Rollout: The best of April's new food products

FoodProcessing.com

Haagen-Dazs sees the light; plant sterols pump up Yoplait; Sargento goes for the bold; Kraft delivers a calcium boost; Coke pushes the throttle; Twist [your] Brain around this!

Bistro Blends bring
a bit of zip and zing
to the cheese case.
Photo courtesy of
Sargento.



By Diane Toops, News & Trends Editor

Wish granted: Reduced-fat superpremium ice cream

Haagen-Dazs, Oakland, Calif., introduces Haagen-Dazs Light, a superpremium ice cream that delivers all the quality and taste consumers expect from the brand, but with 50 percent less fat (5g vs. 16g) and 29 percent fewer calories (190 vs. 268) than the original superpremium ice cream.

Haagen-Dazs Light makes indulging in ice cream easier to justify.

A proprietary European process that uses slow, low-temperature blending allows Haagen-Dazs to use the same all natural ingredients (such as egg yolks) that are incorporated in its full-fat ice cream without the addition of artificial sweeteners, fat substitutes or air.

“The everyday consumer has morphed into a connoisseur in the pursuit of affordable indulgence,” says chocolate authority and trendmeister Joan Steuer. “It’s the attention to detail, the fine craftsmanship and all natural ingredients that allow Haagen–Dazs to turn a treat like ice cream into the everyday luxury consumers demand.”

Available nationwide in June, flavors include: Dutch Chocolate, Dulche De Leche, Cherry Fudge Truffle, Coffee, S’mores, Vanilla Bean and Mint Chip.

“We’ve done the impossible,” says Gulbin Hoeberechts, marketing manager. “For years, we’ve asked our consumers what they would do if they could change one thing about their Haagen-Dazs. The answer is always the same. They wish we could remove a little of the fat. Wish granted!”

Suggested retail price is $3.69.

Bistro Blends help an average Joe or Joanne feel like a chef.

Sargento adds bold flavors to everyday cooking

Making it possible for cooking enthusiasts to infuse their favorite dishes with bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, Sargento Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wis., rolls out Sargento Bistro Blends shredded cheeses.

The savory aroma of fresh herbs and spices and freshly shredded natural cheeses makes opening every bag of Sargento Bistro Blends an irresistible invitation to add new flavor dimensions to any kind of cuisine. Available in 7-oz., resealable bags featuring the Slide-Rite slider, pre-seasoned blends include Mozzarella & Asiago with Roasted Garlic -- an easy way to add pizzazz to salads and pastas or to create a casserole; Mozzarella with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil -- for any Italian creation; and Cheddar Salsa with Tomato & Jalapeño Pepper -- to perk up nachos, quesadillas or other Mexican dishes.

“We are excited to share our passion for cheese by introducing new Bistro Blends to our loyal consumers who expect the very best from Sargento,” says Lou Gentine, CEO and second generation of family ownership. “Our cheese fans take great pride in preparing meals and snacks that showcase their love of life and family. Bistro Blends offer endless ways to enhance and personalize their favorite foods.”

Suggested retail price is $2.79 - $2.99.

Kraft boosted the calcium in a highly kid-favored product to promote bone health.

Kraft Mac & Cheese gets calcium boost

According to the 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines, calcium is a "nutrient of concern" for children and adolescents, and recommended dairy servings are increased to three per day for ages eight and older.

To help kids get the calcium they need to build and maintain strong bones, Kraft Foods Inc., Northfield, Ill., doubled the calcium in a traditional favorite -- Kraft Macaroni & Cheese -- so kids can get the nutrition they need in a food they already love. Each one-cup serving is an excellent source of calcium and a good source of protein, iron and five other important nutrients. Additionally, when prepared using fat-free milk and margarine, each serving is 60 percent lower in fat and 20 percent lower in calories than the classic preparation.

Some 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 34 million are at risk of the debilitating bone disease, according to a report by the surgeon general, who issued a call-to-action for kids to get more calcium, vitamin D and physical activity.