Food

Consumer Reports picks the best gas grills in time for the warm weather
[May 9, 2010] A Consumer Reports nationally representative survey found that more than half of Americans who grill are doing so more than once a week in season and according to the latest issue of Consumer Reports, Americans can purchase a great grill for $380 or less. The full report, which features 46 gas grill models and basic grilling tips, appears in the June issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

ShopSmart decodes new rules of food safety
[Apr. 23, 2010] With recalls of potentially deadly foods all over the news, it seems as though no matter what you buy at the grocery store, you could be putting your health ? or even your life ? on the line. But according to a new report in the May 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, there are ways consumers can be proactive about reducing their risks of food borne illness. The “New Rules of Food Safety” feature shares steps consumers can take when shopping for, preparing and cooking food.

ShopSmart puts 20 salads from eight national chains to the test
[Apr. 12, 2010] So you ordered the salad instead of the burger. Good for you—or maybe not! A new salad test from ShopSmart found that you’re better off with the burger in some cases. Featured in the April 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, ‘The Best Salads’ article investigates the nutritional value and taste-factor of 20 chicken-based salads sold at eight major chains.

Consumer Reports finds that packaged salad can contain high levels of bacteria
[Feb. 13, 2010] Consumer Reports’ latest tests of packaged leafy greens found bacteria that are common indicators of poor sanitation and fecal contamination, in some cases, at rather high levels. Consumers Union also issued a report urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to set safety standards for greens. FDA food safety legislation pending in the Senate, and passed last summer by the House of Representatives, would require the FDA to create just such safety standards.

Consumer Reports finds that diet entrées serve up better taste, small portions
[Jan. 31, 2010] From the labs at Consumer Reports, some dinner recommendations that aren’t quite fine dining but can help dieters control their portions and lose weight. In the February issue, 14 out of 24 microwaveable meals earn a “Very Good” rating for taste, a marked improvement since the last time prepared meals were tested in 2004. But Consumer Reports Health notes that many entrées have so few calories that diners may need to round out their meals with a few side dishes.

Consumer Reports' ratings of 18 high-fiber cereals reveal 7 flavorful choices
[Sep. 29, 2009] Consumer Reports evaluated 18 high-fiber cereals and found seven especially flavorful choices. The report notes that most Americans can stand to double their intake of fiber which can help control appetite and weight, and might help lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Consumer Reports compares store brand foods vs. big name brands
[Sep. 15, 2009] From oatmeal cookies to frozen broccoli, Consumer Reports blind taste tests found 23 store-brand foods that tasted as good as, or better than, their big national brand competitors in head-to-head tests of 29 food products.

Potato, corn and cherry tomato salad with basil dressing
[Jun. 21, 2009] If you need inspiration to find a dish that stands up to the heat, author Debbie Moose has a new book out called, simply enough, "Potato Salad: 65 Recipes from Classic to Cool" (Wiley Hardcover, $16.95). An easy and refreshing potato salad recipe to try, Potato, Corn and Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil Dressing, comes from Carol Reuss in Pittsboro, N.C., who got the recipe from a neighbor, Cynthia Jones.

Consumer Reports best chain restaurant survey finds good eats at any budget
[Jun. 15, 2009] The tough economy has put diners in the drivers seat to find good meals, good deals and choices for every budget and taste according to Consumer Reports latest Restaurant Satisfaction Survey. The Capital Grille, First Watch, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Maggiano’s Little Italy and McCormick & Schmick’s earned top marks among Consumer Reports ratings of 101 of America’s most popular chains.

Consumer Reports puts chocolate-chip cookies to the taste test
[May 14, 2009] What does it take for a store-bought chocolate-chip cookie to win high marks from Consumer Reports’ trained sensory panelists? A top-rated cookie is well-blended, flavorful, and has a good chip-to-cookie ratio. In its June issue, Consumer Reports unveils two very good chocolate-chip cookies: Health Valley Mini and Keebler Chips Deluxe Original.

Consumer Reports finds Wegmans, Trader Joe’s and Publix among the best of 59 grocery chains
[Apr. 24, 2009] Shoppers found Wegmans` and Trader Joe’s supermarkets among the most satisfying chains to shop at according to Consumer Reports latest survey of the best national and regional grocery chains. Rounding out some of the other top-rated chains shoppers found to be very satisfying were Publix, Raley’s, Harris Teeter, Fareway, Costco, Whole Foods Market, Market Basket, WinCo Foods, and Stater Bros.

Five ways to stay afloat if you lose your job
[Feb. 24, 2009] If you’ve joined the ranks of the unemployed, or are afraid you might soon, CRMA offers the following advice: collect your severance, file for unemployment, obtain health coverage, decide if you need life insurance and preserve your retirement plan.

Ways to cut your weekly grocery bill
[Feb. 24, 2009] Even with lower fuel prices, the cost of food will probably continue to rise in 2009, led by increases for meat and poultry. To help lower your tab at the checkout, CRMA’s experts have compiled tips for saving on food shopping while avoiding money wasting traps.

Consumer Reports finds that some of the best ground coffee cost the least
[Feb. 21, 2009] Eight O’Clock Coffee 100% Colombian at $6.28 per pound ranked number one in Consumer Reports’ tests of 19 ground coffees, besting Folgers, Maxwell House, and Starbucks— America’s best-selling ground coffees.