On the hunt for a butter substitute

Channeling the old Saturday Night Live homage to Barbra Streisand, the Sleuth looks at what's new in the ''like buttah'' aisle. We tested two half-butter, half-vegetable oil products designed especially for baking, plus one spread (Country Crock) that has more vitamin D added.

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

The jury's still out on man-made fiber

The Sleuth has an expatriate cousin in England who enjoys seeing what the latest food fads are when she visits American groceries on trips back home. Pomegranate? Acai? Omega-3s?
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

The Sleuth tests high-fiber bars

The Sleuth has an expatriate cousin in England who enjoys seeing what the latest food fads are when she visits American groceries on trips back home. Pomegranate? Acai? Omega-3s?
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Grade A products only a fool would pass up

Wednesday is April Fool's Day, and who knows what surprises await? This Sleuth column, however, is filled with only nice things: A variety of products that are both good (if you don't mind expanding your palate from highly processed foods) and good for you.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Getting greens: Comparing frozen veggies

On St. Patrick's Day, the Sleuth brings you: Eatin' o' the greens. Only about one-fourth of Americans report that they eat vegetables three or more times a day. But companies selling frozen vegetables in new ''steam in bag'' packages are hoping to change that.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

'Steam in bag' veggies a good option

On St. Patrick's Day, the Sleuth brings you: Eatin' o' the greens. Only about one-fourth of Americans report that they eat vegetables three or more times a day. But companies selling frozen vegetables in new ''steam in bag'' packages are hoping to change that.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Boxed soups: think outside the can

Over the past year or so, the Sleuth has been intrigued to see more boxes taking their place among the cans on the soup aisle -- not just because of the packaging, but because the flavors seem a lot more intriguing than the standard chicken noodle.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Boxed soups: think outside the can

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH | BOXED SOUPS Over the past year or so, the Sleuth has been intrigued to see more boxes taking their place among the cans on the soup aisle -- not just because of the packaging, but because the flavors seem a lot more intriguing than the standard chicken noodle.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Rice cakes: A sampling of savory and sweet options

The Sleuth generally thinks of rice cakes as a female dieting staple before the advent of low-carb regimens. But with all kinds of new flavors on the market, they're also a favorite of the school-lunch set.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH | CHOCOLATE

In time for Valentine's day: Chocolate products reviewed

In what has become a Valentine's tradition, the Sleuth this week is tasting products containing chocolate, one of the most romantic foods -- at least for women.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Reduced-fat mayonnaise: You be the judge

Finding tasters to help evaluate products is usually not a problem -- unless the Sleuth is testing reduced-fat mayonnaise, as with this column. No one lined up to sample dabs of the condiment, so the Sleuth had to do it herself. (Note to tasters: The Sleuth will remember this when it comes to next week's chocolate-themed Valentine's version.)
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

The skinny on reduced-fat cheese: surprisingly good

This weekend's Super Bowl Sunday is unlikely to be an occasion for low-cal noshing -- except for maybe the light beers in the cooler. But the thoughtful host can also help cut cardiac risks by putting out some reduced-fat cheese with those appetizers.
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH

Meatless frozen entrees a good way to get more veggies

It's Inauguration Day, and change has come to America. Change has come to the Sleuth's house, too, as one of the college daughters is now a vegetarian.