Bonus blog: Monday, December 10, 2012

1.      Go to the section of the store where you typically buy granola/snack bars.

a.       Take pics and make notes (or take a video!) explaining what brands/items stand out here and catch your eye.  Why do these items catch your eye?

Kellogg and Quaker stand out to me first and foremost because I know they are "tried and true" brands.  Plus, I have tasted their granola bars (and eat them often), so I know firsthand they are delicious!

Here is an overview of the granola bar aisle---I also am drawn to the Kashi granola bars, as I love the Kashi brand, esp their granola bars.

b.      Now, think about how you typically shop this section of the store.  What are all the criteria you use to make your decisions?  Consider the role of brand name, flavor, ingredient, nutritional values, price, packaging—and then jot down notes to yourself that very specifically explain how you choose items in this section.

I pick up a box if I am interested, check the brnd and flavor, then look at the ingredients and nutritional information.  If I am not happy with the ingredients or nutritional information (like there is too much salt or sugar), then I put the  box away and walk away.  If the item makes it through those initial hurdles, then I look at the price.  I don't care so much about packaging- it's mostly about what's in there and how much it is.

c.       Which items do you compare in-store and how you compare them?   Do you look at the front of the packages—what are you looking for?  Do you turn the packages around and look at the back? What are you looking for?

Yes, I always compare nutritional information (which has less fat?  which has more protein? which has lower sugar and/or sodium?) as well as the ingredients.  Sometimes that is a big deal breaker for me if I am trying to make a decision.

a.       If you were going to buy a NEW item today, what would it be?  Take a pic.  Why would like to try this?  Who would it be for and why?

Quaker yogurt granola bars- it looks yummy!  I checked the nutritional information as well as the ingredients, and they both get the green light!  It would be for my daughter and I- my husband would not be interested in this.

Or maybe I would purchase this:

The Quaker Chewy Dips- looks delicious!  I looked at the nutritional information and the ingredients, and believe it or not, they are healthy!  The price is right, too. :)

d.      Which items do you see here that are NOT for you/your family?  Take a pic.  Why not?

I would never buy this sugary garbage, that has absolutely no nutritional value.  I know not to be taken in by the pretty package!

2.      Now, go to the section of the store where you find ready-to-eat healthy/all family cereal and oatmeal.

a.       Take pics and make notes (or take a video!) explaining what brands/items stand out here and catch your eye.  Why do these items catch your eye?

Quaker Oats is a great quick breakfast- and it's healthy!  It's a product we always have in the house, so it tends to catch my eye right away.

I also love all Kashi cereals- esp Heart to Heart (my daughter calls it Heart to Cirlce!)  So this type of Kashi also immediately catches my eye.

c.       If you were going to buy a NEW item from this section today, what would it be?  Take a pic.  Why would like to try this?

Looks yummy and good---and I have never had hemp granola in my life!  Hemp is supposed to be very healthy for you.

Great price!  Love Hodgson Mill cereal!   Love steel cut oats!  great combination of all three!

Oat revolution- never seen this product before- looks interesting.  I would look at it to see the difference between this brand and Quaker Oats.

b.      IF YOU REGULARLY SHOP THIS SECTION:  What are the criteria you use to buy ready-to-eat healthy/all family cereal and oatmeal?  Jot down notes to yourself that very specifically explain how you choose items in this section.
*Is it low fat?
*Is it low sugar?
*Healthy ingredients?
*Organic products are a plus.
*Nutritional ingredients?

      After you get home, create a blog about your experience using your notes and photos/visuals.

 

AND HERE IT IS!!!