Content about Food and drink

January 29, 2013

Starting this week, four all-new reduced-calorie juice drinks from Minute Maid will hit store shelves.

HOUSTON — Starting this week, four new reduced calorie juice drinks from Minute Maid will hit store shelves. These light drinks should help consumers stay on track with their New Year's resolutions.

 

January 29, 2013

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt is adding three new flavors to its line of Greek yogurt bars with coconut, mango and vanilla bean flavors to hit retail store shelves in February.

BOSTON — Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt is adding three new flavors to its line of Greek yogurt bars with coconut, mango and vanilla bean flavors to hit retail store shelves in February.

January 28, 2013

Back to Nature Foods Co. announced today that it has launched a new all-natural sunflower and pumpkin seed variety of Back to Nature Granola.

NAPLES, Fla. — Back to Nature Foods Co. announced today that it has launched a new all-natural sunflower and pumpkin seed variety of Back to Nature Granola.

Made with crunchy clusters of whole grain oats, the new variety packs 25 g of whole grain and 6 g of protein per serving. Like all Back to Nature products, it has no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. The new product variety complements an existing line of granolas featuring ingredients like blueberries, cherries, almonds, pecans, honey and chocolate.

January 28, 2013

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is embarking on its third attempt to branch out from its chain of Southern comfort food restaurants by expanding a lineup of branded food products to be offered at grocers and outside retail outlets.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is embarking on its third attempt to branch out from its chain of  Southern comfort food restaurants by expanding a lineup of branded food products to be offered at grocers and outside retail outlets.

"Our research shows that our guests would like to be able to purchase Cracker Barrel products in places other than just our restaurants and retail stores, and we believe that there is opportunity here to meet that desire," the company stated.

January 28, 2013

McKee Foods, makers of Little Debbie snack cakes, is offering $25 to $30 million for Hostess Brands Inc.'s Drake's brand, according to published reports.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — McKee Foods, makers of Little Debbie snack cakes, is offering $25 to $30 million for Hostess Brands' Drake's brand, according to published reports. Hostess filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2012.

January 25, 2013

Wheat Thins today announced the launch of its new "Must. Have. Wheat Thins." campaign with a new TV ad debuting in the pregame show prior to the start of Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — Wheat Thins today announced the launch of its new "Must. Have. Wheat Thins." campaign with a new TV ad debuting in the pregame show prior to the start of Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3.

January 25, 2013

Perrigo Nutritionals is introducing new packaging that the company said would make providing nutrition to infants more convenient.

GEORGIA, Vt. — Perrigo Nutritionals is introducing new packaging that the company said would make providing nutrition to infants more convenient.

January 25, 2013

Pop singer Katy Perry will leave her mark on the newest flavor from snack brand Popchips, the company said.

SAN FRANCISCO — Pop singer Katy Perry will leave her mark on the newest flavor from snack brand Popchips, the company said Friday.

Popchips said it would launch Katy's Kettle Corn, described as sweet and salty, at Target stores this month. Perry joined the company in July 2012 as an investor and creative partner and expressed an interest in creating a signature flavor of the snack.

January 25, 2013

Post Foods on Friday announced the addition of a new variety to the Honey Bunches of Oats family: Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Post Foods on Friday announced the addition of a new variety to the Honey Bunches of Oats family: Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal.

Available nationwide, the new cereal combines real Greek yogurt bunches, crispy whole grain flakes and honey. It is the first of the Honey Bunches of Oats line to include Greek yogurt.

January 25, 2013

Simply Orange Juice announced three new additions to their lines of Simply Orange Juice and Simply Lemonade: tangerine and banana under the Simply Orange Juice brand, and a blueberry variety from Simply Lemonade.

APOPKA, Fla. —Simply Orange Juice announced three new additions to their lines of Simply Orange Juice and Simply Lemonade varieties: tangerine and banana under the Simply Orange Juice brand, and a blueberry variety from Simply Lemonade.

January 23, 2013

A new version of ConAgra Foods' Pam cooking spray is designed to be calorie-free and leave less residue, the company said.

OMAHA, Neb. — A new version of ConAgra Foods' Pam cooking spray is designed to be calorie-free and leave less residue, the company said.

The food company said that the new Pam leaves up to 99% less residue and is available in three varieties: original, baking and butter.

January 23, 2013

Hero Nutritionals on Wednesday introduced two sugar-free vitamins to its Yummi Bears line that are naturally sweetened with lo han fruit and inulin fiber.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Hero Nutritionals on Wednesday introduced two sugar-free vitamins to its Yummi Bears line that are naturally sweetened with lo han fruit and inulin fiber.

“Overall the gummy vitamin category is up by 19% year over year, with the new sugar-free trend emerging," stated Claire Polson, national sales and marketing manager for Hero Nutritionals. “Additionally, the supplement alternative sweetener category grew by 10%, with the children’s multivitamin category driving it at 23% growth as compared to 2011.”

January 23, 2013

Hy-Vee has started building a new store in Iowa, the supermarket chain said.

ANKENY, Iowa — Hy-Vee has started building a new store in Iowa, the supermarket chain said.

Hy-Vee announced that the 92,000-sq.-ft. store would be the second in the planned community of Ankeny, Iowa. The company plans to open the store in late 2013.

The new store will include a Starbucks coffee outlet, pharmacy with drive-through service, gelato bar, Chinese buffet, sushi bar and other amenities, as well as an on-site convenience store and gas station.

January 23, 2013

Kraft Foods is adding to their line of flavored water enhancers with two flavors of Mio Fit, a portable liquid water enhancer with B vitamins and electrolytes, and has planned the brands first-ever Super Bowl spot to run during the third quarter of Super Bowl XVLII on Feb. 3.

NEW YORK — Kraft Foods is adding to their line of flavored water enhancers with two flavors of Mio Fit, a portable liquid water enhancer with B vitamins and electrolytes, and has planned the brands first-ever Super Bowl spot to run during the third quarter of Super Bowl XVLII on Feb. 3.

January 18, 2013

The jelly beans are available in 2.8-oz. bags featuring characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly Candy Co. is launching a series of Disney-themed jelly beans, the company said.

The jelly beans are available in 2.8-oz. bags featuring characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy.

January 16, 2013

General Mills has introduced a new protein bar that it said was designed to satisfy cravings while being healthy.

MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills has introduced a new protein bar that it said was designed to satisfy cravings while being healthy.

The company announced the introduction of Fiber One Protein Bars, available in caramel nut and coconut almond flavors. The caramel nut bar contains seven grams of protein and 130 calories, while the coconut almond bar contains six grams of protein and 140 calories.

January 16, 2013

After literally creating the juice aisle more than 80 years ago, Ocean Spray is taking a detour to the perimeter of the store. Now chilled juice lovers can enjoy Ocean Spray with new premium cranberry and blueberry juice beverages.

LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — After literally creating the juice aisle more than 80 years ago, Ocean Spray is taking a detour to the perimeter of the store. Now chilled juice lovers can enjoy the big, bold taste that only Ocean Spray delivers, with new premium cranberry and blueberry juice beverages.

January 16, 2013

Yoplait is marketing Greek yogurt to a younger audience with a new product line, the company said.

MINNEAPOLIS — Yoplait is marketing Greek yogurt to a younger audience with a new product line, the company said.

The company announced the launch of Yoplait Pro-Force, a Greek yogurt with twice the protein of most kids yogurts, available in strawberry and mixed-berry flavors.

January 15, 2013

Kashi announced the expansion of its popular pita crisp line with the introduction of Kashi Garlic Pesto Pita Crisps, a tasty option for people looking for a savory snack that's both wholesome and delicious.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi, the premier natural food and lifestyle company, today announced the expansion of its popular pita crisp line with the introduction of Kashi Garlic Pesto Pita Crisps, a tasty option for people looking for a savory snack that's both wholesome and delicious.

January 15, 2013

Sabra Dipping Co. has added a new Grab N Go pack featuring Sabra’s Homestyle Medium Salsa and Tostitos Bite Size Rounds tortilla chips to its lineup of popular Grab N Go fresh snacks.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Sabra Dipping Co. has added a new Grab N Go pack featuring Sabra’s Homestyle Medium Salsa and Tostitos Bite Size Rounds tortilla chips to its lineup of popular Grab N Go fresh snacks.

The new product marks the first time Sabra has offered its refrigerated salsa in a single serving size. Sabra salsas are made from hand-selected tomatoes that are combined with chunky vegetables, herbs and spices. Suggested retail on the new product is $2.99.

January 15, 2013

In the current economy, microwavable single-serve meals may be the answer to consumers’ decreased restaurant use. “These meals occupy the spot between homemade and restaurant meals,” said Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst and VP at NPD Group. “They represent food
service redefined.”

In the current economy, microwavable single-serve meals may be the answer to consumers’ decreased restaurant use. “These meals occupy the spot between homemade and restaurant meals,” said Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst and VP at NPD Group. “They represent food
service redefined.”

January 14, 2013

Hostess Brands has chosen a stalking-horse bidder for its bread business, the bankrupt baking company said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hostess Brands has chosen a stalking-horse bidder for its bread business, the bankrupt baking company said.

Hostess, which declared bankruptcy in November 2012 following a long standoff with one of its labor unions, said it had chosen Flowers Foods as the stalking-horse bidder; the company plans to solicit bids from other companies as well.

January 14, 2013

The maker of Peeps marshmallow candies is introducing a new flavor for Valentine's Day.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The maker of Peeps marshmallow candies is introducing a new flavor for Valentine's Day.

Just Born said Monday that it would introduce Peeps Cherry-Flavored Marshmallow Dripped & Drizzled in Chocolate, in three-count packages with deep-red accents.

"Our chocolate-dipped peeps have been a phenomenal success, and the new Peeps Cherry-Flavored Marshmallow Dipped & Drizzled in Chocolate will definitely excite our fans," Peeps senior brand manager Mark Hoffman said.

 

January 14, 2013

Profitect announced that Weis Markets has selected its cloud-based Profit Amplification solution, a pattern-seeking predictive analytics tool, for deployment throughout the chain.

WALTHAM, Mass. — Profitect on Monday announced that Weis Markets has selected its cloud-based Profit Amplification solution, a pattern-seeking predictive analytics tool, for deployment throughout the chain. 

January 10, 2013

Kashi, the natural food and lifestyle company, on Wednesday announced the launch of two new flavors of its Soft 'n Chewy Bars — Berry Muffin and Apple Cobbler.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi, the natural food and lifestyle company, on Wednesday announced the launch of two new flavors of its Soft 'n Chewy Bars — Berry Muffin and Apple Cobbler.

With more than one-third of each bar made from real fruits and veggie products like apple and pumpkin, the new Soft 'n Chewy Bars are a healthy and convenient snack option. Both flavors offer a good source of fiber with 4 g, 10 g of whole grains and are free of artificial preservatives and ingredients, as well as high fructose corn syrup.