HOT PICKS OF NEW PRODUCTS INTRODUCED IN 1996.

Byline: Philip Lempert Chicago Tribune 

In terms of new products, 1996 broke all records. Marketing Intelligence Service in Naples, N.Y., is projecting that when it finishes its tallies in mid-February, about 24,000 new products (or variations of established products) were introduced in 1996, breaking the previous record of 21,986 in 1994. Tom Vierhile, general manager of Marketing Intelligence, attributes the surge to a good economy, increased interest in health-oriented products and more entrepreneurial activity.

Here is my list of the best products of 1996. Not all of these items are in all supermarkets. You may have to ask a store manager to order it, or call a company directly.

Josta soda with guarana. Pepsi-Cola introduced this carbonated beverage made with the Brazilian guarana berry, which is said to have caffeinelike qualities. Since its introduction, 12 or so brands are battling for this niche.

Heater Meals. Heater Meals are packaged entrees that require neither refrigerator nor stove. The box contains everything: a flameless heat source, water pack and utensils to heat and eat it on the spot. Pour the water on a tray containing the heating element, invert the sealed food container on the tray, and slide it back in the box. Ten to 12 minutes later, dinner's on.

Phytobear. They look like gummi bears, but these chewy, pill-size bears from the Mannatech Co. are a blend of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, pine-apple, garlic, kale and turnips. One of the first true nutraceuticals (products specifically designed to deliver good nutrition), this product is likely to take off for a terrific reason: Kids actually like the taste.

Flavored milk drinks. With milk consumption down, especially among children, companies were compelled to get creative with ``milk makeovers.'' Two milk products with kid appeal surfaced: Moo Koolers, in flavors such as ChocoKool (chocolate mint) and OrangeSlide (orange vanilla), and Smilk, a fruit-flavored milk that comes in different colors - blue, orange or pink - with names such as Pleasin' Punch and Raspberry Jazz.

Starbucks ice cream. Flavors such as Java Chip and Espresso Swirl show that Starbucks can successfully extend its famous coffee product to other kinds of foods.

Betty Crocker cereals. Great new tastes, good value, low in fat. These cereals are one of those products that knew how to sell to aging Baby Boomers.

Orbitz. A lightly flavored bottled water with vegetable-based, multicolored gel spheres suspended in a fruit-flavored liquid. It's unique, fun to look at and a great conversation-starter at parties.

NaturEgg Omega 3. These nutritionally enhanced eggs reportedly have seven times more vitamin E and eight times more Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (which reduce harmful LDL cholesterol) than regular eggs. This is done by feeding chickens a flax-based diet with extra vitamin E.

Safety labels. Now that more freshly prepared foods are sold in supermarkets, the food industry must give food safety education the effort it deserves. Meats and poultry already carry safety labeling; look for it to expand.