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:

HIT

Baja Bob's Low Carb Margarita Mix
Here’s a low-carb mixer to take sugars out of your drink.  Best thing about this product is that it contains no high fructose corn syrup and has only 2 grams of carbs; but remember, read those labels as the FDA still hasn’t issued regulations on exactly what “low-carb” means although it probably will mean 9 grams of carbs or less per serving. Tequila itself has zero carbs and about 70 calories per ounce. Baja Bob’s doesn’t taste like your regular margarita, but it does come pretty close.  You will have to pay a little more for this mixer, so for those aficionados (or wannabes), consider squeezing a fresh lime instead. Retails for $5.95.
www.bajabob.com

HITS, with  reservations

Boca Java Lee's Caramel Kiss Island
This company makes exceptional coffees in a variety of flavors that will suit just about every taste bud. (In particular, we love the fact that each order is custom roasted and dated.)  This new flavor is not for everyone as it is strong and very sweet, but if you like your coffee flavored with caramel and chocolate, you'll love this one!  Great for a dessert drink, but not necessarily as your every day morning coffee, which most people couldn't afford anyway, at a gourmet price of $11.95 for a 14 oz. package.  Buy it for a special occasion, but not for everyday.
1-888-BOCA-JAVA
www.bocajava.com

Thatsanice! Zuppa Lentil Soup
You can pretty much count on any product from Thatsanice! tasting fabulous.  And, more important, compared to most soups you buy in the supermarket, this one contains a very low amount of sodium (140mg). We love this soup, but we don't love how much it costs -- $5.99 for 10oz!  We think it’s a steep price to pay for soup.  Meanwhile, there are other healthy soups that taste great available for about half the price.  Lower the price, and we think you've got a hit!
www.thatsanice.com

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CONSUMER-NOMINATED HIT

Carb Countdown Chocolate Milk
Here's what Carol from Tampa, Florida had to say about this item. "I think this is a really good product.  It tastes great, and I like to add ice to it in the blender and make an "icy."  It tastes like those frozen chocolate bars.  I say it's a HIT!"  Thanks, Carol!  Your SupermarketGuru tote bag is on the way! $3.19 for 1/2 gallon: 4.5 grams of total fat, 3 grams of carbs, and 100 calories per 1 cup serving size.
1-800-946-6311
www.hoodhomedelivery.com

MISS

Spectations Sugar Free Peanut Butter Wafers
At first, we loved this product based on the simple fact that it tastes great and is sugar-free. But, then we noticed a discrepancy in the information the company puts out about this product. On the package it says "not a reduced calorie food."  Yet, on the firm’s website -- where they sell this product -- they claim it is a low-calorie product.  So which is it?  In other words, this product should not be mistaken for diet food, and especially not low carb (19g).  These peanut butter wafers are great for those who are on no sugar diets, but don't make the mistake of thinking it is okay for weight loss programs.
http://store.yahoo.com/brooklynpremium/caofsppebuwa.html

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