SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Ever take a trip to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed by all the choices available? Save time and money by opting for products already tested by other consumers.

Product of the Year USA, the nation’s largest consumer-voted awards program dedicated to recognizing product innovation, has announced the winners of the 2026 Product of the Year Awards. Winners were selected based on the opinions of 40,000 American shoppers through an independent national study conducted by Kantar, a leading global research firm.

So the next time you’re at the supermarket, be on the look-out for this year’s winners, which include the grocery store essentials listed below. You can easily find these crowd-pleasing foods and beverages when shopping in-store and online by simply looking for Product of the Year’s red seal of approval.

Breakfast: Eggo Protein Waffles and Pancakes

Eggo Protein Waffles are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, while Eggo Protein Pancakes are golden, fluffy and delicious. Both come in multiple flavors and offer a wholesome, tasty way to fuel mornings with 20% of the recommended daily value of protein in every serving.

Granola: ALDI-Exclusive Simply Nature Granola Bites

Available in Strawberry or Chocolate Chip, these bites are great for breakfast, a midday boost, or a convenient on-the-go treat. With low calories, non-GMO ingredients, and gluten-free certification, they provide a healthy and satisfying option to enjoy anytime.

Healthy Beverage: Clearly Canadian Originals

The original flavored sparkling water has launched a new Sunset Orange flavor bursting with fresh clementine and zesty citrus notes, with a touch of sweetness and a crisp refreshing finish. Crafted with pure Canadian spring water with naturally occurring hydrating minerals, its naturally big flavor relies on simple ingredients.

Hydration: Jumex Hydrolit +Advance

This high-performance hydration drink is designed to fuel your body and mind, delivering five essential ions for optimal electrolyte balance, natural caffeine for sustained energy, and choline to boost focus and mental clarity. Whether you’re training, recovering, or on the go, Hydrolit +Advance goes beyond the basics to keep you performing at your peak.

Kitchen Essentials: Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Cooking Bags

Parchment Cooking Bags offer an innovative way to prepare flavorful meals in just three steps. Place the bag on a sheet pan and fill with your ingredients, fold it closed, and bake. The parchment bags lock in moisture and flavor, making it easy to create delicious, family-sized meals with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, they bring ease, taste and satisfaction to your kitchen.

Meal Ingredient: Knorr Flavor Bases

Knorr Premium Flavor Base is your secret to rich, authentic taste in every dish. Crafted by professional chefs with real, quality ingredients, each jar makes up to 52 cups of flavorful stock perfect for soups, marinades and roasted vegetables.

Plant Based: Organic Valley Oat Beverage

This new plant-based beverage blends ethically sourced, sustainably grown organic oats, water, and salt with organic MCT oil-rich texture and frothiness. Free from gums and seed oils, it’s also non-dairy and lactose-free—perfect for lattes, smoothies, baking and more!

Protein Snack: Tyson Chicken Bites Cups

Delivering 35 grams of protein per serving, these chicken bites can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dips.

Rice: Ben’s Original Single-Serve Rice Cups

These convenient single-serving rice cups offer a quick, easy way to enjoy perfect rice in the perfect size for on-the-go meals, a quick snack or a convenient side for busy days and contain no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources.

Spreadable Cheese: Rondelé by Président

Blending milk, cream, garlic and savory herbs into a whipped, creamy spread, this cheese delivers rich, comforting flavor to elevate everyday snacking, simple meals and casual entertaining. Made with no stabilizers, it offers quick convenience and versatility for busy lifestyles.

Additional winners include:

Cheese: Organic Valley Original American Cheese Block

Frozen Dessert: Kinder Frozen Dessert

Frozen Entree: Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey

Health & Wellness: ALDI-Exclusive Elevation Ultra Filtered Milkshakes

Wine: Elliot Cooper Chardonnay

Zero Sugar Beverage: Clearly Canadian Zero Sugar

For more information and the complete list of this year’s winners, visit productoftheyearusa.com.

By relying on the recommendations of thousands of consumers, you can load your grocery cart with the self-assurance of a savvy shopper.

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Photo Credit: (c) Jordi Salas / iStock via Getty Images Plus