Kellogg unveils breakfast innovation

 

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — The Kellogg Co. is introducing a variety of new products targeting the breakfast category. The new items include a range of cereals and oatmeal Pop-Tarts.

Mini-Wheats Crunch is the first non-shredded cereal in the Mini-Wheats line. The new product is a fiber and whole grain cereal with the flavor of brown sugar. The company said it stays crispy in milk and has the same nutrition benefits of regular Mini-Wheats, which include whole grain and 6 grams of fiber.

Scooby Doo is making a comeback at Kellogg with the debut of Scooby-Doo! cereal. The product is made with whole grain and the cereal pieces are shaped like dog bones. It has 50% of the recommended amount of whole grain and 6 grams of sugar per serving.

The company’s Special K line will be extended with the introduction of Chocolately Strawberry cereal, which is a limited edition item that is targeted toward adults who are watching their weight.

Noting that cinnamon is the fastest growing flavor in the cereal category, Kellogg is introducing brown sugar cinnamon Jacks cereal.

Finally, the company’s Pop-Tarts line is being extended with the introduction of Oatmeal Delights. They are made with toasted cinnamon oat crumbles on a baked oat flour crust and available in two flavors: strawberry and maple brown sugar.

“At Kellogg, we have a clear understanding of the evolving lifestyles, taste preferences and nutrition needs of our consumers,” said Doug VanDeVelde, senior vice-president of marketing and innovation for Kellogg Morning Foods. “We translate those insights into delicious and nutritious options that consumers love.”

Cool Whip extends portfolio with frosting

 

NORTHFIELD, ILL. — Cool Whip, a brand owned by the Kraft Foods Group, has introduced Cool Whip Frosting to its product portfolio. The line extension is available in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla and cream cheese.

Lynne Galia, who works in Kraft’s corporate affairs department, said the company sees an opportunity in frosting because consumers are dissatisfied with shelf-stable frosting. Kraft’s research indicates frosting will be incremental to the frozen section and will provide an acceptable alternative to homemade frosting.

The new product is available in the frozen food aisle of supermarkets nationwide and has a suggested retail price of $2.99.

John Morrell debuts 40% Lower Sodium Franks

 

LISLE, ILL. — The John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, is introducing Armour and John Morrell 40% Lower Sodium Franks for food service operators.

“With a rising awareness of sodium intake, we are interested in providing restaurant operators and patrons lower-sodium alternatives to some of the best-selling items on the menu,” said Chuck Gitkin, vice-president of marketing, innovation and research and development at John Morrell Food Group. “We are using a breakthrough all-natural sodium alternative that allows for a one-to-one replacement of salt. The new franks do not compromise the taste and tradition that are hallmarks of the Armour and John Morrell brands.”

The company said the product provides a solution for food service operators in schools, health care facilities and colleges and universities.

Cereal combines chia, hemp and buckwheat

RICHMOND, B.C. — Nature’s Path Organic Foods is introducing Qi’a (pronounced “key-ah”), a cereal that combines chia, hemp and buckwheat. The new cereal qualifies as an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of fiber.

Qi’a comes in three flavors, apple cinnamon, cranberry vanilla and original, and is currently available in select health and natural foods retailers. The company said by February 2013 the product will be available in 90% of Whole Foods Markets nationwide.

Qi’a has a suggested retail price of $8.99.

Powder water enhancers introduced

PHOENIX – Vitamin Squeeze is introducing three varieties of powder water enhancers. The products focus on the topics of multi-vitamin, energy and weight control.

Each Vitamin Squeeze Powder Water Enhancer variety contains vitamin C and vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and D, as well as electrolytes, zinc and chromium to ensure nutrients that are lost throughout the day are replenished. In addition to vitamins C and B, the energy variety is enhanced with 60 mg of caffeine per serving. The weight control variety features a green coffee bean extract.

The multi-vitamin variety is available in fruit punch, acai grape pomegranate, strawberry watermelon and lemonade flavor; the energy item is available in black cherry, blood orange and blueberry pomegranate acai flavor; and the weight control variety is available in pink grapefruit flavor. An 0.85-oz packaging format has a suggested retail price of $3.99. Each package produces 12 8-oz to 16-oz servings.

Sweet potato rolls hit the market

EAGLE, IDAHO — Alexia Foods, a business unit of ConAgra Foods, Inc., is introducing sweet potato rolls.

“The sweet potato is migrating away from its place at the holiday table and making its way to everyday dinner tables,” said Mike Smith, vice-president and general manager, Alexia Foods. “As a good source of vitamin A, Alexia sweet potato rolls offer a simple, yet extraordinary, flavor and give food lovers a new way to enjoy a classic favorite.”

The sweet potato rolls are being added to the company’s line of artisan bread, which include ancient grain rolls, ciabatta rolls, french rolls, focaccia, whole grain rolls and garlic baguettes.

The sweet potato rolls are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.89 per package.

Rice-A-Roni on-the-go



CHICAGO — Rice-A-Roni has introduced a new packaging format with the debut of a single-serve cup. The new format is available in three flavors: chicken, four cheese and cheddar broccoli.

“We are always looking to develop new products that deliver unmatched taste, quality and convenience that meet our consumers’ needs,” said Tania Haladner, director of marketing.

The new product is available nationwide and has a suggested retail price of $1.29.