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
Yasas Premium Extra Virgin Olive OilThis olive oil is pressed from handpicked, healthy olives grown along hills of the Kalamata, Messinia, region of Greece. The result is a delicious olive oil, chemical-free and rich in flavor. Great for cooking, baking, salads, or dipping! Acidity level is less than 0.8% (international regulation stipulates extra virgin must be below 1% acidity.) There are many fine olive oils on the market, and this one is definitely worth a try, especially since it’s a little less than the typical Italian or Spanish product on the shelves. Suggested retail price is $4.45 for a 1/2-liter bottle or $20.99 for a 3-liter tin.
Celestial Seasonings Chocolate Caramel Enchantment Chai TeaEast India Chai tea (black tea combined with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves) meets chocolate and caramel, and the combination is delightful! Hot or cold, this tea is a great alternative to coffee and makes a wonderful dessert tea. And remember, black teas are rich in antioxidants. A must try! Retails for $6.21.
CONSUMER NOMINATED HITS
Genisoy soy crispsHere’s what Erica C. from Tampa, Fla., had to say about this product:
“They are light and crispy, taste great and are good for you. They contain 7 grams of soy protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving. If you eat a whole bag, don't fret, it only sets you back about 300 calories. So go ahead, indulge.” Retails for $7.99. Thanks, Erica! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way.
Everglades SeasoningsHere’s what Ruth H. from Bloomfield, Conn., had to say about this product. “It's a multipurpose seasoning collection. You can use them on anything, although they were originally developed for seasoning goat and lamb. There is a mesquite version, one for fish, a low-salt/low-MSG variety, and Everglades Heat. The only problem is that people who live out of their distribution area have to order it over the Web. People in the southeastern U.S. can find it in the supermarket." Retails for $10.50 per 6-can package (4 ounces each). Thank, Ruth! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way.
MISS
Alpen Muesli Cereal
We love this company for their commitment to making wholesome products. This cereal is made with 100-percent organic grains and packs 6 grams of protein in each serving. No hydrogenated oils or trans fats make this product sound even better! It's healthy and the price is reasonable. However, we can't praise the taste too much. But with some fresh strawberries, bananas, or blueberries added, it's okay. Suggested retail price is $3.69 to $3.89.
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 .