In the U.S., the Product of the Year seal is backed by the votes of more than 40,000 consumers surveyed by research firm Kantar TNS. There are 41 total categories across the consumer packaged goods spectrum, from car care products to laundry detergent to vacuum cleaners.
Aldi won six categories and Walgreens and Del Monte three each; that's 12 out of the 16.
"Product of the Year accepts entries every year that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year," said the organization. Winning products are announced in February of each year and receive the right – and pay -- to use the POY seal in marketing communications for two years.
Winners in the food and beverage categories
Breakfast: Aunt Jemima Pancake On The Go; PepsiCo
Making perfectly fluffy pancakes just got even easier with Aunt Jemima® Pancake on the Go. Simply add water, stir, and microwave for a pancake in a cup that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Available in Chocolate Chip and Buttermilk & Maple flavors. Retail price: $1.29.
Candy Bar: Baby Ruth, Ferrero USA Inc.
It's true, we’ve improved the recipe for one of America’s most iconic candy brands, Baby Ruth… and it’s better! You know the rich, creamy caramel and light, smooth nougat, but get ready for the dry roasted peanuts that are new to Baby Ruth! The hearty bar now has a bolder, more robust peanut flavor. And the new packaging provides improved freshness. Baby Ruth – an American favorite, now even better.
Coffee: Nice! Premium Vanilla Latte Cold Brew; Walgreens Boots Alliance
Enjoy the rich and creamy flavor of our Nice! Premium Vanilla Latte Cold Brew. Made from 100% arabica beans, this single serving beverage is crafted with 100% cold brew coffee, and it’s perfectly sweetened with vanilla flavor. This latte is perfect for your morning commute or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Retail price: $1.79.
Cheese: Aldi-Exclusive Happy Farms Deli Sliced Cheese; Aldi Inc.
ALDI-exclusive Deli Sliced Cheese is made with real fresh U.S. milk and is a good source of calcium with 10% of your daily needs. These cheeses are the perfect addition to any sandwich creation. Available in: Swiss, Provolone, Colby Jack, Muenster, Mild Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Mozzarella, Medium Cheddar. Retail price: $1.99.
Convenience Meal: Del Monte Veggieful Veggie Bowls; Del Monte Foods Inc.
Del Monte Veggieful Bowls are so delicious, you’ll fall for veggies! These tasty bowls feature a blend of veggies, whole grains, and a savory sauce for a wholesome snack or meal. Flavors include Roasted Red Pepper, Garlic and Herb, Southwest Style Corn, and Asian Style Soy Sesame. Each bowl includes one full serving of vegetables and is a good source of fiber. Just mix, heat, and eat for a perfect meal or snack. Retail price: $2.99.
Cookie: Aldi-Exclusive Simply Nature Coconut Cashew Crisps; Aldi Inc.
ALDI-exclusive Simply Nature Coconut Cashew Crisps are a gluten free, paleo and vegan treat that will satisfy your snacking needs. These simple snackable cookies are available in Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel and Vanilla. Retail price: $2.99.
Frozen Snack: Contadina Pizzettas; Del Monte Foods Inc.
Contadina Pizzettas – an authentic tasting bite-sized pizza snack. Our delicious bites feature a blend of Contadina Roma tomato sauce, real cheese and a crust baked with whole wheat, cauliflower and basil. Every five bites provide one full serving of vegetables, 10 grams of protein, and have no artificial preservatives or flavors. They can be conveniently warmed up in the microwave or oven. A wholesome snack that satisfies every pizza lover. Available in three delicious flavors. Retail price: $6.97.
Gum: Trident Vibes; Mondelēz
Trident Vibes delivers on a refreshing sensation, unleashing a pop of intense flavor that refreshes your mouth. It is a unique experiential format that is juicy and sweet with a candy like appeal, giving way to an effortless chew. Our bold taste experience products include Tropical Beat, Spearmint Rush and our Peppermint Wave. Retail price: $3.79.
Plant-Based Protein: Aldi-Exclusive Earth Grown Meatless Meatballs; Aldi Inc.
ALDI-exclusive Earth Grown Meatless Meatballs are soy based vegan and vegetarian meal options made with non-GMO ingredients. Swap these out for standard protein choices to make any sandwich, pasta dish or salad more interesting. Available in Classic or Zesty. Retail price: $8.97.
Salty Snack: Nice! Premium Cashew and Macadamia Nut Blend; Walgreens Boots Alliance
Nice! Premium Cashew and Macadamia Nut blend is a simple, honest, delicious and gluten free snack. A great source of nutrients at home or on the go. Premium nuts at an affordable price. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Retail price: $5.99.
Snack Cup: Del Monte Fruit Parfait Crunch; Del Monte Foods Inc.
With a full serving of fruit in every cup, Del Monte Fruit Crunch Parfait offers layers of goodness through silky, non-dairy coconut crème and a crunchy granola topper. Packed with probiotics for digestive health and with no artificial flavors or sweeteners, Fruit Crunch Parfait is the perfect crave-worthy, guilt-free breakfast or anytime snack. Retail price: $2.49.
Snack Pack: Aldi-Exclusive Park Street Deli Snack Selects Three Pack; Aldi Inc.
ALDI-exclusive Park Street Deli Snack Selects Three Packs are the perfect on-the-go snack to keep you full and energized throughout the day with 7 grams of protein per serving. Enjoy all of the tasty combinations from Pepper Jack cheese with raisins and honey roasted peanuts, to sharp yellow cheddar cheese with cherry juice-infused dried cranberries and salted roasted cashew splits, and sharp white cheddar cheese with dried cranberries and sea-salted roasted almonds. Retail price: $2.49.
Spiked Beverage: Buzztallz; Buzzballz, Llc/Southern Champion
BuzzTallz Classic Wine Cocktails are 13% ABV, premixed cocktails in 375ml plastic cans. Flavors include Lime ‘Rita, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Lotta Colada, Chocolate Tease, Stiff Lemonade, and Horchata. The cocktails are blended with natural ingredients and premium alcohol, intended to taste just as good as bartender- crafted beverages. Shatter-resistant packaging ensures that BuzzTallz can be enjoyed at social occasions anywhere: the backyard, a pool, camping, tailgating, or on the beach. Relax, Refresh, and Unwind with BuzzTallz. Retail price: $3.99.
Spreads: Aldi-Exclusive Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter; Aldi Inc.
ALDI-exclusive Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter is made with milk from grass-fed cows and imported from Ireland. Enjoy with your favorite bread or add to any recipe that calls for butter. Retail price: $2.49.
Water: Nice! Premium Icelandic Water 1.5l; Walgreens Boots Alliance
Fresh from Iceland’s glacial springs, Nice! Premium Iceland Pure Spring Water is perfectly balanced and naturally refreshing. Simple, honest, delcious and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Retail price: $1.99.
Wine: Aldi-Exclusive Quarter Cut Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon; Aldi Inc.
ALDI-exclusive Quarter Cut Bourbon Barrel-Aged Wine is aged in bourbon barrels. This California Cabernet Sauvignon draws its rich flavor from charred barrels that once aged American whiskey. This wine has distinctive notes of vanilla, black cherry and dried herbs. Retail price: $9.99.
