talking fresh&easy blog

Sunday, September 14, 2008

what's your favorite fresh&easy product?

I'm increasingly struck by the number of people who let us know what their favorite fresh&easy products are.....and how many different products they talk about.

Before we'd opened our first store, one of the big questions was whether people would accept our own brand products, which made up nearly 50% of our assortment.

It was one of the key reasons we built a "kitchen table" into each of our stores, so that people could try our products and make their minds up themselves.
It was also why we kept our packaging simple, so that you can see the product for yourself.

So it's good to hear how many different products are striking a chord with our customers.

Our Hummus gets a mention quite a lot (the Lemon & Cilantro is my favorite), many of the prepared meals from our own kitchen (including the Beef Lasagne and the Sheperd's Pie!), many of our ready to eat salads (also prepared fresh in our own kitchen), and the quality of our meat. But then there's also our Gelato (especially the Roasted Banana), our Kettle Chips, our Mountain Trail Mix, our One Huge Hunk (of chocolate), our Pure water, and of course our award winning wines - Reflexion, our own brand Rioja which was given 91 Parker points, is my particular favorite.

As well as how they taste, many comment about what great prices they are, and the fact they have simple ingredients, with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives (except where absolutely necessary), and no added transfats. Our Mashed Potato, from our own kitchen, is a case in point, just have a look at its ingredient list...

Of course, not every product has worked, but we listen, and we're adding to our assortment all the time - we've recently announced another 200 products before the end of the year.

My own personal favorite?

Ahi Tuna Poke, from our fish cabinet - a Hawaian dish, I often have it for lunch.

But enough about me, tell me, what's your favorite fresh&easy product?

74 Comments:

At September 14, 2008 9:55 PM , Blogger Morten said...

Whatever people respond with or buy most often, please don't ever stop making new products available. I like coming in to the store to find new products that may sound exciting that day.

You really do have a lot of good products. Some of my favorites are:
- The Tomato & Basil soup
- The Mozarella and Basil sandwich
- The Macaroni and Cheese
- The Hummus and yes in particular the Lemon & Cilantro
- The Kettle chips
- The Organic Lemonade

 
At September 15, 2008 7:55 AM , Blogger OakMonster said...

Dark chocolate pudding and dark chocolate mousse top my list these days. The grab-and-go will have to be chicken masala and bacon and cheese mashed potatoes. Jalapeno cheddar kettle chips just now got on my PMS go-to list. Haha!

Can hardly wait for the poke! What else are coming out?

 
At September 15, 2008 2:09 PM , Anonymous Fne customer assistant said...

well i have to say that my favorite product in our stores is one of the newest.

PEAR GEL, i have had many different gelatin flavours before but never have i had pear until now and i have had about 3 or 4 every week since we started selling them.

if it wasn't for the pear gel, i would have to say my favorite is the foccacia sandwich roll. it's perfect for a sandwich with our guacamole and peppered turkey...

 
At September 15, 2008 2:14 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the pure water as well. Comes from a municipal water supply, is then filtered and bottled. Very unique, differentiated.

 
At September 15, 2008 5:40 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

My favorite fresh and easy products are the roasted tomatoes, shrimp ceviche, and carrot cake. They have become a staple in our home!

 
At September 15, 2008 10:02 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I, too, love finding new products each time I pop in. The chicken tortilla soup, tomato basil soup, spinach dip, almost all of the refrigerated salad dressings and sauces, the mango salsa, the lasagna, the salmon with the spicy shrimp stuffing, the kettle chips and the poke are those that quickly come to mind. And of course, the daily specials/markdowns are always fun!

 
At September 16, 2008 7:01 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the the pickle chips. random, I know. But they're great, and I also love the availability of the unpasteurized grapefruit juice. the F&E bacon is delicious, and I have enjoyed all of the beans, rices, and canned tomatoes that I've tried. The potato chips are delicious.

But my favorite thing has to be the mocha sandwich cookies. They are to die for, and it actually smells like coffee and chocolate when you open up the package.

 
At September 16, 2008 9:47 PM , Blogger My Chatterbox said...

It's amazing how words written on a blog page about hummus found it's way through a fresh and easy associate. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and for sending in my request to the F&E container design team. Goes to show that you guys "are" listening to your customers which separates you from a lot of other companies. Much appreciation for you guys and for your "hummus". thanks again!.

 
At September 17, 2008 2:07 PM , Blogger Jeff said...

Curry chicken salad, Kalamta Olive Loaf, Chocolate or Pistachio Gelato, and one of the frozen Indian dishes. You can't expect me to pick just one. :)

 
At September 17, 2008 4:51 PM , Blogger Hugo G said...

I think F&E has a lot of good products, but here are my favs:

-4 Cheese Pizza
-Veggie Chili
-Tomato Basil Sandwiches
-F&E Brand Mocha Cookies
-Freshly prepped Mashed Potatoes
-Your prepped Burritos
-Focaccia sandwich rolls
-Organic Limeade, so refreshing!

 
At September 18, 2008 3:50 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the garlic hummus with the
organic tortilla chips.

The couscous is awesome. Better than the dried out version at the Wynn
casino. The addition of fruit helps
although the sugar content is high.

Your breakfast blend coffee is another
favourite of mine.

 
At September 18, 2008 7:09 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm fascinated...open a store in the Beaverton/Portland, Oregon area! Trader Joe's/Whole Foods/New Season do really well here. You'd fit right in!

 
At September 21, 2008 7:29 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I tried Fresh & Easy for the first time today and I'm already a fan!

Your fresh shrimp ceviche is delicious!! I can't wait to try everything else that I bought, and return to try new items.

 
At September 22, 2008 10:21 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I haven't found anything at F&E that I don't like, but a couple of faves are the canned black olives. They are the best I've found anywhere. The ground beef is especially tasty and gristle free, and I absolutely love the dark chocolate gelato!

 
At September 25, 2008 5:46 PM , Blogger Charcoal Designs said...

I looked at my kitchen counter today and it was full of f&e brand stuff...rolled oats, raisins, hummus and tomato veggie chips! yummm, veggie chips!

 
At September 26, 2008 5:00 PM , Blogger Morten said...

Oh yes the veggie chips are great.
I would also have to add the chipotle ranch dressing.
And the organic french roast coffee is really good, more expensive than my alternatives but so much better.

 
At September 28, 2008 3:23 PM , Blogger zinablt said...

I have been to many of the Fresh and easy stores, and the Kitchen Table is my favorite. I am interested in how those kitchen table folks make such good food! What are their recipes? How do they make it look so easy?
I am a working Mom, and don't have alot of time or energy to cook when I get home from a hard days work,: I would like to prepare something good, healthy, and fast for my hungry family.
Could you post some simple recipies for me and other moms in my delima?
thank you,
zinablt

 
At September 28, 2008 5:14 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

the unpasteurized grapefruit juice is by far the best... it tastes like juice my mom used to make for me at home when i was a kid... totally refreshing and something i can't find anywhere else... only one problem... the bottles are always sticky!

 
At October 1, 2008 4:14 PM , Blogger Grr, Midnight & Cocoa said...

I love, love, love the peach salsa! Can't get enough of it!
Karen C.

 
At October 2, 2008 8:48 AM , Blogger Calli O. said...

spinach artichoke dip and red pepper hummus and the sushi are my favorites. There are many more.... Also, I have invented a lot of awesome recipes using fresh and easy products and as a cooking/nutrition major I am interested in knowing how to possibly work in the "Fresh and Easy" kitchens to publish my recipes in the newsletters! How would I get more information about this? mcoverstreet@gmail.com Let me know!!!

 
At October 4, 2008 6:44 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The English bacon is superb. It's hard to find anywhere else. How about some more English products? Thank you.

 
At October 4, 2008 6:46 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The English bacon is superb. How about some more English products?
Thank you.

 
At October 7, 2008 11:41 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

-the $.86 tofu, because its delicious and the best price around!
-soy crisps in barbecue

oh and my mother and i go crazy over the fiesta chips and different salsas! mmm!

 
At October 9, 2008 2:52 PM , Blogger Clare said...

ROASTED BANANA GELATO!

There are no words.

Just LOVE!

 
At October 10, 2008 2:44 PM , Anonymous Michael J Dunford said...

Can tesco's ( FRESH & EASY ) British products be bought and shipped to Orlando, Florida? Has anyone ever tried this to another State, I am dreaming of good old brit bacon and pork Sausages in the mornings.
Can anyone help?

Orlando Brit,,,

 
At October 10, 2008 5:03 PM , Anonymous Elaine said...

I LOVE the Prosecco/Pinot Sparkling Wine - I want to order a case because I am a distance from the Fresh & Easy store - is this possible?

Elaine in Santa Monica

 
At October 11, 2008 10:12 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'd like to second what some other people have mentioned about the British products. Yesterday, I tried the Back Bacon... Tastes just like the real thing! Though I'm not sure how much you'd sell, it'd be nice to see:

- Brown sauce (perhaps HP)
- Marmite
- Biscuits (I quite like Rich Tea or just digestives)

Being a division of Tesco and all, it seems like you could import those in bulk...

Also, keep up the good work with the meals! I tried your Tikka Masala - tasted just like the Tikka Masala I used to get at Tesco Express!

 
At October 18, 2008 12:48 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The fact that your meat & milk has no added hormones. Thank you.

 
At October 18, 2008 8:34 PM , Blogger Norbie K. of Las Vegas said...

GRANOLAHHHH FEEHVAHH!!!!! Peach and cranberry is the best!!!!

 
At October 21, 2008 2:11 PM , Blogger Hugo G said...

I know I already commented once, but I am compelled to recommend two more products I recently encountered at F&E.

-Moscato Wine (Makulu) is great! It has a nice crispy nose, with light notes of peach and other fruity goodness. Best of all, it's not heavy on the alcohol, perfect for a picnic!

- Frozen Southwest-style Empanadas: the perfect football appetizer!

 
At October 22, 2008 1:18 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

My absolute favorite:

carrot - ginger soup delicious hot or cold.

 
At October 22, 2008 9:17 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I miss the French Onion dip! But I'm happy you've added organic peanut butter.

 
At October 23, 2008 9:40 AM , Anonymous Val said...

I love the organic limeade...so good.

 
At October 24, 2008 9:50 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the tapioca. buy it every week. also, the greek yogurt.

 
At October 28, 2008 5:11 PM , Anonymous Lisa Rothstein said...

The french roast coffee is as good or better than Starbucks at half the price. I was smart enough a few months ago when it went on sale at $2.99 to buy about 20 pounds at once, and have just finished my stash.
The jarred F&E Kalamata olives, the tricolored tortilla chips and all flavors of hummus are other favorites in my house.
Can't wait to try other folks' faves on this blog.
Keep up the fabulous work, please!!!

 
At October 28, 2008 5:13 PM , Anonymous Lisa said...

My URL was wrong on my last post...
it's www.yourwriterforhire.com

 
At October 30, 2008 9:59 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

i know its not supposed to be a brit food store but ....

The English bacon is superb. It's hard to find anywhere else. How about some more English products? Thank you.

 
At November 7, 2008 9:36 AM , Anonymous Kari said...

Well one of my favorites was the Chipotle smoked salsa, but I just found out it was discontinued! Why? It was the absolute best and it always nearly sold out whenever I went. You need to bring that back ASAP! Also, the Lemon/cilantro Hummus is amazing. How about making a pesto hummus? Yum!

 
At November 7, 2008 3:39 PM , Blogger Jackie J said...

One of my favorites is the Blue Corn Lime Chili crackers - yum! Oh, and the Roasted Banana gelato.

I would also like to see more British products. I have been begging you guys for months to PLEASE stock the tins of ready-made Ambrosia Devon Custard!! I promise you it will be a hit with shoppers :-)

 
At November 7, 2008 6:13 PM , Blogger Emily said...

I wrote an ode to you guys today. Check it out!

 
At November 7, 2008 6:27 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I thought the teriyaki Tuna micro steamer with organic white rice was the best until...the feta stuffed chicken breast w/ marinara sauce. Chef Mike never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for presenting better and better choices.

 
At November 10, 2008 11:08 PM , Blogger Banana said...

My favorite is the No Sugar Added vanilla pudding! Or maybe the snickerdoodle dough...

I buy a tub of frosted oatmeal cookies for my son every week... and sometimes eat a few myself.

My husband loves the F&E guacamole, and the lime & salt chips!

 
At November 11, 2008 6:49 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your organic yorgurt. I am a yogurt freak and your plain organic yorgurt is the best I have had since I move to the states 17 years ago. This mixed with your maple pecan granola and I am in heaven.

 
At November 12, 2008 8:24 AM , Blogger Lisa T said...

with a larger famiy, we haven't tried too many of the homemade dishes you offer, but we love your branded (boxed) organic macaroni and cheese. My family won't eat any other brand anymore!

 
At November 12, 2008 11:50 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The peanut butter & chocolate chip granola bars - YUM!!

 
At November 14, 2008 9:07 AM , Anonymous David said...

The Pizza Dough! It's much better than the Trader Joe's pizza dough in taste and it is so much easier to work with. I don't live very close to Fresh & Easy, but I make special trips for the pizza dough.

 
At November 14, 2008 9:25 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Onion Birani Fritters are perfect with lemon hummus. Cant find them in AZ now so BRING EM BACK! ...was eating them 2-3 times a week...sooo good.

 
At November 17, 2008 4:12 PM , Anonymous Dai Evans said...

Back bacon is my favorite, followed closely by English Cheddar - now if only I could buy Welsh Lamb I would be in heaven ...
it's taken close to quarter of a century for me to get this place in to my little slice of Britain, and you've been an important part of that - Diolch yn Fawr!

dai

 
At November 17, 2008 9:46 PM , Blogger matthew said...

I believe in taking care of myself in a balanced diet and a rigorous excersie routine. I normally pay around $4.50 for my favorite cookies (Joseph's), you offer them below $3, fantastic.

 
At November 21, 2008 10:03 PM , Blogger jt said...

the coupons!!

I also love the ciabatta bread, sparkling lemonade, cheese croissants, string cheese, chile cilantro chicken, and the NOSHES, especially the apple/pear with curry pecans. and the pretzel chips.

 
At December 2, 2008 11:27 PM , Anonymous Lim said...

The roasted banana gelato!

 
At December 3, 2008 7:44 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please start selling chocolate flavored protein powder in the big tubs. You sell vanilla..Now all you need is the best flavor in the world...CHOCOLATE PROTEIN!!!

 
At December 10, 2008 1:03 PM , Blogger FreshChampion said...

I work at Fresh and Easy in Phoenix, AZ and I like the tomato basil soup, which is funny because I don't even like regular tomato soup. Also on my lunch break I'll eat the spicy shrimp rolls, turkey club wraps, or the shrimp alfredo. Also a little known gem is the triple berry crunch cereal.. way better than Special K with berries. Anyways, stay fresh and be easy !

 
At December 11, 2008 10:35 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your stores are really great. It takes a while to get over the big chain grocery-shopping habit of having a large selection of non-grocery products to purchase.
But, why do you not have gift certificates? Especially in this economy, gift certificates would make the best gifts!

From early October to now, I have spent over $600 in grocery gift certificates (wedding presents & holiday presents). I wanted them to be for your store but instead Trader Joe's got the money! (TJs is fantastic too, but I wanted the gift recipients to try your store)

I'm sorry to say this, but someone in your organization really blew it!

 
At December 12, 2008 12:55 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you guys still in business? This blog is 3 months old.

 
At December 13, 2008 10:35 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just love the fact, the store is right around the corner. My favorite foods are: 2% organic milk, breads, preseasoned chicked to bake, desserts, collards greens,0.99 cents fruits, wines, alfredo chicken, and of course the friendly staff waiting for us to come. Never a bad attitude in fresh and easy, and that's hard to believe in Las Vegas, home of the worst customer service.

 
At December 14, 2008 12:53 PM , Blogger billkay said...

By the way, Simon, when is your Pasadena store opening, the one on Lake & California?

 
At December 19, 2008 6:27 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your fresh fish is excellent, especially the NEVER FROZEN scallops. Please bring back the striped bass that you had when you first opened! Also thanks for adding the nonfat yogurt in the big tubs, although I would prefer one that doesn't have any added thickeners.

 
At December 20, 2008 2:28 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your carrot cake muffins with cream cheese topping is to die and all the different kinds of wraps. It's a wonderful store to visit everyday and find so many delicious things to eat! Yummy!

 
At December 20, 2008 3:19 PM , Blogger billkay said...

Where has Simon got to? No blog since September and now it's nearly Christmas...

 
At December 23, 2008 12:10 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

the marianated artichoke hearts near the deli section, hummus, ranch dressing in the produce section, vegetarian breakfast burrito

 
At December 26, 2008 4:41 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I LOVE THE NATURES NOSH ALL THREE TYPES.... GREAT LUNCH AND PRE WORKOUT I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A SUPERMARKET SINCE IVE BEEN SHOPPING AT F&E

 
At December 29, 2008 7:49 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do they have the same things in all stores? I love Tuna Poke but have never seen it in my Fresh and Easy store here in Phoenix.

 
At January 2, 2009 8:55 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can not tell you my favorite product cause there are to many to name but if I have to name the #1 product is the whole store yall are the cheapest in town thank you for coming to yucaipa,ca

 
At January 4, 2009 6:44 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

more English Products Please!!! WE NEED BANGERS!!!

 
At January 16, 2009 6:25 PM , Anonymous Erin said...

Strawberry lemonade, wheat pizza dough, red chicken curry, and the peanut butter. Getting to try random things when they are 50% off is awesome. It leads to all sorts of new addictions for me.

 
At January 18, 2009 1:34 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I /love the hawaiian pizza. its the best. the espresso gelato is awesome as well.

 
At January 23, 2009 8:51 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

My favorite fresh and easy product is the .25 cent tomatoes. They mark them down so much that you can get a plastic box full of 8 roma tomatoes for only .25 cents. It's in the 50% off isle. WHAT A DEAL!!

 
At February 25, 2009 7:52 AM , Blogger Deborah said...

Your cake and pancake mixes are wonderful. (Meyer Lemon Cake especially) I love the coupons. In Las Vegas seems there is one on every corner. So convenient. Spent 45.00 (after coupon) on 7bags of groceries and that included a beef roast and large container of pork chops. Try and do that at a major grocery chain. I also tend to buy less. Meats are delicious and specials are great. Staff are friendly. No wait at checkout. Keep up the good work.

 
At April 1, 2009 11:54 AM , Anonymous Cassandra1287 said...

i LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the green chile sourdough loaf. and the raspberry preserves. and the apple fritters. and the coffee. and the apple sauce. all the juices. lol. but my ABSOLUTE favorite is the mango lemonade. i have a feeling it will be selling like crazy when the temp hits 100 here! so refreshing! i love when im stocking and i see something new, i get so excited!

 
At June 29, 2009 10:19 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the Chicken Masala! Its bettter than Indian food from a restaurant and all I have to do is pop it in the microwave!

The plain hummus and the jalapeno hummus are excellent!

Fresh and Easy Mild Salsa.

Fiesta Tortilla Chips!

Fresh Alaskan Salmon.

PB without preservatives.

Whole wheat and Omega 3 bread.

Gala apples, butternut squash, and herb salad mix are also good. :)

 
At June 29, 2009 10:21 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also, the prepared carne asada burritos and the fair trade coffee are great!

 
At July 26, 2009 12:46 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love too many things to name right now... just need a quick answer to a question... why does regular pudding have nutrition info but not the sugar-free pudding? Seems like people buying sugar-free would be even more interested in calorie count, etc. I know the process of testing is expensive, but put nutrition info on everything you can, or a lot of times people won't buy it! Lots of people on diets!

 
At December 5, 2009 12:32 PM , Anonymous Sarah said...

I love the Kerrygold pure irish butter...it's to die for!

 

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