Hit or Miss? Brownies, salad dressing, more

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
Wyman’s Wild Blueberry Juice
One of the country’s largest wild blueberry growers has now launched their 100% Natural Wild Blueberry Juice, and we think it’s a great idea! (And in case you are wondering, these blueberries — called “lowbush” — are wild in the sense that they are not planted. They are, however, weeded and watered by the growers. Regular cultivated blueberries are called “highbush.”) Blueberries are bursting with nutrients and, according to Tufts University research of 60 different fruits, they are highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals. Sweet and flavorful, this antioxidant-packed juice is a great way to add nutrients to your diet. Packaged in a 32-ounce Tetrapak and in 8.5-ounce single servings that are great for kids. $1.29 to $1.49 for the single-serve and $2.99 to $3.39 for the 32-ounce package.
www.wymans.com

Silver Goddess Decaf Espresso Brownie
These espresso brownies will definitely make you swoon. Made with double-chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, chocolate liquor, Kahlua and Grand Marnier, the recipe is nothing less than decadent! Marketed to women with titles such as “The Silver Goddess PMS Six-Pack” and “The Silver Goddess Relationship Survival Kit,” other flavors include Chocolate Sinsation, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Grand Marnier Macadamia, and Sugar-Free. Retails for $3.00 each — a high price but certainly worth it for brownie aficionados. Also available in various gift packages.
www.silvergoddessbrownies.com

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CONSUMER-NOMINATED HIT
Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark
Here’s what Jillian F. from Chicago, Ill., had to say about this product: “This chocolate square is the perfect mix of peppermint candy, white chocolate and milk chocolate. It's creamy and refreshing. You don't feel like you have to bite into hard candy like you do with other brands of peppermint bark.” Retails for $3.50 per bar. Thanks, Jillian! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way. www.ghirardelli.com

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MISS
Earth Grains Extra Fiber Multi-Grain Bread
This bread has many good things about it: A 35 percent Daily Value of fiber, 30 percent Daily Value of calcium and 20 percent Daily Value of vitamin D and folic acid. It also has no trans-fats and tastes great. So why have we called it a Miss? Well, the third item on the ingredient list is high fructose corn syrup, and a little deeper into the list we find cottonseed oils — both no-nos in our book. Retails for $2.49.
www.saralee.com

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CONSUMER-NOMINATED MISS
Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
Here’s what Mark H. from Taylors, S.C., had to say about this product: “Earlier this year, Kraft revamped its dressing line, introducing a "zestier" Zesty Italian Dressing. The result? It's terrible! Too thick and sweet, just like all the other brands I've avoided for years. The reason we liked Zesty is because it was just that — light and tasty. I wouldn't mind if Kraft kept their new version, just bring back our original favorite!” Thanks, Mark! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way! Retails for $1.99 for 8 fluid ounces or $4.89 for 24 fluid ounces.
www.kraftfoods.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 www.supermarketguru.com.

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