Flavorful Rice Mixes with Reduced Sodium
McCormick For Chefs, a Division of McCormick & Company, Hunt Valley, Md., is launching a portfolio of rice mixes from Zatarain’s that is designed to meet foodservice operator needs and patrons’ evolving desire for great-tasting and “better-for-me” dishes. The new products feature lower sodium, no MSG, natural ingredients, no partially hydrogenated fats, and no trans fatty acids. They also meet the less than 250 mg sodium nutritional guidelines for schools and healthcare side dishes. The user-friendly products also make back-of-house prep easy with one pouch equaling one hotel pan prepared.
The new Zatarain’s portfolio with traditional flavors includes Brown and Wild Rice Mix—a good source of fiber, Creole Pilaf Mix with Long Grain and Wild Rice—45% reduced sodium, Dirty Rice Mix—50% reduced sodium, Jambalaya Mix—40% reduced sodium, Long Grain and Wild Rice Mix—made with natural ingredients, Red Beans and Rice Mix—55% reduced sodium and a good source of fiber, Rice Pilaf Mix made with natural ingredients, and Yellow Rice Mix—55% reduced sodium.
Popcorn Packaging Turns into a Bowl
Eating and sharing microwave popcorn and the clean-up after consumption just got easier thanks to ConAgra Foods, Omaha, Neb., and its Orville Redenbacher’s brand. Orville Redenbacher’s Pop Up Bowl popcorn pops into a ready-to-serve, free-standing bowl filled with light and fluffy popcorn that the entire family can snack on. “With Pop Up Bowl, families can enjoy the warm, delicious taste of popcorn in a stand-up bowl that makes it easy to share and cleanup,” said Jesse Spungin, Vice President of Marketing. “Plus, research showed that consumers wanted to be able to see their popcorn more easily; the Pop Up Bowl’s unique design lets them do that.” A clear film, which also acts as the tear-off lid of the bowl, allows consumers to view the kernels popping.
The product will be available in several varieties, including Butter, Movie Theater Butter, SmartPop Butter, Kettle Korn, and Ultimate Butter. Pop Up Bowl popcorn retails for $2.99 for a 3-pack and $4.49 for a 6-pack and is distributed in the United States through grocery stores and mass retailers.
Starting the Day with Fiber
For consumers who want to start their day with getting fiber into their diet, Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich., is offering Eggo FiberPlus Waffles. The newest addition to the Eggo lineup delivers an excellent source of fiber—satisfying 35% of the daily recommended value in every serving. Kellogg Co. recognizes that fiber is an important nutrient and that fewer than 1 in 10 Americans get enough of it on a daily basis. Additionally, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans call attention to fiber as a “nutrient of concern.” Eggo FiberPlus Waffles are available in two flavors: buttermilk and chocolate chip. The buttermilk variety offers 35% of the recommended daily value of calcium, while the chocolate chip variety provides 20% of the recommended daily value of the antioxidants vitamin E and zinc. Both varieties are a good source of 10 or more vitamins and minerals. Research shows that consumers also are seeking to add more antioxidants and other nutrients to their diets.