The Best Of The Best

CSNews presented its 2011 Best New Products Awards at the NACS Show

Twenty-three products in 22 product categories (there was one tie) were named winners in the 15th annual Convenience Store News Best New Products Awards competition. These awards, which recognize the best products introduced during the past 12 months, were presented at the annual NACS Show, held in Chicago this October.

Chosen by a consumer panel administered by New York-based research firm Past Times Marketing, this year's entries were rated on the basis of taste, value, convenience, healthfulness, quality ingredients, preparation requirements, appearance and packaging.

Below is a list of the 2011 CSNews Best New Products Awards winners:

• Carbonated Soft Drink (tie): Xyience Xenergy Xtreme Fruit Punch; Forte Creative Media.
• Carbonated Soft Drink (tie): Kill Cliff Sports Recovery Drink; Kill Cliff LLC.
• Non-Carbonated Soft Drink: Modjo Hydrate Elite Hydration Beverage; Black Dog Communications Group.
• Other Tobacco Products: ZigZag Straight Up Cigarillos two-packs; National Tobacco.
• Non-Chocolate Candy: Mike & Ike's RedRageous!; Just Born.
• Chocolate Candy: Snickers Peanut Butter Squared; Mars.
• Gum & Mints: Trident Vitality; NPD Immediate Consumption.
• Foodservice/Breakfast: Jimmy Dean D-Lights; Sara Lee.
• Foodservice/Lunch-Dinner: AdvancePierre Big Az Kickin' Jalapeno Charbroil with Cheese; AdvancePierre Foods.
• Hispanic/Latino Food Innovation: Don Miguel Chipotle Chicken Krisp Chimichanga; Don Miguel.
• Foodservice/Condiments: Chester's Dipping Sauces & Dispenser; Chester's International LLC.
• Foodservice/Baked Goods: Prairie City Premium Apple Fritter; Prairie City.
• Packaged Ice Cream: Blue Bunny Caramel Pecan Chocolate Bars; Barkley.
• Frozen Novelty: Blue Bunny Single Serve Personals Birthday Party Ice Cream; Barkley.
• Salty Snacks: General Mills Chex Mix Muddy Buddies; General Mills.
• Packaged Sweet Snacks: Nabisco Oreo Fudge Cremes; NPD Immediate Consumption.
• Alternative Snacks: Welch's Fruit Snacks; Promotion in Motion.
• Chilled Snacks: Crunch Pak Disney Foodles; Crunch Pak.
• Health & Beauty Care: Zazen Sleep Formula; Zazen LLC.
• Automotive/Travel Products: Mizco Travel Chargers; Mizco.
• General Merchandise: BIC Pro Series Mexican Soccer Designs; BIC USA.
• Energy Products: Sheets Energy Strips; Convenience Valet.
• Packaging Innovation: M&M's Brand Star Wars Light Dispenser; CandyRific.