New Today, Trendy Tomorrow

Earlier this week, Symphony IRI Group, a company which tracks retail information and analyzes consumer and shopper trends, presented a Webinar detailing the 2009 New Product Pacesetters, the most successful new food and beverage brands based on the product's first year of sales. While 2010 is still far from finished, I'm already thinking about what the 2010 Product Pacesetters list will bring. Here are some new creations that I've seen lining supermarket shelves.

Chocolate Cheerios: Cheerios in chocolate form! A Facebook fan page (not sponsored by the cereal's maker General Mills) welcomes almost 2,200 supporters, as enthusiasts declare they cannot live without this tasty new breakfast food.

Coconut M&Ms: These colorful chocolate candies with a hint of coconut are now available at drug stores across the country and have me dreaming of tropical beaches. If you're interested in trying them, you need to hurry, as the Mars candy company is offering them for a limited time only.

Hershey's Pieces: I imagine everyone is familiar with peanut butter Reese's Pieces, but Hershey's took the Pieces idea one step further and introduced crunchy shelled Almond Joy Pieces, Hershey's Special Dark Pieces, and York Pieces.

McCormick Recipe Inspirations: These packets include the six spices you need to create a delicious meal – no measuring spoons necessary! Choose from apple and sage pork chops, garlic lime fajitas, quesadilla casserole, rosemary roasted chicken with potatoes, shrimp and pasta primavera, or Spanish chicken skillet. Each package contains just the right amount of herbs and spices, a recipe card, and lists all the ingredients you need to make a fresh, flavorful dish.

Mountain DEWmocracy: Again this year, Mountain Dew is offering three unique flavor choices and giving consumers an opportunity to vote for their favorite taste sensation. The options for 2010 include Mountain Dew Typhoon, a tropical strawberry-pineapple concoction, Mountain Dew Distortion, which boasts a bold lime zest, and Mountain Dew White Out with a smooth citrus tang. Try all three and cast your ballot online before voting ends June 14.

Pop-Tarts Popsters: These pouches of baked, crispy bites are only 100-calories and come in chocolate blitz and strawberry blast flavors. Another limited edition snack, though, you'll have to act fast; these snacks have only a matter of days left on the market.

Special K Fruit Crisps: Available in both strawberry and blueberry, each 100-calorie pack contains two bars drizzled in vanilla icing. With only two grams of fat, these crisps seem like a nutritious snack or quick breakfast treat.

Of course, these are just a few of the many food concepts that have hit the market so far in 2010. What new products have you seen? Leave me a message and tell me about your favorite new food or beverage item.