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WASHINGTON — A study conducted in mid-January by the Organic Trade Association shows U.S. families are increasingly embracing organic products when they shop. The study also showed increased trust in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic seal to properly label organic products.

"More and more parents choose organic foods primarily because of their desire to provide healthful options for their children," said Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi, the natural food and lifestyle company, has introduced two USDA Certified organic cereals — Kashi Berry Fruitful and Kashi Blackberry Hills, both of which combine real organic fruit and whole grains.

Berry Fruitful features shredded wheat biscuits with a berry filling made with real, organic fruit, including Concord grapes, apples, raspberries and strawberries. Blackberry Hills pairs organic whole grain rice and wheat flakes with tangy organic blackberries.

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. — Vermont Soap has introduced its new Green Gold organic herbal moisturizer — an age-defying beauty treatment for face, hands, neck and all sun-damaged skin.

Green Gold is a nontoxic, anti-aging moisturizer that is safe for the most sensitive skin. It replaces petrochemical-based lotions, salves, serums and balms with 100% organic plant-based ingredients.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Clif Bar has expanded its Zbar Crispy line with a new cookies 'n cream flavor.

The USDA-certified organic bar, made with 8 g of organic whole grains and vitamins and minerals — calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin D, does not contain artificial flavors or colors, sweeteners or preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fat or ingredients sourced from GMOs. It joins other kid-friendly Zbar Crispy flavors, including chocolate, chocolate chip and peanut butter.

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. — Nourish by Sensible Organics, an organic beauty and personal care brand that launches this month exclusively at Whole Foods Market nationwide, has signed actress Christine Taylor to be its national brand ambassador.

In her new role as brand ambassador, she will be the face of the beauty brand and its products, and will help raise awareness about the numerous health and beauty benefits of using 100% USDA-certified organic personal care products.

SONOMA, Calif. — Forces of Nature on Wednesday introduced its brand called Control, featuring 14 USDA-certified organic and Food and Drug Administration-registered topical medicines that target seven hard-to-treat conditions, including acne, herpes cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus) and scars. Each medicine uses a two-in-one approach that merges botanicals with recognized and established homeopathic drugs. The Control line is currently available at select Whole Foods Market stores and is rolling out in independent natural retailers nationwide.

BETHESDA, Md. — Honest Tea is adding another zero-calorie beverage to its lineup.

New zero-calorie, USDA-certified organic, caffeine-free classic lemonade is the first zero-calorie Honest Ade naturally sweetened with organic stevia, the company said. The new variety is the brand's second zero-calorie offering.

Over the past seven years, Safeway has demonstrated a list of accomplishments aimed at healthier living, including launching its O Organics line of USDA certified-organic foods, removing added trans-fats from all of its private-label products and launching Eating Right for Kids, a line that contains no high fructose corn syrup. Today, the effort shows little signs of slowing as the chain kicked off 2011 with two new initiatives: SimpleNutrition and Open Nature.

SAN ANTONIO — Orgain introduced the first certified organic ready-to-drink meal replacement last week at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet and Sports Nutrition conference.