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
Take Heart Blueberry Instant Oatmeal
For 125 years, Quaker has been making oatmeal, and they continually make efforts to improve their products. They've added quite a few benefits to this blueberry oatmeal: 1.5g of soluble fiber to help reduce cholesterol, antioxidant vitamins E and C, plus B vitamins, potassium, and they've made it low in sodium. Good job, Quaker. And it even tastes fabulous! Also available in Golden Maple. Retails for $3.49.www.quakeroatmeal.com
Consumer Nominated HitJolly Time Mallow Magic Microwave Popcorn
Here's what Teresa P. from Sioux City, Iowa had to say about this product.
"Mallow Magic is the perfect combination of sweet, salty and crunchy. Delicious and easy to prepare -- this popcorn has it all. Two 3 ounce bags with two 1.4 oz pouches of pour and toss Marshmallow crème cost $1.58." Thanks, Teresa! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way!www.jollytime.com
WholeSoy Lite Smoothie
Here's what Teresa P. from Warwick, New York had to say about this new product. "I love this new soy smoothie! It is delicious, only 105 calories and great to grab when I am running out the door to bring my daughter somewhere or on an errand." Thanks, Teresa! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way! Suggested Retail price is $1.79-$1.99.www.wholesoyco.com
MISSESPillsbury Carb Monitor Dinner Rolls
Low carb dieting has been one of the hottest diet trends ever. But the phenomenon is slowly but surely slipping away. These frozen dinner rolls from Pillsbury contain about 11 grams of carbs, about half of what regular dinner rolls contain, but if you are a serious low carb dieter, 11 grams is still a lot. Just like many low carb products, the taste leaves a lot to be desired. Why not skip the bread and the 11 grams of carbs if the taste isn't worth it? Eight rolls for $2.99.www.pillsbury.com
Sargento Stars and Moons Cheese Snacks
Cheese snacks can be a great source for protein and calcium. These new cheese snacks from Sargento pack 7 grams of protein per serving and 20 percent of the recommended daily value for calcium. A mixture of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese shaped like moons and stars makes them fun and tasty for kids. However, the shapes are a little lame, and wind up sticking together -- one reason why we still prefer individually wrapped string cheese sticks. In addition, with string cheese you know just how much fat your kids are eating. Suggested retail price is $2.49 for 7 ounces. www.sargento.com
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 .