San Mig Coffee 100% Premium Instant Coffee 20g

Made in Singapore by Super Coffeemix for the joint venture with San Miguel, this product will give market leader Nescafe a run for its money. Firstly an attractive metalized blue pack versus the dark brown motive of Nescafe will ensure shelf visibility. Pricing is competitive at P15.75. Product taste and aroma is at parity. Advertising is memorable only because of bare chested Piolo Pascual (not sure of relevance though). Distribution is slowly catching up to Nescafe on the downline outlets where more than half of the market potential is found.

My rating: Let's try it again before I finally switch!

Unif HO-MI Instant Mami Noodles 55g

Made by Uni-President (Philippines) Corp. This product will certainly give Lucky Me and Maggi a run for their money. The chicken flavor variant has a good natural tasting broth and its noodles are firm to the bite. The beef flavor variant is much too salty although the beef note is very good. It has sufficient green leaves to give it that appetizing appearance. Its pricing at P4.70 per 55g is also very attractive. It had very attractive, uniquely positioned shelf merchandising materials as compared to the other brands.

My rating for this product: Let’s try it one more time!

Lay's Sun Shots 12g

This variant which is manufactured by Pepsi Cola Far East Trade Development Co Inc in LISP, Cabuyao, Laguna is a poor relation to the more popular Lay’s variants. The chips are crispy but are more air than real bite. The Super Sour Cream & Onion variant lacks that tangy onion note. The Selling at P3.75 per 12g, it certainly is more affordable by the middle and lower classes than its imported cousins. However, it would be difficult for it to be preferred by that market given its weak seasoning and airy mouthfeel. Crunchy Cheesy Cheddar variant has a slightly better flavor impact. Its display among the local snackfood brands makes it stand out since the imported variants are usually displayed in another section.

My rating for this product: Buy something better!