PITTSBURGH  (Food-News.net)  StarKist Co., a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States, announced today the launch of its latest and most flavorful catch yet – new StarKist SeaSations Fish Fillets and Seafood Entrees.  Debuting in the freezer case, these innovative, delicious and convenient new microwaveable fillets and entrees will be available in select regional markets in the eastern half of the United States.

According to Jennifer Albert, Director of Marketing, StarKist, the launch of these new, innovative products is taking the StarKist business beyond tuna, and creating an entirely new seafood experience on behalf of the brand. “StarKist is committed to providing consumers with delicious restaurant-inspired products that continue to deliver the same exceptional quality they have come to expect from the brand,” said Albert.  “From our SeaSations Fillets with Savory Lemon & Herb or Teriyaki Orange & Ginger, to our SeaSations Entrees that come in 10 varieties of Shrimp, Salmon, Tuna and Tilapia, these new mouth-watering products deliver sophisticated flavors and make it easy for consumers to incorporate seafood into their diet.”

SeaSations Fillets

StarKist’s SeaSations Fillets are premium white fish fillets in restaurant-inspired sauces.  The innovative microwaveable steamer pouch locks in flavor so you have a quick and convenient, great-tasting fish dish, every time. The Fillets are available in four delicious varieties including Savory Lemon & Herb, Sweet & Spicy, Teriyaki Orange & Ginger and Mediterranean Tomato & Basil, so there is a flavor for every palate. The Fillets are located in the freezer case by the frozen breaded fish, and retail for approximately $5.99 (SRP).

SeaSations Seafood Entrees

The SeaSations Entrees offer consumers the goodness of seafood in a complete, restaurant-inspired meal, steam cooked right in the microwave. They are available in 10 delectable varieties of Shrimp, Salmon, Tuna and Tilapia.  From Creamy Tuna Casserole and Lemon Dill Salmon, to Sesame Ginger Shrimp and Orange Miso Tilapia — these new seafood offerings go far beyond tuna.  These new products are available in the frozen entrees or frozen breaded fish section of your grocer’s freezer, retailing for approximately $3.99 (SRP).

Eat More Fish!

Eating fish is good for you…and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and leading nutrition researchers agree.  With the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans  (DGA), seafood takes center stage with a strong recommendation for all Americans to double the amount of seafood they eat. Incorporating more seafood in your diet is an easy way to eat right and following are some benefits:

• Calorie Control:  Seafood is a lean protein and it’s lower in calories than other protein choices.  In addition, seafood is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat.
• Nutrient rich:  Along with fruits and vegetables, seafood is a naturally, nutrient-rich food and it is an excellent source of B vitamins, Vitamin D, and Selenium.
• Good for Your Heart:  According to The American Heart Association, research has shown that people who eat at least two servings of seafood a week have lower rates of heart disease than people who eat less.
• Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:  Seafood provides an important source of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA which are linked to improved brain and eye development in infants.  The recommendations reaffirm that women who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant can safely eat 8 to 12 oz of most types of cooked seafood a week.

Visit www.StarKist.com to learn more about new StarKist SeaSations Fish Fillets and Seafood Entrees, and be sure to become a StarKist fan on Facebook.

About StarKist

StarKist Co. is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States.  A category leader in innovation, StarKist was the first brand to introduce the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch®; StarKist Tuna Creations®, a line of lightly marinated tuna; and, a dolphin-safe policy. As America’s favorite tuna, StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust and is well known for its charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna.  Charlie swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is celebrating 50 years of good taste this year. For more information on the Company, visit starkist.com. StarKist Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.

LA JOLLA, Calif.  (Food-News.net)  Kashi, the premier natural food and lifestyle company, has announced the addition of a single-serve Kashi® Spicy Black Bean Enchilada entree and Kashi® Basil Pesto Pizza to its family of all natural frozen foods.  Both featuring Kashi’s Seven Whole Grains & Sesame™ blend, these new foods bring enticing flavors to grocers’ freezers as great-tasting meal options that also offer positive nutrition.

“We understand that people have busy lifestyles and don’t always have the time to prepare meals from scratch, so we are excited to provide these frozen options that not only taste great, but also offer wholesome, natural ingredients,” said Keegan Sheridan, natural food and lifestyle expert at Kashi.  ”Our new entree and pizza both incorporate enticing, all natural flavors that make for a convenient, yet healthful meal everyone can enjoy.”

The new Kashi Spicy Black Bean Enchilada entree features red skin potatoes, roasted red peppers, corn and spinach all wrapped in a Seven Whole Grain and corn tortilla, topped with a vibrant tomatillo, cilantro and jalapeno salsa, and a side of Kashi® 7 Whole Grain Pilaf.  In addition to offering a tantalizing combination of Mexican flavors, this single-serve vegetarian meal offers 9 grams of protein (9% DV) and 8 grams of fiber.*

A welcomed addition to its family of six all natural frozen pizzas, the Kashi Basil Pesto Pizza layers a savory basil pesto sauce with sweet roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, mozzarella and feta cheese on a wood-fired thin and crispy crust made with Kashi’s signature Seven Whole Grains and Sesame.  This three-serving pizza, which offers 11 grams of whole grains, 14 grams of protein (17% DV) and 4 grams of fiber**, presents classic, rich Italian flavors that can be enjoyed while entertaining or as a quick and convenient meal.

The Kashi Spicy Black Bean Enchilada entree and Kashi Basil Pesto Pizza are now available at grocers and natural food retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $4.09 and $5.99, respectively.  For more information, or to purchase these new frozen products online, visit www.kashi.com.

* Kashi Spicy Black Bean Enchilada entree contains 7 grams of fat and 600mg of sodium per serving

** Kashi Basil Pesto Pizza contains 9 grams of fat and 590mg of sodium per serving

About Kashi Company

Founded in 1984, Kashi dreams of a world where everyone embraces natural health.  As a natural lifestyle pioneer, Kashi is passionate about and committed to improving the health of people and our planet.  By providing great tasting, healthy and innovative foods, Kashi enables people to achieve optimal health and wellness, while also leading them on a path toward embracing a natural lifestyle.  Kashi encourages people to live their best lives through its interactive online community at Kashi.com and Day of Change cross-country tour supporting natural living.  It also educates people through Wellness Hub, educational events that inspire the local Kashi community to embrace natural healthy lifestyle.  To learn more about 25 years of Kashi’s mission, sustainable efforts, values and roots, get inspired by the Yearbook on Kashi.com. 

Kashi’s products are natural, minimally processed and free of highly refined sugars, artificial additives and preservatives.  Kashi® brands and foods include: GOLEAN® cereals and bars; Kashi® Heart to Heart® cereal, instant oatmeal and whole grain crackers; Kashi® 7 Whole Grain Puffs, Honey Puffs, Nuggets and Flakes cereals; Kashi® Good Friends® cereals; Kashi® Autumn Wheat®, Cinnamon Harvest®, Island Vanilla® and Strawberry Fields® (organic) cereals; Kashi® Honey Sunshine®, Berry Blossoms™ and Golden Goodness™ cereals; Kashi U™ cereal; Cocoa Beach™, Mountain Medley® and Summer Berry™ granola; Kashi® TLC® chewy and crunchy granola bars, fruit & grain bars, soft-baked cereal bars; Kashi® TLC® snack crackers and Kashi® TLC® cookies; Kashi® all natural frozen entrées; Kashi® all natural frozen pizzas; and Kashi® 7 Whole Grain Pilaf.

PLYMOUTH, Wis.  (Food-News.net)  Sargento Foods Inc. believes two things are better than one – especially when it comes to cheese. That’s why it’s launching Sargento Natural Blends, a new line of natural cheeses. Just like the popular Colby-Jack, a combination of Colby and Monterery Jack cheeses, Sargento Natural Blends combines two delicious flavors into one unique taste to add more flavor to everyday snacks and sandwiches.

“The trend for blends and new natural cheese varieties is growing rapidly. We know Colby-Jack is a very popular blended cheese, so we want to offer consumers more two-in-one options for their favorite natural cheeses,” said Erin Price, Senior Marketing Manager at Sargento. “The Sargento Natural Blends line allows consumers to explore more flavors while enjoying the authentic, natural cheese they’ve come to love from Sargento. It’s just one more way we strive to innovate and add excitement to the dairy case.”

Sargento Natural Blends mix favorite cheeses to create three exciting flavor combinations: Cheddar-Mozzarella, Provolone-Mozzarella, and Colby-Pepper Jack. The cheeses come in a variety of snacks and slices:

Snacks

• Cheddar-Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
• Provolone-Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Slices

• Cheddar-Mozzarella Deli Style Slices
• Provolone-Mozzarella Deli Style Slices
• Colby-Pepper Jack Deli Style Slices

Available at grocery stores nationwide, Sargento Natural Blends snacks have a suggested retail price of $4.39 for a 12-count package, and Sargento Natural Blends slices have a retail price of $3.59 for a 7.5 ounce package. For more information on Sargento Natural Blends, and to locate a store near you carrying the product, visit www.sargento.com.

About Sargento Foods Inc.

Sargento Foods Inc. has demonstrated its passion for cheese and cheese-based meal solutions throughout its history. Founded in 1953 in Plymouth, Sargento is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, sliced and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients, sauces and other culinary solutions. Sargento is owned and operated by the Gentine family, and has net sales of more than $900 million. For more information, please visit www.sargento.com.

BEND, Ore.  (Food-News.net)  Licorice is one of the most popular treats in America, and generations have enjoyed its satisfyingly sweet taste and chewy texture at the movies, at the office, on the road and in front of the TV. But the lines are drawn for most licorice customers when it comes to choosing: Black or Red? For some purists, licorice is defined by its distinctive black color and deep, rich licorice/anise flavor.  For others, the only licorice for them is red, twisted and fruity.

The American Licorice Company (maker of Red Vines® licorice) is curious to find out what’s behind this riddle.  The nearly 100-year old candy maker who manufactures both a black and red version of its iconic licorice wants to know: Are those who prefer red licorice more playful, spontaneous or romantic? Or do they identify themselves as practical and industrious? Are black licorice fans more likely to travel the world or be content in their own backyards? The Licorice Personality Survey is available online and everyone is invited to visit the site and fill out the survey. The results will be announced on Tuesday, April 12, to coincide with this year’s National Licorice Day.

“People have a very personal connection to the candy they choose, which is evident by the flood of Twitter tweets and Facebook updates we see every day,” noted Michael Kelly, Consumer Communications Manager at the American Licorice Company. “Licorice lovers, especially those loyal to Red Vines twists, are fanatical about their candy, and we want to find out more about those who choose red versus those who choose black.”

American Licorice Company will celebrate National Licorice Day on April 12, with a consumer sweepstakes running from April 1 – 12 on the Red Vines Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/redvines where 100 Grand Prize Winners will win Candy Prize Packs and Movie Tickets.

About American Licorice Company

An industry leader in the manufacturing of extruded candy products, the American Licorice Company is one of the original licorice manufacturers in the US candy industry.  Since its establishment in 1914, American Licorice has brought happiness to consumers with their Red Vines®, Snaps®, Sour Punch®, Super Ropes®, Extinguisher® and Natural Vines™ candy. Additional information is available online at www.amerlic.com.

SAN JOSE, Calif.  (Food-News.net)  Fresh mushrooms, one of the top 20 best-selling produce items in 2010, outperformed produce retail sales as a whole in terms of both dollars and pounds sold, according to data from FreshLook Marketing for the period ending January 2, 2011. Over the past year, the produce category as a whole experienced a 3.3 percent increase in dollar sales and a 1.6 percent increase in volume sold, whereas mushrooms grew at a larger pace, registering a 3.6 percent increase in dollar sales and a 3.0 percent increase in volume sold.

Strong performance in 2010, to the tune of more than 810 million dollars in annual sales and 200 million pounds sold, marks the third year of rising fresh mushroom sales at retail, following a 1.3 percent sales increase in pounds in 2008 and a 7.7 percent increase in pounds sold in 2009. These sales results make it clear that consumer demand for fresh mushrooms is growing, and retailers may continue to enjoy positive fresh mushroom sales.

“At this time last year, we were proud to say that fresh mushrooms experienced a 7.7 percent sales jump in pounds from 2008 to 2009. This three percent increase in 2010 is tremendous because it means that fresh mushrooms have sustained significant year-over-year sales growth for three years,” says Bart Minor, president and CEO of the Mushroom Council. “Increased consumer demand at retail makes mushrooms a reliable value generator for the produce department, offering retailers the opportunity to capitalize on fresh mushroom demand by keeping the momentum going through continuous promotions.”

Additional sales highlights from 2010 include:

• White button mushrooms grew by 2.3% in dollars and 2.9% in pounds
• Brown mushrooms grew by 5.8% in dollars and 3.1% in pounds
• Specialty mushrooms grew by 9.3% in dollars and 4.6% in pounds

What’s in store for fresh mushrooms in 2011?

In December of 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released the results of a 24-month review on dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin D and calcium, which validates the important role of vitamin D in promoting bone health. The committee set the recommended intake level at 600 IU – triple the previously recommended amount of 200 IU from 1997.(1)

Mushrooms are the only source of vitamin D in the produce aisle. In fact, the IOM recognized mushrooms as the exception to the rule that plant foods don’t naturally contain vitamin D. Consumer interest in vitamin D remains strong and retailers can showcase fresh mushrooms to help guide their customers’ healthful purchasing decisions. Mushrooms are also:

• Low in Calories (only 20 calories per serving)
• Low in Sodium
• Fat Free (0 grams)
• Cholesterol Free
• Contain antioxidants including Selenium and Ergothioneine
• Packed with potassium (contain as much Potassium as one small banana)
• A good source of B Vitamins like Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3) and Pantothenic Acid (B5)
• Full of umami flavor

For more information on fresh mushrooms or the Mushroom Council, please visit www.mushroominfo.com.

About The Mushroom Council:

The Mushroom Council is composed of fresh market producers or importers who average more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms produced or imported annually. The mushroom program is authorized by the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 and is administered by the Mushroom Council under the supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Research and promotion programs help to expand, maintain and develop markets for individual agricultural commodities in the United States and abroad. These industry self-help programs are requested and funded by the industry groups that they serve. For more information on the Mushroom Council, visit mushroomcouncil.org.

(1) IOM (Institute of Medicine). 2010. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC, National Academies Press.

Starting your day off right just got a little easier with new breakfast options from Weight Watchers Smart Ones. The new items represent an expanded variety of smart options from which to choose in the line of frozen meals and also feature the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus values as a way to give people yet another opportunity to make smart choices throughout the day.

According to a recent survey from Food Insight, 93 percent of Americans agree that breakfast is the most important meal, yet less than half (44 percent) are eating it every day. To help kick off the morning the right way, Smart Ones is introducing two new breakfast items filled with protein and whole grains. The new varieties include an egg, sausage and cheese breakfast wrap as well as a French toast entrée that is complemented with turkey sausage. These delicious and convenient breakfasts offer a tasty alternative to many of the same standard morning quick fixes.

“We know it can be difficult to eat your best all of the time, especially with the pressures of a busy schedule, so we want to give people a variety of convenient and delicious options that make it easier than ever to make smart choices they can enjoy throughout the day,” said Mark Fleming, director of Smart Ones. “With our newly expanded line, you can enjoy a delicious, warm breakfast in a fraction of the time it takes to make it yourself, while still staying on track.”

The new additions to the Morning Express breakfast line have 290 calories or less and 8 grams of whole grains. They are ready to serve right out of the microwave:

• Egg, Sausage and Cheese Smart Morning Wrap contains scrambled egg whites, cheesy sauce, breakfast sausage, vegetables and cheddar cheese in a soft tortilla with 11 grams of protein and a Weight Watchers PointsPlus value of six.
• French Toast with Turkey Sausage is served with a side of syrup, and contains 14 grams of protein and a Weight Watchers PointsPlus value of seven.

The new breakfast items are available at most major grocery stores and retailers nationwide in the frozen food section. The suggested retail price for the new breakfasts is $3.09. These two new items join the existing Smart Ones Morning Express breakfast line, which offers an assortment of well-balanced breakfast options, including a breakfast quesadilla, stuffed breakfast sandwich, English muffin sandwiches and cheesy scrambles.

Smart Ones brand offers the only frozen nutritional meal that displays the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus values on its packaging. For more information about Weight Watchers Smart Ones or the new products, visit www.eatyourbest.com.

Snack-loving Americans have been enjoying the taste and convenience of microwave popcorn for decades, and now Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn has created a bag that allows for easier snacking, sharing and clean-up. The revolutionary new design was many years in the making and marks a breakthrough change to the microwave popcorn experience. Other microwave popcorn brands have introduced bowl bags before, but none have successfully provided the experience and functionality consumers expect while still delivering upon consumers’ value expectations. The Pop Up Bowl, the first bag-to-bowl design for Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn, pops into a ready-to-serve, free-standing bowl filled with light and fluffy popcorn that is the perfect snack for the whole family.

“Making popcorn is a great way to bring family and friends together,” said Jesse Spungin, vice president of marketing for Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn. “With Pop Up Bowl, families can enjoy the warm, delicious taste of popcorn in a stand-up bowl that makes it easy to share and clean-up. Plus, research showed that consumers wanted to be able to see their popcorn more easily; the Pop Up Bowl’s unique design lets them do that.” The Pop Up Bowl cooks on its side and features a transparent top, allowing snack lovers to watch their popcorn pop and see when it’s ready.

Recently featured in USA Today, on CBS’ “The Early Show” and ABC’s “The View” as one of the top new products for 2011, the Pop Up Bowl retails for $2.99 for a 3-pk and $4.49 for a 6-pk and is available now at grocery and mass retailers nationwide. As with all Orville Redenbacher popcorn products, the Pop Up Bowl microwave popcorn is a good source of fiber and is 100 percent whole grain. The Pop Up Bowl is available in five mouth-watering flavors with Butter, Movie Theater Butter and SmartPop! varieties available now and Kettle Korn and Ultimate Butter flavors becoming available in June.

The Pop Up Bowl television advertising campaign will begin airing in late April, 2011 and will feature Criss Angel, the youngest magician to be inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame and the Magician of the Century as named by the International Magicians Society. Angel is the creator, executive producer and director of “Criss Angel MINDFREAK” on A&E as well as writer/director, illusion designer and star of “Criss Angel BeLIEve,” the Cirque Du Soleil show at the Luxor Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas strip. He is also the most watched magician in television and web history with over 39 million views of his “Walk on Water” clip alone.

If you’re a chunk spelunker who has taken the time to dig out the ooey-gooey, oh-so-doughy cookie dough gobs in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, you are not alone. Whether you dig in secret so no one can steal your gobs, dig as soon as you get home from the grocery store with your newly-purchased pint – hey, we’ve been there! – or cheer your friends and family on as they dig, you’re one of many who enjoys the delicious chunks. This March, Ben & Jerry’s salutes all of you spelunkers as it celebrates Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough’s 20^th Birthday.

Just over 20 years ago, scoopers at Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops – acting on an anonymous tip from a fan – posed this classic question: what if they put cookie dough into ice cream? It was a revolutionary idea in the world of ice cream at that time, and one that would become one of Ben & Jerry’s best-loved flavors!

Peter Lind, a longtime Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Guru, was one of the Gurus who worked to develop the flavor. “Everybody wanted to roll in the Dough! But we just couldn’t make it fast enough because the process of making it was so labor intensive,” said Lind.

Today, Ben & Jerry’s Chunk Feeder machinery helps put big chunks into lots of different flavors, but back then, the standard machines couldn’t handle the raw gobs of dough! “We would buy the cookie dough in these huge blocks and take out these big knives and throw the chunks in at the last minute. Yes, every batch of Cookie Dough ice cream was hand made in a batch freezer!,” said Lind.

Lind knew that there must be an easier way to produce the ice cream. He contacted Rhino Foods, another progressive, local Vermont business that produced cheesecake, baked goods, and other mix-ins for frozen desserts. Ted Castle, the owner, was a former All-American hockey player at the University of Vermont. “We started thinking, what if we make the gobs tiny like little pucks and slapshot ‘em in?,” said Lind. Their idea, plus a few secret techniques, combined with a committed effort from our Production crew led to success at the Chunk Feeder. On March 20^th, 1991 Ben & Jerry’s rolled the first pints of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream off the line. It was the first time that Cookie Dough was able to be produced quickly and in large quantities!

“It took us months to figure out the entire process, but it was worth it!” said Lind. “Nowadays we explain the process we use to make the flavor to someone and they say, ‘well that makes sense,’ but at the time we really didn’t know! It was unchartered territory.”

Now, two decades later, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is still a fan favorite. It is one of only three flavors to be featured in pints, quarts, mini cups, and in scoop shops and ranks among the top performing flavors every year. Happy Birthday, Cookie Dough!

To learn more about Ben & Jerry’s and its flavors, visit www.benjerry.com.

To learn more about Rhino Foods, visit www.rhinofoods.com.

Busy schedules can leave little time for creativity in the kitchen, and even less time for recipes made from scratch. New Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations dry seasoning mixes offer an easier way to get inspired in the kitchen and create great-tasting meals and snacks. Available in three flavors – Freshly Made Guacamole, Garden Onion and Country Ranch – and made with 100 percent all-natural ingredients, like real onions, garlic and a combination of herbs and spices – Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations can be used to make delicious dips or to enhance many everyday foods.

“Today’s consumer can’t always spend hours in the kitchen preparing home-cooked meals, but they still want to impress their friends and family with great-tasting recipes,” said Scott Davies, Director of Growth Strategy Brands, Frito-Lay North America. “Whether they’re entertaining guests, or just looking for a tasty snack, new Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations offer a ‘packet of possibilities,’ helping add a creative twist and delicious homemade flavor to a variety of dishes.”

The introduction of Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations comes at a time when people are looking for a way to mix things up in the kitchen without added fuss. According to a 2010 Harris Poll, nearly half of adults (49 percent) say they enjoy cooking when they have the time. At the same time, 75 percent of individuals who prepare meals at home say that they very often or occasionally use pre-prepped and/or frozen ingredients as well as kitchen appliances such as microwaves and toaster ovens to both speed up the process and clean-up involved.

Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations seasoning mixes offer a great solution. Use Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations seasoning mixes to add a twist to a wide array of meals and snacks, including hot wings, potato wedges, meatballs, enchiladas, salads and more. Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations can also be used to make fresh-tasting dips by combining sour cream to the Garden Onion or Country Ranch flavors, or fresh avocados to Freshly Made Guacamole flavor.

New Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations dry seasoning mixes are available for a suggested retail price of $1.59 each. For more information, visit www.fritolay.com.

Tostitos and Lay’s Dip Creations dry seasoning mixes are one of many products made by Frito-Lay North America, the $13 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY.  In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo business units include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate Web site, http://www.fritolay.com/, the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com/ and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fritolay.

PepsiCo offers the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 19 different product lines that generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales each. Our main businesses — Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay, and Pepsi Cola — also make hundreds of other enjoyable and wholesome foods and beverages that are respected household names throughout the world. With net revenues of approximately $60 billion, PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo’s promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment, including by conserving energy and water usage, and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support, and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

CABOT, Vt.  (Food-News.net)  Lambeau Field may be home to the reigning NFL champion Green Bay Packers and their Cheesehead fans, but for three days last week it was home to the champions of cheese. At the United States Championship Cheese Contest, more than 1,600 of the top cheeses and butters from across the United States — 30,000 pounds of dairy products in all — were brought to the stadium’s Atrium to be judged by a panel of 26 experts. In the end, Cabot Creamery Cooperative’s Seriously Sharp Aged Cheddar and 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar were crowned “Best of Class” during the largest dairy competition in U.S. history.

“I’m extremely proud of Cabot’s showing at this year’s U.S. Championship Cheese Contest,” said Neal Rea, a farmer from Cambridge, NY who is chairman of the cooperative. “The farm family owners of Cabot work hard to produce top-quality milk, and we, along with our expert cheesemakers who create products like our Seriously Sharp and 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar, are grateful for this national recognition.”

Cabot dominated the product class called “Cheddar, Aged Over Two Years” — the most prestigious of the cheddar classes. Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar received the top judges’ score for all cheddar entries across all six cheddar classes, earning 99.70 out of a possible 100 points. In addition, entries from each of Cabot’s two creameries in Vermont finished 1st and 2nd at the top of the class, separated by just 2/10ths of a point.  

“The results in Wisconsin clearly speak to the consistently high quality of our dairy products,” said Cabot Creamery Cooperative CEO and President, Dr. Richard Stammer.  ”These awards are a terrific addition to our growing legacy of legendary flavor and a testament to the pride and care that goes into all we make at Cabot.”

In addition to the honors for Cabot’s signature aged cheddars, Cabot also earned 1st place praise for its lightest cheddar — Cabot 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar. Cabot’s 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar is the first and foremost-reduced fat cheddar on the market.  With just 60 calories and 2.5 grams of fat per one-ounce serving, Cabot’s 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar features the great taste and flavor of our regular cheddar — minus the extra fat. And perhaps best of all — without the rubberlike texture common to other reduced-fat brands.

Cabot’s Vermont Style Cottage Cheese took 2nd place and Cabot placed three butter entries in the Top Ten in both the Salted Butter and Unsalted Butter classes, further adding to the breadth of honored Cabot products.

For complete U.S. Champion Cheese Contest results, including other blue ribbon winners from Vermont and information on the goat’s milk cheese named Grand Champion, please visit: http://www.uschampioncheese.org/_apps/contest-results/?event=51

Cabot’s line of award winning products, including Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar and Cabot 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar can be purchased in select cheese shops, supermarkets and supercenters nationwide, or online at: cabotcheese.coop

About Cabot Creamery Cooperative

Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919, and we make a full line of cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter. Best known as makers of “The World’s Best Cheddar,” Cabot is owned by 1275 dairy farm families located throughout New England and upstate New York. For additional information on Cabot Creamery, visit www.cabotcheese.coop.

Post Foods, LLC, introduces the newest variety of Honey Bunches of Oats, Raisin Medley. With three different kinds of sun-ripened raisins, crispy multigrain flakes and crunchy oat clusters, new Raisin Medley provides the perfect harmony of a wholesome breakfast and tasty morning treat. Honey Bunches of Oats Raisin Medley is the only cereal to contain three different kinds of delicious raisins, perfect for raisin lovers.

Each one-cup serving of heart-healthy Honey Bunches of Oats Raisin Medley provides 12 grams of whole grains, nine essential vitamins and minerals, and contains zero grams of trans fat, saturated fat or cholesterol. The three types of Sun-Maid raisins — natural seedless, jumbo seedless and flame (red grapes) — combined with honeyed oat clusters provide a delicious mix of taste with every spoonful.

Raisin Medley is the newest addition to the line of Honey Bunches of Oats cereals. Cereal lovers can start each day with something new, from Honey Roasted, Almond, Cinnamon, Strawberries, Peaches, Pecan and Vanilla Bunches flavors, to Just Bunches! Cinnamon and Honey Roasted. Each variety is the perfect combination of taste and health in your breakfast bowl.

Beginning in April, Raisin Medley will also be featured on “Honey & Joy,” the first original mobile content series available on Bitbop, the commercial free, on-demand mobile TV service. Set in a Honey Bunches of Oats factory, the eight-episode original comedy series includes appearances by Randee Heller from “Mad Men,” Colton Dunn and Johnny Sanchez of “Mad TV,” Jeff Lewis of “The Guild,” and the band OK Go! More than 12 million Honey Bunches of Oats cereal boxes will feature a QR code on the back of the box, offering free trials of the Bitbop service by simply scanning the code with a mobile device. The series is also available to view online at www.Bitbop.com and via the mobile application m.bitbop.com.

New Raisin Medley is available in grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.89. For more information, visit www.honeybunchesofoats.com and www.facebook.com/honeybunchesofoats.

IRVING, Texas  (Food-News.net)  Wonder®, the baker of America’s best selling brand of white bread, has introduced Wonder® Smartwheat™, a new, soft and delicious 100% whole wheat bread with added nutrition.

Created for moms looking to provide healthier choices for their families, Wonder Smartwheat provides 22 grams of whole grain, the calcium of 8 ounces of milk in two slices, and is a good source of nine vitamins and minerals.  In addition, Wonder Smartwheat contains no high fructose corn syrup and is lower in sodium, as part of the brand’s recent commitment to the National Sodium Reduction Initiative.

“Wonder continues to set the standard for baking soft, delicious and nutritious breads the whole family can enjoy,” said Ann Oades, Director of Marketing for the bakers of Wonder. “More moms are seeking to increase their family’s consumption of foods that contain whole grains, calcium and vitamins while lowering their intake of sodium.”

Ms. Oades pointed to a recent National Eating Trends study by the NPD Group indicating that consumers are looking closely at “better for you” labels on products, and want foods that are lower in fat, calories, cholesterol, and sodium.  They are increasing their consumption of vitamins, calcium and products made with 100 percent whole grain.

The Wonder Smartwheat launch follows the successful introduction of Wonder® Smartwhite™ with the taste and soft texture of traditional white bread – but with the fiber of 100% whole wheat bread, added calcium and no high fructose corn syrup.

For more information about Wonder bread visit, www.wonderbread.com.  Visit our Facebook community.

PARSIPPANY, N.J.  (Food-News.net)  Reckitt Benckiser announced today that Frank’s® RedHot®, America’s #1 hot sauce brand (Nielsen 52 weeks ending 1/1/11) is launching a line of fully cooked chicken wings, shrimp and appetizers to be sold nationally in frozen food sections of grocery, mass and club stores, available through a collaboration with Completely Fresh Foods.

Now consumers can enjoy perfect Buffalo wings, shrimp and appetizers prepared using authentic Frank’s® RedHot® sauce with the convenience of just heating and serving at home. Drawing from its rich 90-year-old heritage and its distinction of being the hot sauce used in the original buffalo wing recipe, the launch of Frank’s® RedHot® wings, shrimp and appetizers is a natural fit for the brand. Frank’s® RedHot®  heat-and-serve offerings include Buffalo Wings, Buffalo Shrimp, Chicken Fries and Chicken Poppers.

In 2010, sales of frozen and refrigerated appetizers and snacks, frozen wings and frozen shrimp accounted for approximately $1.6 billion in US grocery stores.  In the frozen poultry segment, wings alone accounted for more than $418 million in sales (Nielsen 52 weeks ending 11/29/2010).

“The launch of this premium line of Frank’s® RedHot® heat-and-serve products continues the long-established and well-loved connection between Frank’s® RedHot® sauce and delicious wings and appetizers. For years, consumers have loved the full flavor of Frank’s® RedHot®. We’re delighted they can now enjoy that authentic Buffalo taste at home,” said Elliott Penner, President of North American Food Products for Reckitt Benckiser.

Completely Fresh Foods company president Josh Solovy commented, “At Completely Fresh Foods we’re proud to use Frank’s® RedHot® sauce and dry spices as primary ingredients. Because these components are made from proprietary chili peppers that are aged for over a year, the new Frank’s® RedHot® appetizers have the same perfect blend of flavor and heat that American consumers have loved since 1920.”

Frank’s® RedHot® and the new fully-cooked line will be supported with a robust integrated marketing plan. The plan will include media, online advertising, social media and coupons as well as in-store activities such as shelf promotions, product demonstrations and sampling.

About Frank’s® RedHot®

FRENCH’S Foods, a division of Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of FRANK’S® REDHOT® Cayenne Pepper Sauce, is a leading manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of food and household products. Some other well known, trusted household names in the Reckitt Benckiser family of food products include FRENCH’S® mustards and FRENCH’S® French Fried Onions. Please visit us at www.franksredhot.com.

About Completely Fresh Foods

Completely Fresh Foods (CFF) is a privately held food processor and distributor of fully cooked beef, chicken, pork and seafood products located in Montebello, California. CFF services the retail grocery industry. Through this new license relationship, CFF and Reckitt Benckiser have joined together to introduce new FRANK’S® REDHOT® beef, pork and chicken products in the retail sector. For more information on our exciting family of meat products, merchandising materials and menu ideas, contact Completely Fresh Foods at 323.722.9136 or visit our website at www.completelyfreshfoods.com

LOS ANGELES  (Food-News.net)  For snack lovers looking for a healthier alternative to corn chips, tortilla chips or potato chips, a new line of crispy and delicious bean and rice chips has just been introduced by Beanfields.  Made from a combination of premium U.S. grown black beans, navy beans and long grain rice, Beanfields™ chips have a taste and crunch that sets them apart.

“Snacks—no matter how healthy they are—have to taste great, so we made sure our bean chips were the most delicious of any on the market,” said Beanfields Founder and President, Reed Glidden.  ”We use only a few simple ingredients, all from the best sources available, to make Beanfields snacks.”

The nutritional value of beans is well-known, but it took snack experts at Beanfields to make them into a light and crispy snack chip.  The four flavors of Beanfields (Naturally Unsalted, Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Pepper, and Pico de Gallo) are a healthier and more satisfying snack, with twice as much protein and fiber as most tortilla, corn, or potato chips.

Every 1 oz. serving of Beanfields chips provides 4 grams of protein, about as much as a 4 oz. glass of milk, and 4 grams of fiber, about the same as a 1/2 cup serving of raisin bran.  The chips are also free of every one of the FDA’s eight most common ingredients that trigger food allergies.  For people who need to avoid salt, Beanfields chips also come in a great tasting unsalted version.

Set to arrive in stores in Spring 2011, Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips are:

• Corn & Gluten Free
• Non GMO
• Farmed & Made in the USA

Beanfields is a family-owned company that builds responsible, value-based relationships with its farmers and suppliers. It supports sustainable farming practices, and invests in food security to ensure viable and nutritious crops for generations to come.  According to Glidden, “We believe beans are good for our families, good for our farmers, and good for our planet.”

Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips will be available soon at natural foods and conventional food stores.  A 6 oz. bag will retail from $2.99 to $3.99.  To find out where Beanfields can be purchased online visit beanfieldssnacks.com.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn.  (Food-News.net)  The makers of Freschetta® pizza are taking a whole new approach to frozen pizza with the introduction of two new frozen pizza innovations: Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizzas and Freschetta® By The Slice. From flash-frozen vegetables picked at the peak of freshness and unique blends of real cheeses, to inventive product packaging and cooking technology, Freschetta® pizzas offer a deliciously fresh taste experience in every bite with these newest creations in frozen pizza.

“We know consumers’ tastes have evolved and they are seeking more flavorful variations in their frozen pizza selections, which until now is a need that hasn’t been met,” said Mary Brown, Freschetta® senior director of marketing. “With Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizzas, we are elevating the quality of frozen pizza with distinctive combinations of large-cut vegetables, flavorful sauces and delightful varieties of cheeses and meats to create new varieties unseen before in this category. And for when our consumer is time-strapped, Freschetta® By The Slice provides the perfect solution when seeking one perfect slice of pizza in minutes.”

A Celebration of Fresh Taste

Each flavor of Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizza offers a completely new taste experience from traditional frozen pizza. The full line of pizzas features unique varieties of vegetables, such as roasted red peppers and shiitake mushrooms, and distinctive sauces and cheeses perfectly balanced on a thin, crispy crust. Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizzas are an ideal combination of crust and toppings for a deliciously different pizza.

And the innovation didn’t stop with the pizza. With the introduction of Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizza, the brand took a fresh look at the product packaging. Each of the eight varieties of Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizzas is wrapped in new Fresch-Taste Seal™ packaging to lock in the great flavor while using 30 percent less packaging by weight than a traditional pizza carton. By removing the outer cardboard box, Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizza saves 1,378 tons of paperboard, which adds up to 23,433 trees that Freschetta is saving each year. This new package design sets Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizzas apart in the frozen pizza section and fits perfectly in home freezers.

Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizzas provide three to four servings and are starting to appear in the frozen pizza section of grocers nationwide in the following unique varieties: Hawaiian Style, Farmers Market Veggie, Harvest Supreme, Southern BBQ Recipe Chicken, Rustic Pepperoni Pomodoro, Classic Bruschetta and the limited-edition varieties of Tuscan Farmhouse and Chicken Bianco.

A Perfect Slice of Pizza

For when the desire for the fresh taste of Freschetta pizza strikes when in a hurry or away from the oven, the makers of Freschetta® pizza introduce Freschetta® By The Slice, one perfect slice of pizza ready in minutes. It’s a single slice, cut from a whole pizza, made with the same premium ingredients for that same delicious fresh taste found in all Freschetta® pizzas. Combining unsurpassed fresh taste with innovative, microwave cooking technology, all four varieties of Freschetta® By The Slice provide oven-baked taste, right out of the microwave.

Freschetta® By The Slice packages contain one perfect slice of pizza and are now appearing in the frozen pizza section of grocers nationwide in the following four fresh-tasting varieties: Six Cheese Medley; Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom; Vegetable Medley; and BBQ Chicken.

For more information and to find where to buy Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ Pizzas and Freschetta® By The Slice, visit Freschetta.com. To keep up with latest news from Freschetta®, “Like” Freschetta® and Freschetta® Simply…Inspired™ on Facebook.

About the Freschetta® Brand

Freschetta® products are part of the national brand portfolio of Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Inc., the retail grocery subsidiary of The Schwan Food Company. Based in Bloomington, Minn., Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Inc. has marketed and distributed premium frozen foods since 1970. Its brands include Red Baron®, Freschetta®, and Tony’s® pizzas, Asian Sensations® snacks and appetizers, Larry’s® potatoes, and Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies and desserts. The brands are represented in more than 50,000 retail outlets across the United States. For more information about Freschetta® products, visit www.Freschetta.com.

©2011 Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

ORRVILLE, Ohio  (Food-News.net)  Moms and dads work hard to make sure their kids have a great start each day, but time and organizational challenges can make mornings stressful.  In fact, according to a survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company, six in ten (59 percent) of all respondents would rather have a delicious morning meal than an extra 15 minutes of sleep. Enter Smucker’s® Snack’n Waffles™ brand waffles: delicious heat-and-eat waffles with the sweetness baked right in, so families can have a portable breakfast on-the-go.

Whether rushed or relaxed, the makers of Smucker’s Snack’n Waffles brand waffles want to hear about your morning routine.  From March 8, 2011 through April 5, 2011 at 11:59 a.m. ET, consumers are encouraged to visit www.snacknwaffles.com to select their favorite morning routine personality that most closely matches their own style.  The first 10,000 qualified entries will receive a digital coupon for $1.00 off the purchase of any Smucker’s Snack’n Waffles brand waffles (while supplies last).  Five hundred first prize winners will be selected at random to receive a coupon for a free box of Smucker’s Snack’n Waffles brand waffles and one grand prize winner will be randomly selected to win $5,000 to make over his or her morning routine.  Limit one prize per household for the entire promotion.

To help make the morning routine a little less routine and a lot more fun, Smucker’s Snack’n Waffles brand waffles partnered with mom-of-seven Hannah Keeley, a lifestyle expert, author, and host of the national public television series, “Hannah, Help Me!”  

“Everyone has a different way of working through the morning hustle and bustle,” said Hannah Keeley, author of Total Mom Makeover. “As a mom of seven, mornings can definitely be a challenge at my house so I’m excited to share my tried-and-true solutions to inspire moms and dads!”

On www.snacknwaffles.com, savvy moms and dads can also find Hannah’s tips on how to keep mornings fast paced and fun, such as:

• Avoid the morning rush by helping your child set out clothes the night before. First, print out a life-size photo of your child’s face and stick it on the bedroom wall at eye level. Next, place a plastic hook directly underneath so they can “get dressed” before bed by hanging up the outfit they plan on wearing the next day.
• Nothing gets the family moving in the morning like a mix of high-energy family-friendly music. Turn it up and get crackin’!

“Although mornings are busier than ever for moms and dads, it doesn’t mean they can’t be fun!” said Maribeth Badertscher, Vice President, Corporate Communications, The J.M. Smucker Company. “We know every second counts and are thrilled to offer a fun ‘all in one, on the run’ solution for parents to provide their kids with a delicious, wholesome, and portable breakfast or snack they are sure to love.”

Smucker’s Snack’n Waffles brand waffles are convenient, microwavable waffles and available in four delicious flavors including Blueberry, Maple, Cinnamon and Chocolate Chip. Smucker’s Snack’n Waffles brand waffles are ready to eat after 15 seconds in the microwave, and already have sweetness baked right in, making it easy for families to have a warm, satisfying snack or start to their day in the car, on the way to school, or anywhere family adventures take them.  

From March 8 – April 5, 2011 at 11:59 a.m. ET, legal residents of the United States and D.C., 18 and older can log on to www.snacknwaffles.com to vote for a morning routine personality for a chance to win.  Five hundred coupons for a free box of Smucker’s Snack’n Waffles brand waffles (ARV: $3.00 each) and one grand prize of a morning routine makeover in the form of a check for $5,000 will be awarded.  Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary.

The survey was conducted with 1,000 adults by Kelton Research on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company in February 2011.

About The J. M. Smucker Company

For more than 110 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has been committed to offering consumers quality products that help families create memorable mealtime moments.  Today, Smucker is a leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, retail packaged coffee, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands includes Smucker’s®, Folgers®, Dunkin’ Donuts®, Jif®, Crisco®, Pillsbury®, Eagle Brand®, R.W. Knudsen Family®, Hungry Jack®, White Lily® and Martha White® in the United States, along with Robin Hood®, Five Roses®, Carnation®, Europe’s Best® and Bick’s® in Canada. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. The Company has appeared on FORTUNE Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States 13 times, ranking number one in 2004. For more information about the Company, visit www.smuckers.com.

The J.M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks, except Pillsbury, the Barrelhead logo and the Doughboy character are trademarks of The Pillsbury Company, LLC, used under license; Carnation is a trademark of Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., used under license; and Dunkin’ Donuts is a registered trademark of DD IP Holder, LLC, used under license. Borden and Elsie are trademarks used under license.

OMAHA, Neb.  (Food-News.net)  As the American Dietetic Association kicks off National Nutrition Month®, ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG) one of North America’s leading food makers, reminds people to “Eat Right with Color” by enjoying Hunt’s® tomatoes as part of a healthful, nutrient-rich diet. Tomatoes are America’s favorite non-starchy vegetable and account for 85 percent of the lycopene consumed in the U.S.

Eating more tomatoes and tomato products can make people healthier and help decrease the risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, according to a review article published in the March issue of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. The article was co-authored by ConAgra Foods’ Nutrition Manager Kristin Reimers, Ph.D. and R.D.

“Tomatoes contain high levels of the powerful antioxidant lycopene and canned products such as tomato paste, tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce have approximately seven times more lycopene than raw tomatoes,”(1) Reimers said. “In addition, tomatoes serve as a significant source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium in the American diet.”  

Both potassium and fiber are underconsumed nutrients, and according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, consuming more of these nutrients could improve people’s health. Calorie for calorie, tomatoes contain more than twice the potassium of other common sources such as bananas, potatoes, milk and orange juice. Also, one cup of pasta sauce contains 6.5 grams of fiber,  approximately the same amount of fiber as one cup of whole wheat spaghetti(2), with studies showing that people who eat tomato products average a 30 percent higher fiber intake than those who don’t consume tomatoes regularly. (3)

“At a time when consumers are as concerned about getting the most for their grocery dollar as they may be about their long-term health, products like Hunt’s canned tomatoes can help people balance value with nutrition,” Reimers said. “Encouraging greater tomato consumption may help increase overall vegetable intake since canned tomatoes, such as Hunt’s, are readily available year-round, widely accepted by consumers, convenient and economical.”

Because of the tomato’s nutritive value and popularity, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines define a new red-orange vegetable sub-group that provides a greater focus on tomatoes. This guideline can be easily met by consuming just one more half-cup serving of tomatoes each day.

About Hunt’s

Hunt’s tomatoes are available in many varieties, including No Salt Added options, making it easy to incorporate the health benefits of tomatoes into your daily meals. Only Hunt’s uses the natural FlashSteam® process to lock in natural tomato goodness of every tomato in Diced, Whole and Stewed varieties.

About ConAgra Foods

ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America’s leading food companies, with brands in 97 percent of America’s households. Consumers find Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Hebrew National, Hunt’s, Marie Callender’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Snack Pack and many other ConAgra Foods brands in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise and club stores. ConAgra Foods also has a strong business-to-business presence, supplying frozen potato and sweet potato products as well as other vegetable, spice and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators and commercial customers. For more information, please visit us at www.conagrafoods.com.

(1) U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22, 2009. Lycopene content per serving: 18.84 mg per 1/4 cup tomato paste; 17.12 mg per 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 15.82 mg per 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce; 2.32 mg per 1/2 cup raw tomatoes.

(2) U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23. Fiber content 6.5 grams per 1 cup pasta or marinara sauce; 6.3 grams per 1 cup cooked whole wheat spaghetti.

(3) Victor Fulgoni, Debra Keast, Kristin Reimers, Patty Packard. Tomato consumption is associated with improved diet quality and lower C-reactive protein in adults. J Am Diet Assoc (2008):108(9):S3:A-27.

MELVILLE, N.Y.  (Food-News.net)  TERRA Blues® Potato Chips, with their distinct blue color and nutty flavor, are a perfectly unique way for chip lovers to celebrate the crispiest, crunchiest, tastiest thing to happen to the potato on National Potato Chip Day, March 14, 2011.  To give back to chip lovers on this special day and beyond, TERRA® Chips along with its partner JetBlue Airways is offering a chance to win the ultimate Turks and Caicos vacation with the Blue Chip Getaways Sweepstakes.

One grand prize winner will receive a four-day/three-night Luxury Included® Vacation at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa for two adults and two children along with roundtrip travel for four to Providenciales International Airport, JetBlue’s newest destination. The Blue Chip Getaways Sweepstakes also features 10 first prizes of a pair of round-trip flight certificates to any of JetBlue’s 64 cities in its route network and 100 second prizes of a case of free TERRA Chips product.  The first 50,000 people to enter the sweepstakes at www.terrachips.com receive a special e-mail with a unique offer code for five percent off the purchase of their next JetBlue flight.

“At TERRA Chips, we pride ourselves in providing deliciously different ways for people to enjoy their favorite snack on National Potato Chip Day and every day,” said Kim Bremer, Senior Director Marketing, Snacks, for The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.  ”The Blue Chip Getaways Sweepstakes is the latest example of how we and our partners at JetBlue Airways work together to provide our loyal consumers with exciting opportunities to enjoy both brands.”

TERRA Blues, the official snack of JetBlue for the last 11 years, get their bluish-purple color from natural blue potatoes.  They also feature a slightly nutty flavor; and because they are vacuum fried they have 40 percent less fat than other leading brands of potato chips (6 grams versus 10 grams of total fat in a 1-ounce serving).  The vast majority of the blue potatoes used to make TERRA Blues are grown on a family farm in Northern Maine – LaJoie Growers.  Hain Celestial purchases approximately 3 million pounds of blue potatoes from the LaJoie family annually to make TERRA Blues.

“TERRA Blues have been a customer-favorite and JetBlue’s official snack since we took to the skies in 2000,” said Tara Carson, manager of national promotions for JetBlue Airways.  ”Together we have elevated the association of two valuable brands while increasing distribution from 250,000 to more than 5 million bags of chips annually.  This exposure has greatly contributed to the growth of the LaJoie family farm, and we take great pride in this ‘farm to tray table’ promotion of the locally-grown blue potato crop.  JetBlue continues to offer unlimited, free snacks and drinks on every flight, and we are excited to celebrate National Potato Chip Day with our customers this year with the Blue Chip Getaways Sweepstakes.”  

The Blue Chip Getaways Sweepstakes will be promoted through on-pack stickers on TERRA Chips, a national newspaper coupon insert and the TERRA Chips and JetBlue websites and Facebook pages as well as coupons distributed on JetBlue flights and JetBlue seatback monitors.  

The sweepstakes runs through May 31, 2011.  There is no purchase necessary to enter and entrants must be 21 years or older and a legal resident of the 48 contiguous United States.  Official rules can be found here.  

For more information on the Blue Chip Getaways Sweepstakes and TERRA Chips,  visit the brand’s website at www.terrachips.com and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/terrachips.

About JetBlue Airways

New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. In 2010, the carrier ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers in North America” by J.D. Power and Associates, a customer satisfaction recognition received for the sixth year in a row. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue is also America’s first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 64 cities with more than 600 daily flights. Later this year JetBlue plans to introduce service to Anchorage, Alaska and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information call +1 800 538 2583 from the U.S.A., TTY/TDD +1 800 336 5530, or visit www.jetblue.com.

The Hain Celestial Group

The Hain Celestial Group (Nasdaq: HAIN), headquartered in Melville, NY, is a leading natural and organic products company in North America and Europe. Hain Celestial participates in many natural categories with well-known brands that include Celestial Seasonings®, Earth’s Best®, Terra®, Garden of Eatin’®, Sensible Portions®, Health Valley®, Arrowhead Mills®, MaraNatha®, SunSpire®, DeBoles®, Gluten Free Cafe™, Hain Pure Foods®, Hollywood®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Imagine®, Almond Dream®, Rice Dream®, Soy Dream®, WestSoy®, The Greek Gods®, Ethnic Gourmet®, Yves Veggie Cuisine®, Granose®, Realeat®, Linda McCartney®, Daily Bread™, Lima®, Danival®, GG UniqueFiber™,Grains Noirs®, Natumi®, JASON®, Zia® Natural Skincare, Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica®, Queen Helene®, Tushies®, TenderCare® and Martha Stewart Clean™.  Hain Celestial has been providing “A Healthy Way of Life™” since 1993.  For more information, visit www.hain-celestial.com.

© 2011 The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SPARKS, Md.  (Food-News.net)  McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) has announced a voluntary recall of Golden Dipt^® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix 8 OZ, with UPC Code 4123470132 and “BEST BY” date of OCT 08 12 H. A very limited number of packages of Golden Dipt^® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix with this date code contain an undeclared milk ingredient. People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled cartons of Golden Dipt^® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix were distributed to grocery stores in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin as well as internationally to the Cayman Islands, beginning on October 21, 2010. The affected product is packaged in 8 OZ cartons, and the date code is found printed in white ink on the bottom of the carton.

The recall was initiated after the discovery of a packaging error that resulted in a pouch of Cajun Style Fish Fry mix (which contains a milk ingredient) being packaged in the Golden Dipt^® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix carton. The ingredient statement on the package does not list milk as an ingredient.

The “BEST BY” date of OCT 08 12 H is the only date code affected by the recall. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date and no other McCormick products are involved in this recall.

All grocery outlets that sell Golden Dipt^® Tempura Seafood Batter Mix are being notified to remove the affected product (UPC Code 4123470132 and date code BEST BY OCT 08 12 H) from their shelves immediately. Consumers do not need to return the product to the store where it was purchased. Instead, consumers are urged to contact McCormick’s Consumer Affairs team at 1-800-632-5847, weekdays from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM, or weekends from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Eastern Time), for a replacement or full refund, as well as instructions on what to do with the product.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration. The Company is also issuing an alert through the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.  (Food-News.net)  Kellogg’s® Special K® brand recognizes the importance of providing positive nutrition for weight-conscious consumers. With that in mind, the brand has renovated its cereal bar portfolio to provide a good source of fiber (three grams) and added two new, delicious flavors to give consumers even more to love.

Ushering in the Special K® cereal bar renovation are two new great-tasting, dessert-inspired cereal bar flavors – Special K® Chocolatey Chip Cookie and Special K® Raspberry Cheesecake. In addition, many of consumers’ favorite Special K® bars have received a fiber update, including Special K® Blueberry, Special K® Chocolatey Drizzle, Special K® Chocolatey Pretzel, Special K® Honey Nut, Special K® Peaches & Berries, Special K® Strawberry, and Special K® Vanilla Crisp.

“We’re excited to add more options with positive nutrition to our portfolio of weight-management snacks,” said Marisa Thompson, director Kellogg Wholesome Snacks. “Special K® continues to provide a simple solution to help consumers jump-start their realistic, attainable weight management goals with great-tasting foods.”

Special K® cereal bars provide a delicious between-meals treat. With 90 calories and now with three grams of fiber, Special K® cereal bars are an even better option for weight-managers.

Why Fiber

Fiber is an important nutrient, yet fewer than one in 10 Americans get enough on a daily basis. Furthermore, studies show that consumption of fiber is associated with lower body weight measures in U.S. adults.(1) With three grams of fiber included in each of the new and reformulated varieties, Special K® cereal bars will continue to help weight managers stick to their goals, but with the added benefit of more fiber.

“Increasing the amount of fiber in Special K® cereal bars is part of Kellogg Company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the nutrition in our foods,” Thompson said. “Increasing the amount of fiber in our Special K® cereal bars to three grams and adding new Chocolatey Chip Cookie and Raspberry Cheesecake varieties gives consumers more delicious options for meeting their fiber and weight-management needs.”

Special K® cereal bars with fiber – including the two new varieties – are now available in the snack aisles of grocery stores nationwide.

For more information, visit http://www.specialk.com/cereal-bars.

About Kellogg Company

For more than 100 years, consumers have counted on Kellogg for great-tasting, high-quality and nutritious foods. Kellogg Company, with 2010 sales of more than $12 billion, is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles and veggie foods. Kellogg Company’s beloved brands, which are manufactured in 18 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries, include Kellogg’s®, Keebler®, Pop-Tarts®, Eggo®, Cheez-It®, All-Bran®, Mini-Wheats®, Nutri-Grain®, Rice Krispies®, Special K®, Chips Deluxe®, Famous Amos®, Sandies®, Austin®, Club®, Murray®, Kashi®, Bear Naked®, Morningstar Farm®, Gardenburger® and Stretch Island®. For more information on the Kellogg Company, including our corporate responsibility initiatives, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.  

(1) Consumption of Fiber is Associated with Lower Body Weight Measures in US adults: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004, S.S. Cho, T.A. Nicklas, C.E. O’Neil.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.  (Food-News.net)  Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) has announced that it is helping fund sustainable palm oil production through purchasing GreenPalm certificates covering 100 percent of its global palm oil use.

GreenPalm estimates that only six percent of the current global supply of palm oil is sustainably grown. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) continues to work toward the development of a consistent and sufficient supply of segregated, sustainably grown palm oil, however, it is currently not available outside of Europe and the form of palm oil Kellogg uses in Europe is not available in a segregated, sustainable supply.

“As a socially responsible company, Kellogg is committed to conducting our business in a way that reduces our environmental impact,” said Celeste A. Clark, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer, Kellogg Company. “While palm oil is a very small percentage* of our total ingredients, as a socially responsible company, concerns about the sustainable production of palm oil are clearly on our radar screen.”

Kellogg Company intends to purchase sustainable palm oil once a segregated palm oil supply is available that is financially and logistically feasible. In the meantime, the Company is helping to reduce deforestation from palm oil production through its support of GreenPalm certificates.

“World Wildlife Fund applauds Kellogg Company’s decision to purchase GreenPalm certificates for all of its global palm oil usage,” said Jason W. Clay, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, World Wildlife Fund. “By supporting sustainable production in this way, Kellogg is demonstrating just the sort of responsible action that we want others to take. As the first in the U.S. food industry to take this step, they’re setting an example for others to follow.”

“We are committed to conducting our business in a way that reduces our environmental impact and will continue diligently working with others to explore solutions to this global issue,” said Clark. “We intend to continue this commitment until we are able to purchase a segregated supply of sustainably grown palm oil.”

Kellogg is also:

• Encouraging its blended palm oil suppliers to continue to increase the percentage of sustainable palm oil in the supplies they purchase, as the available supply increases.
• Requiring its vendor partners to commit to reducing their impact on the environment through it Supplier Code of Conduct.
• Supporting the Consumer Goods Forum pledge to help achieve zero net deforestation by 2020.

About Kellogg Company

For more than 100 years, consumers have counted on Kellogg for great-tasting, high-quality and nutritious foods. Kellogg Company, with 2010 sales of more than $12 billion, is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles and veggie foods. Kellogg Company’s beloved brands, which are manufactured in 18 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries, include Kellogg’s®, Keebler®, Pop-Tarts®, Eggo®, Cheez-It®, All-Bran®, Mini-Wheats®, Nutri-Grain®, Rice Krispies®, Special K®, Chips Deluxe®, Famous Amos®, Sandies®, Austin®, Club®, Murray®, Kashi®, Bear Naked®, Morningstar Farm®, Gardenburger® and Stretch Island®. For more information on the Kellogg Company, including our corporate responsibility initiatives, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

For more information about GreenPalm certificates and sustainable palm oil production, please visit www.GreenPalm.org.

*Kellogg Company uses approximately 0.1 percent of the global supply of palm oil annually.

BROOMFIELD, Colo.  (Food-News.net)  Silk® has expanded its offerings of plant-based alternatives to dairy milk with the introduction of Silk Pure Coconut™ coconutmilk, which contains no dairy, no lactose and no cholesterol.

Silk has long been known for its creamy and delicious soymilk, and last year the brand introduced Silk Pure Almond™ almondmilk. The introduction of Pure Coconut continues Silk’s commitment to bring a variety of nutritious and delicious plant-based products to consumers, as well as its innovation in the dairy alternative category.

“Consumers continue to seek plant-based beverages. At the same time, they are becoming more interested in coconut-based products, so we brought those two trends together,” said Craig Shiesley, the brand’s Vice President. “Silk Pure Coconut gives consumers another plant-based option for milk that offers great taste combined with the calcium they’re looking for.”

More consumers may be choosing plant-based options either because of personal preference or because of recommendations from health or nutrition professionals. According to a recent survey, 87 percent of dietitians recommend a plant-based diet to some or most of their patients, and 70 percent of those dietitians say a primary reason is that a plant-based diet is nutrient-rich.(1) All the dietitians surveyed were members of the American Dietetic Association.

Silk Pure Coconut is calcium-fortified, containing 50 percent more calcium than dairy milk.(2) It is an excellent source of vitamin D and vegetarian-friendly vitamin B12. It also is available in two delicious and low-calorie flavors: Original and Vanilla, with 80 and 90 calories per serving, respectively.

Silk Pure Coconut is produced without the use of GMO ingredients, and is verified by the Non-GMO Project, a nationwide system designed to test whether a product has met defined standards for the presence of GMOs.

Silk Pure Coconut coconutmilk is available in grocery stores nationwide.

About Silk

Silk was founded in 1996 on a promise to make the world a healthier place. We began by bringing soymilk mainstream, allowing more people everywhere to enjoy soy’s wholesome, natural plant-based nutrition. We recently introduced almondmilk and coconutmilk as the next step in our proud tradition of good health and great taste. For more information, visit www.silksoymilk.com, www.silkpurealmond.com, www.silkpurecoconut.com, Facebook.com/SilkUS or follow us on Twitter @LoveMySilk.

(1) Ketchum fielded the survey online from Dec. 21, 2010 – Jan. 3, 2011, and 323 dietitians responded.

(2) Silk Pure Coconut® coconutmilk contains 45% DV of calcium; Typical dairy milk contains 30% DV of calcium. Dairy data sourced from USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, release 23 (2010).

CHICAGO  (Food-News.net)  The Food Channel® (foodchannel.com) presents its “Top Ten Breakfast Trends for 2011.”  By partnering with CultureWaves® (www.culturewav.es) and the International Food Futurists®, The Food Channel has been able to identify the most significant food trends in breakfast for 2011, from energy drinks and fresh coffee prepared at home, to oatmeal served all day long.

“In our breakfast survey of Food Channel readers, one thing quickly became clear.  Most of us still recognize breakfast as the most important meal of the day,” said Kay Logsdon, editor of The Food Channel.  ”It’s all new, though.  Now it’s OK to eat chocolate for breakfast, and we are eating our morning meal in two parts—grabbing that first cup of coffee at home and adding to it with something at the office.”

The Food Channel Top Ten Breakfast Trends in 2011

1. Oatmeal in Overdrive—oatmeal is becoming a real mainstream staple
2. Chocolate for Breakfast—with its healthful benefits, chocolate is being promoted as a breakfast product
3. Fast Foods Battle Over Breakfast—the breakfast daypart has become the key battleground in the quick service restaurant category
4. Haute Coffee Comes Home—to save money, caffeine-seekers are opting to brew their own coffee at home
5. Ethnic Invasion—global influences start to creep into the morning meal
6. Beverage Choice Choke—breakfast drink menus keep expanding beyond coffee and O.J.
7. Hot Pizza in the A.M.—pizza is predicted to be one of the hottest menu items for breakfast
8. Breakfast Ingredients All Day Long—breakfast ingredients work their way into other parts of the daily menu
9. The Breakfast Two-Step—a pattern of people fueling up with caffeine and protein in a two-stage process
10. Eggs Crack the Top Ten—eggs to hatch a big comeback this year

Read the complete Top Ten Breakfast Trends in 2011 at www.foodchannel.com.

Also check out the Top Ten Foods to Watch in 2011.  They include sausage, moonshine, grits, fin fish and the latest in antioxidant-heavy fruit.

About The Food Channel®

The Food Channel is a place for great food inspiration, the latest trends, the most compelling stories, and original perspective.  This website offers insightful original content that is distributed everywhere foodies interact with culinary creativity by influencing, contributing to, learning from, gaining inspiration through, and being a part of the experience around great food.  For more information, visit foodchannel.com.  Follow The Food Channel on Twitter at twitter.com/foodchannel or twitter.com/aford, or on Facebook at facebook.com/FoodChannel.

Cleveland, OH  (Food-News.net)  A new low-cost, all-natural yogurt branded as enLiven has launched exclusively in Walmart stores. The low-fat yogurt from Ganeden Biotech, the nation’s leading distributor of over-the-counter probiotic products, is available in four delicious flavors and is enhanced with GanedenBC30 Probiotics.

“Yogurt has long been touted as a healthy breakfast and snack food,” said Carl Freund, vice president of consumer products at Ganeden. “We believe Walmart shoppers will enjoy our tasty new enLiven yogurt with beneficial probiotics, as it is not only good for you and your whole family, but it is affordably priced to help save you money.”

enLiven yogurt with probiotics has no artificial flavors or coloring and offers a creamy taste in vanilla, blueberry, strawberry and peach flavors. It is 99 percent fat-free, made with all-natural ingredients and contains significant amounts of live and active cultures (probiotics) to support digestive health.

Scientists now recognize that 70 percent of our immune system is actually living in the digestive tract, which reinforces the importance of a healthy digestive tract. GanedenBC30, the specific probiotic bacteria in enLiven, supports digestive health because of its excellent stability.

“enLiven is lower in price, sodium and fat than other leading probiotic yogurt brands,” said Freund. “We are certain people will enjoy eating this new probiotic yogurt; if not, we offer a money-back guarantee.”

About Ganeden Biotech:

Founded in 1997, Ganeden Biotech, Inc. is based in Cleveland, Ohio and is the largest seller of over-the-counter probiotics in the U.S. through its Digestive Advantage® and Sustenex® brands, along with the recently launched yogurt with probiotics, enLiven. It also licenses its patented probiotic bacteria, GanedenBC30, for use in commercial food and beverage applications, medical foods, nutraceuticals and in the animal health industry. GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) is self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by an independent panel of experts assembled to assess its safety in use as a food ingredient. For information about GanedenBC30 and licensing opportunities, visit and for licensing information, visit ganedenlabs.com.

MISSION, KS  (Food-News.net)  New Orleans may be the official home of Mardi Gras, but you don’t have to live in the Big Easy to enjoy the party. Mardi Gras, or literally, “Fat Tuesday,” is the final day of the Carnival celebration, the festive season that occurs before Lent.

While some people associate Mardi Gras with lavish parades and French Quarter parties, food is an integral part of the tradition. In fact, many locals skip the parades and spend time at home feasting with friends and family instead. Join the Fat Tuesday frenzy by throwing your own party. 

“I love sharing the spirit of this season,” said John Besh, Louisiana native and nationally acclaimed chef. “It’s so easy to bring the fun of Mardi Gras home — wherever you are. Whip up some tasty New Orleans-Style meals, hang up some beads and masks for decoration, then invite folks over for good times all around.”

Celebrate like a true New Orleanian by jazzing up an entire day’s menu with popular and authentic dishes. Start with a savory brunch, a true Southern tradition. Snack on a creamy dip in the afternoon as you decorate and welcome guests. Then, dish out a traditional New Orleans-Style jambalaya, perfect for a Mardi Gras crowd. Finish the meal with a cupcake version of the official dessert of the Carnival season, the King Cake. Tradition states that whoever found the fava bean or small trinket in their slice of cake was charged with bringing the cake to next year’s party. Share the fun with all your guests by including a fava bean in each cupcake. 

These tried-and-true recipes will ensure your party will start a tradition to be celebrated for years to come. For more information on New Orleans-Style cuisine, visit www.facebook.com/zatarains.

Dulac Dirty Rice Mini Frittatas 
Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cook Time: 45 minutes
Makes 12 (2 mini frittata) servings

Cook and stir sausage in large skillet on medium-high heat 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain fat. Prepare rice mix as directed on package with sausage. Stir in raisins and pecans. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 2 (12-cup) muffin tins generously with no stick cooking spray. Set aside. Mix eggs and milk in large bowl until well blended. Add onions and bell peppers; mix well. Place 1/4 cup of the rice mixture into each muffin cup. Pour egg mixture evenly into each cup. 

Bake 20 minutes or until eggs are set. Run small knife or spatula around each cup to loosen frittatas. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

Carnival Jambalaya 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Makes 12 (1-cup) servings

Bring water and oil to boil in large saucepan. Stir in Rice Mixes, chicken and sausage; return to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 25 minutes or until rice is tender. 
Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions before serving. 

Red Bean and Rice Party Dip 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Makes 60 (2-tablespoon) servings

Prepare rice mix as directed on package, using 3 cups water instead of 3 1/4 cups.
Reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese to garnish dip, if desired. Stir remaining ingredients into rice mixture. Place mixture into food processor or blender; cover. Process or blend until smooth.

Keep dip warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker, if desired.

King Cake Cupcakes 
Chef John Besh, Besh Restaurant Group
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cool Time: 1 hour
Yields 10 to 12
Yellow Butter Cake

In a mixer at medium speed, cream butter, sugar, and salt together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while the mixer is running, making sure each egg is totally mixed in before adding another. Beat mixture until light and fluffy, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl carefully.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour and baking powder using a wire whisk to sift and combine them. In another separate bowl, mix the milk and vanilla. 

Alternate adding wet and dry ingredients to butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Do not over mix, as batter should be thick and fluffy. Spoon into lined cupcake pans, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes or until done. 

Creole Cream Cheese Filling with Root Beer

Combine shortening and cream cheese in mixer at medium speed and whip with paddle until smooth. 

Add powdered sugar and whip until fluffy; mix in root beer extract until well combined.

Root Beer Frosting

Combine all ingredients in bowl of mixer. Beat together at medium speed until light and fluffy.

To assemble cupcakes: Use a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon to scoop out the center of completely cooled cupcakes from the top to about halfway down. 

With a piping bag, or plastic bag with the corner snipped off, fill the hole with filling. 
Insert a dried fava bean into filling of each cupcake. Note: fava bean is for decoration only and should not be eaten.

Using a star tip and separate piping bag, pipe frosting starting on the outside, working your way to the center in one continuous motion. Top with green, purple and yellow or gold sprinkles or decorative sugar like on a traditional King Cake.

MISSION, KS  (Food-News.net)  Get out of your morning rut and put some spring in your step by livening up your breakfast. A warm, hearty breakfast can give you a satisfying start to the day and it doesn’t have to be hard to make. 

Even on hectic mornings, families can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without the mess and hassle by using Fully Cooked Hearty Sausage Crumbles from Jimmy Dean. Packaged in a re-sealable zipper pouch and kept in the fridge, this convenient pantry essential is ready in minutes and helps you put together a delicious and satisfying breakfast that’s packed with protein for yourself or the whole family in no time.

These breakfast ideas are delicious options for the entire family:

• Sausage and Egg Omelet: Cook eggs with Monterey jack cheese, Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles and salsa. Serve with fresh melon slices and low fat milk.
• Breakfast Pizza: Top a whole-wheat English muffin with Hearty Turkey Sausage Crumbles, scrambled eggs, desired vegetables and low fat mozzarella cheese. Bake at 425°F until cheese is melted. Make it a complete breakfast by adding a glass of your favorite fruit juice.
• Breakfast Bruschetta: For a savory breakfast, top toasted Italian bread slices with tomato slices and Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles. Sprinkle with dried basil and shredded Parmesan cheese. Bake until cheese is melted. Enjoy alongside a mixed fruit salad.
• Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burritos: Wrap eggs, peppers and Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles in a flour tortilla for a delicious breakfast you can enjoy at home or on the go.

Visit http://www.JimmyDean.com for more information, recipes, coupons and hearty breakfast ideas.

See below for an easy breakfast frittata recipe that the whole family can enjoy; add whole grain bagels with low-fat cream cheese and fresh fruit, and you have a satisfying way to start everyone’s day.

Sausage Frittata
Makes: 8 servings (1 wedge each)

Cook sausage in large nonstick skillet over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes or until hot. Stir in potatoes.

Beat eggs, cheese, salt and pepper in large bowl with wire whisk. Pour over sausage mixture.

Cook over medium-high heat 2 minutes, occasionally lifting edge with spatula and tilting skillet to allow uncooked egg to flow underneath. (Do not stir.)

Reduce heat to medium-low; cover. Cook 14 to 17 minutes or until eggs are set.

Top with tomato and onions. Cut into 8 wedges to serve.

NEW ORLEANS, LA  (Food-News.net)  This Fat Tuesday, bring Mardi Gras home with a festive and flavorful get-together fit for a king or queen. Zatarain’s, the brand serving up New Orleans-Style food for more than 120 years, offers tasty ideas to help plan a spirited family soiree.

Join The Parade At Facebook.com/Zatarains

Zatarain’s introduces “Mardi Gras Central” on Facebook with robust new offerings, including a festive Facebook application, Mardi Gras music, Carnival recipes developed exclusively by Chef Besh and live parade videos:

• “Jazz Up Your Profile Pic”: Zatarain’s new Facebook application makes it easy to add colorful beads and a mask to a Facebook or Twitter profile picture.
• Take a Listen: For music to set the mood, check out the free online Pandora radio station on Zatarain’s Mardi Gras Facebook tab. Hear the best of New Orleans legendary jazz and Carnival favorites.
• Have a Look: Get in on the action with a look at live footage of the Mardi Gras parades via “Zat’s Cams.” Then, view video vignettes for a peek inside Chef Besh’s kitchen.
• Find Recipes to Celebrate: Discover recipes for traditional Carnival favorites, sure to please a crowd.

A Big Easy Celebration

Most of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations actually take place in the home, away from the revelry most commonly associated with the French Quarter. Tap into the spirit of the Big Easy with these festive party tips:

• Enjoy Your Own Party: Though food is the main event, don’t get stuck in the kitchen away from guests. Chef Besh suggests prepping as much as possible in advance. Jambalaya and gumbo both taste even better the next day, so you can even cook your dishes the night before your party.
• Dress the Part: Channel your inner royalty by encouraging guests to dress up like kings, queens and jesters, as many in New Orleans do. Top off the costumes with fun masks and beads.
• Kick Up the Color: Ensure all decorations are in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, which stand for justice, faith and power, respectively.
• Don’t Forget Dessert: Prepare a sweet ending to your party with Chef Besh’s twist on the traditional King Cake — King Cake Cupcakes.

TILLAMOOK, Ore.  (Food-News.net)  Inspired by the flavors and aromas of Grandma’s kitchen on baking day, Tillamook is expanding its Premium Ice Cream line of nearly 40, year-round flavors with two new additions, Sticky Bun and Grandma’s Cake Batter, delighting consumers with delicious bites of sweet treats swirled into rich, creamy ice cream. Additionally, the company is rounding out the new flavor line-up with seasonal, limited-edition flavors, including Cinnamon Banana Bliss, Pumpkin, and the fan-christened Udderly Peanutbutterly.

On shelves now through approximately May 2011 is Cinnamon Banana Bliss, a blend of lightly sweet banana ice cream topped with ripples of cinnamon honey and sprinkled with crispy cinnamon fried ice cream flakes. Hitting stores for summer and available from approximately May through Oct. 2011, Udderly Peanutbutterly was named by Tillamook’s Facebook fans and is vanilla ice cream with a peanut butter swirl and mini peanut butter-filled chocolate cows. Wrapping up 2011 is the rich Pumpkin, a frozen blend of puree and pie spice, available from approximately Oct. through Dec.

“Our Facebook following of more than 100,000 fervent fans has been a game-changer in our new product development,” said Jay Allison, Tillamook vice president of sales and marketing. “In the last year, we’ve started asking our fans for help choosing and naming new flavors and our new Udderly Peanutbutterly is the latest consumer-generated gem that’s making it all the way to store shelves this spring.”

Like all Tillamook dairy products, the line of Premium Ice Cream is made with only the highest quality milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.

Tillamook Premium Ice Cream is available in grocery stores across the Pacific Northwest for a suggested retail price of $5.99. The full line of flavors is also available to visitors of the popular Tillamook Cheese Factory, headquartered on scenic Highway 101, two miles north of Tillamook, Ore., a coastal town located along the Pacific Ocean.

About Tillamook County Creamery Association

Established in 1909, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a cooperative of 110 dairy farming families guided by century-old values of quality, cooperation, integrity, stewardship and responsiveness. Quickly becoming one of the top dairy brands in the country, Tillamook is most famously known for its award-winning, naturally aged Tillamook cheddars and also offers a variety of other cheeses, ice cream, butter, sour cream and yogurt. For more information, visit: www.Tillamook.com.

YAVNE, Israel  (Food-News.net)  G. Willi-Food International Ltd. (NASDAQ: WILC) (“Willi-Food”), a global food company specializing in the development, manufacture, marketing and international distribution of kosher foods, has announced that it plans to introduce into the market two new lines of kosher Swiss premium products – the first is “Kambly” fine biscuit and cookie products and the second is a new line of fine chocolate bar products. Willi-Food is introducing these new products in order to enhance its already substantial product line.

Willi-Food is also proud to announce that in January 2011 it signed an exclusivity agreement with Kambly to distribute the famous Kambly fine biscuits in Israel – which, for the first time ever, will be kosher. The new kosher Kambly products, which Willi-Food will begin selling in April 2011, consists of an assortment of premium Swiss biscuits and cookies.

Kambly views itself as Switzerland’s best-known and most-favoured biscuit brand, and in the premium segment of the fine biscuit and cookies market, is considered a worldwide leader in quality and innovation. It also views itself as Switzerland’s leading exporter and strongest-selling producer of baked goods. Kambly is a Swiss company with a tradition of high quality for more than 100 years. All Kambly specialties are produced in Switzerland, making full use of the latest technological innovations.

This new category is added to a new series of premium kosher Swiss chocolate bars, co-developed with Willi-Food, which began selling in December 2010. Willi-Food intends to enlarge the verity of products in this category and to introduce a new line of premium kosher Swiss chocolate bars in the coming months.

Mr. Zwi Williger, President and COO of Willi-Food commented: “This new launch demonstrates our commitment to developing new, innovative and high-margin food products with careful attention to meeting the special needs of our customers. This marks the first time that the famous Swiss Kambly brand will manufacture kosher products, all made from natural ingredients. We have been able to achieve this as a result of Kambly’s collaboration with Willi-Food. The new series of the kosher premium Swiss chocolate bars that we introduced a few months ago, has been well received by our customers, and we intend to increase its verity much further. As with all our products, this new product line is and will be produced with the highest standards of quality.”

Distributed worldwide, Willi-Food products are known for their uncompromising high quality as well as their high standards of rabbinical supervision. Willi-Food offerings range from canned fish products, canned vegetable and fruits products, chilled Mediterranean salads, high-quality edible oils, a variety of dairy products such as butter, spreadable butter, whipped cream and different kinds of cheeses, chilled desserts, Italian ice-cream, dry fruit, nuts and beans, Swiss chocolate bars, coffee creamers and instant coffee, Swiss cookies, sweet pastries and crackers, rice, rice sticks and rice crackers, pasta, spaghetti and noodles, noodle soup, sauces, lemon juice, vinegar, halva, Turkish delight, corn flour, pastes, breakfast cereals, corn flakes, rusks, coconut milk, snacks and much more.

About G. Willi-Food International Ltd.

G. Willi-Food International Ltd. (http://www.willi-food.co.il) is an Israeli-based company specializing in high-quality, great-tasting kosher food products. Willi-Food is engaged directly and through its subsidiaries in the design, import, manufacture, marketing and distribution of over 1,000 food products worldwide. As one of Israel’s leading food importers, Willi-Food markets and sells its food products to over 1,500 customers in Israel and around the world including large retail and private supermarket chains, wholesalers and institutional consumers. The company’s operating divisions include Willi-Food in Israel; Gold Frost, a wholly owned subsidiary who designs, develops and distributes branded kosher, dairy-food products; and Shamir Salads, an Israeli manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of over 400 Mediterranean-style chilled salads.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to future events or our future performance, such as statements regarding trends, demand for our products and expected sales, operating results, and earnings. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include but are not limited to: monetary risks including changes in currency exchange rates- especially the NIS/U.S. Dollar exchange rate, payment default by any of our major clients, the loss of one of more of our key personnel, changes in laws and regulations, including those relating to the food distribution industry, and inability to meet and maintain regulatory qualifications and approvals for our products, termination of arrangements with our suppliers, in particular Arla Foods, loss of one or more of our principal clients, increase or decrease in global purchase prices of food products, increasing levels of competition in Israel and other markets in which we do business, changes in economic conditions in Israel, including in particular economic conditions in the Company’s core markets, our inability to accurately predict consumption of our products, our inability to successfully integrate our recent acquisitions, insurance coverage not sufficient enough to cover losses of product liability claims and risks associated with product liability claims. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties summarized under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2010. These factors are updated from time to time through the filing of reports and registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

BOCA RATON, Fla.  (Food-News.net)  Americans are misguided on their breakfast choices, according to Sasson Moulavi, M.D., specializing in weight loss medicine for over 20 years. Moulavi, founder and creator of the Smart for Life® diet program, claims that Americans are eating too many carbohydrates and sugars for breakfast and too little protein.

“We are literally starving our bodies of protein while flooding it with sugar,” Dr. Sass said. “We know that in order to keep weight down and control hunger, we must eat a balanced, protein-rich breakfast. We should get at least 15 grams of protein within 2 to 3 hours of waking up.”

According to recent statistics, children and adults are eating carbohydrate-rich, sugar-loaded breakfasts with only 2 to 3 grams of protein. The result of this poor choice causes them to feel hungry quickly and eat more. This routine behavior is a major cause of childhood and adult obesity.

Protein-poor foods like cereals, waffles, and breakfast pastries are marketed as good choices because of advertising buzz words like “made with real juice,” “whole grain” and “contains essential minerals and vitamins.” Moulavi urges consumers to become knowledgeable and not fall victim to the marketing and advertising doublespeak in the media. Protein is the key to starting the day fueled with healthy energy and prepping the body for optimum function.

Researching breakfast items shows that many contain 5 times more sugar than the body can handle in 4 hours. Also, consuming it quickly (in 10 minutes or less) increases weight gain and fatigue. Repeatedly making poor food choices may lead to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes.

“I urge all Health Practitioners to point this out to their patients and make protein an important part of breakfast,” Dr. Sass explains. “Consumers should examine the amount of sugar versus protein in their foods. A good rule for breakfast is that the grams of protein should be more than the sugar.”

For example, many cereals have one gram of protein versus 10 grams of sugar. Replace poor choices with protein-rich, healthy breakfast foods such as egg white omelet, low fat cheese, Smart for Life cupcakes, cookies and granola squares.

Protein is key to optimal body functions because it builds muscle, helps rev up metabolism, and more. The human body cannot convert sugar to protein, but it can make sugar out of protein. Sugars also raise lipids, increasing cardiac risk. Lean protein does not. A person can be overweight and still be in starvation mode if he does not get enough protein.

For more information, please visit http://www.smartforlife.com, http://www.under-way.com or contact Lisa Goodman at 561.394.5300 x 202, lgoodman@smartforlife.com

FRESNO, Calif.  (Food-News.net)  Newly released research from Penn State University highlights phytosterols, found in pistachios, may  improve cholesterol, a factor in cardiovascular health. 

“We already know that pistachios are a naturally cholesterol-free food, but this new study suggests that phytosterols, or plant sterols, in pistachios may help to reduce the absorption of cholesterol,” said Constance Geiger, PhD, RD, CD and nutrition expert for the Western Pistachio Association. “Lowering cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease, so these findings give people even more reasons to snack on delicious pistachios.”

Plant sterols, naturally found in many fruits, vegetables and nuts, have been long studied for their cholesterol-lowering properties. These chemical compounds help lower total cholesterol levels by blocking the amount of cholesterol absorbed in the body.

Geiger offers three easy ways to eat pistachios for improved heart health:

• In the car: toss a bag of pistachios in the glove box for an easily accessible go-to food option when out running errands. Having a nutritious option within arm’s reach will help you avoid drive-thru binges.
• At home: fill a bowl with pistachios and set it out in the kitchen next to an empty bowl for shells for a healthier snack option.
• After the gym: pistachios may help lower blood cholesterol levels, and they also offer fiber, which satisfies hunger. Munch on pistachios on your way to or from the gym.  They offer more than 20 important nutrients to keep you powered up for the day.

Pistachio Facts

Pistachios are a naturally cholesterol-free snack that contains just 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 13 grams of fat, the majority of which comes from monounsaturated fat. A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts, which is more nuts per serving than any other snack nut. One serving of pistachios has as much potassium (300mg, 8 percent) as an orange (250mg, 7 percent), making it a nutritious snack choice or ingredient to incorporate into daily diets.

Research Details

The research abstract referenced in this press release is titled, “Dose-related effects of pistachios on plasma sterol concentrations in moderately hypercholesterolemic individuals” and co-authored by Holligan, S, Gebauer, SK, West, SG, Kay, CD, Kris-Etherton PM from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA, 16802), Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA (Beltsville, MD, 20705) and School of Medicine, University of East Anglia (Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK).

About the Western Pistachio Association

Western Pistachio Association is a non-profit voluntary trade association representing more than 400 growers in the United States. WPA is governed by an 18-member board of directors and is funded entirely by growers and independent processors with the shared goal of increasing global awareness of nutritious, American-grown pistachios.

WENATCHEE, Wash.  (Food-News.net)  Each March, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) focuses attention on returning to the basics of healthy eating. But basic isn’t always fun and therefore effective especially for kids who are always looking for something new and different. That is where a Grapple fits the bill. Take a sweet, crunchy Washington apple and combine it with the aromatic smell of concord grapes and you get a Grapple.  

This year’s National Nutrition Month theme encourages consumers to remember to include a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy on their plates every day. Apples are indeed colorful and resonate with kids – and adults alike. Grapple brand apples in particular appeal to kids, they love the combination of grape and apple that make Grapples so unique and delicious. Kids love them tucked into their lunch or as an after school snack. And of course Grapple brand apples are as healthy as if just picked off a tree.

Nutritionally a Grapple closely resembles that of any apple. Each Grapple contains approximately: 130 calories, 0g fat, 0g cholesterol, 0gs sodium, 170 mg potassium, 25g carbohydrate, 4g of dietary fiber and 19g sugar. They are high in fiber which recent studies just noted Americans need more of and have a low glycemix index, especially good for diabetics.  

Grapples begin either as a Washington State Gala or Fuji apple. Through a complex, patented process, these apples are gently bathed with an ingredient mix that is primarily grape flavor and pure water. Through the process the apples take on the grape flavor, which doesn’t add any extra sugar, calories, carbohydrates or anything else. In fact the apples maintain their natural supply of vitamins, minerals, nutrients & fiber. They do not contain soy, gluten or wheat based products.

Grapples are not genetically altered in any way. The process of making a Grapple takes place after the fruit has been received from the orchards. All ingredients are USDA and FDA approved and the process has been licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Grapples are widely available in grocery stores from October through May, depending on the harvesting season. They are sold in a 4-pack clamshell with an average MSRP of $3.49-5.99, to find a store or to order online visit http://www.grapplefruits.com.

About Grapples®

Grapple® brand apples are the quintessential perfect healthy snack for kids of all ages. Through a patented process, premium Washington State apples are infused with grape flavor to create a product that “Crunches like an Apple, Tastes like a Grape™”. For more information call 800-232-2636 or www.grapplefruits.com and Facebook @http://www.facebook.com/pages/GrappleR-brand-Apples/177704220464.

CHELSEA, Mass.  (Food-News.net)  al fresco All Natural recently entered the meatball business, creating two flavors of all natural chicken meatballs with 60% less fat and 40% less sodium than traditional beef and pork meatballs. The new gourmet chicken meatballs are a delicious addition to the weekday dinner rotation, and were rated a ’5′ out of ’5′ on flavor by focus group participants on a scale of ’1′ to ’5′, with ’5′ meaning “love it”.

“Homey comfort foods like meatballs are very popular right now and so many people want to enjoy these classic dishes in a more healthful way,” said Sarah Crowley, al fresco Sr. Brand Manager. “Our new chicken meatballs are fully cooked, so they are a quick and easy way to add flavor to your favorite recipes, without a lot of fat, sodium or calories.”

Just like their best selling line of chicken sausage – which was recently awarded Family Circle’s “Circle of Excellence” mark – al fresco All Natural Chicken Meatballs are made with lean chicken meat and contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives, nitrates or MSG.

al fresco All Natural Chicken Meatballs are available in two delicious flavors:

• Tomato & Basil: a savory blend of sweet basil, sun-ripened tomatoes, Asiago and mozzarella cheeses
• Teriyaki Ginger: infused with ginger, garlic, sweet pineapple and sesame

While great served on their own as a party appetizer, al fresco Chicken Meatballs are also the perfect swap-in for traditional meatballs in recipes that need to be lightened up, from spaghetti to kebabs. al fresco Executive Chef Susanna Tolini has created wonderful recipes for both the Tomato & Basil and Teriyaki Ginger flavors to inspire home cooks, all available on al fresco‘s website, alfrescoAllNatural.com.  

al fresco All Natural Chicken Meatballs are available at major grocery stores nationally and sold fresh and fully cooked in the refrigerated section – just heat, serve, and enjoy! Each package of 16 meatballs contains four servings (SRP $4.99).

To learn more about the al fresco brand or to explore the many recipes created to highlight al fresco‘s variety of flavors, please visit www.alfrescoallnatural.com. You can also interact with al fresco on Twitter and Facebook.

About al fresco:  

al fresco All Natural is manufactured by Kayem Foods, Inc. the largest meat processor in New England, making over 500 products under eight brand names. Based in Chelsea, MA, the privately held and operated company has been owned and operated by the same family since 1909. Kayem Foods offers the best of both worlds – “Old World” flavor and “New World” quality and freshness. For more information, visit the al fresco All Natural website at www.alfrescoallnatural.com.