Hit or Miss? Chocolate, dressing and more

Phil Lempert TODAY Food Editor • Profile • E-mail

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
The Black Panther Bar Extreme Dark Chocolate
Here’s a chocolate bar that’s not only great-tasting but also benefits endangered species of the world through donating 10 percent the company’s profits to the protection of these animals. In addition, they use cocoa beans that are shade-grown and organic and they are part of the Fair Trade movement. The chocolate is 88 percent cocoa, which means more antioxidants! In addition to the black panther shape, there are 17 other varieties, from bats to salmon. Retails for $2.75.
www.chocolatebar.com

Galeos World’s Best Miso Dressing
According to Japanese mythology, miso is a “gift from the gods,” bestowing health, longevity, and happiness. Well, at least some of that is true. Miso is a fermented soybean paste, which is credited for having nutritional benefits such as supporting immune function, energy production, and bones and blood vessels. In addition, some research has shown the consumption of miso to protect against breast cancer. Created by chefs at Galeos Cafe in Newport Beach, Calif., this miso dressing tastes great, contains all-natural ingredients, and no MSG. Retails for $3.45.
www.galeoscafe.com

CONSUMER-NOMINATED HIT
Mr. Clean MagicReach
Here’s what MaryAnn Shell from Atlanta, Ga., had to say about this product: “I have arthritis, which limits mobility. This product allows me to clean the bathroom from top to bottom without stress. And it actually works! Refills are not any more expensive than any other quality product. This is a product I almost didn't buy, but am very glad I did.” Retails for $13.99 for starter kit. Thanks MaryAnn! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way.
www.mrclean.com

MISSES
Canterbury Naturals Cinnamon Apple Pancake Mix
Here’s a gourmet pancake mix that touts itself in being an all-natural product. That’s why we were surprised to see high-fructose corn syrup listed in the ingredients, though they did leave out the trans fats, which is common in other supermarket pancake mixes. They taste good and like most pancake mixes are simple to prepare. It’s hard, though, to forgive them for not being truthful how natural this product really is. Retails for $4.10.
www.conifer-inc.com

Only on TODAY.MSNBC.com! Food Editor Phil Lempert brings you the latest news and advice about shopping and cooking. LAST WEEK: Start your day with down-home soul food GO TO ALL FOOD WEDNESDAY COLUMNS

CONSUMER-NOMINATED MISS
Rice-A-Roni Express
Here’s what Marie O. from Pittston, Pa., had to say about this product: “I got this for my 90-year-old mother because I thought it would be something easy to prepare. When I first opened the package, it didn't smell very good, and when it was heated, the taste was even worse.... I threw it out and contacted the company to complain.” Retails for $1.99. Thanks Marie! Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way.
www.ricearoni.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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