Breakfast on a stick; Salad bowl with kale; Gluten-free veggie burgers

Gluten-free Veggie Meat & Burgers
Garden Protein International Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada, has launched three Gardein gluten-free meatless products—the ultimate beefless ground, garden veggie burger, and chipotle black bean burger. The frozen products are made with non-GMO soy, pea proteins, and veggies. With 84% less fat than regular ground beef and a meat-like texture, beefless ground can be used to make tacos, chili, meatballs, sloppy joes, shepherd’s pie, or in pasta sauce or on top of nachos. It is an excellent source of protein and a good source of iron and fiber. The veggie burger is an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of fiber while the black bean burger is an excellent source of fiber.

Meat consumption has been on a steady decline in the U.S. for nearly a decade, with per capita consumption projected to decline 4.8% in 2014. Over one-third of Americans eat meat alternatives for a variety of reasons, including concerns over their health, food sustainability, and food safety.

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Salad Mixes In Kale
To capitalize on the popularity of kale, Ready Pac Foods, Inc., Irwindale, Calif., has added to its Bistro Bowl Salads with Baby Kale Turkey Cranberry Bistro Bowl. This complete salad bowl is inspired by gourmet restaurant menu trends, featuring baby kale, diced turkey, sliced almonds, whole cranberries, and red apple poppy seed dressing. 

Fresh prepared foods is topping the list for 2014 consumer and culinary trends nationwide, serving to complement the fast-paced lifestyles among consumers who are increasingly unwilling to sacrifice quality and healthfulness for convenience. Tristan Simpson, Senior Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Ready Pac, explained how the company plans to grow their complete meals offerings and continue to serve this emerging segment. “It has become even more important for brands like Ready Pac Bistro Bowl to innovate and experiment with new recipes in order to delight these new consumers. We look to fill the void previously occupied by calorie-packed fast food and mindless heavy snacking,” said Simpson.

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Breakfast on a Stick
Hillshire Brands, Chicago, IL, has added portability to the breakfast or snack occasion with the introduction of Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick in two new sweet and savory varieties—Apple Cinnamon and Very Berry. The frozen products come in a five-count package with a retail price of $3.99. They can be heated in a microwave oven and served in a few minutes. Each product delivers 230 calories, 6 g of protein, and 13 g of fat per serving.

“With this year’s winter weather bringing some of the most frigid temperatures to parts of the United States, we want to ensure everyone starts the day off right by enjoying a great-tasting, warm breakfast with protein,” said Andy Callahan, President, Retail, Jimmy Dean. “Our new tasty Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick varieties are a fun, convenient breakfast option that makes it easy for the entire family to enjoy a satisfying Jimmy Dean breakfast, even on the coldest mornings.”