The Zeer Blog

We are very proud to present our first ever iPhone app, Food Reviews on Zeer. Now all the great information on Zeer is available while you’re on the go — nutrition facts, warnings, and our stellar user reviews, plus a searchable database for 100,000 + grocery products.

Take a tour of the exciting features our app now!

From our press release:

“The Food Reviews iPhone App gives consumers access to the Zeer database of grocery products across 35 categories, ranging from bread and breakfast foods to pizza and beer. Consumers can easily search important information, including nutrition facts in the standard FDA format, consumer reviews, ingredients, and manufacturer warning labels.

The first-of-its kind application also allows consumers to filter searches by average rating to help discover high quality foods while on the go. Consumers can easily keep track of their favorite foods and sync their favorite products automatically with Zeer.com. Shoppers preferring Organic or Kosher foods can easily filter their searches to see only these products. High quality images are also featured for each product, enabling easy identification while in the supermarket aisle and improving the overall shopping experience.”

We also created a fun 1 minute demo on YouTube featuring our very own CEO, Mike Putnam, showing you some our favorite features of our application. Enjoy!

1.) Liberty Orchards Aplets & Cotlets Ever since Edmund in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe became addicted to Turkish Delights, people have wondered, “Well, what on earth does a Turkish Delight taste like?” For curious eaters, Gen H. might be able to shed some light with her recent review of Liberty Orchard’s Aplets & Cotlets which she professes is “a very delicious, authentic, American-made Turkish Delight” that has a “sweet, fruity flavor, and a smooth consistency, with a slight crunch of walnuts.”

2.) Nestle’s Lion Bar Looking for a Nestle bar with a little more bite than the standard Nestle’s crunch? Nestle’s Lion Bar is a “crispy, chewy and sweet” caramel filled wafer that has Thaniya A. positively growling.

3.) Cadbury Mini Eggs The Cadbury company has long had our attention with its delicious dairy milk chocolates, but Cadbury Mini Eggs are a Zeer favorite that Sarah R. claims is “solid proof of such superiority” to Hershey’s. However, you might need to act fast. These addictive little eggs only make their appearance once a year around the Easter holiday, a fact that is fortunate indeed for those of us who just can’t say no.

4.) Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate with Marzipan If your quest for a good Marzipan bar has left you hungry, Ben L. has determined that Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate with Marzipan is one of the “best marzipan bars.” What makes this bar distinctive among the rest? For Ben L. it may just be that distinctive hazelnut flavor which “shines through an excellent dark chocolate covering.”

5.) Yummy Earth Variety Candy Drops For the allergy mom, it’s tough to find a candy available at a local supermarket that are safe for your children, but it’s even tougher to find a candy that’s also USDA organic and tastes great, too. Fortunately, Jennifer B. found Yummy Earth Variety Candy Drops a “rare safe (for peanut allergy) candy treat” for those of you who have people in your life who need to eat “nut-free, peanut-free, corn-free, dairy-free, wheat-free and more.”

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From the Zeer Better Buyer,  April 7, 2009

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.

You don’t need to be a late night reveler or a patriotic Irishman to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. Instead fill your morning with a “magically delicious” feast of emerald, Irish, and green-themed foods.

Start your day out with Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness Fruit Juice Blend, a power protein drink that is as sneaky as a leprechaun. It even has observant reviewers like Miyuki Y. pointing out, “I don’t know exactly how healthy it is, but it’s green so it fools me too! Great meal replacement if you’re in a rush or fasting.”

If you want a breakfast worth getting up for, John McCann’s award-winning Steel Cut Oatmeal might be the ticket. Not convinced? Andrew D. seems to think the accolades are spot on – as that he gives this product made of 100% Irish oats Zeer’s most coveted rating of five stars.

If you’re looking to sneak in a little spice (and color) into those “traditional” Irish dishes, Lori N. points you Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce, a zesty little concoction that “gives a perfect amount of flavor to dishes that need a little extra ’something’.”

If your pooch wants to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, too, take a tip from Bill B. and toss him a Greenie’s Smart Treat to get his day started with a jig (and fresh and clean breath!)

And if by the end of breakfast the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day hasn’t set in, don’t be afraid to slip a little bit of Bailey’s with a Hint of Mint Chocolate into your pot of (gold) coffee.

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From the Zeer Better Buyer,  March12, 2009

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.

It’s Saturday morning and your honey is still snug in bed when you come waltzing through the door with breakfast. Your happy Valentine smiles sleepily at you and eyes the tray hungrily before finally asking, “Well, what’s for breakfast?”

A.) My Valentine Loves The Earth Well, since you have it under good authority that your honey loves to eat responsibly, you’ve whipped her up some nosh that is high in delicious-ness, but low in environmental impact. Center stage is an organic omelet made with Pete & Gerry’s Organic, Grade A Large Brown Eggs stuffed with Earthbound Farm Baby Spinach , and Horizon Cheddar Cheese. If she still doubts that you think her passion for the earth is sexy, blend her up up a confidence inducing smoothie using ½ cup Cascadian Farms Organic Blueberries , ½ cup Wallaby Blueberry, Creamy Australian Yogurt, and ½ an organic banana.

B.) My Valentine Is Nostalgic Since your sweetie is simply a big kid at heart, you took a tip from Ian O. and whipped him up a nostalgic breakfast of Quaker Brown Sugar, Dinosaur Eggs Instant Oatmeal with a side of Green Eggs and Ham and little boxes of Juicy Juice Grape Juice to wash it all down. After your Valentine has stuffed himself silly, you present him with a handmade Valentine’s Day card you put together with construction paper, glitter and whimsical Kraft Spirals Macaroni. When he opens it and sees the words: “Will you be my Valentine? Check yes or no.” He will definitely check and double check “YES.”

C.)My Valentine Adores Romance There’s no doubt about it. Your lady craves passion and romance. That’s why you woke up early to make her caramelized banana and pecan stuffed French toast (made with Challah bread and topped with hand-whipped cream ). While your special lady dines, you pay special care to keep refilling her champagne glass with passion fruit mimosas made from Korbel Extra Dry California Champagne.

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From the Zeer Better Buyer,  February 12, 2009

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.

You don’t have to be a member of the Snackfood Lovers community to find an excuse to fumble your New Year’s resolution in lieu a day of football-fueled gorging.

There are innumerable ways you can spend your calories, but there’s no doubt about it: Zeers know their potato chips. So, if you’re looking for super chips to fill your Super Bowl, Becky S. claims you can kickstart your taste buds with Kettle Spicy Thai Potato Chips which according to her, pack a “serious punch” (a welcome aggression considering the event) and will put the fight back into any flavorless chicken sandwich.

Little late with your chicken wing orders this year? Kettle Chips also makes a brand of powerful tasting Buffalo Bleu Krinkle Cut Chips that Valerie T. exclaims is the best of both worlds: “Little buffalo wings, little blue cheese flavor.”

Food Allergy Buzz writer, Jennifer B, explains that Robert’s American Gourmet Pirate’s Booty scores a touchdown pass with her little ones. However, if it hits halftime and you haven’t scored any points with your favorite little people, take a tip from Miller A. and reach for Chex Mix Cereal (now Gluten free) and mix it up with some Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels and other sweet treats for them to pass between each other.

Some people don’t just like to see the competition lose; they want to see them burnt to a crisp. If you’re always digging to the bottom of the bowl to unearth a few “well done” chips, then spoil yourself a whole bag of them: Cape Cod Dark Russet Potato Chips.

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From the Zeer Better Buyer,  January 27th, 2009

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.

Imagine that instead of walking alone into the grocery store without a clue about what to buy for your new diet, a whole army of Zeers went with you. They taste-test Weight Watchers’ delectable treats, sample Lean Cuisine’s skinny portions and find the lightest, lowest calorie yogurt just for you.

For breakfast fans wise enough not to miss the most important nosh of the day, Weight Watchers veteran Bill S. points you to Weight Watchers Wheat English Muffins a delicious, low-point breakfast when you top it off with egg whites and spinach or fat-free cheese with tomato, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a breakfast you can easily tote around, Ann H and Emily M. agree that CLIF Black Cherry Almond Energy Bars are a godsend. With only 45 calories from fat, this energy bar is a perfect energy booster right after a workout or as Ann discovered, a delightful accompaniment to coffee.

For those of you who will be counting carbs instead of sheep this year, Or M. suggests wrapping up your favorite sandwich meats and vegetables in Cedar’s Whole Wheat Wraps . With only 80 calories and a whopping 6 grams of fiber per wrap, it’s no wonder why resourceful Emma K. turns this lunchtime chow into a healthy snack by toasting the wrap and dipping the pieces in hummus.

Eventhough Skinny Cow Strawberry Shortcake Low Fat Ice Cream Sandwiches have won over Zeer ladies’ tastesbuds, the inflated price has not. Weight Watcher Cara P. reassures that even though these “delectable” treats maybe expensive, they will satisfy your cravings instantly. Of course, if you’re more of a fan of a sundae than a sandwich, Christine M. recommends savoring Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae instead.

Hungry for more great tips on shopping for your resolution? Check out the Zeer Blog’s 5 Steps You Need to Take Before Grocery Shopping For Your New Diet.

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From the Zeer Better Buyer, January 6, 2008

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.

Happy New Year!

As we look back on 2008, we can’t help but feel proud for all of our accomplishments and we’d like for you to celebrate them with us!

February 2008

Zeer invites about 100 individuals to test Zeer in our private Alpha launch

May 2008

Techcrunch annouces the launch of Zeer! Buying groceries will never be the same.

June 2008

Zeer is selected as one of Time’s 50 Best Websites of 2008.

July 2008

Zeer goes mobile!

Boston Globe writes an article about Zeer’s new mobile technology in “Will Web Tool Catch On At The Grocery Store?”

Zeer is selected to present at Web Inno Boston. We also had the honor of winning the Web Inno’s audience choice award.

August 2008

Zeer was featured in Mashable’s Start Up Review series.

Mike Putnam annouces Zeer’s advisory board!

September 2008

We introduce the Zeer Better Buyer, a biweekly newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox.

October 2008

We had an adorable girl stop by our office dressed as a Trader Joe’s bag on Halloween.

PC World includes us in a list of 10 Great Sites for Local Content and Mobile Devices.

November 2008

We held our first ever Thanksgiving Review contest!

December 2008

Zeer holds its first ever Innovation Day, an all day event dedicated to new and innovative ideas for our future.

2009 Predictions:

Zeer makes it even easier for our members to find better grocery products

Even though yuletide cheer has been belting out from every supermarket speaker since Thanksgiving, Zeers are still enthusiastic about sharing their favorite seasonal foods (a good sign that the January 2nd weigh-in is still far from their minds.)

Kara H. has a little secret to share with gluten free foodies this holiday season; she keeps Pamela’s Product’s Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies tucked away in her purse while navigating the gluten-heavy spreads at holiday parties. Of course, if your Santa suffers from any of the top 8 allergens, Food Allergy Buzz blogger Jennifer B. heartily recommends filling his plate with Enjoy Life’s Soft Baked Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies.

If your cries of “Let it snow, Let it snow,” come true this year, Molly P recommends warming up your frozen limbs with Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Premium Hot Cocoa prepared on the stovetop. For those of you who prefer gingerbread to chocolate, there are some beers brimming with the tastes of the season. One season appropriate beer is Harpoon Winter Warmer which gets a nod from Felicia S. as “the perfect beer to accompany a lot of the winter holiday foods if you’re a fan of flavored beers.”

If you prefer to eat your popcorn instead of stringing it, this week some of our top Zeer reviewers have unearthed Boston’s Lite Popcorn, a guilt-free snack that Tarah H. points out is not only “light and fluffy” but is dairy free and kosher, too.

Still feeling more like a grinch than an jolly little elf? Break out your latent coloring skills with this mysterious holiday themed product we found in the Zeer database: Color-a-Cookie-The-Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Hand Decorated Cookie. Happy Holidays!

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From the Zeer Better Buyer, December 16, 2008

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.

We have a lot to be thankful for at Zeer; We have our growing community of food enthusiasts, a killer team, and whipsmart Zeer reviewers who love to share their food experiences. So, if you don’t hear it enough this holiday season, thanks from us to you.

Special thanks is also in order for everyone who participated in Zeer’s first annual Thanksgiving Review Contest! Though there were several excellent Thanksgiving-themed reviews to choose from, we’d like to congratulate Damien S., Megan B., , and Tarah H. who each will be receiving an eco-friendly Zeer grocery tote as their prize.

So, what delicious Thanksgiving concoctions will our winners be making tomorrow? Tarah H. (now dubbed affectionately as “the piemaster”) will be whipping up cherry, pumpkin and apple crumb pies using Pillsbury Pie Crusts, a product with no dough-y “cracks and creases to mend” which other, less worthy Pillsbury Pie Crusts flaunt.

For those poor unfortunate guests who forget dessert this Thanksgiving, food ninja Damien S. recommends popping over to the local 24 hour convenience store, channeling MacGyver, and melting together a “bag of Rolos, shelled pecan halves and those square pretzel grid things” to produce the poor man’s version of Nestle’s Turtles. According to Damien, your Aunt Gertrude will be pleased.

… and Moms, just a tip from me to you. If last minute you find out your daughter failed to mention that her floppy-haired college boyfriend is a Vegan, stay calm, take a few breaths, and pop on over to Megan B.’s profile. Before you know it, you’ll be serving up a Turtle Islands Tofurkey with a side of Vegan mashed potatoes and a tasty homemade glaze. Your daughter will be happy, the Vegan boyfriend will be full, and you can proceed to prod them both for details about their future.

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From the Zeer Better Buyer, November 26, 2008

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.

We’re having a virtual Thanksgiving and we need your help! When you share your Thanksgiving-themed Zeer reviews before November 21st, 2008, you’re automatically entered to win 1 of 3 chic, eco-friendly Zeer shopping bags. For more details, check out the Zeer Blog.

Ah, it looks like our virtual Thanksgiving is already rapidly underway! Stacy L. is in the Zeer kitchen shredding Hoffman’s Super Sharp Pasteurized Cheddar Cheese for Shannon S’s delectably gooey Mueller’s Elbow Macaroni and cheese.

Meanwhile Jiffy’s Corn Muffin Mix fan, Sarah C., fends off Zeer founder, Michael P, who tries to sneak a taste of the fresh baked cornbread cooling in the cast iron pan. If we’re lucky, maybe Christine M. remembered to bring Land O’ Lakes Sweet Cream Salted Butter to melt on top. If not, we could always use Lee Lacocca’s 60% Vegetable Spread. which Damien S. rejoices as “The best BEST buttery spread around.”

If the heat in the kitchen makes us thirsty, Southern transplant Molly P. will make sure our whistles stay wet with a couple pitchers of Lipton Iced Tea while Rachel K. keeps us giggling with Man Vintners South African 2005 Chenin Blanc, a wine famed for its “potential to instigate a lot of funny innuendos at the dinner table.”

Gluten-free Zeers will also be giving thanks this year because Lisa B. (who’s been sharing her GF Thanksgiving tips in the Gluten Allergy Community ) has whipped up a couple of perfect pumpkin pies using Whole Foods Frozen Gluten Free Pie Crust. Has Sara Lee been replaced by Lisa B.? Only taste will tell.

Barnaby D. can put down the Hungry Man Roasted Carved Turkey today because we’ll be having a Tofurkey (for our hungry Vegans and Vegetarians ). Which reminds me, should we spring for the Tofurkey Giblet Gravy, too?

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From the Zeer Better Buyer, November 18, 2008

The Better Buyer is a newsletter that brings the best advice found in Zeer reviews straight to your inbox. With Zeer’s Better Buyer, you can see what products are buzzing in the Zeer community, check out the newest Zeer members, and glimpse a smorgasbord of new reviews. To make sure you receive Zeer’s Better Buyer, sign up for Zeer and double check that the newsletter box is currently in the “checked” position on your email settings page here.