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
Carvalho Fisheries Albacore Tuna This year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made several important pronouncements about seafood consumption. On the negative side, the FDA warned consumers about unsafe levels of mercury found in some seafood. More positively, they also permitted a new qualified health claim for Omega-3s, the beneficial fatty acids found in many fish. Carvalho has both of these issues covered. Working with the California office of the FDA, they found through a series of tests that younger albacore have lower levels of mercury than older, larger fish. A six-ounce can of Carvalho tuna contains .138 ppm (parts per million) of methyl mercury compared to most national brands, which contain .358 ppm. In addition, the company packs their tuna raw, which retains more of the fats, oils and nutritive juices. (The canning process cooks the fish to some extent but at least it is not heated twice.) The result is a six-ounce can contains 7 grams of Omega-3s compared to the .7 grams typically found in national brands. Lots of good news here. Now the bad: At $4.99 to $5.49 per can, this great product unfortunately is not very affordable.
Guayaki Yerba Mate Yerba Mate, a South American beverage similar to tea, offers an extensive list of health benefits, including 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and 11 polyphenols. (In fact, it has more antioxidants than green or black tea.) Grown in the South American rainforests, yerba mate has the added benefit of being organic. A good-tasting, nutritious tea is always a good find! Comes in seven varieties: Traditional, Magical Mint, Chai Spice, Mate’ Chocalatte, Greener Green Tea, Orange Blossom, And Mate Rooiboost. Retail price is $5.74 for 16 bags.
Dunkin Donuts Cinnamon Spice CoffeeWe love Dunkin Donuts coffee and stand by our declaration that it’s the Best Coffee in America! Now, they’ve got a special flavor for the winter and holiday season, Cinnamon Spice. If you like flavored coffees, you’ll want to try this one, which is set to become part of Dunkin Donuts’ permanent line of flavored coffees. $5.49 for one pound.
CONSUMER-NOMINATED HIT
Apple & Eve Waterfruits
Here’s what Andrea M. from Jacksonville, Fla., had to say about this product: “Apple & Eve has created the beverage I have been waiting for — purified water flavored with real fruit juice with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. They taste refreshing and are wonderfully low-calorie. I think they would be perfect for kids.” The 64-ounce bottles retail for $3.29 and the 16-ounce bottles for $1.19. Thanks, Andrea! Your Supermarket Guru tote bag is on the way.
CONSUMER-NOMINATED MISS
Pepsi Holiday Spice
Here’s what Heather A, from Mound, Minn., has to say about this product: “Pepsi Holiday Spice is a combination of a spiced tea (almost like Chai) and Pepsi Cola. For me, at least, it’s not a good combination!” Thanks, Heather, your Supermarket Guru tote bag is on the way!
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 .