NEW SKUs

Fruit in a Fun Form
Dole Co., Westlake Village, Calif., is making it easier for consumers to get their daily fruit fix with its launch of DOLE Fruit Smoothie Shakers. The product contains frozen fruit and no artificial ingredients, providing consumers with new, convenient ways to enjoy a taste close to fresh fruit right from the freezer. DOLE Fruit Smoothie Shakers can help Americans balance their calorie intake and follow the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, which encourage eating more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Plus, the drinks contain real yogurt with prebiotics and probiotics for added nutrition.

DOLE Fruit Smoothie Shakers are made with frozen yogurt beads and finely cut fruit. Consumer preparation is simple; remove the product from the freezer, add your favorite juice, and then shake for 30–45 seconds for an instant real-fruit smoothie. The product comes in three varieties: Strawberry Banana is fortified with 100% DV of vitamin C; Strawberry is fortified with 5 g of fiber; and Mixed Berry is fortified with 5 g of protein. All varieties are a good source of calcium.

Cholesterol-Lowering Milk
Smart Balance Inc., Paramus, N.J., has teamed up with Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., to introduce Smart Balance Heart Right Fat Free milk. “We are very pleased with this collaboration between two trusted brands known for supporting heart health,” said Pam Stauffer, Global Marketing Programs Manager, Cargill Health & Nutrition. “The incorporation of CoroWise plant sterols into the Smart Balance family of products, which has a significant retail presence, is yet another way that Cargill is collaborating with its partners to make a diet that supports heart health both easy and appetizing.”

Smart Balance Heart Right Fat Free milk supplies 0.4 g of plant sterols per 8-oz serving, 25% more calcium and protein than whole milk, and also contains DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil and sunflower oil) and added vitamin D. Consuming 0.4 g of plant sterols twice daily may help to lower LDL cholesterol by up to 15%, within 3–4 weeks.

Organic Coconut Spread
Earth Balance, Boulder, Colo., has launched Earth Balance Organic Coconut Spread at Whole Foods Market stores throughout the United States. The product offers a convenient, affordable way to incorporate coconut oil into the diet. The innovative product is made from a similar formula to the Earth Balance buttery spread, with organic extra virgin coconut oil replacing soybean oil. Soy-free and vegan, Earth Balance Organic Coconut Spread can replace butter for baking and cooking and is a tasty addition to toast, steamed vegetables, Thai curry dishes, and more.

“The new Earth Balance Organic Coconut Spread demonstrates the brand’s dedication to alternative options, and offers allergy-sensitive and health-conscious consumers a delicious way to enjoy their favorite foods while following a plant-based diet,” said Vice President General Manager T.J. McIntyre.