Rollout: June 2004

Apple sauce that pops

Eating applesauce is a whole lot of fun now that Stamford, Conn.-based Mott's, a brand of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, has rolled out Magic Mix-Ins Apple Sauce With Pop Rocks. A combination of Mott's apple sauce and a separate package of Pop Rocks flavored popping candy and vitamin C crystals, Magic Mix-Ins is a treat for the senses. Kids can see the applesauce change color, feel different textures, hear the popping sound and taste the goodness of applesauce with a magic crunch.

A good source of vitamin C and fiber, Magic Mix-Ins are sold in two separate packages of four servings: Wizards Watermelon (green) and Poppin' Berry (deep red), as well as Mystery Fruit (blue) and Strawberry Kiwi Ka-Pow (pink).

"What could be more fun for both kids and adults?" asks Vice President of Marketing John Haydock. "We've attached a Magic Packette , with a special mix of Pop Rocks and vitamin C Flavor Crystals , to each cup of our apple sauce, giving kids (and their parents) the chance to experience the magic of Pop Rocks."  Suggested retail price is $2.39.

Let's do the (cheese) twist

For the first time in 80 years, Cheez-It crackers have changed shape with the introduction of Cheez-It Twisterz from Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich. Cheez-It Twisterz are baked cheese crackers with two flavors twisted together along with a bold crunch. Available in two varieties, Cheddar & More Cheddar and Hot Wings & Cheesy Blue, Twisterz are packaged in a unique cube-shaped box to differentiate them.

"Building on the success of Cheese-It crackers, Kellogg is pleased to bring consumers Cheez-It Twisterz crackers to meet their desire for delicious, baked cheese snacks," says Jenny Enochson, director of marketing communications. Suggested retail price for a 13-oz. box is $3.49.

Three new cheddars

Artisanal cheese producer Fiscalini Farms, Modesto, Cal., has added three new cheddars to its award-winning line of San Joaquin Cheddar cheese. San Joaquin Gold is a natural rind cheddar for snacking and hors d'oeuvres. Purple Moon cheddar is soaked for 24 hours in cabernet sauvignon and served warm on crackers for a unique appetizer. A spreadable cheddar dubbed Horsefeathers is a balanced blend of San Joaquin cheddar, sour cream and horseradish, which creates terrific canapos and perks up baked potatoes, vegetables or prime rib.

Made from fresh, raw milk from Fiscalini's own herd of Holstein cows, the cheeses are antibiotic- and bovine growth hormone-free. They are made by hand in small batches , labor-intensive but critical to ensure optimum taste and texture, the company says. Suggested retail price is $15 per pound for San Joaquin Gold, $12 for Purple Moon and $6 for a half-pound container of Horsefeathers.

Danimals for bigger kids

The Dannon Co., Tarrytown, N.Y., has introduced Danimals XL, a drinkable lowfat yogurt in a larger bottle featuring the debut of a cool wildcat character. It's aimed at tweens ages 8 to 12, who are constantly on the go and looking to chill with a cool snack. Danimals XL is 85 percent larger than the current Danimals Drinkable and is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, and a good source of protein.