NEW SKUs
Many bakery and cereal products have been reformulated with whole grains to improve their healthful image. Arnold Foods Co., Horsham, Pa., takes this tactic even further with its recent introduction of a line of 100% whole-wheat bread under the Arnold Smart & Healthy brand. The line includes four heart-healthy varieties: Fibre Goodness, Omega-3 DHA/EPA, Sugar Free, and Made With Organic Grains.
Fibre Goodness is an excellent source of fiber, with each slice delivering 4 g or twice the fiber of traditional whole-wheat bread. The other three varieties are good sources of fiber. Omega-3 DHA/EPA contains the essential fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for a healthy heart. The bread’s source of omega-3 is encapsulated fish oil, which does not impart a fishy taste or odor. Sugar Free provides more options for those wanting less sugar in their diets. Made With Organic Grains qualifies for USDA’s organic labeling requirement of “Made with Organic Ingredients,” ensuring that the product contains at least 70% organic ingredients.
Sweetening the Package
Bulk retail bags of sugar present many challenges to consumers. The paper structure often rips and is difficult to pour and reseal, and its unstable base fosters tipping and spillage. Domino Foods, Yonkers, N.Y., has recently come out with a new plastic canister to solve these problems.
The bright yellow high-density polyethylene container holds 4 lb of sugar and features indentations that form a handle for easy gripping. A heat-sealed clear film keeps the contents fresh during distribution and storage, while a resealable plastic lid maintains product freshness in home pantries. The container’s large opening enables consumers to scoop the product with standard measuring devices.
Magic Beans?
Many athletes and “weekend warriors” who consume energy drinks, gels, and/or bars now have another option to give them a boost during or after exercise. It’s Sports Beans jelly beans from Jelly Belly Candy Co., Fairfield, Calif. Each 1-oz serving contains 25 g of carbohydrates, 20% of the daily value (DV) for vitamins C and E, and 120 mg of electrolytes to boost energy and prevent hydration.
“Today’s active adults and teens are exercising harder than ever, and are looking for optimal performance at play and in competition,” said Pete Healy, Vice President of Marketing for Jelly Belly. “We heard from marathon athletes for years about how they use jelly beans for the carbohydrates they need to sustain energy and finish a race, so we developed a fun candy with additional nutrients the body needs during exercise.”
Soy Added to Yogurt
Yoplait, Boulogne, France, one of the world’s largest yogurt producers, and The Solae Co., St. Louis, Mo., a global leader in the research and application of soy protein, have joined forces to introduce a new Yoplait Solae® co-branded product in France. Trade named Bioplait, the product combines the health benefits of dairy and soy proteins in a spoonable yogurt. It contains Solae brand soy protein. The product comes in three flavors (original, strawberry, and peach) and is available at major grocery retailers throughout France.
“The introduction of Bioplait addresses growing consumer demand for new healthy, nutritious, and convenient foods to add to their daily diet,” said Lucien Fa, Yoplait’s Chairman. Bioplait joins a growing list of more than 40 co-branded products around the globe that utilize Solae brand soy protein as a “trust mark” of great-tasting nutrition.