Snack company unveils chia line of products

WILSON, CONN. — The LesserEvil Brand Snack Co. has introduced Chia Crisps, a line of snacks made using chia seeds. The snacks are available in four flavors: southern barbecue, feta and black olive, dill pickle, and jalapeño white cheddar.

The company said a line of popcorn to be called Chia Pop will be introduced in the future and feature flavors such as white cheddar, butter, chili pepper and garlic, and sea salt and cracked pepper.

Both products will be available in 4-oz and 6-oz size bags and have a suggested retail price of $3.79.

Hain Celestial debuts relaxation shot

BOULDER, COLO. — The Hain Celestial Group, through its Celestial Seasonings brand, has introduced Sleepytime Snooz, a beverage shot designed to help consumers fall asleep more easily.

“Research shows that nearly three out of four adults regularly struggle to get a good night’s sleep,” said Blake Waltrip, vice-president and chief marketing officer with Celestial Seasonings. “With our brand’s credibility in the relaxation category and the popularity of our Sleepytime product line, it makes sense for Celestial Seasonings to offer a safe and effective natural sleep aid to help consumers get the quality sleep they need.”

The shots are packaged in 2.5-oz bottles and available in three flavors: berry, peach and lemon ginger. The new products are currently available at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. nationwide.

Weight Watchers introduces red velvet crème cakes

JACKSON, MICH. — Weight Watchers International has added to its sweet baked foods line with the launch of red velvet crème cakes. Each pre-portioned cake has 90 calories and a Weight Watchers PointsPlus value of 2.

Other products in the sweet baked goods line include chocolate, lemon and carrot crème cakes, as well as chocolate brownies, coffee cake, cookies and muffins. The red velvet crème cakes have a suggested retail price of $3.49.

The cakes are made by Jackson-based Dawn Food Products.

Balance Bar adds dark chocolate line

VALHALLA, N.Y. — The Balance Bar Co. is introducing the Balance Bar Dark line that features three varieties in dark chocolate crunch, dark chocolate coconut, and dark chocolate peanut flavors. The line is currently available on the drugstores.com web site and will be available at retail outlets nationally in the beginning of 2013, according to the company.

The bars are high protein, gluten-free and contain 4 grams of fiber. The cocoa used to make the bars in the dark line is certified Rainforest Alliance.

“The new dark line is a perfect blend of what consumers are telling us they want, a delicious small meal-replacement or healthy energy snack bar made in a way that they can feel good about on every level,” said Peter Wilson, president and chief executive officer of the company.

Each bar has a suggested retail price of $1.49 through drugstores.com.

Bob Evans launches Breakfast Bakes

COLUMBUS, OHIO — Bob Evans Food Products is introducing Breakfast Bakes, convenient, hand-held breakfast items that may be found in the frozen food section of grocery stores. Each item is an individually-wrapped hash brown featuring fillings such as sausage, egg and cheese; bacon, egg and cheese; and red and green peppers, cheese and egg.

Breakfast Bakes have fewer than 170 calories per serving and may be heated and served from the microwave in three minutes, according to the company.

A package of four individually-wrapped Breakfast Bakes has a suggested retail price of $3.99.

Materne develops GoGo squeeZ for adults

NEW YORK — Materne North America is extending its line of fruit products with the introduction of GoGo squeeZ Fast Fruit, a new line of snacks targeting adults. The new product is packaged in a larger, squeezable pouch that contains a fruit-based emulsion in flavors that appeal to adults.

“Through research we found that 30% of GoGo squeeZ is consumed by adults 18 years of age and older, so we set out to create something just for them with Fast Fruit,” said Meena Mansharamani, managing director of Materne North America. “Fast Fruit is a new way that our grown up fans can enjoy the wholesomeness of our pouches through a unique product inspired by the big kid in them.”

Each 4.2-oz package of GoGo squeeZ has a full serving of fruit for adults. The products are available in three flavor combinations: apple peach passion fruit, apple mango pineapple banana, and apple raspberry cranberry.

The product is available nationwide from Target Corp. and has a suggested retail price of $3.49 for a package of four.

Sabra, Frito-Lay partner on Grab N Go pack

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Sabra Dipping Co., a manufacturer of refrigerated dips and spreads, has added a Grab N Go pack featuring Sabra’s Homestyle Medium Salsa and Tostitos Bite Size Rounds tortilla chips to its line of products. Tostitos are made by Frito-Lay, Inc., a division of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, Inc.

The Sabra Dipping Co. is a joint venture between PepsiCo and the Strauss Group, Petach Tikva, Israel.

“Eating on the go doesn’t have to be a struggle,” said Janice Greenwald, brand manager for Sabra. “Since their initial launch, the Grab N Go cups have been a customer favorite. Our fans have been clamoring for even more snack options that don’t require preparation. Made from delicious, ripe vegetables, Sabra salsa was the natural choice for the new snack packs, and Tostitos tortilla chips are the perfect dippers.”

This is the first time Sabra has offered its refrigerated salsa in a single-serving size. The new offering will join Sabra’s family of refrigerated salsas, hummus, guacamole and Greek yogurt vegetable dips.

Boar’s Head adds new flavor to boneless ham line

SARASOTA, FLA. — The Boar’s Head Brand, a manufacturer of meat products for the delicatessens, is introducing a spiral sliced, applewood smoked boneless ham.

The ham is fully-cooked and intended as a convenient option for consumers planning a meal for a holiday or special occasion.