It takes a lot for a food product to succeed. In fact, out of more than 30,000 new food items that were introduced in 2003, less than 5 percent were hits. (And less than 10 percent of all new products are still on supermarket shelves three years after they launch.) To help you avoid spending money on the likely failures, here are this week’s Hits and Misses.
HITS
Sunkist Almond MunchiesThere’s a lot to like about almonds. Apart from tasting good, they are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. As an added bonus, almonds contain phytochemicals, which are plant chemicals believed to provide protection against heart disease, strokes and other diseases. And, from agribiz giant Sunkist, now you can get them in a variety of flavors, including Honey Dipped, Buttered Up and our favorite, Hot and Sassy, which are flavored with garlic, onion and pepper. Retails for $3.99 for a 6-ounce bag.
Weight Watchers Honey Almond Crisp with Real BlueberriesIt’s always been difficult to find a cereal that doesn’t taste like dried-up rabbit food or isn't loaded with sugar. So, congratulations to Weight Watchers — they’ve been able to come up with something with about half the amount of sugars as other sweet-tasting cereals — AND avoid high-fructose corn syrup (it still contains 10g of sugar and 31g of carbohydrates). We also applaud the fact that it doesn't contain trans fats and has only 150 calories and 2.5 grams of fat per serving. Retails for $3.59.
CONSUMER-NOMINATED HIT
CanarinoHere’s what Mary M. from Boxford, Mass., had to say about this product: “This is a caffeine-free, no-calorie, no-sodium hot beverage. It is neither tea, nor herbs. It is not coffee, cocoa or chai. It is simply dried lemon peel and natural lemon flavor. It is distributed by Canarino in Marshfield, Mass., but apparently made in Italy. It is prepared the same as tea, as it comes in individual bags. It is divine with a little honey, especially when you have a cold or a sore throat. It is, as the label states, ‘The Classic Italian Hot Lemon Beverage.’ I just love it and it's not easy to find locally, though you can order it online through the distributor. I can't say enough good things about it — just try it!” Thanks, Mary! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way. Retails for $5.99 for 20 servings.
MISSES
Yoplait Healthy Heart Yogurt
This product could have been so great — a yogurt that contains cholesterol-lowering plant sterols, extracts of certain plants that, when ingested, inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. (In fact, the FDA has authorized use of labeling health claims about the role of plant sterols in reducing the risk of heart disease for foods containing these substances.) The problem is that this yogurt also contains high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which studies have shown metabolizes differently than sugar and has been linked to the high levels of obesity in our country. So, it seems that we have a bit of an oxymoron. Yoplait: Go all the way — reformulate and use just plain old sugar. Or, hey, if you really want a hit on your hands, how about using organic sugar? (A reminder: products, including yogurts, that are certified organic may not contain HFCS). Retails for $0.79. Flavors are Strawberry, Harvest Peach, Cherry Orchard, and Strawberry Banana.
CONSUMER-NOMINATED MISS
Ritz Top 'Ems Crackers Here’s what Carolyn S. from Brooklyn, N.Y., had to say about this product: “Ritz crackers came out with a new cracker designed for you to use with toppings. While that was a great idea, the packaging is awful. They are just wrapped in plastic and almost ALL of the crackers were broken. They need a better package.” Thanks Carolyn! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way. Retails for $3.69 for a 16-ounce box.
Phil Lempert is food editor of the “Today” show. He welcomes questions and comments — as well as nominations for “hits” and “misses” in this column — which can be sent to . If he selects your nomination for publication, he’ll send you a SupermarketGuru.com Tote Bag! You can also visit his Web site at .