NEW SKUs

Natural Peanut Butter Spreads
ConAgra Foods, Inc., Omaha, Neb., has launched a new line of natural peanut butter spreads from its Peter Pan brand. The three no-stir varieties—Natural Creamy, Natural Crunchy, and Natural Honey Roast Creamy—are made with 100% natural ingredients and contain no high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fat, or preservatives. “Some natural peanut butters are perceived as being too expensive, difficult to stir, and having oily pooling on top,” said Karl Sears, VP and General Manager, ConAgra Foods. “Peter Pan Natural peanut butter spreads were developed to directly address these consumer barriers.” It is priced the same as the original Peter Pan varieties.

The natural segment is driving growth in the peanut butter category. Natural peanut butter dollar sales increased 9.4% this year with dollar sales for the total peanut butter category growing at 2.1%. Peter Pan Natural peanut butter spread carries a suggested retail price of $2.21 for a 16.3-oz jar and $3.67 for a 28-oz jar.

Salad Dressings Made Simple
T. Marzetti Co., Columbus, Ohio, has unveiled Simply Dressed—a new line of refrigerated salad dressings that combine basic ingredients and fresh flavors. Made with a minimal number of all-natural ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, canola oil (source of omega-3 ALA) and sea salt, Simply Dressed offers 10 varieties to complement any salad or meal. The dressings contain no preservatives, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, or artificial flavors. Varieties include Pomegranate, Greek Feta, Champagne, Strawberry Poppyseed, Ginger Sesame, Blue Cheese, Ranch, Caesar, Balsamic, and Coleslaw. “At T. Marzetti Co., we know how important it is to offer natural, pure foods with inherent goodness and wholesomeness,” said Carla Laylin, Group Marketing Manager for Marzetti Produce Dressings and Toppings. “That’s why we’re introducing Simply Dressed, a back-to-basics dressing that can be used every day in everything from fresh salads to favorite dinnertime recipes.” The products carry a suggested retail price of $3.79–$4.49 per 12-oz bottle.

Frozen Yogurt Adds Healthy Cultures
YoCream International, Inc., Portland, Ore., has introduced Activia Frozen Yogurt, a rich and creamy soft-serve frozen yogurt that helps naturally regulate the digestive system. With 100 calories per 4 oz, nonfat Activia Frozen Yogurt can be eaten as a dessert or snack. Consumers can enjoy the frozen yogurt at their favorite frozen yogurt shop or restaurants in four flavors: Vanilla, Strawberry, Peach, and Blueberry.

Activia Frozen Yogurt contains the probiotic culture Bifidus Regularis (Bifidobacterium lactis DN 173 010) and helps regulate the digestive system when 8 oz are consumed daily for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. “The flavor profile of Activia Frozen Yogurt tastes more like refrigerated yogurt and will have a strong appeal to consumers that enjoy Activia yogurt every day,” stated Suzanne Gardner, Director of Marketing at YoCream. “Our new relationship with Danone and The Dannon Co. allows us the opportunity to bring additional products like Activia Frozen Yogurt to consumers in the places where they consume desserts and snacks away from home.”