store their oils in the fridge, which may cause some separation, but will not impact taste or cooking performance.
Look for ‘cold pressed’ oils; this process will not compromise nutrients and many (myself included) believe the taste of the oils to be crisper and cleaner flavor.
And of course, remember that all oils – no matter what the source or type – are 100% fat and have the same calories.
When we last wrote about the honey bees back in May of 2007, we received hundreds of emails from concerned readers who didn’t realize the impact that the honey bees have on our food supply. The reality is that the honey bee is involved in the production of about one-third of the foods that each American consumes on a daily basis. That translates to more than $15 billion dollars per year and has the effect on more than 100 crops.
The crisis is pretty straight forward: over the last several winters, more than 25 percent of the honey bee population in the United States has vanished, and the early reports from beekeepers show this continuing in 2008. This situation seems to have researchers and scientists stumped! Everything from poor nutrition to invasive mites to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) – a phenomenon where bees from a colony abruptly desert the hive and die – is affecting the bees.
Back in May of 2007, we interviewed on our radio show Kim Flottum, editor of Bee Culture Magazine, who lost half of his own hives last year . According to Flottum, the losses of honey bees due to CDD are over double the normal rate and while he isn’t panicking just yet, he predicts that if problems like CCD are not abated in the future, and the honeybee population drops to devastating numbers, the potential economic impact could be huge.
So what’s happened since? A few articles have been written, but even fewer food companies have paid public attention to the situation. With one exception: Häagen-Dazs.
And for good reason. About 40 percent of their ice creams include ingredients dependent on honey bees for pollination – including fruits, nuts and berries.
These days we hear a lot about companies being more environmentally responsible and focus on the global impact of food production. From where I sit, I couldn’t think of a better place to start than getting to the bottom of the honey bee dilemma. Häagen-Dazs has embarked upon a program to fund sustainable pollination and CCD research at Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, Davis. They’ve even put together a neat website to explain the situation in layman’s terms.
According to the company, there are ways we can all help, including creating a bee-friendly garden with plants that attract honey bees. All the details are on their website.
And wouldn’t you know it, it always seems to be that out of every stressful situation comes some good… this time it's their new Vanilla Honey Bee flavor, with a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this and all bee-dependent flavors going toward helping the honey bees research.
It’s time that all food manufacturers follow the Häagen-Dazs example and look at their supply chain – from start to finish; and do what they can to protect and replenish our natural resources.
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.
Ruth’s Chia Goodness for Breakfast
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 24 | 17 | 15 | 13 (not all organic) | 10 | 5 | 5 | 89 |
Remember in the 70’s when everyone wanted a Chia Pet on their kitchen window sill? Well it turns out those seeds not only grow amazingly quickly, but are also amazingly good for you to eat – containing lots of easily digestible protein, essential fatty acids, (particularly omega-3s), vitamins, soluble fiber, antioxidants and minerals. This is a healthy new product that is packed with nutrients and is a great low-calorie, filling breakfast alternative. The only thing we didn’t really love about it is the taste: Celtic Sea Salt is the last ingredient on the list, but the first one to hit your taste buds! The texture is good and all the other flavors merge well, just the initial saltiness is unexpected for a breakfast food – although we have to note that it’s not high in Sodium and is definitely worth trying for the health benefits. Retails for $7.50 / 12oz.
Ruth’s Hemp Foods Inc
Toronto
Canada
800 359 4508
ruthshempfoods.com
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers – Beef Merlot
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 12 | 20 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 63 |
Here’s the problem we have with these types of “healthy” dinners - the companies are so concerned with touting the number of calories per portion and how low the fat content is, yet at the same time they are not bothered about balancing this out with nutritious ingredients. One look at the long list of ingredients and you have to wonder if this is indeed a “Healthy Choice”? The flavor of the meat left a lot to be desired, although the taste and texture of the vegetables were good. The package instructions for preparation are accurate and easy to follow – so in terms of convenience at least it hits the mark, if nothing else. Retails for $2.99 / 10oz.
Con-Agra Foods, Inc
Omaha, NE
800-323-9980
healthychoice.com
Ivar’s Tartar Sauce
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 22 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 76 |
We think the opportunity exists for someone out there to create a tartar sauce that tastes good and isn’t loaded with preservatives (this one even has MSG), which really is a No!No! these days! The taste is very vinegar-y and very egg-y, with vinegar third on the ingredient list and eggs fourth – not too surprising. The bottom line is we just feel they could do a lot better. This product has been on the market since 1938 and as much as we love tradition and appreciate old favorites we think that in 2008, 70 years later, consumers don’t want to eat this way anymore. Would a few improvements to the recipe be that difficult? Also, for today’s market we’d love to see this product in a squeeze bottle, thereby avoiding spooning from the jar which could create food safety issues. Retails for $3.79/ 12.75oz.
Ivar's, Inc.
Seattle
WA
206 587 6500
www.ivars.net
Bali’s Best Coffee Candy
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 19 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 93 |
This is a new candy with a nice, sophisticated flavor. In fact, it doesn’t really taste like candy. It has a natural coffee flavor which is pleasing for all the coffee lovers out there – a candy for the adult palate. The first thing we noticed about this candy is that it is a product of Indonesia and the second is that cane sugar is the first ingredient – not the usual high fructose corn syrup. It would be really great to see how much caffeine content there is in a serving from the coffee extract which is giving the candy its rich coffee (instead of sugar) taste (which we love!). It would also be great to see this product in a re-sealable bag – although each piece is individually wrapped we think it would be a nice touch. Retails for $2.19 - $2.95 / 5.3oz.
Fusion Gourmet, Inc.
Gardena
CA
310 532 8938
fusiongourmet.com
Grana Padano Cheese
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 94 |
This delicious cheese is a great alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano with a very similar look, texture and mouthfeel, but without the salty tartness of Parmesan. It actually has significantly less sodium, (161mg per oz. compared to 454mg per oz. in Parmesan) so it's good for those watching their salt intake, or looking for an alternative that won’t compete with the flavor of a pasta sauce for Italian night! There is also less cholesterol (14mg compared to 19mg) so it’s more heart healthy and with more calcium than Parmesan (388mg compared to 336mg) and with significantly more than double the calcium in American cheese (162mg) we think this is a great choice, not just for its smooth, flavorful taste. The only draw-back is it’s a little on the pricey side: retailing at $14.99 per pound it’s a luxury, but a healthy one nonetheless and a little goes a long way.
Consorzio per la Tutela del Formaggio Grana Padano
Brescia
Italy
030 910 9811
GranaPadano.it
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.
Sunsweet Ones Individually Wrapped Prunes
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 98 |
New Sunsweet Ones Individually Wrapped Prunes is a very clever idea; great for kids, great for travel, great for the office and any time you're on the go. The individual wrappers make them perfect to throw into a pocket or bag for whenever you want a sweet treat, without the indulgence or guilt of candy or chocolate. An added bonus is that the wrapper seals in moisture – ensuring a softer dried fruit than from a large bag. Overall this is a great new product. The only thing about it we don't like about it is the name; we think they could have come up with something a little bit more imaginative… Retails for $2.35 / 7 oz container.
Sunsweet Growers Inc, Yuba City, CA
800 417 2253
sunsweet.com
Sweete Stevia Sweetener
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 28 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 86 |
Sweete is a "Naturally Grown, Zero Calorie Stevia plant extract" and it does taste like sugar. The texture is more grainy than sugar, but it has a good flavor. Native to South America and Central America Stevia is a species from the sunflower family. As a sweetener, Stevia's taste has a slower onset and more lingering sweetness than that of sugar and sometimes may have a bitter aftertaste – comparable to licorice. Sweete has avoided this by using two different extracts (Stevioside and Rebaudioside-A) and also by adding Maltodextrin and unidentified flavors in the ingredients. There are going to be many more Stevia based sweeteners appearing on your supermarket shelves in the future. It makes sense to go for one that is 100% Stevia rather than a blend and let your taste buds become aware of all different types of sweetness. Who said that the gold standard for sweet flavor had to be white processed sugar anyway? Retails for $7.49 / 1.75oz – 50 sachets.
Weider Global Nutrition, Salt Lake City, UT
800 435 3948
mysweete.com
Enjoy Life Sunbutter Crunch Soft and Chewy Snack Bar
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 22 | 19 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 85 |
Here's a snack bar with a difference – from a company that ensures that all their products are safe for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, which we love! This sunflower seed bar is different from most snack bars because it's not sweet – a great alternative to chips or pretzels for those snackers who don't have a sweet tooth. On the down side the Sunbutter Crunch is somewhat lacking in flavor. However our biggest issue is the package labeling – stating the products are "Allergen Free" on the label is just too misleading to consumers – in tiny type it concedes "Free of all common allergens". We think it would be a more fair claim to inform consumers that the product does not contain any of the 8 most common allergens (wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, fish and shellfish) – or casein, potato, sesame or sulfites – which is enough of a claim in itself without giving consumers the impression of false safety that makes them feel they don’t have to read the ingredients to be sure they are avoiding the specific allergens they need to. Enjoy Life have a wide variety of products. Retails for $4.50 / 5oz package containing 5 bars.
Enjoy Life, Schiller Park, IL
888-50-ENJOY
enjoylifefoods.com
Minute Ready to Serve Brown Rice
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 20 | 18 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 78 |
This new product from Minute Rice is great for convenience – it's pre-cooked, so it literally takes one minute. However, the pre-cooking results in a softer texture which is probably great for kids, but we're wondering if anyone accustomed to the nutty, chewy texture of brown rice would be really satisfied with this. The problem we have with this product is the high oil content (4.5g of fat in one tiny container) and the sodium content (175mg). For the sake of convenience the product is giving up health, nutrition and taste – way too much compromise in this era of innovation in the convenience food industry! Retails for $1.59-$1.69 / 8.8 oz (two 4.4 oz cups).
Riviana Foods Inc., Houston, TX
800 646 8831
minuterice.com
Slim-fast Optima Milk Chocolate Shake
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 22 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 65 |
New Slim-fast Optima has a very chocolate-y aroma and taste – so if you like chocolate this drink will satisfy your taste and aromatic cravings at least! Any kind of meal replacement beverage (or bar) has to be high on the flavor profile scale for anyone to stick with it, so this product might work for the choco-holics out there. However, we can't help thinking that if you want to lose weight it's about more than just fooling your taste buds with sweetness and chocolate taste – and with 18g of sugar and all the artificial ingredients, can this really be considered a healthy weight-loss choice? Food companies have to start to look at things holistically; shifting the focus towards balanced nutrition instead of trying to convince consumers that artificial taste and flavor is the path to weight loss and health. Available in other flavors. Retails for $6.69 / 6 cans.
Slim-fast, Englewood, NJ
800 211 9613
slim-fast.com
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.
Lays Classics Potato Chips Singles
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 28 | 20 | 13 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 96 |
What we love about this package, besides its convenient travel, snack and by default fewer calorie size, is that because of the air-tight process it prevents the chips inside from getting crushed and broken – so there isn't the usual slew of crumbs at the bottom of the package that you would usually find. This package also eliminates some packaging in the store – and what we also love about Lays is not only are they now cleaning up their packaging, but for some time now they have been simplifying their list of ingredients; potatoes, sunflower oil and salt – and that's it – and no palm oil – great!
Retails for $2.29 for 6 x 1 oz bags.
Frito-Lay Inc, Plano, TX
800 352 4477
lays.com
Love Candy Milk Chocolate
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 17 | 13 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 95 |
Here's a great new candy bar – excellent flavor, very good mouth-feel, excellent texture and a refreshingly simple list of ingredients which we love! No HFCS – of course it's high in sugar as any candy bar would be, but it's nicely put together and looks nice and somehow they managed to get the nuts to stay crunchy - not the usual mushy candy bar nut texture. I guess you have to say we love this candy!
Available in other flavors.
Retails for $1.99 / 1.5 oz bar.
Love Candy, Dallas, TX
214 965 8717
lovecandy.com
Banana Berry Flavor Smoothie
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 28 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 89 |
The great thing about new Yo on the Go is its shelf stable packaging which allows it to be stored without refrigeration. On the package it tells you to "Just Chill and Go" and its small 4 oz. size makes it a handy lunch box addition or travelling snack. It tastes good and it's a good flavor combo for kids. It is a bit high in sugar, but no more so than most of these juice beverages – we just wonder if adding Niacin, B12 and B6 – even though they have great health benefits – might not create a bit of a kid sugar-rush in this combination?
Available in other flavors.
Retails for $3.99 for 8 4oz packages.
Whitney's Foods Inc., Jamaica, NY
718 291 3333
whitneysfoods.com
Mini Chocloate Chip Cookies
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 20 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 77 |
The label on these cookies says they are "Nature Approved" and we just wonder that actually means – it seems as though it could be misleading to consumers who know they should be looking for more healthful options. There are no trans fats which is good, but the choice to use palm oil, even if it is non-hydrogenated, means you can taste it in the cookies. As for the all-important cookie texture, well, it isn’t chewy and it isn't crispy – they have their very own texture – it's crewy! The price of $6 for 7 oz. is on the steep side we feel, especially for a container that's basically a plastic take-out box and isn't particularly user-friendly for resealing and air-tight storage.
Available in other varieties.
Retails for $6 for 7 oz container.
Fabe's, Salinas, CA
818 901 7700
www.fabesnatural.com
Pasta Express Arrabiata
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 28 | 17 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 73 |
Now, we thought this would be an intriguing new concept in quick microwaveable meals, but by the time you go through the steps we wondered how much time you actually save compared to a stovetop preparation – at least you save on dishes, but combining the sauce and the water takes some time – it's just not as simple as it looks. That said the flavor of the sauce is good, as are the flavor and texture of the pasta – not at all soggy as you might expect. One serving is very high in carbs - over 60g and with over half the daily recommended amount of sodium. We're wondering if this product is worth all the effort.
Also available in Puttanesca.
Retails for $4.49 for 5.3oz package.
Italian Foods Corp, Oakland, CA
510 444 9050
www.pasta-express.it
You’ve heard for years how important and beneficial Whole Grains are, and if you are like most Americans you’ve actually started including them in your daily foods. We all know how important they are in helping cut cholesterol and aid in the prevention of heart disease. But did you know that they might just be the 2008 answer to cutting our waistlines?
A new study from Penn State University says that increasing one’s intake of whole grain products, in combination with a reduced calorie diet, can lead to the loss of dangerous abdominal fat and cut levels of C-reactive protein (a protein associated with heart disease).
That’s great news, but each week I get emails from shoppers who are still a bit confused about just what constitutes a whole grain, and what to look for on the labels.
All grains, like wheat, corn, rice, oats, rye, barley and even popcorn, actually start out as whole grains. In their natural state, whole grains include the entire seed of a plant. That seed, or kernel, is made up of three edible parts – the bran, the germ and the endosperm – and each part contains important nutrients.
While whole grain products include the entire seed of the plant, refined grain products do not. White bread, for example, is made from only the endosperm (the bran and germ are removed). This removal results in a loss of about 25% of the grain’s protein and many other important nutrients. Whole grains consistently provide more protein, fiber and valuable vitamins and minerals than refined grain items, and thus, are considered healthier.
Until this study, there appeared to be three main benefits of whole grains.
- Cardiovascular benefits include reducing bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Diabetes benefits include reducing Glycemic load and therefore, reducing strain on the pancreas.
- Lastly, inflammation benefits include keeping the body’s inflammatory responses in balance, reducing the incidence of allergic reactions, and reducing the onset of auto-immune diseases.
And now, perhaps we can add fighting fat to the list!
Technically, any product that uses the term “whole grains” on the label is required to have close to the same proportions of bran, skin and endosperm as the kernel does prior to processing. Whole grains can be consumed whole, cracked, split or ground, milled into flour, or made into breads, cereals and tons of other products. But the kernel does not have to be intact to count as “whole” grain.
Products can only say 100% whole grain if all their grain is whole grain, and they contain at least 16 grams – a full serving – of whole grain per labeled serving. Products bearing the basic Whole Grain logo stamp must contain at least 8 grams – a half serving – of whole grain. They may also contain some refined grain.
Another confusing label is “whole WHITE wheat flour” and is often confused for a refined flour. Whole white wheat flour is actually a whole grain flour made from WHITE wheat (as opposed to red wheat), yet still containing the bran, germ and endosperm of the original kernel. So it's critical to read the ingredient label carefully as some brands may contain both refined white flour and whole white wheat flour.
And here’s a tip you might not know: Whole grain products labeled “quick” or “easy” – like instant oatmeal or 90-second brown rice – generally offer the same healthy nutrients as their slower-cooking counterparts. Foods like these are simply pre-cooked or cut into smaller pieces to speed up the cooking process.
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.
Scarpetta Spreads and Dips Spicy Red Pepper
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 96 |
We love this company and brand, everything we’ve tasted has been excellent! And their new line of spreads and dips is no exception. This flavor, the spicy red pepper, succeeds admirably, it is 100% vegetarian, dairy, gluten free, low sodium and tastes great. Unlike a lot of dips and sauces on the shelves, there’s no sugar added and has a list of nice clean ingredients. We also found the crisp bite of the peppers (versus just pureed) perfect. This is a fabulous sauce for veggies, meat, fish, or to replace mayo in sandwiches.
NOT JUST FOR DIPS!
Imported from Italy.
Retails for $4.99/ 6.3 oz.
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seed Butter
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 91 |
Although the hemp food world is still struggling to be able to grow hemp crops here in the US, we still maintain our position that hemp is simply one of the best ingredients available. Most hemp foods are made in Canada for now, and available in limited distribution, but they are worth trying. This “butter” has a pleasant taste, more savory than sweet, and is definitely a food you would eat for the health benefits of the omega 3’s. As with all 100% hemp foods, this product contains no herbicides or pesticides. As we tasted we were thinking how luscious spreading a bit on toasted cinnamon raisin bread would taste. The product is packaged in a black container which is not particularly attractive, but which will importantly, keep the oil in the product from becoming rancid.
Retails for $9.99/ 10oz.
Froose
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 29 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 98 |
Beverages for kids are a challenge. How do you add good taste with good nutrition and have kids begging for more? Guess the secret is adding a moose (as the spokesperson, that is)! Froose is an alternative to those high sugar juice boxes for kids, it is low in sugar, tasty without cloying and a terrific product to teach kids that all beverages don’t have to be overly sweet to have great taste. It contains 3 grams of fiber (made from brown rice) and inulin. Inulin seems to be the ingredient of the moment and is starting to appear in hundreds of products. Inulin is plant based polysaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) and is used to replace sugar, fat, and flour. It actually contains a third to a quarter of the food energy of sugar or other carbohydrates and a sixth to a ninth of the food energy of fat. Inulin also increases calcium absorption and promoting good intestinal bacteria. Nutritionally, it is considered a form of soluble fiber, but too much can lead to gas and bloating for some people. Inulin has a minimal impact on blood sugar, and is considered suitable for diabetics.
Retails for 75c for 4.23fl oz.
Glory Savory Accents Cooking Base Turkey
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 15 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 52 |
The aroma and flavor is as close to a real turkey that you can get. However one taste and you’ll see that there’s a bit too much spice and a bit too much salt. You could argue that a base should contain these to get thru the proteins and sink deep into the meat. The wide mouth jar is a quandary for us – since there are multiple servings we would rather see it in a tube to keep it as fresh and bacteria-free as possible. Label touts natural smoke flavor, but also contains other non-natural flavors. For the cooks out there…don’t’ give up your own base recipe just yet.
Grandma Hattie Pearl’s Live Sprouted Mustard Honey flavor
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 28 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 92 |
A new condiment with health benefits? These mustard seeds are sprouted, ground and then dehydrated at 90 degrees which puts them into a dormant state until reactivated when consumed; according to the company, the active plant enzymes have high levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients – so this could be a healthy little boost to your sandwiches. It has a good, sweet flavor with much more emphasis on honey than mustard; we like that it’s organic and that they use agave syrup. The packaging is exceptional – unlike most flip tops it won’t drip and the slot shape makes for easy spreading on bread.
What do oysters, chocolate and avocados have in common? They are all considered aphrodisiac foods – that is, foods that ignite feelings of amoré in those who digest them. Aphrodisiac foods are known to stimulate blood flow while enticing the body through sensual sights, smells and textures. It is this combination of qualities that stirs the passions and awakens the senses.
Check out the full list of aphrodisiac foods now.
The word "aphrodisiac" actually comes from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and although medical science has never substantiated claims that certain foods actually kindle desire – in fact, a recent Italian study suggests that the aphrodisiac potential of chocolate is purely psychological – belief in the power of aphrodisiac foods dates back to ancient times.
Martha Hopkins, co-author of The New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook, says that historically speaking, items that were perceived as rare or hard to find – like coffee and chocolate, as well as items that resembled specific body parts – like asparagus or oysters, were considered aphrodisiacs. These days, the criterion for what is considered an aphrodisiac food is somewhat different.
“There isn’t much today that feels rare or is hard to find. Today, we look at the innate sexuality of the food itself, choosing foods that tap into the senses, like honey. We also look at turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The best aphrodisiac is nourishing your body and your relationship with good conversation, good food, and time spent together,” she says.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we decided to explore some of the more popular aphrodisiac food varieties to see what makes them tick. From bananas to garlic, pine nuts to grapes, aphrodisiac foods taste delicious and truly span the gamut.
Here is the full list of aphrodisiacs.
What food gets you in the mood? Tell us below.
Artichoke:
One of the oldest known foods, the artichoke is delicately meaty and filled with antioxidants. “Pull back the leaves of this incredible food, and you find that prickly choke playing hard to get,” says Hopkins. “Once inside, the delectable heart reveals itself.”
Avocado:
Sodium and cholesterol-free, avocados are nutritious, creamy and mild. “Filled with good fats and possessing a wonderful buttery texture, the curves of the avocado perfectly mimic the curves of a woman’s body,” says Hopkins.
Bananas:
With its rich, smooth taste (and obviously phallic shape), it’s no wonder that the banana has long been considered an aphrodisiac food. More scientifically, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins – two necessary components for sex-hormone production.
Chocolate:
The connection between Valentine’s Day and chocolate is more than just a marketing gimmick. Chocolate is a flavorful source of quick energy and has been known to elevate people’s moods. Why? Chocolate contains two related alkaloid stimulants – theobromine and caffeine. It is also rich in phenylethylamine, a compound that has effects similar to amphetamine.
Garlic:
Used for centuries in ancient Europe as an aphrodisiac remedy, garlic stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, aids in digestion and increases blood flow. It is said that the “heat” in garlic stirs sexual desires.
Ginger:
Before modern medicine, ginger was used to help relieve menstrual cramping. Ginger root is still used today to soothe the stomach. It also acts as a stimulant. As an aphrodisiac, ginger is thought to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and intestines. “And ginger is great for digestion,” says Hopkins.
Honey:
Golden, sticky and sweet, honey’s look, taste and texture make it alluring and mysterious. “This substance is glorious,” says Hopkins.
Oysters:
The classic aphrodisiac, oysters get a lot of attention for their mouth feel, especially when swallowed raw (and whole). They also get attention for their resemblance to the female genitals. Very high in protein, oysters are also rich in zinc and iron – nutrients that help in the transport of oxygen and stimulate metabolism.
Pine Nuts:
Chock full of zinc, a key mineral in maintaining male potency, pine nuts have been used to stimulate libido since Medieval times. “Pine nuts have good fats and an extremely velvety texture,” says Hopkins. “They fit well as an addition to pasta dishes and lighter dishes, like salads.”
Vanilla:
Aromatic and seductive, the smell and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase feelings of lust. Some studies have shown that vanilla can raise levels of catecholamines, or adrenaline, in the blood.
And here are a couple of Martha’s favorite recipes that she shared with us to make sure we have a sensational Valentine’s experience!
Curried Oysters with Chardonnay
What food gets you in the mood? Tell us below.
Remember when it was all about “fat”?
Just a few years ago, you couldn’t walk into a supermarket and not be attacked by thousands of packages touting their low, no, or "less than" Fat Labels. These days, it seems that our obsession to avoid fats has been replaced with more positive claims including whole grains, rich in antioxidants and, of course, all those miracle herbal ingredients.
Fats are a mystery to consumers, says a recent International Food Information Council (IFIC) report. Based on research conducted in mid 2007, IFIC found that while many of us do recognize common fats labeling and ingredient terms, many of us are unclear as to which fats to eat more or less often. So as we look around and continue to see our waistlines increasing, perhaps its time to rediscover “fats”.
Certainly the perception of fats as “bad” is a feeling held by many of us. In fact, the 2007 IFIC Foundation Food & Health Survey has been trending consumer attitudes toward fats for a couple of years and the findings are very illuminating. Concern with the amount of fat consumed is on the rise, up 6% from 2006. Awareness of certain types of fats, like trans fats, is up from 2006 too. Yet the awareness of other fats, like polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, is down significantly. So it appears that its time for a refresher from the American Heart Association:
Saturated fat
Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol. Saturated fat is found mostly in foods from animals and some plants. Foods from animals include beef, beef fat, veal, lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat, butter, 
cream, milk, cheeses and other dairy products made from whole and 2 percent milk. All of these foods also contain dietary cholesterol. Foods from plants that contain saturated fat include coconut, coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil (often called tropical oils), and cocoa butter.
Hydrogenated fat
During food processing, fats may undergo a chemical process called hydrogenation. This is common in margarine and shortening. These fats also raise blood cholesterol. The saturated fat content of margarines and spreads is printed on the package or Nutrition Facts label.
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are the two unsaturated fats. They're found mainly in many fish, nuts, seeds and oils from plants. Some examples of foods that contain these fats include salmon, trout, herring, avocados, olives, walnuts and liquid vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, safflower, canola, olive and sunflower. 
Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats may help lower your blood cholesterol level when you use them in place of saturated and trans fats in your diet. But a moderate intake of all types of fat is best. The AHA recommends keeping total fat intake between 25 and 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
Trans-fatty Acids and Hydrogenated Fats
Unsaturated fatty acids can be in one of two shapes — "cis" and "trans." These terms refer to the physical positioning of hydrogen atoms around the carbon chain. The cis form is more common than the trans form. Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are found in small amounts in various animal products such as beef, pork, lamb and the butterfat in butter and milk. TFA are also formed during the process of hydrogenation, making margarine, shortening, cooking oils and the foods made from them a major source of TFA in the American diet. Keep trans fat intake to less than 1 percent of total calories. For example, if you need 2,000 calories a day, you should consume less than 2 grams of 
trans fat.
When asked about the perceived healthfulness of specific oils, a majority of the IFIC survey respondents correctly identify olive and canola oils to be healthful. However, remember the most important rule – all oils are 100% fat, and for most of us consuming less fat is a good thing.
Last week, in the middle of the afternoon, I had the urge for a snack. As I was walking down the streets of New York, passing by food store after food store, I finally decided that a banana in the chill of January, was just perfect.
As I peeled the skin back I realized just how little I actually knew about what is one of my favorite fruits. All the attention these days seem to be on those berries that are rich in antioxidants, but what of the bright yellow seemingly always available (and affordable) banana?
I made a note. This week we discover the banana! And also found out that it's possible that over the next few years we may have to search a bit harder to find one of our favorite fruits.
First off, it's important to note that this fruit - sweet, soft and season-less – is available year-round – and bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber.
Bananas have been in cultivation since recorded history began. Some horticulturists believe that bananas could have been the Earth’s first fruit; here in the U.S. It was at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition that the banana was officially introduced to our shores.
Unlike the depiction in cartoons, bananas don’t grow on trees. They grow on plants that are related to the lily and orchid family. Bananas need temperatures around 80°F, an annual rainfall of about 79 to 98 inches, moist soil and good drainage. That means most bananas are grown between 30 degrees North and 30 degrees South latitude. As the largest plants on earth without a woody stem, banana plants are fragile and require intense care – including the clearing away of jungle growth, and propping to counter bend from the weight of heavy fruit.
Heat and humidity speed up the ripening process, so bananas must be maintained at 58 degrees Fahrenheit during shipment. Once they arrive in North America, they are ripened in a controlled environment. Many bananas are ripened artificially with ethylene gas – a substance that triggers maturation.
One of the few fruits that ripen off the plant, bananas sweeten considerably as the starch inside the fruit converts to sugar. The color of the peel is the ultimate determining factor for a banana's readiness for market. On a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 being hard green, and 7 being flecking and brown, most bananas ship to retailers at color stage 3.5 (more green than yellow). Interestingly, bananas can be stored in the refrigerator until desired ripeness is achieved. Even though the skin will turn brown, the fruit inside will be delicious and not overripe.
There are hundreds of varieties of banana plants, though not all produce bananas. The main store varieties include Cavendish bananas – the commercial variety available in most local supermarkets, Dwarf or Finger bananas – smaller versions of the Cavendish, Apple bananas – a short, plump variety with an apple taste, and Red bananas – sweet, chunky, creamy bananas with a red skin that turns purple when ripe.
On average, Americans consume over 28 pounds of bananas each year, with over 96% of households purchasing bananas at least once each month. That’s why it’s hard to believe – especially in light of these numbers – that the future of the banana is actually extremely uncertain. Since each banana is a genetic duplicate of the next, the fruit is extremely susceptible to blight.
The Cavendish, the most well-known variety, is currently battling a blight called Panama Disease, for which there is no cure. The disease has already ravaged the crop in many Asian nations, including virtually all the crop in Malaysia. It has even spread as far as Australia. Although the disease has not yet reached Latin America, which supplies all of the bananas we eat in the U.S., it could appear here within the next 20 years.
But before we panic, this isn’t the first time that bananas have faced such a threat and survived. For the first half of the 20th century, consumers enjoyed a banana known as the Gros Michel. By the 1960s, however, the entire crop had been devastated by the same Panama Disease that is now threatening the Cavendish. The more disease-resistant Cavendish moved in to replace the now extinct Gros Michel. So we may have our bananas after all, but who knows just what variety and what they might be called?
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.
NUT-rition Digestive Health Mix
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 27 | 17 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 86 |
This is the latest addition to the Planters NUT-rition line. This special blend of expertly roasted almonds and pistachios, cherries and cranberries, and toasted grain clusters was designed to help promote healthy digestive function by delivering a good source of fiber in each serving. The Mix is also low in saturated fat and sodium, and cholesterol free. This new mix joins a line of five other Planters nut snacks that are specially blended to address important nutrition and wellness needs. Retails for $5.49/9 oz canister.
Kraft, Northfield, IL
800 323 0768
planters.com
Sweet Fiber
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 85 |
With the 20.8 million people in America that suffer from diabetes, according to The American Diabetes Association, here's another alternative for those looking to control sugar intake. Not only is this a zero calorie, but all natural sweetener Sweet Fiber is boosted with fiber which offers consumers a great natural alternative that helps them feel fuller so they can reduce their caloric intake and be more successful in achieving their weight loss goals. The FDA recommends 25-30 grams of fiber a day. Adding three packets of Sweet Fiber to the diet provides the same amount of soluble fiber as a serving of oatmeal or a slice of whole wheat bread - with no after taste. Because the sweetener is combined with fiber, Sweet Fiber is the first prebiotic sweetener, providing fuel to the good bacteria in the lower intestine, which contributes to overall digestive health. The sweetness in Sweet Fiber comes from white luo han guo, (a fruit extract from the melon family) coupled with chicory root fiber or inulin (a vegetable root that occurs naturally in plants and vegetables) and other natural flavors. Sweet Fiber comes in 50-count box of individual packets ($6.99) and a 250g shaker ($8.99).
Purpose Foods, Monrovia, CA
626 574-1600
sweetfiber.net
Ian's French Bread Pizza
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 27 | 17 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 86 |
Ian's Natural Foods, a leading creator and manufacturer of high-quality, all-natural foods has introduced a new pizza line which includes a Gluten Free Recipe French Bread Pizza . It is estimated that one in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease, a lifelong autoimmune intestinal disorder, that is triggered by gluten. In the last few years, more studies on the disease, have lead to more and more food companies offering gluten free foods for what was previously considered an uncommon condition. Made with soy cheese, this pizza also contains no wheat, milk, casein, nuts or eggs. And for a healthier food product, and it doesn't sacrifice taste! Data from The Nielsen Company shows gluten free frozen pizza increasing in dollar sales by nearly 160% in 2007. Retails for $6.59.
Ian's Natural Foods, Revere, MA
800 54 FOODS
iansnaturalfoods.com
Frosted Flakes Gold Energy Cereal
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 23 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 74 |
From the makers of the number one seller in the cereal aisle comes Frosted Flakes GOLD: made with 10 grams of whole grains and baked with honey in order to provide an enhanced nutritional profile and more energy. Whole grains deliver more long lasting energy from the complex carbohydrates that take longer for our bodies to break down. According to data from The Nielsen Company, dollar sales of cereal have been in the red for the past four years, decreasing most recently by 0.7% in 2007. We like the added whole grains, but we were a little disappointed to see that they're still using high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. If you're going to make it healthier by adding the whole grains, why not go all the way and make it all natural. Kellogg's has also partnered with kid's sports groups (Little League, Girls on the Run, American Youth Soccer Organization) to create the 5 Golden Rules of Sportsmanship which appears on the box. Retails for $3.99 / 16.9 oz box.
Kellogg’s, Battle Creek, MI
frostedflakes.com
Consumer Nominated Products
Tropicana Fruit Squeeze
Linda Kaldeck from Natick, MA says this product is a HIT!
"The reason I nominated this product is because I have been told to drink lots of water, but get tired of plain water. This beverage has only 20 calories in an 8 ounce glass, and is very refreshing. It has a light fruity taste that my family enjoys. I only wish it came in larger bottles. It is only sold in a 6 pack of 15.2 ounce bottles."
Tropicana Products, Inc, Chicago, IL
800 237 7799
tropicana.com
SoyJoy Bar
Tracey Duncan from Ellijay,GA says this product is a MISS!
"I nominated this highly-advertised product because it looks good and sounds terrific! It is touted as a very healthy and delicious snack bar that is commonly found in the supermarket energy bar aisle. I received a free sample of the berry in the mail and was unimpressed. The texture is akin to play dough and the taste - well let's just say the entire package contents ended up in the trash. I got brave (or, stupid?) and purchased an apple flavored bar with a coupon they included with my sample and the results were the same. The bars were strange in texture and flavor ... What were they thinking!?"
SoyJoy, Mission Hills, CA
888 676 9569
soyjoy.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.
Simple Harvest All Natural Fruit Bars
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 88 |
New from Quaker, these chewy granola bars are an all-natural snack made with whole oats, whole wheat and barley, with real fruit, nuts or chocolate. Each bar is naturally sweetened and contains 2 grams of fiber and two grams of protein, no cholesterol and zero grams trans fat. The ingredient list is short and simple, which makes for a much more wholesome alternative to similar snacks that have ingredient lists that sound more like science than food. The good news for this company is that data from The Nielsen Company shows that dollar sales of granola bars went up by 12.6% in 2007. Available in 3 flavors : Dark Chocolate Chunk, Cinnamon Brown Sugar with Apples and Cranberries, and Honey Roasted Nut.
The Quaker Oats Company
Chicago, IL
800 856 5781
quakersimpleharvest.com
$3.69 / 6 x 1.65 oz bar
Sweet Simplicity Sweetener
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 24 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 83 |
While sugar substitutes showed minimal growth in dollar sales in 2007 (only 1.5%, according to The Nielsen Company), there are still a large amount of Americans with a sweet tooth that may find themselves in positions with their diet and health to stay away from sugar. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. There is particular concern for diabetes in children, which is on the rise. In the past, sugar substitutes have been notorious for their bitter, artificial flavor, but here's an all natural one that tastes closer to the real thing than most. The sweetening ingredient is a sugar alcohol called Erythritol, which has fewer calories than sugar.
Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC
Chicago, IL
800 958 7337
sweetsimplicitysweetener.com
$9.99/30 packets equaling 6.4 oz
Purple
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 24 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 80 |
The Purple Beverage Company has combined seven of the planet's most powerful antioxidants in the formula for its new beverage - PURPLE. All-natural with no sugar added, it combines the exotic acai ("ah sigh ee") berry with six other antioxidant-rich juices, including: black cherry, pomegranate, black currant, purple plum, cranberry and blueberry. The University of Florida did a study recently that found, in a cell-culture model, that this little tropical berry causes leukemia cells to kill themselves. The berry worked in up to 86 percent of the tests. Much like when pomegranates became all the rage, products with the acai berry as an ingredient are popping up more and more. The price is definitely high for 10 ounces of juice, but not that far off from what many people spend on a coffee drink at their local coffee shop.
Purple
Purple Beverage Co
Fort Lauderdale, FL
877 34 SEVEN
drinkpurple.com/
$3.99 / 10 fl oz
Crystal Light LiveActive On The Go Nutrient Enhanced Drink Mix
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 22 | 16 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 74 |
This drink mix is great for keeping in your purse, briefcase, or glove compartment to add a little flavor and nutrients to your water. It contains a prebiotic fiber called inulin to help increase daily fiber intake and naturally regulate the digestive system. Available in Natural Mixed Berry and Natural Raspberry Peach flavors. Each 10-calorie beverage is enhanced with 3 grams of prebiotic fiber and 100% daily value of vitamin C. The only downside is the artificial sweetener used, aspartame, which may be a turn off to some consumers.
10-count package, $4.59 for 14-count package.
Kraft Foods Global Inc
Northfield, IL
800 431 1002
LiveActiveFoods.com
I have to admit that when it comes to milk I’m prejudiced. My grandfather was a dairy farmer in New Jersey and while I was growing up milk, butter and ice cream were among the staples of our daily diet.
When per capita milk consumption started its decline in the early 1970’s (mostly because boomers switched to that brown bubbly stuff instead), the dairy industry was caught unprepared. Then the dairy farmers and their marketers woke up and offered up lots that were new: packaging, products, flavors, hip advertising and even more "healthier" offerings. Milk met the trends head on with added nutrients and, of course, going organic.
These days there seems to be some rumblings in the dairy case; and before we know it, we may just be hearing lots of thunder and lightning that may send us running back to the milk case to read those labels.
Food safety issues keep me up at night, which is why I stand by the new dairy standards that were enacted in the State of California on January 1, 2008. These new regulations set a limit on the amount of coliforms that may be contained in milk (no more than 10 coliforms per milliliter), which in most cases means the milk will have to be pasteurized to meet the regulation. Coliforms are very common bacteria, most of which are not harmful, and producers of raw milk products contend that it is these coliforms in their milk which actually make it healthier by promoting a stronger immune system.
It is commonplace for raw milk producers to already be testing their products for E. coli, salmonella and other harmful pathogens, which is why the rumblings are starting. California health officials contend that raw milk producers should be able to meet the standards, which are critical to insure food safety. The producers disagree and contend that consumers should be able to have the freedom of choice.
I’m all for freedom of choice down the aisles – after all, the average supermarket today offers us almost 50,000 different products from which to choose; but if 2007 has taught us anything about the foods we eat, it would have to be our need for stricter food safety standards.
What’s your opinion? Should the raw milk producers be allowed to market their products as is?
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
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 15 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 67 |
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
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 17 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 86 |
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
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 15 | 10 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 84 |
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
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 25 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 87 |
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
It is obvious that our lawmakers aren’t watching television, listening to the radio, reading newspapers or magazines…or reading SupermarketGuru.com.
After scathing reports on how under-funded the USDA and FDA are these days, we bet on the fact that the folks in Washington DC had finally woken up and heard the pleas from shoppers (as well as just about every food trade group) that implored them to increase the budgets to protect our food better. The FDA advisory panel report warned that the present situation at the FDA was so bad that American lives were at risk. The report noted that the FDA food inspections were actually 78% less based on volume of foods over the past 35 years.
This is a glaring and missed opportunity to raise consumer confidence in our food supply; however, it seems that message was lost on the politicos who must have already checked out for Christmas break.
The spending bill now in Congress is a mere $513 million for FDA’s food safety programs, up $56 million (that’s just 12%) from the 2007 budget.; it's important to note that about half the increase will be used up by annual cost increases and pay raises.
Your opinion?
Americans by the millions covet their chocolate treats. Ever since medical studies suggested that dark varieties may actually be healthful, people have been consuming these more often and with greater glee and less guilt, and this holiday season seems to be no exception!
We may well be rationalizing by focusing more on the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate, and less on nutritional concerns such as calories, caffeine, fat and sugar content and tooth decay. Dark chocolate has the potential to do much good: lower blood pressure, improve blood flow in arteries, lessen risk of blood clots, and lower LDL cholesterol oxidation, while raising serotonin and endorphin levels that could improve mood and pleasure.
With bright news like that coming from the authoritative medical journals, it’s little surprise that we feel we can have our chocolates. Nielsen Strategic Planner growth data show dark consumption soaring and milk chocolate consumption slowing, we can only surmise that people now are beginning to realize that milk chocolate is higher in fat and releases little or no antioxidants (because milk binds to them).
To give you some idea of the importance of chocolates, the dollar sales of total chocolate candy in the United Stares last year topped $4.9 billion; but it's important to note that its still the non-dark varieties which command 87% of sales – but the trend is shifting. In 2003 it was 94.5%!
Which type of chocolate do you prefer? Dark or Milk? And why?
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.
Bot Fortified Grape Water
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 27 | 17 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 88 |
This beverage for kids was developed the parents of twin daughters concerned about juices made for children containing unhealthy amounts of sugar. With obesity in youth being a major concern of our times, and with many schools and parents responding by eliminating higher sugar beverages from children's diets, this product follows an important trend. Grape bot has a nice aroma and flavor that we feel children will enjoy with only nine grams of sugar. It is probable that the clear beverage is less appealing to kids than would be a colored beverage. But the flipside of that is that it may very well train children to not expect only colored beverages to taste good. The product also contains 10% of the RDA for Vitamin B12.
Bot Beverage LLC
Princeton, NJ
www.botbeverages.com
$1.49/ 12 fl oz bottle
Funkin White Peach Puree
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 24 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 73 |
Here’s one product where the package may actually be detracting from the product itself! The flexible pouch is designed to keep the fruit puree fresh for up to one year; however, we had to fuss with it a bit, even following the printed instructions, before getting it open. The benefit of this puree, which can be used to make smoothies, cocktails, or added to desserts, is that it is made from 90% peach and only 10% sugar using only natural ingredients. The package lists the country of origin as France, in spite of that we find the asking price of $9.99/300g pouch to be entirely too high, even if it is considered a gourmet product.
New York, NY
1 917 254 9752
www.funkin.co.uk
$9.99/ 300g pouch
Sargento Pasture-Grazed Cheddar Limited Edition
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 30 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 94 |
Sargento has historically brought us great products, but we fear that the "limited edition" marketing concept takes away from what a good product it truly is. Sure...food companies are continually looking for interesting ways to present their products, but this seems unnecessary. The fact that this cheese comes from pasture grazed cows is fantastic! This means the cows graze on natural grasses, which ultimately leads to a more natural product that tastes better. So why tout its “limited production” more than the benefit of the product itself? And why aren’t they listing the health benefits of this great tasting product on the package? The Nielsen company reports that cheese snacks are down this year in dollar sales by one percent. Perhaps that's the reason for the new marketing scheme, but it’s not an excuse. Sargento has been an innovator in the cheese world, but this time it may be a signal to hire a new marketing person.
Sargento Foods Inc
Plymouth, WI
1 800 243 3737
www.sargento.com
$3.39 - $4.29/ 7 oz re-sealable bag
Amy's Kids Meals Baked Ziti
| Taste | Value | Health | Ingredients | Prep | Appearance | Packaging | Total |
| 26 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 79 |
Amy's has a long line of natural and healthier foods that we applaud. This microwaveable meal designed for kids includes baked ziti, vegetables, and a fruit dessert that all comes out of the microwave tasting exceptionally good. The fact that they use some organic ingredients and eliminate preservatives, no trans fats, and no MSG is another bonus. And all those following dairy free or gluten free diets can also enjoy this product. Our complaints are the poor placement of the nutritional information on the tear strip used to open the box and the food compartments trays themselves, sort of a makeshift rather than the multi-compartment trays that kids usually love.
Amy's Kitchen Inc
Petaluma, CA
707 578 7188
www.amys.com
$4.29/ 8.0-oz
