Consumer Corner
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR USA UNVEILS 2023 AWARD WINNERS
40,000 American Shoppers Voted on Most Innovative Products of 2023
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Product of the Year USA, the largest consumer-voted awards program centered around product innovation, announced today the winners of the 2023 Product of the Year Awards across 36 trending categories. Each of the Product of the Year winners are determined through a national study of 40,000 American shoppers in partnership with Kantar, a global leader in consumer research.
A globally established seal of approval, the Product of the Year emblem was developed over 30 years ago and has been a trusted CPG pillar in the U.S. for nearly 15 years. The early mission was simple: help consumers cut through the noise on their grocery shelves and highlight the best new products when it comes to points that matter, such as thoughtful design, quality and innovation. As the world evolves on a daily basis, consumers are continuously in search of products that are smarter, more efficient, and easier to use. The Product of the Year red seal is a distinctive mark that allows shoppers to easily identify the top trendsetting products on the market, voted on by 40,000 fellow consumers, while also serving as a valuable marketing tool for brands to build consumer awareness, especially among competitors within their respected spaces.
“Product of the Year is more valuable now than ever. The level of access consumers have to products today is unprecedented – far beyond retail aisles, they have DTC options, grocery delivery in the palm of their hands, and they can watch their favorite influencer review items they’re considering purchasing in real time,” notes Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year Management. “Product of the Year is an established and increasingly relevant resource for CPG companies, helping their products stand out, and be understood and trusted by their customers. Entirely new 2023 categories of Product of the Year award winners further demonstrate the ever-evolving trends we are seeing in the U.S. market, and as a company we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of recognizing these products for top performing function, design, packaging, or ingredients.”
From food and beverage, personal care, household products, bedding and more, the 36 winners of the 2023 Product of the Year Award include:
- Auto Dish Care | Cascade Platinum Plus – Procter & Gamble
- Body Cleanser | Dial® Body Wash – Henkel
- Bread | ALDI-exclusive Specially Selected French Baguette – ALDI
- Breakfast | Quaker® Puffed Granola – PepsiCo
- Car Care | Rain-X Truck & SUV Wiper Blade – ITW Global Brands/Rain-X
- CBD | CBD Sleep Gummies – Sky Wellness
- Cheese | ALDI-exclusive Emporium Selection Feta Block Assortment – ALDI
- Children’s Health | Children’s ZYRTEC® Allergy Chewables – Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health
- Coffee Creamer | Lactose-Free Flavored Creamer in French Vanilla and Sweet Cream – Organic Valley
- Condiment | ALDI-exclusive Burman’s Dipping Sauces – ALDI
- Convenience Meals | Hot Pockets® Deliwich – Nestlé USA
- Digestive Health | Dulcolax® Chewy Fruit Bites – Sanofi Consumer Healthcare
- Entrée | Pasta-Roni Heat & Eat – PepsiCo
- Frozen Dessert | ALDI-exclusive Sundae Shoppe Gelato – ALDI
- Hair Growth | Nature’s Bounty® Optimal Solutions® Hair Growth – Nestlé Health Science
- Home Cleaning | FamilyGuard® Brand Disinfectants – S.C. Johnson & Son
- Home Essentials | Ziploc® Endurables™ – S.C. Johnson & Son
- Immediate Relief | Carmex Weather Guard Lip Balm – Carma Laboratories
- Keto | ALDI-exclusive Benton’s Keto Cookies – ALDI
- Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress – Resident Home LLC
- Meal Replacement | Complete Nutrition Shakes – Soylent
- Meal Solution | Bob Evans Mashed Cauliflower – Bob Evans Farms
- Non-Chocolate | HARIBO Berry Clouds – HARIBO of America, Inc.
- Non-Dairy | ALDI-exclusive Friendly Farms Non-Dairy Whipped Toppings – ALDI
- On-The-Go Snack | ALDI-exclusive Park Street Deli Sweet Snack Selects – ALDI
- Premixed Drink | ALDI-exclusive Zarita Margaritas – ALDI
- Salty Snack | Takis® Hot Nuts™ Fuego® – Barcel USA
- Smoothie | DOLE® BOOSTED BLENDS® Berry Spark Smoothie – Dole Packaged Foods
- Snack & Appetizer | El Monterey® Chili Cheese Chimichanga – Ruiz Foods
- Soft Drink | Nitro Pepsi – PepsiCo
- Topical Pain Relief | Icy Hot® Pro – Sanofi Consumer Healthcare
- Weight Management | Nature’s Bounty® Optimal Solutions® Metabolism Booster – Nestlé Health Science
- Wellness Device | Aspercreme® Flexi-Motion – Sanofi Consumer Healthcare
- Wellness Supplement | Nature Made® Wellblends™ – Pharmavite LLC
- Women’s Daily Supplement | Nature’s Bounty® Optimal Solutions® Advanced Hair Skin & Nails – Nestlé Health Science
- Wine | ALDI-exclusive Don’t Mind If I Do Sauvignon Blanc – ALDI
The 36 winners of the 2023 Product of the Year Awards were revealed at the annual Product of the Year Awards Show on February 16th at the Current, Pier59 in New York City. The celebration kicked off with a red carpet, followed by a night full of entertainment with Saturday Night Live Alums, Rachel Dratch and Alex Moffat, hosting the Award Show, as well as a performance by Tony Award-winning actress and singer, Beth Leavel.
In tandem with the winner announcement, the 2023 Product of the Year winners are currently featured in a shoppable article on PEOPLE Online created in partnership with Dotdash Meredith, the largest digital and print publisher in America. Additionally, Ensemble IQ, a premier business intelligence resource with revered publications, including Progressive Grocer, Store Brands, Drug Store News, Convenience Store News and CBD Retail Insights, has also shared the news of the 2023 winners in respective categories.
Enter the 2023 Product of the Year Sweepstakes, here, for a chance to win a bundle of the 2023 Product of the Year Award winners.
For further information about the 2023 Product of the Year winners, visit productoftheyearusa.com and follow along on social media with #POYUSA2023 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
About Product of the Year:
Product of the Year is the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Established over 30 years ago, POY currently operates in over 40 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Product of the Year winners are backed by the votes of 40,000 consumers in a national representative study conducted by research partner Kantar, a global leader in consumer research. The award is a powerful merchandising program for marketers proven to increase product sales, distribution, and awareness. Winning products are announced in February each year and receive the right to use the Product of the Year logo in marketing communications for two years. For more information, visit productoftheyearusa.com.
About Kantar:
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data, insight and consultancy company. We know more about how people live, feel, shop, vote, watch and post worldwide than any other company. Working across the entire sales and marketing lifecycle, we help brands uncover growth in an extraordinary world. Kantar is part of WPP and its services are employed by over half of the Fortune 500 companies in 100 countries.
SOURCE Product of the Year USA
Author
Automotive
Driving Habits May Cost More Than You Think: Data-Backed Driving Techniques to Reduce Fuel Costs and Vehicle Wear
Rising Fuel Costs
(Feature Impact) If you’re feeling pain at the pump, you’re not alone. However, it’s not just rising gas prices that can impact your wallet – it might be your own habits on the road that negatively impact fuel efficiency and add extra strain to your vehicle.
With gas prices fluctuating by more than $1 per gallon nationally in recent years, Mercury Insurance is highlighting how driver behavior can significantly influence fuel costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving – rapid acceleration and hard braking – can reduce fuel economy by up to 40% in city driving and 30% on highways, increasing annual fuel expenses by hundreds of dollars.
For the average American driver, that inefficiency adds up quickly. AAA estimates that annual fuel costs can exceed $2,000 depending on vehicle type and region. A 30-40% reduction in fuel economy can translate into hundreds of dollars in additional fuel expenses each year – before factoring in the added wear on key vehicle components.
“Most drivers think of aggressive driving as a safety issue, but it’s also a cost issue,” said John Dicken, director, material damage claims at Mercury Insurance. “From a claims standpoint, we see how habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration accelerate wear on brakes, tires and suspension components. Smoother driving isn’t just more efficient – it helps reduce preventable damage over time.”
The Hidden Cost of Driving Aggressively
Fuel is only part of the equation.
- Brake replacement can range from $300-800 per axle, depending on the vehicle.
- A new set of tires can cost $600-1,200 or more.
- Poorly maintained or underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by roughly 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in pressure, according to federal transportation data.
Over time, inconsistent maintenance and aggressive driving habits compound these costs.
“Driving behavior directly impacts how often certain parts need to be replaced,” Dicken said. “When drivers anticipate traffic, maintain steady speeds and keep up with routine maintenance, they reduce strain on their vehicle and potentially avoid unnecessary repair expenses.”
Practical Eco-Driving Tips That Make a Measurable Difference
Consider these strategies recommended by Mercury Insurance to improve efficiency and reduce vehicle wear:
Accelerate gradually: Avoid rapid starts and jackrabbit acceleration, which significantly reduce fuel economy.
Brake smoothly and anticipate stops: Looking ahead and easing into stops reduces stress on brake systems.
Maintain consistent speeds: Using cruise control on highways can help improve fuel efficiency.
Keep tires properly inflated: Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips. If you’re unsure what your vehicle’s tires should be inflated to, locate the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb for the proper PSI inflation or refer to the owner’s manual.
Remove excess weight: Extra cargo and unused roof racks reduce efficiency and increase drag.
Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that transportation accounts for roughly 28% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While vehicle technology continues to improve, individual driving behavior remains one of the most immediate ways drivers can reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impact.
“Small, consistent changes in how we drive can produce meaningful savings over time,” Dicken said. “It’s one of the simplest ways drivers can protect both their budget and their investment.”
For more information about efficient driving and other cost saving measures, visit MercuryInsurance.com/Resources.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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Explore the latest in innovation, AI, gadgets, startups, and digital trends in STM Daily News’ Techsection.
Refresh Your Home: A Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
(Feature Impact) After months of winter, spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and vacuuming – it’s about inviting sunlight and fresh air into your space through the open windows and giving yourself a fresh start for the longer days ahead.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to clear out the old and make room for new experiences, memories and energy. Whether you’re tackling deep cleaning for the first time or you have seasonal rituals for tidying up your home, this room-by-room guide can help you plan and conquer seasonal chores.
Whole Home:
- Declutter spaces: Donate, recycle or discard what you don’t need
- Wash windows inside and out
- Dust baseboards, walls, vents and ceiling fans
- Wipe down doors, knobs and light switches
- Vacuum and clean under and behind furniture
- Clean curtains and blinds
- Store seasonal items like winter clothing and decor
- Replace air filters
- Shampoo carpet
Kitchen:
- Empty and wipe down refrigerator and freezer
- Clean oven, stovetop and microwave
- Scrub countertops and backsplashes
- Clean out the garbage disposal
- Sweep and mop floors
- Organize the pantry and throw away any expired items
Bathrooms:
- Scrub grout and tile
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Deep clean toilets
- Wipe down cabinets and bathroom fixtures
- Wash rugs, floor mats and the shower curtain and liner
- Empty trash and clean the bin
Bedrooms and Other Living Areas:
- Wash bedding, pillows and linens
- Organize closets and drawers
- Vacuum chair, couches and mattresses as well as under cushions
- Dust shelves and decor
- Clean light fixtures and lampshades
Outdoor Areas:
- Power wash patios, sidewalks and driveways
- Wipe down outdoor furniture and replace textiles like pillows, cushions and umbrellas
- Clear debris from garden beds
- Prune shrubs, plants and trees
- Organize garages and sheds
- Reconnect hoses and sprinklers
- Prep lawn equipment such as mowers, weed eaters and blowers
For more spring cleaning tips and tricks, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
Consumer Corner
Unilever, Google Cloud Strike Five-Year AI Partnership to Reshape Consumer Goods Marketing
Unilever and Google Cloud have announced a five-year partnership aimed at accelerating the consumer goods giant’s digital transformation through AI, cloud infrastructure, and data modernization.
The deal centers on helping Unilever strengthen brand discovery, marketing measurement, and AI-driven customer engagement across its global portfolio, which includes Dove, Vaseline, and Hellmann’s. A major focus is the rise of conversational and agentic commerce, where consumers increasingly discover and shop for products through AI-powered interactions rather than traditional search and browsing.
As part of the agreement, Unilever will migrate its integrated data and cloud platform to Google Cloud, creating what the companies describe as an AI-first digital backbone. That system is intended to help Unilever move faster on demand generation, turn data into actionable insights, and respond more quickly to shifts in the market.
The partnership is built around three pillars:
- Agentic commerce and marketing intelligence
- An integrated data and cloud foundation
- Advanced AI adoption across the business
Unilever leadership framed the move as part of a broader shift in which technology is becoming central to value creation in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Google Cloud said the collaboration will use advanced AI models, including Gemini, to help modernize business processes and improve agility.
Unilever said it generated €50.5 billion in sales in 2025, operates in more than 190 countries, and reaches 3.7 billion people every day.
What to watch for
- How “agentic commerce” changes consumer brand discovery
- Whether other major CPG companies follow with similar AI-cloud partnerships
- How AI-backed marketing measurement impacts ad efficiency and conversion
Source: PR Newswire / Google Cloud
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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