Packaging/Labeling: The bottle includes simple instructions for marinating, supplemented by a detailed continuation of guidelines on a small thank-you card included with the product. The URL is included on the bottle, and more extensive contact information is included on the card. It is unclear how this printed piece could be incorporated into retail sales. When delivered, however, the printed collateral was a very impressive addition. A novice behind the grill would benefit from the tips provided by Chef Harold.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: With a perfect balance of garlic and sweetness, boasting tangy undertones, it is created for poultry, beef, pork and lamb. We used the marinade on both a loin top and a round top cut of beef, and we were blown away with how the marinade significantly improved the texture and taste of the inferior cut of meat. The consensus was that we’d rather buy cheaper meat and use this marinade, than eat an expensive steak…hands down.

Uniqueness: While the marinade can be used with poultry, beef, pork and lamb, the brochure accompanying the marinade provided guidelines for preparation of porterhouse, top loin, tenderloin, ribeye and top sirloin cuts. This beef-niche allows it to compete with fewer others. The diversity of beef cuts creates an opportunity for this marinade to shine, as we strongly preferred the lower-quality meat – enhanced by this marinade – over the higher-grade cut of beef. Consumers looking to reach past leading big name brands on the shelf into more gourmet territory can dress up plain-jane beef in a way that mass-produced marinades do not typically perform.

Price Point: $4.99 per bottle makes this gourmet item very approachable, even within the mainstream grocery retail environment.

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Packaging/Labeling: (Pros): Labels are quite attractive with sleek jet black and red contrasts. ‘Warning: may cause chip damage’ is a great line and perfect for label placement. Standard, run-of-the mill jar is common, but works well for dipping right out of the jar. Overall, bottling and labeling is strong, classy and clean. The gift box in which we received the products was aesthetically appealing and a great way to protect contents for shipping. If an online/mail order shopper is looking for a unique gift for a salsa lover or fiery foods enthusiast, it doesn’t get any better than Daniel’s.

Labeling ranking: 9/10!

***REVISED FOR NEW LABELS:
The flame labeling was somewhat busy in the product name area. The new labels with the ‘veggie’ background are superior and give a classier appearance, which will surely cater to more of the upscale, gourmet crowd that bases decision on appearance and shelf-appeal. (Cons): ‘Get Salsatized’ is a good tagline, but we really felt that the ‘Warning: may cause chip damage’ was catchier, not to mention the truth that the statement held (we broke several chips!)

Taste/Consistency/Quality: Salsa heaven. The consistency is thick and chunky; putting standard runny salsas to shame. This fresh, thick salsa does not ‘drip’ off the chips when dipping, and as the ‘Warning’ stated, will definitely break tortilla chips when dipping. Flavor is fresh and somewhat sweet, with not much heat in the mild and medium varieties. It is our opinion that this was done intentionally with hopes of not sacrificing flavor for heat. If you like a medium-hot salsa, go with the ‘HOT’ variety for sure.

The black bean and corn salsa comes with the same thickness and fresh quality with even more fresh thickness, thanks to a healthy addition of fresh black beans and crispy corn. This salsa had a nice sweetness to it that surely came from the added veggies.

The Golden Roma Chipotle variety was a unique combination that turned some heads. With just the right amount of chipotle goodness and Roma flavor, this was a contender for the favorite in the bunch.

Overall Flavor ranking: 9/10!

Uniqueness: Salsa is definitely one of the most difficult food-segments in the industry. Fortunately, Daniel’s extraordinarily thick, fresh salsa line has some impressive awards under its belt and will standout among the mediocres. Catchy and classy labeling goes a long way for first-time buyers, and Daniel’s excels in that regard as well.

Comparables: –

Pepper Dog Salsa

Millys Salsa

Saratoga Salsa

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